It is'nt just east europeans chaps that have this attitude of fishing where they please. I know you'll find alot of our youngsters, just fancy a night out drinking, and then fishing on the river banks if they are capable. I remember doing the same as a teenager on a free stretch. However I knew I wouldn't dream of doing this on a private fishery, yet a good number of youths today wouldn't think twice.....I know..and our bailiffs have moved them on.
Difference is Paul, when 'our youngsters' or older poachers for that matter, catch they generally release their catch, being just after sport as we are, unless the fish are killed by incompetant handling, but many that i've come across are extremly competant it would seem, and i've caught them recovering a Barbel in the net, with a large well padded unhooking mat to hand, these type always plead ignorance and in some cases that may be the case, but most i feel just don't want to cough up for a ticket.
However the more sinister side of these EE poachers, is that in general as well as being after a days sport, they kill what they catch for the pot, regardless of the size of the fish and generally whatever species, though Pike seem to be the favorite prey for them.
In most areas of the country there are generally very few of them, but others particularly near the larger towns and cities fish populations are getting hammered by these low lifes, and before people say i'm going to far saying that, i'll take you for a walk where many live and open your eyes a bit.
Most by now know they are breaking the laws of this country too, the Police don't want too know, the EA haven't got the man power to deal with the problem effectively, and the government just ignores the issue, having far bigger fish to fry than those the EE's take.
The punishment for them as a foreign national when convicted of any crime should be immediate deportation. The message might then go out much clearer.
Ian.
