River Thames Poaching

[Mike Hodgkiss]

It is clear that the EA are overstretched in the troops on the ground department , I think we as anglers need to be as vigilant as we can . On a small river in my neck of the woods there was a spate of poachers putting out numerous multi hooked handlines which they concealed cleverly by tying them under water to tree roots or wooden pilings . I came across these by accident when I fouled one of them when landing a fish . I was usually visiting the stretch once a week so on each trip I checked about , any I found I pulled them in , removed the end tackle as it were ,and left the free end to make it evident someone was on to them . After a few weeks of this guerilla warfare the lines disappeared . A small victory but if we all keep our eyes peeled a difference can be made

 

[David Gauntlett]

It is clear that the EA are overstretched in the troops on the ground department , I think we as anglers need to be as vigilant as we can . On a small river in my neck of the woods there was a spate of poachers putting out numerous multi hooked handlines which they concealed cleverly by tying them under water to tree roots or wooden pilings . I came across these by accident when I fouled one of them when landing a fish . I was usually visiting the stretch once a week so on each trip I checked about , any I found I pulled them in , removed the end tackle as it were ,and left the free end to make it evident someone was on to them . After a few weeks of this guerilla warfare the lines disappeared . A small victory but if we all keep our eyes peeled a difference can be made

Excellent job Mike, and not such a 'small' victory in my opinion. We have found numerous set lines on our club water, and we check regularly. However, I had not thought of this underwater tactic...I will spread the word.

Cheers, Dave.