Plastic Hookbaits. Are They Worth The Risk? We Don't Believe So.

Plastic hookbaits are a double edged sword when it comes to angling and the environmental aspects and impacts they have. This cannot be denied, at least by anyone who claims to care about not only fishing, but the fisheries as a whole.

It has been noted that a lot of fisheries up and down the country are asking the question of what hookbaits or even feedbaits are right for their fisheries and have made decisions to reflect their feelings and findings. Some agree with these decisions and of course, there are those who do not. Either way, it is the right of the fishery owner to make the rules and it is for the angler to respect them, even if they do not agree. At Telford Angling Association, we have had to have this same discussion at committee level to decide the fate of the use of plastic and artificial hookbaits being used on our waters.

What Has Caused TAA To Discuss This Issue?

When a picture speaks a thousand words........

The picture above is of a Swan that was found dead on one of our waters recently. It was found to have a rig and barbed hook stuck in it's bill. Attached to the rig was some of the ever popular fake/immitation corn/maize. As the image shows, this rig was not attached to any kind of lead arrangement so we can only assume that the rig in question was left on the bank. The question of whether or not it was an accident really doesn't matter. It happenned and now another swan is dead due to angler negligence. We also lost a swan to a trailing rig and braided mainline a few short months ago too.

Leaving rigs that are live 100% of the time on or around our fisheries is completely unacceptable. The worst part of this is, this is not an isolated instance. Here is a few pictures collected by TAA Bailiffs over the last couple of weeks at various venues.

These images don't touch the surface of the problem TAA waters have with the disrespectful abandonment of fake baits on our waters! As an angler, do you think this is acceptable? Following a vote of committee and affiliated club menbers this month, we certainly do not think so.

How many of our members own dogs? Would you like a £5000 vet's bill due to a fake bait being left on the floor? A member of the public had to face this issue after walking their dog around Apley Pool last year!

What About The Crayfish?

There are many choices you can make as an angler when it comes to Crayfish. Yes, they may not be convenient, but because of the reasons outlined above to avoid them, you'll have to find an alternative that suits your own angling to fake baits, ALL colours and immitations, not just corn or maize.

TAA Bailiffs have a right to check rigs, and anyone using fake hookbaits will be asked to remove them. Leave them at home when fishing TAA waters, as if found again, there may be cause to remove an offender from the waters for a period of time or indefinately if serious instances. I would aslo urge our members to kindly remind others that they are now not permitted on all TAA waters.

This week, TAA were asked to complete a survey on the effects to wildlife and the environment due to discarded fishing tackle. The survey was from the Angling Trades Association. For them to create such a national survey, this seems to be a huge issue countrywide!

TAA thanks tou for your cooperation regarding this issue and wish you success on our waters (without the use of fake baits)!