Club goes extra mile to protect fish stocks

With fishing currently banned, there’s a big worry that fish theft will go through the roof as there will be no honest anglers on the bank to discourage any light-fingered individuals.

As a result, one club is going the extra mile to protect its stocks – Reading and District Anglers Association.

It has selected 10 bailiffs who will continue to monitor its 14 lakes.

“Usually, we rely on our members to report any incidences of illegal fishing,” fisheries manager Del Shackleford tells us, “but as our waters are all closed, there’s nobody to make sure that everything is running smoothly.”

A letter has been sent to each of the selected bailiffs to give to anyone who approaches them. It explains why they are outside and confirms that they have the permission of the club to be there.

“In urban areas, crime rates are going through the roof,” Del explains, “so now, more than ever, we need people to keep an eye on our waters.”

Not only will these bailiffs be looking out for fish theft, but they’ll also be searching for any fish in distress, as well as warding off any members who are walking around the lakes.

“Our bailiffs won’t be fishing, as some people seem to suggest,” Del emphasises.
“They’re protecting our waters and our fish.”