Source: IOMToday.co.im

A RAFT of new rules governing angling will come into force on March 10.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture reviewed the existing 1983 rules relating to freshwater fishing following consultation with anglers earlier this year and have now released details of what the Inland Fisheries Regulations 2011 will mean.

Licence fees will go up by 10 per cent and a series of closed seasons have been introduced. In addition, however, the right to an additional three months of reservoir fishing will be introduced.

For salmon and migratory trout the closed season – during which it is unlawful to fish – will be from November 1 to March 31 inclusive and for trout and rainbow trout in reservoirs and commercial and private fisheries from February 1 to March 9. The closed season for trout and rainbow trout in waters other than reservoirs and commercial and private fisheries will be from October 1 to March 31.

For eels in any water the closed season will be October 1 to March 31.

Owners of private or commercial course fisheries will be able to operate a closed season at their own discretion.

There will be several new rules relating to permitted methods of fishing, for example the introduction of a total maximum casting weight of terminal tackle for reservoirs and rivers. For all fishing methods the total maximum casting weight of terminal tackle will not be able to exceed 15 grams in a reservoir and 20 grams in a river. And there will be changes to the size limits for freshwater fish which will see it become illegal to take salmon smaller than 45cm, migratory trout smaller than 35cm and trout smaller than 25cm from the water, plus a permanent three month extension to the reservoir fishing season to replace the current system of a separate winter season.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The new regulations have been drafted following feedback received from anglers. I am hopeful that they will allow a wide variety of fishing opportunities for all types of angler whilst at the same time allowing the effective regulation of fishing activity and protection to our precious fish stocks. Licence duties have been increased by 10 per cent as the department takes a positive step towards the recovery of costs associated with recreational angling. However, the price of reservoir day licences has not been increased, and anglers will be able to enjoy an additional three months of reservoir fishing.’

Anglers are reminded that they must be fully aware of the new regulations in advance of the new season.

They are now available for downloading from the DEFA fisheries website and can also be obtained from the Fisheries Directorate by calling 685857