Conservation and welfare
Salmon & Sea Trout Angling Playing and Handling
If intending to return one’s catch, it is important the fish is played firmly and brought as quickly as possible to the landing net, so as to avoid over tiring the fish. If fishing ‘catch and release’ barbless hooks are recommended. A suitable knotless mesh landing net should also be used to land the fish, particularly from a boat. Some anglers now unhook the fish without even touching them, often with the use of a ‘Ketchum’ type device. If planning to take the fish, a suitable priest is required.
When photographing fish, they should be cradled and supported properly to avoid injury. At all times, the fish should be returned to the water in the shortest possible time.
Salmon & Sea Trout Conservation and Management
Ireland is now entering a new era of salmon conservation and management. A number of new conservation measures have been introduced in order to protect stocks of salmon and sea trout into the future. These measures include the cessation of the offshore netting for salmon and the new salmon and sea trout angling regulations. It is anticipated that these measures will provide improved and better sport angling for salmon and sea trout in the coming years. The salmon and sea trout angling regulations are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Details of current salmon and sea trout regulations.
Catch and Release
When purchasing a licence in Ireland, one will be issued with tags and a copy of the rules and regulations governing their use. These new rules include bag limits and restrictions on the style of angling. It is important that anglers familiarise themselves with the rules of the particular fishery they are on.
‘Catch and release’ is now strongly promoted in Ireland. If fishing ‘catch and release’ there are a number of points to consider;
- Play the fish hard and fast
- Keep the fish in the water
- Wet hands before touching the fish
- Ensure fish recovers by holding it facing into the current if possible
- Catch and release guidelines
On Catch and Release Fisheries, the law requires you to adhere to the following regulations;
- Use single barbless hooks – i.e. for fly, spinner and bait (prawn)
- The use of worms is banned
- Samon angling regulations and tagging scheme.
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