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Winter Fishing initiative again proving a success 20 November 2009 The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are reporting a good take-up of winter fishing licences for the 2009/2010 period. To date some 116 licences have been sold and initial feedback from anglers is that the reservoirs are fishing very well, with some good catch rates being reported. In 2008 119 licences were issued for the winter reservoir season, 93 of which were adult tickets. 4 reservoirs were fished, and from catch return information (60% return) 520 fish were caught, 87% of which were returned alive to the reservoir. One fishing story of note during the period was that in January 2009, the new Manx record rainbow trout was caught in Clypse reservoir – 20lbs, 2¼ ozs. The Department received such positive feedback from anglers on the success of the trial that the IoM Water Authority was approached again this year, to request permission for another winter season, with the additional opening of Cringle & Ballure reservoirs. Licences are on sale from the Department at Rose House at a cost of £30 – allowing fishing on 6 reservoirs until 31st January 2010. Anglers are reminded that there is a bag limit of 2 fish per day during the winter, and barbless or crimped hooks must be used. The Department would also like anglers to complete a catch return form which is part of the licence, so that the success of the scheme can be monitored and assessed further. Minister, Phil Gawne, MHK said “I am really pleased that this initiative is being well received and the Department is considering making it a permanent part of the fishing calendar. It is encouraging to hear that there are still some big fish out there to be caught”. More stories >>>
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