On Saturday 8th September, LLAIA Water Bailiffs accompanied officers of Police Scotland on joint patrols throughout the catchment for the detection and prevention of Freshwater Fisheries crime. This was just one of a number of similar initiatives that have been planned on a regular basis going forward.
We would like to highlight in particular an issue with LLAIA Members fishing on Loch Lomond itself. During a patrol of the Loch a number of members were found not to be in possession of their permit. A permit acts in law as a person’s legal “written permission” and must be carried at all times when fishing. Fortunately our own water bailiffs were able to check the Association database and verify the anglers. status and permission to fish. However, the police did make it very clear to those anglers that if the LLAIA Water Bailiff hadn’t been present a caution for fishing with no written permission, confiscation of tackle and a eventual trip to local Police station would have occurred. We remind every member and all persons fishing our waters that your permit must be carried at all times. Having left it in another bag or jacket isn’t an acceptable excuse.
One angler was warned near Rowardennanand about not displaying the required the orange marker while trolling.This is a park authority byelaw Which members have to comply with as it gives notification to other water users that clear distance must be given to the stern of the fishing boat. It can be a expensive incident if someone comes too close and fouls a number of lines and lures on their propeller.
The LLAIA would like to thank Police Scotland for their constant support, especially the wild life crime officers and the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Rangers who provided the transport on the Loch for what turned out to be a successful exercise.”
Regards.
