Possible Poaching at Mornington?

While fishing from the end of the rocks at Mornington, County Meath today I noticed a man using a 10m casting net. He was casting it from a prominent rock into the estuary in broad daylight, when I approached him he claimed that he was fishing for mullet, I then said that if he netted one bass I'd inform the IFI. He replied "right well you do what you think you have to do then". After I walked on he left on a bicycle... The IFI we informed and arrived quickly but he was gone.
He was Irish, tall build with Long-ish, light coloured hair.
Had anybody else seen this happen?

Is fishing for mullet (or any other fish in this way) legal? There have been many complaints about lack of response to calls about possible "infringements" so it was good to see a rapid response.

I saw this in poolbeg and was amazed to see it being done and what he was catching which were mullet he was only keeping the bigger ones and putting everything else back back do not think it was guy as he was an oriental with jet black hair.I was amazed at the amount of fish he was catching with every cast really impressive.
mickser

While walking back to my car on the north shore at Mornington, I saw a guy spinning with a 10' sea trout at his feet. No license or tags and when challenged just grunted and carried on fishing. He was below average height, dark and unshaven, and driving a small white Louth Reg van. Most people fish on the south shore so my guess is those wishing to evade the bailiff choose the north shore. No respect and if this happened in US he'd be dealt with. We need more enforcement on our estuaries!


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I haven't got the licence the last few years so not too up on the current size limits or regs but I think you used to be allowed to retain fish under 40 cm without tags? Just in case ..maybe he had a licence but didn't need to tag the fish. I know what you mean about enforecement. In fairness though I've met the IFI lads there and in other estuaries on the east coast. I'd like to see them get a bit more support in the courts as the penalties seem to be a bit of a joke.

Sorry to start up an age old debate but a rod licence for all and the cash properly channelled into conversation and policeing the water!!

No brainier as far as I see it!