ERFB Urgent Response

I made a call to the fisheries officer at the ERFB on friday morning. I had my suspicions about small boat activity - we had landed some net marked fish too!

The response was more than i could have imagined with the officers on the spot within 30 minutes. This was preceeded by a call from them about details, locations etc.

The activity turned out to be quite legal (i got it wrong) and i was called back by the head officer shortly afterwards detailing what they had found.

It proves to me again that once the call is made on time with accurate information, even though in this case it was perfectly legal, that officers will respond.

I hesitated in making the call initially as i wasnt entirely sure what the activity was - afterwards i felt a bit stupid, today i'm glad i did.

I've also had good experiences with both the ERFB and the WRFB recently.

Like Jim, my experience was that if you give them "live" and accurate information, they will follow up on it immediately.

If in doubt about what you've seen, describe it to the fisheries officer and let them decide whether the activity is legal or not. Sometimes even the presence of a fisheries board van in an area can be enough to stop someone setting nets, at least for a while.

Guys and Dolls
I have, from time to time had dealings with officers in most of the fisheries boards.I have always found them to be keen and helpful.
Please just remember that we need to keep our integrity with them. Information needs to be first hand and current, I.E. not pub talk or something someone else said. If you did not see it yourself please dont report it as fact.These people are thin on the ground and need our help just as much as we need them. also it would be helpful if you got in touch with your club or provincial conservation officer as a log of these incidents
would be very helpful to the IFSA
Sorry for being so longwinded
Regards
Tim.

I know how Jim feels I have an excellent contact in the swfb who has never let me down I can remember been out with them at 6 o'clock in the morning as they observed illegal fishing. I have also called them out on wild goose chases where if your right the your the hero and if your wrong you know they know your trying to do your bit. Only 2 weeks ago I called them out to an incident where 2 people in a punt were putting out a net with corks on it. This estuary would not been known for salmon, but Ive often seen the odd one rise, but would have plenty of bass and mullet in it. When they got there the punt was gone this may have been my fault as they saw me watching them.

On Timmy's point a lot of anglers who report sightings to their local officer get no responce from their call or the call is responded to too late. This is often down to a lack of man power. I would be advisable, if your in the ifsa to also report it to your conservation officer. He can keep a log of these calls and pass them onto the local boards this imformation can be used by them when they are looking for extra manpower.

Guys, are there any numbers (or a link)for the various agencies(or fisheries officers) on the site...it would be useful as i've had guys come up to me recently with reports of guys taking more then they should(and undersize) bass wise in the West Cork area and while i can only take their word(and it's pointless telling me a week after it happens)it would be handy to give them a number that this could be reported on the spot in future.
If i've missed the numbers (or link)i apologize :oops:
Thanks G

i have always found the erfb to be pretty good in responding to me. some of the officers are very good and very commited to what they do

pity all the FBs arent as quick

Guys, are there any numbers (or a link)for the various agencies(or fisheries officers) on the site

You could try this site (I know, I have no shame ) :oops:

http://www.irishbass.org/index.php?opti ... 3&Itemid=0

Also, if you ring the fisheries board, they will often give you a mobile number for the local officer.

not been funny guys but can someone on this site tell ME!!!!! the rules and i mean the rules regarding illegal netting of bass ,are there any laws?? are all the laws only protecting salmon and white trout ,,,,,,,are bass protected from the guys with the nets at sea and estuarys :shock: :shock: :shock: what is the law when you call the baliffs do they realy respond i need a view ask yourself as a sea angler ,,,,,we also need protection

The rules state that it's illegal to fish or attempt to fish for bass using any means other than rod or line. It's also illegal to have in your possession more than 2 bass in any 24 hour period. It's also illegal to sell or offer for sale any bass, unless the bass has been imported into the state.

Now, that's the easy bit. As far as I know it's not illegal to set a net. So, how do you prove that someone is setting a net to catch bass (or salmon or sea trout)? An FO needs to catch someone in possession of illegal fish to be able to prosecute them. This is why up-to-the-minute information is essential. It's not enough to see the net, they have to see it lifted and/or intercept captured fish in transit.

My experience has been that the fisheries officers will respond or at least evaluate the information that you provide.

Interesting and balanced article on similar subject in relation to Pike protection in this months Irish Angler by Paul O Callaghan.

great name, not this angler though :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

i figured as much paul after meeting you :lol: :wink: