It's an emotive subject really Rob and certainly not one I'm prepared to argue over,there are lots of waters with human access and interference,without an angler being involved,other watersports,running,walking,even picnicking,at Bedford there is a lot of free fishing on the river,but there are lots of scullers,kayakers and people walking that scuff the banks,leave litter and scare wildlife,I rarely see an 'angler',if I do it's the EU spinfisher,without a landing net,who would still be doing it in the close season,while I cant,the timing in the main is poor,as fish are feeding well in preparation for spawning,which doesn't normally occur until at least late April,I'm afraid the kayak/paddle board fraternity get a free ride,because even where they are not allowed,they still go,I saw some going upstream of the bridge pool at Christchurch wednesday,paddled straight past two guys on the punt,who pay an arm and a leg to fish there,then on up to the Royalty,bloody disgrace,I had them ruin three of my evenings on the Stour,they disturb the fish/wildlife enormously,far more than we can and have year long access...close season,yeah ok,timing,nah,all wrong...it would be better to rest them after spawning,maybe we should have six months off of the rivers.