J
James Illingworth
Guest
Unfortunately, the Neanderthals referred to by Gary Knowles in his article 'A passion for pike' are still alive and well in parts of West Yorkshire. My local club (Otley Angling Club - of which I am not a member) insist upon the removal of all pike caught from their stretches of the river Wharfe. Members may face expulsion from the club if this ruling is ignored. If two rods are to be used on club waters, one of these must be fished for pike so that any caught can be killed. Those in charge of the club do not appear to realise that the eradication of pike from a stretch of river is not feasible (or desirable)and by removing large fish an explosion of small 'jack' pike is likely to occur. Like Gary, I also thought this kind of behaviour had been consigned to history as people had finally come to understand that pike have an important role in a balanced aquatic ecosystem. Surely it is time for the EA to intervene and prevent clubs from enforcing such practices.