Hear we go again! It dissapoints me that so much has been written on this subject but obviously so little read (or remembered!)
There has never been a proven case of translocation of fish by an angler using them for live baits causing disease.FACT
There has never been a proven case of the translocating of fish for bait establishing a breeding population of non indigenous fish,you will no doubt want to tell me abouy Ruffe? What piker is going to go to all the effort of obtaining,keeping, and transporting live bait and then choose Ruffe?get real!
The above are facts.What follows are just my opinion-
Just as when you first start fishing the piker must decide if the act of live baiting is cruel,this is just as much a personal choice as is that of to fish or not.I respect any mans descission as long as it is not pushed on others.Using psudo science to back up a personal preference.
As was once said how can you justify to an anti angler sticking a hook in a fish and then winding it in but decry sticking a hook in a fish then casting it out?
Live baiters should be sensible and discreet in the use of their chosen method (I had a right slagging off for saying that a short time ago!)By this I mean the following-
Baits should preferabley be caught and used in the same water.If this isnt practical then care should be taken to use onlealthy fish and do ones best to keep them that way.Trout from farms are a good bet and SEtion 30 consent can be gained.If you are taking fish from a water then dont kick the arse out of it with both numbers and sizes.
Be discreet in your use of them ie dont bait up in front of Joe Public.Even though its legal treat it like picking your nose!
A couple more observations-
Dont tell me that live baits are not needed,several waters I fish you would not be able to buy a bite on a dead! Some others you would have a very lean season.
Deadbaits catch the big uns and lives are only good for Jacks is an old wives tale on most waters.
Nowt wrong with deads mind and on some waters they can be very good.Never fished one where they are essential though.
A lot of people dont livebait (properly) as they just cant be bothered!Fine Ive no problem with that either in fact suits me fine!just dont tell others what they can do.
All the time people dont challenge the issue of live bait transporting spreading disease then the rules will not be changed and maybe more importantly it wont be examined properly.I am sure that most pikers like myself would stop transporting if it was proved.
Not good policy to transport carp or any of the ornementals as the ornemental fish trade is rife with disease.
I have given my views based on 35+ years and several fishery managment courses,but I know some will disagree with my views,I have no problem with that.Some though will choose to ignore the facts though this does annoy me especialy as the reason they do so is that their whole problem with live baiting has nothing to do with disease or translocation but they use these laws to get their own way.
Dont like live baiting? cant be bothered with all the effort(and there is some)? then fine I have no problem with that but dont hide behind the incorrect ideas that have brought these rules in to existance to stop my self and others doing so.
If it was banned tommorow would it affect me? NO cause I would carry on any way remember "sensible and discreet" Christ they cant even be bothered to come out and check my licences yet alone come and check my bait!!