I don't want to get involved in this matter any further other than to make the following observation.
A Some people - not just Roy Webster - think there is an issue of silver fish theft in Norfolk. Others dispute this, that's fine, but there is a debate.
And what if there isn't a problem in Norfolk, say the cynics are right - let's hope they are! What's the issue? Pike angling isn't going to suffer - the debate is about a few people potentially illegally netting fish.
In addition, that reward money might get us a result elsewhere in the country. Why critisise that?
B I know for a fact that fish theft outside Norfolk is happening - I even know some people responsible. I am just looking for evidence. In the main it is carp, and in the main it is from canals and rivers. Club lakes are also being hit.
C The ?10k reward offered by AT is for a conviction anywhere in the country in relation to any fish species.
If the story flushes out one group of people then in my mind it is worth it. If AT has to take some flak along the way then so be it.
Looking back, I first decided it was time to do something following the many calls and discussions Keith Arthur had on his radio show - it was a topic that needed support and to be opened up. Ironically when we first reported it we were slagged off for not being aggressive enough against the alleged poaching. How things change.
Ok, so a few have people have fired bullets at Angling Times for it not being the perfect expose - to be honest they're the usual suspects I'd expect it from and we could almost run a book here into what certain people are going to write - but I think we'll just about survive. You know lads, if the internet had been around 30 years ago I am convinced poor old Walker would have been given a load of grief. Even an inspirational man like **** would have fallen foul of those waiting to pounce. Don't believe me?... just look what people do to Des, Hayes, Arthur, Browny - no-one in the public eye escapes. For whatever reason, some people want to dislike.
Maybe if I'd have had John Pilger on the team we might have delved slightly deeper into this theft issue, but we have limited resources and we're producing a national publication. This was about raising awareness. I know what puts sales on - record perch/record roach for a starters, but not rewards. That wasn't the end game.
You should visit the pike forum that's made a mock Angling Crimes front page up - it is hilarious and fair play, but I do hope they realise the bigger picture.
Fish theft in general is a subject that needs airing and stamping out. Some people might think our story is paper thin, but others see it differently, however one thing is for sure there were lots of fish illegally moved this winter. Whether that was in Norfolk or elsewhere, ultimately it doesnt bloody matter. It just can't be right.
And yes I do have questions I'd like answering about the bait trade. I pay good money for my deads and I'd like to know why I can buy fish in unmarked packs - I can name shops that stock them - and again why do some roach have long lines sticking out of their mouths? It might be all very simple, but I'd still like to understand it. No crime there.
Finally as anglers we should agree the fact that fish theft in various forms exists, we should debate it in our chosen websites and publications, and try and do something about it. A reward is one way but I'm sure there are others.Go find your own answers and methods, but at least think about it.
It would be tragic and short sighted if the 'big picture' debate was soured into a point scoring match about who said what and when. If you care about your waters then you'd support any kind of 'fish watch' scheme.
