Pike anglers in Fermanagh have taken to social media to campaign against what they call the ‘illegal’ commercial netting of pike in Lough Erne – but the story isn’t all what it seems.
According to The Impartial Reporter, the pike nets men are licensed by Northern Ireland’s Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) to catch pike during the open season from 1 December to 28 February annually.
A DCAL spokesperson said the commercial fishery is in place “to manage pike stocks and reduce their impact on trout stocks”, a practice that is “in keeping with management practices elsewhere, including in high value large trout lakes in the West of Ireland”….
Afloat.ie 16/03/2013. Read the article ‘Erne Pike anglers’ misguided fury over Commercial Pike Netting’