LETTER writer D M Deamer may see some tackle left around but to class all fishermen the same is wrong (The Press, July 17).

He mentions drink cans. Who is to say they belong to fishermen?

I’m a fisherman, like most classed as guardians of the river. I’ve fished since the age of four. I was a bailiff at one time.

I take my old tackle home and burn or chop it up. I also bring back stuff other people have left behind.

Some are irresponsible but loads are good. We guard our waterways to keep our sport going. Discarded tackle costs too much to throw away.

Other people enjoy the river. I’ve seen people have a picnic then leave the empty bottles behind. I’ve had to say something.

Some line snaps on snags in the water and things get caught in trees, but don’t tar us all as uncaring people.

I love the water and my sport, and do anything to keep it safe for people and wildlife.

Wojciech Simpson, Chestnut Grove, New Earswick, York

 

I QUITE agree with D M Deamer when he asks “where have all the fishermen gone”? (Letters, July 17) Many anglers nowadays take the easy option and visit the many commercial fisheries locally for easy access, good facilities and guaranteed catches.

The problem with the rivers is the banks are overgrown with vegetation and the fishing places have been washed away by floods.

The club I run at one time had over 150 members but this is now down to six, showing the amount of apathy at present, reflected by membership numbers all over the country.

I produce a monthly news sheet for the York & District Amalgamation of Anglers regularly featuring an item on the disposal of litter, asking that the angler collects and removes such rubbish for correct disposal when returning home.

This also includes items they inherit when arriving at their chosen spot.

We also have a number of bailiffs who patrol the waters, so it is to be seen that we take our problems in a serious manner.

However, we cannot legislate for the minority, who cannot or will not collect and dispose of litter in the proper manner, and leave it for others, as is the case with the general public, who are seen to be littering the streets.

R Hutchinson, General secretary, York & District Amalgamation of Anglers, St Clement’s Club, York

 

IN reply to D M Deamer’s letter about the mess on the riverbanks (Letters, July 17), some of the mess may have been left by people who fish there but they won’t be like 99 per cent of anglers.

The real anglers respect and take care of the riverbanks. Anglers get blamed for the mess left by everyone who walks the banks.

Stephen Robinson, York