July 18th 2024.
A man in Wales, Stephen Samuel, recently found himself in hot water after being caught in the act of stuffing a salmon up his jacket sleeve. The incident occurred on July 30th of last year at a fishery on the River Teifi in south Wales. Samuel, a 64-year-old resident of Cwmavon, Port Talbot, was seen by a fellow angler who then reported him to the authorities at Natural Resources Wales.
When confronted, Samuel tried to hide the evidence, but his attempts were futile. He was apprehended by an NRW enforcement officer and charged with four offenses. These included contravening the Wales rod and line Byelaws 2017, using barbed and treble hooks, and handling salmon under suspicious circumstances under The Salmon Act 1968.
During questioning, Samuel confessed to being fully aware of the laws regarding catching and releasing salmon in Welsh rivers, as well as the restrictions on certain baits and hooks when fishing for migratory fish. His actions were a clear violation of these laws and put the future sustainability of the river at risk.
At his court appearance on July 12th at Llanelli Magistrates' Court, Samuel was fined a total of £2,580. This included a fine of £621, reduced to £414 for an early guilty plea, as well as £2,000 in NRW costs and a victim surcharge of £166. The magistrates also authorized a confiscation order for all of Samuel's fishing equipment used in the offense.
It was thanks to the vigilance of a member of the Llandysul Angling Association, who noticed Samuel walking away from the river in just a t-shirt despite the heavy rain, that this incident was brought to light. The angler then saw the head of a salmon sticking out from under Samuel's jacket sleeve, where it had been hidden in an attempt to avoid detection.
Mark Thomas, an NRW enforcement officer, expressed hope that this hefty fine would serve as a deterrent to others who may consider breaking fishing laws. He also thanked the members and committee of the LAA and Dyfed-Powys Police for their assistance in protecting the River Teifi.
In conclusion, Samuel's actions were a clear violation of laws put in place to protect the river and its inhabitants. It is important for the small minority of anglers who choose to break these laws to be held accountable to ensure the future sustainability of our rivers for the enjoyment of all anglers who fish legally and responsibly.
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