Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release.

Salmon Fishing Scotland Catch and Release.
“SAVING TAY SALMON SWEATSHIRTS”

To encourage the release of spring salmon any angler who has released a spring salmon anywhere in the Tay district before the end of May qualifies for a free sweatshirt sporting the “Saving Tay Salmon” logo.

When first introduced several years ago these sweatshirts were highly sought after and the Board has decided to re-introduce them due to popular demand.

To claim a sweatshirt contact the Board’s office (address below) and supply a note signed by the angler and a witness (e.g. the ghillie). Ghillies will have forms for this purpose.

NO WORMING IN SPRING OR AUTUMN

The Board advises that worms should not be used as bait before 1 June nor after 31 August in any part of the district. As many fish are deeply hooked, the Board considers this method of fishing incompatible with the need for conservation.
CONSERVATION

At the present time stocks of salmon are under pressure, most especially the early running spring fish for which the Tay was famed. Accordingly the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board is seeking to do everything possible to protect and enhance stocks. An important element has been to encourage catch and release by anglers, since studies have shown that over 80% of released fish survive and few are re-caught.

CATCH AND RELEASE PROGRAMME

The Board promotes a Catch and Release programme throughout the entire River Tay district. Since the programme commenced in 1999, the proportion of spring fish released has increased from around 10% to 46% in 2006. The Board welcomes this improvement, but it is still far behind some other rivers. The Board wishes to see at least 75% catch and release achieved. While some beats already exceed this, on most beats more fish (in some cases, many more) need to be released.

BAN SALE OF ROD CAUGHT SALMON

On 1st October 2002 the Scottish Executive introduced a ban on the sale of rod caught salmon throughout Scotland. The Board strongly supported this measure and reminds anglers that it is now illegal to sell rod caught salmon thus removing the incentive for killing excessive numbers of fish.
DO YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION ON TAY SALMON ANGLING?

Visit www.fishtay.co.uk, the website dedicated to salmon fishing in the Tay District. Displayed are daily updated river levels, catches, reports on what is happening and prospects for the coming days. Also included are lists of available fishing and a facility for on-line booking and payment if you so wish.

SAFETY ON THE TAY

The Tay is a large river which is potentially dangerous for the unprepared. Accidents and fatalities have occurred when safety considerations have been overlooked. Anglers fishing the Tay should always consider their own and others’ safety. The Tay Board commends the use of lifejackets whether on a boat or wading.

MAKING RELEASE A SUCCESS

It is essential that proper procedures are followed to minimise stress and prevent any damage to the fish and to allow survival to spawning.

Landing the fish:
• Use a fine, knotless meshed landing net and ensure the fish remains in the water. Do not lift it out of the water!
• Do not beach the fish, as abrasion can lead to infection.
• Do not lift fish by the tail!
• Minimise handling the fish.
Removing the hook:
• Wet your hands. A dry, bare, warm hand can cause abrasion which later may lead to infection.
• Remove the hook gently. If possible remove the hook using forceps or a hook disgorger, taking care not to squeeze the fish.
• The use of barbless or micro barbed single hooks is recommended, as they make removing the hook easier.
• Take care with fresh, early fish as they are prone to damage and fungal infection.

Returning the fish:
• If possible, try to slip the fish out of the net without touching it!
• If you really must, then support the fish, in a current, facing upstream and allow time for the fish to recover and swim away on its own.
• Do not weigh the fish but estimate the weight of the fish from its length. Record all fish caught and released.
• Photographs by all means, but do not remove the fish from the net which should remain in the water. However tempting, please don’t grasp a fish’s tail!! This can result in fungal infection.