The English protect there waters!

In England waters are patrolled by "bailiffs". They take there trout waters seriously and have a voluntary force that keeps tabs on anglers that fish them. We could use them in some of our waters here! I have a copy of a page from an angling society that has bailiffs that patrol over 200 pieces of water. They also warn of trying to out smart the bailiffs by fishing in the dark of night, fore which they are prepared to deal with. I like the old system of forehead branding!

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The bailiffs ensure that members fish within the rules of the society and report all members who break them. Ignorance of the rules relating to a water is not regarded as an excuse as such rules are in the membership card and the water's guide. It is members' responsibility to read the rules each year and also take notice of updates in HLS, or local signs at each water.
The most important duty is to protect the members fishing by evicting non-members and gathering information on poachers for prosecution, obtaining police assistance if they fail to leave the water. If possible we charge these people under the 1968 Theft Act. On the other side of the coin the local bailiff will have a vast amount of information on the water, which when asked he will gladly pass to the member i.e. where to fish, best methods for the conditions of the day, bait, rigs etc. If he can help he will. For the less mobile and older members the bailiff will assist in any way he can. At the end of the day if you have had a good days fishing from information received thank the bailiff so you can both go home happy.
In the good old days poachers were hanged or thrown into a dark damp cell and forgotten about, or at the very least branded on the forehead with the letter 't' how times have changed but the crime remains the same so we must all be vigilant. Another undesirable aspect, which is on the increase, in all sports including angling that is totally un-acceptable, is any form of aggression directed at the bailiffs, either verbally or a violent act. These will be dealt with most strongly and were possible in the court. Remember please treat others, as you would wish them to treat you. Politeness costs nothing.

fishing the flats

Fall is here, the last three weeks tarpon in Florida Bay and elsewhere both big and small have been available. If the weather stays warm it could continue.
Huge schools of bluefish and mackerel are migrating down but the big story is mullet, find them and your into fish.
The water temps are great right now, large bonefish and permit are a good target.
The tides over rule all and if you book a guide ask about the tides and choices for fishing.
For instance if you select a day and the tides are high at first light it might limit where you can fish for several hours. Its better to be disappointed on the net than on the water.

Dave Hunt