Fastrantiger

Season Greetings to everyone!

This is obviously a very hot topic, so why has it been removed from the Sea Fishing section? It's very sad that anything of any importance that warrants vigorous debate is slipped under the carpet, no matter if its in Parliament or on a Forum. I would expect this from a bureaucrat, but on a Forum? Has 'Browns' Gestapo infiltrated this forum? Being in business I am used to this sort thing, nothing surprises me nowadays

Thanks for all you input - seems pretty clear that there is not a great deal of support for the licence, though no doubt the government will carry on regardless Should I be entirely mistaken and the government really are intent on improving things, sorry Mr Brown (what's that flying overhead?) As a business we will suffer a double whammy as we also run a charter boat, those of us with tackle shops can at least try our hand at selling something different - ice cream? but for the charter boat side of the business I can see a lot of boats up for sale (as if the red diesel issue wasn't enough ). I dont wish to sound negative on the future of sea fishing, but as a businessman and one relying entirely on the sea fishing industry - things are not good. Thanks again guys.

Most of you here will most likely be aware of the Governments proposals to bring in a 'Sea Fishing Licence' or to be more precise a 'Rod Licence' since it will not apply to hand lines. Although still in its early stages in Parliament, it is making progress and no doubt with every bit of bad news in the country this will be slipped through in the hope nobody notices. As a tackle shop owner I'm not happy about this, and I wouldn't expect you to be too happy either. This will affect every fisherman fishing with a rod, even people that just fish one week a year, I do not expect to say "that'll be another £25 for your licence Sir" when I sell a rod n' reel combo for £40.00 for their weeks holiday (no doubt it will fall on the shops to sell the licence). Boat anglers will also be stung for this charge, so there's no escaping. We all know this will be an impossible piece of legislation to police, but no doubt (like the 'Smoking Police', yes they do exist - I had a visit from them in my shop ) we will have 'Fishing Licence Police' making examples of people (pensioners would be considered easy prey). Aside from the holiday trade, my year round customers will expect something in return for their hard earned cash. Looking at this forum you all seem to be well seasoned year round anglers and know your stuff. So, if Gordon 'nomates' Brown wants to relieve you of your cash, what would you expect in return, IF he gets his way. They tried this in Portugal and virtually killed sea angling in less than a year Your comments please guys