GowerRay

The MLS for Bass in the South Wales Sea Fisheries area has been 37.5cms since 1997. The SWSFC were quite happy to see that rise to 42cm but no more. They are as surprised as Anglers by this press release. Sustainable with the current stocks: Much was made of the 2002 year spawnings. This year we were supposed to be fed up with catching them, a pest. Reality is for shore Anglers down here the year has been rubbish. Something happened to them. Never mind, the Assembly elections are next year. Let's hope Welsh Anglers remember this farce then.

From the British Marine Federation. The consensus is that approximately 451,000 boats (over 2.5 m) are kept in the UK and 90,000 UK-owned boats are kept abroad. Doesn't list their names and addresses though Cheers for the link. I'll email them for more info. Ray

Can anyone give me a good estimate of how many private sea angling boats are in use in the UK? A reasonable guestimate will suffice. Difficult information to get hold of. Many thanks, Ray

I hope the people who live or fish for Tope in Wales and even those that simply fish in the sea respond. It is a chance for a say in Fisheries for the future not just for Tope but for our sport in general. I know I will disappointed but not surprised by a low response on the Tope issue. Only a couple of hundred responded to the Bass consultation in Wales. Can do better. Show you care. Only 12 days to go!

The Welsh Assembly Government have now published online, the details of their Tope Consultation. The final date for submission is the same as DEFRA, 20th October 2006. If you live or fish for Tope in Wales, please respond soon. Details here: http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/curr...906tope?lang=en

Quote from the South Wales SFC: BYELAWS 10. SKATE AND RAY - MINIMUM SIZE confirmed 4/12/97 No person shall take or otherwise remove from a fishery within any part of the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee District any skate or ray that measures less than 40 centimetres between the extreme tips of the wings or any wing which measures less than 20 centimetres on its maximum dimension and which is detached from the body. Skate and ray below this size shall be returned immediately to the sea at a position as nearby as is possible from where they were taken. Thirty-six months following the date the confirmation of this byelaw [i.e. 4/12/2000] the aforementioned 40 centimetres minimum size shall become 45 centimetres and the aforementioned 20 centimetres minimum size shall become 22 centimetres.' They have done a lot of work on Skate and Rays and I believe they intend to update the above bye-law in the future. I know the Director of the SFC believes they are leaders as regards SFC's when it comes to these species. He's not a bad guy.

Latest report on the Swansea boats here: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayN...;folderPk=88481 Other than that I can't offer much advice. Sorry. I'm sure there's someone else out there with more in depth knowledge of each boat. Have a good time anyway. Ray

From a recent reply off the Welsh Assembly Government it seems that they and DEFRA are entering into this consultation together so the end result should be UK-wide legislation whenever or if ever it's brought in. Hopefully this will do away with the 'Yes you can, no you can't' byelaw situation we have at present with the SFC's in regard of Tope.

Have a look here: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/aquarium/ They've been a bit busy of late but are now back on track with a load of new images. Great site.

I am born and bred in Wales and like Ken says of the vast majority, sickened by the acts of the few. I have lived in London and Bristol over the years and never had any problem unlike friends (and current Wife) who come here. But it is just a few big mouths and not representative of all. That is why Plaid Cymru will never be a major party in Wales. They are seen as attractors to this kind of behaviour and people. Not intended I'm sure but the majority will never support them because of the recent history of sign daubing, arson attacks and so on that are linked by association. As offensive to most Welsh people as anyone else. If it's any consolation it isn't only outsiders who get targeted, wrong regional Welsh dialect (English-only- speaking City slickers ) and it can be even worse. The half-wits are a minority so I wouldn't worry too much. There is a welcome here for all.

And there's no urgency for a Tope protection Bye-law? Letter sent to Welsh Assembly Members and Minister. (Copied to Ian). Ray Davies

Too late for at least 30 here in South Wales. Taken from last night's local paper: "On the tope front, good numbers have been taken off Oxwich, with charterboats returning them alive. Unfortunately, I have received a report of a private boat returning to Swansea with 30 tope and a single porbeagle all killed by anglers. What can you guys be thinking? While good catches may be being taken, the tope are still not available in the numbers of past years. Surely the only explanation is that some anglers are seeking money. It's always the commercial fishermen who get the stick for over-fishing, but there must be plenty of anglers out there who are selling their fish. It's sad to report that as the fishing gets better, there are those who are still prepared to exploit any situation. Bring on the legislation to deal with those individuals." Want to comment on the article? Go to: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/displayN...&folderPk=88481

Another school of thought is the clean water issue. Pristine rivers free of biological waste (posh version) are now thought to cause starvation to the very bottom of this food chain. From microbes up each section is dependant on another for food. Remove the bottom and the upper levels must suffer. That and Global warming, overdigging, erosion etc etc. No simple answer. On a good note, worm farms are becoming big business in Wales. The firm 'Dragon Baits' has recently succeeded in gaining planning permission for a few more farms near Pendine. This is as well as the facility they have in Baglan near Port Talbot. They already cultivate Ragworm and I'm sure I heard there were plans for Lugworms in a similar venture. They've got a very good name with their products so far.

Got to agree there. I see people fishing with beachcasters in the estuary near me and think where's the fun in that? I either use my Shimano Travel spinning rod or a carp rod. Good craic on the light stuff. Time of year: From November till around the end of February here in South Wales. Too many crabs otherwise. Whilst the frost is around so are the Flounders, without the crabs. Only bait worth using in the Loughor Estuary is mudrag (never tried garden worms though).