TALKING POINT
It’s worth thinking through what might happen – good and bad – if the traditional break was abolished
WE MIGHT have heard the arguments for and against it a hundred times, but what would actually happen if the closed season was suddenly scrapped? Dom Garnett takes a look at some of the consequences, good and bad, that could follow such a decision...
RECORDS TUMBLE, BUT NOT WITHOUT CONTROVERSY
With anglers able to chase specimen fish when they are at their very largest, the record list is soon blown wide open, and the roach, chub and barbel records all fall in quick succession. Feeding ravenously to bulk out their egg supply with as much protein as possible, it’s little surprise that giant female fish are at their heaviest and hungriest in April and May.
Not all anglers wish to celebrate, however. History-making pictures feature swollen, spawn-bound fish, and some suggest that angling is showing itself in a poor light. On occasion, their claims are backed up with fatalities. Not all fish and records are impacted, since early spawners like dace and pike never had much protection from the closed season as it stood.
TRADITIONAL TACKLE SHOPS AND RIVER RECRUITMENT GET ABOOST
Now that anglers are able to target flowing water through the spring , some tackle shops gain extra trade. Not everyone feels the love, but this boost is most notable with traditional shops, where you might invest in some locally made stick floats and a pint or three of hand-turned casters.
As the weather improves in April and May, this trend is especially noticeable, with new and old anglers alike kitting out for the rivers.
ANGLING CLUBS TACKLE SOME TOUGH DECISIONS
Now that the Environment Agency is no longer liable to protect spawning fish, fresh responsibility falls on the shoulders of club officials. Many decide to introduce ad-hoc fishery closures as fish group up to spawn. While most general anglers applaud this, others complain loudly and social media is awash with bad-tempered debate.
A handful of more traditional clubs decide to still adhere to the old closed season, or a version of it with altered dates. Other, less closely controlled clubs issue no restrictions at all – and there are fresh disputes between club members.
In some instances, club anglers break rules over fishery closures to keep catching. Without an official closed season, the authorities can no longer prosecute them.
MORE NEWCOMERS DISCOVER RIVER FISHING
With restrictions on river access lifted, more of those coming into the sport are drawn to running water. While many had naturally gravitated towards stillwaters with the old closed season, plenty now fancy a crack at barbel, chub and pike.
During Easter and the May Bank Holiday, som
