LETTER OF THE WEEK
Is catch-and-release really the answer?
I read with interest your article (News, 24 August) about the increasing numbers of Scottish rivers moving to a catch-and-release policy. While this is to be applauded, it is not the answer. I have been fortunate to have fished the Royal Dee for 15 years and most recently have had a rod on the Wye.
I am no expert, but having spoken to many gillies over the years, they all say there are many issues at work. Phosphate run-off, the acid effect of softwood plantations, seals, netting and, more recently, I would suggest that water extraction and pollution are the biggest issues.
The life cycle of a salmon is one of nature’s wonders. In the current
