| USEFUL CONTACTS FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY | - National Swan Sanctuary Hotline: 01932 240790
- East Sussex WRAS's 24hr rescue line is 07815 078234
- Wildlife Hospital Trust: 0184 429 2292
- Always have these telephone numbers with you and report sick or injured animals. The problem may not be angling related but it may give warning of a serious problem at the water.
|
"I've hardened over the years to most wildlife casualties and don't become upset easily but this swan at the Pells Pond was extremely agitated and distressed, constantly swimming hard and fast trying to get away from the line which was attached" said Trevor.
"This was the most distressed swan I ever dealt with" The swan was reported to WRAS by Lewes Town Council who own the Pells Pond. Trevor was on site within a hour of receiving the call.
 | | Discarded fishing tackle can kill |
Using a dry suit, swan hook and ladder to enter the pond, Trevor managed to corner the swan and encourage it up onto the bank and catch it. "I almost tripped over the line at one point because it was trailling so far behind. There was over 20 metres wrapped round the swan and into the water" he said. Trevor is angry that so much line could be left behind by people fishing. "Obviously we can't say whether the swan picked up the hook and line at the Pells Pond or elsewhere, but whoever left this behind deserves to be treated the same". "I know alot of fishermen fish responsibly - my message to those that don't is - If you can't fish responsibly then don't fish at all." The swan was caught and the hook removed and the line cut free. Then the bird was luckily alright to be released. "Normally casualties do not say thank you they just flap off, but this swan genuinly seem pleased and appeared to say thank you afterwards" said Trevor. Advice from the Environment Agency Angling-Related Litter Never drop litter or discard tackle and remember that discarded nylon is particularly hazardous to wildlife. Discarded or damaged line should be taken home and burnt or cut into short lengths before disposal.
 | | Trevor Weeks of WRAS saving swan |
Always clear up litter before you leave - even if it's not yours. If you see any litter or discarded tackle, pick it up, take it home and bin it. Breakages and Snagging Remove immediately rigs caught up in bank side vegetation, branches or underwater snags where it is practicable and safe to do so. Report lost terminal tackle to club bailiffs or the fishery owner for removal, if you cannot recover it. Swim Choice Choose your swim with care to reduce the risk of snagging bankside trees, vegetation and obstructions in the water Take extra care where people feed waterfowl; the birds may have learned to associate people with food at that site and their expectations may increase the risk of entanglements. Unattended Rods Never leave rods unattended while fishing. Not only is it poor angling practice as it may result in a hooked fish becoming snagged but it also increases the risk of birds becoming entangled in the line or taking the bait. If you need to leave your swim, all lines should be retrieved and the hooks secured to the rod. Never leave rods on the bank with hooks still baited, as these food items could be picked up by birds or animals. Remember - it is illegal to leave a rod unattended while fishing Hooks Use barbless hooks or reduced barb hooks where possible. Hooked or entangled birds are more likely to be able to rid themselves of the hook and in the event of a rescue being needed, removal of the hook from a bird will be much easier. Weights Lead weights are illegal in most sizes and non-toxic weights are widely available. Lead weights of 0.06 grams (No. 8 shot) or less, or of more than 28.35 grams (1oz) may be used. While Fishing Beware of birds swimming into your line or picking up surface baits Submerge rod tips when legering using bite alarms. Keep lines under the surface to avoid waterfowl and where there is not heavy weedgrowth it may be possible to use back-leads to keep the line below the water surface. Watch your rod at all times when legering with quivertips or other visual bite indicators. Again it may be possible to keep the rod tip under or close to the water surface to avoid contact with bird's feet. Where this is not possible the line should not be retrieved if there is a risk of birds swimming across the line. Retrieve your line when float fishing if there is a risk of birds swimming through the line. Even when using a waggler float with the line 'buried', it will be only just below the surface and still presents a risk. Take great care when fishing surface baits such as bread or 'floaters' as they may attract waterfowl. Sometimes the attentions of birds can be avoided by anchoring the bait with a back-lead which allows you to submerge the bait below the surface when a bird approaches. Remember, however, that swans can easily reach food a metre below the surface and other birds often dive for food. If floating baits attract undue attention from birds then move away or choose a different fishing method.
Archive BBC Devon look at the danger irresponsible fishing can cause swans and other wildlife.
Swans Vs Fishermen > | 
