Widely backed by some of angling’s highest profile pike and zander specialists, the new initiative brings two clear benefits, safeguarding stocks and improving catches. The ban on trebles is to be implemented at the start of 2010’s predator season on October 1st, with a maximum size 4 single hook permitted.
‘We are the first major commercial fishery to ban the use of trebles for predators,’ commented venue owner David de Vere. ‘The decision has followed two years of intensive research and the capture of hundreds of pike and specimen zander. With a huge head of both pike and zander in the Old Lake, we have a duty to protect our stocks. Barbless single hook rigs and smaller baits will not only see an increase in the number of runs and fish caught, but virtually all fish caught will be hooked cleanly in the scissors, with obvious fish safety benefits.’
‘We have the backing of many experienced anglers and will always take steps to protect our predator stocks whilst offering the best chance of catching to our customers. I’m confident that single hook rigs and small baits will result in better catches in the future and improved fish safety. A full range of hand tied single hook predator rigs will be available to purchase in our tackle shop where there will also be plenty of help on hand to encourage anglers to make the most of these simple but highly effective rigs,’ concluded David.
Some of the predator world’s biggest names have been quick to add their support to the new guidelines:
“The treble hook ban at Bury Hill Fishery is a bold attempt to improve fishing and preserve predator stocks. All predators can be very naive at times and wolf baits down at others. For both of these reasons, using single hooks on small baits is a wise move and exactly how I approach much of my fishing where large baits are unnecessary. The tactic also works brilliantly in conjunction with pre-baiting, ground baiting and more modern predator tactics like using swim feeders and method feeders and bolt rigs designed to hook predators in the jaws. I am sure the merits of the single hook ruling will soon be evident in catches at Bury Hill.”
Mick Brown
“At Bury Hill where small baits are acknowledged to be the most effective, small single hooks undoubtedly offer improved presentation, and if an angler does have a mishap with a swallowed bait, a barbless single hook is far easier to remove than two trebles. Predators are much more at risk from angling pressure than other species and any moves to safeguard stocks and protect fish from unnecessary dangers should be welcomed.”
Neville Fickling
Renowned as one of the best stillwater predator locations in the south and offering arguably the finest day ticket specimen zander fishing in the UK, Bury Hill attracts thousands of dedicated predator specialists each winter. Over 100 double-figure zander to 16 lb are typically reported each season with a big head of pike to a fishery best of 33 lb providing superb mixed sport.
Another example of progressive and industry leading fishery management, Bury Hill has also been responsible for advancements such as security micro chipping of big carp stocks, compulsory unhooking mats for all anglers and advanced computer operated aeration systems across all lakes.
