Co Antrim angler pleads guilty to fishing offences

Gibson McCleery (63) of St Saviours Gate, Ballyclare pleaded guilty to three breaches of legislation as prescribed under the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 and Public Angling Estate (PAE) Byelaws 2005.

The breaches were angling without the appropriate licence, fishing on DAERA’s waters without a permit, and using unpermitted fishing methods.

On the 13 September 2023, DAERA Fisheries Protection Officers were on routine patrol of the Public Angling Estate (PAE) at North Woodburn Reservoir, Carrickfergus when they observed Mr McCleery fishing with four fishing rods.

When asked to produce a licence and permit for the four fishing rods Mr McCleery only had the appropriate fishing licence and permit in place that would allow him to fish one rod. It was also discovered that he was using “dead bait” which is an unpermitted method of angling at North Woodburn. Mr McCleery advised he was targeting pike and was unaware of the rules to legally fish at this location.

The total fine of £215 included:

- £50 for possession of an unlicensed fishing engine;

- £75 for fishing on the department’s waters without a permit, and,

- £75 for use of an unpermitted method of angling on a (PAE) water along with an offender levy of £15.

DAERA Inland Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursue those who fish illegally. If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Inland Fisheries on 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.