#Fishing - A duo caught illegally fishing for bass off Tramore put themselves in "extreme danger" by going to sea in an unseaworthy boat.
Staff of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) were working with the Garda investigating illegal netting of fish near Saleens in Co Waterford around 5am on Sunday morning last (25 August) when they came upon the tiny craft, which was not capable of dealing with the sea conditions, and had only one buoyancy aid for its two occupants.
IFI fisheries officers and gardaí were left with no choice but to alert the RNLI and Irish Coast Guard when what began as a fisheries investigation turned into a multi-agency marine search operation.
Thankfully the two people from the tiny craft were later found safely ashore. IFI subsequently seized the small craft and a 120m drift net, along with nine dead bass.
In a statement, IFI emphasised that fishing for bass is illegal, and that such activity has the potential to do huge damage to stocks.
The sale of wild Irish bass is also illegal, and it is important that the public does not support illegal fishing by buying such fish.
A file is being prepared by IFI with a view to prosecuting the fisheries offence.
IFI director David McInerney said it is incredible the risks that are undertaken by people undertaking water based activities.
The area in question is famous for having great stocks of bass and sea trout, but sadly has been the location for a number of tragic drowning’s in recent years.