The Problem

The occurrence of trout angling competitions that involve the killing of native brown trout on Irish rivers and lakes is widespread across Ireland. Sadly unlike the Salmon & Sea Trout who enjoy protection, the Irish brown trout are something of a second class citizen who do not enjoy the same protection.

Many competition venues have witnessed hundreds of anglers participate not just for a few hours but competitions that go on for days at a time with many fish being caught and killed. These trout end up dangling from hooks on a display board at a weigh-in where the winning anglers can win anything from a toaster to cash prizes, boat engines and trophies. This all sounds great to some but sadly native trout populations are in decline and need protecting. Particularly the large double figure trout who are rapidly becoming something of a rarity.

Inland Fisheries Ireland

Save The Brown Trout are now calling on the state department responsible for the protection of fisheries in Ireland (Inland Fisheries Ireland) to outlaw the practice of competition trout killing on fisheries that hold native trout (brown/ferrox) and put in place strict bye-laws and regulations that will better protect trout populations and specimen sized trout.

The Solution

• Stop Competition Killing of Trout
• Make competitions Catch, Photo & Release
• Recognize that native trout populations and specimen trout deserve respect and need protection
• Put in place strict bye-laws that will deter the practice of competition killing