TOWN beach anglers and recreational rodmen who fish offshore were in a fair state of relief after an announcement from the European Parliament that sea anglers would not be compelled to abide by the new catch quotas for threatened sea species.

TOWN beach anglers and recreational rodmen who fish offshore were in a fair state of relief after an announcement from the European Parliament that sea anglers would not be compelled to abide by the new catch quotas for threatened sea species.

Vociferous protests from the rod-and-line sport, have forced an amendment to the controversial Article 47 which appeared to bring in blanket legislation that would force anglers to maintain catch records, writes Roy Webster.

The plan will be diluted to the point where only anglers who attempt to sell their fish will have to keep records similar to those imposed upon the trawler industry.

Tony Thomas, who is the main organiser of local beach fishing leagues, said he never believed anglers would have to observe catch quotas. “I thought perhaps rod and line fishermen in charter boats might be included in the system. But I could never see beaching anglers being forced to maintain records of their catches simply because they could not be effectively policed or enforced to complete the work.”

The EU Fisheries commissioner Joe Borg has issued a reassuring statement which said: “The hobby angler who catches an insignificant number of fish and uses them for private consumption will not be covered by the control regulation.”

This decision may be regarded as another victory by sea anglers on top of their successful campaign against an imposition of a sea rod licence.

Meanwhile, local beaches continue to produce small codling and with low pressure dictating the weather right now prospects for the weekend at Hopton and from marks further south are rated 'excellent'.

Bass are also beginning to show along the sandy beaches between Sea Palling and Mundesley, and other spots worth a try are the local piers and the mouth of the estuary - providing access is available.

On the fresh waters, carp specialists enjoyed a splendid opening of the Taswood Fishery which has been closed for the winter. Martham's Danny Webb bagged a superb common scaling 34lb 8oz, Geoff Benson of Stalham nailed one of 31lb 10oz and Caister's Darren Stamp ticked off with another of 31lb 2oz, while Taverham Lake visitor Martin Thompson of Great Yarmouth netted a 26lb 13oz mirror.

On the match circuit, Yarmouth's Browning/Pownall squad finished the Barford Winter League in fourth spot, the winners, hot favourites Dynamite Z.

Gorleston Jolly Boy Ray Kent won the Melton Ponds Open with 60lb 2oz while Lee Arnold (Jolly Boys) maintained his winning sequence with 19lb 3oz at Burgh Castle.

Results. Burgh Castle Open: L Arnold (Jolly Boys) 19lb 3oz, D Docwra (Sportsmans) 16lb 12oz, G Hunter (Sportsmans) 14lb 14oz.

Browning/Pownalls (Yaxley): A Toogood and D Goodwin 28lb 14oz, D Hammond 21lb 8oz.

Lacons (Barford): K Barfield 87lb 6oz, D Lees 34lb, T Hancock 17lb 8oz.

Stalham (Colton): R Farmer 66lb 6oz, D Gipson 61lb 16oz, A Watson 43lb.