There is alarm among anglers in Kerry over proposed regulations on the tagging of wild salmon and sea trout in 2026.
The draft regulations are now open for public consultation with the closing date for submissions 20 December at 5.30pm.
Among the proposed regulations is a ban on live bait and worms.
Groups in Kerry argue this is unfair on older anglers who may not have the physical strength for fly fishing or using a spool.
Chair of Laune Anglers' Association, Seán O'Sullivan says the fishing authorities should first focus on the causes of the declining salmon and trout population:
The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2025 include proposals to reduce salmon angling bag limits from ten fish to three fish per angler per season, restricted to the period 1 June to 31 August.
Rivers with an angling harvest option would open as follows:
Catch and release only from 1 January to 31 May, in the interests of conserving spring fish.
Open harvest from 1 June to 31 August, subject to an angling bag limit of three fish per person in total during this period. Once that limit is reached, anglers must practise catch and release only.
Catch and release only from 1 September to the end of the season.
