I’m most commonly known as the River Ancholme Bailiff but prefer to be called Fisheries Manager.
Who are you employed by?
I was recruited by the Scunthorpe and District Angling Association.
How long have you been doing the job?
I’ve been in this position for three years now.
What do you do?
I am responsible for the stretch of the River Ancholme from South Ferriby to Hibaldstow.
There are a number of duties and responsibilities including;
• Checking anglers hold a rod licence and the ‘Scunthorpe book’ [this stretch of the river is owned by Scunthorpe and District Anglers Association and thus anglers need to have a day/season ticket in addition to the licence]. I try to be fair by explaining the benefits of getting a book versus a day ticket if they plan to come regularly.
• Monitor litter levels/areas of fly tipping and liaise with the council regarding its removal as well as requesting additional litter bins where need.
• Ensuring that anglers are not using live bait [this is banned along the Scunthorpe owned stretch].
• Putting up match signs, painting pegs, strimming the river banks.
• Keeping an eye on picnics and riverside parties.
• Check the condition of the river – report dead fish, invasive species e.g. American Crayfish.
• Intervene when dog walkers do not remove mess.
• Enforce the strict rule that anglers should not kill the fish they catch and reporting poachers to the police.
• Remaining impartial and providing mitigation when there are disputes between river users.
• Helping kids who are keen but often inexperienced anglers.
• Enforcing the closed season.
I’m also a source of information to anglers who travel from other parts of the country. For example we get Pike fishermen all the way from Manchester and Newcastle and they can contact me in advance for advice.
How easily identifiable are you to river users?
I carry a warrant card but I’m well known among the locals.
How frequently do you carry out your rounds?
Almost every day!
How much do you get paid?
It’s a voluntary position; I am reimbursed for my travel costs only (around 300-400 miles per month).
Why do you do this job?
I’m not in it for the money. It’s a responsibility people have entrusted me with and I take it very seriously. I enjoy the outdoors and it’s a great way of keeping fit and ensuring that our local environment is well looked after.
Are there special qualities needed by someone in your role?
It can be a dangerous job and you need to assess the risk when you approach people, but I am definitely a people person and this is a necessary quality. You have to be flexible too and have a respect for the fish and other wildlife.
