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“There’s just no concrete evidence of what damage these baits are capable of, long-term,” says White Acres fishery boss Clint Elliott.

White Acres, in Cornwall, is the most popular match fishing festival venue in the UK and well known for its relatively stringent list of rules. However, Clint has taken the decision to ban all fluorescent liquids and baits as feed because there’s no long-term, conclusive proof of the damage or harm these baits are capable of inflicting when introduced in larger quantities.

“Each lake here at White Acres is a complex ecosystem, just as every other waterway is,” states Clint. “The rules we impose at the fishery are either for the wellbeing of the fish, for angler’s safety, or for the protection of the complex and its delicate habitat.

“The bacteria and algae in the lakes serve many purposes, with the ultimate result keeping the lake and its inhabitants in balance.

“I want the lakes here to offer the best fishing, for as long as possible, and when something potentially threatens that, action needs to be taken.

“There’s no denying that fluorescent liquids, or baits, have caught fish here at the complex, but with there being no long-term proof or evidence of their effect I simply cannot allow anglers, in large numbers, to put any quantity of it into our lakes.

“I’d like to make it clear that I have no problem with the bait being used in moderation – a small coating of it on a hook bait, for example, may be no problem to a lake – but if I have 180 anglers lacing 2kg of groundbait with it for a five-day-long festival, or even cupping it neat into the swim, then all of a sudden I could be faced with a big problem, hence the preventive measure.

“Essentially the key ingredient in these types of baits is tracer dye – a chemical used for various reasons, one of which is for water treatment agencies to trace springs and leaks. It’s toxic and, in a large enough quantity, poisonous to fish and other water life.

“From the Milo festival onwards the rule for fluorescent baits will be that there is to be no feeding of fluorescent baits of any kind, but a fluorescent liquid may be used to coat a hook bait only. Fluorescent paste may not be used.”

The fishery tackle shop will continue to sell Kiana Goo and other fluorescent liquids, as specimen carp anglers may also use it to coat hook baits only, on the specimen lakes.

“I feel this is a fair compromise to anglers who have gained faith in using it while not compromising fish welfare or water quality. Be in no doubt that if anyone abuses this rule there will be a blanket ban on all fluorescent products,” added Clint.

In addition to this, for 2014 there is a new maximum weight allowed in any one keepnet. An angler may only place 60lb in one keepnet and if he or she weighs anywhere between 60lb 1oz and 80lb the net will only count as 60lb. If an angler exceeds 80lb the entire net of fish will be disqualified.

There is also a ‘no gardening’ rule, meaning no angler may prune his or her peg before, during or after the match.

“We have had to implement this rule because some anglers were just going way too far,” Clint commented. “Saws, shears and spades were being used by anglers to modify their pegs in order to gain an advantage. We plough a lot of time into keeping the complex well maintained, and to see trees and masses of reeds being uprooted is just not acceptable.

“With all of this said it is only ever my and the fishery team’s intention to offer the best fishing possible in as close to idyllic surroundings as we can – we want every angler to enjoy their White Acres experience and return for years to come.”