IFI secures conviction against man for using barbed fishing hook

• Defendant to pay IFI almost €2,000 for fishing offences

Inland Fisheries Ireland has successfully prosecuted a man for using a barbed fishing hook in Cork. 

Mr Stephen Hackett of Leitrim Street, Cork was found guilty of using the hook, refusing to provide personal details when asked, and impeding an Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) officer.

Commenting today, Sean Long South-Western River Basin District Director at IFI said: “I welcome the determination in this case. Angling methods on the River Lee are tightly controlled. 

“The use of triple barbed hooks is completely banned on this section of the River Lee. There were a limited number of salmon and sea trout available to kill in 2022 - and therefore there are restrictions on the type of fishing hook that can be used.

“Single barbless hooks cause less injuries to the fish. They are easier to remove, and also reduce handling time, which can be an important factor influencing survival. 

“Anglers or members of the general public can report illegal fishing incidents, or those relating to water pollution, or fish kills, to our 24/7 confidential phone number, 0818 34 74 24.”

At the hearing on September 20th 2023, Cork District Court was told Mr Hackett was observed fishing with a barbed hook - prohibited under a River Lee Bye-law - at ‘Jenning’s Pool’, on the north bank of the River Lee south channel, on August 6th 2022.

IFI Fisheries Officer Stephen Kiely said Mr Hackett refused to provide his name and address when requested to do so, and generally impeded the investigation. 

Fines of €250 were imposed for each of the three offences - using a barbed hook, refusing to give a name, and impeding an authorised officer. 

Mr Hackett was also ordered to pay costs of €350 to IFI. He was found guilty of two breaches of Section 301 (7) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, and one breach of the 2006 (River Lee) Bye-law No. 811. 

Mr Hackett did not appear in court.

He had also been prosecuted by Inland Fisheries Ireland in July this year at Fermoy District Court, where he was fined €500, plus €350 in costs to IFI, for similar offences.