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Any fish that does not conform to the above
specifications or is caught during the closed season must be
returned to the water again - in as unharmed a condition as possible.
The hook must be carefully removed and the fish revived before
release.
The possession of undersized fish - no
matter if they have swallowed the hook and cannot possibly survive
the release - is strictly illegal. If the hook is deep in the
mouth or stomach it is advisable just to cut the line and let
the fish go again. In many cases it will be able to recover and/or
get rid of the hook by itself.
Protection zones
Since 1986 it has been prohibited to use
nets within 100 m of the shoreline. The net ban was instigated
to help migratory trout and salmon return to their rivers of
birth and covers the whole year.
The measures and restrictions mentioned
above are minimal requirements that may be changed by the ministry
wherever and whenever a the need arises. This has been the case
in a number of secluded bays where heavy fishing pressure - mostly
with nets - prevented the migratory salmonid species from getting
back upriver to their spawning grounds.
River mouths wider than 2 m have a year
round protection zone consisting of a half circle with a radius
of 500 m centered in the river mouth itself. In addition there
is a 100 m wide "passage" zone outside the half circle
right in front of the mouth.
In case of rivers smaller than 2 m at the
mouth, the protection zone is only effective from September 16
until March 15 - that is two months before the closed season
for sea trout and salmon in their spawning dress and until two
months after the end of their protected period.
Trolling ban
Today it is not allowed to troll a line
after a boat closer than 100 m from the shoreline. This ban has
been introduced to reduce the risk of boat fishermen interfering
with the fishing from the shoreline. And to avoid hooks being
caught in commercial fish traps within the same zone.
Also, you are not allowed to use more than
two rods per fisherman and four rods in total from
any boat - no matter the number of anglers on board the boat.
This regulation was introduced to minimize complaints from shoreline
fishermen and commercial fishermen alike that trolling anglers
must be fishing for a living with that many rods!
Sales ban
When the law of saltwater fisheries was
last revised, the minister of food, fisheries and agriculture
introduced a complete sales ban for fish caught by non-commercial
and unregistered fishermen. The sales ban goes for rod and reel
anglers as well as net and trap fishermen and was especially
aimed at preventing the increasing use of nets. Thus an angler is not allowed to sell any of his
or her catch. This is strictly illegal.
When you buy a state license for DKK 125,-
you do not buy the right to use a net. It only entitles you to
use rod and reel, hook, line and sinker. Long lines with multiple
hooks are not allowed either as they are put on the same footing
as nets and fish traps.
Behaviour
As a responsible angler there are certain
things to be taken into consideration when you embark upon your
mission to catch fish in the waters of East Jutland.
The State License
A state license is mandatory and
costs DKK 125,- for a full year.
All recreational fishermen between 18 and
65 years of age have to buy a state license and have to keep
it on them while fishing. The only exception from this being
fishing in designated Put & Take waters with stocked fish.
The state license may be bought at all
post offices during normal office hours - Saturday mornings included.
Some tourist agencies, camp grounds and tackle shops also sell
state licenses. But don't count on it!
Responsible parking
Always park your car where it does not
block any roads or other access points. This is especially important
when you park a car with a boat trailer or camper.
When fishing you should always pay attention
to your fellow anglers. Good colleagues are worth their weight
in gold when it comes to advice about local fishing conditions
and fishing spots. Thus they should always be treated well!
Please also be aware that camping is prohibited
all over Denmark - with the exception only of officially recognized
camp grounds and a limited number of larger resting spots along
the highways. This goes for all kinds of overnight stays - be
it in car, camper, camping trailer or tent.
Queueing up
Always show consideration for fellow anglers
and always keep a certain distance to avoid interfering with
their fishing. In case of crowded areas, always queue up nicely
and take your place in the line. This is seldom necessary but
can happen at peak periods in hotspots close to larger cities.
Never enter the water in front of another fisherman!
If you are fishing from a boat, always
pay attention to fellow anglers on land. Make a wide circle to
avoid interfering with their fishing. As a boat angler you have
plenty of unfished water to cover so don't compete with bank
anglers!
Two rods per person
Please do not occupy the river bank or
shoreline with lots of rigged rods. Two rods per angler is the
accepted number by Danish anglers and should not be exceeded.
More rods will interfere with the fishing possibilities of local
and visiting anglers. Remember: We fish for pleasure - not to
make a living!
Please also avoid "besieging"
a particular hotspot. Fish the place and proceed to the next
piece of holding water thus allowing other anglers a shot at
the spot too. You will appreciate it when done to you! In some
of the most popular rivers it is required that you move on continuously
as you fish the water. If you are alone on the water, you may
of course spend as much time as you like in one spot.
Consideration for birds and wildlife
When fishing take a moment to consider
the local birds and wildlife. Especially in spring and early
summer when animals are breeding and giving birth to their young,
they need peace and quiet. Thus you should keep a certain distance
to weeds where birds and animals often hide.
As for the rest of the year you should
take all your belongings with you when you leave. Do not litter
and do not leave harmful fishing line for the birds to get caught
in. If caught in fishing line left by a careless fisherman, birds
are in for a long and painful struggle. They will starve to death.
Size limits
It is taken for granted that visiting anglers
accept and obey the rules outlined above. Any fish that does
not conform with the above specifications or is caught during
the closed season must be returned to the water again - as unharmed
as possible. The hook must be carefully removed and the fish
revived before release.
The possession of undersized fish - even
if they have swallowed the hook and cannot possibly survive the
release - is strictly illegal. If the hook is deep in the mouth
or stomach it is advisable just to cut the line and let the fish
go again. In many cases it will be able to recover and/or get
rid of the hook by itself.
Conservation
At the time of writing the size limits,
closed seasons and protection zones mentioned here are valid.
But be aware that the minister of fisheries can change the regulations
with no notice at all. Thus it is the responsability of any and
all anglers to check up on local conditions before starting to
fish.
It is also the responsability of visiting
anglers to acquaint themselves with protection zones in the areas
they want to fish. Only rarely are these zones marked with signs
telling about their existence.
Ground baiting
Please beware of the fact that ground
baiting - the distribution of bait to lure fish into a given
area - may be completely prohibited in some waters, the reason
being to reduce organic pollution of the fragile aquatic environment
where much tax money has already been invested in sewage treatment.
The county of Aarhus has determined that
in general no more than 0,5 kg ground bait is to be used per
angler per day. This goes for large competitions as well as small
scale one man fishing.
Sales ban
When the law of saltwater fisheries was
last revised, the minister of food, fisheries and agriculture
introduced a complete sales ban for fish caught by non-commercial
and unregistered fishermen. The sales ban goes for rod and reel
anglers as well as net and trap fishermen and was especially
aimed at preventing the increasing use of nets. Thus an angler is not allowed to sell any of his
or her catch. This is illegal and the offender will be prosecuted.
When you buy a state license for DKK 125,-
you do not acquire the right to use a net. It only entitles
you to use rod and reel, hook, line and sinker. Long lines with
multiple hooks are not allowed either as they are put on the
same footing as nets and fish traps.
* * *
If you conform with the above written and
unwritten rules, you can rest assured that you are welcome in
our county and that we will look forward to hosting you again.
Tight lines!
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