River Teifi anglers fear more restrictions on the way

Natural Resource Wales is looking at such proposals in a bid to conserve rapidly dwindling fish stocks.

The move has already received backing from the Teifi Coracle Netsman's Association as it looks to preserve the heritage of coracle fishing on the river.

And now the Teifi Trout Association has weighed into the debate, voicing its fears that even more regulations could be imposed that would hit its 200-strong membership hard.

Secretary Gwynne Morris said that while many anglers were prepared to release salmon, he feared further restrictions could be on the way.

"I have been to a few meetings about the NRW proposals but for us it is not just about catch and release," said Mr Morris.

"Some members do not want catch and release and would oppose it but others are happy to return any fish they catch.

"But there are also plans to stop bait fishing and to stop treble hooks on spinners.

"At least 50 per cent of our members are old age pensioners or disabled and we also have 21 youngsters who are just starting out and all they can do is worm fish.

"The section of river we purchased in Cenarth in 1989 with the help of a grant from the local council is worm fishing only.

"We will end up losing half our members if they ban bait fishing. It will have a massive effect and put us in dire straits."

Mr Morris said it was not possible to fly fish in many areas because of the number of people about making it dangerous.

The association's members are already lobbying Welsh Assembly members and Disability Wales to back their case.

And Mr Morris argues that NRW would be better off tackling what he sees as more pressing issues on the Teifi such as pollution and poaching.

"There are not enough bailiffs and following the recent pollution incident on the river were told by NRW that they would get back to us about it and the impact it has had. That was months ago and we have still heard nothing," he said.