Man discovered with strange arrow contraption while 'fishing' on Irish river

Inland Fisheries Ireland are to seek the prosecution of a man found 'fishing' on a Louth river using a homemade slingshot contraption. 

The individual was discovered by officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland recently in possession of the homemade device he was using to target fish on the River Glyde in Louth.

The device was a makeshift slingshot made from an old fishing rod reel mount and rubber bands. It was being used to fire tiny steel arrows at fish.

Inland Fisheries Ireland said: "IFI officers seized this slingshot and arrows from an individual who was targeting salmon and/or sea trout on the River Glyde, Co Louth."

They added that "a file is being prepared for a potential prosecution."

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Inland Fisheries Ireland has a confidential hotline for members of the public to report illegal fishing. They can call on 0818 34 74 24 to report illegal fishing, water pollution or invasive species.

“We look into every one of these reports,” a spokesperson said.

“We also have our own eyes and ears on the ground – and also on the water and in the sky: our Fisheries Officers and Environmental Officers are alert to any illegal activity and use equipment such as our fleet of RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats), Tetra and VHF (Very High Frequency) radios, mobile phones, thermal imaging equipment, drones and our detection dog unit.

"They are looking for illegal fishing – both on a small and large scale – and fish kills. They are alert to direct habitat destruction and pollution, which can be found anywhere but most commonly occur in areas of intense agriculture,
or for example when people extract gravel from a riverbed to sell commercially or to increase drainage."

When a suspected breach occurs, Inland Fisheries Ireland investigates this thoroughly and follows it through to an appropriate conclusion.

“We are well schooled in this whole process, from issuing Fixed Penalty Notices, right through to taking our own prosecution to court, including appearing on the stand to give evidence when needed,” a statement on their website reads.

“The whole team acts with absolute professionalism, even when at times they are out in the dark of night gathering evidence and carrying out surveillance. They sometimes face verbal and physical assault in the course of their duties, and so we ensure they are fully trained on what to do if this occurs.”