ANGLERS have raised concerns over illegal fishing practices after a number of “triple” hooks were found in a Dorset river.

River bailiffs discovered the hooks, along with inhumane crayfish traps in the River Stour near Tuckton Bridge, and are now calling for the waters to be more actively patrolled.

It is believed some anglers are setting up “long lines”, with triple hooks attached, at night, leaving them during the day, and returning the following night to poach any fish caught.

But there are also concerns about the dangers to other wildlife using the river, including ducks and swans.

John Sudworth, from Ringwood and District Anglers Association, said it appeared to be a growing problem in the area.

He added: “What we are finding is that there are a lot of long lines being left in the river. It’s just a hook with bait on, then left in the river.

“The fish will hook themselves on it. These people come back at night and remove the fish for the table. It’s basically poaching.”

The association has a number of bailiffs patrolling stretches of water across the county and checking the banks.

“They have often reported finding small piles of stones with sticks sticking out, indicating a marker for the long lines which have been left in the water.

But John added some waters remained unpatrolled, such as at Longham and Muscliff, and that better protection was needed to clamp down on poachers.

He said: “This is happening more and more frequently, it is not acceptable “Our bailiffs will go through spells where they find these long lines. They get chased off, so they are going to a different area, then they come back.

“People should report it to the Environment Agency or the council.”