AT THE risk of opening the whole 'is fishing cruel?' debate and of getting abuse from the anti-fishing folk, I too was incensed by the sight of that swan, but feel I must reply to your points;

Outlawing anything just because you don't appreciate it is wrong.

You state that fishing is cruel and barbaric.

It is my view that fish do not have feelings, as the fish nervous system is totally different to ours.

And as most human pain is psychological, it is debatable whether they feel pain.

Fish don't have long memories; they are crafty, but many get caught several times by the same bait.

Most fishermen are obsessed with conservation.

If it wasn't for campaigns by anglers such as the late Ted Hughes, our rivers and lakes would have become too polluted for most fish life.

Anglers, well certainly all of MY fellow anglers, respect the fish and the wildlife.

It's why they spend their leisure time in their company.

They spend a lot of time, effort and money on their sport (it is not cheap, what with subs, equipment, bait and licences) and we also work voluntarily within our clubs to improve the water and environment for the fish, wildlife and for all users of the waterways.

A few selfish people (not fit to call themselves anglers) spoil our sport by leaving litter/equipment, but the majority of anglers vigilantly pack away, even clearing away other people's litter from the lakes and rivers we fish.

I agree that the culprits should be ashamed, and yes, they should be prosecuted.

We are as upset, if not more upset, to see wildlife injured because you see, all our efforts in looking after our sport are wasted by the thoughtless few.

Before you condemn us all, find out exactly what we do and how it all works.

Please, do not tar all anglers with the same brush because that is wrong.

Tamworth Angler.