Four-year-old Chase Hobden caught a flatfish on his first fishing outing with his father.

Weston beach is one of the most accessible venues in the Bristol Channel for sea anglers, often used my parents to introduce their children to the sport.

This was the case for angler Carl Hobden, when he took his four-year-old son Chase for a short session targeting flounder. The young lad was extremely excited and managed to catch a splendid looking flatfish.

Unfortunately, the session was soured when Carl discovered a huge gill net sprawled across the sand at the uphill end of the beach. To make matters worse, this net had been left unattended for several days, with its catch of flounders and sea bass left to rot.

Governing bodies like the Devon & Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority are planning future legislation on fully licensed netting activities. Go to www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk for more information.

Call 07740 175479 to report any suspicious or irresponsible netting activities. This is the 24-hour hotline for the local duty enforcement officer, all calls are logged and followed up.

Article written by James T Madsen, reporting for www.bristolchannelfishing.com