I had an email tonight from Dave Tozer who explained why the pots are there and I thought I'd post it here so others can see:

hi simon not really an enquiry but just comments regarding the buoys on the pier.
these buoys are infact cuttlefish traps they are placed there every year in recent years and will probably be there until the beginning of June. I agree with you that its a bit close to have them but I look at it like this.
in past years if them buoys haven’t been there then instead you get the trawlers dragging nets up the side of the pier sweeping through for the cuttlefish it is huge business for them. And too me it is better the buoys than ruining the seabed.
bit of info on the cuttlefish to explain why they do this so close to the shore.
Every spring the cuttlefish come in to shallow beaches and piers to mate then spawn once they have done this they die and give it 2 or 3 weeks you will see the seagulls picking at dead remains of cuttlefish washed up on our shores. the name of the netsman in question i believe is mike scott if it helps you any further in your complaint.


Thanks Dave for the detailed answer I've been looking for. Mike Scott if it is you.... AAARRRRGGGHHHH you're costing me money and loss catches dammit :)

So until June it's a lose-lose situation. Fish on the marina side and face a heavy fine or fish the seaward side and lose catches and tackle... /sigh

It doesn't bother me as much because I can always fish in other places but I really feel sorry for the disabled and kids who are going to have real trouble until those pots go again.

I think I'm going to put on a really strong line and the next time I get hooked on one I'll reel the bloody thing in :-)

Does it really have to be the entire length of the pier? Couldn't they be huddled up in one spot to at least allow some trouble free fishing to the lucky ones who get their early?