I personally think it is unsporting to fish for early season finnock.
I'm not entirely certain but it is my belief that although they are immature seatrout,the Finnock do actually spawn along with the seatrout.If this is the case then technically they must be classed as kelts.
Hi Duncan,
Thanks for your comments. I was swithering whether to do it or not as those that know me will testify I am anything but an unsporting angler, fishing predominantly dry fly, and only fly-fishing. Last years T&S reports certainly inferred that Finnock fishing was acceptable in Feb through March hence my query.
My understanding of "Finnock" is a Sea Trout that has spent only a limited time in the Sea and has returned to the river either late Summer (of the year it smolted) or perhaps over the winter, some the follwing summer so are technically 1 sea winter. The Finnock in the rivers in Feb, March and April will most likely have over-wintered there from the previous year. I would doubt that all or many of them spawned being immature, but like most things in nature there is 'insurance' and some no doubt will.
A commitee member of ADAA has informed me I can do it legally, but also knows I will exercise common sense and stop if catching too many and that I will handle and release all fish carefully (using barbless flies - no bait).
To be honest I am about 60:40 against doing it still, so don't think I will. And that is with the fly. I also don't want to start a trend !
Lindsay