Anglers who have struggled to catch salmon with their fishing rods in the rivers of Dartmoor may be interested to know that the industry's ruling body had apparently been told of the cause but failed to act.

The Environment Agency (EA) was given a list of recommendations to improve the population of the species by scientists at the University of Hull International Fisheries Institute in 2008 but these were not implemented, an investigation by the Angling Trust alleges.

Experienced local angler John Montague said he had witnessed a "dramatic decline of salmon" over the 50 years he had spent fishing on the Teign, but said that whenever anglers had previously informed the EA of the situation they were "met with stony indifference".

The Hull study, which was commissioned by the EA, had concluded that over-abstraction had led to lower flows of salmon in rivers after their long journey from the Atlantic Ocean.

US angler Rob Schmidt did not seem to have any problems catching the species in the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby, scooping $10,000 (£6,227) in prize money for a 18.90lb haul, the News Tribune reported.

Anglers may have to use more than just their fishing rods to scoop the biggest prize in Lake Windermere after England's Loch Ness monster was reportedly captured in an image on the water.

The picture, taken by a kayaker, shows a strange humped shape emerging from the lake.

"It was like an enormous snake," said Sarah Harrington, who accompanied the photographer.

She added that: "It freaked us all out but it wasn't until we saw the picture that we thought we'd seen something out of this world."

According to reports, there have been eight sightings of the mysterious creature in the last five years.

However, it seems Windermere Lake Cruises director Nigel Wilkinson needs further persuading of the existence of 'Bownessie'.

He claimed his boat crew have yet to spot anything untoward, despite their combined experience on the water amounting to over 100 years.

There have been 4,000 sightings of the Loch Ness monster since the first was reported in the 1930s, according to the Herald.

Anglers have been put off using their fishing rods at a club where they feel standards have slipped.

Fishermen recently informed the Angling Times of the poorly-maintained banks surrounding waters managed by Cemex Angling.

A source told the publication that "there are still dead fish all over the place" and "the smell is unbearable" around the Frimley 2 water in Surrey.

"This is concrete proof that the fisheries team is stretched to breaking point," added the informant.

Head of Cemex Angling Dan Panormo responded to the claims by crediting his organisation's team, whom he said work to preserve "our first-class fishing venues".

Managing 20 river stretches and over 70 stillwaters, Cemex Angling is the country's largest commercial angling organisation.

However, there is a belief among anglers that the body has struggled to maintain its once-impeccable standards following the streamlining of its management last year.

Last week, the boss of Hampshire complex Golden Valley was quoted in the Angling Times condemning the negligence many fisheries show towards their own repairs and maintenance. 

A cheat almost walked away with €100 (£84.97) in prize money at an angling contest in Ireland.

The day after the Midland Pike Angling competition, a fish containing a one-pound lead bar in its stomach was found at the competition venue, the Angling Times reports.

Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs chairman John Chambers said that "some officers became suspicious" following the event, during which the suspected angler's supposed catch was rejected as "the pike was on its last legs".

"What sort of idiot would go so far to try to win a prize? It's cruel for starters and the money was only small," he added.

The suspected individual will not receive punishment as the evidence was only found the following day.

Last year, professional angler Mike Hart, whose career earnings stand at $200,000 (£124,513), was banned from competing for life after he was caught adding extra weight to fish with lead sinkers.

A wide range of fishing lines are available to anglers, but many fishermen are unaware of the best ways to use different types, according to an angler in Australia.

Steve Cooper wrote in the Australian Weekly Times that many people have now switched to braid lines, rather than using standard fishing lines.

The angling enthusiast believes this might be because they have become more fashionable than the traditional line, but there is a time and a place to use both.

He suggested that braid lines are best deployed in strong currents and in other situations when a less stretchable line is required.

"When working soft plastic lures for snapper, braid is the first choice. The lack of stretch means better transmission of a bite through the line and a better hook-up rate," Mr Cooper advised.

According to the publication, using braid lines to catch cod can also be advantageous, as the equipment can cater for an extra 5 kg of tackle when attempting to land bigger fish.