Litter Litter is found in many places and is not just associated with angling. However, anglers claim to be conservationists and are putting wildlife at risk. Some categories of litter such as groundbait and 'castor' plastic bags and sweetcorn and luncheon meat tins, may be discarded by anglers after using their contents as bait. Other litter originates from the food and drink containers of anglers' meals. This creates hazards to wildlife.
Polythene bags can suffocate and the jagged edges of open tin cans can inflict serious injuries.
In addition, litter detracts from the scenic beauty of the countryside. Many bans have been imposed on waterways due to the litter problem and even where rubbish bins are provided they are often not used. The main reason for this is due to the generally tedious and labour intensive methods needed to collect all litter and the inaccessibility of certain areas of the habitat. An island in the lake used exclusively by anglers, was particularly affected by litter. The quantity of lead shot, nylon fishing line and other litter discarded at a coarse fishing lake.