TWEED fishers are catching more than fish from the banks of the river, even well after the fishing trip has ended.

Discarded fishing line is trapping wildlife forcing the Tweed Shire Council to take action.

The council's waterways program leader, Tom Alletson, said there was a large amount of wildlife, especially sea birds, which were entangled in fishing line with hooks every year.

"Discarded fishing line is one of the most serious problems to wildlife on our river banks," Mr Alletson said.

"We have cut fishing line out of the trees but it is a band-aid solution.

"When you're out fishing from the banks of the Tweed River, keep in mind the effect your discarded fishing line can have on local wildlife."

Mr Alletson said fishing line affected both seabirds and marine life in the river.

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers wildlife carer Mary Grant said she found wildlife caught up in fishing line every day along Philp Pde, Tweed Heads South.

"We have found six bats in a fig tree this year caught up in fishing line," Ms Grant said.

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers contacted the council about the fishing line problem.

The council's arboriculture division removed discarded fishing line along the river at Tweed Heads South which is a popular recreational spot.