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GENERAL RULES
- Coarse fishing on society rivers will only take place between 16th June and 14th March inclusive. there is no closed season on society Stillwater's. The society's permit runs from 1st June until 31st May.
- River Whitewater top section between Weir and Hategate Bridge will be closed to coarse angling from 16th June until 1st October inclusive.
- Members are subject to all Environment Agency byelaws and a valid EA rod licence must be carried on all society waters at all times. Any angler not able to produce a valid licence will not be permitted to fish society waters. Any subsequent summons from the EA will result in that person being banned from Society waters and their membership forfeited.
- When on Society waters members must carry with them, at all times, proof of membership. Any person not in possession of their membership book will be classed as a non-member and will have to purchase a guest ticket or leave the water.
- Any disputes arising between members that cannot be settled amicably should be referred to the committee, whose decision and ruling will be final.
- Any member wishing to bring charges against another member must do so in writing to the secretary who will bring the matter to the attention of the committee.
- Any member carrying a shotgun, air rifle or any firearm or bow of any kind on society waters without committee approval will be expelled from the Society.
- No alcohol or non-prescribed drugs of any kind are permitted on Society waters. No persons under the influence of drugs or alcohol are permitted on Society waters. Permits will be withdrawn and will be referred to the management committee for disciplinary action to be taken.
- No member of the Society of their guests shall seek publicity through local or national press in any matter relating to the Society, the officers of the Society or Society waters without first gaining written consent of the secretary or committee.
- Society waters are available for fishing only. No picnics, camping, lighting of fires, swimming, boating or the use of any music producing appliances without earphones is permitted.
- Only members, their 'guests' or persons attending Society business are allowed onto Society waters. ( The term 'Guest' only includes those fishing with a valid guest ticket.)
- All fish taken on Society waters must be returned alive.
- Members will not use any bait or lure which is prescribed by the waters authority and Environment Agency as ' non permitted '
- Any member found damaging property or interfering with livestock, including game will be expelled from the Society.
- Any member found fishing in a prohibited area will be expelled from the Society.
- All joining fees from new adult members are to be transferred to the water purchase fund.
- A Bailiff may request lines to be reeled in to enable inspection of end tackle.
- All members as well as Bailiffs have a right to request anglers to produce their membership book which must be carried at all times on Society waters.
- Any member or guest fishing Society waters will be responsible for collecting and removing any litter present in their swim and the margins upon their arrival, and at the time of vacation. Any member found in breach of this rule will have the offence entered in their membership book and the membership withdrawn by the Bailiff on the second offence. The matter will then be referred to the management committee for disciplinary action to be taken.
- Where a match is booked on Society water, that water must be clear of all anglers at least two hours prior to the drawing of pegs. Any member wishing to fish after the draw has taken place should seek permission from the match organiser, and on permission being given from the match organiser, must only fish where the organiser agrees to.
- The transferring of fish between Society waters or any waters is not permitted. ( Environment Agency Regulation.)
- Only barbless or micro barbed hooks to be used when fishing Society waters, including spinners, plugs and treble hooks where one barb may be left to retain the bait. ( see rule 6 of pike fishing.)
- All members must have a landing net of adequate size assembled ready for use when fishing Society waters.
- No fish to be laid directly onto the bank especially when fishing for Carp and Pike where an unhooking mat must be used at all times.
- A maximum of two rods only to be used at any one time when fishing Society waters.
- Only sack-bottomed type keep nets of 18" minimum diameter, and a minimum length of 8 feet to be used on Society waters.
- No dogs are allowed on Society waters unless under full control by the owner.
- When fishing the waters of another Society, members must abide by the rules of that Society.
- No angler is to leave rods unattended with lines in the water at any time. Swims should not remain unattended for longer than 15 minutes.
- All forms of fixed weight are prohibited on Society waters.
- Any member found guilty of defecating on a Society venue will be expelled from the Society.
- The use of boats and bait boats is prohibited.
NIGHT FISHING
- Night fishing is permitted on all pits and the River Blackwater
- Fishing is permitted for a maximum continuous period of 48 hours, with NO return to the water within 48 hours.
- Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to fish at night unless accompanied by a member over the age of 18, who will be responsible for their conduct, and must occupy the same or adjacent swim.
- No fish to be kept in a keep net or retaining sling for longer than 1 hour
CARP FISING
- No braided main line.
- Main line must have a maximum line strength of 15lb.
- A landing net of 36" arms must be assembled at all times and a suitable un-hooking mat available.
- No cutting point or bent hooks are permitted.
- Beach casting methods are not permitted.
- Do not stand up while holding a fish for photographs or any other reason.
- No angler is to cast their line more than half way across the lake.
- All memberships must be in possession of a carp care kit while fishing
- Please see bait rule 1
PREDATOR FISING
- Main line must have a maximum line strength of 15lb.
- A landing net of 36" arms must be assembled at all times and a suitable un-hooking mat available.
- No cutting point or bent hooks are permitted.
- Beach casting methods are not permitted.
- Do not stand up while holding a fish for photographs or any other reason.
- No angler is to cast their line more than half way across the lake.
- Please see bait rule 1
BAITS & PRE-BAITING
- All baits may be used when fishing Society waters. Including hemp and sweetcorn with a 1 tin limit on each per 48hours. Nuts, beans and pulses are completely banned, with the exemption of a single peanut or tiger used as a hookbait. Other particles can be used with the permission of the Secretary or Head Bailiff and must be noted on the members profile and renewed annually.
- NO live baits are permitted at ANY time.
- Members are permitted to pre-bait areas, maximum of 1kg of bait in any 48hour period. Members understand that if another member is fishing in an area you’ve pre-baited it is their right to remain in the swim without discussion.