Lockdown 2.0

This is going to be an extremely difficult period for everybody and as anglers we must recognise that we are fortunate that our chosen form of recreation can continue even though there are restrictions on what we can do. The Angling Trust made the case for fishing based on the health and wellbeing benefits that angling offers coupled with the importance of reducing pressure on other open spaces by allowing us to continue to safely enjoy the social isolation and peace that fishing brings. It is incumbent on us all to continue to act responsibly and to fish safely, fish locally and respect the Rule of Two.

How to Fish:
The regulations are clear and you can only leave home to fish with members of your own household, your support bubble or with one other individual. The Rule of Six is now effectively the Rule of Two for most of us. The tightening of the rules on ‘gatherings’ means that match fishing or any other organised fishing event is prohibited by law during lockdown. However, competitive fishing will be able to resume once there is a return to the three tier system of restrictions.

Where to Fish:
Angling is deemed a permissible form of ‘outdoor recreation’, and a lawful reason to leave home. It can take place, without time limits, within the provision allowing people  “to visit a public outdoor space for the purposes of open air recreation”.A ‘public outdoor space’ is defined as an ‘outdoor place to which the public have, or are permitted, access (whether on payment or otherwise).’ We believe this clearly includes riverbanks, towpaths, beaches and stillwaters that can either be accessed freely or on the payment of a day ticket or subscription levied by the owner or leased to a publicly available fishing association. The government clearly intends for people to be able to take their outdoor exercise and recreation in the form of angling and these regulations allow this to occur. Fisheries are not on the published list of businesses that the government has ordered to close and there is no reason that they should do so providing that they operate in accordance with the rules, It does not permit club outings or organised amateur sporting activities of any sort. All indoor or social facilities in any way connected with a fishing venue must close or refer to the relevant Government guidance. Fishing tackle shops, whether onsite or not, can only operate a ‘click and collect’ service.

Travelling to fish:
Whilst the government have chosen not to write their travel guidance into law we are urging anglers to respect the advice which states that it is permissible to travel in order to: “to spend time or exercise outdoors – this should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space)” Put simply, you can travel to go fishing but long journeys should be avoided ‘wherever possible’ freshwater anglers can not be travelling hundreds of miles in search of fishing during lockdown. It is up to the individual to apply common sense and act within the spirit of the government’s guidance. You absolutely cannot leave home to fish if you have Coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating.

How long to fish:
There are no limits on the time that can be spent on outdoor recreation which means that anglers are able to continue fishing into and through the hours of darkness providing the other rules are observed.

Social distancing:
All members are required to keep themselves and equipment to their pegs when fishing a maximum of 1 person per peg unless they are from the same household or your support bubble, people MUST KEEP a minimum of 1 Metres (2 Ideally) from any other angler or members of the public walking around the pool, gartherings are currently banned by law.

Sharing of tackle:
No sharing of fishing tackle or other items under current guidance.

Peg Sharing:
No sharing of fishing positions / pegs except by members of the same household/support bubble

NHS App:
Please use the NHS where possible – Signs are located on the entrances to all pools.

If you have symptoms:
**Do not leave home** if you have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow Government advice on self-isolation and DO NOT leave your home.

Pratice good hygine:
Use hand sanitiser before & after touching locks, gates etc. Disposable gloves are recommended.

HANDS – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.

FACE – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

SPACE – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).

Junior members:
All junior members must be accompanied by a full paying adult and be supervised at all times and are required to stay on their peg and not to run around the pools please have respect for other anglers as everyones safety is paramount.

Booking your peg:
All members are required to book your peg the day before prior to attending the pools and fishing, This is the only way we as a club can monitor all people fishing the pools at any given time, we have designated officals for different as follows:

• Four Ponds:
  Nikita Porter is the dedicated official for this water, you can reach Nikita Via Facebook Messenger or 07542132095 to seek availability and to book your peg
• Lymedale Pools:
  Nikita Porter is the dedicated official for this water, you can reach Nikita Via Facebook Messenger or 07542132095 to seek availability and to book your peg.
• Burley Pools:
  Stuart Stockton is the dedicated official for this water, you can reach Stuart Via Facebook Messenger or 07826542267 to seek availability and to book your peg
• Keele Boggs
  Jason Ikans is the dedicated official for this water, you can reach Jason Via Facebook Messenger or 07496810949 to seek availability and to book your peg

Booking times are 10am til 6pm to allow us time to update for the next days availability, Please note, All members fishing WILL be required to have a valid EA rod license and membership at all times.

Night Fishing:
For members who have purchased the night ticket, night bookings will be taken but you MUST check with the pool official for the specific water on availability, please make sure your bivvy is in the designated areas for night fishing, ensure any rubbish is taken home and pegs left tidy for the next angler.
Please note: we are not allowing consecutive nights fishing, unless there is enough space, you’ve spent at least 2/3 hours away from the pool to have a shower, and get yourself cleaned up. Please ensure your keeping hygienic, bring wipes, hand sanitiser and extra water to allow you to wash your hands, DO NOT have visitors unless they’re from your household or your support bubble.