Code of CONDUCT

In the interests of both the reputation of the Club and the image of angling as a sport the Committee will expect members to adhere to these simple practices whenever and wherever they are fishing – whether in Club competitions, Opens or purely socially.

1.  Fishing from the shore is a right enshrined in the Magna Carter. However, this right does not permit you to walk on private land to reach the shore without permission. If in doubt, keep to recognized rights of way. Access may also be limited in some areas, e.g. military sites.

2.  If driving to your venue, keep to established roads and tracks. Park sensibly, preferably in a recognized parking area. Do not block access points for landowners, farmers and emergency vehicles.

3.  If a fish is to be kept for the table or for weighing-in, ensure it is above the minimum landing size limit, dispatch it quickly and cleanly, then keep it out of sight if possible. Do not leave dead fish lying around in view of the public.

4.   If fish are to be kept alive for weighing-in, make sure they are in an environment which will give them the maximum chance of survival. Remember, our club operates a weigh and release system.

5.   Return all undersized fish, whether alive or dead, to the sea – this is a legal requirement to help ensure the conservation of stocks.

6.  Remove hooks promptly from fish and if the fish is not to be kept, return it to the sea quickly. If a fish is to be returned to the sea and the removal of the hook may kill the fish, cut the line as close to the hook as possible then release the fish.

7. Respect the presence of the public and be polite and helpful if asked questions. Try not to inconvenience or endanger other users of the shore. Remember, they may have as much right as you to be there as you do. All water craft have right of way over anglers. Do not cast in their direction and move fishing lines out of their way.

8 Do not swear or shout or otherwise behave unruly if the public are nearby or within earshot.

9 When departing the fishing venue, remove all litter and do not leave unused or unwanted bait lying around.

10. Respect the environment by not discarding unwanted hooks and line – rather take them home for proper, controlled disposal. 

Recreational sea angling with rod and line is a public right on almost the whole of the coast, including all conservation sites. However, like all users and observers of the natural environment, each angler has a responsibility to the wildlife, other anglers and to the general public, to minimize their environmental impacts.