CLUB WATER RULES
The under-mentioned Water Rules are made in accordance with the Articles of Association Section 43.2 and must be observed by Members in the same manner as Club Rules.
ANY REFERENCES APPENDED TO ANY MAPS IN THE CLUB HANDBOOK AS TO MANNER OF FISHING SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF THESE WATER RULES
1. General Conduct
a. Members are requested to ensure that no damage is caused to crops or livestock on land adjacent, or giving access, to Club waters.
All members are expected to be courteous and civil towards other members, Club bailiffs and Club Officials.
b. Motor vehicles must be parked only in areas designated for parking as shown in the Club Handbook. Cars must not be taken onto private land without the express permission of the landowner.
c. Camping, picnic parties and fires are not permitted on or near Club waters without the express permission of the landowner.
d. No unleashed dogs allowed on Club waters.
e. Fishing from boats is prohibited on Club waters.
f. Open meat and corn tins are not allowed on Club waters.
g. All litter to be removed.
h. The Club accepts no liability for loss or damage to vehicles or other property.
i. Swimming is prohibited on all Club waters.
j. When using keep nets, members a requested to use them responsibly and not overcrowd them so the fish are unharmed.
2. Use of Two Rods
a. Except for when fishing those waters and under conditions detailed below, members are restricted to the use of a single rod which should not be left unattended at any time.
b. Two rods may be used at Cofton Lake, Turnmill Pool, Pool 2 at Winterfold Farm, Charlton Pool, the canal at Wootton Wawen and Club fisheries on the rivers Severn and Avon all year round, provided that:-
i. Both rods must be no more than 1 meter apart.
ii. The angler must not leave the rods unattended.
iii. Free running or bait-runner reels must be used.
3. Membership Cards
a. A membership card shall not be valid and a member shall not be entitled to fish the Club's waters until the member has completed in ink and all personal details and glued a passport style photograph of himself/herself to the card in the space provided for the purpose and has signed his/her name across the photograph.
b. Membership cards must be carried at all times when attending Club waters. A member not carrying a card must leave the water forthwith.
c. Riparian owners are allowed a number of Club cards. Guests of Riparian owners must be in possession of an owner’s card.
d. Members must produce their membership cards upon being challenged by another member, Environment Agency or Club Bailiff, or member of the Management Committee.
e. Members may be requested by official Club Water Bailiffs or member of the Management Committee to produce their fishing tackle for examination.
4. Close Season
a. All Club coarse fishing pools and canals are open during the coarse fish closed season (15th March to 15th June)
b. During the coarse fish closed season (15th March to 15th June) fishing for fresh water fish (coarse fish) is prohibited on all Club river fisheries.
5. Club Pools and Lakes
The use of keep nets, barbed hooks and bait boats are prohibited on all Club pools and lakes.
6. Brown Trout and Grayling
All Brown Trout and Grayling caught are to be returned immediately.
7. Guest Tickets
a. Guest Tickets are issued at the discretion of the Honorary Membership Secretary and may be obtained from him upon giving seven days’ notice and forwarding the appropriate fee of £7 and a stamped addressed envelope.
b. Guest tickets will NOT be issued on personal application at the home of the Honorary Membership Secretary.
c. Not more than four guest tickets may be issued to an individual member during any one year.
d. Guests must be accompanied by the member who will be responsible for the conduct of their guest. Any guest is bound by Club Rules and Club Water Rules.
e. No guest tickets are issued in respect of Club waters on the River Rea and Ledwyche Brook. Guest tickets will be available on the remaining Club fisheries.
f. Advanced guest tickets may be purchased when renewing Membership subscriptions, and the following conditions are placed on them;-
i. When completing the subscription renewal, up to 4 guest tickets can be purchased for use during the year.
ii. Prior to use, each guest ticket must be completed in ink with the name of your guest and the date on which you will use it.
iii. After use, completed guest tickets must be returned to the Honorary Membership Secretary.
iv. Unused guest tickets must be returned to the Honorary Membership Secretary with the following year’s subscription renewal.
v. There will be no refund on unused guest tickets.
vi. Unused guest tickets will not be replaced with new tickets for the following year.
vii. It is the responsibility of the member to account for all advanced guest tickets which have been issued.
g. Guest tickets are valid from sunrise to sunset only.
8. Holt Fleet
No fishing is permitted between the weir and the road bridge from 1st February to 15th June inclusive.
9. Pike and Zander fishing
a. When live - baiting fish must:
i. Be caught at the venue being fished.
ii. Must only be lip hooked.
iii. Be to a maximum of 6” (150mm)
b. Unhooking mats and forceps must be used.
c. Gaffs are prohibited.
d. When using treble hooks, at least two barbs must be crushed at all times.
e. Wire traces must be used at all times when fishing for pike.
10. Environment Agency Rod Licence
Members must be in possession of a current Environment Agency Licence and are advised to consult relevant regional Water Authority bye - laws.
11. Maintenance
Unauthorised maintenance work on Club fisheries is strictly prohibited.
12. Stocking
No fish may be introduced, removed or transferred between any Club pool or fishery unless under direct instruction of The Committee. (See also Rule 9a)
13. Cofton Lake Members
Associate members from Cofton Lake Conservation Ltd will be allowed to fish at Cofton Lake only, upon purchase of a Cofton Lake Membership Card, and must abide by all Club Water Rules.
14. Use of Unhooking mats
Unhooking mats must be used at all Club coarse fisheries.
15. Junior and Lady Members
Junior and Lady members may only fish if accompanied by either an Ordinary, Concessionary, Honorary, Life Member or Cofton Lake member, who shall be responsible for their conduct and safety at all times.
16. Carp fishing
When fishing for carp on Club pools and lakes, the following line and hook specifications must be followed:-
a. A minimum 10lb breaking strain line should be used.
b. Minimum hook size should be 10.
c. Braided main lines and lead core leaders are prohibited
17. Cofton Lake Night Fishing
a. Night fishing at Cofton Lake is available only to syndicate members. Syndicate membership is available on payment of an additional subscription.
b. Unless night fishing, the Cofton Lake fishery must be vacated by the time shown on the clock in the car park
18. Combination Number
The Club lock combination number must not be divulged to non members.