A
guide to good practice
In this Code, Game Angling covers fishing for
salmon, sea trout, trout, greyling and char.
The principals of
the code
Environment: All anglers should be actively concerned with
protecting the environment.
Conservation: Fishing, and the management of fisheries, should be
conducted so that healthy fish populations are maintained.
Behaviour: Moderation, courtesy, and consideration for others are
the marks of a sporting angler.
The Sport: There is more to fishing than catching fish.
The Game Angler
Good anglers are the watch-dogs of the water and its environment. Any sign of
deterioration must be reported immediately to the fishery manager and the appropriate
authority in the area. The report should include:
'What' has been noted
'Where' the occurence was seen
'When' the event was noticed
'The Extent' of any pollution
Anglers should take great care to avoid damage
to the waterside or disturbance to wildlife. No tackle or litter must be discarded and
particular regards should be paid to the hazards to wildlife from monofilament nylon.
Fish
Fish retained for food should be promptly and efficiently despatched. All other
fish should be released as quickly as possible. Fish should only be handled with wetted
hands; they should never be thrown back into the water but held facing upstream in running
water until they swim free. Where 'Catch and Release' is practised barbless hooks are
recommended.
Fishing Conduct
Angling as a sport and recreation is a fragile and personal experience, which can
so easily be disrupted by external interference. However, water space is in great demand
both from anglers and other activities and therefore its enjoyment has to be shared. The
following points should be observed by every angler:
- Ensure you have permission to fish
- Observe the bounds of any beat to which you have been assigned
- Be prepared to give way after you have fished a drift or pool
and never fish too long in one place
- Never crowd or obstruct an angler near to you on the bank or
in a boat
- Do not walk into or cut across another person's fishing and
avoid unnecessary wading
- Give consideration to anglers on the opposite bank
- Make sure you can distringuish between takeable and non
takeable fish
- Where there are no bag limits, excercise restraint in the
number of fish taken particularly when fish are easily caught
- Accept that the 'blank days' are part of the experience of
fishing
- Acknowledge considerate behaviour by other legitimate water
users
- Follow the Country Code particularly in relation to control of
dogs, the risk of fires and fastening gates
- Wear unobtrusive clothing and respect the peace of the
countryside
- Do not park vehicles so that they obstruct gateways or cause a
hazard on the road
- Support the organisations which safequard your sport
Salmon & Sea Trout
The law is specific that all immature salmon and sea-trout (parr and smolts) must
be returned to the water. This also applies to fish which have spawned (kelts). The law
regarding 'unseasonable' fish that are approaching spawning is less specific. Heavily
coloured fish, both cock and hen, are of no culinary value and should be returned as
quickly as possible. The rule is 'If in doubt - return immediately'.
Anglers are also strongly urged to keep only those fish that
they can personally use because overkill today could endanger future sport.
Wild Brown Trout
The accepted method of capture is by fly fishing. With the exception of some
overstocked hill lochs, a policy of restraint is requested regarding the number of fish
killed. Never kill more than can be used and return any others carefully.
Safety
All anglers should be aware of the inherent dangers of fishing not only to
themselves but to others. They should
- Wear head and eye protection particularly when casting in
windy conditions
- Look behind before casting
- Keep rods and lines away from overhead electric power lines
- In an electric storm cease fishing, put the rod down and move
well away from it
When wading in difficult conditions use a wading stick and
always have one foot firmly on the river bed.
Wear protective buoyancy aids wherever appropriate and be
familar with the locations and use of any other buyancy or life saving equipment provided
by fishery owners.
Be prepared to help anyone in difficulty. |
