Broome Angling Society

As most members will know, Broome A.S. is a member of the Angling Trust and as such we are following the guidelines set down by them regarding the laws and interpretations of the laws that will apply to the new lockdown restrictions.

Following the Prime Ministers annoncement on the "Roadmap out of Lockdown" we have published, below, the latest news from the Angling Trust.

The Angling Trust has responded to today’s government announcement on the easing of lockdown restrictions in England saying:

“Although it is positive that the government have accepted the case that outdoor activities such as angling should be first to fully open it looks like no real change for us until March 29th when restrictions are lifted, and outdoor sports can resume. The Stay Home message and travel restrictions remain in place until then. With the exception of a provision for outdoor recreation as well as exercise. Since angling has been deemed ‘permissible exercise’ throughout lockdown this is unlikely to affect us.

“We will know more when the regulations and DCMS guidance are published in the coming days and will update everybody if anything changes. Having a clear date at least means that anglers, clubs and fisheries can plan for the forthcoming season with more certainty and we can all look forward to once again being able to fish our favourite waters in a manner of our choosing.”

Currently anglers are restricted to fishing locally once a day, as a form of exercise, with one other person and no organised gatherings or competitions. Most other sports remain prohibited. The Angling Trust submitted a case to government for the early and full resumption of all forms of angling including night fishing and competitions. These will now be possible from March 29th.

“Whilst many anglers would have liked to have to have seen angling fully opened earlier, we have to accept that the timing was always a matter for government acting on public health advice. Our job was to set out how our sport can be conducted safely and why we should be in the first tranche to resume without travel restrictions and with both competition and night fishing back in place. This all looks set to happen on March 29th and it’s good to see a widespread acceptance that healthy outdoor activities such as angling will be the first to return to some form of normality.”

Statement from the Angling Trust: Update January 7th 2021

The Government have now formally responded to the representations made by the Angling Trust. We have promoted the huge benefits of fishing on individual health and wellbeing and have been able to present a case to which the Government have listened. On this basis I am pleased to announce that fishing will be permitted during the third national lockdown in England.

“fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors”

“Cabinet Office have now officially confirmed that angling / fishing (incl. sea fishing off private boats, water sports)canbe considered exercise and are hence permitted.”

We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted. With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.

Please bear in mind these key points which will be reflected in the new Angling Trust guidelines which we will publish shortly:

We are once again able to enjoy the sport we love at a time when many others cannot and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules.

I would ask all anglers who are not members to join the Angling Trust and give us your support. We have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome and that is only possible thanks to the support of our new and existing members. I would ask all anglers who value their ability to go fishing to make the same commitment as your fellow anglers have and join the Angling Trust. We are stronger together!

These guidelines have been produced by the Angling Trust in our capacity as the recognised national governing body for all forms of recreational fishing in England. They have been drawn up following extensive dialogue with relevant Government departments and our colleagues in the Environment Agency to help anglers, fishery owners and managers to better understand what is permissible under the current lockdown regulations that are in place.

The government has confirmed that local fishing will be permitted during the third national lockdown in England under the exercise provisions. It must take place locally, in a socially distanced manner and only once a day.

“Fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors.” [DCMS – 6th January 2021]

We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and as anglers we all have a duty to abide by the strict and limited conditions under which fishing is once again permitted. With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.

This is a strictly limited resumption oflocal fishingand very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May 2020. We are in the middle of a public health emergency and the National Lockdown must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.

We have set out a series of answers to the most frequently asked questions to ensure that every angler is able to adhere to the rules.

Please Stay Safe and Stay Local

Can we still go fishing?
Yes, but once a day, locally and only with one other person from outside your household or support bubble. Sport England confirmation here

Can we go sea fishing?
Yes, but once a day, locally and only with one other person from outside your household or support bubble.

Can we go fishing from our boats?
Yes, DEFRA have confirmed that fishing in the sea or in freshwater from private boats (along with other water sports) can be considered exercise and is permitted.

Why can’t we night fish?
Because exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever. This does not stop you fishing for an hour or so after dusk but fishing through the night is no longer permissible.

Can we fish matches?
No. Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so there is no match fishing.

How far can we travel to go fishing?
Only local travel is permitted for the purpose of daily exercise as set out in theGovernment’s travel guidance here

This specifies the ‘local area’ –ie. town, village or part of the city in which you live. However, there is a recognition that there will be a need to travel for outdoor exercise.This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space).

Anglers will need to apply commonsense and judgement in defining their local area rather than fixating on parish boundaries. A lake or river in a neighbouring parish may well be closer than one on the other side of the same town. In short, you should be fishing your nearest available waters.

If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways.

Can my fishery stay open?
Fisheriesare noton the list of businesses required to close under the regulations. Camping, chalet accommodation, club houses or social facilities of any kind cannot open though onsite toilets with appropriate hand sanitising can remain in place.

The regulation requires the closure of“outdoor sports grounds or facilities”; if you are concerned that this might apply to your fishery you should seek specific advice.

You are allowed to leave home to exercise (which includes fishing) outdoors, but you can only meet with another person in‘public outdoor places’ which include parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests, public gardens (whether or not you pay to enter them).This will apply to most fisheries either commercially managed or operated by clubs that are open to members of the public.

Can tackle shops still trade?
Tackle shops are classed as non-essential businesses and must close but they can still offer a ‘click/call and collect’ service.

Can we still carry out work parties on our waters?
Yes, there are a range of activities for which travel is both required and lawful including“for work, or providing voluntary or charitable services, where it is unreasonable to do so from home”.

However, numbers should be kept manageable and Covid compliant procedures must be followed. Please see our Guidelines on Bailiffing and Fisheries Management

Is bait collection still allowed?
Yes. Anglers can undertake bait collection as their single act of daily exercise provided it is in their‘local area’. Bait collectors would be running a risk travelling to any spot that is not the closest one to their home that they are legally allowed to dig or collect bait from. Anglers can also undertake bait collection and sea fishing combined as part of their ‘local’ exercise. If an angler or bait digger has a private arrangement with a private landowner to dig for bait we recommend contacting the landowner before digging.

Can I still Coach, Guide or Ghillie?
Yes, but once a day, locally and only with one other person. Sessions must take place in a public outdoor space and social distancing maintained. Any coaches or guides undertaking sessions should ensure they’re complying with relevant national governing body safeguarding policies and procedures and conduct a thorough risk assessment before engaging in any sessions. This should include particular consideration for under-18s and vulnerable adults.

The Angling Trust suggests you should download and store a copy of these Guidelines and FAQs on your mobile phone in case you are challenged while fishing.

Club Chairman, Alan Smith, has asked me to post this update regarding the stocking of trout at Frisby Complex

As part of the ongoing efforts to control crayfish numbers in Smiggies and Colver, a number of rainbow trout have been introduced in both lakes. Unfortunately these fish become very stressed when caught, especially in warmer weather, so whilst we are not banning the use of keepnets for trout at this stage we are asking members to return them to the water immediately after catching whenever possible. We will monitor the situation in the short term to ascertain a course of action in the future.

It is with great sadness that we have to announce, today, the passing of one of our long standing Members, Tony Branston.

Tony had been a member of the Society for many years, with most of them served on the committee as Head Bailiff. He also set up the website that you are looking at now and gave me a great deal of help when he handed the reigns over a few years ago. he will be sadly missed.

Myself and the rest of the committee offer our deepest condolances to Tony's friends and family at this sad time.

Club Chairman Alan Smith has asked me to publish the following statement regarding the stocking of trout in Smiggies and Colver

As part of the ongoing work to keep crayfish under control at Frisby, trout are being introduced in both Smiggies and Colver over the coming days. These fish, weighing between 1 and 3lb, are proven to eat crayfish eggs and young. They must be returned to the water the same as all other species in the lakes and anyone caught killing them and taking them away will be expelled from the club forthwith.

These fish can be delicate when caught, especially in the warmer months, so please use extra care if retaining them in keepnets, and when returning them to the water.

As stated above in the Covid-19 advice given by the Angling Trust after consultation with the UK Government.

All Broome A.S. Matches are cancelled with immediate effect until further notice. This is because of Government Covid-19 tier 4 restrictions.

Jason Farmery has let me know that some fishing tackle has been found at Frisby complex, close to Jurassic Lake. It has been put in our lock-up container so it is safe.

Obviously, we want to return the lost tackle to the rightful owner so if you can let either myself or Jason know what you have lost and it matches what has been found then we will be pleased to re-unite you.

Statement from the Angling Trust: Update January 7th 2021

Lockdown Guidelines and FAQs: updated January 8, 2021

FAQs