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Fishing Safety Tips and Ethics
7/2003
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. Always have one foot firmly on the bed before moving the other.
wear personal buoyancy aids. Be familiar with the location and use of any other buoyancy or life saving equipment provided.
be prepared to help anyone in difficulty
Fishing Conduct
Angling as sport and recreation is a fragile and personal experience. It can 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 water to which you have been assigned
be prepared to give way after you have fished a good spot 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 other anglers
make sure you can distinguish between takeable and non-takeable fish
where there are no bag limits, exercise 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
follow the Country Code particularly in relation to dogs, the risk of fire 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 safeguard your sport
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