General Club Rules
Memberships and Day Tickets must be purchased through the Clubmate App before fishing.
Box Brook requires additional permits.
Memberships run for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Anglers must also be in possession of an applicable EA rod licence whilst fishing our venues.
Tackle checks can be requested at any time. Failure to comply will require the angler to leave the venue.
Bailiffs or Committee may require a member to discontinue fishing if in their reasonable opinion, the equipment being used is unsuitable for the fish likely to be caught. Especially so for landing nets, mats, etc.
To comply with insurance limitations, all persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied at all times by An adult over the age of 21 years. Non-members at Hunstrete need to request a guess pass prior to visiting.
Fishing with no more than 2 rods at any one time permitted on any BAA venue.
Fishing only allowed from designated swims or platforms.
A member may only occupy one peg at any one time. If anglers share a swim or platform a maximum of two rods per swim still applies.
Members must keep to proper paths to access the lakes and not block or partially block footpaths or access or exit points.
Cars must be parked in designated spaces. Failure to do so is the members responsibility.
Micro-barbed or barbless single hooks are permitted only, and semi barbless trebles for predators only.
All rigs must be confirmed ‘safe’ and ensure leads etc can be ejected should the rig be lost to prevent fish becoming tethered.
Rules must be read in advance of attending our waters, available on Clubmate and our Website. Printed copies can be supplied if requested. Ignorance of the rules is not a viable excuse if a rule is broken or ignored.
In so far as the law allows, The Association will not be responsible for any accident or damage or personal injury that may be caused to person or property for any reason, at any Association fisheries or their surrounds.
No rod, pole, whip, etc, to be left unattended at any time, you must have sufficient control at all times.
BBQs or open fires are not allowed unless for work parties or committee authorised attendances.
Lake General Rules
All anglers MUST be in possession of a BAA membership and Day Ticket SPECIFIC TO THE LAKE being fished before occupying a swim. Day tickets are not transferable between lakes once purchased.
Closing times will be advised for all lakes on the Clubmate App, the Website and venue notice boards, anglers must leave the lakes and car parks by this time.
Anyone locked in will need to pay a release fee, £25 (at March 26), for an authorised person to attend the lakes to open the gates. Memberships will be suspended until the release fee has been paid.
No reserving of swims, unless for BAA authorised events. First come first served. Buckets etc will be removed if found.
Night fishing on lakes is not permitted, unless authorised by BAA.
Where dip tanks are provided, they must be used before fishing. ALL nets, slings, mats and weigh slings must be dipped.
When targeting carp, a carp care kit, minimum of a 42” net a minimum 50mm thick, extra-large unhooking mat must be used and wetted before use.
Keepnets will be allowed on Murfett’s Pool only. Restrictions may vary due to seasonal conditions. No carp in keepnets except in sanctioned matches where specified rules for an event will be in effect.
Keepnets must be suitable for purpose and of legal size and dipped where dip tanks are provided.
Carp must not be retained other than in the water whilst preparations are made for weighing and/or photographing.
Lead core leaders are not permitted. Lead free equivalents can be used.
No nuts permitted, including Tiger nuts.
Bloodworm and joker not permitted.
Only shop bought particle is permitted. If it is found this rule is not being abided by, the use may be banned.
Only fishing specific manufactured floating baits are permitted. ‘Dog/Cat’ type biscuit are not permitted on any lake where floater fishing is permitted.
‘Washing Line’ or ‘Beach Casting’ method of fishing is not permitted.
Braided main line may be used ONLY for spodding.
Written authorisation is required for non-member guests to accompany a full member at Dave Crookes Fishery. Application should be made to the Membership Secretary.
No dogs (other than a guide dog) are allowed to accompany anglers on our lakes.
MAIN LAKE at Dave Crookes Fishery Hunstrete – NEW LAKE SPECIFIC RULES!!
‘Floater’ and ‘zig’ fishing is no longer permitted. This is still allowed on Withy Pool and Newton Park.
No floating free baits are to be fired into Main lake at any time.
A minimum of 12lb breaking strain mainline is required.
A minimum size 8 hook is also required.
River/Canal General Rules
Night fishing on the River Avon and Kennet and Avon canal is allowed once a night permit has been obtained.
Box Brook fishery has a specific set of rules that will be identified at the point of joining.
Predatory Specific Rules
Live baiting is NOT allowed on any venue.
No freshwater species of fish are permitted as bait on any venue.
Braided line is authorised for predatory fishing on rivers and canals only.
A minimum 60lb breaking strain must be used for dead baiting.
A minimum of 11lb braid for ultralight lure fishing for perch and 25lb braid for pike lure fishing.
Mono mainline minimum sizes are also required. 15lb for dead baiting, 6lb for ultralight tactics and 10lb for lure fishing where pike could be hooked.
Wire traces must be used when there is a chance of hooking pike (anything other than ultralight perch tactics). Traces should be a minimum of 18in/45cm long.
Members must carry at least one pair of forceps or pliers with minimum length of 10in/25cm for removing hooks. Strong wire cutters are strongly recommended to cut hooks and traces if necessary.
When Lure Fishing For Pike, any lure with a barb is strictly prohibited and must be modified pressing down barbs so that only a smooth bump remains.
Members are requested to notify a Bailiff should a lure be lost in trees or snags so that it can be removed.
Members are advised to check the Pike Anglers Club website (www.pacgb.co.uk) for best practices on caring for all pike.
General Bathampton Association Information
The Association will not be responsible for any accident or damage or personal injury that may be caused to person or property for any reason, at any Association fisheries or their surrounds.
Depending on circumstances, members breaking club rules may be asked to leave the fishing site and surrender their membership and in such cases the Head Bailiff will pursue the matter. A disciplinary hearing may be instigated to decide further action against the member that may result in a temporary or life ban.
A Member may not attend nor fish any BAA fishery during the period that a membership has been suspended or a ban is in effect.
Members are asked to report any suspicious activities or breaking of club rules and to be vigilant with regards to fish theft or poaching activities, reporting such matters when possible to any club official.
Members breaking club rules may be asked to leave the fishing site and surrender their membership and in such cases the Head Bailiff will pursue the matter. A disciplinary hearing may be instigated to decide further action against the member that may result in a temporary or life ban.
THE UNDER 12 RULES.
No angler under the age of 12 may fish unless accompanied at all times by an adult member or is under the control of an organised event. Each Under-Twelve must arrive and remain with their ‘Sponsor’ at all times.
Where an under 12 is a paid junior member and in possession of a valid day ticket, if required, full rights to fish at a designated peg/swim are in effect. However the attending adult must be in control of the safety and behaviour of the junior. Use of an adjacent peg/swim is required.
Any angler under the age of 12 may fish BAA waters without the purchase of a membership providing they are accompanied at all times by a current adult member with a purchased day ticket if required.
A maximum of two under 12s may accompany an adult member (‘Sponsor’) to share or fish a single swim, fishing platform or place. The Sponsor must concede one of their rod entitlements to each under 12.
MEMBERS WILL NOT:
Remove or move any fish from any venue other than trout where appropriate and may be prosecuted and banned for life if found to do so. Movement of fish must be sanctioned by the E.A. and/or BAA, and performed only by club officials. Anyone found moving fish without permission will be banned from the club.
Be in possession of any offensive weapon. Any animal (other than a guide dog). Alcohol or drugs (Prescription drugs are permitted with written prescription proof).
Dig any bank or climb trees, light fires or barbecues.
Leave litter - any person fishing at a spot containing litter shall be held responsible for same, and will be liable to expulsion from The Association, pending a decision by the Disciplinary Sub Committee.
Fish within 30 metres of any power lines or cable or where signs dictate.