To
help you stay the right side of the law when pike fishing here we outline
some of the commonly misunderstood elements of the Environment Agency's national
fishery byelaws as they relate particularly to pike fishing in England and Wales.
Bear in mind that each region of the EA has its own set of byelaws in addition
to the national ones, so there may be some variation around the country. Also
remember that each fishery is entitled to set its own rules and regulations in
addition to the byelaws. CLOSE
SEASONS - In
England and Wales the
close season for coarse fish (including pike) is between March15th and 15th
June inclusive.
-
This close season applies to all rivers, streams and drains,
but does not apply to most stillwaters.
- The
coarse fish close season does not apply to most canals in England and Wales.
- There are, however, some exceptions that
retain the close season for conservation reasons.
- Where
the statutory coarse fish close season has been removed, fishery owners and angling
clubs are free to introduce a close season through club or fishery rules if they
wish to.
LICENCES
- Everyone over the age of 12 wishing
to fish for freshwater fish in England or Wales must be in possession of a valid
rod licence.
- To fish
for pike a Non Migratory Trout and Coarse Fish licence is required.
- Concessionary
licences are available for Juniors (12-16), Seniors (65+), and the Eligible Disabled.
- Rod
licences are available from every Post Office in England and Wales, by phone (Full
and Junior Concessionary licences only) on 0870
1662 662, online
here or by Direct Debit (details
here).
- A
licence does not give permission to fish, this must be sought from the fishery
owner.
NUMBER
OF RODS - A
rod licence entitles the holder to use two rods for coarse fishing.
- If
you purchase two licences you are then entitled to use up to four rods - where
fishery rules permit.
- This applies
only to rods actually in use - you can have as many as you wish set up.
SPACING
AND CONTROL OF RODS - Multiple
rods may not be spaced more than three metres apart, measured between the butts
of the outermost rods.
- Rods
must not be left unattended.
- An
angler must be in control of all rods at all times.
PIKE
TUBES AND KEEPSACKS -
Pike tubes and keepsacks must be constructed of a
soft, dark coloured, non-abrasive, water permeable fabric.
- Sacks
must have dimensions of at least 120cm by 90cm.
- Tubes
must have dimensions of at least 150cm by 30cm by 40cm.
- You
must not keep more than one fish in a single tube or keepsack.
- If
you wish to retain more than one pike a separate tube or sack must be used for
each fish.
LANDING
NETS - Landing
nets must have a knotless mesh.
- Gaffs
are illegal in England and Wales.
USE OF
FISH AS BAIT - The
use of coarse fish (live or dead) for bait is legal in England and Wales except
on certain named lakes in Cumbria. Details here.
-
Fish taken for use as live bait may
only be used on the water from
which they have been taken.
More
details about current
rod licence charges and
fishery byelaws (including regional byelaws) can be found on the Environment
Agency website. All
details and links correct as at 30/12/08
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