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RULES

Tackle
Welfare

TACKLE | FISH WELFARE | BAIT | GENERAL

Our Rules are here to protect the fishery, the anglers and the environment, we take a dim view of those who break the rules and you may be asked to leave without refund should you be found to be in breach of any of the following, if in doubt ask, we are fair and very approachable, we want you to catch and enjoy your time, any problems please ask.

Main Rules & Guidelines For Anglers Fishing Hurlston Hall Fishery

  • All anglers must report to the main office prior to fishing or entering the lake area

  • Please bring barrows back when you arrive at your swim for the next person to use

  • The main entrance gate is only be used as an unloading area once unloaded all vehicles must park in the main golf car park, please respect other anglers and other site users, speed limit is 5 mph and we remind anglers to not block the road.

  • Strictly - No spectators or visitors except by prior arrangement with the site manager on duty.

  • The main gate will be locked at 7pm promptly in the summer and 4pm in the winter.

  • Any takeaway food deliveries etc can be deliver to the main gate if the gate is locked food can be passed through the gate, 

  • Climbing over the gate is strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated.

  • An Emergency number is provided if you need to leave when the gate is locked.

  • Pegs must be kept clean and tidy at all times no rubbish to be left on the peg please take it home with you or there is a general waste bin provided at the main gate please use it.  

  • Please use the toilets and remember to dispose of bivvy loo waste responsibly (and double bag any such waste)

  • Please do not discard cigarette butts, put them in the buckets or bins provided

  • Anyone wishing to view the lake must notify a member of staff so an appointment can be made.

  • No fish are to be introduced or taken from the lake.

  • No under 18s without an experienced fishing parent/guardian

  • No tents or gazebos only angling bivvies' / brollys are permitted.

  • No dogs allowed

  • Please respect the wildlife around the area.

  • Payment for fishing must be paid in advance or upon arrival where you will be given a receipt for the duration of your stay

  • WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS UNLESS THE LAKE IS FROZEN OR NEEDS TO BE CLOSED

  • Please do not move your peg without asking a staff member first as it may be reserved or scheduled to be closed / maintained

  • Please keep the toilets CLEAN and as you would expect to find them.

  • Please keep the paths clear to allow staff and anglers unrestricted access - please be prepared to help other anglers to pass if required

  • Please keep any stoves / bbq off the ground so as not to burn the ground or grass

  • Air Rifles / Weapons of any kind should never be brought onto the fishery property

  • Fishing from designated swims only please

  • Bivvies' to be set up as far back as possible

TACKLE | FISH WELFARE | BAIT | GENERAL

Permitted Tackle

  • Maximum of two rods can be used.

  • Rod License MUST Be Valid and in your possession before you fish

  • No fixed rigs or unusual rigs - there are countless resources online to help make sure you are fishing safely!

  • Safety rigs only - these must be able to lose the lead or the hook-link if snagged or if your line snaps 

  • if you are unsure please ask a member of staff

  • BARBLESS & MICRO-BARBED HOOKS only to be used please don’t be offended if the bailiff ask to see your rigs - rig checks are in force

  • Tubing or (SAFE) Leaders must be used

  • No braided main line

  • No floating / surface fishing or surface baits please

  • Reel in any spod and marker rods after use - do not leave markers out unattended

  • Minimum mainline of 12lb for Carp Fishing

  • Bait boats are allowed. if not used sensibly their use will be reviewed

TACKLE | FISH WELFARE | BAIT | GENERAL

Fish Welfare

  • Rods must not be left unattended in the water (EA rules state you must not be more than 3 meters from your rods).

  • All landing net’s cradles and slings must be properly dipped in our tanks before they are used on the lake for at least 3 minutes and should then be left to dry - please only bring properly dried nets, slings and cradles with you to prevent disease

  • When you hook that biggie don't panic! make sure you are able to give the fish line by adjusting your reel accordingly or use the back wind function, never drag a fish, let it fight itself out naturally and be patient, we expect anglers to take good care of our fish and the main cause of damage comes from aggressive playing or "bullying" of fish when on the hook. There are very few snags at Hurlston and unless you really have to you should be able to manage your catch comfortably without putting the breaks on too hard.

  • Repeated bullying of fish may result in a ban - if you are unsure please ask!

  • Multiple runs are a thing here, you may need to reduce the number of rods you are using if it goes crazy so you don't get into a mess, please don't be offended if you are asked to do this by a bailiff, it is not a bad problem to have :)

  • Please bring your catch in carefully, as we request and leave it to recover in the net for a few minutes after capture before unhooking, weighing and photographing.

  • When transporting fish from the water to the cradle make sure the landing net is rolled down ensuring fins are not crushed

  • Keep the fish wet at all times especially during the summer months - cradles must be wet before use

  • Keep a bucket of water beside your cradle at all times

  • Please do not stand up with ANY catch to minimise risk of dropping or damaging a fish

  • Please make sure the fish are fully recovered before release.

  • Carp Care/ Orabase/Clinic/Bonjela treatments must be applied to all hook holes and any body damage on the carp.

  • We may close certain areas, or the lake completely when fish are spawning, please note we will only do this if necessary, please respect this and know it is for the welfare of the fish, we may also decide to close areas of the lake in very hot weather and may ask that anglers do not fish close to any air pump or other countermeasures we may put in place

  • All fish must be returned to the water as soon as possible any mortality (Dead Fish) must be reported to the bailiff, PLEASE leave the fish in the water until the bailiff attends - do not try to move any dead fish or animals you may find, always report to the bailiff.

  • Use of the boat is not allowed, if a fish is tethered please contact the bailiff who will decide whether use of the boat is required.

  • You should also contact us and get help if you know a fish is tethered or snagged or if any animal or bird is in distress

  • NEVER lift a fish over the ground by hand, fish must only be moved in a net or sling and a cradle must be in place, and must be wet prior to being used. 

  • You will only be permitted to carp fish if you have a cradle and large landing net (note these must be set up first and packed up last)

  • If you do not have a big landing net and accidentally hook a carp while fishing for smaller fish please ask for help, alternatively you can hire cradles and nets from the bailiff or the cabin £5.00 each with a £30.00 deposit refunded on return.

TACKLE | FISH WELFARE | BAIT | GENERAL

Bait

  • No feeding of maggots for carp fishing please

  • No nuts of any description - No meats - No dog biscuits

  • All baits must be used in moderation.

  • Please make sure to take unused bait home, do not throw it in the lake

  • The use of artificial baits is banned, all hookbaits must be edible

TACKLE | FISH WELFARE | BAIT | GENERAL

General Notes

 

  • Hurlston fisheries reserve the right to change the rules and conditions at any point if deemed necessary.

  • Please have respect for other anglers and staff - verbal abuse will not be tolerated

  • Keep Lights to a minimum and alarms on receiver only, turned low at night please for the sake of the local residents

  • Radios are allowed but must be kept to a minimum so as not to disturb other anglers.

  • Alcohol is permitted in moderation (crates of beer is not acceptable)

  • Drugs are strictly forbidden.

  • NO FIRES

  • We reserve the right to close for matches, special events and for maintenance - dates will be posted well in advance on this page and on social media - please make sure you check this list regularly - closures will generally be at the weekend and only a few times each year.

  • Please take care not to cross other people's lines and do not cast more than half way across the lake if someone is opposite you, if you are not sure where others are fishing please ask them, making a scene will result in a ban.

Bait
General
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