Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain (2011)

Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain

Piking & The Law
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

www.pacgb.co.uk

In England and Wales the close season for coarse fish (including pike) is between March 15th and 15th June inclusive. This close season applies to all rivers, streams and drains, but does not apply to most still-waters. 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 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 keep sacks 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 keep sack. 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. Piking & The Law 1

Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain (2011) 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. 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 web-site.

Piking & The Law 2