Predator Fishing Rules: With effect 01 Nov 2021;
General
All anglers must be in possession of a valid L&DAA membership or day ticket, and an environment agency (EA) fishing licence. Any angler caught fishing without these (including refusal to purchase a day ticket) will be prosecuted.
All predator fish caught from L&DAA waters must be returned to the water alive unless written permission is obtained from the Chairman or Secretary prior to any fish being removed from L&DAA waters. Anyone caught removing fish from L&DAA waters without permission from the aforementioned person/s will be prosecuted.
Strictly no live baiting on any L&DAA water.
Deadbaiting on approved L&DAA waters is permitted between October 1stand March 15th annually.
Lure fishing is permitted from June 16th to March 15th annually.
Between June 16th and September 30th annually lures may not exceed 9cm.
Any method other than dead-baiting, or lure/fly fishing, with rod and line, is strictly prohibited.
Predator anglers can use a maximum of two rods, or three if their EA licence permits this, at any one time. These rods should be spread no further than 3 metres apart. Anglers should be no further than 5 metres away from their rods whilst angling at any time.
In the event that the water temperature rises to a level which the L&DAA consider detrimental to fish welfare, the L&DAA reserve the right totemporarily suspend all predator angling.
Equipment
When pike fishing, either dead-baiting or lure/fly fishing, all members must use the following equipment,
· Minimum 36” triangular landing net *Or equivalent size for other shapes/designs
· Large unhooking mat
· Forceps 12”
· Long nose pliers and/or wire cutting tool
· Minimum 20lb wire trace
· Treble hooks size 2-10 only
· Minimum 15lb monofilament line, or 30lb braid line.
When dead-baiting, the following bite indication must be used,
· Ledgering – audio alarm and drop off indicator
· Float fishing (static bait) – float and audio alarm
· Float fishing (trotting/drifting bait)– float *Float must be in eye-sight at all times
When ultra-light lure fishing for Perch or Zander the following equipment must be used,
· Minimum 10lb fluorocarbon trace, orfine wire trace (recommended).
· Maximum 9cm lures (10cm+ lures require a wire trace)
· Single hook lures (treble hook lures require a wire trace).
· Minimum 20” triangular landing net. *Or equivalent size for other shapes/designs
· Unhooking mat
Boga grips, Gags, Gaffs, and unpadded tape mats are strictly prohibited.
Strictly barbless hooks. Barbed hooks must be flattened with pliers.
When dead baiting, one hook may remain barbed for securing the bait only.
Handling
Unhooking mats must be used whilst targeting all predator species. Never place predator fish on any other surface.
Neverstand whilst holding a fish, for any reason. Dropping a fish can cause severe damage or death. Please crouch or kneel when photographing fish.
Pike and perch can be chin gripped to assist with controlling the fish. The weight of the fish must be supported when using a chin grip, either laying the fish on an unhooking mat, or with a spare hand.
Fish must be removed from, and returned to, the water via a landing net or weighsling. Unhooking mats can also be used, so long as they have carry handles.
Predators must be returned to the water as soon as possible.
Please ensure fish are fully recovered before release. Allow predators time to recover in a landing net if necessary.
Summary
If members are concerned that anglers are breaching the predator rules, they should signpost the angler to the L&DAA rules on our website. Please report any breaches to the L&DAA immediately. The Bailiff Team will consider any breaches of these rules on their individual merit. Individuals breaching the rules may be subject to disciplinary actions, which could lead to expulsion from the association.
Please share any concerns regarding rule violations via email info@lincolnangling.org
If any laws are being broken, please contact the Environment Agency (0800 807060) and Police (101) immediately.