Anglers’ Code of Conduct

At Verulam Angling Club, every member plays a part in protecting our fisheries, respecting fellow anglers, and ensuring the welfare of our fish. Please follow these simple guidelines whenever you fish our waters.

Safety

Your safety should always come first.

  • Use suitable tackle and line strength for the type of fishing you’re doing.
  • When distance casting, always check that the opposite bank is clear.
  • Never fish within 30 metres of overhead power lines.
  • Take extra care when wading and only enter the water where it is safe and permitted.
  • Wear a buoyancy aid when fishing from a boat.
  • Avoid fishing on frozen waters or unstable banks.
  • Be cautious when freeing snagged tackle to prevent injury.
  • If fishing alone, let someone know where you are and when you expect to return.
  • Carry a torch and whistle if fishing after dark.

Weil’s Disease

Weil’s Disease is a rare but serious illness spread through contaminated water, usually from rat urine.

To reduce the risk:

  • Cover cuts with waterproof dressings.
  • Wash your hands before eating.
  • Never place baited line in your mouth or bite line to trim it.
  • Take all litter home, as litter attracts vermin.

If you experience flu-like symptoms after fishing, particularly fever, headaches, muscle pain or red eyes, seek medical advice immediately.

Waterside Etiquette

Please respect fellow anglers, local residents and the environment.

  • Park responsibly and never block access.
  • Leave gates as you find them.
  • Keep noise to a minimum.
  • Use bite alarms considerately.
  • Avoid bright lights after dark.
  • Keep mobile phones, radios and speakers quiet.
  • Do not cast into another angler’s swim.
  • Follow all fishery rules and Environment Agency regulations.
  • Always take your litter home.

Fish Care

Fish welfare should always be your highest priority.

Essential Equipment

Every angler should carry:

  • Knotless landing net
  • Unhooking mat
  • Forceps or disgorger
  • Weigh sling
  • Fish-safe antiseptic treatment

Handling Fish

  • Wet your hands, nets and mats before handling fish.
  • Keep fish out of the water for the shortest possible time.
  • Support fish carefully at all times.
  • Never stand while holding a fish for photographs.
  • Return fish gently—never throw or drop them back into the water.
  • If a fish is deeply hooked, cut the line rather than causing further damage by forcing the hook out.

Special care should always be taken with eels, perch and other delicate species.

Clean and dry nets, slings and mats thoroughly after use to help prevent the spread of disease.

Photography

Prepare everything before lifting the fish from the water.

  • Have your camera ready.
  • Keep the fish low over a wet unhooking mat.
  • Support the fish properly with both hands.
  • Return it to the water immediately after taking your photographs.

Keep Sacks, Tubes & Keepnets

Only retain fish when absolutely necessary and for the shortest possible time.

Keep Sacks & Tubes

  • Use only quality fish care equipment.
  • Place only one fish in each sack or tube.
  • Secure them safely in deep, well-oxygenated water.
  • Check fish regularly and release immediately if they show signs of distress.

Keepnets

Keepnets are suitable only for small shoal fish.

Do not use keepnets for:

  • Carp
  • Pike
  • Zander
  • Barbel
  • Catfish
  • Grayling
  • Large perch
  • Large tench

When using a keepnet:

  • Wet it before use.
  • Use the largest keepnet available.
  • Do not overcrowd fish.
  • Keep fish for the shortest possible time.
  • Return fish carefully without sliding or dropping them.

Environment Agency Byelaws

All landing nets, keepnets and keepsacks must comply with current Environment Agency byelaws.

In summary:

  • Nets must be knotless and non-metallic.
  • Keepnets and keepsacks must meet the required size and construction standards.
  • Only one fish may be retained in each keepsack.

Members are responsible for ensuring their equipment complies with current regulations.

Respect Our Fisheries

Every member shares responsibility for protecting our waters and fish stocks.

By following this Code of Conduct you help ensure Verulam Angling Club remains a safe, enjoyable and sustainable fishery for everyone.