
Basingstoke Canal
Angling Association


Rules & Byelaws
Rules & Byelaws play a very important role when you go fishing. These rules are enforced by the Environment Agency & fishing clubs to look after the fisheries stock and fish welfare. All of these rules are clearly stated on fisheries permits / day tickets. If you do not understand any of the rules enforced or have any questions, then please contact your local club / bailiff for further details.
If any of the rules & byelaws are breached in any way this can have a have serious consequences by the means of bans and even fines.
When Can I fish?
Please remember that when coarse fishing that there is an open & closed season for when you can and can not fish. Please click on the link below for further details.
https://www.gov.uk/freshwater-rod-fishing-rules/when-and-where-you-can-fish
What will I Need before I go fishing?- (Open & Closed Season)
Before you set off on your fishing trip there are a few checklist's / items that you need to make sure you have at all times.
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A Valid Rod Licence & Fishing permit
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A Large / Suitable sized unhooking mat (Pike / Carp Anglers)
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An Landing Net minimum size 36 inches (Pike / Carp Anglers)
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Micro Barbed / Barbless Hooks to be used at all times
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Fishing line with a minimum of 12lb breaking strain for Carp or 8lb when lure fishing with wire trace (Minimum 48cm) for Pike.

Fish Safety (Welfare) & Rig Information
It is very important that when fishing for species such as carp & pike that the correct rigs and safety precautions are followed. Below is a couple of links that will give you all of the relevant information about the correct rigs and methods to be used when trying to catch these species.
Taking Pictures of fish
It is important to remember that when you are taking a photo of your fish that you remember the following points
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Always hold the fish directly over your unhooking mat
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Never stand up and have your photo taken with a fish (Always kneel down)
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Keep the fish in your landing net until you are ready with your camera and unhooking mat in place
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Never keep the fish out of the water longer than you have to. (If it is a very hot day then remember to pour water of the fish whilst out of the water)
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If you notice any other hooks in the fish apart from your own then please remove these aswell
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If you notice any cuts or abrasions on the fish please try and treat this with your anti-septic fish care kits
If these are not adhered to then this in turn can have a dramatic effect on the fish’s welfare or even death
Note: BCAA Bailiffs might ask to inspect your rigs on the bank for fish welfare & safety..
Fishing for Carp - http://gardnertackle.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/files_for_use/Rig%20Booklet%20for%20web.pdf
Fishing for Pike - https://pacgb.com/fishing-for-pike
PLEASE REMEMBER - NO FISHING FROM THE OPPOSITE BANK / OR FROM BOATS
Useful Information
PLEASE REMEMBER - NO BAIT BOATS ALLOWED




DANGER
REMEMBER - Please look up before you cast (Look out for overhead electricity pylons)


NO FIRES
