Fishing Rules

FISH CARE

The care and welfare of our carp is our number one priority. All anglers must follow these rules and any instructions given by management or the bailiff.

• All landing nets must be dipped in the provided tanks before use
• A carp cradle or fully padded, cushioned-sided unhooking mat must be used and fully wetted before use
• When removing a carp from the water, fold the landing net within the retainer or weigh sling and ensure all fins are flat to the body before lifting
• All fish must be placed directly into a carp cradle or fully padded, cushioned-sided unhooking mat
• Fish must only be handled for photographs below waist height and over a carp cradle or fully padded, cushioned-sided unhooking mat
• Keep fish out of the water for the minimum time possible
• All carp must be returned to the water as soon as possible after weighing and photographs
• Any carp over 30lb must be reported to management or the bailiff so we can monitor the condition of our stock

GENERAL RULES

• Anglers aged 18 or over may fish independently
• Anglers aged 15–17 may fish when accompanied and supervised by an adult
• No persons under the age of 15 are permitted around the lake
• Vehicles must be parked in the designated free car park outside the lake gates
• Do not block any gates and ensure all gates remain closed at all times
• Barrows may be used around the lake; vehicle access to the waterside is not permitted
• Fishing is only permitted from designated swims
• Anglers must remain within their allocated swim, even if other swims appear unoccupied
• Guests with disabilities are welcome; please contact us before arrival to discuss any requirements
• All anglers and guests enter the fishery and use the facilities at their own risk

TACKLE & FISHING RULES

• A full carp care kit must be available at all times
• A minimum 42-inch landing net is required; two landing nets are strongly advised
• Maximum of 2 rods per angler
• Rods must never be left unattended; if you leave your swim, all rods must be reeled in
• Minimum 15lb mainline; braided mainline is not permitted
• Maximum 2.5oz leads; inline, pear or dumpy leads only
• Hooks must be size 6 to size 4 and barbless or micro-barbed only
• Rigs must be semi-fixed or free-running; fixed rigs, bolt rigs and magic twig rigs are not permitted
• A minimum of 18 inches of leader or tubing must be used above the lead; no bare line
• Stage stands are not permitted; rod pods are advised, although bank sticks may be used where ground conditions allow
• No sacking of fish at any time
• No entering the water or swimming at any time
• If a boat is required, management or the bailiff must be notified and will take appropriate action

BAIT & BAIT BOATS

• No particles, tiger nuts, maize or crushed nuts are permitted
• Pellets and crushed boilies are permitted, including when used in PVA mesh or bags
• No spodding or Spombing is permitted at any time
• No zig rigs or plastic baits, including artificial pop-up corn or foam
• Bait boats are strictly prohibited at Parkside Fishery, including in lodge swims. Anyone using a bait boat will be instructed to remove it from the water immediately. Failure to comply may result in being asked to leave the fishery.

CONDUCT & BEHAVIOUR

• All litter must be bagged and taken home
• No barbecues or fires are permitted
• Please respect other anglers, management and the bailiff at all times
• Antisocial or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in you being asked to leave the fishery
• Serious or repeated breaches of the rules may result in a ban

Management and the bailiff reserve the right to carry out rig checks at any time. These checks may be carried out more than once during your session to ensure our rules are being followed and to protect the welfare of our carp.

Failure to comply with any of the fishing rules may result in fishing being stopped and the angler being required to leave Parkside Fishery.

SPAWNING & FISHERY CLOSURES

During spawning periods, Parkside Fishery may temporarily suspend all fishing to protect the welfare of our carp.

Fishing will resume only when spawning activity has ceased and management is satisfied that the fish have had sufficient time to recover.

• Fishing must stop immediately if instructed by management or the bailiff
• Temporary closures may be introduced without prior notice where necessary for fish welfare
• Anglers must not attempt to fish during a temporary closure