Match Rules

Last updated following alterations/additions at the 2023 AGM

  1. All matches will start and finish by whistle only.
  2. No breaking of water permitted prior to the start while except for the placing of keepnets, mixing of groundbait and plumbing for depth.
  3. All fish to be weighed at the pegs.
  4. No fish weighed in if litter found at the pegs.
  5. No pike to count at any weigh in on any match held on club waters or on an outing.
  6. Anyone arriving after the official draw time will be refused entry to the pools and the match.
  7. Club cards must be produced before drawing a peg number.
  8. It is the individual angler’s responsibility to ensure they are in possession of a current rod licence.
  9. If any angler wishes to fish the scheduled duration of the match after all other anglers have left they may do so but must weigh in to qualify for a prize. Those having left of their own free will prior to the final whistle, forfeit all monies paid (this does not apply to Knockout matches see rule 10).
  10. If any angler fishing at a Knockout match leaves prior to the final whistle their opponent automatically goes through to the next round whether or not they weigh in.
  11. In an extreme situation eg. snagged tackle or fish, a competitor must seek permission from any adjoining angler if applicable to try and remedy the situation. if a snagged fish is successfully landed over one metre from their designated peg, such fish should be returned immediately to the  water and should not count in the competitors weight.
  12. No baited rods to be left in the water or on the bank when complying with the previous rule or at any other given time.
  13. No hooks to be baited prior to the start whistle.
  14. Fifteen minutes will be allowed to land any fish hooked prior to the finishing whistle.
  15. No angler shall use more than one fishing rod/pole at any one time during the match
  16. Failure to comply with these rules will result in expulsion from the match and the forfeit of all money and/or trophies.
  17. The interpretation of these rules will rest with the Match Secretary on the day and their decision will be final.
  18. Every competitor must fish with a MINIMUM of two keepnets as defined in Club Rule 11. One for small fish and one for larger fish. No more than 50lb of fish may be kept in a keepnet. In the event of the net limit being exceeded at the weigh in and provided it does not exceed 60lb, the steward shall allow 50lb. in the event of the net exceeding 60lb the contents of the offending net will be disallowed from the weigh in.
  19. No floating baits to be used as feed or hook baits in matches.
  20. Any member over the age of 60 can fish the Senior Citizens matches.