Angling Rules

Papercourt Main Lake – Carp Angling Rules 2024

We want all the syndicate members to enjoy the fishing, environment of Papercourt, fit in with the local residents and the PSC members.  To do this the rules below will make it work for everyone.

General

  1. Angling permits must be shown upon request by either a bailiff or a PSC officer.
  2. Renewals must be submitted by the last day of February or you will lose your right to renewal. Renewals are by invite only each year.
  3. Respect the wildlife around the lake at all times.
  4. Zero tolerance on litter.
  5. No swimming or wading above knee level.
  6. No unattended rods or unattended baited rigs at any time.
  7. No sacking of fish, a retention sling may be used for a maximum of 3 hours.
  8. You may leave a bucket or similar in a swim for a maximum of 1hour providing you are on site during this period.
  9. A maximum of 3 hours is permitted away from the lake whilst fishing.
  10. Vehicles must be parked in either allocated car parks at all times.
  11. You must be parked in either car park before you deposit a bucket in a swim.  E.g. you cannot park on the road and leave a bucket in the swim.
  12. Gates must be kept closed and locked at all times. Codes must not be given out to non-syndicate members.
  13. No fires.
  14. No drugs or alcohol.
  15. No violent, threatening or insulting behaviour at any time.
  16. Anglers may bring their children, but must be responsible for their safety and wellbeing.
  17. Anglers under the age of 16 years may not fish during the hours of darkness unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  18. Dogs are permitted but must be kept under control and cleaned up after.


Carp Fishing Equipment

  1. A minimum of fifteen-pound line must be used at all times. No braided mainline.
  2. Lead clips must be of the korda hybrid/fixed swivel type.
  3. Barbed/micro barbed hooks to be used at all times.
  4. Leadcore leaders must be a maximum length of 1m.
  5. Landing net to be 42” minimum.
  6. Carp care kit to be on hand at all times. Rig/lead set-ups must be proven to operate safely. These will be checked.
  7. No plastic or artificial baits to be used at anytime.
  8. No bait boats.
  9. All particles and nuts must be correctly prepared.
  10. When the weed-cutting boat is in operation and is heading towards your swim/water you must reel in all rods.


Swims

  1. Fish within the map of the pontoons swims.
  2. No fishing the pontoon swims or the car park, number two swim when boats/swimmers/or sailors are on the water.
  3. The  two end pontoon swims are run on a booking in basis, and must be vacated by 3pm the following day.
  4. No swim building unless authorised.


Pike fishing

Pike are delicate fish and require careful handling. They can also cause damage to anglers – their teeth are incredibly sharp.  Pike must be respected and handled accordingly.

If you have not had experience of handling pike, fish with an experienced pike angler until you are competent.

Unattended rods equal deep hooked fish, the next swim is too far away. Strike early to avoid deep hooking your pike.


Pike Fishing Rules.

  • Pike fishing can only take place between 1st October and 31st March.
  • Line Monofilament min. breaking strain 15lb.  Braided line minimum breaking strain 50lb.
  • Traces Must be of wire of at least 25lb. breaking strain and at least 18” long.
  • Hooks No more than two trebles may be used on any one trace, they must be barbless or semi barbless where one hook has a bait holding barb.
  • Lures Plugs spinners etc. The hooks on any artificial baits must be barbless, and a wire trace must be used . If lure fishing for other species i.e. perch a wire trace must be used.
  • Live baiting Is not permitted for Bio Security reasons
  • Dead baits Any dead baits, either sea or course fish may be used however such fish must have been purchased from a bona fide bait dealer or fishmonger. Do not bring dead baits caught from another water.
  • Retention of fish No pike shall be retained in nets, slings, sacks, tubes or any other method.  Return fish to the water as soon as possible after unhooking and photographing’
  • Returning pike to the water Do not carry pike in your arms.  Return fish to the water using a proper weigh sling or similar.  Do not stand up when holding a pike as they can be damaged very easily if dropped.


EQUIPMENT

The pike angler must have with them at all times;-

  • A large assembled landing net (min. 36” arms).
  • A large unhooking mat ( as per carp fishing). Preferably with    sides.
  • An adequate Pike /Carp weigh sling.
  • 12” long forceps, pliers or similar for hook removal
  • Side cutters to enable hooks to be cut for removal.
  • A sensitive and effective bite detector which shows drop backs as well as runs.


STOCK POND RULES

  1. The fishery is open from 16th June to 14th March inc.
  2. An Environment Agency rod licence is required.
  3. Up to two rods may be used.
  4. When fishing all anglers must have their own assembled landing net suitable for the fish likely to be encountered.
  5. When fishing, all anglers must have a suitable unhooking mat.
  6. No wet equipment e.g. nets unhooking mats etc. to be brought to the fishery.
  7. Keepnets must be at least 8ft long and a minimum of 18 inches in diameter.
  8. No carp to be placed in keepnets or retained in any other way.