From Bill Knight

Hi Dave,

First off, I would like to apologise for inadvertently breaking a fishery rule, which I wasn’t aware of, on the Thursday Costcutter match yesterday (13^th June). I’ve been match fishing for 50 years any have never knowingly contravened any fishery rules or regulations no matter what the circumstances.

In my defence, there are no fishery rules displayed at the fishery so how would anyone visiting the fishery, especially to compete in a match, know that this rule or others exist? The Windmill website does display some fishery rules but the one I was supposed to have broken is not on that list.

This particular rule does not apply to all commercial fisheries, as you suggested. There are many fisheries up and down the country that have their own set of match rules applicable to their fishery only. For example, some commercial fisheries that do allow cupping in groundbait while fishing a rod include Packington Fisheries, Decoy Lakes, Floatfish Farm Fishery, Hallcroft Fishery and Lindholme Lakes to name but a few.

So, in respect of the Windmill Fishery, would it be possible to have some clarification and confirmation of the match rules so everyone competing in the weekly matches and the Costcutter and Bonanza finals, are aware of them in advance. I personally would like clarification on the rules I have listed below:

1. Keepnets. Do anglers have to put them in 10 minutes or 15 minutes before the match begins? I’ve seen anglers putting them in 20 minutes before the match.

2. When pole fishing, are there are any restrictions to the length of lash between the pole tip and float? Some fisheries stipulate a limit of 6 inches.

3. Can you fish a pole rig without a float or with an over-shotted float? Some fisheries allow this and some don’t.

4. When pole fishing, are anglers allowed to slap and tap the pole on the surface of the water?

5. Can anglers use floating baits such as bread or floating pellets? Again, this is not indicated on the Windmill website.

6. Are there any limits on the amount of groundbait an angler can use at any one session? Some fisheries stipulate 1Kg.

7. Are there any limits on the minimum and maximum size hook that can be used. Some fisheries have a maximum hook size, usually a size 10.

8. Is bloodworm and joker allowed on any Windmill fishery match? It’s allowed at Bitterwell Lake but not allowed on many other commercials.

9. Are you allowed to stand up when mugging fish? Some commercials do allow this and some don’t.

10. Is there any limit on the length of pole you can use at Windmill? I have an extension section, which takes my pole length to 17 metres. Some fisheries will only allow 16 metre poles.

Also, some fisheries do not allow you to throw your bait in at the end of a session but I see this happening all the time.

I’m not being pedantic Dave, I’m just looking for some guidance on the rules relating to Windmill, as I don’t want to unwittingly break them in future and I would definitely not want to be disqualified for breaking a fishery rule that I wasn’t already aware of.

Thanks,

Bill