SOWERBY ANGLING SOCIETY RULES
Introduction
1) The Sowerby Angling Society’s (‘The Society’) constitution authorises it to make rules relating to the conduct of members when on the river. These rules were approved by the Society’s AGM on 24 January 2024, will take effect immediately and will supersede all previous versions.
2) The Committee will regularly review the rules and may make recommendations to the AGM about any changes deemed necessary.
3.1) In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may amend the rules at any time, and without prior notice. It will only do so in the best interests of the Society and/or the safety of its members, or where required by law, or by a riparian owner. The Committee will notify members of any changes to the Rules as soon as possible. Such change is subject to ratification, in respect of future seasons, at the next AGM.
3.2) The Committee may consent to parts of the Society’s waters being used for match fishing by Thirsk Angling Club (’TAC’) between 1 October and 15 March. The consent may also include a waiver of the rules, including (but not limited) to those relating to permitted baits, and on the use of keepnets in competitions organised by TAC.
4) All dates in the rules are inclusive.
5) Attention is drawn to paragraph 6.1 of the Constitution – which authorises the Society to terminate membership where a member has been in persistent and /or serious breach of the Rules.
THE RULES
1 Fishing Seasons, Times and Methods
Trout – fly only, 25 March – 30 September.
Coarse fish (including Grayling) – fly only 16 June- 30 September, and fly, worm or maggot 1 October – 14 March.
Members must only fish with a single rod, and keepnets may not be used.
Fishing is permitted between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset.
2 Environment Agency
Members must have an Environment Agency licence and be familiar with and comply with the Agency’s fishing byelaws, which can be accessed on the EA website.
3 Catch and Release
The Cod Beck is managed as a sustainable wild fishery, and stocking no longer takes place. Catch and release is compulsory, and this policy applies to both game and coarse fish. Only in exceptional circumstances (such as when a fish is diseased or deep hooked) should a fish be killed.
4 Nets and Fish Care
Landing nets must be knotless, of adequate size and ‘fish friendly ‘. [NB it is now illegal to use knotted nets]
Please ensure that you have proper unhooking equipment, such as forceps.
Be aware that, in low water conditions in summer, especially when temperatures are high, the water is less oxygenated and fish suffer increased stress by capture. Use discretion in deciding when, where and how to fish in such circumstances.
5 Hooks
Barbless, or micro barbed hooks are strongly recommended, especially when larger sizes are used.
6 Membership Cards and Guests
6.1 Membership cards must be carried and shown on request to any other member, bailiff, riparian owner or tenant.
6.2.1 At any time a member may be accompanied by a non- fishing guest or share a rod with a guest.
6.2.2 Members may invite a guest to fish by themselves up to four times per season ( ie 25 March – 14 March ) and the following conditions apply –
– Members should ensure that guests are aware of the Society rules
– Guests may be accompanied or unaccompanied, but in the latter case the guest should carry evidence (written or text/email on phone ) of the permission
-The secretary should be given prior notice of a member’s intention to invite a guest; the name of the guest and the date of their visit should be provided.
7 Invasive Species
7.1 A number of non-native invasive species are present in and/or near the beck, including Himalayan Balsam and Signal Crayfish.
7.2 Members are recommended to take reasonable steps to avoid spreading invasive species to other waters, including thorough drying and /or disinfection of waders and nets etc.
8 General Behaviour
8.1 Members must respect the beck, its surrounding environment and its flora and fauna. Members must behave courteously to others, including fellow members, riparian owners, and members of the public. Don’t ‘crowd’ other anglers by fishing too closely to them unless you are invited to do so.
8.2 Dogs must not be taken on to the fishery, even if retained in a vehicle.
8.3. The Society will not tolerate any litter, including discarded line.
9 Maintenance and work parties
9.1 Insurance policy conditions, riparian arrangements, and the Society’s Health and Safety Policy prevent members from being permitted to undertake any maintenance or repair work, whether individually or by means of a work party, without prior agreement.
8.2 A written permit obtained from the Secretary is required for any work permitted under this rule. Such permit must be issued before work starts and may be subject to conditions.
10 General
10.1 Members should familiarise themselves with the Society’s Health and Safety Policy and if a member finds something unsafe or needing repair, then they should inform the Secretary as soon as possible.
10.2 If a member encounters suspected pollution on the beck the incident should be reported to the Secretary immediately and in the case of serious incidents, the member should contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline – 0800 807 060.
ISSUE DATE 24 January 2024