codesofconduct

Basingstoke Canal Angling Association

Codes of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Young Anglers

The following code of conduct is to help all young anglers, under the age of twelve, who want to fish the Basingstoke Canal

1	Make sure your parents or guardians know where you are going to fish.
2	Try not to go fishing on your own unless you are a very good swimmer.
3	Only use MICRO-BARBED or preferably BARBLESS hooks, and always have a LANDING NET handy at all times.
4	Keep quiet when fishing and do not play about with your mates on the bank. THIS IS HOW ACCIDENTS HAPPEN!
5	It is important to use the right tackle for the fish you hope to catch. If you are not sure do ask for help, but be polite and careful when asking.
6	Do not make a nuisance of yourself with other anglers.
7	Do not fish close to other anglers without asking if it's OK first.
8	Never fish after dark. This is dangerous and not allowed unless accompanied by an adult who holds a night fishing permit.
9	Watch out for OVERHEAD POWER CABLES and never fish near them. Most rods nowadays conduct electricity and if you touch or get too close to these cables then the resulting shock is usually FATAL.
10	You must NOT leave baited tackle in the water unless you are nearby.
11	Be very careful when the bankside is wet or slippery. THE WATER CAN BE DEEP IN PLACES
12	Please treat the fish with care; remember you fish free until you are twelve. The BCAA spend a lot of money on fish and they belong to us.
13	You must not fish near locks or bridges or from the aqueduct at Ash.
14	When casting, watch out for people on the towpath or on the other bank.
15	Keep the towpath clear of all your tackle, bikes, or anything else you may have with you.
16	Do not place fish in a keepnet unless it is really necessary. CARP MUST BE NEVR PLACED IN A KEEPNET
17	When you catch a fish please wet your hands before unhooking it and place the fish gently back into the water and as quickly as possible.
18	Rats on the canal can make you ill. Always cover any cuts on your hands with a waterproof dressing before getting them wet.
19	Be careful when eating any food. Keep it covered up and off the ground.
20	Lastly, ALL LITTER must be removed even if it is not yours. Never leave any line or hooks on the banks as this can kill birds or other wildlife.

The rules of the Basingstoke Canal Angling Association apply to all anglers, including those under twelve years of age. All instructions given by a Bailiff MUST be obeyed. To view a full copy of our rules see our Rules and Regulations page. For further information you can contact any of the officers listed on our Executive Committee page.

Code of Conduct for Carp Anglers

When fishing specifically for Carp the following will apply:

1	The use of unhooking mats is COMPULSORY.
2	A large landing net (minimum 36 inches - 90 centimetres)shall be used.
3	Carp must not be kept in keepnets except as in General Fishery Rule 22.
4	If leads or bombs exceeding 2oz are used, a shock leader of not less than 12lbs breaking strain shall be used.
5	Do not stand up whilst holding a carp for any reason.
6	If a carp is to be weighed, it must be weighed in a sling and returned thereafter as soon as possible to the canal, via the sling.
7	The use of cutting point hooks, bent hooks and/or tether rigs are forbidden.
8	The use of Bait Boats on the canal is prohibited.

Code of Conduct for Pike Anglers

When fishing specifically for Pike the following will apply:

1	Anglers should use a minimum 12lbs breaking strain line, except when lure fishing when a minimum 8lbs breaking strain may be used
2	A wire trace should be used in all circumstances, this should be a minimum of 20lbs breaking starin and of no less than 18 inches (45cms) in length.
3	No rig consisting of any more than two single treble hooks shall be used.
4	The use of any pike gag or gaff is specifically prohibited.
5	Anglers must be in possession of an unhooking mat, suitable forceps of at least 12 inches long and a suitably sized landing net of at least 36 inches (90cm). In addition the use of a leather glove to aid unhooking is recommended.
6	If a Pike is to be weighed, it must be weighed in a sling and returned thereafter as soon as possible to the canal, via the sling.
7	All live bait fish must be caught from the Basingstoke Canal, using rod and line.
8	Bait fish must not be more than 4 inches (10cm) in length.
9	Live bait fish must be LIP-HOOKED using a barbless hook no larger than a single size 6 or treble size 10.
10	The use of Bait Boats on the canal is prohibited.

By complying with these Codes of Conduct you are helping to maintain our fish stocks in a healthy condition.

THANK YOU