Updated Guidelines for Lockdown Fishing

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Updated Guidelines for Lockdown Fishing

Image left to right; Jon Cruddas MP, Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook, Charles Walker MP

After a hectic and successful week navigating the consequences for angling of the government's decision to impose a third National Lockdown in England in response to the rise in coronavirus infections, the Angling Trust has published new comprehensive guidelines and FAQs to help anglers fish safely, locally and responsibly without falling foul of the law.

The news that fishing was to continue, when most other sports could not, was greeted enthusiastically by anglers with over 2,000 new members signing up as members of the Angling Trust in the last week (a new record) and staff working long hours responding to the mass of enquiries.

As well as the updated FAQs, which now includes advice on interactions with the police, Angling Trust Policy Chief Martin Salter, who has been at the centre of our campaign to keep us fishing during lockdown, has published a new blog telling the full story on ?how we got angling over the line', together with some essential reading on how to stay the right side of the rules.

The key messages are:

    • - This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.
    • - Read the government guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home
    • - Angling is a ?reasonable excuse' recognised by Government as evidenced by Sport England.
    • - You should be able to show that your travel to go fishing is in accordance with the government's instruction to stay local and you are following the Angling Trust's travel guidelines.
    • - We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ?reasonable excuse' to leave your home or penalties will apply.
    • - Should a police officer decide to issue you with a direction order or fixed penalty notice you should accept it and pack up immediately and return home if so instructed.
    • - Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing.
    • - The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.
    • - To remain within the law you should follow the travel guidance and only fish locally.
    • - Avoid fishing in crowded places where social distancing could be difficult and might give rise to concerns over public health.
    • - We are once again able to enjoy the sport we love at a time when many others cannot and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules.

Jon Cruddas MP, a keen angler said: "Throughout the pandemic we have seen the positive impact angling has had on people's mental health. There were some areas that needed clarification such as how far people can reasonably travel for fishing, but the updated guidance is clear that anglers must stay local for it to be considered a ?reasonable excuse' to be travelling. We have some fantastic fishing lakes in Dagenham, and I hope that constituents will continue to enjoy them responsibly."

Jamie Cook, Angling Trust CEO, added: "I couldn't be prouder of the leadership role played by the Angling Trust throughout the Covid crisis. We have acted responsibly, professionally and effectively, much to the envy of many other sports, as has been acknowledged by Sport England, the Environment Agency, government ministers and officials and the thousands of anglers who have sent us messages of support or joined us in record numbers. But I must stress that the spotlight is on us like never before and we must all conduct ourselves responsibly and fish safely. Please remember we are extremely fortunate to be able to fish at all and we must all act as ambassadors for our sport."