Newcomers Guide to Angling and Wildlife "Golden Rules".

All anglers should be natural conservationists. The time spent on the riverbank instils appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. The development and management of our fisheries contributes to the wildlife value of all the waters we use whether it be a lake river or pond. Angling should contribute towards our environment and people's enjoyment of nature, but inexperience or thoughtlessness may sometimes lead to wildlife being harmed and the good image of fishing being tarnished.

Angling Related Litter there is no excuse for leaving litter of any kind, take it home, remember that discarded line is particularly dangerous to all forms of wildlife. Discarded line should always be taken home and burnt or cut into very short lengths before disposal. Even line put into a litter bin will again become a hazard when it reaches the tip.
Always clear up all litter even if it's not yours it doesn't weigh much. Pick it up and bin it.

Breakages and Snagging- Always remove snagged tackle and rigs where it is practical and safe to do so. If not report it to the bailiff of fishery owner for removal most places have a boat for this purpose.

Swim Choice- Chose your swim with care to reduce the risk of snagging. Take extra care where people feed the wildlife as these have learned to associate people with food.

Never leave rods unattended, not only is it a bad angling practice as hooked fish may take the rod or become snagged but it also increases the risk of birds becoming tangled or taking the bait and drowning. Please remember birds can dive. If you need to leave the peg reel in remove the bait and secure the hooks.
Remember it is illegal to leave a baited rod unattended while fishing.

Rigs and Tackle

Use a hook length of lower breaking strain line where possible. This will ensure the minimum amount of line possible is lost in the event of a break off, lead links where practical should also be of a lower breaking strain. Whatever type of rig you use weaknesses will occur at the Knots. Learn to tie them properly if in doubt ask someone or see a PAA coach for a short lesson in Knots and how to tie them all good coaches should be able to sort you out for very little money.
It will save you money in the long run tackle losses can start to be expensive.

Weak points also occur where shot is pinched on to tightly. Check your line regularly for weak points and flaws caused by general wear and tear remove and replace all damaged line.

Bolt Rigs and fixed leads are acceptable, providing the lead can slip free in the event of snagging. Make sure no fish will be left dragging tackle around.

Hooks use barbless hooks where possible Birds and fish will be able to rid the hook in the event of a breakage, unhooking especially for the inexperianced will also be much easiser.

Weights Lead weights are illegal in all sizes over a No 8 shot up to 1 ounce.

While Fishing.

Beware of birds swimming into your line, and take care when fishing surface baits.

Help Other Anglers.

The vast array of tackle and fishing methods will result in novice anglers using unsuitable or dangerouse tackle and rigs. Spend a little of your time helping beginners, this will help reduce tackle losses and improve there catches.

Thank you for reading this article. This article has been produced by the following organisations.

Anglers Conservatin Association.

Angling Trades Association.

National Convention for the Welfare of Swans and Wildlife

National Federation of Anglers.

RSPCA

Specialist Anglers Alliance.