WATFORD PISCATORS ANGLING SOCIETY

Health and Safety Policy

The Watford Piscators Policy Statement applies to all club members, voluntary bailiffs, and other volunteers who carry out work on society waters or on the society’s behalf. The policy can be found fixed to the wall of the toilet block adjacent to the main car park.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Health and Safety Offences Act 2009, and other associated Acts and Regulations impose legal duties and responsibilities upon the society to safeguard the well-being of their members and any other persons who may be affected by the working and recreational activities of its members.

It is the duty of all members to take reasonable care of themselves and not put at risk the health and safety of other persons who may be affected by their acts and omissions. They are to consider the effects of their activities, to maintain high levels of safety awareness regarding themselves, others and the environment while fishing or working on society waters.

MEMBERS ARE TO CONSIDER:

• Safe means of access and egress
• Safe systems of work and recreation
• Awareness of others in their vicinity, taking precautions to avoid accidents
• The actions of other members, and advise them accordingly of safe practices

The general committee will endeavour to monitor the activities of the society and provide written directives on safe working practices, risk assessments and method statements.

This safety policy statement is to be made available to all members of the society, bailiffs and committee members.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the general committee and signed by the chairman of that committee.

LIABILITY INSURANCE   

Following changes in the way that insurance companies manage liability claims, our insurers require the society to advise them immediately following incidents in which they may have an interest, particularly incidents involving personal injury. To comply with these changes, any member who is involved in an accident whilst angling or on any fishery must immediately report the circumstances to the Hon. Secretary.

OFFICERS & COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2026 – 2027

Trustees:                                            Mr. P.J. Hadwin, Mr B. Eccles, Mr. T. Oldfield

President:                                          Mr. N. Brimicombe

Auditor:                                              Mr. D. Dartnaill

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Hon. Chairman:                                 Mr. T. Oldfield             chairman@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Vice Chairman:                                  Mr. B. Eccles  

Hon. Secretary:                                 Mr. D. Pateman            secretary@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Minutes Secretary:                           Mr. M. Westwood     

Hon. Membership Secretary:           Mr. T. Oldfield                        membership@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Hon. Treasurer:                                 Mr. I. Craig                  treasurer@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Head Bailiff:                                       Mr. A. Ambrosone      headbailiff@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Hon. Fishery Manager:                     Mr. P. Guppy             watermanagement@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Match Secretary:                               Mr. K. Rance              catchreports@watfordpiscators.co.uk

Health & Safety Advisor:                  Mr. D. Jacks               

Disciplinary Officer:                         Mr. M. Vallis

Other club contacts:

Communications Officer:                Mr. P.J. Hadwin            commuincations@watfordpiscators.co.uk

All postal communications to club secretaries requiring an answer must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. Members are encouraged to communicate using the email addresses stated above.

ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO CONTACT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AFTER 09:00 P.M. UNLESS IN AN EXTREME EMERGENCY

1. GENERAL RULES

These rules shall be binding and strictly observed by all members of this society.

Should, however, any dispute arise relative to any rule and its operation, the chairman shall decide. Should, however, the member so affected be dissatisfied with the decision, he/she may, by giving written notice to the secretary, have the question under dispute finally determined by a majority of members present at a special meeting called for that purpose.

• All members are water keepers and must exercise their right to challenge anyone fishing. Inform a bailiff/committee member at the earliest opportunity. You must ensure all swims are left free of litter and disused tackle when vacating the swim. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the club. You are asked to ensure that no persons, including members, picnic, bathe or camp on any part of our private fisheries.

• When fishing and/or visiting the society’s waters, all members, shall always be in possession of their current membership details and if fishing, a current valid rod licence.

Members details will be held on the Clubmate App; the use of this system is a mandatory requirement of club membership.

Water keepers will request members to show their membership details or guest ticket on the Clubmate App. Life members will be required to produce only their gold life membership details. Failure to produce these items when requested will result in the member being asked to leave the society’s waters.

Water keepers have the authority to request rig checks at any time. Any member who is obstructive, abusive or violent towards a water keeper in the execution of their duties will be reported to the disciplinary committee and be subject to immediate removal of their membership. Subject to the findings of the disciplinary committee, membership may be reinstated.

• Entrance to club waters must be kept locked. Under no circumstances shall a member divulge the combination of any lock(s) to anybody else – no exceptions.

• Gates in otter fencing are to remain closed at all times and only opened to allow access. At no time are they to be propped open without a member in attendance. Failure to comply with this will result in an immediate removal of your membership. A disciplinary hearing will be called, which could result in suspension or life ban.

• No fish to be removed from society waters.

2. MEMBERSHIP

2.1       Members are reminded that by holding a club membership they are authorised water keepers of the society.

2.2       Application forms for membership shall be available through the Clubmate App

2.3       Senior membership:    minimum age 18 years up to 65 Years

            Youth membership:     minimum age 12 years up to 18 years          

2.4       A member changing any of their contact details shall immediately update their correct details within the Clubmate App.

2.5       In the event of a registered disabled angler experiencing individual mobility restrictions because of constraints imposed by the society’s rules, the general committee shall be empowered to adapt the rules to suit the needs of that individual. This will apply to the disabled angler only and will be confirmed in writing to that individual.

3. FEES

3.1       Members shall pay the following fees:

            Season                                                           2026/27                                   2027/28

            Joining Fee                                                           £50                                          £50

            Renewal service charge (incl postage)           £10                                          £10

            Senior                                                                    £200                                       £200

            Senior citizens & registered disabled             £80                                          £80

Concessionary                                                                    £15                                          £15

            Youths up to 16 years                                       £Free                                       £Free

            Family membership                                         £240                                        £240

            Students (conditions apply)*                           £100                                        £100

            3^rd rod fee                                                               £50                                          £50

            Non fishing membership                                   £25                                          £25

* Students 18 – 25 years old who are attending school, college, or university on a full-time basis – attendance to be confirmed in writing by an official of the establishment concerned, and student members must have held a membership for the previous two years.

All fees are subject to revision; all monies under this rule to be subject to an additional £10 charge to cover administration, postage and printing costs. Members returning to the society after a 12-month period will pay a reduced re-joining fee of £20 (subject to proof being provided and a society record check – should this not be proven; normal joining fees apply). A maximum three-year period since last membership applies to this reduced offer.

3.2       Family membership shall include a member’s spouse/partner and member’s children under 14 years of age at no additional cost and without signature. The family member must always be accompanied by the lead member whilst on society waters. They are all bound by the rules of the society, and fish the society’s waters entirely at their own risk. The lead member is in sole charge of the family member, who must fish the same swim on the same venue. Should the family member wish to fish, they will be permitted to fish one rod only on a separate      rod-rest from the member in charge, in the same swim, and if challenged by a society official shall demonstrate that they are capable of handling the rod being fished. Should the family member under 12 years of age wish to become a youth member on attaining his/her 12^th birthday, they will be exempt from payment of the joining fee.

3.3       A member on reaching the age of 70 years and having been a member of the society for 15 years or more will be offered a concessionary membership.

3.4       Annual fees shall be paid by 1st May each year. If fees are not paid by this date, membership shall be deemed to have ceased.

3.5       A youth section member may be accompanied by a parent or guardian on society waters subject to the purchase of a non-fishing membership, the fee for which is stated in 10.1. This does not include night fishing.

            Youth membership commences at 14 years old, and under the age of 16 years youth members must be accompanied by a responsible adult while on society waters.

3.6       Any member paying by cheque which does not clear funds will be liable for the bank costs to the society – minimum fee £20.00.

4. DISCIPLINARY

4.1       Disciplinary action will be taken against any member found guilty of misconduct or breach of the society’s rules or byelaws. Any member bringing an unfounded charge against another member may be penalised. The disciplinary committee may consist of general committee members, water management, and senior members as agreed by general committee.

4.2       Any member adjudged to have brought the society into disrepute through inaccurate, inflammatory or controversial comments relating to the society or any of the society’s members in the media may be subject to a disciplinary hearing or immediate expulsion, in which case any fees that have been paid shall be non-returnable, and the society’s property, shall be returned to the membership secretary within 14 days of expulsion.

4.3       Members who fail to dip nets, weigh slings, unhooking mats etc., will be suspended for 6 months, with a life ban after a second offence.

5. CLOSE SEASON

5.1       On society Lakes:  there will be no close season on. On rivers, the close season shall be 15^th March to 15^th June inclusive. The general committee reserves the right to close any water to carry out essential work.

6. GUEST PERMITS

6.1       A Guest Permit must be obtained before entering the society’s fisheries. These can be obtained from the Clubmate App or from Harefield Tackle.

            Day Permit                              £10

            24-Hour Permit                       £25

            48-Hour Permit                       £45

            For Tolpits, Thurlow’s Lakes and Stanleys Pool, (swims 3,4 and 5 only), from 1^st November to 14^th March inclusive each season. Available to senior members only, minimum 18 years old; the guest shall share the same swim or be in an adjacent swim to the member.

6.2       Members are allowed one guest only per visit, and they must accompany the guest and be responsible for their conduct during the time they are on society fisheries. Disciplinary action will be taken against any member who allows this privilege to be abused.

6.3       All guests are bound by the rules of the society, and fish the society’s waters entirely at their own risk. Guests are not permitted on the society’s fisheries between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Only six guest permits may be issued to any one member per season, with a maximum of two on any one day, or for a twenty-four-hour permit only one permit per day, with a maximum stay of forty-eight hours per season. The general committee will have the power to withdraw permits if any society waters are closed for any reason. The privilege of guest permits does not apply to youth section members of the society.

7. MEMBERS’ FAMILY

7.1       On society waters, members are responsible for their children, who must be always kept under control.

8. NIGHT FISHING

8.1       Allowed on all society waters except Castles Lake and Stanley’s Pool, swims 1&2, and swims 6 to 12 where no member shall be on these waters one hour before sunset and one hour after sunset.

8.2       Members night fishing shall have in their possession a bucket with a sealable lid for excrement, which is to be taken away with them at the end of the session plus sufficient toilet roll for the duration of their fishing session.

8.3       A youth section member aged 12 years or over is permitted to night-fish providing that he/she is in the company of a senior member aged 18 years or more. The senior member shall be fully responsible for any junior in his/her care and will be subject to disciplinary action for any rule infringements carried out by the youth member whilst in his/her care. A senior member can be responsible for a maximum of two youth members only and must fish in the same swim adjacent to each youth member.

8.4       Any member proved to have used unfair or illegal methods of taking fish by netting, using, or purchasing fish and passing same upon the society as legally taken shall be subject to rule 10.12.

8.5       The maximum permitted time an angler may fish on a lake is 120 hours (5 days). After this time the member must leave that lake for a period of 48 hours (2 days) before they may return.

8.6       A member may leave a swim in which he/she is fishing for a period of no longer than three hours in any twenty-four-hour period.

9. NUMBER OF RODS

9.1       Between 1^st November and 31^st March each year 3 rods will be permitted on Tolpits and Thurlows Lakes only for a fee stated in 10.1. A 3 rod permit should be obtained via the membership secretary at the point of membership renewal or upon joining the club. No mid-season requests for a 3^rd rod will be considered. Members are reminded that an additional EA licence will be required for the 3^rd rod and bailiffs may request proof of this. Bailiffs will have the right to stop the member fishing the 3^rd rod if proof cannot be provided.

9.2       One rod only will be permitted when fishing Castles Lake.

10. ANGLING PRACTICE

            Definitions:

Leisure or match angling – using traditional float, pole and feeder techniques with a view to target silver fish and other species of a moderate size and weight. Individual fish are not likely to exceed 6 pounds in weight.

Specimen angling – Usually in the pursuit of larger species such as carp and pike. Individual fish are likely to exceed 6 pounds in weight.

10.1     A suitable unhooking mat or cradle must be used when fishing, the minimum dimensions of which shall be:

Leisure / Match Angling

15 inches (40cm) wide, 31 inches (80cm) in length, and not less than 1 inch (2.5cm) thick. Beanie style unhooking mats are not permitted on society waters unless supported by suitable additional padded material underneath to the above dimensions.

Specimen Angling

24 inches (60cm) wide, 36 inches (90cm) in length, and not less than 2 inches (5cm) thick. Beanie style unhooking mats are not permitted on society waters unless supported by suitable additional padded material underneath to the above dimensions.

10.2     A suitable landing net must always be used for the fish you are targeting and angling for. The Baillif’s decision will be final.

10.3     Baited hooks must not be left unattended whether in or out of the water.

10.4     Treble hooks may be used when Pike fishing, either singly or in tandem, if they are 2/3rds barbless when used to secure a bait and fully barbless in the case of artificial lures.

10.5     The taking of fish for live bait is restricted to the water in which they are to be used. Not more than six fish to be retained for use as live bait; maximum size of such fish not to exceed 5 inches (127mm) in length. Carp and Tench shall not be used as live bait. Except for minnows and Gudgeon, a bucket or similar container with a capacity of not less than one gallon may be used. No live-bait to be retained before 1^st October, except minnows and Gudgeon when live-baiting for perch.

10.6     The use of split-shot by members as a fishing weight shall conform to E.A. laws.

10.7     On canals, providing it can be done safely, all keepnets must be staked at both ends to hold the net in an open working position.

10.8     No pre-baiting of swims on society waters, apart from the rivers and canal. No waterborne baiting craft shall be used on any of the society’s waters.

10.9     The use of braided mainline and leadcore leader of more than 1 metre in length is prohibited when specimen angling. Braid may only be used for spodding, marker float purposes, light match/pleasure use and light lure spinning.

10.10   Live-baiting for perch is allowed throughout the season, with a hook not larger than size no. 6.

10.11   No fish are to be taken from society waters or moved between society waters by members. Any fish to be transferred outside the complex will require the permission of the Environment Agency, and then only under the supervision of the general committee. Fish being transferred within the complex may only be carried out by general committee members.

10.12   Any member fishing a littered swim on a society water shall be asked to leave the venue and be subject to disciplinary committee action. All litter must be removed from society waters: Anyone found to have left litter will be asked to leave the society.

10.13   All members and guests must dip landing nets, keepnets, unhooking mats, weigh-slings etc before commencement of fishing on Watford Piscators’ lakes. It is also compulsory to dip nets, cradles, weigh slings etc. when moving between any of the lakes or transferring from a river or canal.

10.14   If a bailiff or committee member deems you unfit to fish, you will be asked to stop fishing and wind your rods in until such time you are deemed fit to fish.

10.15   A carp care kit or Propolis carp treatment must be carried and administered, where appropriate by all members whilst fishing, regardless of species pursued.

10.16   Keep nets on club waters are allowed for silver fish only. No Carp are allowed in keep nets. The use of keepnets is subject to oxygen levels being deemed sufficient by officials of the club.

            Where keepnets are used, they must be capacious (minimum dimension across rings 13.8 inches (35cm), and not less than 118.1 inches (3 metres) in length.

            Large fish (over 6 pounds) should not be kept in keepnets any longer than is needed for them to be witnessed and weighed.

            Overcrowding in keepnets should be avoided at all costs. Fish must be taken rather than poured out of keepnets and placed into a weigh-sling/tray. Keepnets must not be used to transport fish more than a few yards. All fish are to be gently returned to the water and allowed to quietly swim away – not thrown in.

10.17   The use of any non-prescription drugs on the complex is forbidden. Any member found to be under the influence of or found to be in possession of anything other than prescribed medication will be suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.

10.18   All fish over 8 ounces should be landed in a landing net and shown due care and attention, not unhooked in the water, or swung in.

10.19   Alcohol may be consumed in moderation. However, if any member is found to be intoxicated whereby, they are considered to be a danger near water or they are unable to deal with fish effectively, then they will be asked to leave the complex. They may face disciplinary action that could result in being banned from the fishing club.

10.20   Bait allowances; when using boilies, dog biscuits and particles, the maximum quantity of bait permitted is limited to 2kg of each in any 24-hour period.

10.21   No rods are to be left unattended with baited rigs in the water at any time. Carp anglers using bite alarms and fishing in open water will be unattended if any angler is further than the next adjoining swim on the same bank.

No angler will be permitted to leave their swim if fishing near to underwater snags.

10.22   Use of the OMC Magic Twig and Magic Wand are not permitted on the clubs waters.

11. PROPERTY

11.1     No article that is not the property of a member may be taken from the lodge at Tolpits lake without the authority of an officer of the society.

11.2     The society cannot be held responsible for any member’s property left on the complex.

11.3     Members are requested to leave all society property in a clean and tidy condition. Disciplinary action will be taken against offenders. Toilets must be left in a clean condition after use, and the brushes provided should be used.

12. BEHAVIOUR

12.1     No member shall cause annoyance to fellow members on society waters using electronic devices or raised voices. All dogs must be kept under proper control and on a lead. Members with dogs will be challenged to prove they are carrying dog-waste bags.

12.2     Members must not light fires on the banks of the waters.

13. DISCLAIMER NOTICE

13.1     Members are reminded that when on society waters they are there at their own risk, whether fishing or not. No liability can be accepted by the society for damage, injury or loss to members or their property.

14. DAY TICKETS AND VENUE HIRE

14.1     Day tickets for Ginger’s Pound, Croxley Moor Pound, Dickinson’s Pound and Park Pound:

            Adults                                                                             £10.00

            Youths under 18 years and Senior Citizens              £2.50  

            Club Hiring Fees                                                           £10.00 per peg

14.2     Evans Pound shall be available for club bookings, Monday to Friday inclusive:

            Club Hiring fees                                                          £10.00 per peg

15. MISCELLANEOUS

15.1     Youth section members aged 12 to 18 to be permitted to fish all society’s waters; a minimum of two members to attend at any one time.

            Youth section members of 12 years up to 16 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult when on society waters.

15.2     That the members of the committee shall be added to the list of those entitled to receive honoraria. Such honoraria to consist of free membership of the society for the year of office.

15.3     All society prizes to be presented at the prize-giving match, as designated by the appointed match secretary, or on such alternative occasion as may be necessary.

15.4     The general committee shall be solely responsible for arranging exchange tickets with other clubs.

15.5     Society’s standards for specimen fish:

            Chub                             4lbs

            Barbel                            6lbs

            Grayling                         1lbs

            Carp                            30lbs

            Perch                             2lbs

            Bream                           7lbs

            Tench                            7lbs

            Crucian Carp                 2lbs

            Pike                             15lbs

            Roach                          1.5lbs

            Rudd                           1.5lbs

            Dace                            14ozs

            Gudgeon                       3ozs

15.6     Notices appearing in the eNewsletter and on society-maintained websites, Facebook or sent by email are deemed to be byelaws of the society.

15.7     Parking is only permitted during the period when the member is on club waters. Vehicles and equipment being used for site improvements are exempt from this rule, providing the general committee has given prior agreement.

16. POLLUTION

            All waters in Watford and district come within the jurisdiction of the Environment Agency, Thames division. It is the duty and responsibility of all members to report immediately any sign or source of pollution. Any member who discovers pollution and/or its source should report the facts without delay to any of the following:

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY: EMERGENCY HOTLINE 0800 80 70 60

CANAL AND RIVERS TRUST Tel: 0800 47 999 47

ALSO INFORM AN OFFICER OF THE SOCIETY

WATFORD PISCATORS WATERS

TOLPITS LAKE

CASTLE’S LAKE

THURLOW’S LAKE

STANLEY’S POOL

RIVER COLNE FROM TOLPITS LANE BRIDGE TO THE CANAL

RIVER COLNE PLANTATION, TOLPITS LANE

GRAND UNION CANAL: GINGER’S POUND THROUGH TO EVANS POUND, LOCK 81 TO GROVE MILL BRIDGE 166

A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ANGLERS

1. Introduction

It is essential to the preservation of angling that every angler should not only personally contribute in every possible way to fish conservation but also by his/her every action preserve the dignity of the sport and do nothing to lend credence to those who seek to label angling as a cruel sport.

2. General

Swimming is not allowed in any water controlled, owned or leased by Watford Piscators.

It is essential that each angler respects the rights and feelings not only of other anglers but of all users of the countryside.

Children and domestic animals must be kept under control, gates must be shut, growing crops must not be trampled, and litter of any sort should be taken home. If any audio equipment must be taken into the countryside, an earpiece which disconnects the loudspeaker should be used.

Excessive movement near the bank and the wearing of brightly coloured clothing can be particularly disturbing for anglers and should be avoided.

3. Landing Nets

An adequate landing net is essential to the capture of any sizable fish without causing injury to it. Your landing net should therefore have a minimum opening in accordance with rule 17.1. Landing nets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and any other fish care equipment must always be dipped and assembled before fishing commences and disassembled only after fishing has ceased and all hook baits have already been removed from the water.

4. Hooks and Unhooking

Fair hooking causes little pain to the fish, as evidenced by the ability of a fish to run against the line.

Persistent deep hooking, or, worse still, actual gorging should give the angler cause to examine his angling technique. On no account should rods be left to fish by themselves, or gorging will certainly result.

Fish should be treated with the utmost respect during unhooking. They should be laid on a soft surface and handled with wet hands – never a dry cloth. In the event of deep hooking, an efficient disgorger – or, better still, artery forceps – should be used. These instruments should always form part of the angler’s waterside equipment.

Stainless steel hooks should not be used, since they remain in the tissues of the fish if a line breakage occurs.

Single hooks cause less damage to fish than trebles.

5. Line and Shot

Line and shot should always be taken home and not discarded.

The use of braided mainline and leadcore leader of more than 1 metre in length is prohibited when specimen angling. Braid may only be used for spodding, marker float purposes, light match/pleasure use and light lure spinning.

Line found in trees, etc., should be removed and similarly dealt with, provided personal risk is not involved. If risk is involved, inform an Official of the club of the whereabouts of such line. Discarded line is lethal to wildlife and even farm animals.

6. Live baiting

The cruelty or otherwise of live baiting is controversial. Each angler must examine his/her conscience in this respect. In any event, the tackle used should cause the minimum damage to the bait fish. Single-hook tackle used through the lips is very efficient with bait fish of 5 inches or less in length.

Some forms of live-baiting tackle are illegal.

7. Keep-nets

Where keep-nets are used, they must be capacious – minimum dimension across rings: 35cm (13.8 inches) – and should not be NOT LESS THAN 3 METRES IN LENGTH (118.1 INCHES).

Large fish should not be kept in keep-nets any longer than is needed to witness and weigh them. Overcrowding in keep-nets should be avoided at all costs.

Fish must be taken out rather than poured out of keep-nets. Keep-nets must not be used to transport fish more than a few yards. All fish are to be gently returned to the water and allowed to swim away – not thrown in.

Keep-nets are to be effectively placed along the bank on canals or rivers to allow fish more freedom to face the flow. Carp sacks should only be used with the permission of water keepers or committee members.

8. Ground bait

Excess ground bait, bread, etc., must be taken home. When discarded on a fishery, they look unsightly and encourage rats.

9. Transference of Biological Material

Neither fish nor any other biological material should be transferred from one water to another without the formal permission of the water management officers. Not only may a species become a pest in a new environment, but diseases and parasites, which may be dormant at the time of transference, are easily transferred this way and will probably be untreatable afterwards.

10. Disease

When fish disease is prevalent, all anglers should conscientiously disinfect all their tackle between fishing trips.

Nets should be washed free of slime and sterilised in diluted household bleach, sodium hypochlorite, as for use with handkerchiefs.

Boots should be washed free of mud and similarly sterilised. Dead fish should be removed and buried, and a member of water management notified.

11. Rules and Regulations

These must always be respected and observed, even where anglers personally disagree with them. The correct procedure in this event is to seek a change of the rules by constitutional means.

WATFORD PISCATORS ANGLING SOCIETY

ISSUED APRIL 2026