Telford Angling Association Membership

CORE RULES:

 

RULE #1: Members must be in possession of a current EA licence and Association permit and be able to produce them to a TAA Bailiff or Official on demand.

 

RULE #2: Members unable to produce a valid membership permit must purchase a day ticket.

 

RULE #3: Members must observe the statutory closed season for coarse fish on rivers, and conform to Association rules and those of their members club. PLEASE NOTE, GAME FISHING AND EEL FISHING ARE NOT PERMITTED ON OUR STRETCHES OF THE RIVER SEVERN.

 

RULE #4: Members must always keep to paths where possible, close all gates and not interfere with crops and wildlife.

 

RULE #5: No tins (e.g. sweet corn, luncheon meat) to be used on the bank on TAA waters, Please decant your bait from the tins into a bait container and put your tin in the nearest bin or take them home and recycle them. Please do not leave tins on the bank as they are detrimental to the local wildlife.

 

RULE #6: NO FIRES to be lit. Gas stoves are permitted and must be placed in a stable and clear area to prevent fire. Please ensure that your stove has no gas leaks and is in sound and serviceable condition prior to use. NO DISPOSABLE BBQ’S, ALL TYPES OF BBQ ARE NOT ALLOWED. ANY WOOD BURNING EQUIPMENT IS ALSO NOT PERMITTED ON TAA WATERS.

 

RULE #7: No Camping. Any night fishing must be carried out in a proper fishing bivvy.

 

RULE #8: TAKE YOUR LITTER AND USED LINE HOME. The peg you fish is your responsibility. Leave as you would want to find the peg yourself. If you find any litter, it is our responsibility as anglers to dispose of the litter even if it was left here before you arrived. We need to keep our waters clean and tidy and free from anything that may harm the pools and river as well as the local wildlife.

 

RULE #9: BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY ON ANY ASSOCIATION STILL WATERS. You may file down barbs on “Predator style” hooks where barbless patterns in the larger sizes do not exist. The barbs MUST BE filed down completely and the filed area must be smooth. When using treble hooks for dead bait fishing you may have one micro barb for the retention of your fish baits. This barb should NEVER be outside of your bait where there is a risk that the barb can be on the hooking point. THERE IS NO BARBLESS HOOK RULE ON THE RIVER SEVERN.

 

RULE #10: No surface fishing or floating baits on any Association still waters. All “ZIGS” to be under the surface of the water and removed from any area where wildlife may come into contact with it.

 

RULE #11: Night fishing allowed on designated waters only see details on the water pages.

 

RULE #12: NO spinning and NO treble hooks allowed on Apley pool. Treble hooks are allowed on other waters only when pike fishing and MUST BE BARBLESS OR DE-BARBED AND FILED SMOOTH (See Rule # 9).

 

RULE #13: NO FISH TO BE RETAINED IN KEEP-NETS OR SACKS for more than 5 hours. Keep-nets in Apley must be staked out. All nets, sacks and retainers to be clean and “bone dry” before fishing any TAA waters. 

CARP AND BARBEL CAN ONLY BE RETAINED IN A KEEP NET DURING COMPETITIONS.

CARP MAY BE RETAINED IN A FLOATING RETAINER FOR A MAXIMUM OF 30MINUTES TO ALLOW YOU TO GET YOUR FISH CARE/PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT READY. YOU MUST RETURN THE CARP TO THE WATER IN A HEALTHY CONDITION.

CARP AND PIKE  SACKS ARE NOT PERMITTED ON TAA WATERS.

See the  “Check - Clean - Dry” campaign for further info on the spread of fish diseases.

 

RULE #14: Juniors 16 and under must be with an adult on all TAA waters. No persons under 18 years of age are allowed to fish nights without consent from TAA first and only with a FULL member Adult. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO SPECIAL PERMIT POOLS (Apley Pool, Priorslee Flash and Trench Pool - Adult permit holders only).

 

RULE #15: All fish including Pike, Eels, Salmon and Trout must be returned alive to the waters. Any person found to be stealing fish from TAA waters will be reported to the Police. This does not matter if you plan to take them home or to another water, THEFT IS THEFT. All reports to the Police will be followed and prosecution for “Theft Of A Fishery” will be requested. This also applies if you are caught with fish in a bucket, net or container etc, for the purpose of storing fish dead or alive. IF YOU ARE A TAA MEMBER, YOU WILL BE ISSUED AN IMMEDIATE BAN FOR LIFE. EACH TIME YOU ARE SEEN ON OR ABOUT TAA WATERS, IT WILL BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE.

 

RULE #16: Maximum of allowed rods in use is 3 rods per angler, with a 3 rod EA Licence. You MUST NOT intrude into any other pegs or swim occupied by another angler without their consent. A 50% of water space between anglers must be observed whether or not the other angler is using the space or not. ASK THEM FIRST, but be prepared to move if another person occupies the peg/swim if required to do so following asking them about where you both will be angling from.

 

RULE #17: NO LIVE BAITING ON TAA STILLWATERS. No course fish to be used as deadbaits from other waters. All course fish used are to be supplied by a tackle shop or fishmonger. Course fish need to be from a reputable fish supplier from a tackle shop only. Proof of purchase and/or packaging may be required as proof if/when asked by a TAA Bailiff.

 

RULE #18: TAA Contests will be fished to modified Angling Trust rules. Cub matches can use their own match rules so long as they fall within the TAA rules.

 

RULE #19: No Braided mainlines to be used for course or specimen fishing on TAA stillwaters. Exceptions are for lure fishing where an appropriate breaking strain may be used for the task. You may be asked to show/prove your line strength by the Bailiff if asked to do so. THIS RULE DOES NOT RULE OUT THE USE OF BRAIDED MAINLINES OR LEADERS FOR BAITING UP RODS OR SPOD/MARKER RODS. 

 

RULE #20: NO BOATS or bait boats of any sort on TAA waters except for official work parties.

 

RULE #21: NO DIGGING OF BANKS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM TAA. This includes the chopping of branches on trees and any water plants. If you have any concerns, please inform the Bailiff or email TAA.

 

RULE #22: TAA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE OR RESCIND MEMBERSHIP without refund in the case of any rules or UK laws broken. (Please see above).

 

RULE #23: All Anglers must follow the instructions of TAA Committee and Bailiffs, including Town Park Rangers and Local Authorities.

 

RULE #24: TAA Bailiffs can remove permits with authority of the Head Bailiff/Chairman and the outcome will be decided at the next meeting with a chance to appeal by letter via our email address 

( telfordangling@gmail.com ).

 

RULE #25: TAA works on a "TWO STRIKE RULE" for minor infringements of the above rules. Severity will be decided by the Bailiffs and/or TAA Committee. All instances are recorded.

 

RULE #26 : ​Night fishing rules operate on a "SINGLE STRIKE RULE" as fishing nights is a privilege. Night Fishing rules can be found HERE.

 

RULE #27: Any angler contravening TAA Rules shall be disciplined as decided by the executive committee. This will be following reports from TAA Bailiffs which is then reported on our register. You may be given a partial or full life ban depending on the seriousness of the offence. In severe cases, you will be notified by letter to your registered address. Failure to inform TAA of any changes of contact details is not an excuse for "not receiving TAA communications". 

 

 

FISH CARE

 

RULE #28: Larger fish must be placed on an appropriately sized and padded unhooking mat or cradle for unhooking and photos, not on the ground or platform. 

SMALL, LIGHTLY PADDED FOLDING OR ROLL-UP MATS MUST NOT BE USED WHEN TARGETING CARP, OR IF FISHING A VENUE WHERE THERE IS A LIKELIHOOD OF CATCHING THEM.  If in doubt, please ask the Bailiffs. Unhooking carp either in the water, or inside your landing net (match fishing style) before release is preferred to limit the time fish spend out of the water.

   

RULE #29: There must be at least one landing net per person fishing. ABSOLUTELY NO SHARING OF LANDING NETS. Your net also needs to be of an appropriate size to the fish you are targeting. An appropriate net must also be used on the River Severn when targeting Barbel, Chub and Pike. Specialist nets can be purchased. 

If you are targeting any large fish using too small or a net that is not fit for purpose, you may be asked to leave the water until a replacement is found.

All landing nets are to be of knotless construction.

Landing net handles must also be long and strong enough for the area you have chosen to fish, especially on the River Severn.

All landing nets must be in good serviceable condition. Large holes or tears are not acceptable.

 

RULE #30: Keepnets may be used for pleasure fishing responsibly. Your keepnet must be positioned in enough water to allow fish to move freely. DO NOT OVER FILL YOUR KEEPNET ESPECIALLY IN SHALLOW OR WARM WATER. Your keepnet should:

Be of an appropriate length and width for the species you intend to catch.

Have a fish safe mesh and be of a knotless construction.

Be in good condition with any holes or tares repaired accordingly. (No cable ties).

NO CARP OR BARBEL  TO BE KEPT IN KEEPNETS AT ANY TIME WHEN PLEASURE FISHING. 

Carp may be kept in carp safe nets during competition but for no longer than 5 hours.

Multiple keepnets may be required when the number of carp kept during a competition. KEEPNET MAY HOLD A MAXIMUM OF 60Lb OF FISH EACH..

A dedicated silverfish net may be required during competition for fish safety and ease of weighing. This stops large fish crushing silverfish when in the weigh sling. 

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY FISH OVER 15lb BE RETAINED IN A KEEPNET. If you believe that a fish is close to this size, or larger, please weigh the fish, note its weight and return it to the water safely.

 

RULE #31: If you intend to weigh your fish, please ensure that your sling is appropriately sized for your quarry. Your sling must be in good condition and repaired or replaced if any signs of tearing or holes are present. Your sling must be of a fish safe construction with a knotless mesh or smooth plastic coated or rubber coated design (as is usual with modern match fishing weigh slings/buckets). 

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD METAL CAGES BE USED IN COMPETITIONS TO WEIGH FISH.

Do not over fill the slings and weigh larger fish separately to smaller fish to save damage or death occurrence.

As stated above, ensure that there is a mat under the weigh sling at all times when weighing your catch

 

RULE #32: All photographs of fish to be taken over an appropriate mat. NOT OVER A CRADLE WITH A METAL FRAME as this can cause injury to fish in the event that they are dropped.

The absolute minimum amount of time to be used with the fish out of the water. You may need to return the fish to the water for a recovery period if the weighing stage takes a long time before any photographs are taken.

DO NOT STAND WITH ANY FISH. Keep the fish as close to the ground and matt as possible.

Only lift fish for a photograph if you have the strength to do so and you are able to hold and control the fish in the event that it flips or struggles while being held.

You must have a bucket or container of water to ensure that the fish stays wet whilst out of the water.

 

RULE #33: ALL LANDING NETS, KEEPNETS, WEIGH SLINGS, RETAINERS, STINK BAGS, KEEPNET BAGS AND UNHOOKING MATS MUST BE COMPLETELY DRY AND CLEAN OF ANY DEBRIS BEFORE USE.

Due to the spread of disease such as Koi Herpes Virus (KHV) and the spread of invasive species such as Argusus Mongolianus (fish “fleas”) it is imperative that we do as much as we can to limit the spread to TAA waters and others.

Dry your net outside as UV light kills viruses and any waterborne lifeforms will perish if made to dry out. You must ensure you do this before and after fishing TAA waters. TAA Bailiffs WILL ask you to leave if you’re seen setting up with a wet net.

 

RULE #34: Please use fish care products for wounds if you have it with you.

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RULE #35: You must fish in designated pegs, NOT in between pegs. This includes "stalking". This rule does NOT APPLY to the River Severn. AS PER ENVIRONMENT AGENCY RULES under the agreement of your fishing licence: ”You must make sure that the distance between the butts of the outermost rods is not more than 3 metres when fishing with multiple rods and linesand.” & “It’s illegal to leave a rod and line in the water unattended or over which you do not have sufficient control.”

TAA Bailiffs have a right to request that you move closer to your rods if they feel that the distance you are away from them is unsafe and is 100% their judgment call. The EA thinks 3 meters is the maximum distance an angler can get from one rod to the next in a safe distance, being any further than this may be classified as illegal by the EA. TAA takes no responsibility for any loss of equipment due to an angler being far from fish; however, any loss of fish stocks due to negligence may result in the cost of the fish being sought.

 

RULE #36: If you are found to be fishing whilst under a ban, the length of your ban will be reset from the day you were found fishing while banned for a timeframe determined by the TAA Committee. Your case will be heated if and when TAA can fit it into the agenda. You will be notified of all decisions via your registered email address.

 

RULE #37: Understand that ALL abuse towards TAA Bailiffs & Committee, other members or the general public will be reported accordingly to the Police and followed up. You will also lose your night permit AND TAA membership indefinitely. Further breaches or fishing without the correct membership and/or night permit will be seen as poaching and Theft Of A Fishery and further reported to the authorities. 

TAA is committed to keeping night fishing privileges in place and expects that its members are too. These waters are there to use because TAA strives to keep them open for our sport and stop them becoming no-fishing zones.

 

THE LAW

 

RULE #38: NO RECREATIONAL DRUGS ON TAA WATERS, This is anywhere on the pegs or banks of the venues. Any person found to be taking or SELLING recreational drugs will be reported to the Police immediately. Any person found to be taking or selling recreational drugs on public or council land will also be reported to the Police. IF FOUND YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INSTANT BAN OF NO LESS THAN 24 MONTHS, NO WARNINGS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

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RULE #39: You may drink responsibly when fishing BUT.. You will be asked to leave TAA waters if you are found to be disturbing the peace or acting antisocially due to the intake of ALCOHOL. ALL empty cans and bottles are to be taken home. Any of these instances will result in an official  warning. If you are seen to be intoxicated and decide to drive your vehicle, it is the duty of all TAA Bailiffs, members and the public to report this to the Police. DRINK DRIVING KILLS. You will be issued with a ban if found to be risking lives of no less than 12 months or more. (It will be a life ban if your  drink driving causes an accident). 

 

NIGHT FISHING SPECIAL RULES

 

SPECIAL NIGHT PERMITS REQUIRED FOR: Priorslee Flash, Trench Pool & Apley Pool.

TAA MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES NIGHT FISHING ON: Blue Pool, Holmer Lake, Middle Pool, Randlay Pool and the River Severn ONLY.

 

RULE #40: Abide by the TAA Core Rules as agreed when you joined as a member.

 

RULE #41: NO RECREATIONAL DRUGS (See further info in the TAA Core Rules).

 

RULE #42: No litter to be left on or around your peg. Take all your litter home with you. This includes your human waste!

 

RULE #43: YOU MUST HAVE A TOILET OR BUCKET TO USE. Do not use the surrounding land like an animal! If found to be doing so, you will receive an instant ban.

 

RULE #44: A 36” Specimen style landing net as a minimum. If solely fishing for Carp, 42” is preferable. You must have an adequate unhooking mat AS PER TAA CORE RULES.

 

RULE #45: You may consume alcohol sensibly. Unsociable behaviour or abuse will result in an instant loss of your night permit along with an instant 12 month ban from all TAA waters and no refunds. See Core Rules for more info.

 

RULE #46: Keep all Bite Alarms, receivers and music devices to a respectable level. We have neighbours and complaints will mean the loss of all night fishing on TAA waters.

 

RULE #47: You must be within 1 peg space either side of where you are fishing. DO NOT leave your rod(s) unattended. Lost rods will not be compensated for and tethered fish die. You could be billed for the cost of replacement fish!

 

RULE #48: Do not direct any torches, laser pens, “Tufty Torches” or any other light emitting device directly into any property boundary and especially at our neighbours home windows.

 

RULE #49: You must produce your night permit, in date TAA membership proof and EA Rod licence when asked by a Bailiff. This was agreed as part of your membership with TAA and a condition of your night permit allowance. 

 

RULE #50: Night Permits are non-transferable to another person

 

RULE #51: Any unclaimed permits will be seen as default, and you will not be eligible for application for any of the pools in the future.

 

RULE #52: The information you provide must be current and up to date. Any change of personal details such as email address, phone number and home address must be declared to TAA.

 

RULE #53: You live in Telford and can prove your address via your driving licence or an official letterhead such as a utility bill, banking or government correspondence letter. (emails will not be accepted as proof).

 

RULE #54: Understand that there is a “ONE STRIKE RULE” where any breach of any of the Core TAA Rules, or the rules set out here will result in an instant loss of your night permit without refund.

 

RULE #55: Understand that ALL abuse towards TAA Bailiffs & Committee, other members or the general public will be reported accordingly to the Police and followed up. You will also lose your night permit AND TAA membership indefinitely. Further breaches or fishing without the correct membership and/or night permit will be seen as poaching and Theft Of A Fishery and further reported to the authorities. 

TAA is committed to keeping night fishing privileges in place and expects that its members are too. These waters are there to use because TAA strives to keep them open for our sport and stop them becoming no-fishing zones.

 

PLEASE NOTE

 

It is up to you as members to ensure that our waters remain safe, and free from any or all acts that may cause these rights to disappear.

 

This is not a threat, but a true warning. We’re balancing on a thin line these days with all and sundry trying to claim our waters for their own uses and fishing is NOT part of their plan!

 

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!