Match Rules (Revised November 2026)


  1. Prior to the start of the Match the angler may move up to one yard either side of his peg, having moved thus must fish from this point for the duration of the match.
  2. The angler may prior to the start of the Match, place his keepnet into the water, test the depth of the swim with float only, he may have a hook on the line but this must remain unbaited until the start of the match, mix his ground bait prior to the start., bombs only may be cast to enable clipping up.
  3. During the Match the angler must fish with one rod or pole with one single hook on at any time, he may have further rods/poles set up behind him unbaited and pointing away from the water.
  4. When fishing the angler must confine his fishing to an area within an imaginary line midway to the next angler, or mid point of the lake. Bombs/feeders must not be cast beyond the mid point on lakes. If in doubt ask for clarification.
  5. Wading when allowed is up to the knees only.
  6. Fishing with live-baits, spinners and any other imitation bait is not allowed.
  7. Large fish can be kept in suitable carp safe keepnets. If the angler catching a large carp prefers the scales can be called for, the angler with the scales must take them to the angler who calls for the scales and weigh and record the fish before returning it, leaving the scales with that angler who must take it to the next angler who calls for them, at the end of the match the angler left with the scales must take them back to the designated weighers in.
  8. All keepnets to be as specified as per EA licence, and must have been dried thoroughly before use on our ponds. A maximum of 50lb per keepnet is allowed. Large carp (3lb plus) must be kept in a separate net from silvers.
  9. All fish including eels to be returned alive after weighing.
  10. At the end of the Match the two adult members drawing the lowest numbers pegs to weigh in.
  11. Anglers will not be weighed in if there is litter on or around their peg.
  12. Anglers at all time to respect the landowner's property keeping to paths and closing all gates behind them.
  13. Anglers must at no time chase cattle; if fishing near a cattle drink they must allow them access.
  14. Anglers booking Matches must pay pegging fees (non-refundable) when they book.
  15. Where there is a method, bait, bottle or tin ban on any of the waters fished these bans must be strictly adhered to. Members are expected to make themselves aware of current rules on arrival at a fishery.
  16. It is the responsibility of the angler being weighed to make sure all his fish are in the weigh net.
  17. Saturday match draw time is 7.45am with fishing from 9.00am to 3.00pm (unless stated otherwise in match calendar.)
  18. Any queries or disputes arising during matches should be referred to officials present for a ruling.
  19. Maximum pole length allowed in our matches is 16m.
  20. No floating bait to be used by anyone while matches are in progress.
  21. A maximum of 36 pegs are to be used in all home matches