COVID-19 – FORTH & CLYDE, UNION & MONKLANDS CANALS – SUPPLEMENTARY RULES

With recreational angling now permitted from tomorrow, Friday 29th May 2020, locally (within a recommended 5 mile radius of residences) we are acutely aware that there is likely to be an increase in the number of anglers wishing to fish the Lowland Canal Network.  As the controlling body for angling on the canals we have produced this supplementary guidance to help to keep anglers, and other members of the public, using the waterways and towpaths safe.

This guidance supplements the normal Fishery Rules which are printed at the bottom of this post, and the general Guidance for Anglers issued by Angling Scotland which should be read before you go fishing and can be found at http://www.anglingscotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/ASL-Covid-Guidelines-Phase-v1.6.pdf.  In addition to this guidance:

• If you need to drive to the canal you are to park legally and responsibly and ensure that you do not restrict access to any farmers fields, domestic or commercial property.
• In getting to you fishing spot you should avoid an unnecessary contact with surfaces such as gates and latches.
• You should take hand hygiene produces such as hand sanitiser or a bottle of water and soap so that you can thoroughly wash your hands after fishing.
• When setting up you should get as far off the towpath as possible to allow people to pass you with the maximum available distance. You should avoid particularly narrow parts of the towpath/bankside wherever possible to maintain 2 mtrs social distancing.  Do not block or restrict the towpath with any tackle or equipment.  If pole fishing please check each direction before shipping back and politely ask other users to wait while you do so.
• As the towpath can be close to the bankside anglers are advised to wear some form of face covering to protect both themselves and other towpath users.
• The towpaths are likely to be very busy with walkers and cyclists. Anglers are therefore advised to try to set up away from popular stretches.
• Anglers are to respect other users of the towpath at all times.
• Anglers are to carry their SFCA Membership card as proof of permission to fish and show this to Scottish Canals staff or SFCA bailiffs if requested to do so. This will facilitate checking without breaching social distancing rules.  If your membership card has been lost you may be asked to provide your name and post code so that your membership can be checked on-line.  Membership is available on the SFCA website at http://www.sfca.co.uk/membership/applications-renewals/  and costs just £8.00 per year for adults, £5.00 for concessions and is FREE for under 18s.

 FISHERY RULES:

• All fish are to be returned to the water alive and unharmed.
• Maximum of 3 rods (rods are not to be spaced more than 15 feet apart or be left unattended).
• No fixed leads or bolt rigs. Use of barbless hooks is encouraged.
• No fish are to be removed from or introduced to the canal.
• Do not leave any litter, bait or groundbait on the canal towing path. All line must be removed from the fishery and be safely disposed of by cutting into 2cm lengths.
• No fishing in or within 25 metres of a lock or swing bridge or at designate moorings where so signed.
• No FIRES!
• Anglers must not block the towing path with fishing equipment.

CONTACT DETAILS:

General                                 – SFCA           – Visit  www.sfca.co.uk.

Pollution                               – SEPA           – 0800 807060                              (Report any suspected pollution immediately – you can make a difference!)

Poaching/Illegal Fishing  – Police          – 101   and SFCA (07812 241816)      (If you find any set lines in the water please photograph for evidence before removing)

LOOK OUT! LOOK UP!

FISHING UNDER OR NEAR OVERHEAD POWER LINES CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.  PLEASE CHECK BEFORE CHOOSING WHERE TO FISH AND DO NOT TAKE ANY UNNECESSARY RISKS

Tags: COVID-19, Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, Policy