Angling Code of Conduct

An angling code of conduct has been drawn up for Sussex  by SSAN with the help of the EA and IFCA's
The full text is

Draft Sussex Advisory Angling Code of Conduct

As a means to present Sussex RSAs as both responsible and creditable, as local councils are reviewing their byelaws, SSAN’s view is that it would be preferable to fish by a voluntary code of conduct rather than have draconian byelaws forced upon us, and has composed this Advisory code of conduct and would like to invite all Anglers fishing from the Sussex Coast to pass on their comments to the SSAN panel.

SSAN administration has provided this draft of an advisory Code of Conduct for Sussex shore anglers, a code for boat angling will follow should this be requested. The administration team emphasises that this code should not be confused with angling clubs codes of conduct which are obligatory. The SSAN Code of Conduct is a guidance document that is presented to both aid Sussex shore anglers and to promote better understanding of their activity amongst the general public and marine management agencies. SSAN welcomes your comments in advance of releasing an agreed SSAN Code of Conduct

The code consists of two parts, the first part being made up of bullet points to aid the Sussex councils in publishing the code on the foreshore and the second an in-depth code to be published on the web-site

Bullet Points

Angling:

1. Respect the space and safety of all other foreshore users
2. If the beach is crowded or people are swimming, fish at a quieter time or elsewhere
3. Use a shock leader, check all around before casting and maintain a safe distance
4. Be responsible for your tackle at all times
5. Only take fish you will eat. Carefully return other fish back into the sea
6. Whilst handling your catch, please be discreet and responsible
7. Use a drop net when fishing a jetty, harbour arm or pier
8. Avoid fishing potentially hazardous venues on your own
9. Report any indication of pollution to the appropriate authority.
10. Adhere to all local bye laws
11. Take all rubbish away including unwanted tackle and bait, cut discarded fishing line into small sections
12. Please be considerate to local residents when parking or leaving late at night

Bait Digging/Collecting:
1. Refrain from digging in restricted areas, moorings and slipways
2. Back-fill all holes for safety, and maintain the inter-tidal habitat
3. Replace all rocks and weed in their original positions
4. Only dig/collect enough bait for yourself, and or family and friends
5. Be aware of local hazards, conditions and the speed of incoming tides
6. Avoid disturbing wildlife and the marine environment wherever possible

SSAN Advisory Code of Conduct


1. Anglers fishing from the Sussex Coast should conduct themselves in a manner not to bring themselves or other Sussex Anglers into disrepute while fishing. Remember at all times that you are an ambassador for Sussex RSA and that, to the public, your individual conduct may be perceived, as typical of all other anglers.

2. Remember that, as a shore angler, you are more likely to be sharing the environment with other members of the public. It is their right to be on the pier or beach, as much as it is yours. Respect their space and safety at all times - especially whilst casting. SSAN recommends that Anglers refrain from fishing popular tourist beaches when they are crowded with bathers and swimmers.

3. Allow safe and considerate distance between yourself and other anglers. When using power casting styles, it is recommended that you have a distance of 20 yards and be aware of other beach users, furthermore, it is recommended that a shock leader is used (the recommendation is 10 lb of line for every oz of lead. ie 5 oz’s of lead would require a 50 lb shock leader).


4. Be responsible for your tackle at all times. Children can be inquisitive and not all dogs are kept on a lead.

5. Only take as much fish as you can eat or give away. Carefully return any other fish back into the sea. . Remember why you are an angler and not a fisherman. Only keep what you, your family and friends can consume. SSAN does not condone the selling of your catch.

6. Whilst handling your catch, please be discreet and responsible. If you decide to dispatch a fish, do it promptly, humanely and discreetly. There may be members of the public close by who will be upset by what you are doing (especially children) - so be thoughtful and avoid unnecessary conflict. Also, be certain to observe Minimum Landing Sizes for each species and return all under sized fish swiftly and unharmed to the sea (ideally whilst handling them with a wet cloth or wet hands). . If you decide to clean your catch whilst fishing, carry out the procedure discreetly and return any waste to the sea. Do not leave fish entrails where they would offend the public. Also, be mindful of how sensitive the public and police are to knives in public places.

7. Use a drop net when fishing from a jetty, harbour arm or pier.

8. Try not to expose yourself to unnecessary risk while fishing, try not to fish in especially precarious situations. This is as much to safeguard others as it is to protect yourself. It is also considerate of the emergency services.

9. If you find anything of a concerning nature that could indicate current or imminent pollution and/or threaten injury to the public, pets or wildlife, report it to your local council as soon as possible. If you consider it appropriate, contact the police as well. Do not make any attempt to remove it yourself. Handling dead or sick wildlife or hazardous chemicals can threaten your health and safety - leave that bit to trained operatives.

10. Adhere to all local byelaws, respect any signs that prohibit access, fishing or bait digging/collecting.

11. Have a carrier bag or bin liner with you before you commence fishing so you are able to collect all your litter and dispose of it safely and appropriately. Take all rubbish away including unwanted tackle and bait, cut discarded fishing line into small sections before placing in your rubbish bag. Long lengths of line can injure/kill birds on refuse tips by ensnaring them. Ensure that hooks are accounted for and old hooks disposed of in a way that will not cause a hazard to you or others. Try to do your bit for the environment, leave the venue in a clean or cleaner state than when you arrived

12. When parking vehicles in public areas or near housing, be considerate of residents, other motorists and members of the public.


Bait Digging/Collecting:
1. Refrain from digging in restricted areas, moorings and slipways
2. Back-fill all holes for safety, and maintain the inter-tidal habitat
3. Replace all rocks and weed in their original positions
4. Only dig/collect enough bait for yourself, and or family and friends
5. Be aware of local hazards, conditions and the speed of incoming tides
6. Avoid disturbing wildlife and the marine environment wherever possible