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CAUTION: Angling, variously considered ‘the gentle art’ and
the ‘contemplative man’s past time’ is also a deceptively
hazardous recreation. In consequence of the activity being practised in
the proximity to deep and running waters in all weathers, often in remote
places, and with the use of sharp implements, dangerous situations can
arise suddenly and from unexpected quarters
Defence against hazards deriving from these factors forms the basis for
a safety policy in these guidelines.
Angling as a pursuit is divided into several disciplines: coarse, sea
and game. Game angling subdivides into Stillwater and River angling, but
at the present time River angling is the only area of activity with which
Gwent Angling Society is concerned in these guidelines.
These guidelines are intended as ‘common sense’ precautions
to be applied by persons engaged in river game angling activity both as
participants and in a supervisory capacity. The inherent dangers are regarded
by the society as self evident to any sensible and right minded person
and, barring circumstances beyond human control, it is considered that
understanding and observation of the guidelines, together with cognisance
of government legislation and local bylaws, should confine the risk of
accident, mishap or injury to minimum.
Accordingly, and in addition to implementation of this policy, the following
legislation must also be taken into account and applied in all the society’s
angling activity:
• Health and Safety regulations
• Countryside code
• Local fishery bylaws
• Wildlife and Countryside Act (1984 amended)
• Children and Yong Persons Act
RIVER ANGLING SAFETY
Before Setting Out
‘Safety begins at home’
Ensure that someone knows where you are intending to fish, and when approximately
to expect you home.
Before leaving you need to be certain that you are equipped with items
that ensure your unimpeded pleasure and safety. Devise a check list along
the following lines:
• Rod license
• Permit
• Money
• Medication (if appropriate)
• Food & drink
• Spectacles (reading/sun/safety glasses)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Batteries (Charge mobile phone/ torch batteries. Carry spares
for night fishing/ going home/ emergency)
• Bulb (ALWAYS carry a spare for torch)
• First Aid kit
Clothing
Equip yourself accordingly to the likely conditions (usually colder and
usually different to front door weather). Always put a change of clothing
in your car and carry a towel- it is surprising how often you will need
it!!
• Flotation jacket and whistle
• Pullover
• Socks (and spares)
• Gloves
• Waterproof jacket/ trousers/ hat
• Fishing waistcoat
• Hat/ cap/hood
• Waders- suitably checked for waterproofing. Remember wading boots
and socks if necessary. Felt soles or studs best for rocky terrain.
• Wader repair kit (just in case of emergency)
• Handkerchief/ tissues
Tackle
Never assume you have everything you need in place for the last outing.
Consider in advance projected location and changed conditions. Check tackle
in light.
• Wading staff
• Torch
• Rod(s)
• Reel(s)
• Lines (plus spares)
• Net
• Fishing bag/ creel
• Fly boxes/ wallets
• Floatant
• Bait boxes/ containers
• Casts/ leaders
• Maps/ fishery plans
• Insect repellent
Tools
• Scissors
• Forceps
• Pliers
• Priest
• Knife
• Screwdriver
• Tape
• Glue
• Small saw and seceteurs
• Reel oil/ grease
• Light rope or cord
• Thermometer
• Scales
• Camera
• Pen & paper
• Mobile Phone
GENERAL CONDUCT
Personal Attitude
• Go fishing for pleasure, to unwind, relax and enjoy the countryside.
• Be courteous and show consideration to others. Some fellow anglers
like solitude; always respect that right.
• Observe the countryside code. Leave things as you find them- close
gates; use stiles; do not leave litter or throw it in the water; do not
break branches or tread down waterside plants. Do not light fires or bring
dogs with you or children you cannot control.
• Respect wildlife. Be sensitive to nesting birds and animals with
young. If there are wild crops in a field (e.g. wild mushrooms or hazelnuts)
do not pick them all.
PROCEDURE
The Car
• Park your car safely and with consideration, where it does not
cause obstruction to others- farmers, pedestrians or other anglers.
• Avoid parking in a field where there are cattle.
• Lock all valuable in the boot or out of sight.
• Secure all tackle to your person. Check bag and pocket(s) securely
closed/ zipped. Clip accessories to belt or/and pin to fishing jacket
or waistcoat. Check on roof and around car for ‘forgotten’
items before moving off
Walking
• Follow (marked) paths and use gates and stiles. Do not walk across
standing crops.
• Avoid climbing fences or gates.
• Wooden stiles and plank bridges can be treacherous. Tack chicken
wire to slippery surfaces where appropriate and allowed.
• Exercise great care negotiating barbed wire fences, especially
in waders. Use oiled jacket or split hosepipe or such like for protection.
• When walking to and from the water with rod assembled, carry it
reel forward. Beware of low branches and low bridges.
• Look out for overhead power lines when walking with assembled
rod and when casting.
• Be on the lookout for hostile bulls, newly calved cows and other
potentially dangerous animals. Bullocks can be more than inquisitive,
and can damage tackle left on the bank.
• Do not walk closer than 1 metre to the edge of a high river bank
on an alluvial plain.
Wading
• Always use, or improvise, a wading staff when wading.
• All anglers but, especially non-swimmers, should wear a life jacket
when fishing.
• Be extremely cautious when wading unfamiliar waters. Be methodical,
only proceed form one secure position to another that you have surveyed-
and tested with a wading staff. Look carefully for sudden shelves, slippery
surfaces, sharp objects, obstructions (e.g. rocks, tree roots, submerged
logs, etc.) Beware of soft gravel or mud and swift currents.
• Never wade unfamiliar waters in turbulent conditions or coloured
water.
• In any potentially hazardous locations (e.g. slippery rock, mud,
strong currents, loose gravel etc.) if you must wade use a guy rope to
anchor you to an object on the shore capable of withstanding more than
your weight.
• Estuaries are especially hazardous. Never wade alone, or without
expert local knowledge.
• At night, never wade without a thorough daylight recce. In any
case use a torch when crossing the river (it need not disturb fish). Keep
in systematic touch with any companion.
• If the water is noticeably cold or you are getting wet, do not
remain in the water for longer than 15 minutes before remedying the situation.
• Be observant of the water level when you cross a river, especially
in tidal reaches or in areas where there is a propensity to flash flooding,
or below an abstraction point or where hydro-power generation is in progress.
Casting
• Wear safety glasses especially in windy conditions, when fishing
deep and when using heavy flies or lures.
• At night always wear safety glasses.
• Make an assessment of tree cover and foot path proximity on your
back cast. Always be mind full of other anglers and of unsuspecting members
of the public approaching behind without warning. Likewise animals.
• Do not cast in the vicinity of overhead power cables.
• It is never worth the value of a fly or lure to risk breaking
a limb or worse in an attempt to retrieve it from a tree or other such
obstruction. If you must, seek help, permission and the appropriate equipment/
tools.
Final Consideration
It is the responsibility of the individual angler to make an assessment
of the conditions of the water/weather prior to and when they are fishing
and not to take any unnecessary risk in any circumstance.
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