Important Fishing Update as of The Government Guide lines COVID-19 during the Lockdown at Shrewsbury Town Fisheries from 2pm Thursday 7th January 2021
Please ensure you read and fully understand the Guidance provided by The Angling Trust.
A Simple Guide as follows:
ANGLERS and TRAVEL:
We can not have anglers who are either season permit or day ticket to our waters whom reside outside the LOCAL area of Shrewsbury. You MUST use common sense that defines LOCAL. ie If you live in Telford you have to fish in the Telford LOCAL Area.
We must emphasise that “if this is abused we will close the fisheries to angling”
Anglers who reside in Wales & Scotland cannot travel to England for the purpose of angling as laid down by the Respective Governments.
Anglers should always check the Government Guide lines that apply to the area they reside with respect to TRAVEL.
SOCIAL DISTANCING/FACE MASKS:
If anglers come into contact with a Bailiff,Official or fellow angler there must be social distancing at all times. Wear a face mask while reaching out your Membership card or Day Ticket confirmation such as your mobile phone. Do Not hand or exchange items over for whatever reason unless you are within the same household or bubble.
HOW LONG CAN I FISH?
You can fish as you normally would within our rules.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT:
Officials such as Wardens, Bailiff’s etc… Will carry on their duties as normal if can’t be done at home. When our Wardens, Bailiffs go out they will be following social distancing and rules as per Government Guidelines.
OVERVIEW:
It is the responsibility of all anglers who visit our waters to understand Guidance and respect the Safety of all others.
Should you have any of the COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home and get tested.
Follow our Head Bailiff Gary Dodds and fellow Bailiffs & Wardens instructions at all times.
If this is ignored or any of the rules above, you will be banned from our fisheries and the Police notified.
We will update on this page should there be any changes as soon as we can.
We are going through a ever changing worldwide pandemic and we need to get transmission of this virus down. Please follow the rules, be sensible, be safe and help save lives.
Andy Jones
Fisheries Coordinator
Angling Trust Statement:
Fishing allowed during national lockdown in England – Angling Trust announcement
The Government have now formally responded to the representations made by the Angling Trust. We have promoted the huge benefits of fishing on individual health and wellbeing and have been able to present a case to which the Government have listened. On this basis I am pleased to announce that fishing will be permitted during the third national lockdown in England.
The DCMS Sports Team confirmed the following:
“fishing is allowed as exercise so long as participants adhere to the rules on staying local, gathering limits, social distancing and limiting the time spent outdoors”
This has also been confirmed by DEFRA:
“Cabinet Office have now officially confirmed that angling / fishing (incl. sea fishing off private boats, water sports) can be considered exercise and are hence permitted.”
And by Sport England – see here.
We have worked extremely hard to reach this position and we as anglers have a duty to abide by the strict conditions under which fishing is once again permitted. With infection rates and death tolls rising we must stick to the Government’s rules and ensure that angling remains part of the solution and does not cause problems.
Please bear in mind these key points which will be reflected in the new Angling Trust guidelines which we will publish shortly on the Angling Trust website:
This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.
We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.
The Government has recognised that fishing can be seen as exercise, which is expressly permitted under the lockdown rules, although outdoor recreation is not.
Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing.
The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.
To remain within the law you should follow the Government’s guidance, and only fish locally. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways. Full Government guidance on travel can be found here.
We are once again able to enjoy the sport we love at a time when many others cannot and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules.
I would ask all anglers who are not members to join the Angling Trust and give us your support. We have worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome and that is only possible thanks to the support of our new and existing members. I would ask all anglers who value their ability to go fishing to make the same commitment as your fellow anglers have and join the Angling Trust. We are stronger together!
Join the Angling Trust today
Stay safe and very best fishes!
Jamie Cook
Chief Executive, Angling Trust