Club Rules
Respect the Waters, Fish and Fellow Members
Stockport Waltonians Angling Society is built on respect for the waters, the fish and fellow members. These rules are in place to protect fish welfare, maintain our fisheries and ensure everyone can enjoy the sport safely and responsibly.
General Rules
• All fishing is undertaken at the member’s own risk.
• No litter, discarded tackle or damage to club property will be tolerated.
• All fish must be returned to the water with care and consideration.
• Members must conduct themselves respectfully towards fellow anglers, members of the public and club officials at all times.
• Bullying, threatening behaviour or abuse towards members or officials may result in suspension or expulsion from the club.
• Society membership cards are strictly non-transferable.
Fish Care & Tackle Rules
Hooks & Lines
• Barbless hooks only are permitted on all society waters.
• Barbed and micro-barbed hooks are strictly prohibited.
• Braided mainline is not permitted on society waters.
Landing Nets & Keepnets
• Members must have a suitable landing net assembled and ready for use at all times.
• Keepnets must comply with current Environment Agency byelaws.
• Fish over 4lb must not be retained in keepnets except during authorised society matches.
• Keepnets may not be used during the closed season except during authorised matches.
Feed & Bait Restrictions
The following are prohibited on all society waters:
• Bloodworm
• Joker
• Dog biscuits
• Nuts
• Loose maize
Mill Brow Restrictions
• Maximum 1kg crumb-based groundbait permitted.
• Sweetcorn and cooked hemp may be used sparingly.
• Maximum 1 pint of pellets permitted.
• Maximum 0.5kg of boilies permitted.
Weights & Feeders
• Bomb weights and method feeders over ½oz are not permitted.
Fishing Rules
• A maximum of two rods may be used at any time.
• Both baits must be fished within the same swim.
• Members fishing a single peg must reel in if another member wishes to fish the adjacent peg.
• Stalking is not permitted on society waters.
• Night fishing is prohibited unless specifically authorised by the club.
Members found breaching night fishing rules may face suspension and disciplinary action.
Junior Members
• Members under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult member when fishing Bramhall Cricket Ground Pond, Henbury Lake or Mill Brow.
• Junior members under 12 years of age must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Parents or guardians must notify the club of any relevant medical conditions.
• Junior coaching sessions must maintain a minimum supervision ratio of 1 responsible adult to every 3 juniors.
• Members under 21 years of age may only join at an official club meeting and must provide valid photo ID and proof of date of birth.
Club Participation
Stockport Waltonians is a volunteer-led society and members are encouraged to support the running and upkeep of the club wherever possible.
• Members are encouraged to attend club meetings regularly.
• Members should support at least one organised working party each year where possible.
Matches & Events
• Society matches are open to eligible members only.
• Members under 16 years of age may not participate in senior society matches.
• Match dates, fixtures and reports can be found on the club calendar and reports pages.
Guests
• Guests are permitted only in accordance with current club guest policies and must remain under the supervision of the hosting member at all times.
Committee Rights
The committee reserves the right to:
• Investigate breaches of club rules.
• Suspend or terminate memberships where necessary.
• Amend club rules where required for fish welfare, safety or club management.
Important
These rules are in place to protect the fish, the waters and the future of the club. Members are expected to act responsibly and respectfully at all times whilst representing Stockport Waltonians Angling Society.