North Staffs Angling Rules

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Please note members must adhere to the following rules:

North Staffs Angling – Rules

1. Membership

All members must hold a valid membership while fishing club waters.

All members must have started a monthly payment plan (12 month minimum) or paid for a full 12 month membership before fishing.

Members must present ID (to coincide with clubmate details) or membership card to any bailiff or committee member upon request.

Membership is non-transferable.

Any valid member is permitted to ask any other member to produce a valid membership.

2. Conduct on Club Waters

Members must behave respectfully toward other anglers, the public, wildlife, and the environment.

Abusive behaviour, vandalism, or disruption will result in disciplinary action.

Littering is strictly prohibited. All litter must be taken away.

Hales Hall is a shared facility in a quiet residential area, please respect this and moderate noise accordingly.

3. Fishing Regulations

Members must comply with all Environment Agency rules and possess a valid rod licence

Only recognised coarse angling methods are allowed unless otherwise stated

Maximum of two rods unless in possession of a night ticket or a syndicate member.

Unattended rods are strictly forbidden.

4. Fish Welfare

Unhooking mats must be used for carp, pike, and large fish species

Barbless or micro-barbed hooks only unless specified.

All fish must be handled carefully and returned to the water promptly.

No retaining fish in keep nets except during official matches.

Use of carp sacks is prohibited.

No fish to be removed from any water under any circumstances.

5. Bait and Ground bait Rules

No nuts permitted on any water.

No surface baits permitted on any water.

Boilies allowed within reasonable quantities.

Ground bait use may be limited on certain waters—check water-specific rules.

Live baiting allowed only where stated; must be from the same water.

6. Tackle and Equipment

No fixed-lead rigs.

All rigs must be safe and able to discharge the lead if necessary.

Braided mainline allowed only for pike fishing unless stated otherwise.

Fish-safe leaders only (no unsafe shock leaders).

Keep nets are permitted but NO CARP to be retained unless in an organised club match

7. Water Access and Times

Fishing only during posted opening times for each water.

Night fishing allowed only on designated waters or with a night permit.

Anglers must use official access points and parking areas.

No parking on surrounding streets.

8. Bailiffs

Bailiffs have full authority to check memberships, inspect tackle, and enforce rules.

Failure to comply may result in removal from the water or suspension.

9. Junior Anglers

Anglers under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult unless otherwise approved.

Juniors must follow all rules, and supervising adults are responsible for their conduct.

10. Matches

Waters may be closed for official matches.

Notices will be displayed in advance

Match rules must be followed at all times during competitions.

11. Prohibited Items and Activities

No fires, except gas stoves used safely.

No tins or cans permitted on the bank side.

The use of drugs is prohibited.No alcohol misuse; intoxicated individuals will be removed.

No swimming, boating, or wading unless authorised.

No guns, weapons, or dangerous items on site.

Do not damage or remove any flora/fauna

No fishing within the marina at Froghall Wharf if caught your licence will be removed