Boat and Fishing Etiquette
Even if you use a Fishery regularly, please take the opportunity to read
the following common sense guidance notes. They will help you and
other fishers have a much more enjoyable session.
Fish can sense and are disturbed by undue noise, e.g. stamping on the
floorboards from within a boat. Try to keep noise to a minimum.
Always remember an outboard engine is a means of propulsion, and not
necessarily a way of getting directly from A to B in the straightest line or the
fastest time, especially if it disturbs your quarry and other fishery users.
Do not leave litter, especially nylon traces as they can kill birds. At the end of
the day remove all litter from the boat and draw your boat up adjacent to other boats.
If you don’t know the water, ask for a map of the fishery, showing depths, etc.
This will help you avoid disturbing fish in “hot spots” such as shallow ground,
and also prevent engine damage.
Try to maintain a good distance, (say 150 metres wherever possible), from any
shoreline when travelling between marks or renewing the drift.
Try not to cross within 150 meters of another boat’s drift, especially at full speed.
Do not motor at full speed over known drifts, or when moving away from a drift.
If your drift tends to run into a shoreline, move out either by using the oars, very
low engine revs, or an electric engine.
Do not hog a productive spot or backtrack over your old drift if other fishers are
on the same drift. When you have exhausted a drift and wish to run through
again, take your place at the end of the boats on the same drift, bearing in mind
the above points.
Always try to be aware of the location of other fishers and what type of fishing
they are doing.
Do not encroach too close to drogue drifters. Bear in mind a drogue drift is
much slower than a standard drift.
Inconsiderate and persistent offenders should be reported to the fishery staff
by giving them the boat number involved.
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