Angling Regulations

Southdown and Hydneye Community Angling Club (SHCAC)

ANGLING REGULATIONS Revision B, Posted 17/09/2023

Angling Regulations are determined by the SHCAC Committee and relate to the expected conduct of members, guests, exchange permit users and water share club partners on club waters.  These are the minimum standards required, and all water users are expected to abide by the regulations.  Failure to do so will result in referral to the SHCAC Committee where various sanctions may be imposed.

It is the intent of these Angling Regulations that is important and SHCAC’s interpretation is final.  Any attempt to exploit any loopholes to avoid compliance will be dealt with by SHCAC as a breach of these Angling Regulations and action taken accordingly.

Where there is any conflict with equivalent angling regulations for water share club partners, these Angling Regulations shall take precedence.

The Angling Regulations are divided into General Angling Regulations that apply to all SHCAC waters and Venue Specific Angling Regulations that apply to particular venues.

To note that in some cases the Venue Specific Angling Regulations are back to back with requirements in our agreement for the fishing rights and cannot be changed.

All SHCAC members, guests, exchange permit users and water share club partners must make themselves aware of and abide by all Angling Regulations that are pertinent to the water they intend to fish.

The SHCAC Committee reserve the right to review and amend these Angling Regulations from time to time.  Important changes will be updated and communicated by Clubmate expeditiously and will come into effect immediately.  General updates will be made periodically and will be implemented on or near the 1^st April each year.

Please report dead or gasping fish, poaching or damage to the Environment Agency (0800 807 060) and members of the SHCAC Committee or Polegate Angling Centre on 01323 486379.

General Angling Regulations (applying to all SHCAC waters)

1. When on SHCAC waters all anglers must behave in a sportsmanlike manner, confine their activities to angling only, keep within 5 metres of the waters edge, close all gates after passing through, respect the rights of other water users, the property of water owners and leave no litter.
2. All anglers must be in possession of a current valid Environment Agency Rod License when fishing on SHCAC waters. On the request of a designated Club Bailiff, Water Keeper or Club Official, you must produce your proof of Membership and Environment Agency Rod License.  Failure to comply with this requirement may result in expulsion from the Club.
3. All anglers must be in possession of an appropriate authority to fish SHCAC waters. This will be a SHCAC membership card, a Guest Permit, an Exchange Permit or a Membership Card for a Water Share Club partner.  Electronic messages generated by Clubmate of authority to fish are acceptable, but must be shown on request.
4. Anglers should also present evidence of their authority to fish SHCAC waters on the request of another SHCAC member or Water Share Club member.
5. Junior anglers under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult whilst fishing at all times.
6. No parking is permitted in front of any field access gates in the vicinity of club waters at any time, even if there is space to do so.
7. Anglers vehicles and other modes of transport must be parked considerately. Gates and accesses must not be blocked or impeded.  Anglers are expressly forbidden to drive into farmers fields adjacent to SHCAC waters.
8. Anglers are responsible for the removal and safe disposal of any disposable items brought with them or litter found in their swim.
9. Unless otherwise noted in the Venue Specific Angling Regulations, a maximum of 3 rods may be used on waters on the Pevensey Marshes & River Cuckmere and a maximum of 2 rods may be used on enclosed waters. In all cases, all the rods must be positioned within easy reach of the angler and the spread of rods should not inconvenience other anglers.
10. Keepnets, if used, must be a of a knotless mesh and a minimum of 2 metres long, with a smallest width at least 40 centimetres.
11. All fish must be returned alive to the water from which they were taken.
12. The use of live fish as bait is prohibited on all SHCAC waters.
13. Anglers leaving their swim for any reason must remove all lines from the water.
14. Unless noted otherwise in Venue Specific Angling Regulations, the pitching of tents other than angling bivouacs or open day shelters, camping, lighting of fires or barbeques or playing of portable radios or similar, is not permitted on SHCAC waters.
15. If used, the volume of electronic devices should not enable them to be heard by other anglers.
16. Anglers are no permitted to defecate on SHCAC waters.
17. No dogs (other than a guide dog for a blind person) are permitted on SHCAC waters.
18. Anglers shall have regard to any uncut crops adjacent to SHCAC waters. If crops are present, members shall confine themselves to a narrow strip of land immediately adjacent to the waters edge.
19. The use of boats, paddle boards, canoes and other watercraft is not permitted by anglers at any time. This includes bait boats and model boats.  Anglers are also not permitted to swim or magnet fish in SHCAC waters.
20. Limitations and guidance on the use of hook types and sizes will be added here in a future update.
21. Strictly no fishing for pike during the warmer months from 1^st April to 30^th September inclusive of these dates

Night Fishing

22. Where night fishing is permitted (see Venue Specific Angling Regulations), fishing sessions on any specific venue are limited to a maximum period of 24 hours, after which the angler must vacate that water and not return to that water for at least 24 hours.

Pike Fishing

The following guidance and Angling Regulations that are specific to pike fishing will be reviewed periodically and are subject to change.

SHCAC is committed to the welfare of our pike, please treat pike with the utmost care.  The following Angling Regulations should be followed at all times.

SHCAC appreciates that many members of the legacy clubs and Water Share clubs are experienced and competent pike anglers and do not require any training or guidance in fishing methods and pike care.

For those less experienced anglers and any other members wishing to fish for pike that are interested, SHCAC run in-house Pike Classes each year that are held before the start of the pike season.  Members can register their interest in attending one of these via the Clubmate App.  Following attendance at a Pike Class, SHCAC members will be issued with a Pike Pass that lasts as long as you are a member of SHCAC.

Should our Bailiffs or Water Keepers witness any detrimental behaviours to pike welfare, the SHCAC member will be required to attend a Pike Class.  If they refuse to do so, they will be referred to the Committee for further action that could result in expulsion from the club.

SHCAC members and other anglers fishing under a Guest Permit, an Exchange Permit or being a member of one of our Water Share Clubs, must follow the regulations below.

23. Where permitted, pike fishing is only allowed between 1^st October and 14^th March on non-enclosed waters (rivers) and 1^st October and 31^st March on enclosed waters (lakes).
24. Only tackle designed for pike fishing shall be used. Beachcasters and boat rods are prohibited.
25. Main Lines must have a minimum of 12lb breaking strain or equivalent.
26. Wire Traces are compulsory and must be 18 inches or more in length with a breaking strain of 15lbs minimum.
27. A Wire Up-trace must be used in conjunction with all types of paternoster rigs and must be at least 6 inches longer in length than the hook length being used.
28. Forceps are compulsory for unhooking pike and must have a length of at least 10 inches.
29. Large Landing Nets are compulsory and must be at least 36inch arms.
30. The use of a large padded unhooking mats must be used at all times while handling pike.
31. Pike Gags, Fish Grippers and Stringers are strictly forbidden on all of SHCAC fisheries.
32. The retention of pike in keepnets or sacks is forbidden unless fishing a pike competition.
33. It is strictly forbidden to use the hook of a spring balance to weigh pike under the chin.
34. Standing up holding a pike is not allowed at any time. Keep pike low to the ground.
35. Rods to be positioned no more than 2 meters away from the angler using them.

Specimen Fish

Those anglers specifically targeting large/specimen size fish must follow these regulations.

36. Suitable purpose made mats must be used while unhooking large specimens; pike, carp, tench and bream.
37. Large fish are to be returned to the water as soon as possible and shall not be retained in keepnets or slings or similar. Retaining specimens in a landing net for a short period to prepare for weighing, photography or to aid the recovery of distressed fish is allowable.

Venue Specific Angling Regulations

Below are specific regulations for each SHCAC water.  These begin with a matrix of key restrictions/details as follows:

Hydneye Lake

These regulations are in place to protect you, the wildlife and our fish stocks, please follow them and keep you and your membership safe.  The lake is open all year with the exception of occasional closed days for water maintenance or competitions using the whole lake.

1. Two Rods maximum may be used at any one time, no more than 2m apart.
2. Rods must not be left unattended at any time, even for the call of nature.
3. Night fishing is strictly not allowed. Fishing is from dawn till dusk.
4. Unhooking mats are advised while unhooking large specimens, carp, tench and bream.
5. It is suggested not to use keepnets unless fishing competitions or group knockabouts.
6. All fish to be returned alive.
7. The removal of trees, branches, hedges etc. is strictly forbidden. However, you are permitted to remove weed growth in established swims with the aid of a weed rake and line.
8. The digging out of bait is strictly prohibited throughout the entire complex of the park.
9. Open fires and barbecues are strictly forbidden. Small camping stoves are allowed during the winter months only from October to March, keeping a watchful eye open at all times whilst alight.
10. Firearms, snares and hunting equipment is strictly banned.
11. Only fishing umbrella’s or open day shelters allowed. Strictly no Bivvys or Tents to be used.
12. Because of the dangers to our wildlife, no litter or disposable items to be left on this fishery.
13. Please be considerate and fish on the opposite bank when competitions are being held on one particular bank. All competitions and friendly group knockabouts must be pre-booked at all times.
14. Strictly no litter to be left on the fishery at any time. Bins are provided in the park.  By fishing a swim you are deemed to take responsibility for any litter including existing litter in the swim, this applies to matches as well.

Curl’s Farm, Ripe

This venue is currently closed following a devasting fish loss in 2022.  Members will be advised when the venue is re-opened.

1. Open all year round, no close season.
2. Lock combination changed from time to time by SHCAC to maintain security. Combination available from Clubmate.
3. Vehicles to be parked only in the designated area.
4. No vehicles to be taken beyond designated parking area other than those of disabled members with prior approval.
5. Able bodied members must walk to the lake following the track around the field edge.
6. Subject to due authority and provided ground conditions are suitable, only Disabled members are permitted to drive down to the water, via the access to the left of the barns. Disabled parking at dam end of lake only, no parking behind swims.  Disabled members must obtain permission from the Secretary in advance to use this facility.
7. No night fishing or camping. Angling limited to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
8. Barbless hooks only.
9. No carp to be retained in keepnets or sacks other than in pre-arranged /sanctioned competitions.
10. Fishing is from designated pegs only and only one swim may be occupied at any one time.
11. No fishing from any islands.
12. No reserving of pegs or swims.
13. A maximum of two rods may be used at any one time. These must both be positioned within 2 metres of the angler using them.
14. Unhooking mats must be used when carp fishing.
15. No nut baits to be used.
16. A public footpath runs alongside the lake, be mindful and considerate of members of the public or horse riders who may pass from time to time.

North Farm Pool, Marle Green

1. Open all year round, no close season.
2. Angling limited to daylight hours only i.e. nominally from sunrise to sunset. Anglers must not arrive at this venue before sunrise and must have left before sunset.
3. Access is along an unmade track in front of residential properties and adjacent to fields containing livestock. It is likely that you will encounter pets and stray livestock.  Please drive slowly (maximum 5mph) and carefully.  Any non-compliance with these requirements will result in immediate expulsion.
4. It is not permitted to drop-off or pick-up anglers by the locked access gate.
5. Lock combination changed from time to time by Landowner to maintain security. Combination available from Clubmate.
6. All gates must be re-secured after entry or exit.
7. Vehicles to be parked only in the designated area; follow the concrete track on foot down to the water thereafter.
8. Subject to due authority from the Secretary (that must be obtained in advance), Disabled members are permitted to drive down to the water for the purposes of unloading or loading equipment, returning their vehicle to the designated parking area while fishing.
9. No fishing from the dam wall.
10. Due to other activities taking place on site from time to time, the venue may be closed to angling. Known closure dates will be published on our website.  Closures at short notice will be posted on Facebook or notice issued via Clubmate.

Additional important behavioural requirements:

11. No dropping off or picking anglers off in front of the locked gate at the entrance to the venue. Either use the car park, or drop off/pick up at the top of the lane.
12. Minimise movements through the locked gate – no toing and froing during the day.
13. Keep noise to a minimum, even in the car parking area as there are residences that directly overlook the area;
14. Be polite and respectful if engaged by residents. Do not use offensive language.
15. If you get line, rigs, hooks etc. entangled in trees remove them immediately. If they are out of your reach, inform one of the Water Keepers.  We do not want to be held responsible for the death of any wildlife.

Pevensey Haven (Sheepwash) and Chilley Stream

1. Water closed Saturday mornings when farmer runs boot fair.
2. No entry or parking in field; park in available verge and layby only.
3. No parking in front of gates; access required at all times.
4. No fishing in 2^nd field upstream from Pevensey Haven entrance until after silage has been cut.
5. Floating Penny Wort is present here. This invasive weed is easily transferable to other fisheries and can make them unfishable.  Please use the Environmental Agency/ Angling Trust Check, Clean & Dry protocol for footwear & all items such as landing nets, keepnets & weigh slings.

River Cuckmere at Sherman’s Bridge

1. Night fishing allowed, but not recommended – banks are undercut and extremely dangerous.
2. Park in layby only.
3. Fishing upstream and downstream from Sherman’s Bridge.
4. New downstream access not yet established; await further updates.

Wallers Haven at Boreham Street

1. Park in layby only.
2. Entrance over stile by bridge.
3. Fishing downstream only.

Wallers Haven at Ironbridge Upstream

1. Park in layby, parking area and verge only.
2. No parking in front of any access gate; access required at all times.
3. Entrance over stile by bridge.
4. Fishing upstream only.

Wallers Haven at Ironbridge Downstream

1. Park in layby, parking area and verge only.
2. No parking in front of any access gate; access required at all times.
3. Entrance over stile at entrance to field.
4. Fishing downstream only.
5. Fishing from dawn until dusk only.
6. No access to Nature Reserve beyond end of HCAC water.
7. No access to or fishing from land owners jetty towards the end of the water.

Wallers Haven at Middle Bridge Upstream

1. Park on bridge or verge only.
2. No parking in front of any access gates; access required at all times.
3. Entrance over stile at entrance to field.
4. Fishing upstream only.
5. No access to Nature Reserve beyond end of HCAC water.
6. Water Share access to first fence around Dowle Corner only.

Pevensey Haven at Montague Farm/Rickney (west bank)

1. Parking limited to highway verges nearby. Do not block any accesses or public rights of way.
2. Entrance along Public Footpath(s), see Water Map.
3. No access from Chilley Bridge across bridge near confluence with Chilley Stream.
4. Night fishing on an occasional basis and on a trial basis for 2023 to 2024.

Wallers Haven at Start Lock, near Normans Bay

1. Parking limited to highway verges nearby. Do not block any accesses, highways or other public rights of way.
2. No night fishing.
3. Do not leave any unused bait on the