Rother Fishery Association

RULES

1. Only those possessing a current RFA Member club Membership card with RFA sticker attached, or who hold a current RFA Complimentary Permit, or who have (where appropriate) purchased a day ticket, or who are members of authorised visiting clubs, or who have other authorisation given by the RFA may enter onto and  / or fish RFA properties and waters and further, clubs must make themselves aware that each angler who is a member of each club must have an RFA sticker attached to their club card. Under 13s may have a sticker at no charge. VERY IMPORTANT, NO  “not many of our members fish RFA waters so we give them an ‘opt out’” permitted. Every single person, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, who is a member of an RFA club / possesses one of your club’s current membership cards MUST have an RFA sticker attached. Members of Billericay & DAC (not an RFA club) may fish at Blackwall Bridge without an RFA Permit, but they must have their BDAC membership with them when on RFA waters, and RFA Members may fish the River Stour at Henny Street in Suffolk in return, and must also have their club card with RFA sticker attached.
2. Any RFA Member or riparian owner may demand sight of any angler’s permit to fish RFA waters.
3. Angling shall be by rod (maximum two) and line only using bait, fly or lure. No nets or other devices (except for landing and keep nets used in conjunction with  fishing rods) shall be used, and for disease control purposes, no live fish to be used as bait.
4. Any persons fishing must hold a current EA Licence to Fish and will obey all EA or RFA Bye – Laws and other regulations as may be applied.
5. In any one day, no more than two sizeable game fish may be retained per angler. All other fish must be returned alive to the water.
6. Night fishing is prohibited unless with the express and prior written permission of the RFA or the relevant riparian owner.
7. Visiting and Member clubs must hold public liability insurance to indemnify the RFA against any and all costs or other liabilities which might result.
8. Access to RFA waters shall be by way of authorised gates and paths only. Any person trespassing onto adjoining fields or other property will be banned from further access to RFA waters.
9. The ‘Country Code’ must be observed at all times, and in particular:i) No gates to be left open or unfastened;
   ii) Livestock not to be harassed or otherwise interfered with;
   iii) No bait to be dug for in adjoining fields or banks;
   iv) No damage to be caused to any fence, hedge, noticeboard, bank or other structure;
   v) No fire or barbecue to be lit;
   vi) No dog to be brought onto RFA waters and properties;
   vii) No firearm, trap or other snare to be carried or used;
   viii) No game to be interfered with or otherwise damaged;
   ix) No tent, camp, ‘bivvy’ or similar structure to be pitched;
   x) No vehicle to be parked on or driven onto any bank or adjoining field, or in any way which might cause an obstruction;
   xi) No litter or rubbish to be left;
   xii) No radio, tape recorder, drone, or other similar noisy appliance to be used;
   xiii) No gaff to be used;
   xiv) No commitment of any act which might in any way prejudice any rights held by the RFA, or which might bring disrepute upon the RFA;
10. The Committee of the RFA shall have the right to ban or expel any person or Member club or other organisation if in its judgement there is a breach of the Constitution and / or Rules. Before exercising this right the Committee shall enquire into the case and the person or persons concerned shall be given the opportunity to defend or justify their actions by appearing before the Committee. Any decision then made by the Committee concerning any such matter shall be by simple majority vote, Chairman to have the casting vote. Any decision then resulting is final.

“Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.”