Syndicate Rules

Here at Ecton Lakes we take great pride in our fishery and for this reason there a few rules and guidelines that need to be abided by ALL members and guests to the complex.

Please read the following rules for the complex, ANY individual found not abiding to these rules could face disciplinary action against themselves.

1 -

2 -

3 -

4 -

5 -

6 -

7 -

8 -

9 -

10 -

11 -

12 -

13 -

14 -

15 -

16 -

17 -

18 -

19 -

20 -

21 -

22 -

23 -

24 -

25 -

26 -

27 -

28 -

29 -

Membership of the syndicate is by annual invitation of the management, and may be terminated at any time by their decision. Rule breaking or any bad behaviour will bring instant expulsion without refund. The decision of the management is final in all cases.

The complex will not be closed for any close season. Except river (15th March to 15th June inclusive.) However at certain times there may be closures on certain lakes or part of.

A maximum of three licensed rods (two on clover) per angler from March to October “inclusive.” A forth margin rod (third on clover) can be used for the four months of Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb. rods must be fished from one swim and not spread along the bank.

Anglers to exercise the greatest possible care of fish;

always use an unhooking mat, spread on a soft flat surface, rather than on uneven or hard bank side (e.g. gravel)

be aware that watch straps, badges, jewellery and zips may damage the fish. Minimise the time the fish is out of the water, and handle as little as possible. Fish only to be sacked for as long as it takes to safely take photographs, certainly no longer than one daylight hour, and not in less than four feet of water. Please ensure sack cord is securely tethered and that the fish is the correct way up.

On returning please hold upright in sufficient depth until the fish is ready to swim off. Please ensure that all nets, slings, and mats have been washed and dried if you have fished elsewhere.

Particle baits;

Incorrectly prepared particle baits can kill fish; they must be prepared according to the instructions for the particular variety. Where boiling is specified this must be done to ensure safe preparation. If in any doubt play safe. It is impossible to over soak. Please use all particles in sensible moderation. “Soaked only” must not be used in any circumstances. A maximum of ½ kilo of peanuts per angler, per 24 hours to be used.

No “bent hooks” (curved hooks are permitted.) and no permanently fixed leads or quicksilver/Kevlar type lines or leaders are permitted. Normal braid as a fishing line is permitted, but only with the inclusion of a nylon leader or tubing to protect fish.

No litter;

all litter to be collected before you start fishing, any angler found with litter in their swim whilst fishing, or after they have left will be banned. This is irrespective of whether the angler deposited the litter or not. Strictly no fires other than on organised work parties.

No cutting, or removing, of trees, bushes, rushes, reeds, etc.

Removal or introduction of fish is strictly prohibited.

No live baits to be brought onto the fisheries, from outside, and must only be used on the water body from which they were caught. Pike fishing from Oct to march inclusive only.

Due to restrictions made by the owners and insurance, boats are not allowed on the lakes for fishing purposes, and are only to be used for fishery management.

The sensible use of bait boats is allowed, this means giving every consideration to other anglers. If fishing a distant feature island, snag etc. a dummy run must be made with unbaited tackle, this is to ensure you are depositing rig in a clean area and not fishing to an unseen obstruction. Fish safety first, capture second.

No line shall be left in the water unattended or baited hook left unattended on the bank.

Fishing guest tickets will be available for 24-hour periods at a cost of £20.00. Tickets must be prebooked with fisheries manager giving at least one-week notice. Only one guest per water allowed at any one time.

Guests must abide by all rules and are the sole responsibility of the member.

The management or any private guests of theirs reserve the right to fish at any time.

All persons shall enter and fish the complex at their own risk, the owners and management accept no responsibility for any accidents, loss or damage to persons, property, or vehicles however caused.

The management reserve the right to amend these rules, or add new ones, at any time without prior notice.

All carp caught must be photographed on each side, and pictures with details of weight and capture date to be sent to fisheries manager within 8 weeks of capture.

It is not permissible to reserve a swim for yourself or other anglers, you may place an object in chosen swim for as long as it takes to return vehicle and transport tackle to said swim (not walking round looking for a better alternative). You may leave your swim for a maximum of 3 hours in any 24 hour period, if you intend staying away any longer you must vacate your swim completely.

The maximum length of session is five days and nights, after which time you must not return to the complex within 72 hours (this means you can not do two weekends running in one session) save joint ticket holders who can move to a different lake.

The management reserve the right to close the complex at any time they feel fit, prior notice will be given in writing whenever possible.

All gates and barriers to be closed and properly locked at all times, combination codes are not to be disclosed to others, this includes guests.

Members should act as bailiffs where necessary, any rule breaking should be reported to the fisheries manager as soon as possible.

Please carry your membership card with you at all times.

Members must show the maximum possible respect to other members.

Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas at all times.

All publicity, including photos, stories and reports about the fish or fishery is first to be authoritised by the management. A copy of authoritised publicity must be supplied to fishery manager as soon as published.

Members are expected to act sensibly, anyone found to be breaking rules, or acting in a manner so as to jeopardise the fish, other anglers, the fishery; the relationship between the management and the landlords, or any other bona fide users of the site, will be dealt with by the management, as they see fit.

Last but not least, enjoy your fishing!