WORTHING AND DISTRICT PISCATORIAL SOCIETY

MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK

2018-2019

ENSURE YOU DIP YOUR NETS, MAT,CRADLE,WEIGH SLING

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS

NAME......

ADDRESS......

......

TELEPHONE/MOBILE NUMBER......

EMERGENCY CONTACT: NAME AND NUMBER......

I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE RULES AND BYLAWS OF THE WDPS

SIGNATURE

DATE Combination locks River car park gate

WDPS

PLEASURE FISHING

FAMILY FISHING

MATCH FISHING

GOOD FISHING

ALL MEMBERS MUST CARRY THEIR MEMBERSHIP CARD AND BOOK AT ALL TIMES ON WDPS WATERS.

AN EA ROD LICENCE IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. ALL MEMBERS MUST CARRY THE APPROPRIATE EA LICENCES TO COVER THE NUMBER OF RODS USED.

WDPS DISCLAIMER: MEMBERS AND GUESTS PARTICIPATE IN ALL SOCIETY ACTIVITIES AND ENTER WDPS FISHERIES ENTIRELY AT THEIR OWN RISK. THE SOCIETY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF MEMBERS OR GUESTS PROPERTY.

IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS THE COMMITTEE MAY CLOSE FISHERIES FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY REASONS. NOTICES WILL BE PUT ON THE WEBSITE

CONTENTS

Inside front cover: membership card/details.

  1. Introduction to WDPS.
  2. WDPS Society Rules
  3. Rules cont’d and Standing Orders.
  4. General Regulations.
  5. Regulations and Fishing rules.
  6. Rules, competition rules, bailiffs..
  7. Bailiffs, disciplinary process, best practice.
  8. Best practice.
  9. Fisheries: Laybrook.
  10. Fisheries: River Arun, Houghton Bridge to Bury.
  11. Fisheries:River Arun, Arundel Bridge to Houghton Bridge.
  12. Disciplinary notes from bailiffs. Guest tickets.
  13. Work party dates/personal catch reports.

Internal back cover: WDPS officers/emergency contacts

INTRODUCTION TO WDPS

Worthing and District Piscatorial Society was founded in 1955 by a group of like minded coarse anglers. This keen and dedicated group worked tirelessly to secure leases on a number of waters and their legacy was to place the Society in a position to purchase its own waters, the Laybrookfishery.

WDPS prides itself in remaining as a family orientated club and welcomes new members.

It is one of the few angling clubs in the south to boast having a properly constructed and clean toilet block. It recognises the need for good facilities for anglers.

MANAGEMENT

An AGM of members elects some of the Officers of the Society and members of the Management Committee. The Committee is responsible for the efficient operation of the Society. All members of the Committee are volunteers who give their time freely to support the Society.

COMPETITIONS

The Society hopes to run a number of competitions throughout the year. All members are welcome to participate.

WORK PARTIES

The Fishery Management Team organise regular work parties to ensure the fishery is kept to as high a standard as possible. It is hoped that all members will attend at least once to assist in this vital work to maintain and improve the fisheries.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are reviewed annually by the Management Committee and are set out in the application form.

WEBSITE

WDPS APP AVAILABLE FROM THE APP STORE

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Worthing and District Piscatorial Society Handbook and Rules

This handbook is to be carried at all times on WDPS fisheries. If a bailiff asks to see it, it must be produced.Please read all Society rules prior to fishing. Bailiffs will check to ensure the rules are adhered to.

WDPS cannot be held liable for accidents to members on its fisheries and whilst taking every precaution to keep its members safe, it is the responsibility of each angler to ensure theirpersonal well-being.

  1. This Society will be called the Worthing and District Piscatorial Society.
  2. A President, Administrator and a Committee of elected members, the number of which may be varied from time to time, with a minimum of six to constitute a quorum, will manage the Society and its business. Members wishing to join the Committee can send an expression of interest to the Administrator.
  3. At the first meeting after the Annual General Meeting the Committee shall elect from their number a Chairman and a Vice Chairman to preside over all Society business.
  4. The Committee is empowered to purchase or lease any waters it deems suitable. The Committee will be able to seek or negotiate any Bank or Building Society loans or grants as may be necessary to secure such leases on behalf of the Society. The Committee can at its discretion name one Committee member as a negotiator.
  5. Application for membership must be made on a designated form and sent to the Administrator who will deal with the application. The Committee has the right to refuse membership applications.
  6. The annual subscription shall be stated on the membership form. The Committee will decide on the charges for each season.
  7. A senior member must enrol his/her children under the age of 12 (free of charge) if they are on the fishery. They are to be named on their parent’s/guardian’s Application Form. On Society fisheries children under 12 must be accompanied by the member parent/guardian.
  8. Members of the Society whose conduct is deemed inappropriate or who fail to abide by any of the Rules may be expelled or suspended by a resolution passed at a committee meeting. Their entrance fee and subscriptions may be forfeited. Members shall have the right to appeal in person to the Management Committee with regard to any decision affecting them, provided that notice of such appeal is submitted to the Administrator, in writing, within seven days of notification of the decision.
  9. The Treasurer shall keep correct account of all monies received and spent. A balance sheet is to be presented at the AGM.

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  1. If anything arises which is not provided for by these rules, the matter in question will be considered by the Committee, which shall have full power to decide. Its decision shall be final.
  2. One month’s notice in writing of any proposed alteration to the rules of the Society must be given to the Administrator.
  3. The Committee has the power to make or amend WDPS rules and bylaws regulating the angling practices and behaviour of members on Society fisheries at any time if this is felt necessary.
  4. Juniors are defined as being under the age of eighteen on 1st April and shall stay a junior until the end of the annual membership, unless they pay the difference in the membership fee. They do not have the power to vote at an AGM or EGM.
  5. Members who have a physical disability- including those who are registered disabled and cannot gain full-time employment, are eligible for concessionary membership rate equivalent to that of a senior citizen.
  6. Should it be deemed necessary for the Society to be dissolved, a majority decision of 60% of the total membership is required. The Society’s property and funds, after satisfying all liabilities, are to be given to such charities as the members so desire.

STANDING ORDERS FOR WDPS MEETINGS

  1. The Chairman will decide the order of business at meetings and will be responsible for running the meeting.
  2. If any member refuses to obey the Chairman when called to order, he/she may be expelled from the room at the Chairman’s discretion.
  3. The Chairman’s ruling shall be final on any questions under the Standing Orders, or any points of order, or explanation.
  4. The quorum for an AGM or SGM will be 40% of the total membership. For Committee meetings it will be 6.
  5. Motions and amendments must be proposed and seconded by members present before discussion takes place.
  6. Voting will be by a show of hands, except where a ballot vote is called for and seconded. The Chairman may only vote where an equal number of votes have been counted both for and against the motion.
  7. The Committee has the power to call a Special General Meeting. A two-thirds majority of those members present at the Committee meeting is required. At least seven days notice to be given to members of a Special General Meeting.
  8. Motions for discussion must be sent to the Administrator, duly seconded, 14 days before the meeting at which they are to be discussed.

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  1. Motions for discussion at an AGM must be sent to the Administrator, duly seconded, two weeks before the AGM. Members proposing or seconding motions must present them at the meeting.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR ALL SOCIETY FISHERIES

  1. Members must carry their membership cardand bookat all times; they must be produced if requested by a bailiff. Your membership card is not valid until signed by the membership secretary and yourself. Members may respectfully question any person on the fishery not thought to be a member. Persons failing to produce their membership card, and book, will be required to give their name and address and to leave the fishery at once.
  2. Litter: no cans or glass bottles are allowed on Society fisheries. No items of tackle, particularly fishing linesare to be discarded on any fishery. Every member is responsible for clearing litter in his or her peg, before, during and after fishing.
  3. Rod licences: when fishing Society waters, members and guests must be in possession of their current valid Environment Agency licence(s).
  4. Entry to fisheries: entry is to be made only through the authorised entrances. Gates must be left locked after entry and exit. Members must not to trespass on adjoining lands.
  5. Conduct: members must at all times conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner. There must be no cause for complaint by local residents or other anglers.
  6. Flora and fauna: banks must not be dug and plants and trees must not be cut without permission from the Committee. Members are not permitted to plant trees or shrubs. There must be no interference whatsoever with birds or animals.
  7. Unhooking mat: Members must carry a suitably sized unhooking mat. For Shelley and Milton this must be of minimum size 48” by 28”.
  8. Fish stock: no member is permitted to take any fish away from the fishery and no fish from other sources may be introduced to any Society fishery. The Committee is responsible for all stocking and any movement of fish between lakes.
  9. Night lights: members are allowed to use lights only for the purpose of baiting hooks or landing fish.
  10. Dogs: no dogs (with the exception of guide dogs/hearing dogs) are allowed on any Society waters.
  11. Swimming: swimming or paddling is not permitted on any Society fishery.
  12. Fires: open fires, including portable barbeques, are not permitted on any Society fishery.

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  1. Safeguarding of juniors: All under 16s must be accompanied by an adult member (or adult non fishing member) at all times.
  2. Night fishing juniors: junior members (up to 18 yrs old) fishing at night on Society fisheries, must be accompanied by their parent/guardian/appropriate adult (who must be a member). The adult is to control and be responsible for the conduct and

safety of that junior; the adult never being further from the junior than the adjacent swim.One parent/guardian/appropriate adult will berequired to supervise each junior. “Night” in this context means one hour before dusk to one hour after dawn. These times are as found in the Worthing local press.

  1. Time limits: a maximum stay of 48 hours is allowed at any one time on all Society waters, with no return within 24 hours. Any extension must be agreed with a bailiff before fishing.
  2. Guests: members must ensure that their guests are in possession of a valid temporary membership permit and a current Environment Agency licence. Members will be held responsible for any breach of Society rules committed by their guests. Guests dawn to dusk only.
  3. Safety: no junior member may fish any river at any time unless accompanied by his/her member parent/guardian.
  4. Rule changes: any changes to Society rules during the year will be posted on the WDPS website.
  5. Work party attendance: The Society welcomes and encourages all adult members to attend work parties.
  6. The Fishery Management Team are the only members permitted to feed the lakes or stock ponds, no other member is permitted to do so without the permission of the Committee.
  7. No pike fishing on any still water before 1st October and after March 31st.

WDPS FISHING RULES

  1. All nets, weigh slings, mats and cradles must be dipped prior to fishing.
  2. All anglers on Shelley and Milton must have a knotless landing net with a frame not less than 36” whilst using rod and line.
  3. Minimum breaking strain reel line of 12 lbs for carp fishing.
  4. Minimum 20 inches of non coated wire trace of not less than 20lbs breaking strain when pike fishing.
  5. No more than two trebles per trace with maximum size 6 hook(s). Barbless advised.
  6. All pike anglers must use forceps of not less than 10 inches.
  7. When spinning, a wire trace must be used at all times.
  8. Braided main line is not permitted.

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  1. Lead core or any other type of rig which incorporates a leader is not allowed. A minimum of 2ft of tubing is required on carp rigs.
  2. Carp care kits must be carried at all times.
  3. Barbless or micro barbed hooks can be used with a maximum size 6.
  4. Bait boats are the only boats permitted by WDPS and may be used providing they are used sensibly and do not disturb other anglers.
  5. Fish can only be weighed in weigh slings which are Chub Safety type or equivalent.
  6. Fishing is allowed from numbered swims only at Laybrook. Members are allowed to fish from one (1) numbered swim at all times.
  7. No stalking allowed if tackle has been left in another swim.
  8. Unattended rods: if a rod is left unattended, the hook and bait must be withdrawn from the water and made safe from wildlife. Leaving tackle at any position for the purpose of reserving a swim is not allowed.
  9. Keep-nets: minimum length is 9feet (275cm) and minimum diameter is 18 inches (46cms). Keep nets and landing nets must be of the knotless variety. At Laybrooktheymust be dipped in the tanks provided. Any fish showing signs of distress must be returned to the water immediately. Carp are not to be retained in any receptacle on Society waters.
  10. Nuts: all types of nuts are banned as ground bait or hook bait.
  11. Rods: 2 rods may be used from 1st April to 30th September. 3 rods may be used from the 1st October to 31st March providing such use does not interfere with other anglers and that the relevant Environment Agency rod licence is held.

COMPETITION RULES

  1. Only members shall be allowed to fish for Society trophies.
  2. The Competition Secretary or assistant shall be responsible for all match arrangements.
  3. All entrance fees to be paid before the draw for the swims.
  4. All swims must be vacated by 07.00 on the day of the event or for evening competitions one hour before the draw.

BAILIFFS

All genuine WDPS bailiffs carry a card bearing an official WDPS bailiff’s stamp. If you are approached by a bailiff who does not produce a current, stamped membership card, please ask him/her for their name and or membership number and report the incident as soon as possible to the Head Bailiff.

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WDPS bailiffs check fisheries at random times and if approached by a bailiff, you may be asked to produce your membership card. It may be that the bailiff knows the person(s) fishing; however you will still be asked to produce your membership so that others on the fishery see the bailiff acting in a fair and reasonable manner. Bailiffs can ask to inspect rigs.

All members found to be in contravention of the WDPS rules will be reported to the Committee.Please note that ignorance of the rules prior to fishing will not be accepted as an excuse for non compliance.Bailiffs decisions are final.

Bailiffs have knowledge of the waters and know which methods are producing the best results. They are more than willing to offer advice if requested.

WDPS DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

  1. Bailiffs will resolve most problems on the bank with a caution and will report back to the Head Bailiff.
  2. A second rule break will result in your book being marked and you will be reported to the Head Bailiff.
  3. A third rule break will result in marking the book again and you being reported to the Head Bailiff, who will report to a Disciplinary Sub-Committee. WDPS rule 8 will then apply.

This procedure may be varied subject to the severity of the offence.

BEST FISHING PRACTICES

Fish safety is imperative for the ongoing success of WDPS.It is our duty to look after fish to the best of our ability and to avoid damage to the stock.

Fish are expensive, fragile and could be caught a number of times in their lifetime. It is very important that the experience of being hooked, weighed, photographed and returned to the water is of minimal stress to the fish and is done as quickly and efficiently as possible. The Committee suggest that anglers adopt the following practice:

  • Keep tackle tidy and organised.
  • Use the correct breaking strain line for intended quarry and location.
  • Use quality knots and check line for nicks and fraying.
  • Ensure lead release clips are not too tight.
  • Be aware of the quality/quantity of bait that fish can safely digest.
  • Ensure landing net is ready before fishing.
  • Check scales are zeroed and at hand.

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