WORTHING AND DISTRICT PISCATORIAL SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK
2017-2018
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
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
AND FISHERY ENTRANCE
CONTENTS
Inside front cover: membership card/details.
1. Introduction to WDPS.
2. WDPS Society Rules
3. Rules cont’d and Standing Orders.
4. General bylaws.
5. General bylaws
6. Specimen and competition rules.
7. Bailiffs, disciplinary process, best fishing practices.
8. Best fishing practices.
9. Fisheries: Laybrook.
10.Fisheries: River Arun, Houghton Bridge to Bury.
11.Fisheries: River Arun, Arundel Bridge to South Stoke.
12.Disciplinary notes from bailiffs. Guest tickets.
13.Competition and work party dates.
14.Catch reports/notes.
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 Laybrook fishery.
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 runs 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. All members are invited to attend and 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
WWW.WDPS.ORG.UK
WDPS APP AVAILABLE FROM THE APP STORE
1
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
their personal 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.
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 will have 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 may enrol his/her children under the age of 12 free of charge. They
are to be named on their parent’s/guardian’s Application Form. When visiting
Society fisheries children under 12 must be accompanied by the parent/guardian.
8. Members of the Society whose conduct is inappropriate or who fail to abide by any
of the Rules or Bylaws may be expelled or suspended by a resolution passed at a
meeting of a disciplinary subcommittee. 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.
2
10. 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.
11.One month’s notice in writing of any proposed alteration to the rules of the Society
must be given to the Administrator.
12. 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.
13.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.
14. 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.
15.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.
3
9. 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 BYLAWS FOR ALL SOCIETY FISHERIES
1. Litter: no cans or glass bottles are allowed on Society fisheries. No items of tackle,
particularly fishing lines are to be discarded on any fishery. Every member is
responsible for clearing litter in his or her peg, before, during and after fishing.
2. Rod licences: when fishing Society waters, members and guests must be in
possession of their current valid Environment Agency licence(s).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Flora and fauna: banks must not be dug and plants and trees must not be cut
without permission from the Fishery Management Team. Members are not
permitted to plant trees or shrubs. There must be no interference whatsoever with
birds or animals.
6. Swims: fishing is only permitted from numbered swims at Laybrook Fishery.
Members are only permitted to fish from one numbered swim only at all times.
7. 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 Laybrook
they must 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.
8. Members must carry a suitably sized unhooking mat.
9. 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.
10.Membership card: membership is not valid until the membership card has been
signed by the membership secretary. Members must carry their membership card
and book at all times; they must be produced if requested by a bailiff. Members may
challenge, in respectful terms, any person not known 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.
4
11. 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.
12.Prohibited items: weapons and musical instruments are prohibited on all Society
fisheries. All audio/visual equipment must only be used with headphones.
13.Night lights: members are allowed to use lights only for the purpose of baiting hooks
or landing fish.
14.Dogs: no dogs (with the exception of guide dogs/hearing dogs) are allowed on any
Society waters.
15.Boats: no boat or any type of inflatable craft may be taken onto or used at any
Society fishery unless specifically authorised by the Fishery Management Team who
must be in attendance at the time of such use.
16.Swimming: swimming or paddling is not permitted on any Society fishery.
17.Fires: open fires, including portable barbeques, are not permitted on any Society
fishery.
18.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 be required 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.
19.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.
20.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 or bylaws committed by their
guests. Guests dawn to dusk only.
21.Safety: no junior member may fish any river at any time unless accompanied by
his/her parent/guardian.
22. Rule changes: any changes to Society rules will be posted on notice boards at the
Society’s fisheries and on the WDPS website.
23.Nuts: all types of nuts are banned as ground bait or hook bait.
24. 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.
5
25.Work party attendance: The Society welcomes and encourages all adult members to
attend work parties.
26.The Fishery Management Team are the only members permitted to feed the lakes,
no other member is permitted to do so without the permission of the Committee.
WDPS SPECIMEN RULES
No pike fishing on any still water before 1st October and after March 31st.
All anglers must have a knotless landing net with a frame not less than 36”.
Minimum breaking strain reel line of 12 lbs.
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).
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.
9. 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.
10. Carp care kits must be carried at all times.
11. Barbless or micro barbed hooks can be used with a maximum size 6.
12. Bait boats may be used providing they are used sensibly and do not disturb other
anglers.
13. Weigh slings are to be Chub Safety type or equivalent.
14. Fishing is allowed from numbered swims only at Laybrook. Members are allowed to
fish from one (1) numbered swim at all times.
15. No stalking allowed if tackle has been left in another swim.
16. Unhooking mats or cradles must be used at all times, minimum size 48” x 28”.
17. A maximum stay of 48 hours is allowed at any one time on all WDPS waters. Any
extension must be agreed with a bailiff before fishing.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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.
6
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.
WDPS bailiffs patrol our fisheries at random times and when 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 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.
7
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.
Do not leave rods unattended.
Have forceps/disgorger ready.
Carry a carp care kit and use on all hook holds and other visible damage.
Always wet the unhooking mat/cradle prior to placing fish on it.
Keep a bottle/bucket of water to hand.
Wet your hands before handling fish.
Support the fish if posing for a photo.
Never stand whilst holding a fish, always kneel over the unhooking mat.
Ensure your camera is ready and set up.
Allow the fish to recover whilst putting back in the water.
Member courtesy: members may fish as far as half the distance between their
chosen peg and the adjacent pegs either side. Members may only fish as far as half
way to the opposite bank. Members should ensure that his/her tackle, bait and
groundbait do not intrude into adjacent swims.
On rivers:
 Ensure you have read all safety notices in your book, on the WDPS website and the
fishery.
 Ensure your landing net handle and drop net are long enough for when the level
drops on tidal waters.
 Ensure you have safe access to the water’s edge when returning fish to the water.
8
FISHERIES
LAYBROOK: Laybrook is situated approximately 2 miles from the junction of the A24 on the
B2133 to the northwest of Ashington .
 Beware when entering/leaving because traffic moves fast on the roadway. The
entrance is close to a 'blind' bend.
 There are four lakes on Laybrook fishery, Byron, Milton, Shelley and Sutton’s Pond.
 Byron averages 5 feet in depth, Shelley from 3 to 9 feet and Milton 6 feet.
 All are stocked with Carp, Tench, Bream, Roach, Rudd, Pike, Perch and eels. Crucians,
roach and perch are found in Sutton’s pond.
 The fishery has recorded catches of Carp to 28lbs, Tench to 8lbs, Pike to 18lbs. Perch to
4lbs, Roach to 2lbs and Bream to 7lbs with the bigger fish mostly being caught in Shelley
and Milton.
 Byron is used mostly for pleasure fishing and matches because of the higher catch rate
and is ideal for beginners or a fun day.
 Floating baits are NOT permitted on Byron .
 The car park contains a proper toilet block.
 Access to all swims is easy with pathways laid around all the perimeters.
 Access to the fishery is from the B2133 through a gate, please lock the gate behind you
when entering and leaving.
9
River Arun: Houghton Bridge to Bury:
West bank ONLY. Access is by public footpath on the west bank at Houghton Bridge and
Bury
 River Arun catches in the last few years include Carp to 23 lbs, Barbel to 18 lbs, Pike
to 30 lbs, Bream averaging 5 lbs, large roach and with catches near to Arundel town
including Bass and Mullet show its potential.
 The Arun is not easy to fish due to the fast currents but once mastered catches can
be most rewarding.
You are strongly advised to read the safety notice prior to fishing the River Arun.
10
Arundel Bridge to Houghton Bridge: Access permitted only via public paths, not across
farmland.
No junior member may fish the River Arun unless accompanied by a senior member.
River Arun Safety Notice






Be aware that the River Arun is a tidal river with fast currents, steep, slippery
banks and is prone to flooding when the tide height is above 6 metres at
Littlehampton or during periods of heavy rain.
Check the tide chart for Littlehampton prior to fishing on the River Arun and be
aware that there is a time difference of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes between
Littlehampton and Arundel for high tide times.
Members or guests choosing to fish on the River Arun, should be aware of their own
ability and have the means of self rescue and buoyancy aids if they get into difficulty.
Prior to fishing, especially on your own, inform another person where you are fishing
and at what time you are expected to finish or return.
Carry a mobile phone when fishing to get assistance if required.
Please note that whilst we rent the fishing rights on the River Arun, the banks are
open to the general public. There is a public right of way along the river and various
landowners allow livestock to graze and drink up to the water edge.
11
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FROM BAILIFF
DATE
BAILIFF
OFFENCE
ACTION
REPORTED TO
HEAD BAILIFF
ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM BAILIFF:
GUEST PERMITS/EXCHANGE TICKETS
These are available from the following: Peter Burgess 01903773893 07778181337
Arun Angling, Water Lane, Angmering Village, BN164EN. All are dawn to dusk only.
12
WDPS COMPETITION DATES
DATE
June 2-4
Fri/Sun
DRAW
TIME
Fri 7pm
July 7-9
Fri/Sun
Fri 7pm
Aug 11-13
Fri/Sun
Fri 7pm
Sept 8-10
Fri/Sun
Fri 7pm
FISH TIME
FISHERY
MATCH TYPE
COST
8pm Fri10am Sun
8pm Fri10am Sun
8pm Fri10am Sun
8pm Fri10am Sun
Shelley/Milton
Carp match
£10.00
Shelley/Milton
Carp match
£10.00
Shelley/Milton
Carp match
£15.00
Shelley/Milton
Carp match
£10.00
** Weather permitting
Contact: Kevin Williams 07590 276823
WORK PARTY DATES
APRIL 30th
JUNE 25th
JULY 23rd
SEPT 24th
OCT 15th
Some weekday workparties will be held with assistance from Fishery Management
College students. Spring dates for these are Fri 3rd March, Mon 27th March- applying Siltex
(Milton and Shelley closed) and Mon 24th April.
Some evening workparties will be organised as required. Notification will be on the
noticeboard and website.
All weekend workparties start at 9am. Refreshments will be provided.
13
CATCH REPORTS/NOTES
14
OFFICERS AND CONTACTS
President
Chairman
Peter Springate
Graeme Cornell
Vice Chairman
Ivan Southey
01903750434
07402669663
Administrator
Membership
secretary
Treasurer
Graeme Cornell
Alan Boyd
As above
01903240147
07767396843
Pete Burgess
01903773893
07778181337
Head Bailiff
Competition
secretary
Fishery
Management
Committee
Ivan Southey
Kevin Williams
As above
07590276823
Alan Boyd/Pete
Burgess
Kevin Williams
Anthony Pinion
Alex Harris
Andrew Casey
Chris Buque
As above
07957573567
01903241767
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
As above
07921390374
07443619517
07729599277
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Members are expected to be custodians of the fishery environment. WDPS would be
grateful if any incident of pollution or concern for wildlife or livestock is reported as
quickly as possible.
Environment Agency (Sussex)
24 hour emergency 0800 807060 Freephone (except from mobiles).
RSPCA
0300 1234 999
Head Bailiff
Ivan Southey: 01903750434 /07402669663
Fishery Management: Peter Burgess: 01903773893 /07778181337
Alan Boyd : 01903240147/ 07767396843
WDPS CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURY CAUSED TO ANY
PERSONS, MEMBERS OR GUESTS WHILST PRESENT ON ITS FISHERIES.