🐟 General Rules

• All juniors under 16 must always be accompanied by an adult.
• Night fishing is not permitted.
• No dogs allowed on the lakes (they can go to the café).
• You must hold a valid EA Rod Licence.
• No keep nets allowed.
• Max hook size: barbless size 14. (Willow, Piper & Gold Max: size 12)
• You can use up to 2 rods per peg.
• Never leave your rods unattended.
• No braided lines.
• Only use in-line method feeders.
• No elasticated methods, except for the Guru X-Safe system.
• No fixed rigs or floatless rigs.

Bait bans:
  • No nuts
  • No cat/dog food
  • No bloodworm or jokers
  • No floating baits / surface fishing
  • No artificial baits
  • No meat

Limit for ground bait: 2 kg per peg

🏁 Match Rules

• These are additional or stricter rules specifically for competitions:
• Barbless hooks only (max size 14).
• Bait bans (same as general) apply.
• Use in-line feeders only.
• No floatless rigs.
• No elasticated methods (except Guru X-Safe).
• Bait limit: 8 pints per match (plus up to 2 kg ground bait).
• You must use at least two keepnets from the start.
• Keepnets should be kept on the bank behind your peg until 15 minutes before the match starts.
• Max 66 lb per net; distribute fish evenly across nets.
• No “swinging in” fish — always use a landing net.
• No baiting after the match has ended (bait bins are available).
• No pole cups over the water before the “all in” call.
• No fishing over aerator ropes.
• Match official decisions are final; breaking rules may lead to disqualification.
• Your line must have a float at all times.
• Over-shotting is allowed.
• No limit on the line between float & pole.
• Tap & slap is allowed (tactic to encourage bites).

🌿 Habitat / Gardening Rules

• You may trim vegetation above water, but do not pull plants out of the water.
• Neatly pile trimmed vegetation on the bank.
• If vegetation was loosened by bailiff work, you may scoop it out with your landing net.
• Do not dig the banks in any way (no spades, sticks, hands).

🏞 Holbar Lake — Special Rules

• No wading — stay on the bank.
• Max hook size: barbless size 6 (no crimped or de-barbed hooks).
• Day ticket must be purchased before fishing.
• X-Safe feeders allowed.
• Two rods max.
• No littering — keep the swim tidy and take your rubbish home.
• No braided mainlines, except for marker and spod rods.
• Landing net must be at least 36″.
• Use carp cradles or large unhooking mats for bigger carp.
• No carp may be retained (i.e. you must release them immediately).
• No fixed rigs, and rig checks may be done by bailiffs.
• Leads and hooklinks must be easy to release if snagged (i.e. “safe setup”).
• Braided hooklinks are prohibited (coated braid like Korda N-Trap is allowed).
• Leadcore and Korda Dark Matter are allowed if safely rigged.
• Rig tubing is OK.
• Minimum line strength: 10 lb.
• Fish must be returned as quickly and gently as possible.
• No plugs, lures, or spinners.
• Juniors must be supervised.
• Never leave rods unattended.
• Must carry a carp care kit or similar.
• No BBQs or fire pits with wood or coals.
• No abuse or violence — offenders will be removed immediately.
• No practices that harm fish, wildlife, or water.
• Breaking rules may lead to removal without refund.
• Bivvies allowed.
• Holbar Bait Rules (stricter)
• Ground bait & boilies capped at 2 kg.
• No cat/dog food, floating baits, meat, bloodworm, jokers.
• No nuts of any kind (including tiger nuts).
• No plastic, fake, or imitation baits (e.g. zig rigs).

🤝 Etiquette & General Conduct

• Respect others’ space — don’t stand or move in a way that disturbs them or scares fish.
• Keep bite alarms low so you don’t disturb others.
• Fish only within your allotted area — typically halfway between pegs forming a “V” shape.
• Be polite, especially around anglers who are in bivvies or landing fish.
• Use bait boats only in your own swim; avoid disturbing neighbors.
• If adjacent pegs are empty, you may fish near them — but if someone comes, restrict your baiting to your own swim.
• No littering — use bins or take your rubbish with you.
• Keep noise down.
• Handle fish with care during landing and release.

ℹ️ Other Notes & Disclaimers

• Only Gold Members can fish on Gold Lake; guests may accompany but cannot fish or interfere.
• Spot checks will be carried out on the banks.
• Partridge Lakes take no responsibility for loss, damage or injury of persons, property, or vehicles.
• If a rule is unclear, ask a bailiff for clarification.
• Always check you have a valid EA Rod Licence before fishing.