Covid-19 2nd July update: Broadwater closed swims remain, Johnson's rule change
Added on July 02, 2020

2nd July

Godalming Angling Society

Fishery Re-opening Policy 5

The Government have announced that from 4 July the 2m social distancing guidance will change in England: where it is not possible to stay 2m apart, people should keep a distance of "one metre plus" - this means staying one metre apart, while observing precautions to reduce the risk of transmission of Coronavirus, which is still significant.

The General Committee have considered the implications and, as fishing is an outdoor activity and arrangements are in place to enable minimum 2m social distancing in the vast majority of situations, have decided to leave arrangements at Broadwater unchanged. That is swim numbers:

1,2,3,4,5,16,17,18,22,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36 and 48 will remain ‘closed’ 

and FISHING WITH ONE ROD, for the time being. Double hooking is more likely at Broadwater, equipment can't be shared and others can't help whilst maintaining the social distancing rule.

We would remind members that Broadwater is a public park and they must act responsibly, treat others with respect and not obstruct the public’s use of the footpaths around the lake.

Generally for all waters, members to act responsibly with regard to their own and others safety and well-being, behave in accordance with Government rules and advice and must have their own disinfectant sanitisers/sprays/wipes and disposable gloves. These are to be used when opening and closing access gates and using toilets. Where practical, social distancing of a minimum of 2m from all other members must be ensured at all times, unless members living at the same address: as shown on permit. If a swim does not permit the minimum social distancing it should not be used.

Bailiffs will require that you hold out your permit so it may be checked as required.

No fishing tackle or equipment should be shared with any other anglers, such as landing nets, bags of bait, cameras etc.  Keep nets are not permitted, except in authorised matches when GAS nets will be used.

With effect from 16 July, the General Committee has agreed a temporary amendment to Johnson’s Lake Rule 9, subject to ratification at the next AGM that: the word ‘carp’ be deleted. Members must be in possession of, and use, thigh waders, when fishing for any variety in swim Nos. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 34, 35, and 37 (chicken farm bank). This is to avoid harm to large tench and crucian carp, as well as carp hooked on ‘non-carp’ tackle, when landing fish in this area.

On Richardson’s and Harris Lakes (Marsh Farm), if anglers catch a common or mirror carp they are requested to put them in the holding nets or stock pond (not wildlife pond) and not put them back in the lake.

If members are seen ignoring these requirements, then they risk being asked to surrender their permit, being asked to leave the fishery and will face a disciplinary which will likely result in them being suspended or expelled: which none of us want to happen.

Finally, do not leave home if you (or someone in your house) have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government advice on isolation. You should only travel to fishing venues on your own or with members of your household or ‘support bubble’ and abide by current guidelines on social distancing.

The Committee will continue to review things. Keep safe everyone and let’s hope we can continue to enjoy our fishing. 

David Johnson Society Chairman 

12th June

Godalming Angling Society

Fishery Re-opening Policy 4 

Following the Government’s decision to relax some of the Covid-19 restrictions and allow fishing to take place from Wednesday 13 May, the Society opened some of our fisheries in phases with limitations. Based on experience to date, the General Committee have agreed the following updates to the previous policy.

Johnson’s Lake will open for fishing on 16 June and all swims will be available. Members are required to act reasonably and maintain social distancing at all times while on site. Where some of the swims are a bit ‘tight’ (mainly the railway bank), members are expected to move temporarily, when requested, to enable another angler to pass safely.

As in the past, members may occupy a swim and set up from mid-day (12noon) on 15 June and pre-bait but no fishing until one minute past mid-night (0.01hrs) on 16 June 2020.

To give as many members as possible a chance to fish initially, for the first week members may fish/be on the lake for up to 24 hours in any 48 hour period. On the first day, the 24 hour period will start at 0.01hrs on the 16 June and members must pack up and leave the lake by 10am on the 17th June for the first day/session. From 24 June, fishing will revert to the hours in the handbook (i.e. two consecutive nights).

Coarse fishing will start again on the river, following the close season, on 16 June with no specific conditions or restrictions. Members are required to act responsibly and maintain social distancing at all times and particularly on those stretches with public access.

We have received some reports of people illegally using the field at the Eashing straight on the river at weekends and therefore advise members that their fishing may be disrupted.

Junior members are allowed to fish now when they are accompanied at all times by, and fish in the same or vacant neighbouring swim as a parent or legal guardian, living at the same address, who need not be a senior member provided they are responsible for the junior at all times whilst on site. Note: junior members whose parents are not themselves members will only be able to fish at Marsh Farm (during gate open times), Broadwater and the river as other venues are ‘locked’ and/or member only venues.

Junior members will be allowed to fish unaccompanied at Marsh Farm from 1 July 2020 and, subject to review, all waters (normally accessible by juniors) from 20 July 2020. All existing conditions in the membership book will apply (e.g. night fishing arrangements). The situation to be monitored and any problems, particularly maintaining social distancing at all times while on site, may result in this relaxation being withdrawn.

At Broadwater, swim number 48 is now closed. FISHING WITH ONE ROD ONLY until further notice.

Day and guest tickets for Marsh Farm only will be available from 15 June and for other venues (where permitted) from 22 June. The use of GAS Exchange tickets by other clubs will be available from 22 June and, as far as we are aware, our members may use the Exchange tickets with other clubs now, subject to Covid-19 rules they may be operating.

Members to act responsibly with regard to their own and others safety and well-being, behave in accordance with Government rules and advice and are advised to have their own disinfectant sanitisers/sprays/wipes and disposable gloves. These are to be used when opening and closing access gates and using toilets. 

Social distancing of a minimum of 2m from all other members on all fisheries must be ensured at all times, unless members living at the same address: as shown on permit. If an adjacent swim does not permit the minimum 2m social distancing it should not be used.

Bailiffs will require that you hold out your permit so it may be checked as required.

No fishing tackle or equipment should be shared with any other anglers, such as landing nets, bags of bait, cameras etc.  Keep nets are not permitted, except in authorised matches when GAS nets will be used.

If members are seen ignoring these requirements, then they risk being asked to surrender their permit, being asked to leave the fishery and will face a disciplinary which will likely result in them being suspended or expelled: which none of us want to happen.

The Committee will keep the position under review as things will change, which may enable us to relax rules or make them tighter, depending, in part, how members behave.

Finally, do not leave home if you (or someone in your house) have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government advice on isolation. You should only travel to fishing venues on your own or with members of your household and abide by current guidelines on social distancing.

Keep safe everyone and let’s hope we can continue to enjoy our fishing.

David Johnson Society Chairman

28th May

Godalming Angling Society

Fishery Re-opening Policy 3 

Following the Government’s decision to relax some of the Covid-19 restrictions and allow fishing to take place from Wednesday 13 May, the Society opened some of our fisheries in phases with limitations. Having considered how the first few weeks have gone, the General Committee have agreed some further changes. The following replaces the previous policy.

From 1 June Bramley Park Lake will operate according to the handbook, i.e. fishing dawn till dusk. No night fishing.

From 1 June Broadwater Lake will operate according to the handbook for the nominated ‘open’ swims only (no fishing in the other ‘closed’ swims). Existing rule applies that no member may fish for more than two nights in any seven and these must not be consecutive. FISHING WITH ONE ROD ONLY until further notice.

Swim numbers ‘open’:

6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,19,20,21,23,24,37,38,39,40,41,42,43, 44,45,46,47,48

Swim numbers ‘closed’:

1,2,3,4,5,16,17,18,22,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36

From 1 June Marsh Farm will operate according to the handbook, i.e. 24 hrs for members, no restrictions or conditions on night fishing.

From 1 June Wood Lake will operate according to the handbook, with the following minor change to the night fishing booking arrangements: members must book-in with Higgs Wood (number in the handbook) no later than 7pm on the evening they propose to fish giving name and membership number (SEN***), there will be no need to pick up a night ticket. Once the number limit has been reached no further bookings will be taken for that night. Society bailiffs and officers will check anglers have booked in.

At Marsh Farm the Apollo shop will manage the gates during the day according to the hours they are operating/open as, hopefully, restrictions on their operation are gradually lifted. At other times and other venues access gates are to be kept shut and locked when both entering and leaving venues and not be unnecessarily obstructed.

Until further notice Junior members may not fish GAS fisheries except, when they are accompanied at all times by, and fish in the same or vacant neighbouring swim as, a parent or legal guardian who is a senior member and who shall be responsible for the junior at all times whilst on site.  

No coarse fishing on the River Wey due to national closed season until 16 June however, fishing for trout is allowed by fly only throughout the trout season.

Johnson’s Lake will remain closed (no fishing) until 16 June.

We will continue to review numbers and use of fisheries, with the aim of allowing day tickets, guest tickets and exchange tickets at a future date but this is likely to be sometime after mid-June.

For information, GAS Club only matches will commence on Sunday 7 June on Richardson’s Lake, Marsh Farm and thereafter weekly on different venues. Details of matches will be available on the GAS website and on the board at Marsh Farm.

Members to act responsibly with regard to their own and others safety and well-being, behave in accordance with Government rules and advice and are advised to have their own disinfectant sanitisers/sprays/wipes and disposable gloves. These are to be used when opening and closing access gates and using toilets.

Social distancing of a minimum of 2m from all other members on all fisheries must be ensured at all times, unless members living at the same address: as shown on permit. If an adjacent swim does not permit the minimum 2m social distancing it should not be used.

Bailiffs will require that you hold out your permit so it may be checked as required.

No fishing tackle or equipment should be shared with any other anglers, such as landing nets, bags of bait, cameras etc.  Keep nets are not permitted, except in authorised matches when GAS nets will be used.

If members are seen ignoring these requirements, then they risk being asked to surrender their permit, being asked to leave the fishery and will face a disciplinary which will likely result in them being suspended or expelled: which none of us want to happen.

The Committee will keep the position under review as things will change, which may enable us to relax rules or make them tighter, depending, in part, how members behave.

Finally, do not leave home if you (or someone in your house) have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government advice on isolation. You should only travel to fishing venues on your own or with members of your household and abide by current guidelines on social distancing.

Keep safe everyone and let’s hope we can continue to enjoy our fishing.

David Johnson Society Chairman

 

21st May

Godalming Angling Society

Fishery Re-opening Policy 2

Following the Government’s decision to relax some of the Covid-19 restrictions and allow fishing to take place from Wednesday 13 May, the Society opened some of our fisheries with limitations. Having considered how the first few days have gone, the General Committee have agreed some further changes. The following replaces the previous policy.

From Monday 25 May, Marsh Farm Lakes, Wood Lake (Busbridge) and Bramley Park Lake will be open from 6am to 11pm daily, until further notice.  Members must not be on site outside of these times. There will be no night fishing.

At Marsh Farm the Apollo shop will manage the gates between 8am and 3pm to enable their ‘phone and collect’ operation, at other times and other venues access gates are to be kept shut and locked when both entering and leaving venues and not be unnecessarily obstructed.

From Monday 25 May, the following swims at Broadwater will be open from 5am to 9pm daily, for fishing with one rod only until further notice. The ‘open’ swims will be identified with a green disc/markernext to the swim number.  Other swims must not be used due to proximity of paths/public or adjacent swims, which make social distancing difficult. There will be no night fishing.

Swim numbers ‘open’:

6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,19,20,21,23,24,37,38,39,40,41,42,43, 44,45,46,47,48

Swim numbers ‘closed’:

1,2,3,4,5,16,17,18,22,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36

Until further notice Juniors may not fish GAS fisheries except, when they are accompanied at all times by, and fish in the same swim as, a parent or legal guardian who is a senior member and who shall be responsible for the junior at all times whilst on site, effective from 25 May.  

No coarse fishing on the River Wey due to national closed season until 16 June however, fishing for trout is allowed by fly only throughout the trout season.

Johnson’s Lake will remain closed (no fishing) until 16 June.

We will continue to review numbers and use of fisheries, with the aim of allowing day tickets, guest tickets and exchange tickets at a future date.

Members to act responsibly with regard to their own and others safety and well-being, behave in accordance with Government rules and advice and are advised to have their own disinfectant sanitisers/sprays/wipes and disposable gloves. These are to be used when opening and closing access gates and using toilets.  

Social distancing of a minimum of 2m from all other members on all fisheries must be ensured at all times, unless members living at the same address: as shown on permit. If an adjacent swim does not permit the minimum 2m social distancing it should not be used.

Bailiffs will require that you hold out your permit so it may be checked as required.

No fishing tackle or equipment should be shared with any other anglers, such as landing nets, bags of bait, cameras etc.  Keep nets are not permitted.

If members are seen ignoring these requirements, then they risk being asked to surrender their permit, being asked to leave the fishery and will face a disciplinary which will likely result in them being suspended or expelled: which none of us want to happen.

The Committee will keep the position under review as things will change, which may enable us to relax rules or make them tighter, depending, in part, how members behave.

Finally, do not leave home if you (or someone in your house) have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government advice on isolation. You should only travel to fishing venues on your own or with members of your household and abide by current guidelines on social distancing.

Keep safe everyone and let’s hope we can continue to enjoy our fishing.

David Johnson Society Chairman

 

14th May

Just to reiterate that until further notice fishing is for Senior (which includes Young Adult) Members only (no juniors). There will be no day or guest tickets.

12th May

Following the governments relaxation of the lockdown that allows fishing to restart the General Committee yesterday evening decided to re-open some of our waters from tomorrow morning 13th May in line with the relaxation rules. Herewith the associated Fishery Re-opening Policy and Rules (to download and print the document click re-opening-policy-1):

Godalming Angling Society

Fishery Re-opening Policy 1

Following the Government’s decision to relax some of the Covid-19 restrictions and allow fishing to take place from Wednesday 13 May, the subcommittee (appointed by the General Committee) have agreed the following basis on which fishing can take place on GAS fisheries:

Marsh Farm Lakes, Wood Lake (Busbridge) and Bramley Park Lake will be open on Wednesday 13 May at 7am. Each venue will be open from 7am to 7pm daily, until further notice.  Members must not be on site outside of these times. There will be no night fishing.

Broadwater Lake will remain closed (no fishing) until further notice, subject to a review of the implications of the public park and clarification with Waverley.

Johnson’s Lake and the River Wey are closed (no fishing) until 16 June, in accordance with existing local and national closed seasons.

Until further notice fishing is for senior Members only (no juniors). There will be no day or guest tickets.

The following rules will apply:

Access gates are to be kept shut and locked at all times when both entering and leaving venues.

Members to act responsibly with regard to their own and others safety and well-being, behave in accordance with Government rules and advice and are advised to have their own disinfectant sanitisers/sprays/wipes and disposable gloves. These are to be used when opening and closing access gates and using toilets.  

Social distancing of a minimum of 2m from all other members on all fisheries must be ensured at all times, unless members living at the same address: as shown on permit. If an adjacent swim does not permit the minimum 2m social distancing it should not be used. 

Bailiffs will require that you hold out your permit so it may be checked as required. 

No fishing tackle or equipment should be shared with any other anglers, such as landing nets, bags of bait, cameras etc.  Keep nets are not permitted. 

If members are seen ignoring these requirements, then they risk being asked to surrender their permit, being asked to leave the fishery and will face a disciplinary which will likely result in them being suspended or expelled: which none of us want to happen. 

The Committee will keep the position under review as things will probably change, which may enable us to relax rules or make them tighter, depending, in part, how members behave. 

Finally, do not leave home if you (or someone in your house) have symptoms of Covid-19 and follow government advice on isolation. You should only travel to fishing venues on your own or with members of your household and abide by current guidelines on social distancing. 

Keep safe everyone and let’s hope we can continue to enjoy our fishing. 

David Johnson Society Chairman 

7th May

Please be aware that, whatever statements are made by the Government about relaxing the Coronavirus restrictions, Godalming Angling Society fisheries are closed until we announce otherwise. This is in the interests of members' safety, to avoid potential overcrowding and ensure a responsible return to enjoying the sport we love.

19th April: 

All of our waters remain closed until further notice as do the Marsh Farm site including Apollo Angling Centre. Last weeks latest government directive extended the lockdown for another 3 weeks until the end of the first week in May after which easing of restrictions (if any) would only be gradual. Both the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency support the governments directive which means no fishing, herewith their current statements for your reference:

  • Angling Trust:

    "We must all do what is required of us by the Government and work together to fight this pandemic. Therefore until further notice we should all refrain from fishing. This is about saving lives and supporting the NHS.

    In regards to the current restrictions announced by the Government on Monday 23 March 2020 it is clear that the only permitted activities that have been specified are walking, running and cycling for the purpose of local daily exercise. Today we have written to the Sports Minister highlighting the benefits to both physical health and mental wellbeing that angling provides and that we are ready and prepared to offer whatever support the government or Sport England require now or in the future to get people back fishing as soon as is safely possible."

  • Environment Agency: 

    "These are difficult times for everyone and we know that you’ll all be impacted in different ways by the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This unprecedented situation is changing the way we all go about our daily lives, and the health and safety of our angling community is important to us during this time.

    The current advice from government is clear: stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. To keep ourselves and others safe, it’s vital that we all play our part and abide by the social distancing guidance. This means that none of us should be leaving our houses to go fishing." 

23rd March: 

In accordance with the latest government directive (that people must stay at home except for shopping for basic necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work) all our waters are now closed with immediate effect until further notice as is the Marsh Farm site including Apollo Angling Centre.



   

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