Potomac Specific Rules

RULES APPLYING TO POTOMAC

Failure in adherence to any of the following criteria will result in the individual(s) being asked to leave the venue.  

1. All members are required to carry a valid BMAPS membership card, if this has not arrived yet then please show your membership confirmation email. Any non-fishing guest must be accompanied by a Member that has purchased the non fishing guest ticket. Any fishing guest must have purchased, and be in possession of a fishing guest ticket (available from the BMAPS website by the accompanying member). 
2.  All anglers must be in possession of a valid EA rod License. 
3.  Night fishing is only permitted to individuals with a full Potomac 24-hour membership Entitlement. A maximum stay of 3 nights (72 hours) in any one swim is permitted. After this period has elapsed you must vacate the swim and not return to it for a period of 4 days (96 hours).  
4.  Individuals who hold a daytime only membership entitlement may commence fishing at dawn and must cease at dusk.  
5.  Night fishing is only permitted for daytime only membership holder’s with permission from the committee and on pre-arranged dates (i.e. Matches and Charity functions).  
6.  The use of a maximum of two rods is permitted.   
7.  Micro barbed or barbless hooks only. 
8.  Fish care and welfare must be paramount at all times. You must be in possession of a Carp care/clinic solution (for both body and mouth) to treat hook holds and any injuries/abrasions present on landed fish.  
9.  A Minimum 36” Carp landing net is mandatory and must be in your possession and ready for use while fishing.  
10.  A large carp mat/cradle is mandatory and must be in your possession and ready for use.  Minimum Recommended Dimensions: Depth – 6cm  Width – 70cm Length – 110cm (Contact Head Bailiff for further guidance and/or information.)
11.   No keepnets are to be used, except within committee sanctioned matches. Sacking of and/or retaining of fish is not permitted.   
12.  Strictly no fishing in nature reserves. These areas are clearly marked on the BMAPS map of Potomac. 
13.  Fishing is permitted from designated swims only.  
14.  No active fishing rods are to be left unattended. Baited hooks must be removed and made safe to wildlife. Rods will be considered unattended if, at any time, the angler is further than one swim away from said rods.    
15.  Main line to be a maximum of 15lb.  
16.  No braided main lines.  
17.  No lead-core leaders, bolt or fixed rigs. Leads and lead shot must be as specified by EA laws.  
18.  Bait boats are permitted with due consideration to other anglers. Under no circumstances are inflatable boats, punts or similar to be used. 
19.  No thigh or chest waders – knee high wellington boots are permitted in the shallows.  
20. Gates to the lake must be kept locked at all times. Jumble the combo lock numbers after entry/exit. 
21.  The fishery closed season is 21st Dec to 31st Jan annually. 
22.  No individual under the age of 16 is permitted to fish without adult supervision.  
23.  Any anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary being taken upon the offender(s). 
24.  No open fires or BBQ’s are permitted.  
25.  All litter must be removed from the venue and taken home.  
26.  Assistance dogs only are permitted and must be on leads at all times. They must not be allowed to enter the water. 
27.  No cycles to be ridden around the lake.  
28.  All members must keep to prescribed foot paths.  
29.  Radios, mobile phones or similar apparatus are permitted to be used discretely.  
30.  No member shall remove or introduce any fish or spawn. No member will interfere with wildlife or damage any plants, trees, lake banks, fences/gates. No member will commit any act that may cause pollution to the water.  

Predator Fishing Rules: 

1. Wire trace or 40lb Fluorocarbon leader must be used for all lures bigger than 6.5cm
   (2.5inch). No Braid Allowed.
2. Padded unhooking mat must be carried and used for unhooking at all times whilst predator fishing. Minimum of 90cm (36 inch). (no need for big carp cradles when predator fishing ONLY).
3. Suitable predator landing net must be carried and used at all times. Minimum of
   50cm (20 inch) in diameter. Preferably rubber coated.
4. Long forceps or long nose pliers for unhooking pike must be carried at all times.
5. Only 1 rod to be used while lure fishing.
6. No fish to be removed from the venue.
7. For static pike fishing (dead bait) braided line is not allowed and 2 treble hook or 2
   single hooks to be used only. Big landing net and unhooking mat to be carried and
   used at all times (carp fishing rules apply).
8. Treble hooks must be single barbed only
9. Live bait is allowed but must be caught onsite. Absolutely no live fish to be brought onto the lake.
10. Dead bait can be used but only fish from the venue together with salt water fish can be used as dead bait.
11. Carp can not be used as bait.
12. Gags and lip grips are not allowed to be used.
13. Fish has to be returned to the venue as soon as possible and handling the fish
    (unhooking, releasing, taking photos) Must be done considering the welfare of the
    fish in the first place.
14. Anglers not having the the mandatory equipment and tools will be asked to leave until the requirements above are met.
15. Anglers handling fish badly will not be allowed to keep fishing. Our bailiffs are on hand to show the correct way if needed. Please contact us if needed.