12th May 2020 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

12^th May 2020 Warrington Anglers Association Guardian Notes

WARRINGTON ANGLERS ASSOCIATION COVID-19 UPDATE 12^TH MAY 2020

Dear members, thank you to all those who have continued to support the club throughout these difficult times and have remained patient, whilst we navigate through the minefield of getting our members back on the bank, safely and responsibly. As we have said, none of this has been straight forward and there are still many grey areas, which will mean we could see further changes to what is set out below. 

Angling will now be allowed from 6am Wednesday 13^th May on all waters

Following a meeting with Welsh Ministers this morning Angler's in Wales can now go fishing. There are further details to follow later but initially this will be 'local fishing' and maintaining social distancing.

We are awaiting further details but our Welsh Fisheries such as The Mount and Offa's Dyke will be open for members on Wednesday subject to the Welsh 'local fishing' conditions and those regarding night fishing from my original post.

Also, more good news: Worthington and Appleton Reservoirs are also open for fishing tomorrow.

Please note Adlington is closed as always until the 16th June 2020 also the main car park may not be open until Friday so members desperate to fish must use the lay-bye parking up from the Kilhey Court Hotel.

The following conditions apply to all waters:

• Members must ensure that they comply with all Covid-19 social distancing and hygiene regulations. 
• When handling our locks, anglers MUST either wear new gloves, antibac before and after handling, or use hand sanitiser (again before and after handling) for your safety and other members. We will not tolerate any of these disposable items being left behind, any member found discarding gloves/ wipes on waters will lose their license with immediate effect.
• Keepnets are NOT allowed on any waters.
• You must be in possession of a paid-up membership card to show to bailiffs.
•  

Due to Safeguarding issues junior anglers must adhere to the following:

• On waters where there is public access, e.g. Bridgewater Canal, they must be accompanied by an adult from the same household, in accordance with Government Guidelines.
• On private waters where there is no public access, e.g. Grey Mist, the accompanying adult must be a WAA paid up adult member, again from the same household.

 

Night Fishing from Thu 14^th May *This is to allow for further clarification*

Night fishing seems to be the greyest area within angling currently and as such, our stance could change at any point. As it stands, Night fishing WILL be allowed, but as there are lots of members on 'Furlough Leave' there will be increased bookings. So, initially in the interests of fair play and to give everyone a chance to fish the changes are: 

 

• Single nights on all night permit fisheries which are open, with the exception of Big Sandiway which is reduced to two nights. 
• Current rule applies that you must be off the water by 12noon following your night session. 
• Only one-night permit booking, per member, per week until things settle down. 
• Members must have a confirmed booking before proceeding to a water for a night session. 
• All bookings strictly by TEXT only between 9am and 6pm from 13/5/2020, night fishing to commence from 14^th subject to change. 
• Bookings no more than 3 days ahead.
• As things could change at any point, we will have an updated voicemail message on the night permit phone with regards to that night's bookings. If you have successfully booked on for that night, please check before setting off to fish. Voicemails will not be picked up, so please do not leave any on there, it is purely to keep members updated and to save any wasted journeys.:

Again, thank you for your support. I sincerely hope that all members of the club will make us proud and stick to all the guidelines the government and Welsh Assembly have laid out during these difficult times. We are fortunate to be able to get out and enjoy our sport, please let's all act as ambassadors and act responsibly. 

At this juncture I really would like to thank all our bailiffs for their efforts and also members who have kept their eye on our waters and informed the club of poaching incidents during fishery closures.  There will be more hard work to come for our bailiffs now we will be fishing again. Please give them your full support and cooperation.

WAA Headquarters at 52, Parker Street remains closed on Friday evenings until further notice. If you need any further information please give me a call or email as below.

Now fishing is allowed again I look forward once again to your catch reports to share with follow members. Email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk or give me a ring on 01928 716238.

Frank Lythgoe