ANGLING will restart at many venues in England from Wednesday, May 13... but there remains a big question mark...
The question many anglers are asking is this: is night fishing allowed?
It had been thought by the Angling Trust, and indeed top carp angler Ali Hamidi, that night fishing would be allowed.
But the picture changed overnight, just hours before the restart.
More clarity is expected on Wednesday, May 13… which was frustrating for carp anglers, especially.
The Angling Trust have been seeking a clear answer from government to determine if night fishing is allowed?
They are hoping that it is ok, and want to stop confusion and chaos. They have also been dealing with various other queries relating to fishing during the Covid-19 crisis.
The Trust have explained why night fishing is important. And, like some other outdoor pursuits, they insit it should not slide into travel rules for people to return home each night after recreation or exercise.
The Trust’s head of policy Martin Salter, a former MP, told Angler’s Mail he was suggesting fresh wording to clear up confusion on whether night fish is allowed.
He said it should be revised to reflect this simple message: ‘Travel for exercise and recreation should normally occur within the same day except in the rare circumstances where that activity is scheduled to take place at night.”
How night fishing issue arose
Earlier in the day, the Trust statement put out a statement on the situation: “As of this morning (May 12) there’s nothing in the published government documents that prohibits night fishing as opposed to visiting holiday homes or campsites as set out in section one of the guidance on the gov.uk website (Coronavirus outbreak FAQs).
“However, following the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday we have been informed that further guidance will be issued tomorrow (May 13) which will require people to return to their home every night. This would technically preclude anglers from fishing overnight.
“The Angling Trust advice has always been to travel to fish in accordance with government guidelines and this remains the same.
“However, we do not believe that the government ever intended to place limits on the ability of anglers, or indeed others, to practice their sport at night and so we are seeking urgent clarification on this matter.
“Angling was added to the list of permitted activities on the basis of the proposals set out in the Angling Trust’s ‘When We Fish Again’ report and we did not see night fishing as a problem.
“In the meantime we can only reiterate the need to follow the published government guidance as far as it affects our sport.
“We will publish further updates when we know more,” added the Angling Trust.
The Wednesday reopening
Many commercial and club venues will open on Wednesday, May 13. But others won’t open, yet.
Special rules and procedures for extra safety are also being implemented by venues. They vary, so do check.
And check the venue you plan to fish will be open. You may also need to book.
The Angling Trust’s own latest guide for individual coarse anglers is below. This is expected to be updated again, as further clarity emerges.
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