Code of Conduct for the use of bait boats

A number of concerns have been raised about the irresponsible and careless use of remote controlled boats by some anglers.

Following discussions at the delegates’ meetings it was agreed that a Code of Conduct is required to ensure that bait boats are not banned completely from H&DAA fisheries.

The Code of Conduct requires that anglers who use bait boats comply with the following basic rules:

1. Boats must not be used in a manner which interferes with, or affects, other anglers.

2. Do not use boats to take hook baits into positions from which the chance of retrieving a hooked fish is limited – i.e. putting baits into/or very close to snags, reed beds, etc., or at extreme distances where fish could easily kite around obstructions.

We know that in the past baits have been deliberately placed into and even through snags. If we find this happening in the future the Association may stop the use of boats and/or take severe action against those offenders. The bailiffs have been instructed to monitor the situation.