Godalming Angling Society

Covid-19 – Update 7 January 2021 Fisheries Reopen

Following lobbying by the Angling Trust, the Government have changed the rules and confirmed that fishing is now allowed on a strictly LOCAL basis and will be very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.

Consequently, the Society’s General Committee have agreed that our fisheries will be open from 10am Friday (8^th January) morning.

In line with Angling Trust guidance:

• There will be NO night fishing (2 hours after sunset to 1 hour before dawn) and members must leave the site.
• NO matches / competitions will be allowed.
• Day, Guest and Exchange tickets will be suspended until further notice.

The Angling Trust guidance, which we are following is:

• This is a strictly limited resumption of LOCAL fishing and very different to how we have been allowed to operate since May.
• We are in a National Lockdown and this must be respected. The law requires a ‘reasonable excuse’ to leave your home or penalties will apply.
• The Government has recognised that fishing can be seen as exercise, which is expressly permitted under the lockdown rules, although outdoor recreation is not.
• Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so no match fishing.
• The exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever.
• To remain within the law, you should follow the Government’s guidance, and only fish locally within the village, town or part of the city where you live. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways.

The link to the Angling Trust website for more information is:

https://anglingtrust.net/covid-19/

We understand that the Apollo shop at Marsh Farm will be open on a phone and collect basis.

We are once again able to enjoy our sport at a time when many others cannot and we must ensure that every angler adheres to the rules otherwise we will lose it again. Remember the simple key message is:

STAY HOME……PROTECT THE NHS……..SAVE LIVES.

Please keep an eye on our website or Facebook group for future updates.

Stay safe, act responsibly and limit the chances of transmitting the virus.

Society Chairman