Club Rules

General Fishing Rules

  1. Association membership is not transferable.
  2. Rules cover the following Association fisheries:
  • Main Canal (Sea Lock to Rodds Lock)
  • Middle Pound (Rodds Lock to Whalesborough Lock)
  • Navigation and River (Whalesborough Lock to A39 Road Bridge and River Neet Footbridge)
  • Hele Bridge Stock Pond (Old A39 Road Bridge to Marhamchurch Incline) NB: a members only water.
  • Whalesborough Lake. 
  1. All members must carry their membership tickets at all times when fishing Association waters and shall produce them at the request of an appointed bailiff, other full member or in the relation to the canal and Hele Bridge Stock Pond to the Landlord (Cornwall Council) or its duly authorised representative.  
  2. Joining the Association shall bind members to the rules of the Association and it is up to the members to make themselves aware of the rules. Members must comply with the Environmental Agency laws. An Environmental Agency rod licence is required for all persons over the age of 12 years.
  3. No camping, or any equipment deemed to be associated with camping, to be used on the canal banks. Bivvies’ can only be erected from sunset to eight o’clock in the morning with no obstruction to footpaths.
  4. Anglers must not block the towpath or restrict pedestrian access, this includes the use of poles (please note the pedestrian has the right of way).
  5. All members to carry a landing net and disgourger at all times when fishing.
  6. A maximum of Two rods may be in use (NB: day tickets are per rod, if you are fishing with two rods you will require two tickets).
  7. No rod or line must be left unattended with bait or hook in the water, unattended being adjudged as the angler being more than an arms length of one meter from his or her rod during daylight hours and 3 meters during hours of darkness.
  8. Unattended baited hooks or lines must not be left either in or out of the water.
  9. All hooks must be barbless or micro barbed (as manufactured, not crushed barbs) with the following exception:
    1. Trebles and other hooks used on lures or flies which must be crushed flat.
  10. The use of self-hooking devises with a trigger mechanism including OMC’s Magic Twig are strictly prohibited on all club waters.
  11. No carp over 2lb to be kept in keep nets or carp sacks.
    (a) When fishing for carp, unhooking mats to be carried and used at all times.
    (b) The use of bait boats and / or drones on Association waters are banned.
  12. No lure fishing allowed between April 1st and 30th September inclusive in any year
  13. The use of bloodworm, jokers and peanuts are banned.
  14. No weight over 60 grams (approximately 2 ounces) may be used when fishing and due consideration of vessels and the like must be given when casting any weight. 
  15. All weights from number 6 shot up to 30 grams must be lead free. The method of attaching weights must be such that the weight will break away easily should the line break above the hook link.
  16. All fish to be handled with care and returned to the water alive. Any member deliberately killing fish, including eels and game fish, will be expelled from the Association.
  17. Keep nets used on Association waters must be knotless minnow mesh or smaller, and have minimum dimensions of 8ft x18″.(please note keep-nets outside of competition or for fish transferral purposes are banned in the Hele Bridge Stock Pond and not encouraged on any club water).
  18. No fires may be lit on Association banks other than by official working parties.
  19. Anglers under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult (over 18) when fishing during the hours of darkness.
  20. No fish may be removed from or introduced into Association waters without consent of Club Officers.
  21. Members shall avoid causing harm to wildlife on the canal, particularly any contact with wildfowl. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
  22. Members must respect the rights of property owners and other canal and club water users. They must leave no litter, including line, hooks and shot or make excessive noise or nuisance on Association waters. They must close latch gates they pass through, they must not trespass on any adjoining land or neighbouring land or property of Cornwall Council and they must not leave cars obstructing gateways or entrances or park in owners’ private car parks without permission of same when preparing for, fishing and at cessation / leaving.
  23. Members are asked to be courteous to all canal and other club water users; Officers will deal with any complaint of discourteous behaviour by a member.
  24. The Association does not accept responsibility for injury to members or damage to property.
  25. All complaints shall be heard and determined by the officers, but in every case the member charged has the right of explanation. The subscription of any member expelled for breach of the rules shall be forfeited.
  26. Matters, which are not covered by the Association rules and/or disputes as to their interpretation of said rules, shall be referred to the Officers for interpretation, their decision being binding upon members.
  27. The Association has the right to close the bank or sections thereof to all anglers for the purpose of competition angling. Notice shall be publicised in advance on the website and placed on the bank informing anglers of closure times. All anglers must comply with the instructions of said notices.

Bude Canal Angling Association – Articles of Association and Constitution

1: Title and Address

  1. The Association shall be called, THE BUDE CANAL ANGLING ASSOCIATION, and meetings shall be held at such places as the officers of the Association may determine.

2: Objects

  1. The objects of the Association shall be to promote and provide, angling facilities for its members and short-term ticket holders.

3: Officers

  1. The officers of the Association shall consist of a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary and Committee Members, who shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) according to Association regulations.
  2. The committee shall consist of eight members, the committee shall be divided into two groups of four, senior committee members and junior committee members and senior members must seek re-election at the forthcoming AGM. After the AGM the existing junior committee members shall become the senior committee members, and those duly elected the junior committee members.
  3. The officers of the association must be full members (see 6:c)
  4. The officers shall elect a vice-chair who shall be an existing committee member, at the first meeting after the AGM.
  5. A president shall be elected at the AGM. The president may attend committee meetings and participate in debate but shall have no voting power other than at an AGM.
  6. Officers may be co-opted if a vacant position arises between AGMs, on the proviso that anyone who is co-opted must stand for re-election at the next AGM.
  7. Only two officers maybe co-opted for the duration of the association year, if further vacancies arise they must be left unfilled until the next AGM or extraordinary AGM.

4: Voting

  1. Committee meetings: Other than the Chair, officers shall have one vote each. The Chair shall only vote in the event of the votes being equal; and shall have the casting vote.
  2. Annual General Meetings: Other than the Chair, each fully paid up member of the Association (See 6:c) shall have one vote. Associate members and junior members (See 6:d-e) have no voting rights. The Chairman shall have the casting vote in the event of votes being equal.
  3. Voting shall be by a show of hands unless the officers decide that a ballot shall take place.

5: Duties

  1. The Chair shall chair meetings. They shall encourage debate and direct discussion allowing those present to participate if they so desire. The chair shall maintain order at meetings; it shall be in their power to expel person or persons after issuing a warning, if the person or persons refuse to come under the Chair’s order. Any person expelled may face disciplinary action.
  2. The Vice-Chair shall assume the full responsibilities of the Chair upon his absence from the meeting.
  3. The Secretary shall service and keep accurate record of BCAA meetings and official correspondence.
  4. The Membership Secretary shall keep account of the Association membership,issue renewal notices and administer new memberships.
  5. The Treasurer shall keep a true account of all monies received and expended by the Association. They shall present the accounts to the committee meetings, and audited accounts to the AGM for approval. The anually audited accounts to be presented for approval at the AGM.
  6. Committee members are to attend meetings regularly. If a committee member misses three consecutive meetings without in the opinion of the officers, valid reason for such absences, they shall forfeit committee membership.
  7. The positions of Match Secretary, Welfare Officer, Junior Development Officer and Environment and Water Quality Officer may be created at the discretion of the Officers. If the holder of any such  position is not an existing Officer they shall have the right to attend committee meetings for consultation purposes. They shall not have the right to vote at a committee meeting unless they are an Officer.
  8. The Committee shall be afforded the power to invite a committee appointed bailiff or bailiffs to committee meetings where they may contribute to debate but have no voting rights.
  9. A sub-committee consisting of the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary shall deal with any pressing matter and report it to the next full committee meeting.
  10. All formal agreements of the Associationshall be entered into the names of the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

6: Memberships & Subscriptions

  1. The Associations year shall run from June 1st to May 31st and Association fees will be due before June 1st and can be paid during the months of April and May. Members not renewing before June 1st shall forfeit their membership.
  2. Prospective new members must apply for membership via the BCAA website. New memberships within the designated membership numbers for each category are granted at the discretion of the committee, this discretion may be delegated to the Chair and Membership Secretary.
  3. Full membership with voting rights will only be granted to persons residing within a 18-mile radius of Bude who are over the age of 18 on or before June 1st in the year of renewal or application.
  4. Those under the age of 18 on or before June 1st in the year of application or renewal shall be junior members.
  5. Those residing beyond the 18-mile radius of Bude may be granted Associate membership at the discretion of the committee. Associate members have no rights other than being holders of a season ticket. Associate membership may at no time exceed a total of 25.
  6. Association membership and joining fees shall be decided upon and set at the AGM.
  7. A commission determined by the officers shall be paid to the sellers of Association day and weekly tickets.
  8. All members must carry their membership tickets at all times when fishing Association waters and shall produce them at the request of an appointed bailiff or other full member.
  9. Joining the Association shall bind members to the rules of the Association and it is up to the members to make themselves aware of the rules. Members must comply with the Environmental Agency laws. An Environmental Agency rod licence is required for all persons over the age of 12 years.
  10. Total membership of Bude Canal Angling Association shall not exceed 250 senior members; Associate membership will at no time exceed a total of 25.
  11. Life [ Honorary] membership can at the officers discretion, be awarded to a member. They shall become a full member (See 6:c) and no longer subject to annual fees. The award of Life [Honorary] membership may be given to any Association member(See 6:c-e).

7: Annual Meetings

  1. The AGM shall be held on April or May of each year. Members shall receive notice of the meeting not less than one month before it is to take place.
  2. The officers may convene an Extraordinary General meeting of members to consider particular matters upon request in writing of 7 or more officers or 40% of the full members to the Secretary.
  3. Every full member of the Association (See 6:c) has the right to submit a notice of motion in writing to be placed upon the agenda of the AGM, the notice must be presented in writing to the Secretary no later than 14 days before the AGM and seconded by a full or junior member.
  4. No business shall be transacted at an AGM unless a quorum of members is presented at the time when the meeting proceeds to business, 5 members shall constitute a quorum.
  5. No Association rule shall be altered, added to, or rescinded except by a majority vote at a General or Extraordinary General Meeting and notice in writing of any such intended alteration, addition or rescission shall be given to the Secretary at least 14 days before the date of such meeting.

8: Competitions

  1. It shall be the Association policy to support and promote angling through inter club activity and competition.
  2. The officers may waive bank fees and day ticket charges to visiting teams at their discretion.
  3. Angling teams representing the Association shall be picked by the Secretary or duly elected Match Secretary. 
  4. Scales used to weigh fish to be entered for club trophies must be produced at the officer’s request for verification.
  5. Fish caught outside competitions may be weighed and witnessed by two independent persons, one of whom should be over 21, to qualify for trophies. Carp entries for ‘Six of the Best’ must be entered individually to the Match Secretary. The Match Secretary must receive entries for trophies within 7 days of capture.
  6. The number of anglers to constitute an official contest be left to the judgement of the secretary or Match secretary.
  7. Bank closures signs must be erected at least twelve hours prior to the match draw time to give adequate notice to pleasure anglers.
  8. Anglers shall abide by any other rules stated by the Match Secretary or other match organiser on display or stated at the draw.
  9. Mobile phones are banned during any competition unless prior consent has been granted by the Match Committee or for emergency use.
  10. Two keepnets are required, one for silvers and one for carp. Carp up to 5lbs may be retained in a keepnet for the duration of the competition. Carp over 5lbs must be weighed and returned in a timely manner without undue del.
  11. B.C.A.A. match rules shall be determined by the officers and made available to members upon request.

 

 

Bude Canal Angling Association

Health and Safety Policy

 

 

It is the policy of Bude Canal Angling Association to comply with the Health and Safety Act 1974 and subsequent legislation, and, working with our landlords, to look to provide and maintain a healthy and safe environment.

Bude Canal Angling association’s health and safety objective is to minimize the number of instances of accidents and illnesses and ultimately to achieve an accident- free environment.

All Members will be provided with such information, equipment, training and supervision as reasonably necessary to implement the policy and achieve the stated objective.

Whilst Bude Canal Angling Association will do all that is reasonably within its powers to ensure the health and safety of its members, it must be recognised that health and safety is the responsibility of each and every induvial member of the Association.

Bude Canal Angling Association will look to provide every member with the training necessary to carry out any BCAA Committee approved work task safely. However, if a member is unsure how to perform a certain task or feels it would be dangerous to perform a specific job then it is the member’s duty to report this to the Association’s approved Task Leader in the first instance and then if still concerned to the Association’s Welfare Officer.

An effective health and safety program requires continuous communication between all members of the Association. It is therefore every member’s responsibility to report immediately any situation which could jeopardize the wellbeing of themselves or any other person.

All members, ticket holders and visitors; either fishing, working or visiting Association waters do so entirely at their own risk.

All injuries, however small, sustained by a person on Association waters either fishing or in association with Association activities must be reported to the Association’s Welfare Officer. Accident records are crucial to the effective monitoring and revision of the policy and therefore must be accurate and comprehensive.

Bude Canal Angling Association’s health and safety policy will be continually monitored and updated where relevant.

The specific arrangements for the implementation of the policy and the personnel responsible are documented and will be made available when required.

 

 

Safety Guidelines for Bude Canal Angling Association Members

 

  1. All work parties must be approved by the BCAA Committee who will appoint a designated leader. The designated leader will carry out a risk assessment for that work party’s activities
  2. Members attending work parties must only undertake tasks directed by the work party leader after sufficient information, instruction or training has been provided. Any member who is unable to perform a task safely due to health condition or inexperience shall bring this to the attention of the work party leader.
  3. When fishing on Association waters members must avoid fishing in close proximity to overhead power lines.
  4. Members with serous health concerns should give due consideration to whether it is appropriate to fish alone. It is strongly recommended that either a buddy system is operated with another member or a check-in method is adopted with an appropriate person who is able to raise the alarm if required.
  5. Members should consider their physical capabilities before entering the water for any reason. Members should take care to ensure that they are able to enter or exit the water safely and unaided. Be aware that there may be hidden dangers below the water surface e.g. deep silt or trip hazards such as tree roots or simply strong current. There are approximately 250 deaths by drowning on inland waters in the UK each year – 39% of these are anglers.
  6. Weils Disease and Algae blooms are potential threat to the health of all members. Washing hands prior to eating in recommended and open wounds or cuts should be covered at all times.
  7. A healthy respect for wildlife is of paramount importance- keep your distance.
  8. A tidy swim is a safe swim –respect access for other members and the general public and take your rubbish home.
  9. When distance fishing, ensure the appropriate line strength or shock leader is utilised to prevent “crack-offs”.
  10. Take due care when fishing in bad weather, particularly in slippery and /or icy conditions, lightning storms (put your rod down and only handle it once the lightening has passed), near trees in extreme conditions and strong winds.