The Angling Trust have issued guidance for anglers who want to continue fishing during lockdown.

Non-elite sport is banned from Thursday as England enters a second national lockdown to try to slow the spread of Covid-19.

It means that match fishing or any other organised fishing events - including all Angling Trust competitions - are prohibited by law during lockdown. However, competitive fishing will be able to resume once there is a return to the three tier system of restrictions.

The Trust has issued initial guidance and say they will publish formal guidelines following further consultation with Sport England and the DCMS.

The Trust state "the regulations are clear and you can only leave home to fish with members of your own household, your support bubble or with one other individual. The Rule of Six is now effectively the Rule of Two for most of us."

They also say that fisheries are not on the published list of businesses that the government has ordered to close and there is no reason that they should do so providing that they operate in accordance with the rules. However, all indoor or social facilities in any way connected with a fishing venue must close or refer to the relevant Government guidance. Fishing tackle shops, whether onsite or not, can only operate a ‘click and collect’ service.

The Trust have told anglers that they should avoid long journeys to go fishing - "sea anglers should focus on their local beaches and fishing marks and freshwater anglers should not be travelling hundreds of miles in search of fishing during lockdown" - and they should use common sense at all times.

In addition, "there are no limits on the time that can be spent on outdoor recreation which means that anglers are able to continue fishing into and through the hours of darkness providing the other rules are observed."

The Angling Trust acknowledged that this is "going to be an extremely difficult period for everybody and as anglers we must recognise that we are fortunate that our chosen form of recreation can continue even though there are restrictions on what we can do.

"The Angling Trust made the case for fishing based on the health and wellbeing benefits that angling offers coupled with the importance of reducing pressure on other open spaces by allowing us to continue to safely enjoy the social isolation and peace that fishing brings. It is incumbent on us all to continue to act responsibly and to fish safely, fish locally and respect the Rule of Two."

Angling Trust chief executive Jamie Cook said: "We are obviously pleased that fishing can continue during lockdown even with the restrictions that are in place which have temporarily suspended match fishing.

"Angling has conducted itself safely and responsibly throughout this pandemic and the Angling Trust is determined to ensure that our chosen form of outdoor recreation remains part of the solution rather than the problem. To do this anglers must continue to fish safely, locally and responsibly."

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