Dos and don’ts - how to get your angling fix
FOLLOWING the decision by the government to allow angling to take place, I have had quite a few questions, some of which are answered below.
I have also tried to find out what is defined as ‘local.’
There is no problem with the sea angling as long as you keep within the Humber on the south side of the river.
As for coarse fishing, the nearest fishable river to Grimsby is possibly Tetney Lock.
The lock has been in good form and is definitely worth a try. Places like the Cleethorpes Country Park and the resort’s boating lake are of course local to Grimsby and Cleethorpes - so they will be fine too.
But wherever you go, I would recommend that you take a copy of the guidance from the Angling Trust.
This gives good information for anyone who asks you why you are fishing.
Below are the questions that have been asked most frequently to the Angling Trust and myself - I hope the answers will help. Whatever you do, please use common sense and do not flaunt the rules. We are lucky to be able to enjoy our sport - the government medical experts have agreed that angling is beneficial to health.
Can we still go fishing?
Yes, but once a day, locally and only with one other person from outside your household or support bubble.
Can we go sea fishing? Yes, but once a day, locally and only with one other person from outside your household or support bubble.
Can we go fishing from our boats?
Yes, DEFRA have confirmed that fishing in the sea or in freshwater from private boats (along with other water sports) can be considered exercise and is permitted. I understand there is a current problem with Cleethorpes slipways - they are open at the moment only to the commercial fisherman, not to pleasure angling boats. The Marina boats from Grimsby Docks have been allowed to go to sea. So we shall have to see what happens at Cleethorpes.
Why can’t we night fish?
Because exercise is limited to once a day so no overnight fishing whatsoever. This does not stop you fishing for an hour or so after dusk but fishing through the night is no longer permissible.
Can we fish matches?
No. Organised sporting gatherings are prohibited so there is no match fishing.
How far can we travel to go fishing?
Only local travel is permitted for the purpose of daily exercise as set out in the Government’s travel guidance.
This specifies the ‘local area’ – ie town, village or part of the city in which you live. However, there is a recognition that there will sometimes be a need to travel for outdoor exercise. This should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel a short distance within your area to do so if necessary (for example, to access an open space). Anglers will need to apply common sense and judgement in defining their local area rather than fixating on parish boundaries.
A lake or river in a neighbouring parish may well be closer than one on the other side of the same town. In short, you should be fishing your nearest available waters. If you have no local fishing available then you will have to take your daily exercise in other ways.
Can tackle shops still trade? Tackle shops are classed as nonessential businesses and must close but they can still offer a ‘click/call and collect’ service.
Is bait collection still allowed? Yes. Anglers can undertake bait collection as their single act of daily exercise provided it is in their ‘local area’.