Fishery Rules

The Rules are such a difficult area to write down on a website and as such might seem harsh and off putting to good anglers. Just remember this… The only reason i’ve written what follows is to make sure good anglers come to us knowing we are protecting our fish and our future from people that haven’t got a clue about fish care. Mark Beldom

 One thing is certain, no one sets out to hurt or damage the fish but inexperienced instant carp anglers combined with magazines full of rubbish causes problems for fisheries.

If you are a good fish caring angler that will respect our property our fish and our other guests then you are very welcome and we look forward to seeing you fish for our beautiful big fish.

If you can’t even tie up a basic safe rig, play a fish sensibly then land it, lift it correctly from the water and keep it safe and wet on a unhooking mat then return the fish to the water in the same perfect condition it was in before it met you then you should look elsewhere for a fishing holiday!!! 

  • A maximum of three rods
  • Line must be monofilament between 0.30mm and 0.40mm 
  • We only allow Hook sizes 4-6-8 micro barbed, these give the best results and cause the least damage to the mouth of the carp, the fish are very strong so please take your time when playing them
  • The best rigs are simple mono or a coated hooklink, some set ups are not allowed as we see them as unnecessary and potentially dangerous in the wrong hands, if you are unsure please ask
  • A correctly set up lead clip or free running leads are fine but the lead must be able to eject in the event of a line beak
  • We will allow certain correctly tied leaders but we must see you tie it, please understand that i find people tying swivels above the lead!
  • Large landing net with soft mesh, 42 inches (105cm) minimum
  • Before fishing you must have an unhooking mat and landing net in the swim
  • If you leave your swim for any reason please wind in 1st
  • If any part of your fishing tackle is not suitable you will be asked to buy the correct tackle from our shop before you begin fishing
  • No particles, only our own hemp+pigeon mix to be used
  • Quality boillies, the carp are fed on our own pellet and premierbaits boilies,we sell these onsite at very reasonable prices
  • No open fires
  • No swimming or wading
  • No boats, Bait boats are allowed if used sensibly.
  • Have respect for the fish, the fishery and other anglers
  • We are here to help and will always be available for a chat or to give some advice

 Fish care

  • All anglers will have their rigs and set up checked before fishing
  • All anglers must have antiseptic to treat all fish after capture
  • Anyone arriving without antiseptic will need to buy it from us before fishing 
  • No sacks allowed on the complex

Important Notes:

  1. Freedom Lakes reserve the right to ask any angler in breach of the above rules to pack up and vacate the fishery, with no refund of monies that have previously been paid.
  2. There is no access to the complex before 11am on your arrival date
  3. All anglers are requested to vacate their swims by 10:00AM on day of departure.
  4. The complex gate is locked between 8pm and 8am

Thank you for reading the rules and enjoy your fishing!