Maldon Angling Society

Following the lifting of restrictions by the government allowing people to stay out overnight, we are pleased to announce that “Non-Fishing” members are now permitted to stay overnight with their partner again.

WOODLAND WORKS – Commencing 1st July

We have been informed by the landowners of Totham Pit and Bog Grove that they have appointed a contractor to manage the clearance of trees within the wooded area between the Pit & the Grove which will commence tomorrow.

We hope there will be no impact to fishing other than the noise of chainsaws and machinery working in the wood.

If we do need to close swims or the lake at any point, then we will give as much notice as possible.

Apologies for the late notification of these works, the contractor only confirmed late this afternoon.

Correction and Update

• NON-FISHING Members “Overnight Stays” are SUSPENDED until further notice

Firstly, apologies for the confusion caused yesterday our Membership Secretary has now corrected me and confirmed that under usual (Non-Corona) circumstances the “Non-Fishing Membership” does entitle the holder to stay overnight with their partner.

Currently though, the staying overnight of “Non-Fishing Members” is SUSPENDED until further notice.  This is in alignment with and following the latest changes in the legal restrictions the government and DEFRA have agreed around staying out overnight (see details below)

Please be assured that once these restrictions are lifted by the government and confirmed by the Angling Trust, we will also lift the suspension.

New government restrictions

As you may know, a new document produced by DEFRA cast new doubt on the legality of night fishing earlier this week. Martin Salter has been working hard on this issue and we now have confirmation from DEFRA that night fishing is allowed. However, we need to stress to anglers that they have to be actively fishing. Taking rods in, sleeping through the night, and starting fishing again in the morning is not legal. Anglers are allowed to continue fishing throughout the night and may seek shelter in a bivvy, but they must continue to actively fish.

We have agreed with DEFRA that we will be adding the following to our guidance:

“Please note that under the current Coronavirus regulations camping is a prohibited activity and whilst night fishing is permissible within the guidelines angling should not be used as a pretext for a camping trip. When fishing is finished any night shelters must be removed and people should return home.”

Day Tickets will be availble from the 16th of June on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal as usual.

Day tickets: are available on the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal only. Prices on the bank are £8 for adults, £6 for concessions and £2 for juniors. Day tickets purchased in advance of fishing are priced £7 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for juniors.  Day tickets are also available for the Railway Pond in Heybridge at the cheaper prices (available from JP Tackle in Maldon High Street only).