1) Names and Objectives:
The name of the society shall be Southwater Angling Society. The object of the society shall be to provide facilities for the sport of angling and the preservation and, as far as is possible, the improvement of angling in the water under its control.
2) Membership:
The society shall consist of a limited number of members.
Membership shall be open to all persons interested in angling.
There shall be seven types of memberships:
a) Junior (aged 7-15), Day Only Permit
b) Adult (aged 16-64), either Day or Day & Night Permits
c) Concession (aged 65+) or Disabled, either Day or Day & Night Permits
d) Family (2x Adult and 2x Junior members), at the secretary’s discretion, Day only Permit
e) Honorary Life Member (to be decided at an A.G.M)
f) Non-Fishing Member
g) Committee Member
New members should be proposed by a member of the society and elected by the Committee. Candidates for the membership must make their application via Clubmate or at Secretary’s discretion by paper form, and will be informed by clubmate or in writing of the decision.
A joining fee shall be payable in addition to the current annual subscription.
Fishing is allowed by permit only.
The number of members shall be fixed by the committee, but they may vary numbers from time to time. In the event of the limit being reached, the secretary will compile a waiting list in strict sequence of receipt of application, but those within a five mile radius of Southwater shall take precedence over those living outside the radius.
Junior members who are entitled to adult membership the following season shall take preference over both.
3) Conditions Regarding Junior Membership:
A limited number of juniors between 7 and 15 years of age may be allowed membership. The number shall be fixed by the committee, but may be varied from time to time with regard to the current number of members of the society. A separate waiting list shall apply to juniors. Application for junior membership are subject to the following conditions:
A) They must be proposed and seconded by members who know them and can vouch as to their suitability for membership.
B) They will not be entitled to vote at general meetings. One junior member will be entitled to serve on the Committee each year.
C) When fishing on our waters they will be accompanied by an adult who is over the age of 18 and who is also a member of the club
4) Protection of Interests:
These rules have been drawn up by the committee to protect the interests of the society and its members. It is a condition of membership that members acquaint themselves fully with these rules and that they are strictly adhered to.
5) Fees and conditions for renewal of membership:
The annual subscription and the entrance fee for each type of membership shall be decided at the AGM. Every member shall, before March 31st each year, pay the requisite fee or fees to the secretary. If the fees are not paid, the committee will, unless an explanation is given which they decide to accept, cancel the membership and allot the place to a member on the waiting list. Any member whose membership is thus cancelled, desire to become a member again, they shall take their turn on the waiting list and pay the current entrance fees.
Clubmate Memberships New/Renewal:
The standard process for new or renewal of memberships will be made by Clubmate.
All details on Clubmate will need to be populated for memberships to be validated.
On Clubmate all members will need to supply a clear picture of themselves in the format of a passport photo.
Paper Memberships New/Renewal: (at the secretary’s discretion)
Application for new or renewal of memberships may be made by post to the Secretary (at the secretary’s discretion) and applications will only be entertained if all conditions regarding the application have been met.
Applications must include a passport photograph & the total subscription fee due.
Cheques should be made payable to Southwater Angling Society.
Work Parties take place for the benefit of the society and its members.
All adult members are encouraged to take part in at least one work party, however should adult members choose not to, an additional fee will be payable upon renewal.
Any member who changes their address shall notify the secretary immediately, for clubmate members this can be done via your online profile, for members renewing by paper this will need to be by phone. Membership is NOT transferable. Members must carry their membership ID card or have access to their membership details via clubmate and must have their current fishing licence at all times. Members must produce them on request of a Society Bailiff or fellow member.
6) Presidents and Vice presidents:
There shall be an Honorary president and a number of honorary vice presidents of the Society who shall be elected at the AGM.
7) Officers and Committee:
The Society shall have the following officers: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Water manager, Head bailiff and Match secretary. These officers shall form the committee. In addition there shall be a number of members who shall fulfil the positions of bailiffs/ assistance etc. All committee members have the powers to vote, except the chairman, who can only cast their deciding vote in the case of a split decision.
The officers shall retire but shall be eligible for re-election if they so desire. The officers shall be made up of a majority of members residing within a five mile radius of Southwater.
8) Powers of the Committee:
The Committee shall manage the entire business of the Society and give effect to its objectives and in particular, shall have the power to negotiate for and secure suitable waters for fishing and enter into contracts for the leasing of existing waters of the Society and other waters which may become available.
They are empowered to make rules with regard to the use of boats, appoint water bailiffs, official weigher’s of fish, employ labour for clearance of waters and bank-side and also restock the Society's waters in order to improve the amenity for its members. They may make rules in regard to the use of Society waters and also vary the rules from time to time and make different rules for different waters. Rule’s shall be notified in such a way and such time as the committee may decide. The committee may co-opt other members of the Society either to fill vacancies or for special purposes.
Where deemed necessary during fish spawning, affected swims will be shut temporarily, if spawning is widespread the entire lake may be temporarily shut.
9) Meetings of the Committee:
The committee shall meet monthly at such time and place as they may decide. Special meetings may be called by the Secretary, previous notice thereof having been given to all Committee members. Any four officers of the Committee shall form a quorum.
Any committee member who fails to attend three successive meetings without good reason shall forfeit their seat.
Any position thus caused may be filled by the co-option by the committee, of another member of the society.
10) General meetings:
The AGM shall be held either in March or April each year.
Special general meetings shall be called at any time by the committee or on a requisition received from at least 12 fishing members. Members will be notified of such meetings by the secretary in writing. At the AGM a statement of accounts and balance shall presented to the members. Motions at general meetings must be proposed and seconded and will be carried by a majority vote.
11) Accounts:
All monies received by the Secretary or officers or members on behalf of the society shall be handed to the Treasurer, who shall bank the same. All cheques drawn on the bank account of the Society shall, after the payment of accounts have been sanctioned by the Committee, be signed by the Treasurer and any other officer. The Secretary or Treasurer shall give in the accounts whenever required by the Committee or its members, and hand over to them all monies, books, documents, papers and any other property belonging to or relating to the affairs of the society. The Society’s financial year shall be from the 1st of April to the 31st of March and shall be subject to an independent audit at the end of the financial year prior to the AGM. All accounts must be kept for a period of not less than six years.
12) Discipline:
The Committee may reprimand or suspend and even expel any member who shall infringe the rules relating to any Society waters, or neighbouring property or who may be found guilty of poaching in other waters, or who so conducts themselves as to endanger the welfare or reputation of the Society or who behaves in an un-sportsman like manner. No member of the Society shall be expelled without being afforded the opportunity to explain their conduct. A member suspended or expelled shall not be entitled to the return of any fees paid to the Society but the committee may, at their discretion, return any fee or part thereof.
Any member expelled shall have the right to appeal only at the following AGM and the decision at such meeting shall be final.
13) Guests:
Senior/Adult Members may also bring guests with them, provided the member purchases the appropriate Guest ticket in advance. Guest tickets are available on all Society waters except as specified in the rules. All guests must be in possession of a current Environment Agency Rod licence. For members who are not on clubmate Guest tickets can be obtained from the Club Secretary, for members who are on clubmate Guest tickets can be obtained there. A member must accompany their Guest on the water at all times. Permits and guest tickets must be produced, when requested by: The Society Bailiff, any HDC officer (Country Park Warden) or Committee member or any other member who produces their own current membership ID card. Failure to provide a current relevant membership or guest ticket could result in the offender/s being asked to leave the water immediately. Failure to abide by these rules may result in future requests for guests being refused or the member/s being expelled. The Committee may, subject to any restriction or limitation placed on them by the owners of the water/s fished by the Society, make rules relating to guests, and set any fees to be paid and conditions to be observed.
14) Disputes:
Any dispute between members and any matter of difference arising in connection with fishing competitions, the awarding of prizes or the holding of trophies, shall be decided by the Committee and their decision shall be final. When any question arises upon which the Society rules are silent, it shall be decided by the Committee.
15) Amendment of Rules:
Rules may be amended only at a general meeting or under instruction from our landlord/s. The Committee or any member may propose an amendment. Any member desiring to propose an amendment shall give written notice to the secretary at least 21 days prior to the general meeting. No amendment to the rules shall be declared carried unless a majority of the members present shall vote in favour there of.
General Rules
1) Fishing may only be carried out from the prepared numbered swims.
2) All members must provide themselves with the appropriate fishing licence. It is the responsibility of the members bringing guests to ensure that they also hold the appropriate licence. members and their guest/s may use 2 rods.
3) Lines must not be left in the water unattended, Nor may they be left or placed across a swim that another member is fishing or wishes to fish.
4) Any angler casting to another swim, whether to the opposite or adjacent bank, must cease to do so if another angler wishes to fish that swim.
5) Any club member is allowed to enter an unoccupied fishing swim without asking permission of another member.
6) All members and their guests shall conduct themselves in a manner that will not give offence to other anglers or occupiers of land adjoining our waters.
Use designated car park areas, respect private property, shutting all gates and keeping noise to a minimum.
7) Keep all belongings clear of paths and roadways.
8) Members and guests shall not Trespass or enter private property.
9) Fishing is allowed from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, unless otherwise specified.
10) Junior members aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult member aged 18 or over at all times.
11) No lights to be shown across the lake at any time.
12) Keep Nets and sack’s must conform with Environment Agency guidelines.
Fish must not be retained for any unnecessary long period of time.
Please also refer to fishery rules.
13) No re-stocking or de-stocking of waters allowed.
All catches must be returned to the water.
14) The use of ground bait, feed additives, or Boilies can be used but at discretion and in moderation.
15) When fishing Society waters all hooks must be barbless. Hooks with barb’s flattened are also allowed.
16) All members and guests must agree to fully indemnify Southwater Angling Society and Horsham District Council against any claim for loss of tackle, property or injury, howsoever caused.
17) Radios are strictly forbidden on all Society waters.
18) The lighting of fires is forbidden except by working parties.
19) Members communicating to the press on any matter relating to the Society , it’s waters or fish caught from Society waters may do so only through the Secretary or a Committee member.
20) Tins of any description are forbidden to be taken onto any of our Society waters.
21) Dogs are allowed but MUST be kept under control at all times, unless stated otherwise.
22) All anglers must abide by rules and restrictions set by the Committee in the interests of the preservation of fishery stocks and water management.
23) When a match is held at Castlewood the allocated pegs or lake/s will be closed on the day until the close of match. Please check the notice board on arrival.
24) All anglers are responsible for any rubbish in their swim, and must dispose of correctly. LEAVE NO LITTER.
MATCH RULES
1) Matches are open to all members.
2) Individual match prizes are awarded at the end of each competition. Trophies for overall winners and runners up will be awarded at a prize giving evening.
3) Some of the series are based on a points system, some are decided on total weight.
4) Members may only Fish their drawn swim/s.
5) One rod may be used, unless notified otherwise before the start of the match. Exceptions: Two rod’s may be used in Fur and Feather and Pike matches.
6) A maximum of two kilos of Ground bait or Additives may be used. No floating feed bait to be used in any match.
7) Before the start signal, water must not be broken in any way except for plumbing of depths and the positioning of keep-nets.
8) All lines must be removed at the time out signal but fish already hooked maybe landed and weighed in.
9) All litter must be cleared from your swim before the weighing in.
10) Two keep-nets must be used in all matches, one Net for carp and tench, and one Net for all other fish.
CASTLEWOOD LAKE
Access/Parking:
Entry is off Cripplegate lane, 30 yards east of the junction with Station road. Access is via the main gate only. Please ensure that the gate is locked at ALL times, and DO NOT, under any circumstances obstruct the entrance. Castlewood is part of the Country Park and Leased from the local Council. Please ensure that there is no cause for complaint.
General Notes:
Fishing is allowed all year, although parts of the lake may be shut for management purposes throughout the year.
The lake has an average depth of 12 feet.
The lake contains Carp,Tench, Roach, Rudd, Perch, Bream, Pike, and Eels.
Fishery Rules:
1) NO Unaccompanied juniors at any time.
2) Dogs are allowed but MUST be kept under control at all times.
3) The use of live bait is permitted however the maximum length must NOT exceed 100mm.
4) All hooks must be barbless.
5) Pike Season: Pike fishing is only allowed on our waters between: 1st November and 15th March
6) When fishing for Pike, minimum 15 lb line must be used with a minimum 20lb wire trace of at least 18 inches, but 20 to 22 inches preferred. Long reach forceps and long reach side cutters must be carried and used when necessary.
7) Live bait may only be used if they have been captured from the water being fished. No fish in excess of six inches shall be used as live bait on our waters.
8) When fishing for pike, a minimum 42 inch landing net or a specifically designed folding rubberised pike net minimum 70cm x 85cm must be used.
9) When fishing for pike, Treble hooks may be used, when using Treble hooks, these must either be Semi Barbed or barbless Treble hooks. Semi Barbed Treble hooks are to have 2 barbless hooks and one semi barbed hook only.
10) NO retaining of fish during the month’s of April and May, except when participating in an authorised match.
11) If using keep-nets, fish must be separated, one Net for carp and tench and one for all other fish.
12) When a match is held, the allocated pegs or lake/s will be closed on the day until the close of the match. Please check the notice board on arrival.
13) Fishing is only allowed from prepared numbered swims.
14) The use of ground bait, feed additives or boilies can be used but at discretion and in moderation.
15) A maximum of 2 rods.
16) When fishing for Carp, a suitable 42 inch Landing Net must be used
17) When fishing for Carp, a suitable unhooking Mat must be used, our preference is for this to be a cradle style unhooking Mat with a minimum Size of 88cm x 55cm x 21cm
18) When fishing on our waters, anglers must have a suitable landing net. For all fishing activities except Carp (see above rule 16), and Pike Fishing (see above rule 8), it is recommended that the net has a diameter of at least 26 inches.
19) When fishing on our waters, anglers must have a suitable method for unhooking fish. For all fishing activities except Carp Fishing (see above rule 17), it is recommended that an appropriate-sized unhooking mat is used based on the target fish species.
20) Day fishing permit, 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM.
21) Night fishing permits:
To be eligible to apply for a night permit, individuals must be aged 18 or over and must have maintained continuous membership as either a concession or adult permit holder of the club for a minimum of 12 months prior to their application. If a night permit is requested during the season following the renewal of a day permit, the full difference between the night permit and the adult/concession day permit must be paid. There will be no reductions in fees for part-season applications.
Night Permits are limited to a maximum of 50 members per season, a waiting list will be in place where this number is reached.
Night fishing permits allow members to fish for a maximum of 2 consecutive nights, whether you Fish 1 or 2 nights you then must be off the fishery for 48 hours.
From 1st October through to 31st March night ticket holders will be able to fish for 3 consecutive nights, you then must be off the fishery for 48 hours.
No junior members or non-fishing members are permitted.
Guest tickets for adults anglers 18+ by ticket only.
Single Night Permits:
Provided the day member purchases the appropriate Single night permit in advance, this is for existing Adult/Concession day permit members only, who are over the age of 18, subject to availability, only 1 ticket is available per night for the club.
The permit allows an adult day member of Southwater Angling Society to fish for a single night.
Where booking 2 consecutive tickets, a maximum of 2 consecutive night tickets are permitted.
Whether you fish 1 or 2 consecutive nights, you must be off the fishery for 48 hours before you are allowed to return and fish.
For members who are not on clubmate the single night permits can be obtained from the Club Secretary, for members who are on clubmate the single night permits can be obtained there.
No junior members or non-fishing members are permitted.
Atleast 72 hrs notice is required to book this ticket for members who are not on Clubmate.
Guest Night Tickets:
A single 24hr night ticket can be purchasable at £15 to allow a Guest to fish alongside a night ticket permit holder for 24hrs, over 18s only, subject to availability, only 1 ticket is available per night for the club.
Guest night tickets are not permitted for day permit holders.
Same rules apply regarding 48hr maximum consecutive night allowance and vacating the water for at least 48hrs following the fishing session as detailed above.
Tickets can only be purchased from clubmate by a night ticket permit holder.
No junior members or non-fishing members are permitted.
Atleast 72 hrs notice is required to book this ticket for members who are not on Clubmate.
22) No Bait boats and no pre baiting.
All Catches Must Be Returned To The Water
All Litter Must Be Taken Home
LENNOXWOOD LAKE
As a member of Southwater Angling Society, day tickets are half price on production of your valid S.A.S. permit.
Access/Parking:
Access is via the entrance to Southwater Business Park off Worthing road, Southwater. Please use the Country Park car park. Lennoxwood is part of the Country Park.
General Notes:
Fishing is allowed all year round.
Please observe all Country Park bylaws.
Please observe all fishery rules.
The lake has an average depth of five feet.
The lake contains Carp, Tench, Roach, Rudd, Perch, Crucian Carp, Pike and Eels.
All Catches Must Be Returned To The Water
All Litter Must Be Taken Home.
PLEASE NOTE
All Anglers must have a valid Environment Agency rod licence.
Exchange permits available for:
Billingshurst Angling Society (Can be booked using Clubmate)
Horsham and District Angling Association (Can be booked using Clubmate)
Rudgwick Angling Society (Can be booked via the Club Secretary)
Exchange tickets can be obtained from the club secretary or where applicable clubmate.
Please read the Rules.
Make sure your Membership is with you when you go fishing on club waters.
Matches run from April until March
Please refer to your match sheet for all forthcoming dates.
Keep safe, ensure you know where life saving equipment is mounted.