RADAC CLUB RULES
1 NO FISHING ALLOWED WITHOUT A VALID CLUB MEMBERSHIP or GUEST MEMBERSHIP. Guests must be accompanied by an adult member at all times.
2 NO FISHING without a valid UK ROD FISHING LICENCE
3 The committee have the power to act on any issue not covered in these rules.
4 All persons fishing the clubs’ waters do so entirely at their own risk.
5 Junior members (aged under 17) must be always accompanied by an adult member (Full/OAP, Registered Disabled, Life or Complimentary Member or non-fishing Guardian) whilst on club waters.
6 Dogs may be brought to Thriplow pit but must be kept on a lead and under full control whilst on club waters and must not cause a nuisance to other anglers e.g. barking.
7 Micro barbed hooks are allowed for sizes 14 – 22 ONLY, all other sizes (12 or larger) must be barbless. Maximum hook size is 8.
8 No more than two rods may be used at any time, and they must be always attended.
9 Suitable landing nets must always be used and a minimum landing net size of 22 inches must be carried, even if fishing only for silvers.
10 Appropriately sized landing mats or cradles must always be carried and used for carp and larger fish, even if only targeting silver fish.
11 All fish caught must be returned to the water as soon as possible. Anyone found retaining or attempting to remove fish from club waters will be reported to the relevant authority and, if they are club members will have their membership revoked, no refund given, and banned for life from any club waters.
12 The site must be kept tidy all times. Anglers are fully responsible for the removal of litter from club waters, and anyone found with rubbish (including but not restricted to, hooks, discarded line and unused bait) in their own swim will have their membership cancelled with no refund given.
13 There will be no live baiting on club waters.
14 Ground bait is restricted to a maximum of 1kg per session and trout pellets or boilies are restricted to ½ kg per session.
15 Pre-baiting of swims is strictly forbidden.
16 Anglers and guests in possession of a paid guest ticket are not permitted to tamper with or alter the bank and any foliage whilst on club waters.
17 No open fire will be allowed on the lake.
18 The use of portable gas stoves and small BBQ’s are permitted in a controlled manner provided they are used on suitable ground and fully extinguished.
19 The use of bait boats is strictly forbidden.
20 Bivvies, brollies, and shelters are allowed to be erected on club waters if they do not cause a nuisance to other anglers.
21 Minimum dimensions of keep nets on club waters are 8ft long by 18” in diameter if circular (254 square inches) or 8ft long by 18”x 14” (254 square inches) if rectangular.
22 Any fish over 3lb must not be retained in keepnets, or out of the water and must be returned to the water as soon as possible.
23 Night fishing is not permitted at Thriplow lake.
24 Fishing is therefore only allowed between dawn to dusk, as defined by Google for Thriplow UK, plus 20 minutes maximum for clearing away and leaving the lake at ANY time of the year.
25 Braid is not permitted as mainline except on spods and only coated braid may be used as hook lengths.
26 Match specific rules are available on request from the match secretary.
27 The use of illegal drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited; anyone found in breach of this will have their membership revoked immediately with no refund.
28 Whilst on club waters all anglers and their guests shall respect their fellow members and guests and shall not cause any nuisances to them.
29 Anglers must only fish on authorised swims; if found failing to adhere to this rule, this will result in membership being revoked and no refund given.
30 Knock up matches must have committee approval and be run by a committee member.
31 All anglers must carry an antiseptic spray to be used on mouth or body wounds.
32 Any injured or diseased fish must be photographed and reported by email to radac_2024@outlook.com or via Messenger on the Club Facebook Page or via Mobile (see lake noticeboard).
ROYSTON AND DISTRICT ANGLING CLUB RISK ASSESSMENT
Fishing around water carries a variety of risks. The Club has prepared a risk assessment. Please read this!
Generic Risk Assessment
Whilst not exhaustive this risk assessment covers in detail the potential risks associated whilst fishing at the Thriplow lake. The committee of the club have a duty to inform you, the members and visitors of the club to the principles of health and safety. All members and use of the lake should familiarise themselves with this document which is precedent on you joining. You should also make yourselves familiar with the club, how it operates and your surroundings that you find yourself at the lake upon arrival. It is very likely that the conditions in which you find yourself and the surroundings can change on each visit due to several circumstances. You should use a high degree of common sense to make yourself and others safe and carry out your own personal risk assessment to ensure your safety.
The lake and environment
The lake covers approximately 3 acres with one square linked by a narrow gully to the back of the lake containing a central Island. At one time the island contained swims, this is no longer the case, and the Island is strictly out of bounds and is no longer accessible. The lakes depth will change significantly throughout the year and may vary by as much as nine feet. This brings its own challenges and will therefore inevitably mean that the nature and number of steps or levels to a swim will vary. The depth of the lake can vary from a maximum of 16 feet in the centre down to nine feet. As a direct result of the change in the water depth, so to does the nature and depth of the water in the margin. This can be a gentle slope, or a steep drop. All swims are easily assessable, and most will allow you to park a car adjacent or behind the swim. On one side of the lake is a shared drive which is a bridleway. Whilst the immediate surroundings of the lake are private to members the drive is for public use.
Banks, slopes and swims
Take particular care when banks are wet and slippery. Both the grass, mud and timber can be very slippery on occasions. Pay attention to obvious trips, holes or foliage that may cause trips.
Accidentally falling into the water
There is strictly no swimming allowed in the lake. Falling into the lake may cause drowning. When either fishing or moving around the lake, take time to familiarise yourself with the immediate surroundings. If you feel there are risks associated with a particular swim, then choose another swim and move on. There are normally plenty of swims available to choose from. Buoyancy aids: There are several lifebuoy rigs and buoyancy aid available and strategically placed around the lake. Familiarize yourself with their positions and methods of use. You may need to use them!
Weather conditions
Pay attention to likely or oncoming changes in weather. There are several good apps that will accurately tell you the forecast weather. Fishing rods, poles and equipment can conduct electricity and lightning. So be mindful of this in a storm or near overhead cables.
Trees
The lake is surrounded by trees both either on the immediate bank line or in very close proximity. Some of these trees are of significant size and are mature in age. Occasionally some will come down in extreme conditions. Do not fish in high winds and be aware of falling branches. Whilst the club regularly maintains the trees as much as we reasonably can, we cannot guarantee their natural strength or longevity.
Animals
You may encounter several wildlife. Rats, geese, ducks, rabbits, foxes and muntjac roam the lake. It is advised not to approach any animals.
Insects
If you are vulnerable or are known to suffer from anaphylactic shock, please ensure that you are suitably prepared and let the clubs’ bailiffs know.
Diseases
Weill’s disease is transmitted in rat and cow urine. Never put wet line or equipment into your mouth. Wash your hands with antiseptic wipes before eating or drinking. Use waterproof plasters on cuts and abrasions. Bacteria may be present in animal droppings around the lake and water. Keep all food always protected.
Traffic
There is a mandatory speed limit of 5mph on the drive down to the lake and around the lake.
One side of the lake is close and adjacent to a bridleway, there are plenty of persons exercising, dog walking and riding horses. Please always show mutual respect.
Roadways and paths
The club tries to keep the roads and pathways maintained in good condition. Please be mindful of slippery conditions and potholes.
General care and precautions
Always carry a suitable first aid kit with you for emergency administration. Carry antiseptic wipes for cleanliness. Behave in a reasonable fashion and be respectful of those around you either fishing or enjoying the countryside. Do not be unnecessarily loud. Be careful of the sharp objects associated with fishing, hooks, knives, pegs, bank sticks and the like. Communicate with others and let your friends and family know of your whereabouts, and approximate timings. Carry a fully charged mobile phone with you in case of emergencies.
Reporting
Please report any uncharacteristic behaviour to a bailiff. Please report any dangerous situations or concerns you may have to a bailiff. There are numbers of the management team and bailiffs on the club’s noticeboard.
These generic risk assessments are to give you a better understanding of the likely risks associated with attending the lake. Whilst the RADAC committee takes the health and safety of its members seriously, it is the responsibility of all of us to act responsibly.
RADAC
Royston and District Angling Club
Date of assessment: 4th March 2025
Review date: 30th April 2026