Fish Care

Protecting the fish and the waters

Good fish care is essential on all HHAC waters. Members are expected to use suitable equipment, handle fish safely and return fish carefully, helping protect the health of our waters for everyone.

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Be Prepared

Have your landing net, unhooking mat, carp care kit, weigh sling and water ready before fishing. Sharing key fish care equipment is not permitted.

Handle Safely

Keep fish low to the ground, use a wetted unhooking mat and avoid placing fish on dry, hard or rough surfaces. Always use equipment suitable for the size of fish being handled.

Return Carefully

Return fish to the water as quickly and safely as possible. Use an unhooking mat, landing net or weigh sling where needed, and allow the fish to recover before release.

Required Equipment

  • Suitable unhooking mat
    Must be suitable for the size of fish being handled and wetted with lake water before use.
  • Landing net, Halstead Reservoir & Catley Cross
    A landing net of at least 36 inches is required.
  • Landing net, Mill Pond
    A suitable landing net must be used, appropriate for the species and size of fish being targeted.
  • Carp care kit, Halstead Reservoir & Catley Cross
    A carp care kit is required when fishing Halstead Reservoir or Catley Cross.

Essential Equipment

  • Weighing sling or carp sling
    Strongly encouraged for safely weighing, carrying and returning larger fish.
  • Unhooking cradle or mat with sides
    Strongly encouraged over a flat mat, especially when handling larger fish.
  • Bucket or container for lake water
    Used for wetting mats and keeping fish wet while unhooking, checking or photographing.
  • Forceps
    Useful for safe hook removal.
  • Disgorger
    Useful for removing hooks from smaller fish safely.

Safe Handling Guide

Good fish care starts before the fish is on the bank. Have everything ready, keep the fish low and wet, and return it safely as soon as possible.

  1. Prepare before casting out
    Set up your landing net, unhooking mat, water container and carp care kit before you start fishing, so everything is ready before a fish is landed.
  2. Take your time landing the fish
    Do not rush the fight. Let the fish tire naturally and guide it in steadily. Bringing a fish in too quickly or forcing it into the net can cause unnecessary stress, injury or damage to the fish.
  3. Wet your equipment
    Wet your unhooking mat, weigh sling and landing net with lake water before handling fish.
  4. Break down your landing net
    When landing a carp or larger fish, break down the landing net and roll the mesh carefully so the fish is fully supported and not hanging in deep netting.
  5. Keep fish low
    Keep fish low over the unhooking mat at all times and never stand while holding a fish.
  6. Check fins are flat
    Before lifting, unhooking or moving a fish, make sure its fins are laying flat against the body and facing naturally in the correct direction. Never allow fins to fold backwards, bend awkwardly or catch under the fish, as this can cause damage.
  7. Unhook carefully
    Use forceps or a disgorger where needed. If a fish is deeply hooked, or you are unsure, seek help from a bailiff or experienced member.
  8. Treat any marks
    Use carp care treatment where appropriate, especially on hook holds, lifted scales or minor marks.
  9. Limit time out of the water
    Photos are welcome and encouraged, but fish should only be kept out of the water for as long as reasonably needed. Have your camera ready and avoid spending too long trying to get the perfect shot.
  10. Return safely
    Use a landing net, unhooking mat or sling to return larger fish safely. Allow the fish to recover in the water before release.

Safe Tackle & Rigs

Safe tackle helps prevent fish from trailing gear, suffering mouth damage or being injured by unsafe rigs. Members must follow the club’s tackle rules and use setups that protect fish if a break-off occurs.

  • No fixed leads or fixed feeders
    Fixed leads and fixed feeders are banned on all club waters. Leads and feeders must be able to release safely if a fish breaks free, helping prevent fish from trailing tackle.
  • No braided mainline
    Braided mainline is banned on all club waters. Braid can be less forgiving than mono and may increase the risk of mouth, scale or fin damage if used incorrectly.
  • No leadcore or leadcore replacement leaders
    Leadcore and leadcore replacement safety leaders are not permitted. Poorly set up leader systems can create unsafe rigs and may leave fish towing heavy tackle if the line breaks.
  • Use safe lead systems
    Rigs should be set up so leads, feeders or other heavy tackle can discharge safely if needed. If you are unsure whether your rig is safe, ask a bailiff or experienced member before fishing.
  • Rig tubing is recommended
    Rig tubing is strongly recommended where suitable. It helps reduce the risk of line rubbing against the fish, lifting scales or causing abrasion during the fight.
  • No treble hooks
    Treble hooks are banned on all club waters. They increase the risk of unnecessary mouth damage and can make unhooking more difficult.
  • Micro-barbed or barbless hooks only
    Micro-barbed and barbless hooks are permitted. These help reduce damage while still allowing anglers to fish effectively and unhook fish safely.
  • Use suitable hook sizes and patterns
    Hooks should be appropriate for the species and method being used. Oversized, unsuitable or poorly presented hooks can increase the risk of damage or deep hooking.
  • Use forceps or a disgorger
    Forceps should be used where needed for larger hooks, and a disgorger should be used for smaller fish or deeper hook holds. If a fish is deeply hooked or you are unsure, seek help.
  • Do not leave baited rods unattended
    Members must not be more than one swim away from baited rods at any time. Staying close to rods helps prevent deep hooking, tethering, snagging and avoidable fish stress.