Club Rules
ODAA Fishing Rules – Ruxley and Laddingford
(Rules ADDITIONAL to these for Penshurst and RFA waters are shown below.)
Members MUST :
1) Abide by the Rules of the club
2) Have a current Environment Agency rod licence. Club Officials and Bailiffs may check rod licences
3) Carry their membership cards when visiting our waters
4) Not exceed 5mph when driving.
5) Park in designated parking areas only. Access to the Laddingford lake side is only permitted at the Bailiff’s discretion when ground conditions allow. Move no barriers.
6) Use unhooking mats at all times when specimen fishing
7) Use a minimum of a 42″Landing net when specimen fishing
8) Have scales, weigh slings, cameras ready for use before removing fish from the water
9) Return all fish to the same water as soon as possible (NO sacking / retaining of fish allowed other than recovery sacks for a maximum of 30 minutes, and use of Keepnets for silver fish only, Keepnets to be no less than 10 feet long, 18” diameter, and positioned to ensure free flow of water / oxygen.)
10) Carry a ‘Carp Care’ kit at all times when carp fishing and use where appropriate
11) Only fish your swim and the water in front of you
12) Use a minimum of 15lb breaking strain line when specimen fishing
13) Not use more than 3 rods on the Big Lake and New Barge Lake
14) Not use more than 2 rods on all other waters
15) Take all litter home and dispose of it responsibly. No litter is to be left in or around swims, all litter must be taken home. All litter in or around our swim is your responsibility.
16) Lock gates after entry and exit
The following are NOT permitted:
17) Fish removal or introduction to any water on any fishery.
18) Non-paying guests except authorised members partners / carers.
19) Rods to be left unattended. No lines to be in the water unless the angler is present.
20) Fixed rigs. Rigs may be inspected by the Bailiff at any time.
21) Junior members are not allowed to fish the Big Lake unless in close proximity to a responsible adult member.
22) Dogs, fires, loud music, excessive alcohol, boats, drug taking, swimming or wading.
23) Live baiting.
24) Use of nuts of any kind as bait or groundbait.
25) Use of braided mainline except when lure fishing
26) Leaving a swim vacant for more than 2 hours
27) Use of bait boats, other than on the Big Lake and New Barge Lake at Ruxley
28) Drones or other similar intrusive / noisy devices that may annoy other members
29) ‘Kebabs’ or any similar fishing method which involves putting buoyant materials inside bait (for example deadbaits when fishing for predators.)
GUEST TICKETS AND FISHING / NON-FISHING SPOUSES:
30) Members are responsible for their guests.
31) Members are allowed a maximum of one guest ticket per session.
32) Guest tickets must be purchased before fishing online, or from the Original Cobbler (Cotmandene), or Danson Angling (Blackfen), or Fish On (Five Oak Green, 10% discount with ODAA membership card). Details also on website.
33) Guests must be accompanied by their host member at all times.
34) Guests are not allowed to fish the Big Lake at Ruxley.
35) No guest tickets allowed in the month of April.
36) Guests / fishing spouses/carers may fish with the same number of rods as the Member is permitted. Non-fishing spouses/carers may not fish.
BAILIFF AND COMMITTEE DECISIONS
37) The Bailiff’s word is final.
38) Members may appeal a Bailiff’s decision by writing to the Committee.
39) ODAA reserves the right to withdraw or suspend any member at our discretion should they break any of the above rules. No refund of any monies shall be paid. All decisions made by the committee are final and are not subject to appeal. Please remember Ruxley Lakes is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest); we are answerable to the Environment Agency our landlord, English Nature & Kent Wildlife Trust.
40) EA Byelaws: In addition to the Rules shown here, all ODAA anglers are subject to EA byelaws for the South East Region and for the avoidance of any doubt the link is shown here. The EA Byelaws are laws that govern all angling irrespective of any additional club Rules www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295631/South_East_Byelaws.pdf
Rother Fishery Association – Rules / Details:
Day Tickets - The R.F.A. has two waters on which day tickets are sold should an ODAA Member want to take a Guest. Blackwall Bridge and the Royal Military Canal. These are available from the ‘Tackle and Gun Shop’ in Tenterden. On the canal, tickets are also sold on the bank. Green signs indicate R.F.A. waters. At all approaches to our waters, there are signs so that anglers can easily see where they may fish.
Competitions - various sections of water are bookable, both by Member and other groups/clubs. For details, contact the Tackle and Gun Shop in Tenterden (Mr. G. Parry) on 01580 764851.
Trophies - the ‘Specimen Fish Trophy’ - if you catch a good fish, and details are forwarded to the Secretary (Mr. V. Gould) he will judge the entries and whichever is judged the best will be awarded the trophy to be held until the end of December in that year.
Waters - The R.F.A. has about 7 miles of fishing on the River Rother and about six miles double - bank fishing on the Royal Military Canal between Iden Lock and Appledore. In total, about 1100 typical ‘swims’.
RIVER ROTHER: The details below refer to the R.F.A. waters from the downstream end, working up river from each point of access. O. S. Refs. refer to 1:50000 Landranger Series map 199 ‘Eastbourne and Hastings.’
a) Blackwall Bridge - O.S. Refs. 885 258 to 873 276. 2300 in total: 1900 yards right hand bank upstream and also about 400 yards downstream, left hand bank (commencing about 300 yards through the first field). Access via gates near to Blackwall North pumping station on Peasmarsh - Wittersham road. Broad, open, previously dredged river. Very popular. Parking no problem. There are about 80 swims on the Rother here and, where it joins the Potmans Heath Channel, there are another 40 or so. On the lower reach, ‘Ham Green’, about 25 swims are available.
b) Newenden - O.S. Refs. 836 272 to 839 274; (on A28 Tenterden - Northiam Road) about 650 yards left hand bank downstream (starting next to J. Bourne’s Yard) from 832 272 to 838 274. Very limited parking in Lossenham Lane by the cricket field or at the far end by the brick-built pumphouse (opposite the house called ‘the Forstal’.)
c) Bodiam Bridge, downstream (right hand bank, field opposite castle only) and upstream (right hand bank) through to Udiam Bridge from O.S. Ref. 783 254 to 772 243. (About 40 yards excluded; below Castle Inn garden.) Parking can be difficult on the roadside, there is room for 3-4 cars, but there are two free permits available in the castle car park on production of your card showing RFA permit.
d) Udiam Bridge, on A229 Maidstone - Hastings road; downstream left hand bank (meets section as above from Bodiam) and upstream right hand bank from O.S. Ref.771 244 to Salehurst Footbridge 751 238. By now, river is smaller, meanders strongly. Large weir here. Difficult parking, though Park Farm campsite allows RFA members (including ODAA) to park there, notify the site manager upon arrival.
e) Salehurst Church and footbridge, O.S. Ref. 751 238. Downstream (left - hand bank; meets water upstream of Udiam) and upstream right - hand bank to Robertsbridge O.S. Ref. 738 241. Access off of Robertsbridge by-pass (A21)both to Salehurst and Robertsbridge. Parking at Salehurst by the church, but it can be difficult. ‘Small river fishing.’ Small weir at footbridge.
f) Robertsbridge O.S. Ref. 738 241 - meets water upstream of Salehurst. Left - hand bank downstream. Parking no problem. Altogether, about 6000 yards of river down to Bodiam.
ROYAL MILITARY CANAL: Both banks from Appledore Dam (O.S. Sheet 189 Ashford & Romney Marsh Area) Ref. 953 285 to Iden Lock (confluence with River Rother) 936 245. Approx. 3 miles both banks. Parking & access from lay - byes; access only (no parking) to ‘field’ bank from Appledore Dam farm & Stone Bridge & Iden Lock. 25 yards wide, 3 - 6 feet deep. Hard in winter when levels are dropped very low for flood defence reasons.
River Rother Fishing - Robertsbridge to Bodiam: about three miles of small stream fishing: narrow, fast flowing, some deeper pools. Some dense weed beds. EA survey work shows presence of species including Sea Trout (recorded to double figures), Brown Trout, Dace, Chub, Gudgeon, Roach, Minnow, Eel, Perch, Pike. Banks can be quite dense in summer so ideally suited to roving fishing.
Bodiam to Newenden: the water becomes wider and opens out within a flood defence
channel. The above species are found, though with more Roach than Chub / Dace, now and also some Bream and occasional Tench. Not so many trees: the river has been heavily modified. A good water for pike. Weed can be quite dense upstream.
Blackwall Bridge: the river is now wide and deep, almost like a Fenland river. Day tickets available, and over 100 swims available up to and including Potman’s Heath Channel (shallower, more lilies.) An excellent fishery.
Royal Military Canal, Iden Lock to Appledore Dam. Most popular at Iden Lock. Excellent winter pike fishing. Weedy in summer, worth using a weed cutter before fishing. Accessible most easily from the bends in the canal on the roadside. All typical coarse fish present. In winter, levels are dropped quite a lot.
Additional RFA Rules
1) Maximum two rods.
2) No livebaiting.
3) No night fishing
4) The ‘Country Code’ must be observed at all times, and in particular:
a) No gates to be left open or unfastened.
b) Livestock not to be harassed or otherwise interfered with;
c) No bait to be dug for in adjoining fields or banks;
d) No damage to be caused to any fence, hedge, noticeboard, bank or other structure;
e) No fire to be lit;
f) No dog to be brought onto RFA waters and properties;
g) No firearm, trap or other snare to be carried or used;
h) No game to be interfered with or otherwise damaged;
i) No tent, camp, ‘bivvy’ or similar structure to be pitched;
j) No vehicle to be parked on or driven onto any bank or adjoining field, or in any way which might cause an obstruction;
k) No litter or rubbish to be left;
l) No radio, tape recorder or other similar noisy appliance to be used;
m) No gaff to be used.
n) The EA Close Season applies to all RFA waters.
o) No commitment of any act which might in any way prejudice anyrights held by the RFA, or which might bring disrepute upon the RFA.
Penshurst AS Rules
1) If you are requested to vacate any area to allow a Penshurst Estate shooting party, you must immediately do so.
2) Family picnics or similar are prohibited and any non-fishing persons must sit in close proximity to appropriate member.
3) NO fishing after dark
4) NO dogs allowed
5) Keepnets are permitted for silver fish only
6) Persons must not walk through or fish in any woodland, thicket, or pheasant covert adjoining the river
7) Fishing all year round on The Backwater. (On the rivers the close season still applies)
8) To identify you as an angler to the keepers, always leave a beermat on the car dashboard.
(Rules ADDITIONAL to these for Penshurst and RFA waters are shown below.)
Members MUST :
1) Abide by the Rules of the club
2) Have a current Environment Agency rod licence. Club Officials and Bailiffs may check rod licences
3) Carry their membership cards when visiting our waters
4) Not exceed 5mph when driving.
5) Park in designated parking areas only. Access to the Laddingford lake side is only permitted at the Bailiff’s discretion when ground conditions allow. Move no barriers.
6) Use unhooking mats at all times when specimen fishing
7) Use a minimum of a 42″Landing net when specimen fishing
8) Have scales, weigh slings, cameras ready for use before removing fish from the water
9) Return all fish to the same water as soon as possible (NO sacking / retaining of fish allowed other than recovery sacks for a maximum of 30 minutes, and use of Keepnets for silver fish only, Keepnets to be no less than 10 feet long, 18” diameter, and positioned to ensure free flow of water / oxygen.)
10) Carry a ‘Carp Care’ kit at all times when carp fishing and use where appropriate
11) Only fish your swim and the water in front of you
12) Use a minimum of 15lb breaking strain line when specimen fishing
13) Not use more than 3 rods on the Big Lake and New Barge Lake
14) Not use more than 2 rods on all other waters
15) Take all litter home and dispose of it responsibly. No litter is to be left in or around swims, all litter must be taken home. All litter in or around our swim is your responsibility.
16) Lock gates after entry and exit
The following are NOT permitted:
17) Fish removal or introduction to any water on any fishery.
18) Non-paying guests except authorised members partners / carers.
19) Rods to be left unattended. No lines to be in the water unless the angler is present.
20) Fixed rigs. Rigs may be inspected by the Bailiff at any time.
21) Junior members are not allowed to fish the Big Lake unless in close proximity to a responsible adult member.
22) Dogs, fires, loud music, excessive alcohol, boats, drug taking, swimming or wading.
23) Live baiting.
24) Use of nuts of any kind as bait or groundbait.
25) Use of braided mainline except when lure fishing
26) Leaving a swim vacant for more than 2 hours
27) Use of bait boats, other than on the Big Lake and New Barge Lake at Ruxley
28) Drones or other similar intrusive / noisy devices that may annoy other members
29) ‘Kebabs’ or any similar fishing method which involves putting buoyant materials inside bait (for example deadbaits when fishing for predators.)
GUEST TICKETS AND FISHING / NON-FISHING SPOUSES:
30) Members are responsible for their guests.
31) Members are allowed a maximum of one guest ticket per session.
32) Guest tickets must be purchased before fishing online, or from the Original Cobbler (Cotmandene), or Danson Angling (Blackfen), or Fish On (Five Oak Green, 10% discount with ODAA membership card). Details also on website.
33) Guests must be accompanied by their host member at all times.
34) Guests are not allowed to fish the Big Lake at Ruxley.
35) No guest tickets allowed in the month of April.
36) Guests / fishing spouses/carers may fish with the same number of rods as the Member is permitted. Non-fishing spouses/carers may not fish.
BAILIFF AND COMMITTEE DECISIONS
37) The Bailiff’s word is final.
38) Members may appeal a Bailiff’s decision by writing to the Committee.
39) ODAA reserves the right to withdraw or suspend any member at our discretion should they break any of the above rules. No refund of any monies shall be paid. All decisions made by the committee are final and are not subject to appeal. Please remember Ruxley Lakes is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest); we are answerable to the Environment Agency our landlord, English Nature & Kent Wildlife Trust.
40) EA Byelaws: In addition to the Rules shown here, all ODAA anglers are subject to EA byelaws for the South East Region and for the avoidance of any doubt the link is shown here. The EA Byelaws are laws that govern all angling irrespective of any additional club Rules www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295631/South_East_Byelaws.pdf
Rother Fishery Association – Rules / Details:
Day Tickets - The R.F.A. has two waters on which day tickets are sold should an ODAA Member want to take a Guest. Blackwall Bridge and the Royal Military Canal. These are available from the ‘Tackle and Gun Shop’ in Tenterden. On the canal, tickets are also sold on the bank. Green signs indicate R.F.A. waters. At all approaches to our waters, there are signs so that anglers can easily see where they may fish.
Competitions - various sections of water are bookable, both by Member and other groups/clubs. For details, contact the Tackle and Gun Shop in Tenterden (Mr. G. Parry) on 01580 764851.
Trophies - the ‘Specimen Fish Trophy’ - if you catch a good fish, and details are forwarded to the Secretary (Mr. V. Gould) he will judge the entries and whichever is judged the best will be awarded the trophy to be held until the end of December in that year.
Waters - The R.F.A. has about 7 miles of fishing on the River Rother and about six miles double - bank fishing on the Royal Military Canal between Iden Lock and Appledore. In total, about 1100 typical ‘swims’.
RIVER ROTHER: The details below refer to the R.F.A. waters from the downstream end, working up river from each point of access. O. S. Refs. refer to 1:50000 Landranger Series map 199 ‘Eastbourne and Hastings.’
a) Blackwall Bridge - O.S. Refs. 885 258 to 873 276. 2300 in total: 1900 yards right hand bank upstream and also about 400 yards downstream, left hand bank (commencing about 300 yards through the first field). Access via gates near to Blackwall North pumping station on Peasmarsh - Wittersham road. Broad, open, previously dredged river. Very popular. Parking no problem. There are about 80 swims on the Rother here and, where it joins the Potmans Heath Channel, there are another 40 or so. On the lower reach, ‘Ham Green’, about 25 swims are available.
b) Newenden - O.S. Refs. 836 272 to 839 274; (on A28 Tenterden - Northiam Road) about 650 yards left hand bank downstream (starting next to J. Bourne’s Yard) from 832 272 to 838 274. Very limited parking in Lossenham Lane by the cricket field or at the far end by the brick-built pumphouse (opposite the house called ‘the Forstal’.)
c) Bodiam Bridge, downstream (right hand bank, field opposite castle only) and upstream (right hand bank) through to Udiam Bridge from O.S. Ref. 783 254 to 772 243. (About 40 yards excluded; below Castle Inn garden.) Parking can be difficult on the roadside, there is room for 3-4 cars, but there are two free permits available in the castle car park on production of your card showing RFA permit.
d) Udiam Bridge, on A229 Maidstone - Hastings road; downstream left hand bank (meets section as above from Bodiam) and upstream right hand bank from O.S. Ref.771 244 to Salehurst Footbridge 751 238. By now, river is smaller, meanders strongly. Large weir here. Difficult parking, though Park Farm campsite allows RFA members (including ODAA) to park there, notify the site manager upon arrival.
e) Salehurst Church and footbridge, O.S. Ref. 751 238. Downstream (left - hand bank; meets water upstream of Udiam) and upstream right - hand bank to Robertsbridge O.S. Ref. 738 241. Access off of Robertsbridge by-pass (A21)both to Salehurst and Robertsbridge. Parking at Salehurst by the church, but it can be difficult. ‘Small river fishing.’ Small weir at footbridge.
f) Robertsbridge O.S. Ref. 738 241 - meets water upstream of Salehurst. Left - hand bank downstream. Parking no problem. Altogether, about 6000 yards of river down to Bodiam.
ROYAL MILITARY CANAL: Both banks from Appledore Dam (O.S. Sheet 189 Ashford & Romney Marsh Area) Ref. 953 285 to Iden Lock (confluence with River Rother) 936 245. Approx. 3 miles both banks. Parking & access from lay - byes; access only (no parking) to ‘field’ bank from Appledore Dam farm & Stone Bridge & Iden Lock. 25 yards wide, 3 - 6 feet deep. Hard in winter when levels are dropped very low for flood defence reasons.
River Rother Fishing - Robertsbridge to Bodiam: about three miles of small stream fishing: narrow, fast flowing, some deeper pools. Some dense weed beds. EA survey work shows presence of species including Sea Trout (recorded to double figures), Brown Trout, Dace, Chub, Gudgeon, Roach, Minnow, Eel, Perch, Pike. Banks can be quite dense in summer so ideally suited to roving fishing.
Bodiam to Newenden: the water becomes wider and opens out within a flood defence
channel. The above species are found, though with more Roach than Chub / Dace, now and also some Bream and occasional Tench. Not so many trees: the river has been heavily modified. A good water for pike. Weed can be quite dense upstream.
Blackwall Bridge: the river is now wide and deep, almost like a Fenland river. Day tickets available, and over 100 swims available up to and including Potman’s Heath Channel (shallower, more lilies.) An excellent fishery.
Royal Military Canal, Iden Lock to Appledore Dam. Most popular at Iden Lock. Excellent winter pike fishing. Weedy in summer, worth using a weed cutter before fishing. Accessible most easily from the bends in the canal on the roadside. All typical coarse fish present. In winter, levels are dropped quite a lot.
Additional RFA Rules
1) Maximum two rods.
2) No livebaiting.
3) No night fishing
4) The ‘Country Code’ must be observed at all times, and in particular:
a) No gates to be left open or unfastened.
b) Livestock not to be harassed or otherwise interfered with;
c) No bait to be dug for in adjoining fields or banks;
d) No damage to be caused to any fence, hedge, noticeboard, bank or other structure;
e) No fire to be lit;
f) No dog to be brought onto RFA waters and properties;
g) No firearm, trap or other snare to be carried or used;
h) No game to be interfered with or otherwise damaged;
i) No tent, camp, ‘bivvy’ or similar structure to be pitched;
j) No vehicle to be parked on or driven onto any bank or adjoining field, or in any way which might cause an obstruction;
k) No litter or rubbish to be left;
l) No radio, tape recorder or other similar noisy appliance to be used;
m) No gaff to be used.
n) The EA Close Season applies to all RFA waters.
o) No commitment of any act which might in any way prejudice anyrights held by the RFA, or which might bring disrepute upon the RFA.
Penshurst AS Rules
1) If you are requested to vacate any area to allow a Penshurst Estate shooting party, you must immediately do so.
2) Family picnics or similar are prohibited and any non-fishing persons must sit in close proximity to appropriate member.
3) NO fishing after dark
4) NO dogs allowed
5) Keepnets are permitted for silver fish only
6) Persons must not walk through or fish in any woodland, thicket, or pheasant covert adjoining the river
7) Fishing all year round on The Backwater. (On the rivers the close season still applies)
8) To identify you as an angler to the keepers, always leave a beermat on the car dashboard.
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