Westwood Lakes Match Fishing Rules 2025
PLEASE READ AND FAMILARISE YOURSELF WITH THE RULES AS THEY WILL NOT BE ANNOUNCED AT THE DRAW OF EVERY MATCH!
- No surface fishing, no floating baits and a float must be used at all times!
- No Jigger Float fishing allowed. No Overshotting of the Float.
- Free running leads and feeders only, no elasticated feeders at all.
- 4″ minimum hook length for feeder or ledger.
- The use of a feeder on a pole is allowed but must be free running, and a float must be used at all times.
- Maximum 16 metre pole limit.
- No Floating pole method – line between pole tip to top of float – minimum of 6″ and maximum of 1 metre.
- Minimum 6″ of line between bottom of float and hook.
- When fishing within 1 metre of bankside vegetation no line limit applies.
- You cannot feed with a pole whilst fishing a rod. You can only use one rod.
- Your boundary is halfway between you and the next platform when occupied by another angler. When you have a spare peg next to you the boundary is up to your side of the next platform.
- Cutting of the bank vegetation is allowed but you CANNOT break the water surface! Leave cuttings on the bank; do not leave to float in the lake!
- Slapping of the float is allowed, but no tapping of the water surface.
- MAXIMUM SIZE 12 BARBLESS HOOKS ONLY TO BE USED.
Bait Rules
- Groundbait allowed – 2 kilo limit.
- Fishery purchased feed pellets only.
- All groundbait to be fed in cup or feeder no THROWING!! No throwing in of balls of paste, feed pellets or groundbait.
- NO BAIT to enter the water or be left on the banks after the match – please take it home or use the bin’s provided.
- NO MEAT ON ANY LAKES
General
- At times of low water oxygen, the aerators will be turned on for the wellbeing of the fish.
- PLEASE PARK IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY!! NOT ON THE GRASS PLEASE!
- Please remove all litter from pegs including discarded line (we advise you to cut it into small pieces).
- Always ensure careful handling of fish.
- Vehicles & equipment are left at their owner’s risk.
- Angler’s must use the onsite toilets. Do not urinate in bushes or anywhere else onsite.
- All the rules will be monitored by members of staff and weigh ins will occasionally be checked to make sure the rules are being adhered to. The owners and bailiffs reserve the right to refuse entry or ask an angler to leave due to any violation of the land, lakes, or rules. Verbal or physical abuse of Westwood Lakes staff will not be tolerated, and you may be banned, or the Police may be called in the worst-case scenario.
- Westwood Lakes will peg all matches to suit the fisheries requirements.
Westwood Lakes reserve the right to change any Lake at short notice due to any unforeseen circumstances.
First Aid is only available at the main reception. If you need first aid, please call (01205 724162) within office hours.
Important Keepnet Policy
THREE NETS to be put in at the start! 55lb net limit. Anything over 55lb up to 60lb and you will be knocked back to 55lb. Go over 60lb and that net is disqualified. So, if your net is 60lb 1oz or more, you will lose that net. Lay nets out behind your peg on arrival – put in the lake 15 minutes before the start of the match. Movement of fish between nets is not permitted at any time. All keepnets to remain in the lake until the weigh team arrives to weigh you in. Fishery Keepnets only to be used. You must bring your own Landing net and dip in dip tank. All fish to be landed by landing net and placed in the keepnet by the landing net. The fish must immediately go in your keepnet, after it has been caught.
Any complaints or objections to anybody must be put in writing within one hour of the match ending, with details and nature of the complaint and name or names of the anglers concerned, including your own name. This can be given to the weigh team or in the tackle shop. We will then make a decision to re-solve the complaint. We may ask you to provide evidence of any violation of the rules. Westwood Lakes decision will be final!