Over 50’s Fishing Masters – Partridge Lakes 2026 Qualifiers

Dates:
Monday 11th May & Monday 13th July 2026!

Follow the link to the Fishing Masters website for tickets.

2026 Rules & Regulations

All juniors under 16 must always be accompanied by an adult.
Night fishing is not permitted.
No dogs allowed on the lakes (they can go to the café).
You must hold a valid EA Rod Licence.
No keep nets allowed.
Max hook size: barbless size 14. (Willow, Piper & Gold Max: size 12)
You can use up to 2 rods per peg.
Never leave your rods unattended.
No braided lines.
Only use in-line method feeders.
No elasticated methods, except for the Guru X-Safe system.
No fixed rigs or floatless rigs.

No nuts
No cat/dog food
No bloodworm or jokers
No floating baits / surface fishing
No artificial baits
No meat

Limit for ground bait: 2 kg per peg

These are additional or stricter rules specifically for competitions:
Barbless hooks only (max size 14).
Bait bans (same as general) apply.
Use in-line feeders only.
No floatless rigs.
No elasticated methods (except Guru X-Safe).
Bait limit: 8 pints per match (plus up to 2 kg ground bait).
You must use at least two keepnets from the start.
Keepnets should be kept on the bank behind your peg until 15 minutes before the match starts.
Max 66 lb per net; distribute fish evenly across nets.
No “swinging in” fish — always use a landing net.
No baiting after the match has ended (bait bins are available).
No pole cups over the water before the “all in” call.
No fishing over aerator ropes.
Match official decisions are final; breaking rules may lead to disqualification.
Your line must have a float at all times.
Over-shotting is allowed.
No limit on the line between float & pole.
Tap & slap is allowed (tactic to encourage bites).

You may trim vegetation above water, but do not pull plants out of the water.
Neatly pile trimmed vegetation on the bank.
If vegetation was loosened by bailiff work, you may scoop it out with your landing net.
Do not dig the banks in any way (no spades, sticks, hands).

No wading — stay on the bank.
Max hook size: barbless size 6 (no crimped or de-barbed hooks).
Day ticket must be purchased before fishing.
X-Safe feeders allowed.
Two rods max.
No littering — keep the swim tidy and take your rubbish home.
No braided mainlines, except for marker and spod rods.
Landing net must be at least 36″.
Use carp cradles or large unhooking mats for bigger carp.
No carp may be retained (i.e. you must release them immediately).
No fixed rigs, and rig checks may be done by bailiffs.
Leads and hooklinks must be easy to release if snagged (i.e. “safe setup”).
Braided hooklinks are prohibited (coated braid like Korda N-Trap is allowed).
Leadcore and Korda Dark Matter are allowed if safely rigged.
Rig tubing is OK.
Minimum line strength: 10 lb.
Fish must be returned as quickly and gently as possible.
No plugs, lures, or spinners.
Juniors must be supervised.
Never leave rods unattended.
Must carry a carp care kit or similar.
No BBQs or fire pits with wood or coals.
No abuse or violence — offenders will be removed immediately.
No practices that harm fish, wildlife, or water.
Breaking rules may lead to removal without refund.
Bivvies allowed.

Ground bait & boilies capped at 2 kg.
No cat/dog food, floating baits, meat, bloodworm, jokers.
No nuts of any kind (including tiger nuts).
No plastic, fake, or imitation baits (e.g. zig rigs).

Respect others’ space — don’t stand or move in a way that disturbs them or scares fish.
Keep bite alarms low so you don’t disturb others.
Fish only within your allotted area — typically halfway between pegs forming a “V” shape.
Be polite, especially around anglers who are in bivvies or landing fish.
Use bait boats only in your own swim; avoid disturbing neighbors.
If adjacent pegs are empty, you may fish near them — but if someone comes, restrict your baiting to your own swim.
No littering — use bins or take your rubbish with you.
Keep noise down.
Handle fish with care during landing and release.

Only Gold Members can fish on Gold Lake; guests may accompany but cannot fish or interfere.
Spot checks will be carried out on the banks.
Partridge Lakes take no responsibility for loss, damage or injury of persons, property, or vehicles.
If a rule is unclear, ask a bailiff for clarification.
Always check you have a valid EA Rod Licence before fishing.

Thank you for taking the time to read the above rules. If you have any questions, please contact the Bailiff on 07950057613.

Please respect and adhere to all rules as spot checks will be exercised on the banks.
Partridge Lakes Fishery cannot accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or injury to any person, property or vehicles whilst at the Fishery.

Have you got your EA Rod Licence? Click here for details!