Guidance
Using automatic hooking devices in angling: RPS 293
Environment Agency regulatory position on using devices intended to hook fish automatically, in breach of Thames byelaw 10(iv), 1978.
Applies to England
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Details
This regulatory position statement (RPS) does not change your legal requirement to fish in line with Thames byelaw 10(iv), dated 1978. The byelaw makes it an offence to use any device intended to hook a fish automatically when you fish with rod and line.
However, the Environment Agency will not normally take enforcement action if you do not comply with this legal requirement if you meet the requirements in the RPS.
The regulatory position does not apply to any other legal requirements.
Updates to this page
Published 28 March 2024
Last updated 24 September 2026
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'Using automatic hooking devices in angling: RPS 293' has been reviewed and extended to 1 September 2028.
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First published.