Guidance

Using automatic hooking devices in angling: RPS 293

Published 28 March 2024

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2024

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/using-automatic-hooking-devices-in-angling-rps-293/using-automatic-hooking-devices-in-angling-rps-293

This regulatory position statement (RPS) does not change your legal requirement to fish in compliance with Thames byelaw 10(iv), 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 against you if you do not comply with this legal requirement provided that: 

  • your activity meets the description set out in this RPS  

  • you comply with the conditions set out in this RPS 

1. Activity this RPS applies to 

This RPS applies to using an automatic hooking device when fishing with rod and line.   

2. Conditions you must comply with 

You must: 

  • hold a valid rod licence 

  • comply with other fisheries byelaws covering the area where you are fishing 

3. When you must check back 

The Environment Agency intends to review this RPS by 1 September 2026.  

The Environment Agency can withdraw or amend this regulatory position before the withdrawal date if they consider it necessary. This includes where the activity that this RPS relates to has not changed. 

You will need to check back from time to time, including at and before the withdrawal date, to see if this RPS still applies. 

This RPS remains in force until it is removed from GOV.UK or is otherwise identified as having been withdrawn. 

You can subscribe to email updates about this RPS. These will tell you if the RPS has changed and when it has been withdrawn. 

4. Contact the Environment Agency 

If you have any questions about this RPS email fisheries@environment-agency.gov.uk and include ‘RPS 293’ in the subject.

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