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Safety

All members are urged to be aware of the inherent dangers of angling to themselves and others. The drowning risks resulting from deep wading and boat fishing are well known.

It is difficult to make hard and fast safety rules as the risks are dependant on many factors such as the experience and competency of the individual; the size and type of boat and engine and the actual waters being fished.

It is recommended that, in adverse weather conditions, anglers should fish in pairs in a boat in the interest of their personal safety.

Our climate plays a vital part in the safety equation. Anglers must never take risks with the weather. If it looks too rough – don't go out.

Whatever the case, personal buoyancy equipment is now widely available and reasonably priced for angling purposes. Factors affecting the selection of such equipment include frequency of use, size and weight of wearer, ability to swim, other clothing worn, loch and weather conditions and availability of help. Remember, even if you are a swimmer, a bump on the head could result in unconsciousness.

The use of such equipment is strongly recommended by the OTFA.

Wading anglers should be particularly vigilant in the vicinity of overhead power lines. Contact or near contact with carbon fibre rods may result in fatality.

Note to Anglers

Members are reminded that the gates should be kept locked at all times, and on leaving, site huts and gates should be left lockfast.

Loch of Skaill – All fish under 2lb must be returned and only 2 fish per session may be kept. Boats are to be removed on completion of a session.

Members are reminded that under Scottish law it is illegal to take fish of the salmon kind (sea trout and salmon) on a Sunday.

The close season for brown trout in Scotland is from 7th October to 14th March, both dates inclusive, and the close season for sea trout is from 1st November to 24th February, both dates inclusive.

Any members engaging in unlawful or irregular angling practices will be asked to withdraw from the Association and deprived of Association facilities.

Unsporting fishing shall be defined as trolling or the use of more than one rod at one time. A rod not held in the hand is considered to be a fixed line and is illegal under Scottish Law.

Loch etiquette should be observed at all times – anglers must respect each others fishing water.

Association Sites. Please do not leave boats tied up alongside piers. Space must be left alongside piers for launching boats and where a specific launching area so marked exists access to it must be kept clear of cars, trailers, boats, etc.

Association sites. No member of the Association shall make financial gain from Association Sites by letting boats.