CAERPHILLY CASTLE LAKES: (Also applies to Semtex as appropriate)

1. All members must carry an Environment Agency license for the current season.

2. All members must conduct themselves in a proper manner.

3. Hedges, gates and fences should not be damaged.

4. Junior members under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Junior members must only fish inside the castle when accompanied by an adult member, except by permission of the committee or in competitions organised by the association.

5. No dogs are to accompany anglers when fishing.

6. There will be no digging for bait allowed.

7. There will be no fly fishing allowed.

8. No spinning will be allowed from the park bank of the South lake.

9. No gaffs to be used.

10. No Pike gags to be used.

11. Night fishing will be allowed strictly by night syndicate members only as directed. SUNRISE TO SUNSET ONLY.

12. Members are only allowed access to the water for fishing. NO WADING is permitted on club still water venues.

13. All gates must be closed and locked outside of indicated hours.

14. All fish caught must be returned alive to the water.

15. No fires are to be lit.

16. No guns are allowed.

17. Any lake being used for a competition will be closed to all anglers on competition days until after the competition has started, except for designated banks.

18. All gate keys shall be issued on a deposit, and will remain the property of the association and CADW. Keys must be returned upon termination of membership.

19. A maximum of two rods may be used by a member fishing any of the club waters.

20. Committee members are allowed access to police the waters.

21. No fishing is allowed from the top of the North lake wall facing North. It is imperative to climb down the wall and fish in the water.

22. Barbless hooks only, no crushed barbs.

23. Any rig which has a swivel or clip attached to the eye of the hook are banned on ALL Caerphilly angling club waters. This includes RONNIE RIGS and 360 RIGS.

24. To apply for filming permission please contact the club in advance. Filming on club venues is permitted only when permission has been been granted in advance, in writing by the club committee. This applies for all members or day ticket anglers.

THE RIVER RHYMNEY:

1. Members must carry the appropriate licence when fishing.

2. Members must conduct themselves in a proper manner.

3. Members must not dig for bait, cut or break trees, nor light fires, trespass on adjoining land when fishing.

4. Spinning is only permitted during the relevant trout / salmon season. Please refer to current NRW bylaws regarding salmon & sea trout.

5. All fishing is CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY, no fish to be retained under any circumstances.

THE RIVER WYE AT WYESHAM:

1. No shrimp, prawn, worm or any type of spinner is allowed.

2. The use of maggot is specifically prohibited when the river level is 2ft or below as recorded on the gauge at Coleman’s.

3. All coarse fish, kelts and salmon to be returned to the water.

4. No litter, waste or discarded nylon to be left on the fishery or adjoining land.

5. Members must carry the appropriate licence when fishing.

6. Members must conduct themselves in a proper manner.

7. The river is open from October 18th to March 2nd. Members MUST NOT fish at any other times. Dates are provisional and may be subject to change by the landlord.

Specimen Rules

General rules and regulations of the club are provided with a season permit, however please take note of the below rules specific to Carp/Pike fishing on the lakes.
Anyone not willing or able to follow these rules will be asked to leave the venue and no refunds will be offered. Club bailiffs are active every day and night so you will be approached. Persistent breach of the rules will lead to a ban from the club.

1. Anglers must be in possession of a suitable landing net, with a minimum net size of 36” and a minimum handle length of 6ft.

2. Anglers must be in possession of an unhooking mat, with a minimum size of 50 x 80cm but preferable larger to ensure fish safety. The mat must be WET before placing fish onto it and there must be a way to keep the mat and the fish wet.

3. Suitable unhooking tools must be carried to ensure that fish can be dealt with quickly and safely. Fish care solution must be carried. Any damage/wounds to be treated.

4. Barbless hooks only, no crushed barbs.

5. Minimum line strength of 15lb is required for Carp/Pike angling.

6. Rigs – Ensure that in the event of a line snap, the lead will drop free of the rig.

7. Leaders are forbidden, the mainline must be tied directly to the hook-link swivel.

8. For Pike fishing, wire traces must be used, at a minimum 36cm length, with hooks spaced no more than 10cm apart. Barbless hooks only.

9. Bailiffs will carry out random rig checks and rule breakers will be dealt with immediately.

10. All club waters are 2 rods only waters.

11. Rods must not be left unattended for any reason.

12. If fishing up to trees/bushes/snags anglers must use a tight baitrunner/clutch and be sat next to rods to enable an immediate strike.

13. When Pike fishing a strike must be made as soon as an indication is received, do not wait for a fish to run.

14. If needed for photographs, fish to be kept for maximum 20mins in dedicated floating retainer slings only.

15. No bait boats or boats of any kind.

16. Braided mainline for Pike fishing only, minimum 20lbs.

17. No nuts of any kind.

18. Any rig which has a swivel or clip attached to the eye of the hook are banned on ALL Caerphilly angling club waters. This includes RONNIE RIGS and 360 RIGS.

Constitution

Updated as of 25th of February 2024

It is the responsibility of all club members to read and familiarise themselves with the constitution, rules and codes of conduct stated in this document.

INDEX

● SECTION 1 – INTERPRETATION

● SECTION 2 – CONSTITUTION

● SECTION 3 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

● SECTION 4 – TRUSTEES

● SECTION 5a – MEMBERSHIP

● SECTION 5b – TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP

● SECTION 6 – MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB

● SECTION 7 – OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS

● SECTION 8 – COMMITTEE

● SECTION 9 – FINANCES

● SECTION 10 – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

● SECTION 11 – SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

● SECTION 12 – MEMBER ATTENDANCE OF GENERAL MEETING

● SECTION 13 – PROCEDINGS FOR GENERAL MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – INTERPRETATION

a. The committee shall be the sole authority for the interpretation of the Associations rules and bylaws, and the decision of the committee on the interpretation of any matter affecting this association, not provided for in the constitution or the bylaws, and shall be final and binding upon the members.

b. In the rules and bylaws, wording importing to the masculine shall include the feminine and words importing to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.

SECTION 2 – CONSTITUTION

1. The name of the association shall be, The Caerphilly and District Angling Association.

2. Any profit and/or surpluses will be used to maintain and/or improve the club’s facilities.

3. The Constitution, Aims and Objectives can only be amended at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or at a Special General Meeting (SGM) by properly debated proposals and a two thirds Majority Vote at the meeting.

SECTION 3 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of the association shall be;

● To provide the facilities of an angling association for its members, including the organisation and provision of angling.

● To promote the interests of anglers and angling.

● To respond to all reported pollution incidents with the aim of rectifying the issues as soon as possible with assistance from the appropriate sources i.e., Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water etc.

● To improve the quality of the waters that comes under the jurisdiction of the association.

● To encourage the safe handling of fish.

● To encourage anglers in the conservation of all fish species present in the association’s waterways.

● To encourage anglers in the protection and conservation of their angling environment and its ecology.

● To lease, rent or otherwise obtain waters for angling and access rights for the benefit of the Club and all its members with the view to make to making angling more varied and enjoyable for all.

To ensure an on-going commitment to fair treatment of all anglers with no discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, or social class.

SECTION 4 - TRUSTEES

(a) There shall be no less than two or more than five Trustees of the association. To promote the interests of anglers and angling.

(b) Trustees shall hold office until death or resignation, or until removed from office by the committee.

(c) The Trustees shall be full members of the committee.

(d) All properties of the association, except cash, which shall be under the control of the Honorary Treasurer, including leases and fishing rights, shall be vested in the Trustees, to be dealt with by them as the committee, from time to time, shall resolve.

SECTION 5a – MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership is open to any angler, who successfully completes a membership application form and pays the relevant fees.

2. The committee has the right to refuse membership to any person who applies with no explanation given.

3. Membership numbers will be limited at a number set by the committee.

4. Membership will be offered in the following categories:

(a) Senior members being sixteen years of age or older.

(b) Junior members aged 12 -15 years of age. Junior members must only fish the association waters when accompanied by an adult member, except by permission of the committee or head bailiff or in competitions organised by the association.

(c) Minor members, aged <12 years. All minor members must be accompanied by an existing club member over 18 years. No more than 2 minors can be supervised by one adult member.

(d) Senior Citizens and Disabled Members.

(e) Honorary Members.

(f) Membership shall commence on payment of the first annual subscription, as laid down in the bylaws Rule 2a, and such member shall be deemed to have agreed to abide and be bound by the rules of the association.

(g) The Annual Subscription payable by members shall be such a sum as the members shall determine from time to time at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association. It shall be payable at the commencement of membership and thereafter annually on the 1st day of June in each year.

5. All persons wishing to become a member will be expected to create a Clubmate account (third party) and complete an online application form. The link to the clubmate details is found on our website

6. All junior and intermediate membership must be supported by a parent or guardian. The person will be responsible for them on all matters, including infringement of the rules.

7. Membership will cease, A) By resignation, B) By expulsion, C) By non-payment of fees.

a. RESIGNATIONS:

A Member may resign his or her membership at any time by notice in writing to the Honorary Secretary. A member, whose written resignation is received by the Honorary Secretary after their subscription for the current year has been paid in full, shall forfeit that subscription for that year. On resignation a member shall remain liable for any debts he or she may have incurred to the association

b. EXPULSION:

1. The committee shall expel from the association any member, for conduct, which in its opinion, is injurious or tends to be so to the interests of the association or its aims or its members or angling in general. Before expelling a member however, the committee shall enquire into the members conduct and he or she shall be given reasonable opportunity to defend and justify themselves by appearing before the committee. The committee’s decision to expel any such member shall be taken on the majority vote of those present at the enquiry.

2. An expelled member shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership but shall remain liable for any debts or dues owing to the association which will become payable or were incurred before the date of expulsion.

SECTION 5b – TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP

1. Temporary members will be anglers on guest tickets. They must have permits and current rod licence(s) and abide by the rules of the club. Membership will expire when the guest ticket expires. Guest anglers are expected to fish with the existing member who booked the guest ticket.

2. Members applying for guest tickets will be responsible for their guest (there is a maximum of 1 guest per session) and will accompany them to the selected venue and stay with them for the duration of the session. Tickets must be obtained prior to fishing.

3. All guest sessions will be at the discretion of the committee.

SECTION 6 - MANAGEMENT

The affairs and running of The Club shall be controlled by the elected Committee, consisting of 14 members. The executive officers are the Chairman, Vice Chairman Secretary and Treasurer.

SECTION 7 – OFFICERS AND OFFICIALS

A Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association after being proposed, seconded and indicating

their consent. A member must be present at the AGM to be elected, unless his or her written apology for absence has been received by the Honorary Secretary before the commencement of the meeting.

A current officer can be re-elected by the committee to the same position for multiple years.

SECTION 8 – COMMITTEE

The committee shall consist of the following.

(a) The Chairman, the Vice Chairman, The Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer, the previous year’s Chairman (ex officio), the Match Secretary, Press Officer, Child Protection Officer, Head Bailiff(s), five Senior Members and a Junior Members Representative and any Trustees not elected to office or committee membership.

(b) Every member of the committee must hold membership for the current year in which he or she is elected.

Only members of Caerphilly and District Angling Association are eligible for committee.

(c) Only Senior Members and the current Junior Representative will be allowed to vote on the election of the committee, but Junior Members shall be allowed to vote for the Junior Representative.

(d) Committee members must be present at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for re-election unless a written apology for absence is received by the Honorary Secretary before the commencement of the meeting.

(e) The committee shall have the power to co-opt additional members of the committee as the committee feels is necessary.

(f) The committee shall meet on the first Tuesday of every month unless otherwise agreed. The quorum for a committee meeting will be seven members.

(g) Unless a written explanation is submitted to the Honorary Secretary of a member’s absence from three meetings overall, the member will be liable, at the discretion of the committee, for expulsion from the committee.

(h) If during the term of office, of a committee member his or her position becomes vacant then the position shall be filled by co-opt as the committee feels is necessary.

(i) An Auditor may be elected at the AGM to replace a retiring Auditor. Auditors will not be members of the committee.

(j) Committee members will be elected by Secret Ballot.

SECTION 9 – FINANCE

The financial year of the association shall be from the 1st day of January, until the 31st of December.

All monies belonging to the association must be banked in the name of the association with the association’s bankers and all cheques or bank transfers may be raised and approved by

mandated trustees only. The association’s books must be presented to the elected auditors for the purpose of an audit if requested by the auditor.

SECTION 10 - ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members attending the AGM must provide evidence of membership upon request. The AGM of the association will -receive and consider the audited accounts and the annual balance sheet prepared and presented by the Honorary Treasurer, to appoint officers and auditors and to fill any arising vacancies on the committee and to decide upon any recommendations submitted by the committee or any notices of motion received from the membership. The association cannot be disbanded as long as there are seven members in the association.

SECTION 11 - SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

A Special General Meeting may be held at any time that the committee may determine, and the committee shall call such a meeting upon the requisition in writing of any 25 (twenty-five) members of the association, for the purpose only of that stated in the requisition. Upon receipt of such a requisition the committee shall call the meeting within one month of receipt, by the Honorary Secretary of the association.

SECTION 12 – MEMBER ATTENDANCE OF GENERAL MEETINGS

Members are encouraged to submit topics for discussion at General Meetings. Members are required to send details to the club email address at least 1 week prior to the first Tuesday of every month.

Upon acceptance into the meeting Agenda, the Honorary Secretary will contact the member and invite them to the General Meeting to be included in the discussion.

SECTION 13 - PROCEEDINGS FOR GENERAL MEETINGS

(a) Fourteen Senior Members shall form a quorum at any General Meeting.

(b) At every General Meeting, the Chairman, or in his or her absence, the Vice Chairman, or in his or her absence an elected Chairman shall take charge of the meeting.

(c) The Chairman and all Senior Members shall be allowed to vote (along with the Junior Representative) and in the event of a tie in the voting, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, a majority vote of members present and voting shall carry any motion or resolution, save that no rule may be repealed or amended unless one month’s notice be lodged in writing to the Honorary Secretary.

(e) Only items on the agenda may be discussed at the AGM.