2026/27 Memberships now available!

Memberships can be purchased from the following locations:

Stafford Angling Centre Ltd
Unit 1A Gainsborough Works, St. Patricks Street, Stafford,

ST16 2PN.

Open and league competions will be held throughout 2026:

Call Alan for more details 01785 213599

What is Fish Care:

The practice of safe landing, handling, tratment and release of fish caught to ensure their suvival and allow them to swim away unharmed after realse.

Why does it matter?

Fish care is at the heart of responsible angling. Whether you fish canals, rivers, lakes, or commercial waters, the way anglers handle fish directly affects their health, survival, and the long‑term quality of the fishery. Practising good fish care protects stocks, supports a healthy ecosytem and ensures future generations can enjoy the sport.

Responsible fish care is also a sign of good sportsmanship and reflects well our club and our members, helping to grow the local angling community and provides oppertunity to improve our waters. 

Every angler should carry the following essential items for treating fish with the respect and care they deserve when going to the bank:

• Landing Net - A proper landing net is the foundation of fish care. When choosing a landing net, look for the following:

  • A soft, knotless mesh prevents scale and fin damage,

  • A wide frame makes landing quick and reduces stress,

  • Using the correct size for your target species is essential to enable to land fish in a safe and efficient manner,

    • General Course Fishing - 20 - 26"

    • Barbel - 26 - 32"

    • Carp - 30 - 42".

• Disgorger/Forceps - Enables the safe and controlled unhooking of deep hooked fish or fish that have 'swallowed the hook'.

  • Ensure to use the correct size disgorger for the hook you're using, it is best to carry multiple sizes with you,

  • Long nose forceps can be used to remove deep hookholds or when dealing with predators such as pike,

  • If disgorging the fish is not possible, cut the line as close to the hook as possible before releasing the fish,

  • How to Unhook a Fish with a Disgorger - YouTube,

  • How To Unhook a Gut Hooked Pike! - YouTube.

• Unhooking Mat - Protects fish from hard ground, stones, and sharp bank edges.

  • Keeps fish calm and secure during unhooking,

  • Use the correct size for your target species,

  • For carp and larger species, a large mat or cradle is preferred to contain the fish,

  • For canals and small venues, a smaller or roll‑up mat prevents abrasion during unhooking.

• .Antisceptic Treatment (Carp care kits) - Used to treat hook holds, lifted scales, or minor injuries.

  • Helps prevent wounds from infection,

  • Mandatory for many commercial venues.

All our members are advised to follow these best practices when it comes to fish care for fishing on all of our waters:

• Barbless Hooks - Reduces risk of injury and allows for quicker and safer unhooking, reducing stress to the fish.
  • The use of barbless hooks is mandatory on the following IWSAA waters:
    • Hopton Pools
    • Uni Pool
    • Little Gem
    • Brick Kiln Pits
• Wet hands before handling fish - This protects the fish’s slime coat, essential for disease resistance.
  • Never use a towel to handle fish,
  • Keep unhooking mats and weight slings wet before use.
• Minimise the time fish spend out of the water - Reduces stress and increases survival rates especially in warmer periods.
• Rest tired fish before releasing - Hold fish in a landing net until they are able to swim away stongly
  • Essential for river species such as Pike, Chub and Barbel. Releasing them too soon means they may not be strong enough to fight the current.
• Net Dips - Prevents the spread of diseases and parasites between waters.

  • Where net dips are avaiable, nets should be dipped before and after fishing - often madatory for commerical venues,

  • Where net dips are not provided, nets should be fully dried before use,

  • “Check, Clean, Dry” is standard UK guidance.