2026/27 Memberships now available!

Vehicle Access to Hopton Pools Closed until further notice.

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

This section aims to set out how to safely handle fish during unhooking and photography, ensuring every catch is treated with care and returned to the water in the best possible condition. By following these simple best‑practice guidelines, anglers can protect fish from avoidable stress or injury and help maintain a healthy, sustainable fishery for everyone.

General Handling Notes:

• Wet hands before touching the fish,
• Minimise time out of water,
• Keep fish in a horizonal position, support larger fish with both hands.
• Do not hold fish while standing.

Photography:

For many anglers, landing a specien fish is a special moment and photogrpahing these moments is very common practice. By following these simple photography best‑practice guidelines, anglers can capture great images while protecting fish from unnecessary stress or injury and helping maintain a healthy, sustainable fishery.

• Be prepared - Before lisfting the fish from the water, make sure all your equipment is avaialble to hand:
  • Unhooking Mat/Cradle, Camera/Phone, Scales, Water Bucket.
• Keep it quick - Avoid long photo shoots and return the fish to the water as soon as possible.
• Support the fish low to the ground - Hold fish low over a unhooking mat or cradle to prevent blunt force injuries.
  • Never stand up to take photos of fish,
  • Support the fish with two hands, one near the tail and the other under the stomach,
  • Do not squeeze when holding a fish, if the fish tries to flop, lower it back onto the mat.
• Keep the fish wet - Use a bucket to to keep the fish wet. This also helps calm the fish making it easier to handle.
  • Ensure all mats and weight slings are also wet before use.
• Consider environmental conditions - Avoid long handling during periods of hot weather.
  • Warm water holds less oxygen, extra care should be taken when fish are out of the water,
  • Consdier whether fishing is safe for the fish, especially during heatwaves.

Floppy Fish:

Fish will flop when out of the water to try to regain balance, if you're struggling with this while trying to handle fish, try these simple tips:

• Lower the fish back onto the unhooking mat or into the landing net, do not try to hold on,
• Keep the fish low to the ground, support it using both hands to aid stability,
• Add water to cool and calm the fish, pour water over the flanks of the fish, this will natrually help the fish to relax,
• Don't rush - wait 5-10 seconds for the fish the natrually settle, give it time to recover in the landing net,
• Do not lift the fish if it is still twitchy, wait until it has calmed down and can be held stable.

If a fish will not settle, take a photo in the net or on the unhooking mat and return the fish to the water.