Retention slings
For many years now, it has been Linear Fisheries policy that carp-sacks are not allowed to be used at the site, to retain fish. In fact back in the 90's we had reports of two separate fish dying in sacks, leading to this policy being implemented. Now we are fully aware that everyone wants that special photo from time to time, be it a new PB or that target fish that has taken years to catch, or just a really pretty fish but the fish's safety must always come first.
In recent years the floating, retention style sling has become very popular and has even led to a kind of sub-culture where anglers regularly post early morning shots on social-media, showing a retention sling in use, normally accompanied with a witty quote like, "one in the bag" or "nice early morning call today"! We've had some quite emotional debates at the fishery, as to whether this practice is safe and we all agreed that it should be but is quite often abused!
We do allow this style of sling at the fishery as we feel they can actually be very useful in aiding in the safe release of fish and can even give them a small rest before being lifted out for a photo. Please note however that they should never be used as a glorified carp-sack or used to retain multiple fish. All too often we see two or three slings floating in the margins, the only time this is allowed is during an officially sanctioned match where marshals are on call to weigh and return fish as quick as possible or on the rare occasion where you have double or even triple takes.
The following is how the team at Linear feel they should be used and how they must be used if you plan on fishing the Linear complex:
You are allowed to put a single fish into one retention sling, for up to 30 minutes, never put more than one fish in one sling. Retaining fish should only be done to aid you in getting ready for weighing and or taking a photo of the fish. You shouldn't really require 30 minutes but we understand, particularly with bigger fish that sometimes you may need to take that bit longer in getting ready for the photo.
Once you have one fish retained your rod can be cast back onto the spot but if you have another run, before the first fish is dealt with, you Must Not recast that rod until both fish are safely returned. In the event that a third rod rattles off, then please deal with all the fish as quickly and safely as possible. If fishing three rods, your remaining rod must now be reeled in until all fish are safely returned.
Ensure you have your camera and fish care equipment ready before taking any fish out of the water in the sling. By fish care equipment we mean, your suitably sized unhooking mat, bucket of water to wet the fish, scales and carp care treatment.
Never retain a fish for longer than 30 mins, especially on very hot days or in the early hours of the morning near weedy areas; oxygen levels will be low in these conditions and could lead to further stress on the fish or worse.
Please ensure that the floatation sling is very securely attached to a retaining stick so it cannot float away.
When carrying the fish in the sling over to the unhooking mat, please make sure you have hold of the retaining cord to avoid tripping on it and dropping the fish.
Always remember that if the fish has had a rest in the sling, even for just a few minutes, it will have regained some of its strength and could be very lively on the mat, please be prepared for this.
When retuning the fish, ensure you do so in water deep enough for it to swim away without dragging itself along the lake-bed. But please also ensure you put your own safety first in the marginal water.
If you are found using these slings in a manner that goes against the points above, you could be asked to leave the fishery.
I hope this has given you an insight as to how we expect anglers to use this style of sling, they can and should be very useful, safe bits of kit to use, so please respect the fish, the fishery rules and use them in a safe manner.