Monday March 2nd 2026.

Over the last couple of years there has been an increase in the number of anglers exploiting these methods and trying to get round the rules. Therefore, as mentioned in the Annual Letter to Association members, the GPC have revisited the rules on Spinning and. Drop Shotting and have amended the existing rules on an interim basis. This will affect the genuine Members who drop shot within the rules, but it is hoped that the current change can be further amended by the start of the new Coarse season in June to allow them to pursue their favoured technique.  This change will then have a full revue at the 2026 Rules General Meeting.

Bailiffs are going to be very strict on this, so beware, if you choose to go against the ruling, you may well find yourself facing a ban imposed by the committee.

Spinning:

Definition: An angler is deemed to be spinning if he uses a bait which is made to revolve by means of propellors or fins or in any other manner. Use of a plug bait or a fly spoon is also considered to be spinning. Only current Salmon Members and Salmon Day ticket holders are allowed to spin between March 3^rd and 17^th October, (both dates inclusive)..  Coarse anglers are only allowed to spin from 18^th October to 2^nd March following. Salmon ticket holders must abide by the rules below:

• During the Salmon season, no spinning is allowed from Belmont match Peg 1 downstream to the Old Wye Bridge. Only barbless or de-barbed hooks can be used.
• Only single hooks are allowed on spinners, spoons, or plugs, with a maximum gape of 13mm.
• Up to a maximum of 3 singles on a plug can be used.
• Using treble hooks on spinners, plugs, or spoons is not permitted.No wire traces are to be used.

Having a full Salmon Membership does not entitle you to use lures or drop shots during the river-closed season for coarse fish. (March 15^th-June, both dates inclusive) 15th Neither does it entitle you to use lures for coarse fish during the Salmon season. Any member found to be exploiting this rule will automatically face disciplinary action by the committee and could face a life ban.

Drop Shotting

Definition: Drop shotting is a method using a jig to imitate a feeding fish.

Coarse anglers are only allowed to drop shot from 18^th October to 2^nd March following and must abide by the following rules:

Drop shotting is permitted providing the weight is directly on the front of the jig head or on the bottom of the line.

•  Lures can only be made of rubber, wood, or feathers with a maximum length of 3 inches or 75mm and must not have any metal propeller blades or spoons attached.
• Adapted or plastic lures are not allowed.
• No wire traces are to be used whilst Drop Shotting.
• Fly spoons are classed as spinning and are not allowed.