Fishing Checklist – Are You Ready After Lockdown?

We can all agree it’s probably been a long time since you got your fishing gear out and had a fishing trip. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, we’ve made a helpful fishing checklist to make sure you’re all set up for your first fishing outing, and to update you on our rules.

Clothing Fishing Checklist

England’s weather is very unpredictable, even in the summer months. It’s always a good idea to check the weather before you go, just in case there is rain forecasted for the day and you can prepare fully.

Since we’re moving into the summer months, you will need to be careful with the sun and its UV rays – always bring sunscreen and a hat!

Here’s a quick list:

  • Sun hat/cap
  • Boots
  • Fishing suit
  • Layers and extra layers (so you can take off or keep warm – especially when the weather changes unexpectedly!)
  • Waterproof coat

Equipment

Fishing tackle for fishing peaceful fish. Float, fishing rod, reel, fishing line on the wooden background

Now’s the exciting part – getting your equipment together and ready for your trip!

If you’ve stored your equipment away for the whole of lockdown, now is a good time to inspect it and make sure nothing is broken or has gotten rusty. 

Bait is obviously one of the most important items for a fishing session, but if you’re still new to fishing, and want to take it up long term, then look into getting different types of bait. We have great tips on our website for each lake and pond, check it out on our Fishing page.

Here’s your equipment fishing checklist:

  • Fishing rod
  • Fishing poles
  • Bait
  • Fishing tackle seatbox
  • Bite indicators
  • Carp cradles
  • Un-hooking mats
  • Scales
  • Camera
  • Umbrellas
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • First aid kit
  • Clean towels

Food and Drink

Healthy lunch box with sandwich and fresh vegetables on white wooden background. From top view

If you’re going to be sitting and standing on the bank for a long time, you want to make sure you keep yourself hydrated and fed – there is nothing worse than feeling unwell when you’re out for the day!

Always take:

  • Bottles of water
  • Flask of tea or coffee
  • Meals for the day, e.g., lunch
  • Snacks – lots!

Fishing Rules

Different fishing ponds will have different rules. Please find Sumners Ponds Fishery update below:

Starting from the 29th of March, the fishery will be operating on a first come first serve basis as we have been in previous years. We will be accepting CARD PAYMENTS ONLY, and all tickets are available bankside from our fishing bailiffs. Please do not try and use the online booking system as it will no longer be in service from the 29th of March.

Please check our website for match bookings prior to visiting to avoid disappointment on the match bookings page.

The fishery will still be open for day tickets between 7am and dusk/9pm until further notice.

Please note that we are serious about the well-being of our valuable fish stocks. You must be sure that you have read and understood the fishery rules and have the correct equipment. Our staff is happy to advise as are most experienced fishermen.

If you have any questions regarding the fishery, want to contact one of our fishing bailiffs, or just want to send in pictures of your catches email fishing@sumnersponds.co.uk.

Licence

All anglers should have a valid fishing licence issued by the Environment Agency. Buy your licence on the GOV website.

Sumners Ponds

At Sumners Ponds, we stock many different types of fish, including Mirror Carp, Common Carp Crucian Carp, Redmire Common, Simmonds Mirror Carp, Perch, Chub, Roach, Pike, Tench, Golden Tench, Barbel, Eels, and Bream.

We also have a small but well-stocked bait and tackle shop that is open, not only to anglers visiting the fishery but the general public too. The opening times are the same as our reception opening times.

If you have any questions relating to a product that we may or may not stock, please feel free to email us at fishing@sumnersponds.co.uk.

Quick Enquiry

Disabled Friendly

Sumners Ponds is a accessible fishery for those with a disability. The best lakes to fish are either Farm Pond or Betty’s Lake.

Farm Pond has a purpose built accessible platform with a ramp from the ajoining car park. This spaceous decked area has three large swims which are all disabled priority. The car park for this lake is directly next to the closest fishing swims so there is not far to travel with your equipment.

Betty’s Lake has two disabled parking areas which are very close to the nearest wood-chipped swims.