Guidance

Biosecurity guidance for anglers

Updated 16 April 2025

Applies to England and Wales

Fishery managers/clubs can only do so much to reduce the risk of disease transmission and given the nature of some waterways fished it is not possible to establish disinfection points in convenient locations.  Therefore, the primary responsibility is with the anglers to do all they can to safeguard against the spread of disease and invasive species, including when disinfection facilities are present.

It has been proven that angling equipment can pose a major risk in the transfer of diseases between fisheries. A range of fish pathogens and invasive species can also be spread by angling equipment. If equipment (especially if it has come into direct contact with fish) is kept damp between use, it provides an ideal environment for pathogens and invasive species to survive until introduction to a new water.

1. What to disinfect

It is not practical to disinfect every bit of angling equipment. Best practice is to thoroughly disinfect high risk equipment that comes into direct contact with fish or water and ensure items such as fishing reels have thoroughly dried. High-risk items include:

The equipment that should be cleaned and dried/disinfected:

• keep nets
• landing nets
• unhooking mats
• boots/waders (and the bags they may be held in)
• weigh slings
• ‘stink bags’ or similar holdalls/bags

The ‘gold standard’ of fishery biosecurity procedures is when a fishery supplies anglers with its own high-risk equipment which never leaves the site.

If disinfection/cleaning facilities are present at a fishery then use them as directed on entrance and departure from a water.  Ensure they are fit for purpose see guidance on Biosecurity guidance for angling waters - GOV.UK.  If you believe they are not adequate, then it is important to still apply your own measures.

2. How to disinfect

There are a variety of measures an individual can apply to ensure they do not pose a risk in transferring a disease or invasive species.

Allow time between fishing waters to apply measures effectively.

The simplest approach is to thoroughly clean and dry all equipment.  However, enough time must be allowed for this to occur.  A minimum of 2 days are required for equipment to dry thoroughly and may take longer to ensure all parts of the equipment are thoroughly dried.  A few hours or less before the next fishing trip is not adequate.  It is important to note that some diseases are capable of surviving drying out and so where these may be a risk, disinfection should only be used.

The most preferable approach is to clean and disinfect the equipment (it is important to clean first before disinfection to maximise effectiveness of the disinfectant used).

Application of disinfection can be done in two main ways: via a sprayer or a dip.  It is important to follow manufacturer’s instructions to ensure disinfectants are used effectively and safely.

3. Steps to take to disinfect your equipment:

3.1 1. Check and clean

First clean off dirt or debris, as this can prevent proper disinfection.

3.2 2. Disinfect

Apply the disinfectant, as directed by the manufacturer.  This may be either by spray or immersing in a net dip.

3.3 3. Wait

Leave it on for the recommended amount of time, as listed by the manufacturer (contact time).  This can range from a few minutes to 30 minutes.  The longer your equipment is in contact with the disinfectant, the more effective it is.

3.4 4. Dry

Do not rinse your equipment.  Leave it to dry instead as this helps to maximise contact time.

There are several types of disinfectants available for an angler to purchase and use, the key is using the right disinfectant for the circumstance - see guidance on Biosecurity - Measures.

Some fisheries may also have washdown facilities in place to prevent the spread of disease and primarily invasive species introduction. 

These should be used whenever present.