Freeburn

WHILST THE ESTATE HEAD KEEPER MAY FROM TIME TO TIME VISIT THE BEAT TO ASK ANGLERS WHAT THEY HAVE CAUGHT ALL ANGLERS MUST SUBMIT A CATCH RETURN TO THE FACTORS WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE DAY(S) FISHED. NIL RETURNS MUST ALSO BE REPORTED. ANGLERS FAILING TO REPORT CATCHES WILL BE REFUSED FURTHER FISHING AND MAY HAVE BOOKED FISHING CANCELLED WITHOUT REFUND. ANGLERS DELIBERATELY UNDER REPORTING CATCHES WILL BE BANNED FROM TAKING FUTURE FISHING

FISHING ETIQUETTE AT FREEBURN FISHINGS

• Good manners and courteous behaviour at all times is encouraged.

Please observe the following conditions.

• Anglers commencing to fish in front of someone fishing the opposite bank should start fishing at least fifty yards downstream from the opposite angler, or preferably in a different pool. When starting behind the opposite angler allow a separation of at least 50 yards. Anglers must make steady progress downstream while fishing a pool thereby allowing any following angler on either side of the river equal progress through the pool. Anglers should show awareness of others fishing the river. For example he should be prepared to lift his line out of the water by request should another angler on the same or opposite bank be playing a fish. Remember the fellow angler opposite has an equal right to enjoyment of the water.
• If you are "sharing" a rod then the combined fishing effort should not exceed that which could be expected from one reasonably fit person. In particular, fishing in relay is not permitted without allowing time to pass for the person finishing the pool to walk back up to the start.
• No crossing of the middle point of the river.
• No fishing back to your own bank.

FISHING METHOD

• Fly fishing only is permitted on the entire beat.
• The following are forbidden at all times: any form of spinning lure baits such as shrimp, prawn or worm; "megabait" and similar products; chemical "dips"; illuminating or glowing lures. If in doubt ask the ghillie.
• The upstream method of fishing with sunken tackle is forbidden.

CATCH AND RELEASE

• Fishing is strictly by fly only and Freeburn Fishings supports the river Findhorn conservation code and requests specific adherence to the beat conditions below.
• Anglers must release all fish caught up to 31st May inclusive From 01 June anglers must release all fish over 9lbs / 28 inches (4 Kg / 72 cm), all coloured, stale and gravid fish AND ALL hen fish. Failure to comply with these rules will result in immediate forfeiture of any and all fishing booked. Guidance on how to release fish is available on this web site. A barbless, or crimped down barbed hook is easier to release than a barbed one. Do not use trebles. Taking a played fish out of the water has been likened to shoving an exhausted human's head into a bucket of water immediately they have run a race. Try to keep the fish in the water at all times and release it with the least interference or damage you can. It is easiest to do this by stepping into the water (where it is safe to do so) alongside the played fish. The purpose of catch and release is to return healthy fish back into the river so that they survive to breed, so don't drag them up the bank and damage their skin.
• Photos: Do, if you can, get a photo but do not wander about with your fish waiting for a photographer - the fish's survival is of far greater importance. If a photographer is on hand the best thing to do is to remove the fly from the fish while it is in the water and then, supporting the fish underneath, briefly lift it a little bit out of the water, say "cheese", and then release it carefully. Don't under any circumstances hold it up by the gills or the tail. Send us a copy of the photo if you can.
• Bleeding Fish: If, despite your efforts to avoid harming the fish, it bleeds copiously from the gills it will die if released. In such circumstances kill the fish quickly and humanely. In the period up to and including 31 May you are not entitled to keep such fish they must be returned to the river.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Any Angler who has been "warned off" the beat is not welcome and their reservation will not be accepted even if this is made through a third party. They will be asked to leave the beat upon arrival and no monies will be refunded.
• The proprietors require tenants to adhere to the then current recommendations of the appropriate District Salmon Fisheries Board “DSFB”, any variation of which from the point of let to date of fishing shall be deemed to be binding on tenants and no refund of monies paid will be considered as a result of the DSFB changing its recommendations.
• A tenant may not sub-let the beat, if a tenant so sub-lets all fishing will be forfeit and cancelled without further discussion or refund.
• Rods may not be shared on any one day without prior permission of ourselves.
• The agent and proprietors let the rights of fishing only, and do not accept responsibility for the natural hazard and adverse climatic conditions out with their control affecting the catching of salmon.
• Please note that in line with general practice, we cannot give refunds for fishing spoilt by inclement weather, poor water conditions or in any other circumstances which could not reasonably have been foreseen or predicted and are out with the proprietor and agent’s control.
• The proprietors accept no responsibility for loss or damage to tenants or his party's property from whatever cause arising nor for any injury to the tenant or any member of the fishing party.
• We strongly advise you to wear lifejackets or buoyancy aids of a design that will not impair your ability to fish in comfort one when wading in strong or deep water. If you don't, you are doing so at your own risk. Clients and guests are advised to wear and use their own personal protective equipment where appropriate. This should include chest waders, eye protection, wading stick and appropriate clothing.
• The lead named tenant is responsible for the fishing party at all times when fishing. Should the lead tenant not be present at any time a person must be nominated to take charge of the party.
• Clients are strongly advised to take out a Public Liability Policy, covering themselves and their guests, for not less than £2,000,000. The insurance cover in place on the beat does not extend to the property of tenants. If you wish to leave your belongings it is at your own risk and you are advised to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for sports and other items when travelling.
• You need to bring your own fishing equipment (rods, reels, lines, flies etc) unless you have specifically agreed with Atholl Sporting well in advance that they supply this for you.
• You need to be reasonably healthy and mobile to access most fishings. If you are not, you must notify Atholl Sporting before you book, to ensure that you can be looked after safely and properly.
• Anglers are reminded that parking of cars should be in designated parking areas and is always at the angler’s own risk.
• No angler shall use a gaff or tailer.
• All landing nets must be knotless.
• There is no fishing allowed on Sundays.
• It is illegal to intentionally foul hook fish.
• No spinning gear prawns, shrimps or worms can be used at any time.