Fishing rules and Fish Care 1. Strictly Catch & Release, NO keep nets of any sort a. All FISH MUST be released. You will be removed from premises and banned from camping at Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase when caught 2. 2x rods per angler with a maximum of 4 rods per stand. a. 1x angler = 2 rods; 2 or more anglers on stand max 4 rods on the stand,1 hook per rod. NO exceptions 3. Strictly no lip gripper or weight scales to be hook in fish gills or mouth a. Fish must be weighed in carp safe weigh bag 4. No floater markers of any kind are allowed in the dam. 5. No boats or drones are allowed on the dam a. (specimen rubber dingy, jet ski, bait boats, canoes, kick boats, drones, etc.…). The Specimen dam will be a casting dam only, a very rear and difficult skill but very satisfying when accomplished. 6. Use strong tackle and line,18lb line minimum with 1x hook per rod, the fish are big and there are grass and snags, don’t break off and leave lines in the water or tear hooks out of the fish mouth. 7. Strictly no open fires or fires on the ground 8. Strictly no PCP, BOWS, KETTIES or Pellet guns 9. Campers must always practice and promote carp care. 10. Each member must have available and use the following carp care equipment: a. A carp-friendly landing net with soft fine mesh knotless netting. (Large ones preferred). b. All anglers must carry and use a good quality unhooking mat meeting the requirements for size (1.2m x 0.8m x 40mm) c. A good quality weigh sling or bag, strong enough to hold large fish. No lip grippers can be used for weighing! d. Anti-bacterial solution suitable for treating hook holds and other wounds on the fish. 11. The use of keep nets are STRICTLY prohibited. 12. All FISH MUST be released. (You will be removed from premises and banned from camping at Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase when caught) 13. Always use an unhooking mat spread out on a flat surface. An unhooking mat on an uneven or sloped surface could cause the fish to slide off the unhooking mat causing injuries to the fish. 14. The unhooking mat and weigh sling must be freshly wet before the fish is lifted from the water. The fish must be kept wet at all times. Keep a container with fresh cool water at hand at all times to wet the fish on the mat. 15. Never leave a carp on the unhooking mat unattended. 16. The carp should not be kept out of the water for an excessive period of time. Unhook, photograph and return the fish within the shortest period of time. 17. Always have the unhooking mat directly below the carp when lifting it for a photograph. Support the carp properly, keep the carp as close as possible to the unhooking mat, and never stand up with the carp in your hands when taking photos. If the carp is dropped at this height it could sustain fatal internal injuries! 18. Always transfer the carp back to the water in a sling or enclosed mat. 19. Never drop or throw carp back into the water! 20. When releasing a carp, support it carefully in the water until it is strong enough to swim off by itself. 21. Always use carp safe rigs that puts the carp’s safety first, especially in the event of a break-off. . 22. Your tackle must be up to standard and must be sufficient to land large carp safely. 23. Sacking of carp is not allowed. With today’s camera technology it is not necessary to sack a carp. 24. Never leave your rods unattended at any time. 25. Particles to be used for angling must always be prepared correctly (soaking & boiling) before it is used, no peanuts. 26. Tackle inspection will occur 27. 2x Rod limit per angler with max 4x rods per stand and 1 hook per rod CAMPERS CONDUCT 1. All campers must conduct themselves in a sportsman-like manner and observe good angling etiquette. Always show consideration towards other anglers and water users. Respect other anglers by minimising bankside noise, shouting and using bad language, shining bright lights on the water, and avoid angling in a way which interferes with other water users. Do not cast across swims, preventing other people from using swims next to you. Park your car considerately. 2. Be aware of any specific rules relating to the dam you are visiting. Observe and abide by them. 3. Do not damage the property of the venue that you are angling. 4. Theft of any kind will not be tolerated. 5. Alcohol abuse will not be tolerated. 6. Always keep your swim / angling area clean, and clean up afterwards before leaving. Dispose of your refuse in provided rubbish bins, or otherwise take it with you when you leave. 7. Visitors of Lake Umuzi Kamp Oase must always be polite and helpful towards other anglers / campers. ENVIRONMENTAL CARE 1. Do not litter or discard tackle on the bank. Discarded line is hazardous to wildlife. Discarded hooks are hazardous to humans and wildlife. 2. Discarded line should be burnt or cut into short lengths before disposal to avoid entangling wildlife at waste bins. 3. Respect the environment and minimise disruption to waterside wildlife. 4. Light fires only in designated braai areas or in portable braais. NO open fires (on the ground) are allowed. Bring your own firewood. 5. Lakeside vegetation and trees should not be damaged. 6. Wound in rods must not be left unattended without the hook bait being removed. These food items could be picked up by birds or animals. 7. An angler must adapt and fit into the surrounding environment, not dominate it. 8. The toilets provided must be used at all times Next >