Competition Rules

MAP Embed 2026/27 Bomb & Feeder Cup Rules

• Feeder and bomb only
• Feed may be introduced by catapult and/or by hand
• All species of fish count
• All standard fishery rules apply (see below)

Match Fishing – General Rules

• These rules apply to all matches fished at Messingham Sands Fishery and Johnson’s Fishery.
• Barbless hooks only (maximum size 10)
• No braided hooklengths
• Maximum match duration: 6 hours
• One rod, one line and one single hook in use at any one time
• Feed may only be introduced by hand or catapult

Fish care:

• All nets must be fully dried before use
• Keepnets may only enter the water 15 minutes before the start of the match
• Keepnets must not be lifted from the water under any circumstances
• Fishery staff will weigh all fish at the end of the match
• Any angler lifting keepnets will be disqualified
• 100lb net limit applies (any weight over 100lb per net will be capped at 100lb)
• All fish 6oz and above must be landed in the water and transferred to the keepnet via a landing net
• Dead fish will not be weighed
• Additional rules:
• Sensible gardening is permitted (no entering the water)
• No dogs allowed

Match Fishing – Bait Restrictions

• Fishery pellets only (feed and hook pellets) — available from the on-site shop
• Spot checks will be carried out
• No cat or dog meat
• No bread (permitted November–March only)
• No floating baits
• Popped-up baits must be at least 12 inches below the surface
• Boilies and wafters are permitted