We all have a responsibility to look after our oceans and seas and when fishing in Orkney we will encourage and require that you do just that. Anglers are recommended to adhere to the SFSA size limits for all species caught. These minimum sizes will be equal to or in excess of those given for commercial fishing. In order to create a sustainable fishery it is imperative that we all take it upon our own shoulders to look after this resource. We want to be able to catch fish in 20 or 30 year’s time, so we encourage all anglers to only take what is NEEDED and no more!

All Common Skate, Porbeagle Shark and Tope, other than record breaking fish (Scottish and British) will all be tagged and released. Practising tag and release means more money is generated for the community and helps to create a flourishing and sustainable sports fishing industry for all to enjoy.

Under Crown Law everybody in the United Kingdom is allowed to fish in the sea for free. There is no licence to buy (currently) and no set of rules, however there are some unofficial rules which all anglers should take it upon themselves to adhere to when sea fishing.

• Do not encroach on somebody else’s fishing area and please try not to allow lines to knowingly drift into somebody else’s fishing area.
• Marks are on a first come first served basis. If somebody is fishing where you wanted to fish, you should move to another location.
• Always ask land owners permission before walking over private land to get to a fishing mark.
• If somebody is playing a big fish and obviously needs assistance, fellow anglers should do their best to help them including retrieving lines that could hamper an angler’s fight with that fish.
• Fish welfare is important and all fish should be returned to the water unharmed and as carefully as possible.
• Any rubbish, discarded tackle, broken rigs etc, should be placed in a plastic bag and taken home for correct disposal!
• Always take into consideration both personal safety and those of the general public.
• Remember you are an ambassador for your sport and giving the public the wrong impression reflects on us all.