1. Number of Rods/Subletting:
A maximum of TWO rods are allowed on each of the Beats.
When both rods have been booked by a single party and water heights are suitable and/or fish are plentiful the Head Boatman may at his sole discretion permit a third rod to fish.
If the named Tenant cannot personally take up his let or wishes only to fish part of the time then a replacement may be permitted, but only by prior arrangement with the Factor. Fishing may not be permanently assigned. . Fishing may not be sublet.
2. Services of Boatman:
During late August and for the months of September and October the Tenants on both the Upper and Lower Beats will have the services of a Boatman.
For the months of February through to early August and for the month of November the Tenants on the Upper and Lower Beats will share the services of the Head Boatman as shall be arranged by him. At the time the Tenant does not have the services of the Boatman he will be allowed the use of one boat on the understanding that the second “Boatman” is adjudged competent and the river conditions are suitable. In this regard the Head Boatman’s decision shall be final.
The Boatmen’s hours are 10am through to 5pm with one hour (1pm-2pm) off for lunch, Monday to Saturday (6 days). Please note that after the clocks go back in October the hours will be 9.30am to 4.30pm with one hour (12.30pm – 1.30pm) off for lunch. Fishing is not permitted outwith these hours unless by arrangement with the Head Boatman.
Tenants may not employ and/or use their own professional Boatman.
During July and early August the services of a Boatman may not be offered. Boats may only be used by prior arrangement with the Head Boatman and will not be available to Tenants as of right.
3. Health & Safety:
There shall be no fishing whatsoever when the water height is over 4ft (on the Lower gauge).
There shall be no boating when the water height is over 3ft (on the Lower gauge).
Please note that the Boatmen are under strict instruction to ensure that all Tenants fishing from the boats are advised to wear the Life jackets provided in the huts.
It is also recommended that all Tenants when wading wear a Life jacket or buoyancy aid and make use of a wading stick.
There shall be no more than two persons (including the Boatman) in a boat at any one time when fishing is in progress. There shall be no standing in boats when fishing and unaccompanied fishermen in boats are advised to make use of a light weight net.
It is strongly recommended that Tenants wear some form of eye protection and a hat when fly fishing.
In all matters connected with Health & Safety the Head Boatman’s decision shall be final, in particular in regard to the use of boats and wading at times of high water.
4. Baits:
Fly or spinner are the only permitted baits subject to the following: 1st - 14th February Fly only 15th February - 14th September Fly or Spinner 15th September - 30th November Fly only Spinning may only take place after due consultation with the Head Boatman, and the use of all tackle is subject to the Tweed Commissioners Angling Code.
5. Tweed Commissioners Angling Code:
The owners of the Makerstoun Fishings fully support the recommendations of the Tweed Commissioners which have been put forward in an effort to preserve and enhance the Spring Salmon stocks. In consequence the Tenants are required to observe the following rules:
Not to use artificial prawns, shrimps or multiple hooks (a “treble” count as one).
A Catch and Release Policy of ALL Spring fish until the 30th June is in place.
To use the Fly where possible for Spring fishing, spinning being used as a method of last resort.
Please note that by law no fish taken from the River Tweed may be sold.
Please note the Code is subject to variation.
6. Terms of payment:
Value Added Tax is payable on all rents at the rate in force on the date of invoicing. (Currently 20.00%)
7. General Conditions:
If you have been fishing abroad prior to your fishing at Makerstoun please contact the Head Boatman regarding the disinfecting of your tackle.
All Fishers will be required to sign a declaration (in the fishing huts) to the effect that, if they have been fishing abroad that their fishing tackle has been properly sterilised. This initiative has been introduced by the Tweed Commissioners as a biosecurity measure to prevent the introduction of Gyrodactylus Salaris and is fully supported by the Owners of the Makerstoun Fishings.
No refunds will be made after booking if you subsequently decide not to, or are unable to take up your Fishings.
In line with general fishing practice, no refunds will be made if weather or river conditions spoil or curtail your week.
During the months of July and August it must be understood that weed cutting takes place on the River Tweed. Whilst it is hoped that this will not materially interfere with your fishing it must be understood that this activity will be taking place and as such the Fishing is let subject to this possible "inconvenience".
Dogs may accompany Fishers but they must be kept under strict control when on Estate property.
Whilst a deep freeze will be made available for your use it must be understood that in the unlikely event of it going off the Estate will not be held liable for any loss of stored fish.
Whilst this letting allows the Tenant to have access to fish the Makerstoun water the Tenant is reminded to take every precaution whilst exercising the rights granted, especially when wading and in the boats. In this regard the Owners will not be held responsible for any injury, damage or loss suffered by the Tenant.
All boats and equipment provided by the Owners or their Employees are maintained in serviceable condition, it must be understood that the equipment is used by the Tenant at his own risk.
The Owners and their Employees shall not be held liable for any loss or damage to fishing equipment used on the Estate Water. In this regard Tenants are recommended to carry appropriate insurance and not to leave equipment overnight in the fishing huts.
The fishing huts have kitchens and WC’s. It would be appreciated if the “facilities” could be left clean and tidy at the end of the let. . Tenants are required to have in place current public liability insurance cover. Such cover is normally provided within “householders” policies. 8. Declaration:
Tenants are required to sign the declaration in the Fishing Huts before fishing.
9. Complaints:
In the unlikely event of reason for complaint arising, this must be notified to the Factor immediately and not left until such time as you return home.
