Can I go fishing during lockdown? Rules for the sport as new national Covid lockdown begins in Scotland

Fishing has been allowed to carry on under previous Covid-19 restrictions

Despite the different tiers and lockdowns, anglers have still been able to fish throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The individual sport has proven to be the perfect escape for some who have enjoyed visiting their local lakes and getting outside.

But, with a new wave of coronavirus restrictions introduced, will one of the country's favourite pastimes be allowed to continue?

Can people still go fishing in new national lockdown? (Pic: PA)

Why is everyone talking about fishing?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a national lockdown on Monday 4 January to help limit the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

Spiralling infection rates, hospital admissions and deaths saw the First Minister introduce further restrictions which prevent some sports from taking place.

Elite sport, such as the Scottish Premiership and golf, will continue through the new national lockdown, but where does that leave fishing?

Does fishing break the rules?

In spite of the lockdown everyone is allowed to leave their homes for a form of exercise with other people in their household, support bubble or one other person from a different household.

People can still visit public parks and gardens where fisheries might be found.

As an individual sport it doesn’t require close contact with others - allowing for social distancing measures to be followed while participating.

Is fishing Covid secure?

Anglers have had to abide by the Rule of Six outside under previous tiers, as well as maintaining good hand and face habits in line with health advice.

The government made it clear that outdoor exercise is good for both physical and mental wellbeing and has allowed fishing to continue in the past.

Even when other individual outdoor sports such as golf and tennis have been forced to stop.

Can I fish during the new lockdown?

It remains unclear if fishing is allowed to continue during the latest national lockdown.

Yet, under the stay at home guidance on the Scottish government’s website, the rules lend themselves to allow fishing to continue.

It reads: “Local outdoor recreation, sport or exercise, walking, cycling, golf, or running that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area) as long as you abide by the rules on meeting other households.”

Since fishing was allowed to continue during other times of the pandemic it is hoped that it will remain an accessible sport during the third lockdown.