A hosepipe ban doesn’t mean your Check, Clean, Dry routine has to take a holiday. In fact, keeping invasive species out of our favourite fisheries is still easy, you just need to be a little more water-wise.
CHECK – Before you pack up
Before you leave the bank, take a quick look over your boots, nets, mats, waders and tackle. Pick off any bits of plant matter, mud or other debris and leave them on site, well away from the water’s edge.
Think of it as making sure the only thing you take home is your fishing gear (and hopefully a good story!).
CLEAN – No hose? No worries.
Once you’re home, give your kit a good clean using hot water from the household tap. A bucket, garden tub, trug, watering can or even a hand-pump sprayer works brilliantly. It’s an effective way to clean your equipment while staying within the hosepipe restrictions.
A few minutes now can stop invasive species from getting a free lift to your next fishing destination.
DRY – Patience pays off
Once everything’s clean, let it dry for as long as possible before heading to another waterbody. Many invasive plants and animals simply can’t survive once your gear is completely dry.
Every Cast Counts
Protecting our rivers, lakes and fisheries doesn’t have to be complicated. Even during a hosepipe ban, a quick Check, a sensible Clean, and a thorough Dry will help keep invasive species where they belong—and our waters healthy for future fishing adventures.
Want to learn more about protecting the places you love to fish? Take the free Check Clean Dry online training here:
https://invasives.ie/resources/online-training/
