Tent
Some anglers use a tent or other simple shelter. Since 1 January 2008 there is no longer a nationwide ban on camping outside official campsites. You must first check the rules in the municipality. Look in the municipality's General Municipal Regulation (Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, APV). If nothing is stated in the APV, check the zoning plan.
If the use of a camping device is incidental, it often fits within the designated land use. If the area is designated as a ‘protected nature area’, you usually may not camp there.
Conditions and permission
If the APV or zoning plan does not prohibit it, the fishery rights holder determines the rules for the water. The rights holder can prohibit camping equipment or require additional permission. Sometimes that permission is linked to night fishing.
In the Joint List of Dutch Fishing Waters (Gezamenlijke Lijst van Nederlandse Viswateren) waters where shelters are allowed are marked with the symbol:
If the symbol is missing, check with the municipality or the fishery rights holder.
Boat, bellyboat, bait boat
The Fisheries Act 1963 does not regulate the use of boats for fishing. A fishery rights holder decides for themselves whether you may use a boat on their water.
A bellyboat or bait boat does not always clearly fall under the definition of ‘boat’. Van Dale defines a boat as a small open vessel. Many fishery rights holders set out in their conditions whether they allow bellyboats and bait boats. Always ask about this.
Slingshot
The slingshot falls under the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie, WWM). Since 1 May 2012 the minister can grant an exemption for possession and use. For example, the minister granted such an exemption for the 2012 World Freshwater Angling Championships for women.
Without an exemption, article 2, paragraph 4 of the WWM provides a limited exception. Objects that are clearly intended as toys and are not suitable for causing serious injury are not considered weapons. Whether a slingshot meets that description depends on the strength and type. Criminal cases involving slingshots vary. If in doubt, ask the municipality or police for advice.
Practical tips
- Always check the APV of the municipality.
- Check the zoning plan if the APV says nothing.
- Request written permission from the fishery rights holder if that seems necessary.
- Ask about special rules for bellyboats, bait boats and night fishing permits.
- If in doubt about slingshots, seek advice from the municipality or police.
The Sportvisunie recommends checking in advance whether you need permission for a tent, boat or slingshot and to record that permission in writing.