That no pike net or other net or engine be drawn over the weeds for catching of pikes by any fisherman within the jurisdiction of the Lord Mayor, by reason it is destructive to, and occasions the driving of all the other fish out of the western rivers, that would otherwise lie, spawn, and breed in the weeds, upon the same penalty of 2_l._ for every such offence.
That no fisherman shall bend any net by anchors, or otherwise, across the channel, or so as to draw another net into it, whereby the spawn of barbel and other fish may be destroyed, upon the forfeiture of the same sum for each offence.
That no such person shall draw any net for salmon of less than three inches in the mesh, from the 10th of March, till the 14th of September, in any part of the river of Thames, from Kew pile westward, to the city of London mark Stone above Stains bridge, upon forfeiture of 2_l._ for every offence.
That no person shall take or sell any fish contrary to the ancient assize: pike, fourteen inches; barbel, twelve inches; salmon, sixteen inches; trout, eight inches; tench, eight inches; roach, six inches; dace, six inches; and flounders, six inches.
That every fisherman shall have on his boat both his christian and surname, and the name of his parish legibly painted, where any one may see it; on the forfeiture of 1_l._ for every offence.
No person whatsoever shall fish for smelts or shads, or any other fish whatsoever, or lay leaps, or rods, for eels in any place within the Lord Mayor’s jurisdiction, without a licence from the water bailiff, who shall appoint the proper seasons for fishing: And that upon every such occasion all the fishermen shall upon due summons or notice given, repair to the water bailiff at the chapel at Guildhall, to take out their several licences for going to fish, and to hear the ordinances for the preservation of the fisheries publicly read, that they may be the better able to preserve and keep them; and that none go out to fish without such a licence; and that every fisherman offending herein shall pay 5_l._ for every such offence.
For the better preventing the use of unlawful nets or engines it is farther ordained, that any person or persons authorized by the water bailiff may enter any fishermens boats or vessels, to view and search for all unsizeable nets and engines, and for any fish they shall suspect to be taken contrary to the laws of this kingdom; to seize and carry such nets to the water bailiff, with the names of the offenders, that they may be brought to justice; likewise to seize the fish taken contrary to law, and distribute it among the poor; and whosoever shall resist or disturb the water bailiff, or his deputies, in their searching for and seizing unlawful nets, engines, or fish, shall forfeit twenty marks.