Community guidelines

Last updated: 5 November 2026 · Draft prepared 24 October 2026

CatchTank is for anglers of all ages to share the fish they’re proud of. These guidelines are part of our Terms of service and apply to everything on CatchTank: catches, photos, videos, comments, messages, usernames, profiles, challenges and fishery suggestions.

Zero tolerance

CatchTank has zero tolerance for objectionable content and abusive users. Content that breaks these rules is removed, and users who post it may be permanently removed from CatchTank, without warning. We filter offensive language automatically and review every report.

Never post, send or share:

• Sexual content of any kind, or anything that sexualises anyone. Anything involving a child is reported to the police and the National Crime Agency.
• Harassment, bullying, threats or stalking, including repeated unwanted messages, pile-ons, or sharing someone’s location, address or personal details without their consent.
• Hate: content attacking people for their race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other protected characteristic.
• Violence and self-harm: threats, glorifying violence, or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
• Animal cruelty beyond the ordinary, lawful handling and dispatch of fish.
• Illegal activity: poaching, fishing without permission or a licence, selling protected species, drugs or weapons.
• Spam and scams: fake giveaways, phishing links, unsolicited advertising or fake engagement.
• Impersonation of another angler, fishery, brand or organisation.
• Someone else’s content (photos you didn’t take and don’t have permission to use).

Be a good angler

• Respect the fish. Show fish handled with care. Follow catch-and-release best practice and fishery rules.
• Respect other people’s spots. Don’t post or message other anglers’ exact locations without their agreement, and don’t use the map to track people down.
• Respect fisheries. Keep fishery suggestions and prices accurate. Don’t post fake reviews or misleading information.
• Be kind in comments. Banter is fine; bullying isn’t. Many of our anglers are young or just starting out.

Fair play in challenges and leagues

Challenges only work if everyone plays fair.

• Enter only fish you caught yourself, during the challenge window, following the challenge’s rules and the fishery’s rules.
• Use a real, recent photo of that fish. No stock photos, screenshots, edited images, or photos you’ve entered before.
• Record honest weights and lengths. If the challenge asks for a measurement photo (for example the fish on a mat or next to a ruler), include one.
• Don’t use multiple accounts, enter on someone else’s behalf, or co-ordinate to manipulate results.

How entries are checked. Each entry gets automatic “Verify” checks: AI checks that the species and size look right for the photo, we look for duplicate or reused photos, and we check the photo was taken inside the challenge window. A flagged entry isn’t an accusation; it goes to the organiser, who makes the final decision. If you think a decision is wrong, ask the organiser or email hello@catch-tank.com.

Consequences. Cheating can mean entries are removed, you’re removed from the challenge or league, and for serious or repeated cheating, your account is suspended or removed.

Reporting and blocking

Report something

1. Tap the “…” menu on the catch, comment, message or profile.
2. Tap Report and choose what’s wrong. Add detail if you can.

You can also email hello@catch-tank.com with a screenshot or the username. Reports are confidential: the person you report isn’t told who reported them.

Block someone

Tap the “…” menu on their profile or a message and tap Block. They can’t follow you, message you, comment on your catches or see your tank, and you won’t see their content. They aren’t told. You can unblock them in You → Settings → Blocked anglers.

What happens next

• We review every report within 24 hours.
• If content breaks these guidelines, we remove it and act on the account: a warning, a suspension, or permanent removal. Serious breaches, including anything involving the safety of a child, lead to immediate permanent removal and may be reported to the police.
• If we removed your content and you think we got it wrong, email hello@catch-tank.com within 30 days to appeal.

If you need help now

• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
• If you’re under 18 and worried about how someone is talking to you online, you can report it to CEOP or talk to Childline on 0800 1111.
• If you’re struggling, Samaritans are there 24 hours a day on 116 123.