If you fish a water where rats are known to be, there is one simple rule. Do not put hands in or near mouth.
In Sussex 15 years ago a chap nearly died of Weils disease. He used to bite his line and also smoked a lot.
Always use clippers.
The disease is spread through rats urine in water getting on hands and then into mouth. I'm lucky I don't smoke now, and I never eat on the bank without first washing my hands in clean water
Geoff
If it swims, catch it.