Bishops Waltham Parish Fishing Club
Bishops Waltham Parish Fishing Club
Despite all the rain the two matches planned for December were not washed out and angling continued. With lots of water flowing from the North pond into the South pond over the last weeks of 2012 the South pond filled to overflowing. The excess water has been going out over the outflow, which was put in by the Environment Agency on Station Road especially to cope with flood conditions. The water levels stayed high throughout December and ten of the nineteen swims, where anglers would normally fish, were under water and out of use.
Steve wins Silver fish match
The 'Silver Fish Only' match was fished in early December when the water was cold and clear after frosty nights. This match is always a challenge as the majority of anglers who fish the pond all year only ever use a feeder with groundbait. The challenge is that this match requires the angler to switch from the feeder to a 'waggler' and running line. (For you non anglers out there, that means a float (waggler) and the angler must cast so that line leaves the reel).
Five anglers turned up for the 9 o'clock start armed with maggots and bread. With the weather due to be fair for a December day, hopes were high. Rod Langthorne and Steve Edge drew pegs 3 and 4 on the North bank either side of the tree and in the winter sunshine. Normally this time of year the silver fish (roach, bream, perch and rudd) will use the tree as shelter and some good weights can be had. Paul Collins, Chris Sheppherd and Roger Pilling drew the South bank in the shade waiting for the sun to come round.
Throughout the match most anglers were seen catching plenty of small fish with the odd bonus of a larger fish. At the weigh-in it was pretty close with all but one angler weighing in three pound plus of fish.
The final results were:
| Steve Edge | 3lb 15oz |
| Paul Collins | 3lb 13oz |
| Rod Langthorne | 3lb 6oz |
| Chris Sheppherd | 3lb 2oz |
| Roger Pilling | 10oz |
Paul rescues duck using new boat
During a recent pleasure fishing session club bailiff Paul Collins was informed by a member of the public that a duck had been seen snagged on fishing line caught on a tree close to Fairlawn's house. Shield veterinary practice staff and the Police had been notified and were in attendance but the duck was too far out to reach. Paul informed the police and the staff from Shield that the club had just purchased a boat, thanks to a grant from the Parish Council, and could row out and help with the duck rescue. Two of the ladies accompanied Paul as he rowed them out to the stricken duck and once there the duck was cut free and taken back to the bank. After a check-up at the surgery the duck was later released back onto the pond where he could join his fellow duck mates. The whole rescue was filmed by the vet staff and Paul is hoping it won't appear on You Tube.
Hangover match "barbeque"
The annual Hangover Match fished on the 30th December started off more about bacon and sausage butties than catching fish. Paul had a a pan of sausages on the go on a portable stove. Steve was making the butties, much to the delight of the local duck population. It is always a fun match and is also known as the "Bring a Bottle match" - the ideal opportunity for anglers who attend to palm off those unwanted drinks given as gifts. This year we had red wine, white wine and non-alcoholic bubbly. Everyone enjoyed the match, especially the ducks!
Paul Collins with sausages on the go
Look out Steve - they're behind you!
Steve Edge asking the ducks if they prefer sausage or bacon butties
February & March activities
The Match Series has restarted with the final two matches in January and February. Match 7 is on 20th January and the final match in the series, Match 8, is on 17th February. Both matches have the draw at 8:30am, fishing from 9:00am to 2:00pm.
Joining the Club
It is rare for anglers not to catch fish at the pond. With fish like carp, roach, rudd, bream, perch and the odd eel there is something for everyone. There are carp to 10lb plus, many between 6lb and 8lb, lots of roach, bream and also perch over 1lb. If you love your fishing and don't want to travel far then join us - your local club. Its always nice to see new anglers on the bank and hopefully we will also see you at the matches. For details of how to join please see below, and on our website (details follow).
If you are interested in joining the club please contact our membership secretary Cathy Naylor on 01489-890086, or contact our chairman Roland Palmer (after 6pm) on 01489-894063 for an application form. More information is available, and a form can be downloaded, from our web site. The current membership year started in mid-June.
Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a small number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is always given to Parish membership, especially juniors. Associate membership places were full for the 2012/13 season and there is a waiting list for next season. Anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join should contact Cathy to put their name on the waiting list.
Club web site
For more information about the club and its activities, the club's web site can be found at:
www.bwpfc.org.uk