New season started with a successful Pole match, Evening match series continuing, first work party on 31st July

Pole or Whip Match #1

Near enough perfect weather conditions resulted in everyone catching fish but some caught more than others depending on the swim they drew. Heavy weed off of the north bank meant Station Road (south bank) swims were used. Weed is patchier off this bank closer in. From mid to long distance there are more extensive clumps which will hamper feeder or ledger fishing as the summer progresses.

Four members arrived to compete which was a disappointing turnout for the first match of a new season. The acting Membership Secretary has received only 15 renewals to date and only 10 people showed up on the 5 hour renewals day we held. Again very disappointing.

It was agreed to reduce the Pole/Whip match by one hour in order to avoid heavy rain that was predicted. In the end we experienced a shower just before the match end but nothing to warrant a brolly. There was some sun but a chilly breeze into our faces.

Swims 13, 15, 17 and 19 were selected to give each matchman space to fish directly in front or to each side of their swim without interfering with anyone else. The higher number swims were more productive.

Good quality Roach and Rudd were the norm

Very good quality rudd and roach were the norm. The odd skimmer bream was caught plus a solitary small perch and an eel. No tench or crucian carp were landed but 'Prof.' Moriarty fishing swim 17 landed 3 carp and an eel for 13lbs:13oz at about 7m out using a Drennan 'Red Range' 8m margin pole. Along with his 8lbs 5oz of rudd and roach he amassed a total of 22lbs 2oz to win.

Frank Deadman fished a 4m Leeda whip to land a very good bag of rudd and roach to 17lbs 11oz from peg 19.

On swim 15, Steve Edge caught the perch plus rudd and roach to record 10lbs 8oz fishing a short Shimano Beastmaster margin pole at 4m.

Andy Weavil drew peg 13 and was in perpetual shade making for harder fishing in cooler conditions. Using his Middy 5m margin whip he weighed in 5lbs of fish.

The total bag for the Pole Match was 55lbs 5oz which we felt was pretty impressive for our water. This is especially welcome after a disappointing 2021-22 season. All fish were returned safely to the water.

Evening Match 1 postponed by a week

Evening Match #1 was postponed until the following week, Saturday 9th July, due to the Henry VIII event. Results for this match will be in the next issue of the Parish News.

August to October activities

The new fishing year started in June with renewals from Parish and Associate members. The first work party is on Sunday 31st July. The next match will be on Saturday 6th August continuing the Evening Match series with match #3. Other matches and work parties are detailed below:

Joining the Club

If you are interested in joining the club applications can be made by downloading a membership form from the website and sending, with an SAE, to our membership secretary (details on the form and on the web site). You can also contact Roland Palmer, who is also acting temporarily as membership secretary, at membsec@bwpfc.org.uk. The membership year runs from mid-June. Membership applications for the 2022-23 season reopened in May, details are on the website.

Membership is open to anyone who lives in Bishops Waltham, plus a number of Associate membership places (for those living outside the Parish). Priority is given to Parish membership (especially juniors), but anyone living outside of the Parish wishing to join can request an Associate Membership place if spaces are available.

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

Steve Edge and Barry Jerome