Welcome to a
new season with the Verulam Angling Club.
You will have received your new membership card including fixture list,
fisheries handbook and rule book. Please will you have a good look at all these
documents before you commence fishing. Many rules appertaining to the fisheries
have been printed along side the maps so there should be no misunderstanding of
the cans and can’ts. If you do have any queries please contact a Bailiff or
myself (Barry Killinger).
You are also advised to make yourself familiar with all the general
rules as printed in the Rule Book and please sign your membership card before
commencing fishing.
WOULD ALL
MEMBERS PLEASE ENSURE THAT THEY CARRY THEIR MEMBERSHIP CARD, IDENTIFICATION
CARD AND ROD LICENSE WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES WHEN VISITING THE CLUBS FISHERIES.
IF YOU DO NOT, THEN A BAILIFF OR OTHER OFFICER OF THE CLUB MAY ASK YOU TO LEAVE
THE FISHERY.
WARNING!
LITTER HAS
BECOME A PROBLEM AT SOME OF THE FISHERIES ESPECIALLY AT TURNFORD. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ALL MEMBERS
SHOULD TAKE THEIR LITTER HOME WITH THEM, YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY
LITTER FOUND IN YOUR SWIM.
ANY MEMBER
FOUND LEAVING LITTER ANYWHERE ON THE CLUBS FISHERIES MAY BE EXPELLED FROM THE
CLUB FOR LIFE.
And onto the
fisheries! ….
We are optimistic that all our fisheries will produce some excellent
sport this new season. Lots of new stock in Riverside, Frogmore and Moor Mill
should help put smiles on our members faces!
Our policy of ‘One new water per year’ has resulted in the use of Troy
Lakes at Denham for our members which should hopefully throw up a few
surprises!
Record membership levels means more money to invest in our waters
whether it be maintenance or stocking or acquiring new waters which the Verulam
Angling Club actively pursue to challenge our members interests. If you hear of
any fisheries becoming vacant or available for fishing then please let us know
as soon as possible!
Although the Spring has been very cold we are pleased to report that all our Stillwater fisheries are now producing some good fishing and we are optimistic that this will now continue throughout the summer months.
Our first full season is now underway at the Moor Mill fisheries and following some good reports during the winter months of specimen fish we are optimistic that these fisheries will throw up a few more surprises during the summer months. After a period of allowing the regulars at Moor Mill to fish here at complimentary rates we will now be enforcing a ‘Members Only Policy’ on these fisheries. Day permits will no longer be available on the bank and General Club rules will now apply apart from special regulations which will be seen on the notice boards at the fishery from time to time.
Riverside Road opens for business on Monday May 15th and we look forward to some good fishing here following the addition of lots of new stock during the winter. Crayfish, we hope, will not be such a problem now that we have the fyke nets available and that many will have been removed by the time the fishery re-opens for coarse fishing. If the crayfish become a problem during the summer months then we shall do the same as in previous seasons and install fyke nets over a period of a week or so in different parts of the lake. Please be patient if this requires the closure of particular sections of the lake. The end result is very effective and will ensure that you are less likely to be pestered by them in the future months of the season.
Car parking has now been improved as you enter the fishery on the left hand side the car park has now been enlarged making easier access to the other side of the fishery.
We sincerely hope that Riverside is now on the way back to top form and with the introduction of more stock in the future we are sure we can keep the ball rolling!
At Frogmore water levels have been holding reasonably well and during spring the match lake and Tony’s lake were fishing well. Following additional stocking during the winter the match lake is certainly now capable of turning up ‘ton’ bags and we remain optimistice that this fishery will continue as one of the favourites during this summer. Aeration equipment has been purchased to ensure the welfare of the fishery but hopefully will only be used to maintain healthy lakes.
The ‘re-worked’ Car park Lake has unfortuanately not been re-opened until such time we are happy with the water retention. We are as eager as most to get this lake up and running again so please bear with us.
We are looking for bailiffs here at Frogmore. Please contact Barry Killinger if you wish to get involved at this Fishery.
At Smallford, following a very quiet period during the early spring has been fishing very well over the last few months. Many Carp to 32lb have been caught with lots of quality Tench and Bream nudging double figures regularly succumbing to waggler tactics in the margins.
You will notice new signs in the car park
reiterating many of the rules found in your rule and fishery books. Please be
aware of the local rules and regulations appertaining to this fishery and DO NOT LEAVE LITTER!
Overbaiting here become an issue again last season but we have
decided not to impose restrictions on this matter and trust that most people
will be sensible on the amount of bait that is used. If it becomes a problem
again then obviously we will have to act in the interests of the welfare of the
fishery.
WE
HAVE DISCOVERED PILES OF HARDCORE DUMPED IN THE CAR PARK AT SMALLFORD. PLEASE
BE AWARE THAT IF WE FIND OUT WHO THE CULPRIT IS THEN DISCIPLINAIRY ACTION WILL
BE TAKEN.
THE
LANDLORD HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEY WILL PROSECUTE.
IF
ANYONE IS FOUND TIPPING WE ASK THAT IT BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE OFFICERS
OF THE CLUB.
Turnford.
Our consortium complex comprises four well matured lakes of which major
changes within the management of the complex has seen a recent upturn in the
popularity of the fisheries. The complex is now open twelve months of the year
and owing to a re-stocking programme over the last few years is helping to
ensure the productivity of these fisheries. Railway Pit offers many Carp in
excess of 30lb and lots of doubles have attracted many of our members to visit
there. A Carp of 40lb was recorded from Marsh Pit last season together with
many fine Tench. Boot pit has also been throwing up some large fish of 20lb
plus.
Lea Pit is capable of producing 100lb bags of Big Bream as was the case
on a number of occasions last season.
On a sour note,
a number of our members were found to be breaking some of the rules here and in
one particular case the member was banned for six months for leaving his rods
unattended. Please read the rules of this complex as a six month ban is not
negotiable and does apply to the first 7 rules in the Turnford membership card.
Please also
park in the car park and not in the lane as some members were found to be doing
last season.
What better way to start the new season than a trip to the Rivers. What better place to start than the River Great Ouse at Radwell or Felmersham.
The fishing on these two stretches continues to improve with reports of a lot more Barbel into double figures reported last season.
In particular at Felmersham where Barbel to 12 lb were reported, big Perch, Chub and Tench were also reported regularly with some good bags of Roach.
At Radwell, we hope to have some of the new platforms ready for
use at the start of the new season. This stretch of the Ouse is renowned for
its head of large Barbel and Chub and we hope with the new platforms we will
see an increase in the number of fish reported this new season.
Parking at
Radwell can be made beyond the small car park just off the main road and as
shown within the fisheries handbook. If you go through the gate into the field
(please ensure gate is shut) follow the track until you see a fenced off area
on the right hand side possibly with bales of hay stored there. Parking is
allowed to the side of this area. If you have any doubts please call Barry
Killinger or one of the bailiffs from the Ouse.
River Lea (Lea
Valley Consortium).
As a member of the Verulam Angling Club you
are entitled to fish any stretch of the River Lea that constitutes the Lea
Valley Consortium WITHOUT ADDITIONAL
CHARGE but you must have your VAC documents with you at all times.
Approximately 21 miles of river/canal is available which is constantly being re-stocked and improved. You will find details of all the fisheries in the fisheries handbook.
The Ivel Protection Association have over eight miles of fishing on the River Ivel and incidently our fisheries handbook gives details of the new stretch at Blunham.
The Backmeadows section at Biggleswade produced some double figure Barbel last season together with some decent sized Chub.
One of our most popular fisheries the river and backwater provides good sport with Roach, Chub, Perch, Barbel and Carp.
It has been
noticeable over the past year or so that many of the fish appear to be getting
bigger with Roach and Perch reported to 2lb with Chub and Barbel also showing
an improvement on previous years. Double figure Carp were also reported last
season from the backwater.
Weed in the
backwater has become a problem during the summer months but we have organised
the removal at various times so please bear with us on this one. Weed rakes
have been provided here and you are invited to make use of them if you feel
that the weed is causing a problem.
We
will be continuing to adopt a zero tolerance here at Marford Farm this season
so please stick to the rules of this fishery. Last season we had reports of
people fishing between swims. This is not allowed and this season you will find
that the swims will be clearly marked.
PLEASE make
yourself familiar with the rules and regulations appertaining to this fishery
especially fishing times. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE FISHERY(not including car
park) ONE HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE OR ONE HOUR AFTER SUNSET. Please check diaries,
newspapers or internet for these times.
THE GENERAL
COMMITTEE WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST ANYONE WHO IS REPORTED FOR BREAKING THE
RULES AT THIS FISHERY!
Many of you are aware of the fluctuating water levels at Marford therefore we trust you will take this into account if using a keep-net. If necessary a ban on the use of keep-nets will be enforced if water levels remain low or that the use of nets is found to be abused.
This fishery undoubtedly attracts a lot of members and therefore we ask that you treat the fishery and its stock with respect at all times. We unfortunately had to impose restrictions on this fishery and at Leasey Bridge last year following a number of complaints from members regarding the handling of fish and disregard of our rules and regulations. Although these restrictions have now been lifted we will not hesitate to re-introduce them if necessary ie fishing times, no keep nets etc.
The ‘long walk’ provided improved sport last season over previous years with many reports of good Barbel Chub and Roach catches from most swims. Carp to double figures were also reported.
Would you all please park sensibly in the car park.
Please note
that glass bottles and tins are now banned from this Fishery.
Please note that Keep nets are allowed on all our waters unless a sign on the gate or notice board states otherwise. Please ensure that the keep net is of adequate size and meets the regulations of the club. All keep nets should be dipped into the disinfectant dip tank if there is one on the fishery and please make sure that the instructions are followed precisely. This instruction also applies to landing nets and unhooking mats.
The most effective way of preventing the spread of diseases and parasites is to make sure that all your nets in particular and other equipment is thoroughly dried out after every fishing trip. This is the ONLY effective method. Dipping you equipment only reduces the risk slightly.
NIGHT
FISHING…..
Is allowed at…. Smallford
Turnford (Restricted..Please see Turnford rules).
Felmersham
Radwell
Moor Mill
Troy Lake (Permit Only – Please contact Registrar for info)
Night fishing is not allowed on any of our other fisheries therefore if anyone is found fishing one hour before sunrise or one hour after sunset disciplinary action may be taken.
If you wish to
find out further information on any of our fisheries or to arrange a working
party please call the respective Fishery officer as listed below…..
SMALLFORD Dave Mc.Cann 07956 569358
RIVERSIDE ROAD Graham Kenchington. 07745 391523
FROGMORE Alan Chinnock 07970 941915
MARFORD FARM Laurie Seymour 01727 765820
LEASEY BRIDGE Lee Chittenden 07940
502059
TURNFORD Andy Munday 07831 637731
RIVER OUSE Colin Downs 07796 335501
MOOR MILL Paul Hill 07989 565115
TROY LAKE Barry Killinger 07966 394717
And finally on behalf of all the fishery officers and Bailiffs may we wish you a very productive new season with the VAC.
Good luck and tight lines
Barry Killinger.
John…. Please list names and telephone numbers where guest permits can be obtained including
Barry Killinger 07966 394717
Alan Chinnock 07970 941915
Ash Adams 07831 847161
Andy Munday 07831 637731
Graham
Kenchington 07745 391523
The club is pleased to announce the acquisition of another new fishery which includes quite a large section of Troy Lake in Denham plus quite a substantial stretch of the River Colne backwaters which encompass the site.
The Verulam AC will be sharing these fisheries with the Uxbridge Rovers Angling Club and we are optimistic that this will be a very successful partnership with a very well organised and respected local angling club.
Our Landlords will be the Sailing club who own the Lake so please respect their rules and wishes at all times, thank you.
The lake has been used by the Long Life Angling Club for many years and unfortunately have now decided that with a dwindling membership to give up the fishing here in favour of allowing another organisation such as ourselves to invest in its future. We believe some of the members from Long Life will continue to fish here under the membership of the Uxbridge Rovers AC and we therefore wish them all the best and trust they will enjoy the fishing here for many years to come.
The Lake reputedly holds some very large Carp and Pike. Large shoals of big Bream have also been sighted so this first season should be quite interesting! The River Colne backwaters reportedly hold some good Chub and good Roach.
We will certainly be looking for some feedback on this fishery so please let us know how you get on if you have a session here.
The fishery will be open all year and night fishing will be allowed but on a permit only basis. These permits will be limited so please contact the registrar as soon as possible if you require one. They will cost £20-00 per year.
We will be looking for Bailiffs to help look after this fishery so if you live local and would like to get involved please call Barry Killinger as soon as possible.