Typically, this is my favourite time of year when summer transitions into autumn and as water temperatures decrease, fish begin to feed actively to gain weight for the winter. However, due to unusual weather patterns this year, our stillwaters and rivers still have low water levels, and the water temperatures remain high, disrupting the usual behaviour of all fish species.

We hope for consistent rainfall over the coming weeks and a gradual temperature drop to restore normal conditions this year.

 

Work Parties.

We have another work party scheduled for this month at Combe on Saturday, October 17th, starting at 8:30 am. The main task will be applying the topcoat of shingle on the pathway laid last year to complete the job, along with regular trimming and tidying of the swim areas. Please check the website or Facebook for more details. 

Work parties will continue throughout the winter, weather permitting, with another planned for November, likely at Nyewood. 

 

Requests

The club needs a supply of woodchip bark. If any members work in Arboriculture or know someone who does, please contact the club. We want to dress swims at Nyewood and Harting Combe. The club would also consider a regular supply. No fir cuttings please.

 

As mentioned, due to the unusual weather this year, which has left some of our waters at very low levels, the club is exploring contingency plans to protect our waters in future years.

Please remember that BoPeep remains closed due to low water levels. We ask members connected to farming who might have a water bowser and a water supply. We urgently need to raise the levels at BoPeep to a satisfactory level. If you know anyone in the Buriton or local area who can assist the club, please contact us.

 

Reminder

I would like to remind all members that we have toilets at the lakes for your use. Please do not use the bushes and vegetation around the venues. There has also been an increase in litter around our waters. Please take your litter home and do not leave it at our venues. Both issues could jeopardise our current leases and their renewal with our landowners. 

 

Looking Ahead.

As committed at the AGM, we will restock some waters again this year. Stock has been ordered and will be introduced in the next couple of months. 

 

This weekend marks the final of the carp match series at Cmbe. Although I qualified, I cannot attend due to illness, but I wish good luck to all participants.

 

Please note that the John Clarke memorial match will be held on Sunday, October 25th, at Combe. Please contact Andy Reed if you would like to participate, as spaces are limited. 

 

Please continue to send in your catch reports. It’s great to see them, as they help others see what we offer and give us insight into how our stocks are doing.

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Tight Lines for now 

Steve Chapman Chairman PDAC.

 

Development Programme.

The junior match scene, sponsored by JCC Lighting over the past couple of years, has helped to bring together a small group of young enthusiasts who enjoy match fishing. It has been a challenging season with the hot weather and low water levels affecting our ability to hold matches as planned. 

Firstly, we must apologise to both parents and juniors for the lack of results information and photographs for the final event. We will strive to improve on this for next season.

We are considering changes for the next season, possibly dividing age groups into 5-11years and 12-17-years, allowing youth aged members to participate.

We are also considering introducing a few away matches at different venues to make it more interesting, depending on fees. Along with the existing trophies, we are thinking of adding a knockout trophy and an Away Match trophy.

Due to recent weather patterns, events may start earlier in the season than usual. All will be confirmed once the Development team finalises plans for next season's events.

 

The programme also offers free support to all members, with the opportunity to contact the team for advice or arrange a meet-up remaining open for the rest of the season. Those interested can reach out to Dom at thepdacfishing@gmail.com

 

 

Get Fishing Events.

The PDAC Development Programme hosted three events over the summer with around 250 locals attending.

The team wishes to thank the 15 club volunteers who donated their time to ensure the events ran smoothly and safely. Your continued support will help inspire the next generation of anglers.

The programme also conducted four outreach campaigns this year, promoting the club and offering free angling activities. The Development Programme plays a vital role in the club’s future, attracting new members and securing funding for projects and stock replenishments.

Keep an eye out on the website and Facebook page for next year’s schedule.

The Development team.

 

 

River Rother.

Work continues to improve the approach to the river from the Iping end. A new gate and pathway are now in place, eliminating the need to climb two turnstiles on the way to the river. It also separates anglers and horses. Members are reminded to always close and bolt the gate. A path has been mowed and cleared to the Hammer stream, with most swims accessible. 

The river remains very low, but several species are still being caught. A notable 2lb plus Perch was recently caught by a member at the Chithurst end. It was great to see many people at the river over the weekend inquiring about PDAC memberships.