Chairmans Chat August 2026

 

To start with I would just like to thank all those who have now joined the PDAC committee, already new ideas and opportunities are helping take the club forward, including a new promotion leaflet. It is such a joy to see a full committee with people stepping up to help us into the future, just what was needed.  

We have also had another member come forward and join so I would like to welcome Paul Goodwin to the PDAC committee.

Events

The club will be attending the Southdowns Show over the weekend 8/9th August with our normal entertainment of the casting and magnetic fishing and our new venture “Batter the Cod “. I would like to thank all those who have volunteered to help over the weekend and hope it is as successful as it has been over the last few years, looks like its going to be a hot one.

Come and say hello if you are attending the show.

Please remember we still have a few events coming up and are always looking for new faces to help, check out the website and see if you fancy joining us ib promoting angling and the PDAC.

The latest Get Fishing event proved as popular as ever, with over 80+ attendees, and we even managed to accommodate a family of 7 who were interested from the campsite.

These events really attracts all ages and all abilitlites to have a go and again a massive thankyou to all those who attended and to the volunteers and helpers that gave their time to make these events possible.

 

Work Parties

We have a work party planned for 23rd August at BoPeep to do some weed removal from the lake and also from the car park areas, we will also be topping up the gravel areas now they have settled and generally tidying the swims and surrounding areas, start time will be 8.30am bring shovels, barrows, rakes, loppers, cutters and your gloves. Everyone welcome just let us know.

We also have a work party planned for Combe pond on the 17th October 8.30am start, this will be a to put a gravel top coat around the pathway on the new bank and to give the swims and pathways a trim/tidy up before the winter, tools etc as above. Everyone welcome just let us know.

Work parties will now continue throughout the winter months as we aim to get back to doing them on the third weekend of every month from now on.

News From Our Waters

Bo Peep remains closed for the for the time being, it will only reopen once we receive significant rainfall to top it back up

Nyewood ponds have also fished well for silvers on both the top and bottom ponds, although the carp seem to have been a bit more difficult feeding well one day and not the next. really early morning and later in the day seems to be better.

Coombe continues to fish well for bream and carp, again early morning and evenings seem to be the key times.

The rivers have been turning up a few surprises so are worth a visit, please be careful as the banks are quite steep in places. there has been a lot of bank side clearance work been done by committee members Paul and Sally to open up swims that can be fished.

I would urge all members to let us know catch reports as it helps us to see how the waters are fishing and helps us tailor how we manage them into the future.

Fish Welfare.

With the continuing hot weather please keep an eye on both the waters and our fish stocks , if you see any signs of fish distress of algae etc do not hesitate to contact a club officer as early intervention is key.

To finish I would just like to say a big thankyou to all of you that have helped at the events and work parties so far this year and I hope we see more of our membership joining us throughout the year.

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Tight Lines

Steve Chapman PDAC Chairman

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Warden's reports.

24hr Carp Match:

The final is approaching, offering bragging rights and hundreds of pounds worth of tools for the winner, generously donated by AVS fencing suppliers.

Darren Jones won the recent second leg held on Harting Combe with over 30lb, and Alex Munday qualified with just over 20lb.

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The final will occur in October, with Steve Chapman earning a spot in the first leg alongside new committee member Chris West.

Darren Jones and pond warden Alex Munday complete the line-up for an interesting match to be held on Harting Combe.

So far, a total of £480 has been raised through competition fees, with all funds going towards Combe carp stock for the future.​

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For those planning to visit Harting Combe, please note that Bull Hill Road, located across from the Flying Bull Pub, is currently closed. The recommended routes for access are via Milland, Rogate, and off London Road at the Jolly Drover Pub.

Alex Munday - Combe Warden.

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River Rother:

Iping End: The waters here move more slowly. Most fishing spots up to the Hammer Pond stream are now accessible. Members have successfully used lures, maggots, and worms to catch a variety of species, including Trout, Perch, Dace, Rudd, Roach, Gudgeon, and Minnow.​

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Chithurst End: The water flows faster here, with steeper banks. Several fishing spots can be accessed from the banks of the horse fields. Reports indicate catches of various species, such as Trout, Grayling, and Perch up to 1 1/2lb. Due to the drought, some areas are lower than usual, revealing additional gravel beds.

 

If you haven't visited the river yet, I recommend you give it a try, as it has much to offer.

Paul Goodwin - River Warden.