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Killingworth TAA Water & Swans
Important information re feeding swans on the Kill ingworth lake HERE Probably good advice for any water for a balanced environment mixed use water
The site also gives information about the fishing on this TAA controlled water, in particular the enforced night fishing rules & conditions
Other information re water birds, the Washington wildlife and wetlands centre is planning to set up a heron breeding scheme, even more predators for the valuable fish stocks of the region.
We are told that the Angel fishery is losing vast amounts of fish to herons. These are mostly small crucians but Ann Addlington says she has also lost a couple of 20lb carp, their eyes being pecked out
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM PHIL RIPPON (E.A) RE WYDON
Unfortunately we have had a couple of incidents at Wydon that I need to bring to the attention of the TAA. We have had reports of anglers' removing fish via plastic crates. Unfortunately we haven't got enough details to investigate this incident but it is very disturbing to say the least. It would appear that certain individuals are stealing fish from the lake.
Wydon is just beginning to develop into a very good local fishery , popular with beginners and local anglers and the fish that the EA stocked (Crucians, Tench, Roach and Rudd) have grown very well and are reaching specimen size, particularly in the case of the crucians.
On another related note , a local resident reminded a couple of anglers who were fishing late one evening that fishing was only permitted dawn to dusk. When asked for membership details the anglers were less than helpful with providing proof that they were TAA members, although they mentioned that they were members of a TAA affiliated club I believe.
I would be grateful if you circulate information to your contacts, and bring this up at the next TAA, meeting. Really disappointing that a few thoughtless individuals are spoiling things. We of course don't know that the individuals allegedly removing fish were even members of the TAA.(I'm not suggesting that at all), but I would be grateful if you could pass the message around in any case.
We will of course not hesitate to prosecute anyone found stealing fish (actually would be a police incident through the theft Act), and moving fish without consent. Kevin is aware of the situation and we will be keeping a close eye on Wydon.
We highlight that anyone from TAA fishing Wydon must have proof of membership to an affiliated club and that fishing at Wydon is dawn till dusk only. And also that the unauthorised removal of fish is an offence and that we will take action against individuals.
Please note-All DCAC members fishing ANY TAA OR Club waters MUST be in possession of a current DCAC Membership & Rule Book.
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Brasside Toilets:
Toilet/washing facilities have now been installed at Brasside. Will members please keep these clean and leave them in the same condition as you would expect to find them.
These will be cleaned and serviced on a weekly basis, however if the committee find they are not being kept in a clean and acceptable condition a charge may be imposed.
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Angling Trust -
The North East Freshwater Forum
Well the Angling Trust's North East Freshwater Forum came to life Thursday 23rd June
at a meeting of AT members, member clubs and fisheries.
The meeting held at the EA
offices, Newcastle, and was addressed by the Angling Trust's C.E.O. Mark Lloyd.
I
(JH) was elected acting Secretary, Bredan Heslop, WACAC was elected acting Treasurer
and acting Chair is Anne Adlington AON Fishery.
The next meeting is due to be held
during the W/C 12th September where a draft modified AT Model constitution will be
adopted.
We already have a web site:
www.anglingtrust-ne.x10.mx (a first for any AT Regional Forums)
All Angling Trust
members are welcome to attend the next meeting.
This is the first real opportunity
that NE anglers and clubs have ever had to get proper representation at either Regional
or National level. It's up to each individual angler and club to make it work!
The
Angling Trust is not perfect and I've had concerns and have often criticised it,
but this is our only, best and last chance to make it work for us.
….......................................................................................
The E.A. Sponsored River Wear Coarse Fishing Championships:
The EA sponsored Wear Coarse Fishing Championship match event for 2010 is apparently to be held Sunday 25th September.
Please note, all D.C.A.C. waters will be closed to Club members on that date.
Unlike previous years EA staff wil not be collecting data from the catches (scale readings,fish weight/sizes etc) due to the cut backs in funding and resources.
More information will be given when available.
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Rubbish On the River Wear
Opposite Orchard Drive
Although not a problem caused by D.C.A.C. members, those responsible for causing a concerned resident of Orchard Drive to write the following e-mail to the Club might just stop and think for a moment!
Dear Sirs,
As residents of Orchard Drive (facing the river) we have become accustomed to seeing anglers on the riverbank and we have no problem with this at all.
On Sunday (on possibly Saturday) 3 anglers fished for several hours on the riverbank opposite Orchard Drive . The low level of the river at present has created a small ‘beach’ there, just upstream of Kepier Hospital . The three gentlemen involved left a considerable amount of litter which really is not acceptable. Yesterday’s heavy rain briefly raised the water levels washing some of the items downstream.
Earlier this year local resident spent time and energy clearing litter from the banks. We do feel that your members (NOT D.C.A.C. Members) should show some responsibility when they evacuate the sites they have used; maybe a reminder could be sent out.
Perhaps we could also mention that in order to access the site used, the river is entered from ‘this’ side. As a result, there is a spot where the soil and vegetation has been completely worn away leaving a sharp step and steep drop which is quite dangerous for young children walking along the footpath.
Ours sincerely
Resident of Orchard Drive, Durham City
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TAA Junior Events 2011
These events are for Junior anglers from TAA affiliated angling clubs who come together and have a free days fishing on an away day local venue.
There are three age groups, Under 10’s Under 15’s and Under 18’s. Tackle prizes and Trophies will be given out on the day.
This years events will be held on the first 3 Saturdays in September.The venues are as follows:-
- 3rd September - Brasside (Durham City AC) Draw 11am Fish 12-4 pm
- 10th September -Horton Grange (Wansbeck and Cramlington AC) Draw 10am Fish 11am -3pm
- 17th September –Dissington (Big Waters AC)
Draw 10am. Fish 11am -3 pm
Entrants should familiarise themselves with Venue rules by visiting the relevant website where travelling directions are also available.
http://www.durhamanglers.co.uk/
http://www.bigwatersanglingclub.dreamstation.com/
Parents are welcome to attend and asked to ensure that their children wear suitable clothing and footwear. Toilets are not available at these venues and if children are to eat during the match disposable gloves/ hand cleaning gel should be provided.
A consent / medical form must be filled in for each entrant and emailed to mel.creighton@ btopenworld.com before August 1st 2011.
Alternatively completed forms can be sent to
M Creighton
29 Collywell Bay Road
Seaton Sluice
NE26 4QZ
Northumberland
Closing date is 1st August 2011
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Tyne Anglers Alliance Waters
Friday 20th May 2011
Will all members please be aware that D.C.A.C. members still have permission to fish Killingworth Lake together with all other T.A.A. waters.
A recent occurrence where a D.C.A.C. member was told by a member of another T.A.A. member club that the water is no longer controlled by the T.A.A. and that a £3 day permit would be required is …
totally untrue!
Whether this was just a misunderstanding, or not, the fact is any member of a club currently affiliated to the T.A.A. still has the right to fish Killingworth Lake and all other T.A.A. waters.
Should anyone ask for any cash please ask to see their I.D. The T.A.A. has but one bailiff on Killingworth, that is Andy McIntyre!
TAA Killingworth WaterRules
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Brasside Canal Water
Wednesday 18th May 2011.
Will members please note that the Canal water will be closed on Saturday 3rd September 2011 for a Tyne Anglers Alliance Junior match event.
Any DCAC Junior wishing to fish please contact Kevin Robson, DCAC Junior Secretary, on 07854 879142
More information can be seen HERE
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Brasside West Water
Monday 16th May 2011
It has been reported that some members fishing the Brasside West water are targeting its carp without adequate and with unsuitable tackle. Subsequently fish (valuable fish) are being lost, hooks left in fish, and discarded line is being left for others to collect/to get their own tackle caught up in.
Please, if you do not have adequate tackle, including unhooking mats and a large fish friendly landing net, do not attempt to fish the water specifically for carp.
It is all part of ‘fish welfare’ one of the basics involved in being a responsible angler
However, the West water is not exclusively a carp water and all members have equal rights to fish the water, be it for carp or silver fish. The club has not and will never make any distinction between the different angling disciplines, just be aware that the water does hold large fish and be prepared.
The full Brasside rules can be read HERE
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Angling Trust North East Freshwater Forum Meeting, Thursday 23 June
7.00pm-9.30pm
The Angling Trust is creating regional freshwater and marine forums in each region of the country, with the help of volunteers from the membership. These meetings are an opportunity for members to find out what the organisation has been doing, and for you to make your views known about issues which are affecting your fishing, or anything to do with your membership of the Angling Trust.
The inaugural meeting of the North East Freshwater Forum will be held on 23rd June at 7pm until 9.30pm. Tea and coffee will be provided. The room can accommodate up to 60 people.
Please let us know if you are coming by e-mailing admin@anglingtrust.net or replying to this e-mail. If you are representing a club, fishery association, commercial fishery or consultative, please mention this in your reply.
The meeting will be held courtesy of the Environment Agency at:
Tyneside House
Skinnerburn
Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE4 7AR
The Agenda will be as follows:
1. Purpose and operation of regional forums
2. Volunteers for Chairman and Secretary
and process for nomination and election
3. Update from Angling Trust and Fish Legal
about recent activities
4. Current environmental issues affecting waters in the region
5.
Current Angling issues (e.g. canoe access, local angling bans)
6. Membership issues
(e.g. communications, insurance, membership administration)
7. Date and location of
future meetings
8. Any other business
Please let us know if you are coming by e-mailing admin@anglingtrust.net or replying to this e-mail. If you are representing a club, fishery association, commercial fishery or consultative, please mention this in your reply.
Thank you for your support and all best wishes from the Angling Trust.
…......................................................................
Brasside Stocking 13-04-2011
A mix of good quality fish were stocked into Brasside 13th April 2011 ... more photo’s
HERE
In addition to the Brasside stocking EA Fisheries Officer Paul Fear informed the club that they will be introducing a number of bream at Prebends on the Wear next week, this is part of the on-going River Wear Coarse Fishery Development Plan.
The stocking of the Wear did take place but not before the plan being objected to by the Wear Rivers Trust. Apparently this achieved very little, except for to displease the local EA fisheries team.
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Please could you update your Croxdale page to state that the Honest Lawyer has re-opened
and fishermen are more than welcome to use our Car Park
Regards
Chris Naylor
Honest
Lawyer Hotel
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Brasside
Pike:
D.C.A.C. Member David Waugh with a near 10lb fish taken on a legered sardine
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Guest permits are no longer available, however a F.O.C. letter authorising a guest to accompany a member will be issued. See HERE for more information.
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Membership Fees Retained ... again
The good news is there is no waiting list for membership of D.C.A.C.and the subscriptions for 2011 remain unchanged for the fourth year running and are:-
Senior..................£50
Retired ................£35
Disabled.............. £35
Student...............£35 (To be in full-time higher education)
Intermediate........£20 (those between the ages of 17 and 21)
Junior...................£10 (11 to 16 years of age)
Visitor..................£25 Available to anglers from outside of post codes CA, DH, DL, NE, SR, TD and TS
Please read membership notes HERE
Members not renewing will not be able to use the 2010 membership receipt as proof of Club membership AFTER 15-02-2011. The Brasside gate combination number will be changed 1st February 2011
Members wishing to renew before the forms are posted out can print off the 2011 application form by clicking HERE
New member application forms can be printed off by clicking HERE
For the visiting angler (info on application form) print the application form from HERE
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New and Renewing Members:
Can all new and renewing members sending cheque's or postal orders through the post for payment of yearly subscriptions please ensure that the letter is sent ‘Recorded Delivery’ as several applications of late have not been received by the Club.
Also an increasing problem is that of letters not being delivered because of ‘underpaid postage’ so can everyone please ensure that the correct postage is paid. Items larger than the A5 size envelope (or thicker than 5mm) require a ‘Large Letter’ postage stamp applied. Also there is an increasing number of damaged or opened letters being received, (usually just the envelope with nothing inside) so can everyone please ensure that all letters are securely sealed.
-Please do not send cash through the post-
Sorry to ‘go on’ but unfortunately Royal Mail is becoming less reliable by the week. A recent (and increasing) occurrence is the delivery to the Clubs P.O. Box Number of letters addressed to the UK Passport Office in Durham. It does make me wonder what kind of ‘manager’ Royal Mail is now employing. Anyone anxiously waiting for a passport could be in for a very long wait.
It really is beyond belief how ‘UK Passport Office’ can be confused for ‘Durham City Angling Club’ ....P.O. Box Number or not!
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Chester Moor:
Alleged poaching of Chester-le-Street D.A.C. waters by D.C.A.C. Members!
The club has recently received a letter of complaint form the Chairman of Chester-le-Street D.A.C. Andrew Veitch, alleging that our members have been illegally fishing its waters on the Wear at Chester le Street
I quote:-
“Further to our conversation I can confirm unfortunately it has been brought to our attention by a number of our members that members of your club are fishing Chester-le-Street Club water without permission or with a valid day ticket issued with one of our members. It seem they are accessing our water by crossing the run out of the ‘tip pool’ above Crichton Avenue just below or at the end of your own water then walking upstream and fishing the water from our bank.
As discussed can I kindly ask you to inform your members that this activity should no longer continue and the water they wish to fish should be from your own bank. We will endeavour to get names in future should we come across this activity again
Thanking you in advance for your assistance etc etc.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Veitch
Chairman
Chester-le-Street and District Angling Club”
Firstly; How does Chester le Street D.A.C. know it is D.C.A.C. Members fishing its waters? Very few of our members do fish at Chester Moor, I can count on the fingers of one hand those that do!
Secondly; This water is also fished by members of Hartlepool AC as they are equal partners in the Dunelm A.A. Has Hartlepool & D.A.C. been contacted over this matter?
Thirdly; This section of water has for may years been subject to all sorts of illegal fishing. Also there is a problem with some members of TAA affiliated clubs thinking they have a right to fish the waters of any TAA member club. This is obviously incorrect but has Chester le Street AC ever contacted the TAA about this problem?
Finally; I know the following to be true. Some members of the old Ferryham AA still continue to fish at Chester Moor even though our waters here is no longer available to members of Ferryham AA affiliated clubs.
Durham City Angling Club was asked to notify members so...
...will all club members please consider this as notice of being informed of Chester le Street AC’s annoyance at, in it’s opinion, D.C.A.C. members fishing it’s waters.
Apart from physically checking every member fishing at Chester Moor there is nothing else as a club we can do. Surely it is up to the Chester le Street AC committee to arrange bailiffing of its own waters and take appropriate action.
Personally I take great exception at these unfounded unproven allegations, surely the way forward would have to checked those responsible before making these unsubstantiated allegations, slurring the good name of Durham City Angling Club and it's members.
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Young D.C.A.C. Intermediate member Scott Jose with a Wear perch taken Sunday evening.
Scott also had 15 chub on the stick and tip for 41 lb on Friday 3rd July, not a bad late afternoon's fishing.
.....commercials will never provide ‘proper’ fishing like this
This Wear barbel, spot on 10lb, was taken by Scott after taking the Tuesday afternoon
off work
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Predation Action Group:
The Formation of the Predation Action Group
There is a growing feeling of concern
in angling circles, particularly among those anglers concerned with salmon, barbel,
carp and specialist fishing regarding the impact of predation by signal crayfish,
cormorants, otters and, possibly to a lesser extent, mink on fish stocks in this
country. There is a consensus that over the last 15 years the impact of cormorants
on small fish in lakes and rivers has been significant. Historically otters’ main
food sources have been small fish in rivers, but that food source has been seriously
depleted by the impact of cormorants. As a result otters have started to look elsewhere
for their food supplies and there is a growing body of evidence that their diet increasingly
includes large, valuable specimen fish, including salmon, carp and barbel. The feeling
is that it is no coincidence that the impact of otters has coincided with the policy
of rearing them in captivity and releasing them into the wild, with little or no
regard for a prior assessment of the food sources available to them.
Following a series
of public and private meetings between interested parties the Predation Action Group
has been formed. At this stage the aims of the group are simply to make a serious
study of the impact of predators on fish stocks with a view to preparing a report
on the subject. The Action Group needs support on two fronts, firstly in terms of
reports from anyone who has suffered at the hands (claws or beaks) of predators,
and secondly in terms of financial support. Hopefully the Action Group will be able
to put together a strong enough case to convince higher authorities that predators
are indeed having a serious impact on fish stocks and that the future of angling
in some locations is under threat. If you feel you can help than we need to hear
from you. This is a serious issue and one which needs addressing urgently.
The committee
representing the Predator Action Group consists of: Chairman, Danny Fairbrass, Mike
Heylin of the Angling Trust, plus Ruth Lockwood of ECHO, John Wilson MBE, Martin
Bowler, Keith Wesley, Chris Logsdon, John Slader of the Salmon and Trout Association,
Tony Gibson, Martin Read, Dave Goodwin and Press Officer Tim Paisley.
You can communicate
with the Predation Action Group via email at: info@predationactiongroup.co.uk or
by post at: Predation Action Group PO Box 6313, Essex SS14 0HW.
All communications
will be treated in confidence, if requested, but it is essential that we gather as
much scientific and anecdotal material as possible about the impact of predators
to enable us to prepare a comprehensive report for submission to the Angling Trust,
the Environment Agency and Government departments. There is a growing body of evidence
that predators are killing angling. If you can help by presenting scientific or anecdotal
evidence, including pictures, or giving financial support then please get in touch
with us.
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A new service from the EA that should benefit anglers can to be found HERE Click the link and select the catchment/river from the regional map.
After months of consultation the EA has at long last rationalised most of the regional byelaws, especially those relating to the removal of fish from rivers and lakes
The new byelaws affecting the fish removal can be seen HERE
Also a new Crimestoppers Initiative
Tel: 0800 555 111
Read the full press release HERE
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River Wear & Brasside Stocking:
This coming Thursday 1st July the river Wear will receive a stocking of 3000 dace and 3000 chub spread between the D.C.A.C. sections at Shincliffe and Maiden Castle.
The same day the Brasside Backwater is to receive a stocking of 1500 crucien carp.
Later in the year the Prebends section will be stocked with a quantity of bream as will the Chester Moor section of the river Wear.
Later again this year D.C.A.C. sections of the river Wear will also receive as stocking of grayling. More information will be given when available from the EA
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The E.A. Sponsored River Wear Coarse Fishing Championships:
The EA sponsored Wear Coarse Fishing Championship match event for 2010 is apparently to be held Sunday 12th September.
Please note, all D.C.A.C. waters will be closed to Club members on that date.
The Club and it’s Officials apologize to all Club members for this inconvenience and late notification.
Little information has been given to the Club so anyone interested in fishing this match are advised to contact the Environment Agency at Newcastle or even to look at the Chester le Street web site. (ClS club was informed months ago) Apparently the EA forgot to inform any D.C.A.C. official that our waters would be used.
I’m a little confused here as the EA didn’t have the guts to stand up to those clubs who objected to the word ‘COARSE’ being part of the recently announced The River Wear Coarse Fishery Development Group and dropped that word from the title as soon as it was able, apparently for ‘political reasons, see HERE but still continues with the Coarse match?
The original purpose of these events is to monitor the fish stocks and help the EA in its management of the river.
Just to emphasise that problems still do exist between coarse and game on the river Wear within some clubs, the following (in blue) is taken from the Chester le Street web site following a request by the EA to use the section of the Wear below Cong Burn for the Wear Championships event. This decision is disappointing, but not totally unexpected or surprising. The original concept of these coarse competition was to discover just what the coarse fish population is, what individual sections of the river supports by way of species and to monitor growth rates etc.
Chester le Street members were asked their opinion on the water being used and those who responded were OK with the idea but apparently yes means no in some peoples eyes. A great opportunity missed as pleasure catches very often throw up some good barbel.
From the Chester le Street club web site:-
“Sadly it has was decided that the EA will not be allowed to hold their coarse match on water below the Cong Burn.
The decision was taken based on unfortunately only a very few emailed replies; most in favour but the committee thought that such a small sample could not be relied on and took the decision to refuse permission”
To deny permission for a coarse match on a section of water where coarse fishing would normally take place anyway is rather confusing, but given that the Chester club supported the removing of the word ‘coarse’ from the Wear Coarse Fishery Development Group it is not very surprising. To deny the EA permission to monitor the river to enable it to carry out what is a legal legal requirement, i.e. to maintain, improve and develop freshwater fisheries, in my view not only foolish but also proves what the majority of coarse anglers already believe.
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TAA Fisheries Report:
New National Byelaws passed this month
These apply differently on stillwaters and rivers
On Rivers
The byelaw allows anglers to take:
15 small fish (up to 20cm) per day of those listed
in Schedule 1 (barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch,
pike, roach, rudd, silver bream, smelt or tench).
1 pike per day of up to 65 cm (approx 5lbs)
2 grayling per day of 30-38 cm.
The size of any fish shall be ascertained by measuring from the tip of the snout to the fork or cleft of the tail.
Any hybrids of the fish listed above are included
The list excludes “tiddler” such as gudgeon and non-native species such as zander,
allowing these to be taken without restrictions. It also excludes ornamental varieties
of the listed species eg. koi carp or ghost carp, allowing these to be taken.
Note
that these limits still require (and are subject to) the permission of the fishery
owner or occupier. However, if an owner or occupier sets tighter limits, enforcement
will be their responsibility.
Anglers who remove more or different fish than this will be committing an offence and risk a substantial fine.
On Stillwaters
The byelaw allows anglers to remove fish only with the owner/occupier’s written permission. Anyone who takes fish without this permission will be committing a bylaw offence as well as one of theft.
Eels and Shad
No person may remove by rod and line any eels or shad from any waters (including
estuaries and coastal waters).
However any person who with as little injury as possible
either returns fish immediately to the same water alive or retains fish in a keepnet
or keepsack and then returns it to the same water alive on or before completion of
fishing will not be committing an offence.
Please note: It is an offence to use any fish as live bait on any water other than the water from which the was fish taken from
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Members, please moderate your language.
The Committee has received several complaints about the use of loud and bad language by a small number of anglers using the waters.
This is not acceptable. Brasside is a fishery for all members of a family to use and enjoy, so will those few members responsible please be aware that they are not the only anglers to use the waters.
Please respect other members, otherwise find another club.
Whilst discussing Brasside, will members accessing/leaving the fishery during late/early hours do so quietly please. Les our very good neighbour is loosing much needed beauty sleep. If he had any he’d be pulling his hair out.
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Will all D.C.A.C. members please be aware that as a member club of the Tyne Anglers Alliance we are entitled to fish ONLY TAA waters not waters controlled by any other member club. We have received a complaint from the Lakeside Angling Club that D.C.A.C. members have been fishing the Red Barnes water. This IS NOT a TAA water
Please check on the TAA web site for waters available to member clubs of the TAA.
The Wydon Water fishery officially opens on the 24th of April. The opening weekend will incorporate coaching sessions for local children and adults who are interested in learning to fish. These sessions will run with qualified coaches on the Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and PM on both days
TAA member club members have access to this water free of charge but please note that the water is controlled by Hexham AC and space is limited.
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Media coverage of otters and fish predation – briefing notes:
Recent coverage of problems to fisheries caused by otters has suggested that a long-term programme of re-introduction has led directly to the return of the otter to many of England’s waterways. This is untrue.
(Tell that to the barbel anglers who fish the Gt Ouse, Wensum and many other big
fish rivers)
Until the 1960’s, the otter was widespread and common throughout England.
The introduction of certain organochlorine pesticides in the late 1950's led to a
massive population decline and loss of range, until these pesticides were eventually
banned. We had basically poisoned our rivers, contaminating our fish in the process.
At that time, it was feared we might lose the otter completely from England and a
reintroduction programme was started by the Otter Trust to try and prevent this.
117
otters were released by the Otter Trust between 1983 and 1999 (an average of 7 a
year). The Vincent Wildlife Trust also released a small number of rehabilitated animals
(mainly orphaned cubs) between 1990 and 1996, predominantly in Yorkshire. Throughout
this time, and free from the effects of pesticides, the surviving otter populations
in western England, and Wales began their natural recovery and spread eastwards.
Scotland remained a stronghold and populations in the north of England also began
to recover.
The modest reintroduction programme soon became less significant as the
natural recovery of the otter population gained momentum.(four pairs between Durham
and Chester is MODEST??)
The great majority of otters in England now are natural re-colonists, not the descendants
of released animals. There have been no releases of captive-bred animals for over
10 years.
In areas where otters have always been present, there are few concerns expressed
about their impacts on fisheries since they have been present in the company of healthy
and balanced fisheries for a very long time. (A carp fishery in the west of the Scottish
Borders closed because it lost almost all its entire stock , fish to over 38 lb,
(and a few chub all over 7 lb) to otters...and that was AFTER installing electric
otter-proof fencing)The conflicts we are seeing now arise from their return to areas
where they have been absent for several decades and are largely related to their
impact on specimen fish. Natural England and the Environment Agency are sympathetic
to the frustrations of anglers affected by otter predation, but we need to understand
that the absence of the otter has been an unnatural historical phenomenon caused
very largely by unacceptably high levels of pollution.
The recovery of the otter will
not mean the end of angling. (some clubs have already closed because of the affect
on their waters, and riparian owners are losing cash because clubs are not renewing
leases) Otters and anglers have always coexisted in Scotland, Wales and the West
Country, and the recovery of otters in the east of England is a welcome sign that
the health of the water environment is improving to the benefit of all. The angling
community can take their share of the credit for the conservation work that has helped
this turnaround and it is through constructive engagement of this sort that we can
start to address the specific problems caused by the return of a native species that
was nearly wiped out only four decades ago.
Information on otters and their legal
status can be found on the Natural England website, (www.naturalengland.org.uk).
Information on otter fencing can be found on the Environment Agency (www.environment-agency.gov.uk).
Mat Crocker,
Head of Fisheries, Environment Agency
Tom Tew, Chief Scientist, Natural England
This is just one more reason why anglers and angling need a strong and powerful Angling Trust, the Environment Agency, Natural England and other ‘Conservationists' ‘aint going to help us
........................................................................
Just a note to let members know that we have a new pair of breeding swans at Brasside, at the last count the nest had six eggs in it. However the male bird is very protective and can get very angry very quickly, apparently he also hates the resident geese with a vengeance and often chases them with wings out flapping.
Will members please avoid these swans as much as possible as it has been several years since any eggs were hatched.
Unfortunately one of the signets managed to get a lost hook a line down its neck and had to be taken up to the swan rescue at Berwick as the procedure needed the use of X-ray equipment. Many thanks are due to member Den Lilley and his wife for giving their own time and driving up to Berwick in order to have the hook and trace removed.
The signet and family are now doing well.
This only reinforces the need to be very careful with tackle and for all members to try to retrieve any ‘lost’ traces and end tackle. ........................................................................
These forum boards are now open to all, just register and log in. We do ask though that Club members use their first name followed by the surname initial and membership number. Hopefully these forum boards will become a major resource for the regions freshwater anglers to use; obtain information, exchange ideas & techniques and generally help the forum become the Number One for the regions anglers.
Click HERE to read forum rules and further link to register
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River Wear Development Plan … update
Re the River Wear Coarse Fishery Development Group/Plan.
It looks like the EA has reverted to type.
Some may remember that I gave the plan lots of publicity on here (see below) because we did have a definite promise that the EA was at long-last intent on improving the rivers coarse fish potential and providing better access for the 25,000+ non migratory anglers of the area. The EA officer involved in the project commented to me how surprised he was when he first moved to Newcastle at just how little had been done for the Wear as a coarse fishery.
The new initiative was widely publicised as a COARSE fishery development initiative just after Christmas and the planned workshop between the EA, clubs, anglers and the new Wear Rivers Trust, held at St Aidens College in early February, was very well attended with almost everyone acknowledging that the Wear has been neglected and virtually ignored as a coarse fishery by all controlling authorities for decades, now at long last we all thought that we might be getting somewhere. (we did however have the usual small group of ‘anti coarse’ die-hard's to be relied upon)
However on receiving the papers from the EA for the subsequent 2nd meeting I noticed that ‘Coarse’ had been dropped. When I questioned this with the relevant EA officer I was told that it might be ‘politic’ to just refer to the group as the Wear Fishery Development Group.
Accepting this as probably just some internal EA quirky thing I went along with it. Surprise surprise what did we see at the next meeting, a proposal from the Bishop Auckland & District A.C. delegate that the word ‘COARSE’ be officially dropped. This to me suggests that meetings had been held about meetings, and the whole agenda had been changed significantly.
Apparently substantial funding has now been granted and the conspiratorial cells at the back of my mind started working overtime. I have asked just why ‘coarse’ has been dropped and I now ask myself was the funding approved (not sure from where yet but I will find out) on the understanding that it was specifically for the development of the river as a coarse fishery; as I have already said and the EA concurred that the coarse fishery side of the river has been neglected, almost criminally so in my opinion, for decades (although non migratory license sales in the area out-number migratory by over 10-1 and the EA is charged with and has a duty to maintain, improve and develop freshwater fisheries in addition to what seems to be its major concern, migratory fisheries)
Was the ‘coarse’ label used just to get the funding?? (the wording to receive grants has to be very specific) after all the river has received vast amounts in cash terms and resources in implementing the ‘Wear Salmon Action Plan’
Co Durham is being marketed as ‘The Land of the Price Bishops' it now looks like we have also gone back in time to when the old Feudal system was the order and rule of the day.
Apartheid lives on, at least it seems to within certain quarters of the EA’s Tyneside House in Newcastle.
John H
Fishing at Shincliffe/Shincliffe Hall:
Will all members please be aware that the new owner of Shincliffe Hall is now advertising ‘fishing’ on his ‘estate’ and has been using the Club website link to advertise this. (the URL of the Shincliffe Hall section has now been changed but has not affected the site navigation)
The ‘Shincliffe Hall Estate’ is saying a total of 16 can be accommodated in two properties so if they all decide to fish on the same day there should be fun and games in the Hall garden
No one from the Hall has contacted the club over this and members are asked to check the membership books of anyone fishing club waters. If they are not club members please ask anyone on the water to leave immediately.
Only Club Members (their guests/family) have permission to fish any waters leased or owned by D.C.A.C.
There is no official public right of way along the river bank above Shincliffe Hall until the river meets the woods
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EA Sonar Survey, River Wear .... and its possible impact on D.C.A.C. Waters.
As to EA has recently published its findings on fish holding areas within the City, members should be aware that this is likely to have an impact on the numbers poaching on the areas identified. The previously poor fishing in the County/Baths Bridge areas was put down to predators, cormorants etc; now the EA believe the fish have simply moved to ‘safer deeper’ water. Please be aware this will undoubtedly result in increased pressures on D.C.A.C. waters by those who previously fished the above named areas almost 7 days a week
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ANGLERS FUME AS REGULATOR BOWS TO HYDROPOWER
The Angling Trust has reacted angrily to the Environment Agency’s massive over-exaggeration of the amount of electricity that could be harnessed from English and Welsh Rivers and its failure to act to prevent hydropower developments damaging fragile fish stocks.
The Trust is calling on its members to object to planning applications for new hydropower installations on the rivers they fish and has provided a guide to making an objection here.
The Agency recently commissioned a survey to map opportunities where run-of-river hydropower could be developed. This identified nearly 26,000 possibilities which their Consultants estimated had a “realistic” total potential of 580 MW, which is just 0.5% of the current demand for electricity. However, the Agency has chosen to promote in recent press statements the absolute maximum figure of three times this amount. Achievement of this amount would depend on using all the possible water flow at every possible site.
This is obviously both unattainable and unsustainable, and is yet another example of the Agency actively promoting an activity which will make no difference to our energy needs or to global warming, yet has the potential to result in irreparable damage to the Nation's fish stocks, including threatened species such as salmon, sea trout and eels.
The Angling Trust has also learnt that the Environment Agency is allegedly considering issuing “gagging orders” on its staff in the Fisheries Department to stop them giving their expert advice to local councils about how to mitigate the impact of hydro-electric plants on fish and objecting when these are not acceptable. Anglers were astounded to hear that the fisheries staff paid for with rod licence fees might be told not to do their job. The Agency is a statutory consultee on planning matters.
Furthermore, in a paper to the recent Regional Fisheries, Ecology and Recreational Advisory Committees (RFERAC’s) the Environment Agency implied that there may be schemes that will be approved that have ‘acceptable’ impacts on fish stocks. The Angling Trust believes that allowing these to be developed would be in contravention of the Environment Agency’s statutory duty of maintaining and improving fish populations and complying with the EU’s Water Framework Directive, which makes any deterioration of ecological status (including fish stocks) illegal.
The Angling Trust will be e-mailing all its members and encouraging them to object to any hydropower development on their rivers on the grounds of insufficient information being available and that they cause danger of unsustainable damage to fish populations. This applies to at least 95% of the planned developments the Angling Trust’s technical advisers have looked at. A list of developments is available on the E/A’s website http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/consultations/65560.aspx
The Angling Trust’s legal arm in England, Fish Legal, is investigating whether legal actions might be brought against the Environment Agency on behalf of its member riparian owners and clubs whose property rights are damaged by hydropower developments approved by the regulator.
Angling Trust Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said:
“The Environment Agency is not only overstating the value of run-of-river hydropower it is also apparently stopping its own staff advising developers and planners how to reduce the impact of these developments on fish. The Angling Trust is exasperated with the Agency’s flagrant promotion of this damaging industry which is being developed at the expense of sustainable fisheries. We call on the nation’s anglers to stand up and be counted to defend their fish and their fishing by objecting to any schemes near where they fish today. Details of how to do this are on the Angling Trust’s web site.”
Angling Trust Technical Director Dr Alan Butterworth, who recently retired after a long career with the Agency, latterly as their national expert on the impacts of hydropower on fisheries, reacted angrily to the Agency's position:
“It is very clear that English and Welsh rivers are simply too small to make any difference to the Country's energy needs. But the Agency continues to encourage this type of ‘run-of-river’ hydropower which can do a massive amount of damage to the ecology of our rivers and block the migration of fish.
“Much of Europe and the United States have learnt this lesson the hard way and are dismantling even much larger schemes in order to save their rivers, yet the Agency continues to spread the red carpet for hydropower developers irrespective of the risk of ruining ours. A small amount of hydropower generation is perfectly possible, but it must only be allowed where it causes no damage to our fragile fish populations.”
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A STATEMENT FROM THE TYNE ANGLERS ALLIANCE : Feb 2010
As some will know the TAA have been in discussions with the latest owner of the Lakeside complex at Fellgate regarding his decision to halt angling on the site
Although both our secretary Stan Henderson and I (David Hall) and The Environment Agency have talked to him, and explained the need for local angling at Lakeside, we have been unable to persuade the owner to reconsider. We are therefore obliged to inform all TAA members and affiliated member clubs that the decision to cease ALL angling at Lakeside is now absolute and in force.
For the avoidance of any doubt please be advised that the TAA now have no control over the two ponds what so ever. Also we had it put to us that ANYONE fishing in future will be liable to prosecution, so please inform all members of this fact, and remove the waters from your club books.
We understand that the owner would like to develop the site, and if that happens and the ponds are filled in, The Environment Agency will help rescue the fish, but as things stand at present no fish are to be removed.
Over the years Lakeside has been the subject of complaints regarding irresponsible anglers leaving litter and behaving badly, and whilst it would be wrong to say that their actions were the reasons that caused angling to be lost, it is true that we would have had more local support to keep angling open had our behaviour been better. Perhaps all clubs should learn from this
Whilst disappointed at the outcome on Lakeside the TAA however remain optimistic about coarse angling in the region. The new fishery at Hexham’s Wydon Burn which has seen Hexham AA join the ranks of the TAA is a positive step, and they are other opportunities in the pipeline as we speak.
The two Lakes at Killingworth, the two stretches of the tidal Tyne at Newburn and the much improved Throckley Reigh are of course unaffected by what has happened at Lakeside, and remain open to all TAA members.
Thank you for your support.
If anyone ever wishes to attend a TAA meeting they are more than welcome. They take place on the third Tuesday of every month in the Empire CIU Club on Salters Road off the High Street, Gosforth.
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D.C.A.C. Membership:
Membership of D.C.A.C. now represents probably the best value club fishing to be found anywhere in the area.
Whilst some clubs are increasing subscriptions and/or giving up waters, D.C.A.C. has maintained its membership fees at the same level for the third successive year; £50 for a Senior Member, does not have a joining fee (some local clubs charge £50 for this alone) and we have added to waters available to members, and have in the Brasside West lake, a water some specimen anglers would willingly pay several times more than our current £50 YEARLY Senior membership fees just to fish this water alone.
D.C.A.C.
A club run by Anglers for Anglers.
Game, Pleasure, Match & Specimen Anglers
Don’t forget that the children and grandchildren (16 years of age and under) of a member can fish club waters F.O.C. when accompanied by that member, so too can the spouse of the member.
Minimum age for individual Junior membership (£10) is 11 years of age (to be 11 years of age before 31st January)
River Wear: Croxdale Water Maps.
Maps and water rules for the Croxdale water will be available shortly. If possible they will be included with the 2010 membership information, for those members not receiving the maps please apply, enclosing a S.A.E. to:- D.C.A.C. PO Box 508, Durham, DH1 9BP
Croxdale Water - R Wear:
Please note; This water is not available to D.C.A.C. members BEFORE 01-02-2010 and not until the 2010 membership subscription has been paid. Any member fishing this water without renewing could be asked to leave.
Please note there is a one rod only rod rule applying to this water, also all coarse fish have to be returned and keep-nets and carp/keep-sacks are not allowed
R Wear Coarse Fishery Development:
An open workshop is to be held by the EA Saturday 6th February, 9:30-14:00 Lindisfarne Centre, St Aidens College, Windmill Hill, South Road, Durham. DH1 3JL
A buffet lunch will be provided.
Anyone wanting to attend please contact Paul Frear at the EA Newcastle Tel: 0191 203 4321 BEFORE 31st January 2010
Paul.frear@environment-agency.gov.uk
R Wear Coarse Fishery Development Plan:
Paul Frear from the EA is trying to set up a committee to try to improve access and fishing for coarse anglers who fish the river Wear.
Paul said “As part of the project I'd like to organise an open workshop for as many Wear anglers as possible to get direct feedback to our proposals. There is a chance we can bid for a substantial pot of money for 2010/11 to take our ideas forward”
Paul is hoping to arrange the first meeting the early part of November. Please contact Paul at the EA if you’d be interested in becoming involved with the project Tel:- 0191 203 4321
E-mail:-paul.frear@environment-agency.gov.uk
It has taken decades to get anything officially organised to improve the lot of the Wears’ coarse angler, please give Paul your support.
From recent events it looks like even the EA isn’t supporting Paul, it’s officers stood by whilst some clubs involved decided that to include ‘COARSE’ was not in the best interests of all concerned and the ref: to coarse fish was very quickly dropped.
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