7/2/2010

Looking ahead to 2010 Season

Looking back over 2009 For the second consecutive year, the 2009 season was the best we have ever experienced at Hallington. This was, in part, due to the fishing friendly weather that prevailed for most of the season, and once again due to the fact we fed the over-wintering fish during the previous closed season. They were in excellent condition and fighting fit from the outset. We also continued to stock both reservoirs into the closing weeks of the season and October''s catches were excellent. Furthermore, Catch & Release continued to gain in popularity, with more anglers returning more and larger fish.

Looking ahead to the 2010 Season Pre-season preparations are progressing well. The winter feeding has continued this closed season and we currently have a healthy and reasonably large population of fish in both lakes. The summer feeding will also continue in 2010. Once again we are growing on 600 large rainbows which will be stocked in small numbers to both lakes throughout the season. A small number of good sized brownies will also be stocked. Please note that the closed season for brown trout continues until 1st May - so any brownies caught during April in either lake must be carefully returned. The Catch & Release trial will continue in 2010, again restricted to the West Lake Health & safety refresher • Dam walls - our landlords continue to express concern about fishing from the dam walls. We have assured them that we take care and our anglers are experienced in coping with these uneven surfaces. Great care should be exercised when fishing from these areas. • Wading - whilst the use of chest waders is permitted, users must not wade more deeply than they would be able to, if they were using thigh waders • Speeding - we continue to encounter cases of members driving too quickly on the estate road, please observe the speed limits, and driving too quickly around the Clubhouse and into the car park. Small children play in the vicinity of the Clubhouse so a slow walking pace is appropriate here. • Life Preservers - they MUST be worn by everyone who gets into a boat and must not be removed until the angler leaves the boat back on shore. Boats. Boats use will continue to be free to members. John Irving, the Fishery Manager, will be happy to take any member onto the lake for an introductory session of boat fishing, giving an insight into boat handling, drifting, and successful boat fishing techniques. Membership Incentive. The New Member Incentive Scheme will continue in 2010, whereby a member who introduces a new member prior to 1st August, may claim vouchers to the value of £100 from the tackle dealer of their choice. If a new member is introduced on 1st August or later, the introducing member may claim the voucher, if the new member rejoins for the following season. Day Tickets & Guest Fees. The charge for Day Ticket Anglers will rise to £30 and there will be a charge for their use of a boat. Guest fees will remain unchanged at £25. AGM. We shall be holding the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 28th March 2010 at 14.30 at the Black Swan, Morpeth. This venue has proved suitable in the past and we shall again provide a light buffet after the question and answer session. The meeting room is at 1st floor level accessed by stairs. If any member feels that the stairs may be too challenging, please contact John Irving at the Clubhouse and we shall ensure that assistance is on hand. Your Directors look forward to seeing you there. John MA Rodger Director & Secretary February 2010

View the News Archive >