After the sudden loss of 4 large Carp during the hot weather on Barden Lake, the Society contacted the Environment Agency to run some water quality checks. All the water quality checks were good although there was a slight algae bloom. The EA supplied us with aeration equipment to help keep the water quality levels to where they needed to be.
CEFAS also took some samples from the deceased fish to run some DNA checks and thankfully, they came back clear of KHV and CEV. The main issue seemed to be at the post spawning period with the combination of a slight algae bloom, the possibility of an oxygen crash and the fact it was 4 older original stock spawning with much younger and fitter fish.
We decided to close the lake immediately for fishing and the lake will remain closed until at least the end of August to give the fish a well earned rest.
Please check our home page for updates and Society members can also check on our Facebook page.
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CHRISTMAS MATCH
Twenty two members gathered in Swanmead car park to await the socially distanced draw for the 2020 Tonbridge Angling Christmas Match. The air was cool but still and filled with festive anticipation for the ensuing day’s fishing. The early morning sky punctuated with the odd cloud radiated with a crimson hue that set the horizon on fire, was this a warning of the calm before the storm? Pegs established and the programme for the day conveyed, the match men set off to their prospective swims to prepare to do battle.
The river was in fine fettle after the temperate rains the previous week with a steady flow and a good colour to give the quarry the confidence to feed. As the starting whistle approached the anglers had time to tackle up and prepare for the pending onslaught as the sky gradually filled with dark foreboding clouds and the wind began to pick up. On the whistle baits were tentatively cast and the initial response was positive with small Roach eager to feed, but the bounty slowly ground to a halt within the first hour.
The rain was now persisting and the wind was playing havoc with umbrellas. Peter Hole had the task of grappling in the brambles to retrieve his and John Cooper gave up with his excuse of a brolly and resigned it to the scrap heap! Meanwhile Bob Doyle was wrestling to hold his in position as the rod tip pulled round and although a good fish was felt the late strike did not set the hook and after a short battle the quarry made good its escape. The intrepid anglers endured the rigours of the weather as the bites became few and far between, but rumours were abound that one competitor was fairing rather well.
The anglers were relieved the hear the final whistle to put an end to a miserable session and as the scales preceded along the river bank many of the catches were scant reward for a hard days fishing with a few small Roach and Gudgeon featuring prominently in most catches with the odd quality Roach and a few skimmers here and there. Then there was match supremo Peter Groombridge, no stranger to winning the odd match or two, who absolutely emptied his swim of quality Bream to put a magnificent 79lb 2oz on the scales to win the match. In a not so close equal second place was steady match maestro Roger Trask and occasional match ace John Cooper who managed to put 4lb 8oz of mixed silvers apiece on the scales. In fourth place was “good ol London Lad”, Colin Fowler, who managed to put 3lb 1oz of mixed silvers on the scales.
John cooper was drawn on the golden peg and although managed an equal second placing, he missed the prized bounty by a mere 74 lb, better luck next time.
There were also plenty of section prizes to ease the pain of the day and a mystery draw bonus won by Peter Hole. All in all a very tough day but the banter was flowing and match captain Martyn Hill bolstered spirits with his usual enthusiastic mix of muses and distractions. The field retired a little damp and bedraggled but good humoured and full of festive spirit. Well done and Merry Christmas to you all.
MATCH RECORDER SHIELD – NEW LAGOON – 26th July 2020
19 expectant anglers assembled on an overcast morning for the socially distant draw to fish a peg down match on the New Lagoon on Sunday. Although a prolific Carp and Tench water it was the Bream that decided to make their presence known with Peter Groombridge displaying his match fishing prowess by weighing in a very impressive 60lb 6oz of the beauties to take top spot. Lee Wakeman found some Carp to put a respectable weight of 16lb 10oz on the scales to take second place closely followed by match captain Martyn Hill who put a mixed bag of Carp and Tench on the scales for 14lb 4oz.
The usually obliging residents of the New Lagoon played hard to get but most of the other anglers did manage to winkle out some sport but had to use all the tricks of their trade to temp the reticent fish to take the baits on offer.
ABREY CUP – NEW CUT – Sunday 19th July 2020
Honours on the day went to occasional match man and club chairman Austin Battell who stormed the match with a net of quality Roach and some very impressive Bream for 21lb 13oz. Peter Groombridge held second position with 12lb 10oz of quality Roach and some smaller Bream and Trevor Oldfield at last found his form to put 6lb 3oz of Roach and Bream on the scales for third place. Many of the other anglers found solace with the mixed silvers that were eager to please in some swims but a fair few struggled to attract even a bite.
It would be nice to welcome any of the ladies in the club to come along and join in our matches, especially the Tibbets Ladies Cup. Although many of our regular match anglers may look a bit threadbare and rugged around the edges they are actually very friendly and generally a nice bunch and it was even rumoured that many of them deliberately “held back” on the day so that our Chairman could be victorious. What a lovely bunch !!!
Junior member catches large Tench on the New Lagoon
WINTER PEG DOWN – Sportsground – 17th February 2019
This was a bit of a tough day for getting any respectable weights together as a dozen of our regular matchmen found out. Mick Smith drew the Golden Peg and subsequently took the honours with a match winning weight of 4lb 6oz plus Mick netted the Golden Peg kitty of £140. In second spot with 3lb 4oz was Stuart Cottingham and in third spot was Tony Hyland with 1lb 12oz.
OPEN DAY- NEW LAGOON – SATURDAY 18th AUGUST from 10.00am
The Society will be holding an Open Day on the New Lagoon on Saturday 18th August from 10.00am – everyone is welcome with fishing tuition provided, equipment also provided and a barbecue with soft drinks available on the day. Membership applications can also be taken on the day. Come along as a family and enjoy a great day fishing. We will also be holding a tombola with some great prizes.
TO ALL MEMBERS
WEEDCUTTING DATES – BARDEN & BALLAST PIT
We have booked Weedcutting Services for two days on Barden Lake to clear and remove the dead weed in both bays. This will happen on Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th January. Please be aware that both bays will be closed for fishing on both days and nights. Any members wishing to help out in barrowing the weed away from the waters edge, please contact Ted Bryan.
We have also booked Weedcutting Services for two days on the Ballast Pit to cut back new lilly growth. This will happen on Thursday 31st May and Friday 1st June. Please note that the Ballast Pit will be closed for both days and nights. Again, any members wishing to help out moving the cut lillies, please contact Ted Bryan.