Middlesbrough Angling Club – February Roundup. Club news, notices, points of interest & information for members discussed at our February meeting (held Mon 26th February 2024).
- HUTTON RUDBY STOCK ASSESSMENT – The local Environment Agency Fisheries Team aided by the Fisheries Officer, Club Committee and members of the Hutton Work Party Crew took part in the rescheduled netting of both ponds at Hutton Rudby. This successful assessment of the current stock gives the club a valuable insight into fish health, the quality of recruitment – including the possible impact of predation and a guide for managing the fishery going forward including positive improvements to the aquatic environment and stocking policy. Scale Sampling work from several species of fish was also undertaken during the netting. Massive thanks to the EA Team for their ongoing support and all involved who gave their time in the muddy conditions. A report from the netting along with pictures and video will be posted on the club website and Facebook group.
- COMBINATION LOCKS – At the request of members combination locks have now replaced the often tricky to open key locks at both Marske Reservoir & Hutton Rudby Ponds – There are slight changes planned to make using the locks as smooth as possible, but they should be much easier to use than the previous locks. The club would like to thank Peter Helm & Lionweld Kennedy Group for their engineering support – The 5 number combination for the locks is the same at both venues – Starting from the bottom of the lock – the match record on the big pond at Hutton Rudby (finished with a zero) – this number can only be found in the new 2024 Club Rule Book – which all new and renewed members have been issued with.
- MARSKE RESERVOIR – A work party took place at the reservoir on Sunday 25th February lead by Fisheries Officer Mike Breckon. Work undertaken included general maintenance and upkeep jobs. Mike reported that the work party was well attended by members and the Committee thanks those in attendance for giving up their time for the good of the club and fellow members – Further work parties will be organised on the clubs waters – details will be posted on the MAC Facebook group.
- On a less positive note it was reported that 6 large bags of rubbish were collected during the work party – This rubbish is a danger to resident wildlife as well as being an eye saw and a potential health hazard – as stated in the Club Rules – LEAVE LITTER – LEAVE THE CLUB.
- PORTALOO TRIAL – After exploring various permanent and semi-permanent solutions, the club will be trialling a portaloo toilet facility at Marske Reservoir (Date to be confirmed & subject to installation and upkeep access being practical). It will be up to the members to keep this facility in good order – If it is abused it will be removed.
- CCTV – The club is looking into viable options to monitor waters 24-7 via remote solar powered cameras that can be accessed from mobile devices.
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SPRING INTO FISHING! JUNIOR COACHING – Following the success of last summers angling taster sessions for beginners, the club will be hosting similar events as part of the Angling Trust Get Fishing! Spring into Fishing campaign – The first coaching session of the year has been confirmed for Wednesday 29th May during half term. Junior coaching events will be attended by Angling Trust Coach, Dave Munt and all equipment and bait will be provided by the club. All youngsters must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. Full details will follow on the club website and Facebook Group.
- RENEWAL REMINDER – 2024 Membership subscriptions are now due and must be paid no later than March 31st at Anglers Choice, Cleveland Angling, Keith Sports or by post. After this time reapplication for membership will be necessary – and is not guaranteed – Members are reminded they must not fish club waters until their membership has been renewed.
- LIFE MEMBERS – It would be helpful going forward if those in receipt of Life Membership of the club could make contact with Tony [email protected] (or through Dale at Anglers Choice) to ensure contact details are up to date.
- NEW MEMBERS – Those wishing to join the club can download the membership form from the club website membership page / local tackle shops. The club Membership Secretary has informed the Committee that new applications will be added to a waiting list until the current membership renewal period has ended on March 31st – Applicants will then be contacted based on places available.
- GIRSBY PARKING – Following a complaint from the land owner, members using the clubs recently acquired stretch of the River Tees at Girsby are reminded to park only in the car park (leave club card in vehicle window) and not to drive down the track to Girsby Bridge – The gate can be locked at any time.
- CLUB OPEN MEETING – The March Committee Meeting on Monday 25th March is an open meeting that all club members are welcome to attend and raise any questions, queries and suggestions to the club committee. M.A.C. Committee meetings take place at St. Francis Parish Hall & Social Club, 200 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS3 4PS.
- AND FINALLY!… Well done to club committee member Ian Kirton who came 4th in last weekends 2 day Northern River Masters final on an out of sorts River Don at Sprotbrough. Despite a rising, coloured river carrying 1M+ of extra water Ian managed to catch bream and quality roach over the two days to put him just a decent fish away from the top spot in a very close frame with Richard Pulford taking the Trophy …Check out https://www.facebook.com/northRivermasters/ if you are interested in the 2024 event.
- Keep the catch reports and catch pictures coming on the M.A.C. Private members Facebook group – Please use an unhooking mat and suitable sling / landing net.
Tight Lines! M.A.C. Committee.
