12 JOIN A CLUB, CUT YOUR COSTS!
Most of us are feeling the pinch at the moment, so any means of reducing the cost of our beloved hobby should be welcomed.
One of the best ways is to buy a fishing club book, granting you access to a huge range of stillwaters and river stretches, often for £1 a day or less. It’s not all about saving money either, as you’ll also get to meet other members, and learn new skills in a great community setting.
So, here are 12 great clubs to join in 2023, but if they don’t cover your area, search for ones that do – there are hundreds to choose from.
BIRMINGHAM AA
Has over 50 stretches across 11 rivers. The Avon at Fladbury and Pershore, the Severn at Quatford and Hampton Loade and the River Teme are the pick. It also has seven stillwaters and 11 canal stretches.
Prices: £40 annual, £30 OAPS, £15 juniors
More info: 01562 882116, www.baa.uk.com
WELLINGBOROUGH AND DISTRICT NENE AC
A friendly club with a great selection of river fishing on the Nene and Great Ouse, plus a raft of great stillwaters, including Canons Ashby Estate Lakes, Swanspool Lake and Grendon Ponds.
Prices: £50 annual, £35 OAPS, £10 juniors
More info: 07801 089671, www.wdnac.org.uk
PETERBOROUGH
AND DISTRICT AA
Controls 12 miles of the River Nene, with good barbel at Castor and Alwalton, both stretches having produced fish to over 17lb in the past. Members can fish renowned bream water Ferry Meadows too.
Prices: £30 per year, £17 OAPs, juniors free
More info: www.fishinginpeter borough.co.uk
READING AND DISTRICT AA With plenty of fishing on the Thames, Kennet and Loddon, this ticket is a must for barbel and chub fans. Also included are several lakes, including Sonning Eye Pit and Pingewood.
Prices: £80 annual, £60 OAPs, juniors from £5
More info: 01189 867430, www.rdaa.co.uk
SCUNTHORPE AMALGAMATED ANGLERS
Of all the river stretches on this ticket, try the fast Ladypitt Farm area of the Trent, which offers superb barbel and chub sport, as do South Clifton and Besthorpe. Sections of the River Ancholme, Idle, Torne and Upper Witham and the River Severn also included.
Prices: £50 annual, £40 concessions More info: 07943 651992, www.scunthorpeanglers.net
TELFORD AA
Fifteen pools to choose from, including Big Apley, Blue Pool, Priorslee Flash, Trench Pool and Randlay Pool. It also has some quality fishing on the River Severn.
Prices: £35 annual, £15 concessions, £5 juniors
More info: 01952 616054, www.telfordanglingassociation.org
LEAMINGTON AA
Controls brilliant silverfish stretches of the Warks Avon, including The Lido in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Wasperton, which has also been producing good barbel. Parts of the River Leam also on the book, and if roach are your target, head to The Princess Drive Weir. Lakes on the ticket include College Pool, Ryton Pool and Napton Reservoir.
Prices: £40 annual, £30 OAPS/ disabled, £10 juniors
More info: 01788 544913, www.leamingtonangling.co.uk
LEEDS AND DISTRICT ASA
Seven stretches of both the Aire and the Yorkshire Ouse to target, while its waters on the Nidd (four stretches) or the Swale (five) offer good chub and barbel fishing. Try Asenby, Helperby and Newton-onOuse. Fishing on the Rivers Derwent and Wharfe is included, as well as Moor Monkton Pools and Highfield.
Price: £68 annual, £38 concessions, under-16s free
More info: www.leedsdasa.co.uk
MILTON KEYNES AA
Perch and chub are the main draw on the Great Ouse around Stony Stratford and Wolverton. It also runs Adams Mill, once home to record barbel. There are big bream and carp in the club’s eight lakes too.
Prices: £45 annual, £30 concessions, £10 juniors
More info: www.mkaa.co.uk
LONDON AA
Another club offering great value, with its 11 rivers giving over 100 miles of fishing on the Avon, Great Ouse, Cam, Thames, Stour and Lea.
Also has several lakes across Essex and Cambridgeshire, plus the Grand Union at Tring.
Prices: £55 annual, concessionary/ junior discount codes issued
More info: 0208 520 7477, www.londonanglers.co.uk
HEREFORD AND DISTRICT AA The club runs the fishing on 12 stretches of the Wye around Hereford, known for huge catches of roach and dace. Belmont, Holme Lacy, Breinton and Bartonsham are all very productive.
Prices: £55 annual, £35 concessions
More info: 01432 359701, www.hdaa.org.uk
NOTTINGHAM FEDERATION OF ANGLERS
If you fancy prime barbel action on the Trent then this is a musthave ticket, with Clifton Bridge, Thrumpton, Gunthorpe (Pentons Field) and Carlton to choose from.
Prices: £45 annual, £30 concessions, under-12s free
More info: 07710 430721, www.nottsfed.com