Home PageMembershipClub MatchesYoung AnglersClub RulesHistory PageLatest NewsGuest BookContact UsBASG

We'd like to know what you think about our web site. Please leave your comments in this public guest book so we can share your thoughts with other visitors and use your ideas to improve the content of the site. Don't forget you can email us as well if you want a reply.

Add Your Comments or email: mark@bctac.co.uk

                                                        

After you submit your comments, they will appear the next day (this stops web crawlers posting offensive posts on our guest book) Tight line and happy fishing Mark, Club secretary and webmaster.

New Comments 2010

 

Comments

Great site enjoyed looking Ray Young Carp it Right 1st4Sport level 2 coach

Comments

Lloyd Burgess comments..

Re this old chestnut of otter predation. yes its a tough nut to crack, but the BCTAC are, as the secretary rightly says, probably the only club in the region who gives a damn, and is trying everything to assist in preventing this problem destroying fishing in general, not only our club waters. Things like joining the Angling Trust are exactly what its all about, the more backing we get from associations like these, the more chance we have of getting these sorts of issues resolved.

As one of the volunteer organisers for the club, I could bang on all day and every day about the lack of response I get in trying recruit people to assist in improving our waters and their surrounding environment. I could have quite easily admitted defeat middle of last year, due to lack of response from volunteers, but then, they all have lives to lead too, and if people can't always make work parties, then so be it! we will get there eventually, I can't expect things to just change overnight and suddenly have 100 people all chomping at the bit to clear swims, etc can I? On that subject of otters, that's exactly how I became involved and ended up as one of the clubs volunteer organisers had to witness large fish being caught and eaten right there in front of my eyes! I spoke to the secretary about it, and next thing, we had a trusty bunch of good willing volunteers down there every week, trying our best to resolve what we could with the limited resources we had. People like Eric and his son John(john 'isn't even a member, but worked his socks off to help), even some of the juniors that came along to help just proved that this club has that something special.

Those that did assist on those hard working days, I thank you so much for your efforts, sorry we had to admit a sort of defeat in the end, but we had a great time, and we never really gave up hope until the last! I'll end by stating that, I was the person who seconded the proposal to terminate the club pit lease, I didn't feel particularly pleased that it came to that, but I had to be realistic, having done all that work there and looking at the real bigger picture, a difficult water to fence off, both financially and logistically!.The lay by pit will become the new age club pit, already partially otter proofed, we can work hard to developing this as a top quality, otter free venue, where we can continue to develop the club, and its fine junior section and enjoy fishing with our friends and colleagues. The futures so bright, I gotta wear shades!!!!! And I mean that!!! Lloyd (Very proud to be!) Volunteer Organiser, BCTAC.

*The dictionary defines the word club as being by definition: An association of persons for the promotion of some common object, as literature, science, politics, good fellowship, etc.; esp. an association supported by equal assessments or contributions of the members.

Sadly this meaning is lost at times with people joining but not taking part in the club as a whole. The attitude sometimes changes from one where people join to be a part and take part, to one where they join to fish but take little interest in the rest of the club as a whole. Looking back years ago through the old minute books there was a much greater involvement all round, with a real sense of belonging to a group of people who you knew well and cared about and where the words "contribution"  and "good fellowship" were key to what made the club function so well.

For a long time anglers were asking for a single united body to represent all anglers this is now in place with the Angling Trust, but with out the contribution and support of us anglers it will suffer badly and we will not have the power we need to make our voice heard.  This issue of otter predation effects us all as anglers not just this club and our waters but many others as well. All of us have a choice we can sit back and do nothing or we can get involved and contribute. This club owes its very existence to those that have done just that for over 65 years and to those people we owe a great debt. So lets not be negative as anglers, if we can be bothered to get out there and endure foul weather and endless frustrations to catch that fish we have been dreaming of, then we can also contribute to those that are working hard for our sport and offer them our support and good fellowship. Thank you Lloyd and all of those club members for your big contributions and good fellowship it is greatly appreciated and will most certainly make the future bright for the next generation of anglers both young and old.

Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate and for fools to pass by without consideration. --Izaac Walton

Comments

Ringing you to speak on such matters ( otter predation) is as I spoke last time an ill fitting thing to do to as I said " we need to eradicate " not talk! I stand by my words and will not renew my  membership next year! as I've noticed over the last year that that otters have occupied every single stretch of river you have as a club! and I personally have not been able to enjoy a days fishing and that's a whole day without interruption! from you know what!!!!!!!!!!!!! indeed the last fishing trips you have taken have been on well guess where for bream? and as for the article? who knows....................for the last time

I'm sure that you feel very strongly about otter predation as I do, but I think your comments are way off the mark. To say that otters should be eradicated is an emotive statement that is not going to help anyone get any closer to solving the issue of otter predation. The fact is you cannot harm otters as they are fully protected by the law and if you attempt to do so you would be facing a prison sentence. If you don't want to join the club this coming year because the otters are annoying you then that is your choice but this club along with the angling trust of which we are full members will continue to work towards resolving this issue by working with the EA and the national governing body for angling the angling trust. My fishing trips on the river Yare to catch bream have been high lighted because I am the chairman for the Broads angling strategy group and this stretch of the river Yare has been the subject of much improvement due to the work of the EA and the BA which I fully support. I fish the club waters through out the year and do a great deal of work to promote angling and deal with issues that effect it including otter predation. SO what are you doing to deal with otter predation may I ask? and what are you doing to promote angling in the region? I'm not one to mince my words and would ask you to stop whinging about it and do something positive if you really do give a dam about otter predation and the future of angling join the angling trust and put your money where your mouth is. In fact I would go further and say that you should be grateful that you actually have a club that has done a great deal towards dealing with the issue of otter predation while others have simply ignored it. If all your going to do is moan about it what on earth do you hope to achieve exactly? My challenge to you is this are you prepared to do something about it? If you are then email me at mark@bctac.co.uk and I will tell you what you can do to make a difference. Your call..

Mark

Comments

Hi Mark. Hope everything is going well with the club. I would just like to thank and congratulate all of the juniors that have taken part with the club events this year. They are what it is all about from my point of view. I would also like to especially congratulate young Matthew who is already an accomplished angler as well as a cracking lad. Good to see him winning the championship this year and expect to see his name on the trophy again next year unless anyone else can rise to the challenge????????????????? Kindest regards Binksy

Yes indeed Binksy the youngsters are what the future of the club is all about and Matthew has done very well this year turning out to be a great little angler.

Comments

Enjoyed your Angling Web site due to health problems could not join as planned this year but healing nicely now. 2010 is looming and will be applying for membership. I look forward to next year. Mike

Thanks Mike we look forward to seeing you on the bank with a big net full of fish mate

Tight lines Mark

 

Comments

Well one year has passed since the angling master classes run last year at the club Head Quarters its good to see Mathew Connor Natalie & Kyrie who attended the classes doing so well in the matches all the best for the future Derek

Hi Derek

They are all doing great and the junior section is coming on in leaps and bounds if you want to come and join us your more then welcome I'm sure the juniors would be glad to see you again next match is on the 17th October at the cider farm mate.

Tight lines Mark

 

Comments

Angling Trust membership, Phil from Gorleston has this to say...

So the 1%  of (4 million anglers joining the angling trust) is a surprise given the fact that money has been spent, how should we shall we say? its difficult as people are being made redundant to quantify the losses as a whole but be ashamed of ourselves is far too strong! ashamed of some enigma we see not acting but talking ALOT! AN AWFUL LOT! without action words are merely "cannon fodder" we can talk till were blue in the face but the reality is that words mean nothing and pouring money into a bottomless pit is fool hardy to the extreme! If we saw action not words perhaps the subscriptions would rise? but I think not! though as many people see certain clubs having personal axes to grind! and whilst inter personnel politics survive! fishing will never move forward there is far too much at stake to leave such matters in the hands of would be's or shall we say wanna be's!!!! Phil Gorleston

Hi Phil 

You say as many do that you want to see action not words but action requires money and support and if anglers don't give it there money and support you will cripple the very people that are trying to give you that action and support.

I think it is shameful that anglers do not join the trust and I will not retract that statement and yes I think they should be ashamed. You say that the Angling Trust are talking a lot and not doing anything well I have to disagree with you  totally on that point, its anglers who talk a lot and don't do anything most of the time. The Angling Trust are doing a great deal to help and promote angling far more than anyone else is doing right now and if you want to know just what they are doing for angling give me a call and I will spend the next 3 hours telling you what they are doing for angling and why you should support them by joining, if after that I have not convinced you then so be it.

For instance do you see any one else taking on the thorny issue of otter predation right now? Do you see anyone else bothering to insure that angling coaches are being trained up for the future generation of young anglers? do you see any one else fighting pollution issues for anglers or fighting our cause to protect our rivers? All of these and much more are being taken on by the Angling Trust so no, the angling trust are not a bunch of "wanna be's" as you put it but a serious and dedicated team of people who are working dam hard to make sure anglers like you have a voice were it matters.

Now if you choose to ignore this fact and not join the one  voice that angling has in this country then your going to reap the rewards of your negligence. I spend many hours at meeting and events talking about issues that effect angling in this country and I can tell you with out any doubt that if the anglers in this country don't stop being so dam apathetic about there sport and get behind the Angling Trust then your going to suffer and your fishing will be lost to those who want to see it gone. Your dead right there is far to much at stake  to leave it in the hands of wanna be's and I have seen my fair share of them. The Angling Trust is not one of them, so if your happy to see angling poorly represented at all levels then fine don't join the trust and go spend your 20 pounds on something else but by not supporting the only voice angling truly has right now your just cutting of  your nose to spite your face and making a big mistake.

Listen Phil I'm on your side here as an angler, but this is the one chance anglers have to get themselves heard and represented there is no personal axe here just a deep passion and concern for angling and making sure it has a voice where it matters. This is something we can not pass by if we truly care about our sport. If you wish to discuss it further email me at mark@bctac.co.uk and I will speak to you personally.

Tight Lines. Mark.

Comments

THE USUAL SUSPECTS - 10 Bailiffs, One Line-up, No Coincidence!!

LOL join us brother!

Comments

hi how do you book to come here (Bungay cherry tree) because my mum said she would love to come and fish with me she just told me to write an email to you so i can let you know if you know how to book in could you write back as soon as possible thanks.....Hannah

Hi Hanna best to get your mum to send me an email and I will let her know all the details for joining the club and the junior section events that you can come to.

the email address is mark@bctac.co.uk

 

 Comments

Hi Mark, just checked at latest news & your blog re rivers. Isn't Summer great? I've decided I need to visit more rivers in during the summer, not just winter piking & chubbing. So last Sunday evening, visited Quantrill's. Spoke to Mr Quantrill as he was rounding up the heifers from his 4x4 tractor cart. He warned me that the river electric fence was "live" but I still managed to zap myself a few times!! The fishing was excellent caught loads of small chub, a few roach & perch & a nice Rudd. Had a very large pike curiously followed my float in, & watched a Tench mooching about, investigating the maggots i sprayed at the upstream end of the island. And with the kingfisher sometimes whizzing past & the barn owl perched on the post across the river from me, my evening was complete. Gary Boast

That's what its all about Gary sometimes just being there is enough hey. Tight lines Mark.

Comments

thanks for your tuition and the loan of your gear mark , and i had a great night fishing !!

My Pleasure Terry hope you will take up feeder fishing in earnest now but we still need to run another coaching session to teach you some more rigs and methods.

Mark.

Comments

mark are still waters available on day ticket new lay by pit for example - bernard

Yes all of our still waters are now fishable on day tickets but I must stress it is important that you obtain them before you start fishing as we do not issue them on the waters themselves.

Mark.

 

Comments

Mark are you having the RIP river improvement parties again? Alex

Alex, if you want to know if there is a RIP going on then all you have to do is go the news page and click on the Google calendar it will tell you when the RIP parties are, or better still call our volunteer organisers  Sam and Lloyd Burgess whose contact details are in your  new club book and let them know that you want to come, that is what they are there for mate, the clue is in there job title volunteer organisers...your a volunteer they are there to organise you..

Tight lines Mark.

Comments

Otters mm love em? hate em? will the govt bodies do anything or will it be too late once that slow snail of beurocrats react to a situation that needs attending to now! by which I mean a cull! yes a cull, shock gasp oh no! what can I  be thinking of? we all need to realise that having died out hundreds of years ago in Britain and given the fact it has been man as foolish as he is to reintroduce such an animal to the country now, would not have an adverse effect on surroundings that have evolved and changed for years! what did these people think would happen to the fish stocks? did they actually care? I think not, and how much money has been wasted on visibility studies that produce answers that when introduced, back fire and then leave angling clubs fighting for survival! for that is what is now going to happen... I also think that if the rumours were true? anyone who let out otters of a local trust should think carefully about what they have done as they have done the otters no favour in fact they have done their cause more harm than any good that they thought would come of it silly people aren't they! Phil

I don't want to see Otters shot or our fish killed Phil but I do agree with you that the government backed agencies who have got us into this mess should be held accountable and that funding should be released now for those most effected by Otter predation. May I suggest that you come along to our meeting on the 5th of June at the Bungay Community Centre 7.30pm on Otters Predation. The guest speaker Chris Burt will be there to give us all a really good and knowledgeable understanding of the issues and what we should and should not be doing to improve things, he is coming from the Angling Trust our governing body for angling in the UK and it will be a good opportunity to find out all there is to know on the subject and how you can support and help affect a change that will have a positive out come for the sport. We should not be saying lets cull otters its not the otters fault it mankind's stupidity that has created this problem and now its up to us to sort it out. The way to do this and the purpose of the meeting is to invite all affected so that the evidence for the case about Otter Predation can be brought to the table of those who should be doing something about it.

Mark.

Comments

William Whiting was a man who upheld this club with his heart., He was a fishing legend, and his spirit guards the banks of the club pit. GEBW

Thanks for that GEBW who ever you may be, I loved reading Bills Book as mentioned in my blog and my hope is that despite the problems with otters cormorants and mink we can still bring the club pit or Willow down as bill called it back to its former glory. I am passionate about this club and will try my hardest to insure that we do all in our power to keep our waters and insure they are improved for all of our club members that means the pike anglers the carp anglers the pleasure anglers and the complete beginners at the end of the day we all love fishing and that's why we joined the club in the first place.

Tight lines Mark.

Comments

hi mark, my names Charlie I've been very interested in joining your club to fish the matches as I've been to angling direct and they told me it best to get hold of you, but I have been told that your attendances have been on the slide with only around 8 to 12 anglers appearing at your matches. I just wanted to confirm this as I was looking for a slightly bigger match. I also do a bit of carp fishing and wondered what the club pit was fishing like as I've heard there are lots of big otters in there and I don't know how bad they have left stocks. is there a likely hood of any more lakes being purchased as I like a variety in my fishing and you seem to have a lot of river stretches and very few lakes in a fishable state(lay-by pit)which I have taken a look at. you also do a lot for juniors, my son would also be interested in joining them. do you do anything for female anglers as my wife Ruth would like to get involved hope to hear back regards CHARLIE

Hi Charlie

Match numbers do tend to slide towards the end of the season but generally we get about 18 to 24 people coming along. We have a very active Junior section with lots of things going on and 4 angling coaches to help out if you need it. Send me an email and I will get back to you and tell you more mark@bctac.co.uk. bear in mind we are predominately a river club but we do have 3 still waters and at 40 pound a year that's good value for money.

All the best Mark..

Comments

when are we cleaning the club pit out again Alex Leighwood tight lines

Answer to that question Alex in April, please email our volunteer Organisers Lloyd and Sam and get your name on our list ready to come along. go here to find out more

Comments

high to all members of b.c.t.a.c. I have just joined the club and I am looking forward to meeting fellow anglers and hopefully some good fish on the bank!! I am new to this area and I have spent most my time fishing venues around the Suffolk/Essex border. I am shocked to hear about the problems with otters around this way but understand that dealing with the problem is very difficult. if anyone has any info on the club pit (baits/tactics) I would love to hear it and also the Ellingham mill section, as I am hoping to target the carp here. happy fishing every one! see you soon!

Hi there and welcome don't forget to email Sam and Lloyd our volunteer Organisers so we can include you in the volunteer list this year hope you will come along and meet us all for a barbecue and lend a hand to get the club pit sorted out even do some carp spotting from the trees when were there this summer. Tight lines Mark

Comments

HI MARK IT,S TERRY SON OF JOHN KELLY ANY CHANCE OF BOOKING ON FOR THE MATCH AT MELTON POND,S FUND RAISER IN MAY I KNOW IT,S ONLY FEBUARY I THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE SURE I GOT IN EARLY P.S COULD YOU ASK THE OLD MAN TO GIVE ME A RING THANKS TERRY.

Hi Terry of course I will do that for you no problem but could you please email me if its a general enquiry rather then use this guest book as it might not get to me in time I go through the guest log every 3 or 4 days depending on how busy I am and if its urgent emailing me is the better option. All the best and see you at the Melton Ponds match lets hope the weather is nicer by then!

Comments

Its Alex Leighwood, how are you mate, I miss all the times down the club pit and fishing can we go fishing some times my mate had a bream out of the club pit see you soon I hope how is the family tell them I said hello are we going to be cleaning out the club pit again see you soon.

Hi Alex good to hear from you and good to hear your still fishing, I have sent you an invite to our junior meeting on the 24th of Jan at the river centre so come along and I can let you know what were planning this year plus you can give us your ideas for juniors as well. Tight lines Mark

Comments

Hi Mark Had a piking session @ the Fullers stretch last Sunday. Had to park the car on the verge near the road gate as the cattle were all over the track (& I didn't want unnecessary aggro!!). Nevertheless it was a lovely walk to the river. Fished from opposite the coal yard section, moving upstream finishing at the tight bend at the end of the path. A windy day with a dropped take on sprat early on, but was rewarded later with a 9lb pike about 2pm on sardine in the reed margins. Definitely going again. Gary, Norwich

Hi Gary your putting me to shame i must get my gear out and go fishing very soon been very busy updating the website and getting ready for our junior meeting on the 24th. Fullers is a lovely stretch of water really peaceful and secluded the old pikers had a lovely 19lb fish down there last year so your still have to beat that one if you can. Hope to see you on the bank some time and if you want to help us on our work parties down the club pit let me know. Carry on Piking young man!

I had a look at Dunburgh this chilly morning and I thought I would bump into at least one braving the cold, is this stretch good in winter? or would you recommend another stretch? and can I buy my half price ticket anywhere? Philip Gorleston

Hi Philip, Dunburgh is ok for pike in the winter but for roach and chub your better off trying Bungay Common, the common pond and the Wainford, Falcon and Ellingham stretches. Mind you its been so cold lately the only fish that are willing to bite are those chub and pike. Half price membership cards can be bought from all those listed in the membership page.

Tight lines Mark.

Comments

I have just discovered your website and I must congratulate you for making it informative and interesting reading. I was a member from 1968 - 1976 and fished with Dave Gladwell, Sam Patrick, Eric Brighton (whom I lived opposite me on Tower Mill Road and taught me everything I know about angling, both fresh and saltwater), and many others during my happy years spent in Bungay. I won the roach cup at some point during my time there and are still the proud owner of the Bungay CTAC Angling Club badge. Thanks once again - I shall continue to read your updates on the site on a regular basis. Yours John Warcup,East Yorkshire

Hi John. Great to hear from you and thank you for your kind words about the website, David Gladwell and Sam Patrick are still with us and fishing our matches throughout the year but sadly Eric is no longer with us. The Roach Cup is still being fished for I will have to find your name on there when the trophies go to be engraved and hang on to that badge they are quite rare now and very collectable. The club continues to be one of the leading clubs in the area and whilst many have folded we continue to provide good river fishing and regular matches for the local anglers. If your ever down this way be sure to give us a look. All the best and tight lines. Mark

Comments

hi, I have just looked at your website, and think its great, very interesting was a member of your club a few years ago, but only fished a few locations looked at several more than I fished as I was never sure if I was in the right place, and I am the sort of person that doesn't like to get into trouble, either with the club or landowners, but your site makes it easier to know where to go and how to get there, I think I will join next season, but your photos of places like Earsham, Shipmeadow and the like look so inviting, if I join and I need help or advice I'm sure you, or one of your members will help me. keep up the good work, John.

Hi John, Thanks for your encouraging comments on the website nice to know my hard work in keeping it going is appreciated and don't forget half price membership at the moment if you want to join sooner. And if you need any help just drop me an email and I will try to answer any questions you have about our club. Have a good Christmas and enjoy your fishing.

All the best Mark.

 

Comments

Hi mark, I have just spent all day driving around your various fishing locations, and I would like to say how great they look, My friend and I are dedicated anglers and we are very impressed with your Web site and the locations available. We will be joining very soon and hope to land a winter chub or pike which always makes the cold winter weather worth while. many thanks Conrad Brown and Mark Lawrence

Hi Guys and thanks for you encouraging comments about our waters and the website glad you like them. Remember all membership cards are half price till the 31st of may 2009 as well. Let me know of any big fish you catch and I will post it on the galleries for you.

Tight lines and happy fishing Mark.

 Comments

Great website, bringing BCTAC in to this century! Looking forward to joining up, two targets for the coming year are a Chub and a river Tench. Scott.

Glad you like it Scott hope to see you on the bank some time all the best Mark

 

Comments

Hello. I am looking at your website as recommended by Mr Eric Peake. This is a wonderful website with lots going on. I am an employee of the Anglers' Conservation Association. I hope that you will take a look at our website, (www.a-c-a.org), to see the sort of work that we do here. Kind regards, Faye Crawford (Legal Secretary)

Hi Faye Thanks for taking a look at our website glad you liked it. I will take a look at the ACA sight and have passed your information on the committee for review hopefully we can get back to you this year and discuss membership.

Kind regards Mark.

Comments

Hi Mark, Just like to wish you ------ A VERY HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY FOR 22ndAUGUST! HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME! Best wishes Lloyd & Sam

Thanks guys yes the big 50 sigh still I'm still fishing so it cant be that bad!

Mark

Comments

Hi Mark, Met you at the sluice at Wainford Maltings, glad to see work going on there. Went back to see the new swims. SWIMS WHAT A JOKE! I couldn't believe the destruction they had done and horrified to hear that they are ripping the other bank up (is this true?).I Haven't renewed my membership yet because of this. Please don't spoil this stretch as its stunning like miles and miles on the Waveney. Hope to hear from you soon. MR OTTER (the fish friendly Otter)

Hello Mr Otter Not sure what your talking about as there is nothing going on down there at the moment and the banks have been left alone. What destruction do you mean? as there is no sign of "destruction" or any work being carried out by the EA other then the rail they have placed along the weir for safety reasons. If I am right you are talking about the one swim left at the end of the rail with a small gate and the fact that the rail has been put up and a new portage point for canoes has been built but I don't think that can be called destructive if that is what you are talking about.

However to put you in the picture if you have not been down there since all this happened after the young girl drowned there last September, the EA have built a rail along the edge of the weir for safety reasons and provided the anglers with one angling platform behind the gate. They had previously laid two mats as angling platforms in front of the gorse bush but this was very unsatisfactory and caused several complaints, after it was reviewed they have now been removed. The proposed plan is now to remove the gorse bush from the far bank and provide the anglers with several purpose built  good quality angling platforms and create better access for anglers to fish there. This will not spoil this stretch of river it will in fact enhance it and make it much more accessible to those anglers that find it a struggle to fish amongst brambles and nettles providing them with a safe secure platform to fish from with good access. I hope that answers your question but please feel free to email me if you need any more information and I will be happy to explain what the EA are planning to do along this stretch. All the best Mark.

Comments

All looks a bit fishy to me

Comments

Hey Dad! I love your webpage! It has much improved and grown since I last visited! I love all the pictures! Especially the ones of June 16th at Beccles. How beautiful! :0) I also love all the little fish cartoons! What a cool website!!!

Ahh thanks for those kind words we must go fishing soon hey!

Comments

Mark I introduced myself to you as a new (but former, relapsed) member at Ditchingham a few weeks ago and your camper van was very similar to my boat ie chaotic but cosy! You gave me a map of the waters, most of which I fished many years ago. On Tuesday I left Geldeston Dyke in "Bobalong" and moored up at Dunburgh and set up my Drennan IM9 stick float rod which unbelievably I paid £250 for 10? years ago (yes, I'm single!!!) with a 6 x no. 6 wire-stemmed stick with the wind upstream and behind and a pint of red maggots. I didn't empty the peg but a few dace (lovely to see them again) and perch to 8 oz. made for a very enjoyable session. Last time I fished Dunburgh was probably 20 years ago in an Inter-Club match, Fram v Sax v Woodbridge in flood conditions and as memory serves, Simon Abbott won it with 3 or 4 lbs on the then unusual river tactic of the pole!! It also brought back memories of my first ever match win with Fram in Xmas Fair 1977? with 5lbs of roach on the waggler. I also remember a Sax club match where we had to delay the start by an hour to let the ice melt!! Harry Tovell, (now dead) won it with 3lbs and I was second. SCAAA match where Roy Foster won with 20lb mixed bag....Oh the memories!!! SO if your members see BOBALONG moored up on the bank, I AM fishing legally!! I shall confine my trips to midweek so as not to take up valuable bank space. I loved your last Dunburgh blog, what fishing is all about. Best wishes John Byer

Hi John and thanks for sharing your memories with us its good to know that my blog is appreciated and read by anglers like yourself. We will keep an eye out for BOBALONG and hopefully see you at Dunburgh sometime. The access at Dunburgh is a bit restricted but its was well worth the walk. I recall about 18 years ago walking along the river at Dunburgh (I was living in Bristol at the time and feeling a bit homesick) I asked the man upstairs if he would grant me my wish to return here one day. Little did I know that I would remarry and return to settle in Bungay and become the secretary of Bungay Cherry Tree AC and be running matches there. Well the happy memories are all still there and hopefully we can make some more, welcome back to the club John and tight lines. Mark.

I will buy you a pint one day I promise -- Kev

 

Preferably after a good days fishing mate, its on the guest book for all to see so your not getting out of it this time!

Mark

 

Hi Mark, Really enjoyed the work party on 14th June but apologies for not making it last Saturday as........was asleep til 11 o'clock!! I fished the club pit last Thursday night on Peg 6 & not a bleep all night, despite giving the swim a good weed raking alongside the lily pads when I arrived. About an hour after Lloyd passed me on his way to the river Friday morning I got my only run of the session & a gorgeous dark male tench of 6lbs was soon in the net, & according to my records my new pb from the club pit. Later, I raked out peg 5, again alongside the lilies (hope this aided your match?). With 2 other night sessions during last week, things (& sleep deprivation) caught up with me. Apologies for this coming Saturday as fishing a memorial match @ Martham. Gary @ Norwich

 

Nice one Gary I too am suffering sleep deprivation after several night sessions but I love night fishing too much to be sensible lol. Well done with the tench there are several coming out of the club pit I love tench. Hopefully see you down there some time.

All the best Mark.

 

A very nice gesture of thanks from Dave Gladwell,(Thank you very much for your kind words Dave) but as mark rightly says, the credit must go to all the helpers , including you Dave (glad you liked my barbecued sausages you supplied!!) Come on guys, be a vital part of restoring this, as Dave says, "our paramount attraction", give us as much help as you can, we don't need everyone every Saturday, just several stonking good turnouts, and we will have this cracked sooner rather than later, weed, etc the whole thing!! (stuff the otters!!! I'd like to !!!) Well done to all that have kindly given up a bit of their time on a Saturday to assist ( you get fed as well, for a small contribution towards tea, coffee, burgers etc!!) and most of all, a good laugh is had by all and we get nearer to making the club pit something special! What do you think Mark? Lloyd

Yes its really all down to the members of the club them self's to take part in improving the club pit for us all. Remember the club started way back in 1946 and has been run by people giving up there time for the club and there love of angling, and that's why we do it because we love going fishing. So by coming along and helping out you can spend time with other club members, talk about fishing, have a laugh, share ideas and work together. Anglers tend to be solitary creatures a lot of the time but meeting with your fellow club members and working together can help us to share our love of fishing with each other and develop friendships and loyalty among us. I will be 50 this year and if life has taught me anything it is that friendships are forged when we work together for the common good. The club pit will one day be gone and so will I but the friends and good times we have all shared will stick with us, of that I am sure. So fire up the barbecue Lloyd, Sam get the tea on the go and I will see you at the club pit Saturday for another go at the weed! I love it. See you there, Mark.

 CONGRATULATIONS from Dave Gladwell - Life-Vice President 

Well, Mark Casto will not be thanking himself for all the efforts he has spearheaded down at the Ditchingham Club Pit - but it is worthy of world-wide web publication of our united expression of thanks for his unstinting efforts which will create the best possible fishing under current conditions there and the Club are well on the way to restoring this as one of their paramount attractions - who on earth wants to go and fish expensive distant commercials when there is all that river available too for the price equivalent to just half a dozen day ticket visits; for often just six paces apart and innumerable restrictions,  - and that is without the travel costs involved. JOIN NOW AND MAXIMIZE THE VALUE ! !

Thanks for that David but all credit must go to those hard working volunteers like Jamie Buck Eric and his son John Lloyd Sam Frank Alex and all the others who have really helped us out down there a big thank you everyone. Still much to do though so if you want to come down on Saturdays please do everyone Cheers Mark

 

Comments

Hi Mark A mixed start to the season for me, I had a disappointing day down at Ship meadow on Monday (no sign of the Tench from last year!) then I managed to leave a few bungee cords on the ground near the water abstraction car park (did any kind person pick them up by any chance?) I then decided to go down to the club pit to have a look around. WOW, All I can say is congratulations to all those who helped, the place has taken on a totally different feel! still lots of the dreaded blanket weed at the far end but overall it looks fantastic! I don't get a chance to fish on a Saturday, never mind help out! It looks so appealing, I just need to get around to actually fishing it! All the best Tight lines Kevin Andrews.

Hi Kevin yes me too not too many fish on my first night but its early days yet. No signs of bungee cords if any one found them let me know please and I can get them back to Kevin.

Hi Mark, Re the burger theft incident, I'm still innocent until proven guilty, but I did remove large amounts of weed at the work party !( and sneaked in another cuppa!!) Be nice to see a few more faces at the work parties, we have a great laugh( hence the burger theft sketch!!) Come on you guys, join in and have some fun and help out YOUR CLUB!! Well done Mark for your great organising with the club pit works! Lloyd ( Accused burger thief and work party catering manager!)

And there was I thinking no one was paying attention lol I hereby declare you not guilty and the best catering team on the club!

Hi Mark I was sorry to learn that the match at Barford was cancelled for lack of support and would put forward the following comments for discussion at committee meeting. 1.Why were the matches not advertised in the paper as previous years at least 50% of attendances came from this source. 2.Why did so many "loyal "club members choose to fish elsewhere when these matches are to subsidise their national teams costs. 3.Why did we advertise the other match at Marsh Trail on our website in direct competition to our own match. These comments are not criticisms aimed at individuals or wanting to lay blame but merely to see this does not happen again. Keep up the good work. Regards Eddie Alcock.

 

All good points Eddie, the advertising of the matches at Marsh trail where for the benefit of those within the club who may want to fish those series of matches, however if the club members vote that we book these venues to fish at our fixture meeting then I believe it is counter productive of them to go and fish other matches, this will only mean that the club suffers a loss as we have done in this case.

These points will be discussed at our committee meeting this month and hopefully we can resolve them to insure this does not happen again.

And thank you Eddie for all your hard work as our previous match secretary you did a brilliant job and we are still learning the ropes.

Tight lines Mark.

 

Hi Mark, It was great to meet you at the NFA conference last week, looking at your club site proves how dedicated you are not only to your club but to angling as a whole. It's great to see someone with your enthusiasm work with a angling club, they should be indebted to you. As you know Mark I am also a Level 2 Angling coach and a personal friend of Derek Potter. I think that I am booked for an event down in Kent on the same day as your coaching event. If it turns out that I am not then I will certainly try and make it to your event. I will keep in touch with yourself and Derek and let you both know near to the date. Tight Lines & keep up the slog Clubs need blokes like you M8ty Regards Kevin Pestell London & South NFA Level 2 Coach

 

Hi Kevin good to hear from you again glad you liked the website and it would be great to see you at the go fishing event in June if you could make it. There's always lots to do in the club but I love my fishing so my enthusiasm is fuelled by that I guess. Right now though I am suffering the most chronic tooth ach so if you hear some one screaming in the dentist chair it will be me ouch!

 

Mark What a wonderful surprise to stumble across your site. It is really interesting and a credit to the club. I was searching for angling for beginners as I am chairman of a group providing fishing and instruction to youngsters, so your Junior section page was particularly interesting. The Kingfisher Pool project is described at: www.start-fishing.co.uk I have produced a booklet and DVD for youngsters asking about trying fishing and also to help their non fishing adult mentors. Information on these and other fishing articles are also on the site. More power to your elbow! Alan Jones

 

Hi Alan and thank you for your kind comments about the site. The club has been going for a long time now so we must be doing something right and the junior section of the club is going to be given a booster as we apply for club mark status this year. It all means a bit more work then normal but should hopefully make our junior section much stronger and safer for the youngsters.

All the best Mark

  • Could you please tell me what the cost of this yrs membership and season ticket will cost if you know please Phil Gorleston

Same as last year Phil unless it gets changed at the AGM but that is very unlikely. All prices are on the membership page of the website for you.

 

  • Hi, think the web site is good and very informative and I am looking to re-join the club. Could you tell me if there are still carp and Tench in the club pit as I had heard there is a problem with otters? Regards Steve

Hi Steve, I'm happy to say yes there are still carp in the club pit in the 20lb bracket and one nudging 30lb plenty of Tench in there and we are making good progress in putting up a fence to keep the otters at bay so yes. We are working hard to improve the whole place this year and will be adding more fish stocks to replace those that have been got at by the otters but from what we have seen so far the otters have not beaten us and by the time we have finished they will have to go back to the river and leave our stock fish alone. If you want to come down and see what were up to the work party meets every Saturday from 10-3 and your welcome to join us. Here's a shot of the some of the carp taken a few days ago.

happy fishing Mark.

 


  • Hello my name is Terry just took a look at your site and was imprested with the available information and friendly feel to it, having recently retired I am just coming back to fishing and am looking to see what is around and most sites aren’t as good as yours. If the club is run as well it should be a good one to belong to. Cheers Terry

 

Hi Terry the club has been around for over 63 years now so we must be doing something right I guess, I hope you can join us this year and blow the dust of the old rods and reels. We are mainly a river club for those who enjoy a more traditional way of fishing, peace and solitude and lovely country side rivers to wander around and explore. We have an active match section and junior section to the club with many new event coming this year. Glad you like the website and hope to see you on the bank this year.

All the best Mark.

 

  • Hi guys I wonder if you can remember me I was in the club in 2000 until I had to move to Holland. Just wondering how the club is going on? everyone still catching on the waters? finding out how Eddie Dave Gladwell John etc are doing? Still don't know, it's John Black

 

Hi John Yes were all still going strong Chris Kelly and John remember you well and send there regards David is still very active in the match section and Chris is match man of the year for the second year running. Hope you are well and if your ever down this way again be sure to give us a look up.

Tight Lines Mark.

 

  • Hi Mark, Last few weeks of the season pike sessions on the stretch above Ellingham Mill & Broome Bank in the run up to the close season, taking numerous pike to 17-04. I was disappointed on 13th March at Shipmeadow to catch only a small jack on a lure, I think the biggies were thinking of breeding duties!! Next season I intend to invest in a digital camera & I'll send in pics of my upper Waveney pike. I still can't believe I'm often the only angler on some stretches of BCTAC waters; generally only ever see pikers on Shipmeadow & chubbers/pikers around Quantrills. I don't think some people like the exercise!! Apologies again for not making the the work parties @ the club pit, due to work commitments. Gary, Norwich

 

Hi Gary good to hear from you and that your catching some nice pike I was down at the lay-by pit having a go for some today but no luck to coloured up but had 8 out of there 2 weeks ago when it was sunny and bright. Work on the club pit takes place every Saturday from 10-3 so your always welcome to come along when ever you have time. Don't forget our AGM on the 25th of April we have a new water to vote in and lots of exciting stuff to bring to the members.

Your right mate most of us are too lazy to leave the comfort of the car these days but all good anglers now that to catch those big fish you have to get some exercise and seek out the better swims.

Tight lines mate and lets see a 20 from you next time!

 

  • Hi Mark great website

Glad you like it Happy fishing Mark

 

  • Just a note to say thanks to the working party, the pit is looking good - and even better for the first time in several months my walk around failed to spot an otter. there is usually a family of 3 feeding up! I see there is still plenty to do, so after Easter I hope to be able to join you.

 

Thanks for your support, we will meet down there every Saturday 10-3pm from now on until the job is done but we still need more club members to help us so spread the word. Like they say many hands make light work. I really want to see the club pit back to its former glory and I know we can achieve this if we all commit ourselves to the task in hand. Click here to find out more or just email to join the work party contact list the more we have on the work party list the more work we can get done in the club and the club pit is just one of many areas we can improve if we all muck in it doesn't take long for a club of over 250 members to get things done if your willing to spare a few hours a week.

Mark.

 

  • Mark the Gorleston tackle shop has no day ticket books left so please could you send some many thanks

Will do thanks for letting me know.

 

  • Re day tickets Gorleston forgot to mention the broome bank and Quantrill sections look great but no one fishing them today. I looked at them for next season as joining your club is my best option by far!!!! if there's any work I can help with this year if I can help I will do Phil.

Hi Phil no worries, and yes there is lots of work to be done if you want to help us we are down the club pit on Saturdays from  10-3pm every weekend from now until we finish the work being carried out any one who is a club member may come and lend a hand full details can be found on the work party link here

Tight Lines Mark.

 

  • Don't Worry, Be Happy! =)

I am I'm going fishing Sunday. Mark

 

  • Hello BCTAC Just wanted to say how friendly all your anglers were in the Super Cup match at Eye Ponds on Sunday. I drew next to John Oatkins and we had a chat and a laugh all day which is what these competitions are all about. Unfortunately the fishing was crap but I still enjoyed the day. Perhaps Bungay and Harleston can arrange an inter-club match for next season. Regards Chris Knights Harleston A.C

Hi Chris, sounds like a great idea send me an email and we will see if we can get one sorted out mate.

Tight lines Mark.

 

  • Hi Mark, Enjoyed the day Saturday at the club pit as we started "operation out ski otters!". Hope we get a few more willing hands on deck and get this sorted quickly. My trusty two burner and grill cooker will be attending the work parties, so lets hope the prospect of bacon rolls etc ,will urge more members along. Keep up the great work mate. Regards Lloyd

 

Thanks for you support Lloyd, yes lets hope more members come on board and help us shape up the club pit would be good if the Environment Agency would get involved as well wouldn't it, but not sure if they would be willing to bring bacon rolls :-) See you Saturday Mate.

Mark

 

  • Had a quick look at the site today, my 11 yr old daughter will love reading all the info in the junior section. I surf the net for fishing info all the time, and you have become the latest addition to MY FAVOURITES ...... well done regards Jon,

 

Glad you like the site Jon were having lots of junior events in the summer time so check back often Tight lines Mark.

 

  • Hi Mark I will gladly lend a hand, my health isn't what it use to be but let me know what I can do and when. Paul.

 

Hi Paul just check out the news page all you need to know is on there mate. Thanks that's very good of you.

All the best Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 


Copyright © 2007 by Bungay Cherry Tree angling club. All rights reserved.
Revised: 02/24/10 19:20:27 -0000.