2025 saw memberships reach full (50) capacity by the end of May, which was great to see.
Bad news next; poaching and Anti-social behaviour had unfortunately risen significantly in 2025. Efforts by the local constabulary were totally inadequate. A number of individuals had been moved from the ponds. A number of illegal poaching items were confiscated. However, the troubles continued, especially when the school holidays were running. Also very worryingly, numerous reports of Carp being introduced illegally have been confirmed and now threaten the fish stock. Due to this, we will now have to undertake a full netting again because of these idiots. These actions have nothing to do with any of our own club members as a point of note.
Enough of the bad news, the good news is that everything in and around the pond are thriving. I had received a number of letters complaining about weed in the pond in 2025. This weed is absolutely necessary, especially in the very dry weather that we had in 2025. This weed produces the oxygen essential for life which the fish would be desperate for in the very low waters that we had in 2025. Otherwise I’m positive we would have had huge fish deaths. As soon as the rains appeared, the weed disappeared. The lilly beds are beginning to establish and will get a little tidy up in the spring of 2026. The Giant Reed are also slowly developing. One or two now need to be moved as they are developing too rapidly in one area. Again, this will be done in the spring of 26’.
Thanks to the assistance of Peterlee Neighbourhood Services Team, and in fact a number of locals who have continued all year clearing litter abandoned by poachers.
The introduction of Crucian some time ago has gone extremely well. However, I’ve only received a handful of catch reports, so I do hope that the Cormorant has not devastated our stock. The only way we will know is when the pond is netted again. But I had been advised that they can seem to mysteriously disappear for some time, so hopefully they will be in an appearance in 2026, as I myself are yet to land one. Catches of some lovely Bream and Roach have been reported. As well as Perch (although I have not seen any of the bigger ones, but they have got to be there).
It has not yet been decided, but there is now a strong case to remove ALL Carp from our pond; this issue has been forced following the illegal introductions as I have just mentioned. The culprits of which are still yet to be found, but they will be. As it stands, I don’t know how many Carp are now in our stock. Shotton Hall Angling Club was setup NEVER to be another Carp pond, and will NEVER be. I will send more details on this when a decision has been made. So as a blunt suggestion, if you’re looking for a Carp fishery to angle at, please do not join Shotton Hall Angling Club, we have never been about Carp and will never be. There are many other fabulous fisheries in the North East that cater far better than us for Carp fishing.
As everyone will now know, Shotton Hall is in the process of changing hands. This has been a long process and as I type, is still ongoing.
As yet I have not met any of the prospective new owners and cannot provide any detailed information. However, I have been informed that the new owners are keen to keep our angling club, which I know a lot of you, and I, were very worried about.
Point of note about membership for 2026. Just for this year - All memberships will need to be purchased/renewed before Thursday 30th April 2026. THERE WILL BE NO APPLICATIONS ACKNOWLEDGED AFTER THIS DATE - NO EXEPTIONS. Going forward to 2027, there will be processes put in place with the new owners which will be publicised as and when developed. But until then, all memberships for 2026 need to be purchased before this date. Purchase process is exactly the same.
Applications/renewals in person at reception of the Hall. Prices will not increase in 2026. Full years senior membership £35, junior membership under 16 still only £10 for a full year.
I thank all our members of 2025 who we have provided tremendous support and themselves enjoyed tremendous sport, and look forward to the exciting developments in 2026.
See you on the bank.