The great club book boom!

MANY OF Britain’s fishing clubs have postponed memberships until 2021 after becoming full to capacity following the post-lockdown surge in angling participation.

The news demonstrates just how popular the sport has become since restrictions were lifted in mid-May, and reflects the Environment Agency’s latest report which highlighted a 17 per cent rise in rod licence sales compared to last year. 

One club that’s just sold the last of its 2020 memberships is Northamptonshire’s Vauxhall AC.

Head bailiff Dave Binge tells us:

“Usually we have 700 to 800 annual members, but this year we’ve exceeded 1,000. 

“We could have sold a lot more too, but with the current rules on social distancing in place we had to put a cap on our sales so we could keep all of our members safe.

“The extra income has been incredibly beneficial to the club and will contribute to maintaining and stocking our fisheries.”

Sales of club books have soared since lockdown

Despite some anglers missing out on memberships for certain clubs this year, many associations are continuing to provide day tickets for the same waters.

Newark and District Piscatorial Federation (NDPF) is still offering memberships to anglers living within an eight-mile radius of Newark, although those living outside that area must now wait until May 1 of next year before they can submit an application.

According to club bailiff Alfie Naylor, though, there are still plenty of free pegs for day-ticket anglers to enjoy. 

“Like the annual memberships, our day-ticket sales have also increased this year and have more or less doubled compared to 2019,” he says.

“However, we’re fortunate at NDPF to have a large selection of River Trent venues that provide plenty of space for anglers. 

“Although we have seen an influx in anglers buying a day ticket, our stretches just never get close to being full or too busy.” 

Clubs on the River Trent have been particularly popular