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Deal & Walmer Angling Association

2015 Competition Results and Reports (archived)

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Secretary: Mr. Douglas Pettit
Hon. Treasurer: Mrs S. Pettit
108 Blenheim Road
Deal, Kent CT14 7EY
Telephone 01304 365617
Email pettitsandou@aol.com

Founded in 1904
- and -
Affiliated with the Angling Trust

2015 Competition Dates
Venue Sat Nav Date Time
Horsa Road (groynes) 51.231428, 1.404148 Sunday, 18th January 5pm to 9pm
Walmer Castle (top car park) 51.202032, 1.402374 Sunday, 15th February 5pm to 9pm
Horsa Road (groynes) 51.231428, 1.404148 Sunday, 29th March 5pm to 9pm
Cambridge Road (gardens) 51.210211, 1.402760 Sunday, 26th April 5pm to 9pm
Deal Pier (upper & lower decks) 51.223707, 1.404842 Sunday, 17th May 5pm to 9pm
Walmer Castle (top car park) 51.202032, 1.402374 Sunday, 28th June 5pm to 9pm
Cambridge Road (gardens) 51.210211, 1.402760 Sunday, 26th July 5pm to 9pm
Deal Pier (upper & lower decks) 51.223707, 1.404842 Sunday, 9th August 5pm to 9pm
Cambridge Road (gardens - sole only) 51.210211, 1.402760 Saturday, 29th August 8pm to midnight
Horsa Road (groynes) 51.231428, 1.404148 Sunday, 13th September 5pm to 9pm
Walmer Castle (top car park) 51.202032, 1.402374 Sunday, 25th October 5pm to 9pm
Cambridge Road (gardens) 51.210211, 1.402760 Sunday, 22nd November 5pm to 9pm
Horsa Road (groynes - Xmas match) 51.231428, 1.404148 Sunday, 20th December 3pm to 7pm

D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 20th December 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

The warm weather is persisting and everybody got up a sweat in last night's Deal and Walmer Angling Association's Christmas match and presentation. A fish a cast throughout the comp made it hectic, although undersized whiting were a pain. A nice selection of dogs, whiting and pout were brought to the scales, along with a codling. Of the 27 competitors, the Club awarded 24 meat vouchers. Top weights came from the Sandown Castle end of the venue with Dave Andrews putting 6.680 kg of "mixed" onto the scales. Luke Hutton seems to be thriving on the whiting and his 6.180 kg brought him into second place, beating Saul Page's 5.870 kg into third spot. The heaviest fish went to Mark Wilkie, who caught a 1.820 kg codling and best flatfish was John Green's 0.240 kg dab. A couple of facts and figures: there was 578 sizable fish caught for 103.48 kg, many thanks to scales (Mick Hambrook) and the measurers (Luke Hutton and Saul Page).

The presentation at the Deal and Walmer Rowing Club was well attended. The raffle table was piled high with goodies and a thanks goes to all that donated. It was a surprise that Ivan Rubins could stagger home with the amount of prizes that he won! The Club's annual champions were awarded their medals along with a special medal for the top junior, Henry Thomas, and a 10 kg Club medal for Tim Fagg's effort in the Pier comp.

As this was the last match of the year, the officers and committee would like to thank all the members who participated and wish them all a Happy Christmas and see you next year.

Luke Hutton (2015 first place: 501 points) Alan Underdown (2015 second place: 476 points) Fred Leach (2015 third place: 440 points)
Steve Gillett (2015 joint heaviest flat fish: flounder) John Green (2015 heaviest round fish: smooth-hound) Ken Withington (2015 joint heaviest flat fish: sole)
Tim Fagg (10 kg medal) Prizes Luke Hutton, Alan Underdown, Fred Leach and John Green

D&WAA Christmas Competition: Sunday, 20th December 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only Christmas match will be held on Sunday, 20th December (3pm till 7pm - book in from 2pm) at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road (groynes) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 2:30pm. After this match there will be a presentation for the winners at the Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Amateur Rowing Club, The Marina, Deal CT14 6NG (51.231734,1.404147). Prizes will include meat vouchers and hampers, together with golden peg prizes drawn from those competing in the match and attending the presentation at the Deal Rowing Club afterwards. There will also be the prize-giving for the overall points winners (first, second, third and largest flat and round fish) of the 2015 campaign. The bar will be open and we will also be holding a raffle. If you wish to make a donation for the raffle this will be greatly appreciated. Hope to see you there!


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 22nd November 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Compared to the night before, this Deal and Walmer Angling Association match was a walk-in-the-park. Conditions were cold, with a moderate north wind and a bit of a swell alongshore - in theory, ideal weather to catch cod. However, twenty-two anglers tried and failed to do so. The heaviest fish was a proverbial dog of 0.650 kg caught by John Green. Bags to scales consisted of whiting and pouts, with energetic Luke Hutton landing 45 in the four hour match. Luke's well deserved win with 6.650 kg puts him as this year's club champion for a total of 501 points. Well done, Luke. Second place on the night went to Brian Smith with 4.750 kg and in third spot was Ken Withington's 4.260 kg. Fred Leach managed a 0.170 kg dab for heaviest (and only) flatfish of the match.

Many thanks to Brian Smith and Andy Manning for pegging out and assisting at the weigh-in. Club Chairman, Mick Hambrook, presented the cash prizes.

The full results and final competition leader-board can be viewed here …

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 20th December (3pm till 7pm) at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road (groynes) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 2:30pm. After this match there will a presentation for the winners at the Deal Rowing Club. More about this will be advertised nearer to the date.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 22nd November 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 22nd November (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). This match is the last of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …

Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 25th October 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Tonight's beach match, opposite Walmer Castle, was fished in near perfect conditions. The 5pm to 9pm comp attracted an entry of 25 with the majority of anglers bringing fish to the scales. With the loss of BST, the match was fished in darkness and benefited the catching of fish. Whiting made up the main catches, which were to be expected. However, four codling were also caught, the largest at 1.680 kg by Andy Manning, which just beat Alan Underdown's by 40 grams. Although the codling showed at the Kingsdown end pegs, it was left to the north side of the venue for the heaviest weights. Kevin Scott caught 23 fish for 5.120 kg and won the match, whilst Luke Hutton, in his customary athletic form, managed to bag up 27 fish for second spot at 5.010 kg. Third was Josh Hackett with 4.860 kg, which included a codling of 1.150kg. Heaviest flat pool, a dab of 0.220 kg, was secured by John Green. Good shows of dogfish were also included, although mainly on the small side.

I would like to thank the officers and committee for pegging the match (Andy Manning) and recording at the weigh-in, especially Chairman Mick Hambrook for assisting me on the scales and getting his hands wet and cold.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

November will be the last match in the points league, where Luke Hutton and Alan Underdown are neck and neck, with Luke in a 14 point lead. At the Christmas comp on the 20th December, there will a presentation for the winners at the Deal Rowing Club after the match. More about this will be advertised nearer to the date.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the last of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 22nd November (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 25th October 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the eleventh of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - takes place at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 25th October (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

Remember, the clocks go back on Sunday, 25th October at 2:00 am …


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 13th September 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Most of this year's club matches have been fished around the high tide period, however, in tonight's four hour comp it was over the low water. It was an interesting combination with some hours of darkness and a bit of colour in the water. The sea defence scheme over the last few years has affected the seabed contours at north Deal beach and some say it does not fish as well as it did in the past. The wind was a light easterly and the rain held off. Possibly the calm before the storm; however, it made for a pleasant evening's fishing. Sea temperature was 17°C.

We had a great turnout of 30 anglers which filled up the venue at north Deal. The fishing was disappointingly slow, with some good size pouts and a few whiting; nevertheless, all the competitors weighed in. However, in the last hour and in darkness some better fish were caught. Luke Hutton, on the end peg, continued to fish at distance and picked up 3 dogs plus some pouts for a winning weight of 2.550 kg. Second was England International Saul Page who managed 10 fish for 1.760 kg just beating Josh Hacket's 8 fish at 1.730 kg. Josh also had a codling of 0.590 kg in his bag. Alan Underdown was fourth with 1.700 kg which included the heaviest fish of the match, a codling of 0.740 kg. Local tackle dealer, Dean Curry, caught the heaviest flat, a sole of 320g and managed fifth place with a total weight of 1.670 kg.

Many thanks to Brian Smith for pegging out.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the tenth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 25th October (5pm till 9pm) at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 13th September 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the tenth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 13th September 2015 (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


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D&WAA "sole-only" Competition: Saturday, 29th August 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Soles are one of the most targeted flatfish by the beach angler. They are communal, and normally when one is caught there is a good chance of others. Their habitat is sand or mud where they can bury themselves up to their eyes and wait for prey to come by. Finding an area where they are situated can be difficult and some locations are guarded by secretive anglers. They are sought-after mainly for their taste from the firm flesh on their bodies and can reach £30 per kg at the fishmongers. Dabs belong to the same family as sole and are an underestimated source of cheap fish with a similar flavour to their expensive cousins.

Tonight's annual Deal & Walmer Angling Association "sole-only" match at Cambridge Road has been a successful venue in the past. Sea and weather conditions count heavily in the venture to catch these elusive and cannot be guaranteed at the time when a match is organised. However, last night the wind stayed light and the predicted rain did not arrive until the latter part of the match. With the comp ending on the midnight high tide, there were six soles caught - unfortunately only four were sizable. Interestingly, other fish which also fell to the competitors' lug and ragworm baits were pouts, whiting, dogfish, a couple of very small thornback rays and two codling up to 3 lb. The final results from the 21 anglers were:

  1. Ken Withington - first with 0.390g (also awarded the heaviest sole prize)
  2. Len Brown - second with 0.260g (also awarded second heaviest sole prize)
  3. Barry Wilmshurst - third with 0.250g
  4. Fred Leach - fourth with 0.240g

As always, many thanks to Andy Manning and Brian Smith for pegging out.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the tenth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 13th September (5pm till 9pm) at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148).


Sole time …

East Kent Mercury, Thursday 27th August 2015

It's sole time and to mark the arrival of the Dover sole around the Kent coasts, lots of shore angling clubs host a "sole-only" competition, writes Alan Yates.

The Deal and Walmer Angling Association have theirs on Saturday at Cambridge Road (gardens), fishing 8pm until midnight.

Sole are a flatfish species with their distinctive footprint shape giving them their name. In angling terms they are not easy to catch, firstly because they are commercially caught and are few and far between and secondly, they have a fairly small-shaped mouth and are difficult to hook.

Tactics for Saturday's competition are to fish with small size 4 hooks and small sections of lugworm and ragworm and the trick will be to avoid the other more prolific and hungry species like the dogfish, pouting and whiting.

One way to do this is to fish fairly close to the shore because soles are notorious for their liking of the water's edge.

Top time in the competition will be darkness because soles are considered nocturnal although, in fact, they also feed in daylight especially if the water is coloured.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Saturday, 29th August 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match (the ninth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign) will be held on Saturday, 29th August at Cambridge Road (gardens) venue (51.210211, 1.402760). The competition will be pegged on the stretch of Walmer beach extending for 750 yards south of the Downs Sailing Club and fished between 8pm and midnight on Saturday, 29th August, so all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue by no later than 7:30pm. The "measure-in" and weighing of eligible flatfish will take place 15 minutes after midnight.

This is a "flatfish-only (sole)" competition in which:

  1. round fish are ineligible, and
  2. sole - if any are caught and regardless of size - take precedence over other flatfish species.

All undersized flatfish are to be measured, recorded, signed-off and returned until three (3) sizeable flatfish have been caught, following which undersized fish will not be recorded. Please note that it is the individual angler's responsibility to ensure that, after being measured and recorded, all undersized flatfish are returned alive to the water from which they were taken and must not be retained.

The length of all flatfish is to be measured in centimetres, from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail fin and, should there be any dispute on the measurement of a flatfish, the Club Secretary's Master Measure will be the deciding measure.

The three (3) heaviest sole take priority over all other flatfish caught but, if three (3) or less sole are not caught, then sizeable flatfish will take the prizes. If no sizeable flatfish are caught the longest total of undersize sole will take precedence over any other flatfish.

Five prizes are awarded from the total of the entry fees collected at the competition: first (40%), second (25%) and third (15%) place and heaviest flatfish (12%) and second heaviest flatfish (8%). A prize is shared if and when an eligible catch is matched. If less than three (3) flatfish are caught the prize(s) is\are awarded on the basis of the outcome of a draw of the competitors' peg cards. In addition, points will be awarded in the usual way.

In summary, competitors will be fishing for flatfish, particularly Dover, common or black sole (Solea solea) but, for the avoidance of doubt, the following flatfish species, although eligible to be measured for the competition (being flatfish), are not considered to be "sole" for such purposes:

The competition will be pegged on the stretch of Walmer beach from Cambridge Road heading north to the pier and fished between 8pm and midnight on Saturday, 29th August 2015, so please try to be at the Cambridge Road venue by 7pm. The "measure-in" will take place 15 minutes after midnight.

The D&WAA is an affiliate of the Angling Trust, whose recommended retention sizes for flatfish caught at sea angling matches and competitions are set out below. Following these recommendations will ensure that neither the D&WAA nor its members are in contravention of any local bye laws set by the Kent Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authority.

Species (common name) Species Recommended Retention Size
(centimetres)		 Recommended Retention Size
(inches)
Brill Scophthalmus rhombus 35 cm 13¾ in
Dab Limanda limanda 23 cm 8 in
Dab, Long Rough Hippoglossoides platessoides 20 cm 8 in
Flounder Platichthys flesus 27 cm 10⅔ in
Megrim Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis 25 cm 9¾ in
Plaice Pleuronectes platessa 28 cm 11 in
Sole, Dover Solea solea 25 cm 9¾ in
Sole, Lemon Microstomus kitt 25 cm 9¾ in
Sole, Thickback Microchirus variegatus 25 cm 9¾ in
Topknot, Norwegian Phrynorhombus norvegicus 10 cm 4 in
Turbot Scophthalmus maximus 35 cm 13¾ in
Witch Glyptocephalus cynoglossus 28 cm 11 in

UK shore-caught flattie records

Species (common name) lb oz dr Year
Brill 7 7 8 1980
Dab 2 9 8 1936
Flounder 5 7 0 1994
Megrim 2 6 1 1987
Plaice 8 6 14 1989
Sole 6 8 10 1991
Sole, Lemon 2 7 11 1980
Turbot 28 8 0 1973
Witch 1 2 13 1967

D&WAA Pier Competition: Sunday, 9th August 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

It's a well known fact that I'm not a great lover of fishing from Deal Pier, although I spent many hours of my youth catching cod from it in the 60s (1960s that is). Not sure why I have gone off the fishing from one of the county's best catching platforms … it might be the fear of being savaged by a dog! I must admit that the Pier has produced many good fish over the years, and a look at the fish of the month results prove this. There are not that many piers that can boast double figure fish every month with some excellent catches accompanying them. Throughout the seasons the catches can vary from cod and whiting to rays and bass, with the dogfish being ever present.

In tonight's D&WAA evening match the 23 competitors used all their guiles to bring fish to the scales. Some fished the lower deck, down alongside the Pier piles, to exploit the pouting and pollack shoals which frequent the seabed obstructions in the clear water. The reason these fish are attracted to the Pier piles is the small crustaceans that live in the mussel-encrusted concrete and are easy prey to the predators. Some of the other anglers prefer to catch the larger fish such as dogs and rays which will out-weigh the smaller shoal species, using larger bait and patience. The main weights came from the piles with pouting, pollack and wrasse making the top three results. It was down to a gruelling bout of speed fishing with Tim Fagg catching 79 sizable fish for a total weight of 10.860 kg beating my 66 fish weighing 8.810 kg. In third place was Alan Underdown with 8.720 kg, and in 4th and 5th places were John Green and Steve Hackett with, respectively, 6.630 kg and 5.700 kg. The heaviest fish went to John Green with a smooth-hound of 2.830 kg which he caught in the last half hour of the match. As no flats were caught, the second heaviest fish took that prize money - a dog of 770g, caught by Joe Smith.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the ninth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Saturday, 29th August (8pm till midnight) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). This match is "sole only" …

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …


D&WAA Pier Competition: Sunday, 9th August 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next (8th of 13) D&WAA members-only competition takes place on Sunday, 9th August (5pm to 9pm) on Deal Pier. Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Pier Approach no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

There are still six matches left in the Club's 2015 competition campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 26th July 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

What a difference a day makes. Not the title to a song but a comparison of an English summer. However, the change from the calm sunny weather to a fresh wind and rain can be a help to improve the beach angler's catches (I lied about the rain). The daytime water colour is so important for improving the catch rate. A bit of a blow, especially with some north in it, will take the edge off a crystal clear sea; and doing so, brings the fish a bit closer to the shore line.

Earlier in the week we were all dreading a slow time for the Sunday comp, as the sea has been settled for a while. Friday and Saturday saw some wind from the north-east and then north-west which put some colour alongshore and our hopes were revived. How diverse can the weather be, as tonight, the match was held in a strong southerly … with rain?

The things we do for our sport - is it worth it? Of course it is, and 25 anglers also had the same impression as they fished the rising tide opposite Cambridge Road in the current Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach match. Some were chasing the leader-board points and some were after the £250 payout. This is what match fishing is about.

Again the catches were patchy with distance casting finding the dogs. Winner, with 9 fish, was Sam Collier with a total weight of 4.400 kg. Seven dogs and pout at 3.520 kg put Louie Smith into second spot and Tim Fagg third, with 1.960 kg. Fourth and fifth were John Green and Alan Underdown with 1.850 kg and 1.660 kg respectively. No flatties having been caught, heaviest and second heaviest round fish was a tie between Louie Smith and Sam Collier with dogs at 0.860 kg.

I am very grateful to Andy Manning and Dean Curry for 'pegging out'.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the eighth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 9th August (5pm till 9pm) at Deal Pier (upper and lower decks) (51.223707, 1.404842). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Pier Approach no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 26th July 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next D&WAA members-only 2015 competition takes place on Sunday, 26th July (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). This match is the seventh of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …

Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

As is customary on summer Sunday evenings, Deal Pier will close at 10 pm and reopen on Monday morning at 8 am. However, unlike any other Monday morning in the past 177 years, dogs will be permitted on Deal Pier.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 28th June 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Preparing for a summer match can be difficult. The sea might clear out over night or colour up after a north east blow. The tide makes a big difference, with a slack neap not putting enough movement into the water to encourage the fish to feed. Daylight hours can make the fish shy and stay out that bit further; taking the bait with caution. All these things need to be considered with the preparation of bait and tackle. The successful match angler will have all these factors covered and with his disciplines, will fish and catch in confidence. However, the fish have to be there to start with.

Tonight's Deal and Walmer Angling Association comp saw 28 anglers sign in at Walmer Castle to pick their peg numbers and ready themselves for the 5pm start. Sea temperature was 15.6°C on a rising tide with the water becoming crystal clear. It was a struggle with only seven bringing fish to the scales and with many of the competitors blanking and without a bite. Distance casting put Tim Fagg onto three dogs for a catch of 1.620 kg and a win. Second place went to Dave Andrews with two dogs at 1.070 kg and Alan Underdown third with 0.960 kg. Heaviest fish was a dog of 0.740 kg from Luke Hutton. Apart from three pouting, the rest of the catch were dogs so, without a flatfish between us, the largest flatfish prize was awarded to the second heaviest dogfish of the night weighing 0.680 kg caught by Sam Collier.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the seventh of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 26th July (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 28th June 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The sixth of the D&WAA members-only 2015 competitions takes place at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 28th June (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

There are still eight matches left in the Club's 2015 competition campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …


D&WAA Pier Competition: Sunday, 17th May 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Fishing the Pier can be an advantage for those who cannot cast a lead towards the horizon. Unlike the beach, the Pier allows the angler to fish in deeper water where, at times, the fish are more prolific. However, the Pier is not every match angler's preferred venue - one of the problems being that it is too snaggy. One of the reasons that Deal Pier is a tackle eater is not rocks or old metal work, but other anglers' lost line. When the Pier was constructed many anglers were still using cotton fibre 'cuttyhunk' line which, over a period of time, would rot when lost. Throughout the 1960s and 70s most anglers would use straight 26/30 lb breaking strain monofilament line on their reels. This would normally pull through any small snags and most tackle would have been retrieved. With the outcome of newer design rods and smaller reels with thinner line the angler has managed to achieve a longer cast than in the past. However, with using lines as thin as 12 lb breaking strain a leader line of 60/80 lb breaking strain has to be used. These thick leaders, after a crack-off, would lie on the seabed with 30 - 40 feet of line flowing down tide. In the confined and crowded area of the Pier there would be a good chance that other anglers' tackle and leaders would be entangled in that lost gear. Eventually the leaders and line twist and form a skein the thickness of a wire hawser. This then acts as an unbreakable snag that will be impossible to pull through or sever. Fortunately for anglers, the Pier does get dragged occasionally and severe storms do dislodge these obstructions. Nevertheless, it is only a matter of time before the lost leaders build up to become future man made snags.

This evening's match was held in a freshening south-west wind and sunshine. The sea still held some colour which helped under those conditions. For most of the match it was very slow until the last half hour; and the highlight of the evening for some of the 24 competitors was the committee handing out hot drinks and crisps (although a pint of beer would have been my choice). The members had the option of bottom or top deck to fish; however, it was those who chose to fish the end of the Pier (lower deck) who bagged-up. The winner was Richard Yates with eight fish for 3.790 kg. Tim Fagg was second with a bag of dogs and an 850g bass (heaviest round fish) for 2.690 kg beating Fred Leach's 2.190 kg. No flattie having been caught, the heaviest flatfish prize was awarded to the second heaviest round fish which was an 800g dogfish caught by Richard Yates. Fourth and fifth place went, respectively, to Luke Hutton and Dave Eaglestone with 1.770 kg and 1.190 kg.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the sixth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 28th June (5pm till 9pm) at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

The results as recorded at the weigh-in can be viewed here …


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 17th May 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next (5th of 13) D&WAA members-only competition takes place on Sunday, 17th May (5pm to 9pm) on Deal Pier. Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Pier Approach no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

There are still nine matches left in the Club's 2015 competition campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …


Forecasts keep us guessing

Report by Alan Yates, East Kent Mercury 29 April 2015

The unpredictable weather patterns of recent weeks have seen anglers reaching for the pine cones and seaweed with the television forecast experts getting it wrong regularly. Personally, my belief is that they ignore the time of the tides and the wind in their predictions and are obsessed with sunshine, rain and their looks! However, because we are close to the sea, our weather is different from that inland and if you think about it, the amount of sea displaced at low water by the air (wind in most cases) has an effect that the inland does not. It's a fact known by most seasoned anglers that the wind gets up with the tide more time than not. So going shore fishing in the evening and during a flooding tide at this time of year in shorts and short sleeves is not wise, even after a sunny day because it's bound to blow and rain.

At the Deal and Walmer Angling Association latest beach match fished at Walmer beach opposite Cambridge Road (gardens), it was a classic case of a TV forecast too far with 29 angling hopefuls caught out in the rain. However, the fish didn't seem to mind and Tankerton angler Alan Underdown landed two dogfish on his first cast and never looked back, landing seven for a winning total of 4.610 kg. He also included the heaviest fish, a dogfish of 640 grams.

Second was England junior team member Joe Smith, from Deal, with six fish for 3.150 kg, beating Deal's Shawn Manning's 2.570 kg. The heaviest flat fish, a flounder of 180 grams, was caught by Deal and Walmer AA club chairman, Mick Hambrook.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 26th April 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

In this day and age of technology it should be possible to accurately forecast the weather for the next 48 hours. I know we all like to moan about the weather, however, after all these years the experts still have not got a clue. Catching fish is, at times, difficult enough but sorting out suitable clothing for the event is almost impossible. A few days ago the forecast stated that the wind would be fresh south-west with rain. Then it gets changed with wind direction swinging 180 degrees to a moderate north-east with rain … oh no, they changed their mind again - no rain! So forget about what tactics are going to be used in the comp, the main thoughts are, "shall I dress like a polar bear or Captain Birdseye?" One thing for sure, it wasn't going to be shorts and sunglasses (please take note Luke Hutton).

Enough of the rant (which at my age I have perfected), and on with the comp's results. The 5pm - 9pm match at Cambridge Road (gardens) attracted an entry of 29. Twelve year old Henry Thomas was first to catch with a 0.080g rockling. It was then the turn of the big hitters to make a start on the dogfish. Distance proved the fish were there, with Alan Underdown getting a double shot on his second cast. His total of 7 dogs was enough to win with 4.610 kg. His catch also included the heaviest fish, a dog of 840g. Second place went to England Junior team member Joe Smith with 6 fish for 3.150 kg, beating Shawn Manning's 2.570 kg. The heaviest flat was caught by club chairman Mick Hambrook, with a flounder of 180g.

And what was the weather like? Put it this way, have you ever seen a polar bear dressed up as Captain Birdseye ?

I am very grateful to John Green for 'pegging out'.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match - the fifth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign - will be held on Sunday, 17th May (5pm till 9pm) at Deal Pier (upper and lower decks) (51.223707, 1.404842). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Pier Approach no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

Results as recorded at the weigh-in:

Pegs 1 to 21
Pegs 22 to 33


D&WAA committee appointments

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The following committee appointments were made at the 2015\2016 annual general meeting of the Deal & Walmer Angling Association held on Thursday, 19th March 2015 in the Map Room of the Royal Hotel:


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 26th April 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 26th April (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760). This match is the fourth of the 12 competitions comprising the 2015 campaign and, for those who need an incentive, the match leader-board is published here …

Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 29th March 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

The venue for the latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach match was changed because of adverse weather. With westerly winds gusting to gale force and rain, it was decided to fish at the north end of Deal under the lee of the buildings along the Marina. The four hour match, 5-9pm, also hit the extra hour of summer time and less darkness as of late. In hindsight this was the right decision and the 33 competitors all managed to catch. Thankfully the wind died away and it turned out to be a pleasant evening … apart from the rain.

Heaviest weight was on-form Sam Collier with a mixed bag of dogs and bits for 4.200 kg. Second, with dogs and whiting was Tim Fagg with a total weight of 3.870 kg, beating Julian Attwood's 3.180 kg. The top weights came from the high peg numbers towards the pier end and that was also where the heaviest fish was caught from as well, with Mark Wilkie landing a codling of 1.490 kg. A dab of 180g was enough to win heaviest flat and was caught by Steve Hackett.

I am very grateful to Andy Manning for 'pegging out'.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 26th April (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760).

The full results and updated competition leader-board can be viewed here …

Results as recorded at the weigh-in:

Pegs 1 to 21
Pegs 22 to 33


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 29th March 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The next D&WAA members-only competition, which was originally to be held at Cambridge Road (gardens) on Sunday, 29th March (5pm to 9pm), will now be held at Horsa Road (51.231428, 1.404148) which venue is better sheltered from the strong westerly winds (28mph with 51mph gusts) and rain which are forecast for Sunday afternoon. The date and time of the match remain the same. Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


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D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 15th February 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

Apart from the sea temperature being only 6°C the conditions for tonight's four hour comp were almost perfect. Plenty of colour in the sea on a rising tide and flat calm sea conditions. With the sea temperature that low, most of the 32 competitors realised it was going to be a 'scratch match'. The majority fished small and rockling, pouts, whiting and dabs were going into the buckets. However, it was some dogfish that influenced the final weigh-in. Shawn Manning's dog and seven bits was enough to win with 1.580 kg. Luke Hutton plugged away and without a dog his ten fish weighed 1.090 kg. Coming third with 1.020 kg and the heaviest fish (a dog of 850g) was Mark Wilkie. Fourth and fifth places were Dave Chamberlain (900g) and Alan Underdown (710g). Luke Hutton also picked up the pool for the heaviest flat, a dab of 150g.

I am very grateful to Brian Smith and Andy Manning for 'pegging out'.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 29th March (5pm till 9pm) at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.210211, 1.402760).

Updated competition leader-board here …


The people's café on Route 1

Kent Online 14th February 2015

A proposed cyclists' café on Deal seafront has been granted full planning permission. The former Deal & Walmer Angling Association HQ on Beach Street will now be turned into a café and cycle repair workshop. The project is the brainchild of Platform 1 owners Nick and Andy Stevens, along with Deal Tri chairwoman Yvonne Hankin and vice-chairman Gary Holmes.

Nick Stevens said:

"The public support for this project has been overwhelming. With planning permission granted the project team is looking forward to transforming this prime site building on Deal's seafront into a café to cater for the ever-increasing cycle market and provide a cycle technician service. Deal is a mecca for cyclists, both club members and people who just enjoy cycling for fun. Our cycle café concept will be the first of its kind on the south east coast and, of course, will be creating job opportunities for the people of the town, too. It's not just for cyclists, its a café for everybody."

It hopes to create 12 jobs initially and this number could grow during the busy summer. The café also hopes to become a hub for community events that take place along the seafront.

Planning permission, given by Dover District Council, is subject to a few conditions, including that no music is to be played on the premises at any time. There will also be no outside seating unless this is approved by the local planning authority. Deal Town Council had objected to the plans for a seating area as this would be located on the main walkway along the seafront.

The developers must also submit samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the development and decking area and details of the cycle hoops. These must be approved by the local planning authority before the project can start.

Last week the Mercury reported that the public consultation period had seen an overwhelmingly positive response.


D&WAA "flatfish-only" (sole) competition: Saturday, 29th August 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

For the purposes of the "heaviest flatfish" of 2015 award, the longest sole (or flatfish if no sole is caught) measured at the "flatfish-only (sole)" competition on Saturday, 29th August 2015 will also be weighed and the rules for this competition have been so amended.


Dogfish earn top prize

Report by Alan Yates, East Kent Mercury

The first competitions of the new near usually attract sizeable entries and the latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach event did just that with 30 competitors turning out for an event fished in the groynes at the north end of Deal. Match winner was Shaun Manning, of Deal, with a catch of seven dogfish and a codling for 4.040 kg. Second was last year's club champion, John Green with a catch of 3.840 kg. Third was Luke Hutton, of Dover, with seven fish at 2.810 kg. Sam Collier and Andy Manning were fourth and fifth with 2.380 kg and 2.060 kg respectively. The heaviest fish of the event was a codling of 860g for Tankerton angler Alan Underdown and the heaviest flatfish was a flounder of 390g for Deal's Steve Gillett.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 15th February 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The second of the D&WAA members-only 2015 competitions takes place at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 15th February (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 18th January 2015

Report by Dave Chamberlain

An amazing 28 anglers showed up to fish the first Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach match held in the groynes at north Deal. The four hours on a rising tide did not bring in vast amounts of sizeable fish with the winner, Shaun Manning, bagging seven dogfish and codling for 4.040 kg. Close on his heels with six fish was last year's points winner John Green. He managed a similar catch for 3.840 kg. Third was Luke Hutton with seven fish at 2.810 kg. Sam Collier and Andy Manning took 4th and 5th places with 2.380 kg and 2.060 kg. The heaviest round fish was a codling of 860 gm caught by Alan Underdown and heaviest flat, a flounder of 390 gm landed by veteran angler Steve Gillett. In total, 90 sizeable fish were caught weighing 29.340 kg.

I am very grateful to Brian Smith and Andy Manning for 'pegging out' and to Mick Hambrook for assisting me with the busy weigh-in.

The next Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only match will be held on Sunday, 15th February (5pm till 9pm) at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374).

Inaugural competition leader-board here …

Results as recorded at the weigh-in:

Pegs 1 to 25
Pegs 26 to 30


D&WAA Beach Competition: Sunday, 18th January 2015

Announcement by Doug Pettit

The first of the D&WAA members-only 2015 competitions takes place at Horsa Road (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 18th January (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.


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