Club News

This is your club and we need your input. If you have a funny story, an update about a venue, want to report your catches or have anything interesting to report please contact Graham. Details are on the 'Contacts' page.

20 February 2012 - Easter Egg Hunt, Milton Country Park, Sunday 8 April 2012

We have been invited to have a display stand at the 2012 Easter Egg Hunt at Milton Country Park on Sunday April 8 April; the event will feature the groups associated with Milton Country Park. The organisers anticipate 200 participants in the Easter Egg Hunt, all of which will visit our stand to collect an egg, plus an additional 500 or more, depending on the weather. Can you help man the stand? If you can, please contact John Pope on 01223 515458 or Graham on 01223 234616 for further details; please call before 8pm.

14 February 2012 – Pembroke Regatta, Information from the Event Organiser

This year’s Pembroke Regatta will take place on Saturday 18th February from 8am to 5pm. It will use the river between Chesterton Footbridge and Grassy corner. The format of the Regatta is similar to previous years, with sets of races being run approximately every half hour from the end of the Reach to Peter’s Posts.

We appreciate the inconvenience this event causes to other river users and we are keen to minimise this as far as possible. As in previous years, boats are welcome to navigate through the Regatta course between sets of races. Boats heading downstream should speak to the marshals at Chesterton who will let you know as soon as it is clear to row through the course, and crews rowing upstream should speak to the marshals on Plough Reach. It will greatly help the running of the Regatta if you are able to navigate through the course without unnecessary delay.

If necessary, I can be contacted on the day of the Regatta on 07706932082.

Hannah Officer, Regatta Secretary, Pembroke College Boat Club.

13 February 2012 - Dawn Raiders – Lacy

A new story from Graham, describing his early association with Lacy Anderson

6 February 2012 - New Dawn Raider Stories

There are two new stories on the Stories page, under the heading Dawn Raiding, a New Chapter. They mark the beginning of a new set of stories to be told by Graham; a cross between The Archers and Wind In The Willows.

29 January 2012 - Match Calendar for the 2012-2013 Season

Dates for next seasons matches are available on the Matches page; please note the new Early Bird matches.

16 January 2012 - Nethergrove Working Party Cancelled

Due to an adverse weather forcast the working party for Saturday, 21 January, has been cancelled.

13 January 2012 – a Celebration of The Life of Peter Ginn

Today I attended the celebration of the life of a former treasurer, trustee and a life vice president of our great club. Peter Ginn. Sadly, on Christmas Eve, Peter passed away after a short illness.

Peter was a trustee when I joined the committee as a fourteen year-old all those years ago.... 40! He was a kind and a dignified man who enjoyed helping the club and loved his fishing. Peter ceased being a trustee when we became a limited company in 2003 and we kind of lost touch. Up until that point he would come along to our children's matches and help out even though he had given up his officer duties. I liked and respected him and understood that he wanted to contribute, to help out, but not for him the politics of angling. In voluntary work over the last decade there have been many changes and we have to undertake regular training, have club mark and this and that. This sort of stuff was not for Peter and who could blame him.

We heard about his life a true Cambridge boy and I was particularly touched on hearing that in courting Beryl, who would become his wife, they corresponded by Morse code from their windows as his house backed onto hers! Learnt in the RAF by Peter and the girl guides by Beryl....absolutely wonderful! So you see all this texting, face book and twitter stuff, well they were messaging all those years ago! Our thoughts are with Peter's family.

Graham Tweed, President CFPAS Ltd.

10 January 2012 - Working Party for Nethergrove

We will be doing tidy up work at Nethergrove for two hours from 9am on Saturday 21st of January. Can you help? If so please contact Graham on 01223234616.

10 January 2012 - Signal Crayfish

Signal Crayfish have been found in the River Cam at Byrons Pool. The following documents help to identify these pests which, by law, must be humanely killed and not returned to the water: Crayfish_Identity (from the Environment Agency) Crayfishleaflet08 and ID_Pacifastacus_leniusculus. If you catch one please deal with it appropriately and contact Graham. Please also contact Graham if you hear of anyone else who has caught one.

20 December 2011 - Happy Christmas

A Merry Christmas to all our members. Hoping you find the fish over over the break and in the New Year, best wishes, Graham. PS Keep the catch reports coming.

15 December 2011 - Lacy Anderson, Cambridge News Acknowledgments 13 December, 2011

ANDERSON

Stephanie and the family of the late Lacy George Anderson, wish to thank all who sent kind messages of sympathy following their recent sudden and sad bereavement. Thanks also to the many who attended the funeral service and sent kind donations for Sawston Cricket Club in his memory. Special thanks are due to Reverend Bruce Waldron for conducting such a comforting funeral service. Please accept this as an expression of our sincere gratitude and thanks.

24 November 2011 - Lacy Anderson's Funeral

The funeral of Lacy Anderson will take place at 12:45 at Cambridge Crematorium on Thursday, 1st December, 2011. Family flowers only; donations to Sawston cricket club. Further details to follow.

22 November 2011 - Half Price Season Tickets

Our season permits are half price from December; a perfect Christmas present. Cheques payable to CFPAS Ltd. Send off now and we will dispatch by return. Our agents can sell the books at half price from the first of December.

18 November 2011 - Lacy Anderson Has Passed Away

Sadly, on Thursday night my friend and mentor Lacy Anderson passed away. He died peacefully in hospital after a short illness; our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. We will publish more in due course.

Graham Tweed, President CFPAS Ltd.

17 November 2011 - Sweepstake Matches

This season's sweepstake matches are listed on the Matches page. The match on the 4th of December will be our Christmas match, and as always we ask for a donated prize or two.

13 October 2011 - Canoe Race on Sunday 27 November

The canoe race scheduled for 20th November 2011 has now been moved to 27th November 2011 to avoid a clash with the university rowers. As before this is running approximately 11am-3pm, from the Canoe clubhouse on the upper river to Fen Ditton via the backs, then return. The most crowded section will be between Newnham and Jesus Lock, with a fair number of boats going on to the Green Dragon.

The main problem for fishermen is likely to be on the island at Bishop's Mill sluice, and just upstream of here between Newnham and central Cambridge). Fishing upstream of the Newnham swimming club will not be affected. Rowing will still be possible on the lower river, but please can rowers beware even more than usual of what is behind them, and try to avoid going 2 abreast when canoes come past. Not all the canoeists are used to rowers and some will have big heavy boats. We will have turn buoys in the river at the Green Dragon bridge and at the Fen Ditton pub.

Hope this doesn't cause too many problems. Regards, Philip Stevenson - Cambridge Canoe Club.

7 October 2011 - Match on Sunday 9 October

The draw for Sunday's match will be held at 8am at the Anchor end of Burwell Lode - fishing from 9am to 3pm. Please book with Graham.

4 October 2011 - Repairs at Baits Bite Lock

Repairs to the downstream landing stage at Baits Bite Lock start 3 October 2011 and are expected to last for five weeks. Click here for more details.

20 September 2011 - World Rivers Day Festival

Cambridge Boaters have organised a World River Festival to be held on 25 September on The Cam at Jesus Green: John Pope, Graham Tweed and Will Temple will be there coaching. Click here to download details of the event and here to download a map. Sounds like a good day out.

4 September 2011 - Juniors, Ladies & OAP’s Match

There is still time for any Juniors, Ladies & OAP’s to take part in our annual West Renault Dealers sponsored match on Saturday 10th September at Bates Bite Lock. We will meet above the lock with the Draw at 8.30am with fishing 9.30am till 1.30pm. The event is suitable for anglers of all abilities, male and female, a chance to have fun in a supervised environment with coaches available throughout the match to give you help and support as needed. For further information or to book a place please contact Mr John Pope, Junior Event Co-ordinator 01223 515458.

30 August 2011 - Maintenance Work at Nethergrove Lake

We have coppiced half the island, which has let much light into the top end of the lake. It is brutal but essential - the vegetation grows back stronger, but it is best kept low for the well being of the lake.

The Hazel bushes need coppicing this year and again will benefit from this work. Some margin weed will be removed this autumn and some new swims created over the next few months. Water level is low! We are hoping for a wet autumn and winter.

Anyone wanting to help please contact Graham.

29 August 2011 - Update from the Angling Trust and Fish Legal August 2011

The August e-update from the Angling Trust and their legal arm Fish Legal is available on http://emarketing.blue-leaf.co.uk/t/ViewEmail/r/67296CDE2030A1D0/2109DF880880CAB36E6039C17E42EE19

29 August 2011 - Hazel from Netherwood Lake

The Hazel is ready to be coppiced. We are happy for someone to have the Hazel in return for cutting it. Please contact Graham Tweed.

15 August 2011 - Junior, Ladies and OAP’s Match, Saturday 10th September 2011

Application forms for this match are now available from local tackle shops and for download on the Matches page on the website.

13 August 2011 - Photographs Wanted for the Website

We need photographs of Reach Lake, Sportsmans Pit, The Old West at Earith and The Great Ouse at Eaton Socon and Little Barford. If you can send Graham a picture of any of these venues it will be much appreciated.

11 August 2011 - Fishery Officers for Milton Country Park

David Donald has been appointed Fishery Officer for Milton Country Park. David is regularly on site and often fishes at night so will be regularly around the fishery. He joins Jim Russell who is also our River Cam Fishery Officer.

8 August 2011 - Weed Clearing Burwell Lode

The Environment Agency are weed removing on the Burwell lode this week. Good news but plan you session taking note of the operation which should be completed this week.

6 July 2011 - Family Open Day

Our annual Family Open Day is now fast approaching and will be taking place on Sunday 17th July at Milton Country Park between 10am & 4pm. Come along and have a 30 minute fishing session with one of the clubs licensed coaches. There will be an opportunity to talk to our Carp Specialist who will answer all your questions on Rigs and bait. Also Pond Dipping sessions with the Park Rangers. A lovely place to visit with toilets and a café on site.

To book a session please contact Mr John Pope - Junior Event Co-ordinator: 01223 515458.

6 July 2011 - Nethergrove Lake

I apologise to regulars who fish Nethergrove. There has been a misunderstanding over the grass and swim maintenance and so it has got a little overgrown. All is now sorted - the grass is cut and all swims are accessible with bank vegetation cut back. Graham

27 June 2011 - Fishery Officer

Tony Corlito has taken on the role of Fishery Officer for Borrow Pit, Fenced Acre Pond and the Hundred Foot Drain, a role he carried out for us a few years back. Welcome back Tony. We hope to have some reports from him shortly.

27 June 2011 - Fishery Officer for the Great Ouse - Over

We need a Fishery Officer for this water, is anyone interested?

20 June 2011 - Fishery Officer for Heritage Lake

Please note Tony Duffin has been appointed fishery officer for the lake. Anglers must not alter or create swims without approval from Tony. Help with litter clearing is required and is to be directed by Tony.

6 June 2011 - Catch Reports From our Fishery Officers

We have a new Catch Reports page that, hopefully, will be regularly updated to bring you news about our waters - what is being caught, where and how. The Catch Reports page is accessed from the menu option on our Home page.

26 May 2011 - Heritage Lake

The lake is open to club members. The access road is rutted so anglers take their vehicle along the track at their own risk.

Please note this is a club water. Someone is saying it is a syndicate water, but it isn't. Please ignore this person, they are not a club official.

25 May 2011 - Junior, Ladies and OAP's match 2 July 2011

Entry forms this match are now available on the Matches page. Club coaches will be present and available to help all contestants during this match.

25 May 2011 - Coaching Day, Milton Country Park, 17 July 2011

Would anyone interested in helping out at the coaching day to be held at Milton Country Park on 17 July please contact John Pope, Junior Events Coordinator on 01223 515458 (before 8pm please).

27 April 2011 - Nethergrove is Fishing Well

Club President Graham Tweed reports good catches from Nethergrove lake, including silver fish (Roach and Rudd) and Carp to 4lb.

26 April 2011 - Prize Winners

Our prize winners for the 2010 - 2011 season are: Paul Sutton, Sharon Milton, Trevor Sturge, Will Temple, Ian Asplin, Ken Whitmore, Ian Darler, Kevin Saunders, Mike Lynch and Mick Curtis. They will be presented with their prizes at our AGM, which will be held on 4th May 2011 at the Harris Suite, Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United Football Club.

23 April 2011 – Forthcoming Club Matches

Places on the first two club matches are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis. All anglers, including match regulars, wishing to fish these matches should contact Graham in advance to avoid disappointment.

19 April 2011 - Matt’s Leaping Pike

New member Matt Foster caught a fine 14lb Pike from Dickerson’s Pit during an evening session at Milton Country Park on the 16th of April. The fish, Matt’s first double figure Pike, jumped clear of the water Marlin style on its way to the net.

7 April 2011 - Tench Active at Barnwell

David Aldred's season got off to a great start on 3rd April when he took three nice Tench from 2lb to 3.5lb from Barnwell Lake in the early evening. It's time to get this seasons club book and get fishing.

6 April 2011 - Enjoy our Lakes and Ponds

The close season only applies to our river waters, and Barnwell and Milton are fishing well for Pike, so now is the time to investigate and enjoy the 11 still waters CFPAS controls. Club books for the 2011 – 2012 season are available from all our agents and on application from the membership secretary.

So apply now and make the most of the new season.

3 April 2011 - Three Pike from Milton Country Park

Returning CFPAS member Jez Dix reports catching three nice Pike from Dickerson’s pit, Milton Country Park on Saturday 2 April. The three, weighing 12lb 8oz, 7lb 3oz and 8lb 6oz were caught on popped up dead bait over a 40 minute period. According to Jez "The fish were fighting fit and all gave terrific runs, the warmer weather of late has definitely got these predators patrolling".

1 April 2011 - AGM Date

Our AGM will be held at 7.30pm for 7.45 pm on 4th May 2011 at the Harris Suite, Abbey Stadium, Cambridge United Football Club, Newmarket Road, Cambridge. Free evening parking is available in the Main Stand car park.

17 March 2011 - Environmental Agency Report

The Environment Agency has released a Fisheries Survey Report for the U/s River Cam dated July 2010, their Preliminary Assessment concludes:

Since the previous spatial survey in 2005, both standing crop and density estimates have increased significantly on the U/s River Cam, with chub dominant by standing crop and brown trout by density. Under the Fisheries Classification Scheme (FCS1), the U/s River Cam has increased from a class ‘D’ in 2005 to a class ‘C’ in 2010. It would appear that site 37 (Sawston Paper Mill), offers the greatest angling potential with this survey recording an exceptional catch including 74 brown trout, 24 chub and 37 dace.

To view the report click here.

10 March 2011 - Specimen Fish Prizes

Claims for specimen fish prizes for the 2010-2011 season should be made to Graham Tweed by the end of March. Details of the catch location will be required.

10 March 2011 - New Club Book Available

Our club book for the 2011-2012 season is now available from all our agents and on application from the membership secretary.

22 February 2011 - the Predators are Hungry

There are reports of pike being caught from Burwell lode and the Cam. It seems the predators are hungry!

21 February 2011 - Please contact Graham

Would the angler who caught three Pike around 10lb from Borrow Pit please contact our President Graham Tweed.

9 February 2011 - A Nice Pike from Barnwell Lake

CFPAS club member Christopher Atkin reports catching a 17.5lb Pike from Barnwell Lake on the 22nd of January. This is Christopher's biggest lure caught Pike to date.

31 January 2011 - Match Calendar

The match calendar for the 2011-2012 season is now available on the Matches page

20 January 2011 - New Season Books Available Early March

We are very pleased to announce there will be no price increase for the 2011 - 2012 season and that books for the new season will be available by early March. Early purchase will ensure a full season of angling opportunity and help the club by bringing in revenue at the start of the financial year.

17 January 2011 - Coaching Programme

The coaching programme for the 2011 - 2012 season is now available on the Coaching page.

29 December 2010 - Open Match

This match is open to all and will be held at the Penny Ferry on the Cam. Organisers are Martin Caldecote and Mick Curtis. The conservators have agreed that this will be a closure event for us so rowing should be light.

14 December 2010 - Graham's latest story

Graham's latest story about Percy, called Christmas Past, is now available on the Stories page.

13 December 2010 - Heritage Lake, Cottenham

Heritage lake is closed indefinitely as the track is dangerous. The farmer has dug ditches either side of the track and as a result vehicles could slip off the track and get stuck. The farmer has done this as non-members have allegedly been driving on his field.

12 December 2010 - Xmas Match

This match will be held at the Penny Ferry on the Cam - draw 8-30. It is our Christmas match so please bring a prize in the tradition of Christmas. Please book with Graham on 01223 234616.

29 November 2010 - Christmas Present Membership

Club membership is offered at half price until the end of the season in March 2011. Our new club books for the 2011-2012 season will be available from mid March 2011.

28 November 2010 - Thanks

Thanks to Ken, Brian, Mike, Malcolm and John for all the help in the tidy up at Barnwell lake. Graham

28 November 2010 - Working Party

Help is needed to clear saplings at Barnwell Lake. Please contact Graham on 01223 234616 if you are able to help.

22 November 2010 - Fisheries Monitoring Programme

The Environment Agency's 2010 report on the Cam Lodes states that the number of fish in a given area of all species larger than 99mm over all sites fell slightly from 21.39 Ind./100m2 in 2003 to 20.89 Ind.100m2 in 2010. A decline of 2%. But, the average weight of fish in a given area rose significantly from 1266.3 g/100m2 in 2003 to 2039.7 g/100m2 in 2010. An increase of 61%.

Their preliminary assessment concludes that the Cam Lodes remain a Good class ‘B’ status fishery under the Fisheries Classification Scheme (FCS), with roach stocks dominating. Burwell lode appears to offer the greatest angling potential for specimen, match and pleasure anglers alike, with superb mixed catches recorded during 2010, containing numerous roach and common bream amongst specimen tench and carp.

Click here to download the report

21 November 2010 - Sweepstake Match

Unfortunately the organiser of this match is no longer available so unless someone can contact Graham and take on the task it will have to be cancelled.

12 November 2010 - Barnwell Lake

We desperately need help to clear the brambles at Barnwell Lake. Please contact Graham if you are willing to help.

7 November 2010 - Sweepstake Match on The Cam

The venue for this club sweepstake match is the river Cam at Chesterton, around the railway bridge pegs. Please book early with Graham on 01223 234616.

24 October 2010 - Sweepstake Match on The Cam

The venue for this match is The Penny Ferry on the Cam at Chesterton - draw is at 8am. Please book asap with Graham on 01223 234616.

Re Match on Burwell Lode - 10 October 2010

Pegs are limited for this match, anglers planning to fish must book with Graham to guarantee their place.

1 September 2010 - Urgent Notice re Heritage Lake, Cottenham

Anglers must only use the access track when visiting the lake and must not under any circumstances access on to the adjacent fields.

Ken Whitmore is Our Summer Champion

Ken Whitmore wrapped up the summer series in fine style and goes into the winter series with a good head start. Maybe this will be Ken’s year after so many runner-up positions.

Things do start to get interesting in the winter months with the last two matches often quite difficult. Ken and I miss a match apiece and others may also be in the same position, so things are still up for grabs.

21 August 2010 - The Next Junior, OAP and Ladies Match

The next Junior, OAP and Ladies match takes place on 11 September 2010 at Baits Bite Lock. See the Matches page for details

11 August 2010 - Book Early for The Next Match

Our next Club Match is on the Old West on 22nd August. Bookings are strong for this match so early booking is recommended.

6 August 2010 - Percy and His Flat

Read this new story from Graham on the Stories page.

4 August 2010 - Additional Open Day with Demonstrations by NASH

CFPAS LTD in conjunction with the Cambridgeshire County Angling Action Group and NASH we will be holding a Fishing Open Day at Milton Country Park on Sunday 15th August 10am till 4pm. Participants will be able to have a 30-minute fishing taster session with an Angling Development Board qualified coach. There will be a display by the Environment Agency who will also have their large fish tank in attendance. For the Carp anglers we will also have a team from NASH who will be giving demonstrations throughout the day on casting, spodding, marker floats, rig making and bait making. There is a link to NASH on the Links page.

To book a coaching session or for further information on the day please ring John Pope: 01223 515458

2 August 2010 - Reminder, this Sunday's Match is on the Cam

The venue for this Sunday's match (Sunday 8th August) has been changed to above Baits Bite Lock on the Cam. Please book early with Graham.

27 July 2010 - Percy's Van, Will's Story

You can read this hilarious new story about Percy, Jimmy dog and Will on the Stories page.

27 July 2010 - Barnwell Lake closed on August 11th

Please note Barnwell Lake will be closed on Wednesday August 11th for a Cambridge Charity Anglers Match.

26 July 2010 - Weed Cutting at Burwell Lode

Anglers please note the Burwell Lode is having a weed cut this week. The Cam Conservancy weed harvester is on the venue and it should be a good place to visit this weekend as the Lode will be coloured.

26 July 2010 - Important Notice

The venue for our next club match, which is on the Cam on August the 8th 2010, has been changed to above Baits Bite Lock - draw 8am sharp. Anglers are asked to get to the draw early which will take place at the lock.

23 July 2010 - Only one place left for Block Fen Match

There is only one place left for the match at Block Fen this Sunday, 25th of July. Please book with Graham before Saturday.

21 July 2010 - CFPAS Team 33rd out of 55 teams on the Erewash canal Nottingham.

Not a bad result for us considering we are not a canal team. As with all Nationals we had mixed tales of fortune, and so dependant as to who you speak to you would get mixed views. Personally I consider it to be a fair venue, not a single method water, and so it tested the skills of the angler peg by peg. Local knowledge would,I feel, have helped us to achieve a higher place.

I really enjoyed my match catching tiny fish all day. Good team spirit which can be built on for future events. Will, Deiron and I travelled together setting off at 5-30 in the morning after I had cooked bacon sarnis. I asked the lads...Ketchup or HP? Will replied ketchup! I'm not from up north you know! Deiron followed with a huge amount of the red stuff. I did not show them that I went for the HP!

The full peg by peg report can be viewed on the angling trust website.

Graham

19 July 2010 - Club Match at Mepal

There is a Club Match at Mepal Block Fen Sunday 25th July. Last few places available.Tel Graham 01223 234616

18 July 2010

A brilliant day was had by all at the CFPAS Ltd. Open Day at Milton Country Park on Sunday, 18th July. Our thanks go to John Pope who is a Star for organising this event. Also, many thanks to all who helped out on the day which saw 47 coaching sessions delivered by the team.