Thanks for your patience, CRF 1 is now back open.

In relation to our post – ‘Smoking on PDAS Waters – Rule Update – 10th Aug 2026’ we can now confirm that this is lifted with immediate effect. We thank you all for your patience and understanding on this. Please be mindful when using any open flames on the waters and if smoking, please ensure your cigarette butts are extinguished fully and taken away from the water. Normal rules apply.

A free community event hosted by the Baffins Pond Association – Baffins 100 – 1200hrs to 1500hrs – Sat 19th September 2026!

# CAST. CATCH. GET HOOKED!

## Free fishing experiences with Portsmouth & District Angling Society

Fancy giving fishing a go? Come and join one of the South’s leading angling clubs for a fun, friendly introduction to life on the water.

Founded in 1948, Portsmouth & District Angling Society has been bringing people together through fishing for generations. With 16 diverse venues—from mixed fisheries to specimen waters—the club offers something for every kind of angler, from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts.

At this special event, our qualified Angling Trust coaches will be offering free 25-minute fishing sessions for under-18s—and parents are welcome to join in too. Each pond-side station will host up to two participants, giving everyone plenty of guidance and hands-on fishing time.

### Everything you need is included

– Free coaching from qualified Angling Trust coaches
– All fishing tackle and bait supplied
– No club membership required
– No rod fishing licence required, subject to the event’s Environment Agency exemption
– Friendly support from our DBS-checked coaches and volunteers

### How to take part

Sessions will run from *12:30pm until 2:30pm. Visit our gazebo on the day to book your place—sessions are available on a **first-come, first-served basis*.

The number of fishing stations will be confirmed closer to the event, based on coach availability.

All Angling Trust coaches are fully qualified and licensed, DBS checked, and have up-to-date First Aid and safeguarding training.

## Your first catch could be the start of something brilliant.

*Come along, cast a line and discover what fishing is all about!*

Due to water levels North bank Closures:

Peg 18 Hole in the fence, Peg 19 Xfiles, Peg 20 Bandlands

CRF 3 is now reopened for members. CRF 1 is still closed for the time being.

As an angling club we encourage youngsters to fish, however it does come with easy-to-understand conditions.

To simplify things:

Juvenile Membership – 11yrs of age and under – No membership needed but MUST be with a full Adult or Associate Member – they cannot fish without supervision and MUST be accompanied by either of the mentioned membership packages.

Junior Membership – 12 to 17yrs of age – Paid Membership required. Can fish alone on waters, but not night fish alone. If night fishing, must be accompanied by a Full Adult or Associate Member.

It’s great to see more youngsters joining, however as Parents you need to ensure they read and understand the rules of the club. They are all available on the website, in the digital handbook on the website and in the physical handbook – there is no excuse not to follow the rules of the club or use the wrong tackle. Our Bailiffs and Pond Wardens work very hard to ensure the waters are managed to the best we can, however it seems recently that youngsters are not being supervised and guided by parents or guardians correctly.

Please help us in managing this by making sure your Juvenile or Junior is up on the rules and accompanied by the correct adult where applicable.

Due to the low water levels at Soake Pond, Maggot/Caster/Worm via Float Fishing is the only method permitted currently. We understand carp make take the bait, however we are trying to reduce the chance of the carp being targeted, and therefore stressed without closing the whole water to members. Night fishing is also suspended until further notice.

This decision has been made to protect fish welfare and safety, as the current conditions have been deemed unsuitable for catching and returning carp to the water safely.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding. These measures are being introduced to protect both the welfare of the fish and the safety of our members and the surrounding environment.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

PDAS Committee

Since the beginning of the dry period CRF fishery water levels have been monitored daily. We have now decided to put a temporary closure on lakes 1 and 3. This is to safeguard the fishery, the fish stock and their welfare/safety. This will remain in place until we have significant rain and the levels rise to an acceptable level.

Please be aware that Brownwich Pond will be closed from 5pm on Friday 21st to 5pm on Saturday 22nd for weed management.