Freshwater anglers’ fundraiser hopes to secure new waters

A fundraiser has been launched for £3,000 to develop new waters for people of all ages and abilities.

For 40 years GFAS has maintained six fishing waters, two of which are club-owned, with all but one in the north of the island.

Currently, the 70-odd members have annual work parties to maintain and enhance fisheries at reduced cost.

Membership is on the rise but the club has a low income with annual subscriptions costing £65 per year, so a JustGiving page was set up for additional funds, club chairman Rik Le Ray said.

GFAS has leased areas from Guernsey Water since conception.

Last January the utility asked islanders for ideas to make use of their waters.

‘After several meetings and walks around potential fisheries, Guernsey Water has kindly agreed in principle to three new waters and we hope to finalise them early this year. We have also spoken to, and will continue to discuss changes and ideas with, Jamie Hooper from La Societe Guernesiaise,’ Mr Le Ray said.

‘The club will take care of and make full use of any waters we take on. One of the new waters we hope to secure this year may give us the opportunity to offer a junior section in the club, which has not been possible so far.’

New waters offer a blank canvas, with donations covering various things, including tree planting, clearing paths, fencing, gates, floating weed beds, areas to fish to hide from predators, and stocking appropriate fish within the water’s capacity.

‘We would have an idea of which species to stock beforehand in a particular water then consult with fish farmers etc to get the correct amount of fish for the size of water.

‘Over-stocking is something we want to avoid. Expert advice is sought for each water’s carrying capacity.’

Each water comes with its own issues, such as silt build-up.

‘All work carried out on our fisheries is well thought out and is intended to enhance what is already there.’

Fish are brought in from the UK, with some bred locally, with the first club restock in 1980.

‘Some of these carp are still going strong today with fish upwards of 30lb. However, these fish are 40 years old and probably only have 10 years left. By restocking now will ensure we have excellent fishing going forward.’

Another 350 smaller fish are ready to come over and grow steadily in local food-rich waters. Looking ahead 10 years, the committee hope membership doubles.

n Club updates and catch reports are on Facebook http://bit.ly/39HJ7UK To donate via JustGiving http://bit.ly/3in2QwO.

n On the local record list, the biggest carp caught was 38lb4oz. Some carp can live up to 47 years, with tench and chub living up to 15 years.