TILGATE PARK FISHERIES
NON PROFIT VOLUNTEER FISHING CLUB

 Safe Summer fish handling at our lakes Hi all just some reminders of the safe handling of our fish stocks during the summer months. We have added an additional rule to our web page of NO SACKING in order to protect our fish stocks during the warmer months. During the UK summer, warm waters hold less dissolved oxygen, and fish tire much faster when caught. To minimize stress and damage, land fish effectively using strong tackle, keep them in the water as much as possible, handle only with fully wet hands, and unhook them immediately. No using keepnets or sacking per our rules/ summer fishing updates on our website. Wet Everything: Before touching a fish, thoroughly soak your unhooking mat, sling, and hands. This preserves their delicate, infection-fighting slime coat. Limit Out-Of-Water Time: Keep handling strictly to a minimum. As a rule of thumb, if you can't hold your breath while the fish is unhooked in the air, the fish is out of the water too long. Support the Body: Cradle the fish properly using two hands—one beneath the belly and one near the head. Never squeeze or hold a fish by its gills or eyes. Keep it low: When posing for photos, keep the fish close to the ground (over your unhooking mat) and do not stand up with them. Never use keepnets: Avoid using keepnets entirely. If you must, during club official matches never overcrowd them and avoid leaving them in shallow, warm water. Land effectively: Because warm water saps oxygen, fighting a fish exhausts it quickly. Use slightly heavier gear than you might normally use. Revive carefully: Before releasing your catch, hold the fish facing into the current (in rivers) or gently move it forward and backward in the water (in lakes) to pass oxygenated water over its gills. Release it only when it begins to kick and swim away strongly. It is so important for the safety of our fish that you follow these basic care directions. We all want our fish to grow healthy and old, if we work together our stocks in thee best possible condition for future generations. 

Chirs Chairman

 Charity Match at Tilgate Park- Take part in our Charity Match, combining competitive fishing with community fundraising. This event is suitable for anglers over 18 years looking for an organised match format with a positive purpose. Updates contact Steve or Chris. Prices wiill be awarded on a 1st 2nd 3rd basis . In the case of a draw the prize pot will be shared. This year we are supporting children with cancer as voted for at our AGM. Entrance fee members £30.00 each non members £35.00 each £10 .00 to the charity pot £20.00 to the prize pot. Giving everyone the chance to win a nice sized pot fish willing. We want as many of you as you can to join in and make this a success. Please get in touch by contacting Steve on 07870858101 Chris on 07951730337 THE CLUB WILL CLOSE THE LAKE DURING THE MATCH, PLEASE DO NOT SET UP ON THIS DAY OR LEAVE BEFORE 8AM 

 Is poaching fish a criminal Offence? Fish poaching is a broad term and is used to describe the use of an illegal method, fishing out of season, retaining fish in certain condition or fishing without permission. All are criminal offences. 

WARNING ALL POACHERS

POACHERS WILL BE REPORTED AND PROSECUTED

 WELCOME ALL MEMBERS OLD AND NEW We are predicting a busy Easter on the lakes and we hope you all have a great time. Please be mindful of other lake users, the boats will be out and the park will be busy with visitors many of which will be curious about what you are catching. Places are occupied on a first come first serve basis and some of you may be disappointed at busy times. Do remember we do have two lakes at the park you can use. We do not allow swim reserving on our lakes and at present the two swims on the point are currently closed. We are hoping to have them up and running soon. This will depend on volunteer time to complete the work. Enjoy your time on the banks Tight lines 

 Good morning We find it necessary today to remind some of our members of the importance of behaviours on the bank towards other park users. We understand that clashes sometime occur . However , although you may be angry , how you react should be as contained as possible. Please be kind and understand that the act may be an accident .This is important for the safety and enjoyment of all lake users and anglers. We have a zero tolerance policy at the lakes for anti-social behaviour so ensure your actions are not infringing any of our rules as you risk your membership by doing so. We find that the majority of our anglers fish without any rule breaking and just enjoy their days out. However if you are not please adjust you behaviour for the benefit of us all. 

BOATERS

 FANTASTIC WORK DONE BY OUR VOLUNTEERS As you all know the club is run by a small group of volunteers , working on the committee, bailiff duties , match organisers and work parties. We have as a team built all the platforms that surround Campbells and Silt. The guys, working so hard in just few work parties have addressed the increasing bank side erosion on the point in partnership with the park staff who spent their time going backs and forwards with soil for this re-build. The result of all their hard work is amazing and speaks for itself. This is a legacy left by those who took part .helping to preserve this part of the lake for others to enjoy for many years to come. Well done Chris , leigh , Tom , James and Ray absolutely brilliant . Great work guys 

 HI ALL, THE FISH SURVEY TOOK PLACE ON TUESDAY 17TH OF FEBRUARY AS RE-SCHEDULED. THE GUYS FROM THE ENVIROMENTAL AGENCY WERE OUT IN A BOAT ON A BRIGHT BUT COLD DAY. THEY SPENT SEVERAL HOURS COASTING UP AND DOWN AND ACROSS THE LAKE TO DETECT OUR FISH STOCKS. THIS IS NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE AND I UNDERSTAND IT WILL NOW TAKE TIME TO ANALYSE THE RESULTS. WE ARE HOPING IT WILL GIVE US A BETTER PICTURE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WATER, NOT JUST FISH STOCKS BUT ALSO DEPTHS OF WATER , VEGITATION ETC. THE GUYS GAVE UP THEIR TIME FOR FREE TO US , AND WE GRATEFUL FOR THEIR SUPPORT. MICHELE 

 LAKE CLOSURES FOR OTHER PARK EVENTS RACE FOR LIFE 19/07/2025 BOTH LAKES WILL BE CLOSED ON THIS DAY DRAGON BOAT RACING CAMPBELLS LAKE WILL BE CLOSED ON THIS DAY 9TH SEPTEMBER PARK LIFE CAN BE VERY BUSY ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. WE THANK ALL OUR MEMBERS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS. PLEASE ENSURE YOU DO NOT FISH ON THESE DAYS OR YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE 

 Swim work has been in progress over the last couple weeks . Our volunteer team are working hard to ensure the lakes are prepared for the new season of fishing. just a couple of pictures to show the kind of work they have been doing. great work team