All about the club. image
      Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club was founded in 1936 and is affiliated to the Angling Trust and Marine Regional Group Wessex.  Lymington lies in the picturesque coastal area between the New Forest and the shores of the Solent, opposite Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight.
The clubhouse, completed in 1993,is located off Bath Road car park, Lymington. It provides a congenial place to socialise with fellow anglers and offers the opportunity for members to improve their knowledge and skill at the regular tackle talks and demonstrations held there.

The aims of Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club are to promote shore fishing and boat fishing for all anglers, in a safe and friendly environment and to encourage conservation of fish stocks. New members, in particular juniors, are always welcome. A membership application form is available to download from the web site. The club is also on facebook. A monthly newsletter is sent out to all members.

SHORE FISHING.
Numerous competitions are held throughout the year at various beaches along the Hampshire and Dorset coast. As well as the monthly competitions, there are also several leagues: for example, The Shingle Bank League and the Win-Sum League. There are also one open shore competition during the year.

BOAT FISHING.
Boat fishing is divided into two sections: large boats {or charter boat} fishing and shallow boats {privately-owned craft}. The large boat section has something for everyone and for all levels of skill and competitiveness.
  • Monthly large boat competitions out of Lymington: semi-competitive, fished to minimum size limits.  from April - December.
  • Match Boat League competitions out of Lymington, Poole and Weymouth: highly competitive and based on species, with no size limits.  Fished from April - September.
  • Recreational boat trips out of Lymington, Poole and Weymouth, on weekdays and weekends.  Friendly atmosphere, no pressure.  Fished January - December.
  • The Shallow {or small} boat section is fished from privately owned boats, which stay within a designated area, with competitions running throughout the year.
  • In addition, a Small Boat Open to privately owned boats is held in the autumn.  

Officers of the Club 25/26. image
Club President:  Mr. Robin Lane, Esq.
Club Vice-Presidents: Miss. S. Moody, Mr. R. Davies, Mr. C. Clark, Mr. R. Saunders and Mr.. A, S. Harmer.
Honorary Life Members: Mr. R. Bayzand, Mrs. G. Moody. Miss. S. Moody. Mr. A. D. Smith and Mr. R. Lane.
Officers of the Club. 
Chairman:  Mr. Alec S. Harmer.  01590-674045.    Vice-Chairman: Mr. Roland Blomfield.  01590-683363.  
Hon. Secretary:  Mrs. Alison Day. 07929 876939 
Membership Secretary: Mr. Brian Ansell.  01590-672628.  Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Alec Harmer.  01590-674045.   
Hon. Auditors: Mr. Colin Saunders & Mrs. Alison Day.  Docket Steward. Mr. Robert Flicos.  01590-676785. 
Large Boat Commodore. Mr. Marc Duncan. 07810 876281    Large  Boat Vice Commodore. Mr. Richard Day. 07989 282245
Shallow Boat Commodore. Mr. Brian Ansell 01590-672628. 
Boat Compound Commodore: Mr. Adrian Moody.  .  Clerk of Scales. Mr. Steve Monckton.   
Shingle Bank Secretary. Mr. Malcolm Stote   07894 902254.
Shore Secretary. Mr. Roland Blomfield.  01590-683363.   Win-Sum League Secretary. Mr. Colin Saunders.    
Hon. Cup Custodian. Mr. Colin Saunders.   Publicity Officer. Mr. Brian Ansell.  01590-672628.   
Junior Representative.  Vacant. 
Newsletter Editor. Mr. Brian Ansell.  01590-672628.  Bar Steward and Hall Booking Officer. Mr. Terry Kempton.  
Committee Members:
Mrs. Summer Monckton
Mr. Chris Ellis.  07790 231350.   Mr. Alan Martin.  .  Mr. Nelson Phillips.   
Mr. Pete Drodge.  07812 663842.  Mr. Martin Bobbett.  Mr. George Fox.



Shore Competitions.

Boat Competitions

Recreational Fishing Trips


Christchurch Angling Centre is owned by Tom Bagnall who sponsors some of the boat and shore competitions.  Tom participates in many club activities, is also a very good angler and on some occasions makes a very good cup of tea.     www.christchurchanglingcentre.co.uk 

Angling Trust is where you can get the latest news on all aspects of angling and the latest news about covid-19 regarding angling. www.anglingtrust.net

Lymington Harbour Commissioners a good site for local tides and weather reports.    www.lymingtonharbour.co.uk

 Loni's a good friendly shop and Garry is very helpful.  www.loni's.co.uk





June 2026.  Report sent in by Robert Flicos.
Shore.  Junior.  No junior weighed in any fish.  
Adult.  Fish of the month was Keith Warren with a smooth-hound weighing 13 lbs 2 oz..  New catch and release record for the shore was Keith Warren with a black bream weighing 1 lb 2 oz.  New catch and release record for the shore was Keith Warren with a gilt head bream weighing 1 lb 2 oz.  Catch and release for the shore broken by Keith Warren with a smooth-hound weighing 13 lbs 2 oz.
Boats.  Junior.  Junior catch and release record was Tom Harker with a black bream weighing 14 oz.  
Adult.  Fish of the Month was Malcolm LeMougnan with a gilt head bream weighing 5 lb 12- 1/4 oz.  Club record broken by Malcolm LeMoignan with his gilt head bream weighing 5 lb 12-1/4 oz.  New catch and release record for boats by Robert Flicos with a black bream weighing 1 lb 4 oz.

May 2026.  Results sent in by Robert Flicos.

Shore.  Adult.  Martin Pink with a spotted ray weighing 4 lb 1 oz.  Catch and release record broken for the shore by Martin Pink with his spotted ray of 4 lb 1 oz.
Boats.  Adult.  Alan  Mapes with a gilthead bream weighing 2 lb 11-1/4 oz.  Catch and release record broken by Alan Mapes with his gilt bream of 2 lb 11-1/4 oz.
Catch and release record broken by Alan Mapes with a smooth-hound weighing 9 lb 7 oz.
Catch and release record broken by Martin Bobbett with a turbot weighing 2 lb 4 oz.  New catch and release record for a plaice caught by Chris Ellis weighing 2 lb.
April 2026.  Results sent in by Robert Flicos.
Shore.  Adult.  Paul Watson with a dogfish weighing 1 lb 12-1/8 oz.  Catch and release records for the shore Keith Warren
with a 3/b rockling weighing 10 oz and a pollack weighing 11 oz
Boats.  No fish were weighed in.
March 2026.  Report sent in by Robert Flicos.
Shore.  Adult.  Peter Chamberlain with a dogfish weighing 2lb 3oz.  Junior.  Mia Samber with a whiting weighing 9oz.
Catch and release record broken for the shore by Paul Watson with a thornback ray weighing 4lb 6oz.
Catch and release record adult for the shore Paul Watson with a pouting weighing 11oz.
Catch and release record junior for the shore Mia Samber with a whiting weighing 9oz.
Boats.  Adult.  Neil Pullman with a 3 bearded rockling weighing 1lb 1oz.
Catch and release record for the boats Neil Pullman with a 3 bearded rockling weighing 1lb 1oz.
February 2026  Report sent in by Robert Flicos.
Shore.  Adult.  Keith Warren with a dogfish weighing 2lb 6oz.  Junior.  Mia Samber with a dogfish weighing 1lb 4oz.
Adult shore club catch and release record broken by Keith Warren with his dogfish of 2lb 6oz.
New junior catch and release record shore Mia Samber with her pouting of 11oz.
Boat.  Adult.  Chris Rogers with a bull huss weighing 10lbs 8oz.
January 2026.
Shore.  Adult.  Chris Ellis with a dogfish weighing 1lb 11oz.
Boats.  Adult.  Robin Lane with a small eyed ray weighing 7lb 2oz.  
December 2025.
Shore.  Adult.  Paul Watson with a small eyed ray weighing 7lb 12-1/8oz.  Junior.  Seth Hopkins with a bass weighing 2lb 8oz.
Catch and Release record broken for the shore by Ben Daniel and Alan Mapes both with a dogfish of 2lb 1oz.
Boats.  Adult.  Denis Mapes with a bull huss weighing 10lbs 5oz.
New Catch and Release record for the boats was Ryan Nash with a pouting weighing 2lb 3oz.

Shore Competitions are organised by Roland Blomfield.  For more information, please contact Roland on 01590-683363
9th Club Shore Competition results sent in by Roland Blomfield.
Juniors take 1st and 2nd positions.
      On Saturday evening 8th August the club held its 9th Club Shore competition.  The venue for this competition was Lymington & Pennington Seawalls and the weather for the evening was good, a flat calm sea and warm.  14 club members signed on and 13 weighed in fish consisting of black and gilthead bream, silver eel, conger eel and smooth-hound.  On these competitions under size fish count for points which were bass, conger eel and smooth-hound.  All the fish are measured and weighed and returned to the sea as quickly as possible.  A total of 35 fish were weighed for a total weight of 15 lbs 8½ oz.
      Best round fish of the evening was a smooth-hound of 1 lb 1 oz caught by Barry Samber.
Results:
1st Seth Hopkins (Jnr) 2 lb 9 oz and 85 points,  2nd Mia Samber (Jnr) 2 lb 3¾ oz and 90 points,  3rd Barry Samber 1 lb 15¾ oz and 55 points,  4th Steve Monckton 1 lb 8¾ oz and 70 points,  5th Brian Dawkins 1 lb 7⅜ oz and 45 points,  6th Summer Monckton 1 lb 1 oz and 30 points,  7th Andy Hopkins 1 lb 0¼ oz and 35 points,  8th Bruce Samber 0 lb 14¾ oz and 50 points,  9th Simon Stockley 0 lb 14 oz and 50 points,  10th Tom Short 0 lb 11 oz and 60 points,
11th Malcolm Stote 0 lb 9⅞ oz and 30 points,  12th Pete Tomkins 0 lb 8 oz and 30 points,
13th Roland Blomfield 0 lb 3 oz and 30 points,  14th Shane Samber no fish but 5 points.
Best specimen pool of £86.00 and best flat fish pool of £33.00. are both rolled over until the next competition.

8th Club Shore Competition results sent in by Roland Blomfield.
      On Sunday 19th July the club held its 8th Club Shore competition.  This competition was a rover competition and 8 club members signed on.  5 weighed in fish consisting of bream, wrasse, and silver eel.  On these competitions undersize fish count for points which were bass, conger eel, gild-head bream and corkwing wrasse.  The number of fish caught, weighed and released back into the sea was 16 for a total weight of 14 lbs 8-3/4 oz no juniors fished this competition.  Best round fish of the evening was a bream weighing 1 lb 10 oz caught by Bruce Samber. 
Results:
1st Bruce Samber 6 lb 6 oz and 65 points,  2nd Steve Monckton 4 lb 6-1/4 oz and 60 points,  3rd Summer Monckton 3 lb 2-1/2 oz and 65 points,  4th Shane Samber 0 lb 8 oz and  40 points,  
5th Malcolm Stote 0 lb 2 oz and 55 points.  Brian Dawkins 2 under size fish for 25 points.  Roland Blomfield and Martin Pink 1 under size fish each and 15 points each.
The pools of best specimen fish of £72-00 and best flat fish of £19-00 are both rolled over until the next competition.

7th Club Shore Competition results sent in by Roland Blomfield.
      On Sunday 7th June the club held its 7th Club Shore competition at Lepe Deepwater.  This was a changed venue from Double Dykes because of the wind.  The weather at Lepe was a strong south-westerly with a flat sea and warm.
      11 club members signed on and 5 weighed in fish consisting of dogfish, bass and smooth-hound.  7 fish in total were caught, weighed and released back into the sea as  quickly as possible for a total weight of 14 lbs 7 1/4 oz.  Under size fish count the points on these competitions which on the day was only bass.   Best round fish of the day was a smooth-hound weighing 3 lb 2 oz caught by Steve Monckton.  
Results:
1st Steve Monckton 5 lb 3/8 oz and 65 pts, 2nd Martin Pink 3 lb 13 ox and 60 pts, 3rd Malcolm Stote 2 lb 15 oz and 45 pts, 4th Charlie Nash 1 lb 10.8 oz and 40 pts, 5th Bruce Samber 1 lb 1 oz and 35 pts.  Summer Monckton and Ton Short undersize fish both 15 pts each.  Roland Blomfield, Pete Tomkins, Shane and Barry Samber and guest angler William Short (jnr) all no fish but get 5 pts each.













Shingle Bank League competitions are organised by Malcolm Stote.  Contact Malcolm on 07894 902254 for more information.
On all competitions you sign-on at Cut Bridge between 18.30 and 19.00. 

7th Shingle Bank league competition results sent in by Malcolm Stote.
      On Thursday evening the club held its 7th Shingle Bank League competition.  It was a very hot evening with a slight easterly breeze and thundery.  It was also very slow fishing wise.  5 club members signed on and 3 weighed in fish consisting of bass  and bream.  4 fish were caught for a total weight of 6 lb 5-5/8 oz.
Best fish of the evening was a bass weighing 3 lb caught by Chris Ellis.
Results:
1st Chris Ellis 3 lb 12-5/8 oz,  2nd Malcolm Stote 2 lb 1 oz,  3rd Pete Chamberlain 0 lb 8 oz.

6th Shingle Bank League Competition results sent in by Malcolm Stote.
      On Tuesday evening 12th May the club held its 2nd competition of the summer section.  The weather was good but chilly and 9 club members signed on.  3 weighed in fish consisting of dogfish and conger eel.  3 fish were caught and weighed for a total weight of 3 lb 13-1/8 oz.  Best fish of the evening was a dogfish weihing 1 lb 12-3/8 oz caught by Chris Ellis.  2nd best fish was also a dogfish weighing 1 lb 2-1/8 oz caught by Malcolm Stote.
Results:
1st  Chris Ellis 1 lb 12-3/8 oz,  2nd Malcolm Stote 1 lb 2-1/8 oz,  3rd Ben Daniels 0 lb 14-5/8 oz.
With a good tide it should have fished a lot better, but sadly there was a bitter cold wind.

5th Shingle Bank League Competition.  Results sent in by Malcolm Stote.
    On Thursday evening 27th April the club held its 1st competition of the summer section..  The weather building up to the competition was very windy but on the day of the competition the wind dropped and it turned out to be a perfect evening for fishing.
    11 club members signed on and all 11 weighed in fish consisting of pouting, conger eels, dogfish and smooth-hounds.  A total of 96 fish were caught, weighed, measured and returned as quickly as possible to the sea, for a total weight of 101lbs 11-3/4oz.  The 2 best fish of the competition were 1st a conger eel weighing 4lb 10oz caught by Rory Lancaster and 2nd a dogfish of 2lb 3oz caught by Pete Chamberlain.
Results.
1st Ben Daniel 16lbs 10oz, 2nd Pete Chamberlain 15lbs 7oz, 3rd Rory Lancaster 14lbs 8oz, 4th Derek Slack 12lbs 2-3/4oz, 5th Paul Watson 9lb 12oz, 6th Chris Ellis 7lb 15-1/2oz, 
7th Andy Hopkins 7lb 2-1/8oz, 8th Leigh Hatt 5lb 2oz, 9th Martin Pink 5lb, 10th John Tharme 4lb 6oz and 11th Pat Dalton 3lb 10oz. 






















Adult Win-Sum League competitions are organised by Colin Saunders.  Contact Colin on 0780 2511 522

4th Win-Sum League Competition results sent in by Colin Saunders.
      On Wednesday evening 10th June the club held its 4th Win-Sum League competition at Goatie Beach, Eling.  It was a chilly evening but dry and 12 club members signed on and 11 weighed in fish.
Results:
Zone1.  1st Malcolm Stote 289 pts, 2nd Chris Ellis 283 pts, 3rd Paul Watson 172 pts, 4th Tom Short 146 pts, 5th Garry Mann 137 pts, 6th Martib Pink 676 pts.
Zone 2. 1st Colin Saunders 127 pts, 2nd Steve Monckton 117 pts, 3rd Andy Hopkins 110 pts, 4th Robin Lane 96 pts, 5th Pete Chamberlain 23 pts, 6th Marc Duncan BLANKED.
Largest round fish was an eel of 48cm caught by Chris Ellis.  Largest flat fish was a flounder of 28cm caught by Garry Mann.  Smallest fish was a bass of 11cm caught by Malcolm Stote
3 Mann Team Results:
1st Team 1. Tom Short, Chris Ellis and Garry Mann 429 pts, 2nd Team 4. Paul Watson, Steve Monckton and Colin Saunders 299 pts,
3rd Team 2. Glenn Short, Brian Dawkins and Malcolm Stote 289 pts, 4th Team 3. Robin Lane, Martin Pink and Pete Chamberlain 163 pts.

3rd Win-Sum League Competition results by Colin Saunders.
      On Wednesday evening 27th may the club held its 3rd Win-Sum League competition in which 10 club members signed on and the venue was the Shingle Bank on a very warm and calm evening.
Results.
Zone 1.  1st Malcolm Stote 165 points, 2nd Paul Watson 124 points, 3rd Pete Chamberlain 111 points, 4th Garry Mann 62 points.
Zone 2.  1st Chris Ellis 190 points, 2nd Martin Pink 186 points, 3rd Andy Hopkins 156 points, 4th Glenn Short 46 points, 5th Steve Monckton 36 points, 6th Marc Duncan35 points.
Best round fish of 97 cm was a smooth-hound caught by Chris Ellis.  Smallest fish of 23 cm was a black bream caught by Martin Pink.
3 Man Team Reaults.
1st Team 3. Robin Lane, Martin Pink and Pete Chamberlain 297 points, 2nd Team 1. Tom Short, Chris Ellis and Garry Mann 252 points,
3rd Team 2.  Glenn Short, Brian Dawkins and Malcolm Stote 211 points, 4th Team 4. Paul Watson, Steve Monckton and Colin Saunders 160 points.

2nd Win-Sum League Competition report sent in by Colin Saunders.
      On Wednesday evening 15th April the club held its 2nd match of the Win-Sum League competitions at Hordle Cliff.  In dry conditions 10 club members signed on and braved a very brisk south-westerly wind and the fishing was even  tougher than the first with only 2 members catching fish.
Results:
Zone 1.  1st Andy Hopkins 1 fish a turbot of 18cm.  Zone 2.  1st Pete Chamberlain 1 fish a bass of 28cm.
Largest round fish of the evening was a bass of 28cm caught by Pete Chamberlain.  Largest flat fish of the evening was a turbot of 18cm caught by Andy Hopkins.
Smallest fish of the evening was a turbot of 18cm caught by Andy Hopkins.
3-man Team results:
1st team No 3 with 10 points, team no 1 nil, team no 2 nil and team no 4 nil











Shallow Boat Competitions are organised by Brian Ansell.  Contact Brian on 01590-672628.  
All Competitions are now fished on Saturday's or Sunday's weather wise.  
Shallow Boat Competition 9th August.
      On Sunday 9th August the club held a Shallow Boat competition.  The weather was dry, with a gentle breeze and very hot.  It was a mixture of events on the day.  We should have had 11 club members fishing but unfortunately one boat had engine trouble and had to pull out.  A couple of members from the Isle of Wight fished for the first time this season because they had engine problems at the beginning of the year and it has taken 5 months to sort out.  9 club members fished the competition and caught fish consisting of bass, black bream, bull huss, conger eels, spotted and blonde ray, smooth-hound and scad.  A total of 75 fish were caught, measured and returned to the sea.  We only keep fish for the table.
Results.
1st Alan Mapes 117 points,  2nd Ady Hulme 104 points,  3rd Ryan Nash 78 points,  4th Paul Watson 50 points,  5th Charlie Nash 40 points,  6th Jack Nash 35 points,  7th Chris Hardy 25 points, 8th Colin Wright 15 points,  9th Neil Mitchener 10 points.
Shallow Boat Competition 19th July
      On Sunday 19th July the club held a Shallow Boat competition.  The weather was dry, sunny and hot, with a moderate breeze.  Unfortunately, with all the hot weather the weed was a big problem.  8 club members signed on and 7 caught fish consisting of bass, black bream, bull huss, conger eels, dogfish, pouting and small eyed ray.  A total of 47 fish were caught and most were returned to the sea.  We only keep fish for the table.
Results:
1st Alan Mapes 103 points, 2nd Paul Watson 65 points, 3rd Charlie Nash 58 points, 4th Ady Hulme 55 points, 5th Neil Mitchener 45 points, 6th Jack Nash 35 points, 7th Adrian Moody 25 points.
6th Shallow Boat Competition 24th May.
      On Sunday 24th May the club held its 6th Shallow Boat competition.  This was a changed date because the competition earlier in May had to be cancelled due to the weather.  On the day it was very hot with light winds and a gentle swell, the start of summer hopefully.
      9 club members signed on and all caught fish consisting of bass, black bream, bull huss, conger eel, dogfish, garfish, smooth-hound, wrasse and tope.  All the fish are measured and weighed and returned to the sea as quickly as possible.
Results:
1st Paul Watson 155 pts, 2nd Alan Mapes 145 pts, 3rd Ryan Nash 81 pts, 4th Ady Hulme 77 pts, 5th Charlie Nash 70 pts, 6th Neil Mitchener 69 pts, 7th Jack Nash 65 pts,
8th Daniel White 59 pts, 9th Paul Dibden 49 pts.  Every one had a good day's fishing and a total of 144 fish were caught and returned to the sea. 
2nd ShallowBoat Competition 26th April.
      On Sunday 26th April the club held a Shallow Boat competition this was an extra competition and the weather and tides were just right because we had to cancel a couple of compreitions earlier in the year due to bad weather.
      11 club members signed on and all 11 caught fish which included bass, black bream, bull huss, dogfish, plaice, conger eel and whiting.  On these competitions only fish which are big enough for the table are kept.  All the rest are measured and returned straight away back into the sea.
Results:
1st Adrian Hulme 117 pts, 2nd Ryan Nash 97 pts, 3rd Barry Littlefair 95 pts, 4th Alan Mapes 88 pts, 5th Denis Mapes 70 pts, 6th Adrian Moody 67 pts, 7th Charlie Nash 65 pts,
8th Neil Mitchener and Jack Nash 60 pts both with 14 fish each, 10th Alan Martin 60 pts and 8 fish, 11th Paul Watson 58 pts. 
1st Shallow Boat Competition.
      On Saturday 13th December the club held its 1st Shallow Boat competition for the 2026 club year.  This was a changed day because the weather forecast for the Sunday was for very windy day so we changed to the Saturday which was a good move because we had light winds and sunshine.
      !0 club members signed on and al caught fish consisting of conger eel, dogfish, bull huss, pouting, thornback, small eyed and undulated rays and whiting.  All the fish are counted, measured and returned to the sea and points awarded.
Results:
1st Alan Martin 115 pts, 2nd Adrian Moody 107 pts, 3rd Charlie Nash 91 pts, 4th Ady Hulme 78 pts, 5th Denis Mapes 69 pts, 6th Barry Littlefair 62 pts, 7th Paul Watson 56 pts,
8th Alan Mapes 48 pts, 9th Neil Mitchener 35 pts, 10th Ryan Nash 30 pts.
Some good fish were caught on the day which were a bull huss 10 lbs 5 oz by Denis Mapes an undulated ray  of 12 lbs 9 oz by Adrian Moody and a small eyed ray of 5 lb 8 oz by Alan Martin.





      









Large Boat Competition are organised by Marc Duncan.  Contact Marc on 07810 876281.
All Large Boat competitions are fished on Sunday only. 
Weekend Recreational Fishing Trip report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      On Saturday 15th August the club held a weekend recreational fishing trip and 8 club anglers and a guest ventured out aboard “Ocean Runner” skippered by Ryan Jones in search of bass.  The bass fishing of late hadn’t been as good as previous trips, possibly due to the strong sunlight and heat.
      First stop was to catch live bait which was mainly tiny pouting.  Dave Wood did manage a red gurnard.  We then pushed out onto the banks fishing live bait on Portland/Pulley rigs in search of bass.  Second drift saw Marc Duncan land a 5lb bass and following 2 drifts saw Brett Harker and Mike Fox landed a bass each.  Mike also had a small thornback on live bait.  With the tide easing we had no further bites, so for the short window of slack water we anchored up where John Wood and the guest had a conger each.
      Once the tide had turned, we decided to continue the bass fishing with Neil Pullman and Mike catching whilst we lost 3 or 4 others.  Al, our guest also had one.  Ryan (the skipper) decided to have a go and managed to eke out 3 on lures before Brett and Mike added to the list. 
Our next bass trip is Thursday 10th September where there are still a few places available. 

Mid-week Recreational Fishing Trip report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
       The club had to reschedule a mid-week recreational fishing trip because of the weather.  This was now held on the Thursday 13th August aboard “Double-Six” skippered by Ben Wood.  We headed out past Hurst and just after rounding the Needles came across some birds on the water and could see many bass topping out amongst them.  We feathered here for a while catching scad, some mackerel and school bass, - but only one was sizeable so we decided to move on to Freshwater Bay. 
      We anchored here on a reef and continued to catch nice sized scad the best going to George Dark and Paul Ibberson-Groves and the odd good-sized mackerel.  Also, we had some small bream. Bob Sheridan caught a small tub gurnard and Neil Pullman had a 10.5lb thornback ray.  We moved out to a bank on the slack water and here Tony Methven caught his conger and a few others too.  On the way back we found three other flocks of birds on the bass and whitebait and tried drifting by them but only one keeper bass was caught by Anton Emblem.                   
      Even fishing deeper for larger ones, we could not find any.  Of note though we caught 60 mackerel and a similar number of good sized scad so it was a very entertaining day.

Wessex Champ of Champions 2026 report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      The Champ of Champions took place on Saturday 13th June out from Poole, using charter boats "Ocean Runner", "Silver Spray" and "Piscary".  Martin Bobbett, MalcolmGerrish, Dave Wood, Paul Hollyoake and Marc Duncan represented the club at the competition., with the aim to catch as many species as possible.  Fish caught ranged from brill, red gurnard, red mullet, rays, dogfish, bream and mini-species.
      Well done to all anglers who fished on the day and to Martin who came 3rd with Paul and Malcolm also in the top 10.

2nd Large Boat Competition.  Report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      The club held their 2nd large Boat competition on Sunday 23rd March from Poole aboard "Ocean Runner" skippered by Ryan Jones.  10 anglers ventured out with almost perfect weather conditions,  First mark was for pouting, dogfish and congers with Pete Chamberlain and Malcolm Gerrish having 3 congers each.  Dave Wood and Neil Pullman also managed to find a couple of 3 bearded rocklings with the best going to Neil of 1lb 1oz.  Next move saw more dogfish with Marc Duncan having 8 and John Wood 5.
      We then decided to drift for plaice where the only fish caught was a small thornback ray caught by Neil.  Final stop was for some early bream, where yet again Neil found a plaice and most anglers landed at least 1 bream.
      Despite it turning cool after lunch and the fishing hard work, a good day was had by all.
Results.
1st Neil Pullman 118 points, 2nd Dave Wood 80 points, 3rd Malcolm Gerrish 78 points, 4th Pete Chamberlain 73 points ant 5th Marc Duncan 57 points.   



These are species-based boat competitions with no size limits Please contact Richard Day 0798 9282 245.

1st Vernon Everett Match League.

      On Saturday 11th April the club held the first match of the Vernon Everett  Match League aboard 'Piscary' and 'Silver Spray' out from Poole.  We left the harbour at 8a.m. with 18 club members.  The weather was not favourable and all the anglers wrapped up to combat the elements.  Despite the conditions being challenging, a respectable 17 species were caught across all the anglers.  A good day at sea despite the forecast and a lot of laughs and enjoyment aboard both boats.

Top 3 anglers on each boat.

'Piscary'  1st Chris Rogers 150 points, joint 2nd Gary Young, Russ Latimer and Mike Fox all with 135 points.

'Silver Spray'  1st Dave Cogger170 points, 2nd Garth Croft 165 points, 3rd John Bellamy 140 points.

2nd Vernon Everett Match League.

      On Saturday 2nd May the club held its second match of the Vernon Everett Match League aboard 'Piscary' and a late stand-in 'Strongbow' who offered to help the club at the last minute when another boat was unable to participate.  The 16 club members had a productive day that led to 19 species across the 2 boats.  Alively day filled with fish and laughs at sea.

Top 3 on each boat.

'Piscary'  1st Dave Cogger 307 points, 2nd Chris Ellis 300 points, 3rd Chris Rogers 284 points.

'Strongbow'  1stJohn Bellamy 375 points, 2nd George Fox 344 points, 3rd Richard Day 292 points.








Recreational Boat Fishing Trips are organised by Marc Duncan 07810 876281.
Mid-week Recreational Fishing trip 23rd July report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      On Thursday 23rd July the club held a recreational fishing trip and the target fish being tope, rays and conger aboard "Ocean Runner" skippered by Ryan Jones.  Ryan took us a few miles offshore westerly to a wreck, very snaggy but fish around with Russ Latimer hooking into some tope but they bit through or came off before being landed.  Andy Southwick then landed the first nice conger of around 15 lbs followed by Russ with another double figure conger, but we had many bite-offs and hook ups on the wreck so ​Ryan moved us half a mile in to another more friendly one - still some bite-offs but Tony Knight landed a 2nd target fish with a lovely tope of 28 lbs.
      After lunch we moved inshore to a sandy bank to try for rays with no luck - but Russ was hooking tope again and landed one in the mid 20 lbs.  Harry Gray had been fishing with half a mackerel and fresh scad bait all day and here it paid off.  He hooked into a very hard fighting tope which was landed and reckoned to be late 30s to 40 lbs (we were not weighing fish today as it was very hot and we were trying to minimise stress for them).  We carried on here a while and Harry was on a roll as he hooked and landed another 20 lbs+ tope.  Well done to Ryan for finding 2 of 3 target fish.
Mid-Week Recreational Mid-Channel Fishing Trip report and photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      On Tuesday 12th May 10 club members ventured out aboard "Ocean Runner", skippered by Ryan Jones out of Poole for a  wrecking trip in the channel.  Off we set at 07-00 and reached the first wreck by 09-20.  Fishing with lures, we tried several wrecks moving a bit west each time in search of pollack, unfortunately with no luck but most anglers losing lures to the wrecks!!  We were catching large pouting and red gurnards on the lures.
      With a move to another wreck before slack water, Marc Duncan hooked into a cod.  We then moved off the wreck and drifted for red gurnard whilst we had lunch and a coffee.  Several gurnards were landed but then we were catching mackerel 3 at a time.
      When the tide turned, we then went back on some ​more wrecks drifting again for the pollack.  Alas we were unable to find any, but a move to the final wreck saw Jim McGreavy on the last 2 drifts landed 2 pollack.
      After speaking with Ryan, the final Mid ​Channel trip on the 28th June has been cancelled and the plan will be to fish for reef pollack and large bream.  There is currently a space available should anyone wish to come along.

Mid-Week Recreational Fishing Trip.  Report and Photos sent in by Marc Duncan.
      On Tuesday 27th April 7 club members joined Ben Wood aboard "Double 6" for a day out after bream and plaice in the bay.  With a very stiff wind blowing from the north, we kept fairly close in, first anchoring by the North Head buoy for a while3 but with no success.  Ben took us out toa deeper rocky mark where we started getting some fish initially doggies but the first bream was caught by Tony Knight, followed by Russell Latimer then Paul Ibberson-Groves with a nice male doggy.  The best fish went to Tony Methven with a smooth-hound.  At noon we moved out to the Dolphin Bank after plaice but after a couple of drifts and a spell at anchor there was no sign of them.  So, for the last hour we came back onto the deeper shingles mark again.  Here were doggies, small bream and a couple of small bull huss, then Paul had another nice bream and another good smooth-hound went to Anton Emblem.  A slow day but the sun was out and so were we despite the wind.
Recreational fishing trip Saturday 3rd January.  Report sent in by Dave Price.
      The club's recreational fishing trips started early this  year with a trip on Saturday 3rd January from Poole aboard "Ocean Runner" skippered by Ryan Jones.  It was a very cold start with the temperature at zero degrees when we boarded via a rather slippery pontoon at Poole.  The temperature did pick up a few degrees as the sun came out later and stayed out for most of the day which made things a bit better.  There were predicted north westerly winds of 15 mph gusting up to 25 mph which was the case but as this was an inshore trip we were pretty well sheltered by Studland and the Poole/Bournemouth coast.
      According to the skipper, the water temperatures had only just started to lower and this has delayed the arrival of the whiting, so they were not around in the same numbers as they might usually be in early January.  This made for quite tough fishing.  We moved around 4 different marks during the day but never really found the fish in any numbers.
      In total we caught several pouting, some small congers, quite a few small dogfish, a single dab, one very impressive 7lb 2oz small eyed ray caught by Robin Lane and a few whiting, although the majority of the whiting were on the smaller side with only a few keepable sized fish, the best being a 2lb 3oz fish caught by Andy Southwick.
      Another cold spell may bring the whiting inshore more, so hopefully the  next recreational trips might have a bit more luck if we choose to target them.







The Club's Constitution 2022.

The Club's Data Protection Policy.


Club Safeguarding Children Policy.

Adult Application Form

Junior Application Form


The Phoenix that rose from the ashes.


Junior Section.

Junior results and prizes

Portrait Image

A portrait image that was shot in 2020

Intro Video

A shot intro video clip


CONTENTS Derek Smith President 2002-2025 Robin Lane.  Our new President Data Protection Policy, A brief guide – WhatsApp Groups Membership Renewal Date Reminder Club Minimum sizes and Specimen Weights Official Weighers – Weighing in your fish – Club fish of the month competition Other Awards: Angling Trust Specimen Award Scheme – Publicity Quick guide to Shore and Boat fish size limits in competitions Definition of Club Waters

Derek Andrew Smith 1936-2025 Derek was our longest serving and most active President (2002-2025).  A Master Thatcher by trade, his affable nature and community spirit ensured he was widely respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  His passion for fishing remained as strong as ever until ill-health intervened.  Sadly, he passed away in May and will be greatly missed.

Congratulations and welcome to our new President: Robin Lane.  He has been a loyal and hard-working club member since the mid-1970s, undertaking numerous official roles during this time.  After years of putting his energies into successfully developing match boat fishing within the club, he is now stepping back and taking a well-deserved rest.  Robin currently holds three, long-standing shore records, two of which (plaice and pollack) are unlikely to be surpassed.

DATA PROTECTION POLICY – A BRIEF GUIDE The General Data Protection Regulations came into effect on the 25th May 2018, extending the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.  They require organisations to produce a Data Protection Policy and to notify its members of the personal data held and the use to which it is put.  The membership Secretary has been nominated as the Data Protection Officer for the purpose of the Regulations. Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club is committed to a policy of protecting the rights and privacy of members in respect of the processing of their personal data.   Members are required to give their consent in writing regarding how their personal data is used.  The Club will only use the data for as much as it is necessary for the functioning of the Club and its activities.  In addition, with the individual members’ written agreement, some details may be released for publicity purposes to third parties eg., photos to local and national publications.  Members’ data will on no account be disclosed to any third party for the purposes of commercial gain. Data will not be kept for longer than it is required, and members can require the club the club to erase any data at any time by writing to the Data Protection Officer. A copy of the full policy can be obtained from the Data Protection Officer upon written request.

WHATSAPP GROUPS WhatsApp is a convenient way of sending and sharing messages, photos or videos instantaneously and directly to members.  Only Club members can apply to join one or more of the following groups: Match League Boats, Large Boats and Recreational Boat trips, Shallow Boat Competitions and all Shore Leagues and Competitions. A Key Administrator is appointed to each group to monitor the postings and remove inappropriate content and to delete persons from the group if necessary.  Postings should be limited to pertinent items relating to the club’s or an individual member’s fishing activities.  To apply to join, contact, preferably by text, giving your name and mobile telephone number to Marc Duncan 07810 876281 for Large Boats & Recreational Boat Trips, Brian Ansell 07395 265175 for Shallow Boat Competitions, Richard Day 07989 282245 for Match League Competitions, Roland Blomfield 07731 373119 and Malcolm Stote 07894 902254 for Club Shore Competitions, Colin Saunders 07802511522 and Garry Mann 07970 283581 for Win-Sum League.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Membership Subscription Renewal due 1st December 2026.

Annual subscription fees are due for renewal by the 1st December and must be paid directly to the Membership Secretary. Any member who fails to renew their subscription shall cease to be a member. They shall have until the 31st December to renew their subscription and shall not be liable for payment of a joining fee. Until subscription fees are renewed, they are no longer a member of the Club and may only take part in Club events as a guest and will not be entitled to any privileges conferred by membership of the Club, including the awarding of points in competitions or claiming records and associated prizes.

If the subscription fee has not been received by the Membership Secretary by the 31st December, they shall be required to reapply to join the Club and be liable for the payment of the joining fee in addition to the membership fee.

CLUB MINIMUM SIZES AND SPECIMEN WEIGHTS  

    SpeciesBoatShore
  Minimum SizeSpecimen Weights  Minimum SizeSpecimen Weights
Area DArea D
CminslbsCmInslbs
Angler Fish--25--20
Bass4216.69.54216.69.5
Bream-Black249.53.5249.52
Bream-Gilthead249.52249.52
Bream-Red249.52.5249.51
Brill35144.535141.5
Bullhuss58231258238
Coalfish3514535142
Cod351420351410
Conger Eel1204850582320
Dab23912391
Dogfish-L/S4618338152.5
Flounder2710.62.752710.62.5
Garfish38151.2538151
Gurnard-Red2081.252081
Gurnard-Tub28113.528111.5
John Dory33133.525101
Ling72282072285
Mackerel3012230121.5
Mullet-Gold Grey3614.2523614.251.5
Mullet-Thick Lipped4217.7544217.754
Mullet-Thin Lipped4217.7534217.753
Mullet-Red1561.51561.25
Plaice2811428112.5
Pollack30121430123
Pouting25103187.251.75
Ray- Blonde4116254517.7512
Ray-S/E Painted4116114517.759
Ray- Spotted41165.54517.754
Ray-Sting4116254517.7520
Ray-Thornback4116124517.7510
Ray-Undulate4116164517.7512
Rockling-3B187.251.5187.251.5
Scad25101.525101
Silver Eel38152.538152.5
Smooth-hound (All)512015512010
Sole2510225102
Spurdog58231458238
Trigger Fish3012330122.5
Turbot41161535143
Whiting2710.63.535143
Wrasse-Ballan23952394
Wrasse-Corkwing2080.52080.5
Wrasse-Cuckoo2081.252081.25
Unclassified208-208-
By WeightKgLbsLbsKgLbsLbs
Monkfish715.535715.525
Shark-Blue2350.7601850.7-
Shark-Mako2350.71401850.7-
Shark-Porbeagle2350.71401850.7-
Shark-Thresher2350.71401850.7-
Tope9204592025

Please note Allis Shad, Common Eel and Tope are now protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and must be returned if caught.  Skates and Rays to be measured across the wings. Area D = the Wessex Regional and Specimen Area and includes Dorset, Hampshire & I.O.W. OFFICIAL WEIGHERS Name                                                                                                                           Tel No Christchurch Angling Centre, 7 Castle Parade,                                      01202 480520 Iford Roundabout, Bournemouth BH7 6SH                                              R Davies Robert Flicos                                                                                           01590 676785                       Loni’s Angling Centre, (fish up to 20lbs), 119 Old Milton Rd,                 01425 616323 New Milton BH25 6DP Steve Monckton

WEIGHING IN YOUR FISH Members are reminded that fish caught at other times than in competitions are eligible for Fish of the Year, and Fish of the Month prizes. Take your catch to an Official Weigher, fill in the Official Weigh in form, which must be signed and forwarded to the Docket Steward, not later than the third day of the following month. N.B.  Fish caught in Club waters whilst freelancing or taking part in events organised by other clubs are also eligible.  Simply obtain a completed docket form from the organisers of the event, or if freelancing, from the local tackle shop, official weigher of the club or any shop that has certified scales and is prepared to weigh your fish and provide a signed receipt stating, weight, date, your name and place of capture (please include whether boat or shore and your signature). NOTE: All weighing-in dockets, MUST state place of capture. Mutilated fish, eg gutted, or fish that have been frozen are not eligible for weighing in.

CLUB FISH OF THE MONTH COMPETITION The Club awards prizes each calendar month for the best fish caught (based on Angling Trust specimen weights). There are separate categories for boat and shore sections with prizes for both adult and juniors. Fish must be 50%or over specimen weight to be eligible for the competition (N.B.  this only applies to adults). Engraved Medals will be presented to Club members who set a new Club record or break an existing one. Trophies are presented to the adult and junior who have attained the most number of “fish of the month” awards during the year.  A Club member may use 2 rods with 3 single hooks or 2 pennel-mounted baits between the 2 rods.   Only 1 pennel-mounted bait is allowed on each rod and so constructed that the measurement between the eyes of the 2 hooks do not exceed 20cm for boat angling and 10cm for shore angling.

OTHER AWARDS ANGLING TRUST SPECIMEN FISH AWARD SCHEME Only open to Direct Members and Members of Affiliated Clubs. If you wish a specimen fish to be registered with the Angling Trust, contact Docket Steward as soon as possible. Weighing at Sea The Angling Trust now accept registration forms for fished weighed at sea provided this fact is indicated on the form. Any certificate awarded will indicate that the weight was estimated, and the fish returned. N.B.  This does not apply to fish entered for the club prizes, fish of the month etc.   They have to be weighed on land on certified scales. IMPORTANT: A member can use not more than 2 rods with 3 single hooks or 2 pennel-mounted baits between the 2 rods.  The rule above is in force when fishing for Angling Trust specimen awards. The competition runs from 1st December to 30th November. Angling Trust website address: www.anglingtrust.net Angling magazines and some national newspapers award prizes for noteworthy catches.  Check press for details.

PUBLICITY The Club’s Publicity Officer is Brian Ansell (see back page for contact details) and he is the first point of contact for sending in match reports, photos, etc.  He will ensure that any information is subsequently passed on to the Newsletter, Media etc. CLUB WEBSITE: www.ldsfc.co.uk The Club’s website manager is Brian Ansell (see back page for contact details).   He can upload photos and information etc.  NEWSLETTERS SENT BY EMAIL Emailing the newsletter result in significant savings for the Club and members are encouraged to receive it in this format.  Email newsletters have the additional benefit of being able to include colour photos.  If members who have elected to receive their newsletter by email and are not receiving it, please check that: i) the Membership Secretary has your current email address. ii) that your newsletter is not being diverted to your junk/spam mailbox. Please contact the Newsletter Editor if further assistance is required.

QUICK GUIDE TO SHORE & BOAT SIZE LIMITS IN COMPETITIONS

Bass               42cm                          Pollack                                   30cm

Black Bream 24cm                          Poor Cod                               18cm

Coalfish         35cm                          Pouting                                  18cm (Boat 25cm)

Cod                 35cm                          Rays (across the wings)     41cm*

Conger           58cm (Boat 120cm) Rockling                                18cm

Dab                 23cm                          Scad                                       25cm

Flounder        27cm                          Silver Eel                               38cm

Gurnard          28cm                          Smooth-hound                      51cm

L.S.  Dogfish 38cm (Boat 46cm)    Sole                                       25cm

Mullet             42cm                          Whiting                                   27cm

Plaice             28cm

 

*Note.  Rays are measured from nose to tail in the Win-Sum League.

UNCLASSIFIED: 20cm.  WEEVERS DO NOT COUNT

(except in Boat Match League matches)

NOTE: ON CLUB COMPETITIONS ONLY (NOT OPENS) ALL MACKEREL CAUGHT BY ANY METHOD EXCEPT FEATHERING CAN BE WEIGHED IN.

 

DEFINITION OF CLUB WATERS

Shore.  Eastern Boundary: Emsworth inclusive to western side of Lyme Regis, Dorset and all beaches, piers and jetties on the Isle of Wight.  The above includes Poole Harbour and Southampton Water.

 

Boats.  Those waters accessible to all Club members within the Angling Trust Marine Regional Group Wessex area D and extending south to latitude 50⁰29’N (approximately 10 miles south of the Needles).

 JUNIOR MEMBERS’ SECTION Angling Trust Junior Specimen Award Scheme – Junior Shore Records Junior ‘Catch & Release’ Shore & Boat Record Lists: Introduction Junior Shore Trophies & Prizes – Junior Shore Fish of the Month Junior Shore Competition Dates Junior Boat Records – junior Boat Trophies & Prizes Junior Boat Fish of the Month Junior ‘Catch & Release’ Boat Record List JUNIOR CLUB MEMBERS’SECTION Welcome to the section of the handbook specially for the junior members of the club. (A junior member will be any juvenile under the age of 17 years at the time of application (or renewal) of membership.  Any junior reaching the age of 17 years during a Club year will still be considered a junior for the duration of that year.) The Angling Trust has recently introduced a separate Specimen Award Scheme for junior anglers.  The specimen weights are approximately 70% of those in the Adult Specimen Award Scheme.  If you catch a fish that qualifies, contact the Docket Steward (back cover).

ANGLING TRUST JUNIOR SPECIMEN AWARD SCHEME: QUALIFYING WEIGHTS 

SPECIMEN FISH LISTBOATSHORE
lbkglbkg
ANGLER FISH17.07.71114.06.350
BASS6.82.9486.82.948
BREAM – Black2.81.1341.80.680
BREAM – Gilthead1.80.6801.80.680
BREAM – Red1.120.7941.120.794
BRILL3.41.4741.00.454
BULL HUSS8.83.8565.82.495
CATFISH3.81.5883.01.361
COALFISH3.81.5881.80.680
COD17.87.9387.03.175
CONGER EEL28.012.70011.85.216
DAB0.120.3400.120.340
FLOUNDER2.00.9071.120.794
GARFISH0.140.3970.120.340
GURNARD – Red0.140.3970.120.340
GURNARD – Tub1.120.7941.00.454
HADDOCK3.01.3610.120.340
JOHN DORY2.81.1340.120.340
LESSER SPOTTED DOGFISH2.00.9071.120.794
LING14.06.3503.81.588
MACKEREL1.80.6801.00.454
MEGRIM0.140.3970.120.340
MONKFISH25.011.39417.87.938
MULLET – Golden Grey1.80.6801.00.454
MULLET – Red1.00.4540.140.397
MULLET – Thick Lipped2.81.1342.81.134
MULLET – Thin Lipped3.01.3613.01.361
PLAICE3.41.4741.120.794
POLLACK11.04.9903.01.361
POUTING2.00.9071.00.454
RAY – Blonde18.08.1659.04.082
RAY – Small Eyed/Painted7.83.4025.82.495
RAY – Spotted/Homelyn3.121.7013.01.361
RAY – Sting20.09.07217.87.938
RAY – Thornback10.04.5357.03.175
RAY – Undulate10.04.5358.03.628
ROCKLING – 3 Bearded1.00.4541.00.454
SCAD1.00.4540.120.340
SILVER EEL1.120.7941.120.794
SMOOTH-HOUNDS – All10.04.5357.03.175
SOLE1.80.6801.80.680
SPURDOG8.03.6285.82.495
TOPE30.013.60718.08.165
TRIGGER FISH2.00.9071.120.794
TURBOT10.04.5352.00.907
WEEVER – Greater0.80.2270.80.227
WHITING2.41.0201.00.454
WRASSE – Ballan3.81.5883.01.361
WRASSE – Cuckoo0.140.3970.140.397