Pembrokeshire Anglers Association
Newsletter 2026
Dear Member,
It’s that time of year again when we can look forward to leaving the house after what seems like a long dark, windy, damp winter and start wandering the river banks on the quest to catch the first fish of the season .
Last season was again like most rivers in the UK a challenge with another year of low catches of sea trout and Salmon .
The brown trout fishing was thankfully constant with locals and visitors catching on all methods in all weather conditions . Whether they are sitting down with the worm or using small spinners in coloured water or as more and more anglers are doing, putting their chest waders on and wading up river casting nymphs and dry flies to rising trout .
We have again been working with local groups such as the Cleddau Project , PRT and 4 rivers for life to try and stop the various pollution incidents . We need to work with anyone who can help and if you see pollution please report it to the NRW on 03000653000 and get an incident number so it can be chased up .
The fly tying sessions have been held at the Mariners Hotel and have been well attended and a few new skills were picked up . Toby has done an excellent job of organising the sessions , if you would like to know when the sessions are on please call him on 07902931469 and he will add you to his list .
The AGM will be held on Wednesday March 11th 2026 @ 7.30 pm in The Mariners Hotel ,Haverfordwest .
Sandwiches will be served and the raffle will take place at the end of the meeting .
We will again hold an auction of donated fishing tackle after the raffle , I have had an assortment of tackle already donated but will gladly take any of your old or unwanted items to help them find a new home. We have had a very generous donation off Norman Phelps with a vast amount of fly tying equipment and fishing tackle . Anyone wanting to donate please let me know , or bring them along to the AGM , just come 30 minutes before the start .
Subscriptions have not risen again .We are very fortunate to have great landowners who support the club and have again not increased their rents, some even donating the fishing for free . Our season permits offer excellent value for money with miles of fishing from just above town ( The mill lane ) to above Wolfscastle to suit all fishing techniques and abilities . To help try and encourage young members we still offer anyone aged 15 and under fish for free .
2026 SUBSCRIRTIONS .
ADULT (OVER 21)…………………..£75
YOUTH (16 TO 20)………………….£20
JUNIOR (15 AND UNDER)………FREE
ADULT WEEKLY……………………………£45
ADULT DAILY……………………………….£15
Concessionary rates still go to those who already receive it. You must produce your membership card as proof of entitlement when renewing your membership .
Our permit secretary will be at the meeting to collect subscriptions. If you are not attending the meeting you can post your renewal to him. Please enclose in the envelope, you membership book , a cheque payable to PAA and a self addressed “ STAMPED “ envelope . Post to Mr S Brown , 12 St Isselles Avenue , Merlins Bridge , Haverfordwest .SA61 1JU .
County Sports have once again helped the club tremendously by selling permits , tackle , footwear and clothing to members from near and far as well as sharing their vast knowledge on methods and areas to fish .
Our website has worked well with the ability to now buy permits on line paying via Paypal. Visitors can see the river , buy a permit and start fishing straight away .Anyone having friends of family visiting can enjoy fishing together instantly .
Maintenance
We have been out on a few sessions clearing areas by the river during the close season. a lot of trees have come down after the couple of storms we’ve had .If anyone would like to give up the odd evening or morning , there will be a warm welcome and you may pick up some fishing tips for free . Please give your details to a committee member .We have also set up a Whats App group for volunteers .
We would like again to ask members to spend a few minutes before or after fishing to pull up Himalayan Balsam weed to reduce the spread and give native plants a chance to grow and help secure the banks , pull them before they flower and dispose of them as far from the river as possible . Areas I have done this are improving .
Annual fishing competition
This years comp will be held at Llys-Y-Fran reservoir on Sunday May 17 th. Fishing starts at 9.00am , please book in at 8.00am to 8.30 am to purchase your permit. Bank fishing only with worm or fly , first four fish to be dispatched . The weigh in is at 5.00 pm where prizes and trophies will be awarded .
Tight lines for the coming season
Stephen Esmond … 07890 028 687… [email protected]