Quarry House Angling Club

Have a Go Day 18^th July Sunrise Lakes

Fortunately the awful weather of the previous day lifted and the club was blessed with a fine if breezy day for its third annual Have a Go Day. The venue Sunrise Lakes at Spofforth is now five years old and maturing within its beautiful surroundings. To say that Sunrise Lakes is off the beaten track is to understate the tranquillity to be found only a mile or so off Hagg’s Lane between Spofforth and Harrogate.

Fortunately the directions (look for a turning between two telegraph poles) worked sufficiently for 29 beginners to find there way to Have a Go. This was more than double last years turn out and a great challenge for the club. After signing in (for the purpose of the Environment Agency rod licence) all participants were allocated to one of the club’s members (Chris Hutchinson, Tony Hotchkin, John Douglas or George Roe) who took them through the rudiments of the “art” of fishing before handing them a rod with float and hook – members showed how to put the maggots on the hook!

All participants caught at least one fish and most caught many more than that. Phoebe Parker aged 9 came with her Dad Mel and caught 42 fish which included some good sized Crucian Carp, Common Carp and Tench.

Mel said “she really enjoyed the day, as did I, and I think she has caught the bug. Thanks to all involved for making it such a good day and special thanks to Tony for the tips”.

Members either unhooked and returned the fish or supervised the process. Ann Parker and Anne Bretherwick did a great job keeping all the participants fed and watered producing copious quantities of bacon sandwiches on a single camping stove!

In the sky above the lake the resident Red Kite did its best to distract us from fishing.

Thanks to HASSRA the day was completely free for participants and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Some found that fishing wasn’t for them but others had clearly been hooked on fishing and would be taking up the sport.

The club has already booked the venue for next year’s event on 24^th July so note your diaries. If you can’t wait until then contact George Roe x 24244 or John Douglas x27547 for details of the clubs upcoming matches.