Pembrokeshire Anglers Association mark 50 years of fishing (From Western Telegraph)

Pembrokeshire Anglers Association mark 50 years of fishing

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Pem-brokeshire Anglers Association, a notable landmark for the fishing club boasting over 200 members.

Most are local but individuals are scattered throughout Wales and England, all drawn annually to enjoy the excellent salmon, sewin and trout fishing on the unspoilt western Cleddau.

In the Association's early days, fishing was leased on both eastern and western Cleddau Rivers. Soon however, the fishing was concentrated on the western Cleddau and over the years the PAA has acquired rights, mostly leased but some purchased outright, on over 15 miles of prime fishing from Sealyham down to Haverfordwest.

During the early 1970s the club's membership had swelled to such an extent that the opportunity to acquire the use of the British Legion Building at the Bridge Meadow as a clubhouse was taken.

Weekly meetings were held there and the clubhouse became the popular and well known focal point for the young and old anglers alike.

Unfortunately, it was lost during the Riverside development and never replaced.

Despite this setback, the PAA embarked on a series of ambitious plans to purchase fishing rights on the river. The first purchase, aided by a Sports Council Grant, was the weir fishing in Treffgarne Gorge - a prime stretch of river.

This was followed by further purchases and improvements along the whole of the gorge area. Also, within the gorge, a magnificent purpose built disabled fishing area - The Tony Summers Pool - was completed and opened in 1999.

This project has attracted widespread praise from all who have seen and used it.

Over the last three years the PAA has begun an exciting sea trout fry restocking policy, resulting in over 60,000 fry being released back into the river.

Major habitat restoration works have been undertaken on many stretches of bank thanks to Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust, Environment Agency Wales and CCW.

Also, last year the PAA received the long anticipated boost of the total reconstruction of the fish pass at Haverfordwest Town Weir.

The chairman and committee of the PAA are delighted and proud to have reached this 50th anniversary.

The long term outlook for the Association and the river is highly encouraging. Last autumn saw one of the best salmon runs for many a year, while the biggest sewin taken last season was over 10 Ibs.

The trout fishing too is improving every season, with plenty of wild fish of over 1/2 lb providing great sport.

Membership is open to everyone, with day tickets, weekly tickets and season tickets all available.

If you fancy some top class fishing in unspoilt, beautiful surroundings contact Lorraine Brown on 01437 760131 or visit County Sports, Haverfordwest.