April - June 2026

With water temperatures on the increase the carp on SDAA waters have been in a more obliging mood in recent weeks. Daniel Ryan’s recent first 24h session of 2026 at The Airman produced 3 mirror carp of 16lb 7oz, 17lb 2oz & 20lb 8oz and his next 24h session was even more successful landing 6 mirrors of 14lb 9oz, 15lb 12oz, 18lb 4oz, 19lb 1oz, 19lb 4oz & 19lb 9oz. A recent overnight session at Broom Lake produced a 22lb mirror and 15lb common for Dave Cowell. Terry Smith enjoyed a productive session at Willington Lake landing a 24lb 4oz mirror, 17lb common and two bream to 5lb 7oz.

A couple of great catches from Mick Baldwin this week

Mick has been enjoying some quality sport down at Willington Lake, landing a cracking Tench at 7lb 6oz and a lovely Carp weighing in at 11lb 2oz.

Well done Mick — great results and a couple of fish to be proud of!

Introducing Our New Chair – Julian Peacock

We’re delighted to introduce Julian Peacock as the new Chair of the club.

Julian brings with him a lifetime of angling experience, a genuine commitment to our waters, and a clear belief in the importance of volunteers to the long‑term health of the club. Over recent years, many members will already know Julian through his positive and approachable presence while helping to bailiff our waters, and his willingness to give time back to the club.

In his own words, Julian explains what drew him into volunteering and what motivates him to step forward into the role of Chair:

“As a passionate multi-species angler for over four decades I felt a burgeoning urge to give something back. Three years ago I attended my first ever club AGM with the intention of discovering if I could help in some way with my local angling club. Since that evening I have helped bailiff our waters in a positive and engaging way, reminding me that I like people almost as much as I love fishing! Volunteers are the beating heart of our club and if you feel like I do and are considering helping us, please don’t hesitate to reach out!”

Cheers and tight lines,
Julian Peacock

Mick Baldwin has concentrated on Willington Lake during April and has found the bream in obliging mood. 1st April – 5 bream, 1 tench and 1 carp for 44lb 11oz,; 3rd April – 9 bream for 53lb 4oz; 8th April – 2 bream and 1 tench for 17lb 6oz; 17th April – 20 bream to 7lb 8oz and 1 carp for 138lb 3oz. Since starting his spring campaign in March with a couple of blanks, Mick has now amassed a total weight of 525lb 9oz and has landed 81 bream, 3 carp and 2 tench from SDAA waters.

Welcoming Our New President – Colin Stitt

We are pleased to announce Colin Stitt as the club’s new President.

A lifelong angler, Colin’s journey began in the clear waters of Scotland’s rivers and lochs, developing a deep appreciation for angling that has stayed with him throughout his life. Many members will also know Colin through his long and valued service as a committee member of the SDAA, where he has consistently demonstrated commitment not only to angling and our waters, but to the members who enjoy them.

Colin is a strong advocate for the wellbeing benefits of angling, echoing the sentiments of Izaak Walton who, as early as circa 1650, famously described angling as “the contemplative man’s recreation” — a peaceful pursuit offering mental clarity and respite from the pressures of daily life.

Pictured below, Colin is seen awarding the Centenary Cup to myself, Dean Ayres, in recognition of services to the Club.