Marsh Farm Fisheries
Home of the Specimen Crucian
"Owned by Godalming Angling Society"

 
 
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 Godalming Angling Society

Marsh Farm Fisheries
 

Landing Nets and Keepnets
Following the recent outbreaks of KHV in the surrounding area and to protect our fishery, new rules regarding keepnets and landing-nets have been approved by G.A.S. General Committee.
We do not have KHV and we want to keep it that way

Day ticket anglers may NOT use Keepnets at Marsh Farm

All day ticket anglers must obtain a day ticket from the on-site shop Apollo before commencing fishing.
 When visiting anglers purchase their day-ticket, they must show their landing-net head to the Apollo shop staff
If approved as DRY, then they may use it, and fish to normal closing time.
If the net is not considered as dry enough, then they must use a landing-net head supplied by the shop. A £10 deposit will be required for the landing net head, which will be refunded only upon its return. The shop will open at 7.30a.m. and close at 5.30 p.m. daily.
Landing-net heads must be returned during these hours, and hence the angler having returned the net head can no longer continue to fish that day
Landing net heads
G.A.S. Members may use their own landing nets - but they must be DRY
£10 deposit will be charged per shop issued landing-net head to day ticket anglers. (see above) 
This will include all non-G.A.S. Matches.
A limited number of free landing nets will be available for use of juniors only
Keepnets
G.A.S. Members only are allowed to use the Marsh Farm keepnets if they wish to. The nets are to be logged out by the shop and signed for, collected and returned within shop opening hours 7.30a.m. –5.30p.m.
(There is a 4 hour limit on fish held in keepnets. See General Byelaw 22C)
Anglers may NOT use keepnets ( Members or G.A.S. ) on the following waters, Johnsons, Busbridge, & Broadwater. ( except in G.A.S. authorised listed matches )
Matches
All matches are to use GAS landing nets and keepnets
Other than for G.A.S. & Apollo matches, a £50 deposit will be required against all nets being returned

Saturday Fishing For Fun - Amazing turn outs!
Following the incredibly successful Open Day on July 17th we have been experiencing tremendous numbers of youngsters attending our FFF Saturday mornings. The top attendence so far has been 70 children and the lowest was 45. We have had to order more landing nets and small seats to cope with these numbers which are resulting in more Junior members. The last FFF is this coming Saturday 21st August and runs from 9am untill midday. This is followed by our Junior Charity fishing competition on Saturday 4th September to which any junior (member or not) is welcome as long as they have raised some sponsorship.
For more information on this event and sponsor forms, please call Andrew Mackenzie on 01483 424934 or 07952 429071

Posted 28-07-2010
Open day a great success.
Saturday 17th July 200.
The weather was excellent and the preparations proved to be excellent too as the regulars plus a few new faces all pulled together to create a great event.
Everyone who wanted to "have a go" was given a 30 minute slot of fishing with a qualified coach and they all caught fish! There was a casting competition on the big filed along with fly casting coaching.
A great favourite on the day was the Pond Dipping - it is amazing how many different creepy crawlies we have in our lakes! There were rig tying and elasticating demos. We had demos on pole fishing, waggler fishing feeder fishing and guided tours around Marsh Farm. This was all topped off with the obligatory BBQ.
 
Copied below is the summary of the facts and figures which make great reading.

All, 

Just to let you know that now Bernice has had a chance to process, collate and file all the forms from the open day she has reported :- 

99 juniors mentioned on consent forms and 60 adults signed the consent forms (under the direction of Marion and Bernice)  therefore around 160 visitors minimum can be accounted for plus those from Chase who did not book in.
So if you consider that quite a lot of the juniors had more than one parent or family member with them and there were people there who did not take part in the coaching it is likely there were between 180 - 200 visitors at least.
We got through 96 burgers, 96 sausages, 12 very large onions (kindly chopped by my lovely assistant Dave Carter),144 baps (cut and filled by Eilleeen and Dora), 2 punnets of strawberries, 2off blueberries, 2off raspberries and 1off tomatoes.
We signed up 1 senior member 13 new juniors in the Pavilion and  Apollo estimated they did 3-4 as well. I showed 2 more Seniors around MFarm and Johnsons who said they were amazed at what we had to offer and would definitely be joining.
The feed back from the visitors was very complimentary with many saying they were keen to return next week for the FFF.
So well done and thanks to Peter, Andrew, Coaches, Demonstrators and all who took part. A great day all round.
Graham Harris.
Chief Cook. 
Posted 21-07-2010
£3K match series Fish to Win click here for more details
Posted 03-06-2010
Bill bags Record monster Crucian!
Late afternoon (Tuesday 1st June 2010) Bill Rushmer landed a new PB and Lake record Crucian weighing in at 4lbs 6oz.
Pictures to follow on catch Report page as soon as possible. He caught the magnificent specimen on paste in the margin of peg 7 on Harris Lake. 
The Crucians have yet to spawn and there may just be a larger one lurking nearby.
Posted 04th March 2010
2010 AGM is on Saturday 10th April.
Venue Broadwater School, Summers Road, Farncombe. Notification will be posted out shortly and will include your renewal application form.
 
Closed Season dates for our waters are as follows:
 
Bramley - Open all year.
 
Broadwater - Closed May 1st - June 15 inclusive.
 
Busbridge - Closed March 15 - April 30th inclusive.
 
Johnsons - Closed May 1st to June 15th inclusive.

Marsh Farm - Open all year.
 
River Wey - Closed 15th March to 15th June inclusive.
Posted 11th Dec 09
New sluice unveiled
The new sluice had its shuttering removed a week after filling with some 7 tons of concrete. The sheer weight made the shuttering warp a little. We now have a very effective water retaining sluice of a somewhat abstract design that  we may put on display at the Tate Modern in years to come!
Posted 11th Dec 09
Car park planters
Three chunky planters in the club colours have been made by Andrew to replace some of the sleepers that marked out the car park. Four more of the 2.5ft sq ones will be made over the next few weeks to replace the remaining sleepers improving the look of the car park still further.
They are all planted up with spring bulbs, have the Marsh Farm Fishery logo sprayed on the side and have safety reflectors attached to highlight their presence to anglers at night.
Posted 11th Dec 09
Fencing repair completed
The car damaged fencing at the entrance to Marsh Farm has been replaced now bringing back a respectable look to the fishery.
It has been given two coats of dark oak paint and now looks better than ever.
Posted 11th Dec 09
New sluice constructed on Marsh Farm. 
Construction of a new sluice to enable us to control the water coming from the borehole has been undertaken over the last couple of weeks. It involved digging out the base and the bank sides, installing shuttering, tying it in, internal metal reinforcing rods and a scaffolding platform to allow tipping the concrete from. 
On Tuesday morning the Mix a Mate lorry weighing in at a mere 44 tons turned up and kept off the grass! The 2.5 cm of concrete was moved little by little by power barrow to the site and then tipped into a wheelbarrow taken across the scaffold platform and tipped carefully into the shuttering below. Weighing in at 1 ton when loaded the power barrow was too heavy to run across the platform and too long to be able to turn and tip. Fortunately we had a fit young man to do the heavy work - thanks Alex. 
Down in the ditch was a concrete splattered Barrie happily tamping it all down and finally some two hours later trowelling it off to a smooth finish. Each wing of the sluice now holds something like 3.5 tons of concrete encased around the reinforcing rods installed a few days earlier.  Later that afternoon, the scaffold planks were removed, pressure washer cleaned courtesy of Kevins machine, then returned to Gary who very kindly provided all the scaffolding free of charge.  
By Wednesday morning the concrete was solid, helped no doubt by a very mild night. Next week we will removed all the shuttering and be able to view the new sluice in all its glory! My thanks go to Barrie, Peter, Bob & Alex for helping achieve this new sluice.
 
Andrew Mackenzie.
Still Water Fishery Maintenance Manager.
Posted 25 October 09
OUCH - WHO'S A LUCKY LAD THEN!? 
Yesterday morning there was potentially a fatal prang at Marsh Farm. A braking car apparently locked up and resulted in it cutting diagonally across the entrance and ploughing into the close board fencing. 
Lucky? - well yes very lucky as he just missed hitting the container and even more lucky; having wiped out the gas main behind the fence, causing the gas to escape at full velocity it did not ignite and he managed to reverse out of the fence and back onto the driveway without a scratch. 
Bob Pickett was quickly on the scene to help organise the Gas repair men, the fire service, police and stopping of the traffic. A great job Bob for which we all thank you. 
We (Godalming AS) have no idea where the fault (if any) lay but would ask all Members, Visitors and Guests to exit very carefully, especially when turning right. The most important thing is that no one was hurt.
Posted 04 September 09
WARNING!!!
KHV Disease is in the area.
We have changed our rules in an effort to stop the deadly KHV virus entering any of our waters.
You MUST comply with these changes if you wish to fish our waters. 
KEEPNETS - In future NO KEEPNETS will be used by anyone other than in matches and these will be provided through the Shop on the day. Please check the "Rules" page for details
LANDING NET HEADS - will be provided for all visiting anglers by the on site shop against a CASH deposit of £5 which will be refunded when you leave. Please note the opening hours of the shop to ensure you obtain you refund. BRING YOUR OWN LANDING NET HANDLE!!!
CLUB MEMBERS - A Newsletter has been sent to all of you regarding the Rule changes. Please see the main GAS website News page if you need to refer to it again.

THESE CHANGES COME INTO EFFECT AS OF FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 2009.
Posted 31 August 09
Why Hill Pond is so popular. 
Hill Pond is small but beautifully formed and well stocked. Rarely are there any days when the fish don't play. It is loved by Juniors, mums and dads, and grandparents alike. Whips and poles are  great way to fish here. 
There are lots of small Tench that give a great bend in the rod pus a handful of specimen fish too. Every now and then one of the big (8lbs) Tench, Crucian (4lbs) Perch (2.5lbs)  put in an appearance and that's what makes the pond such fun. Roach, Rudd & Gudgeon make up the stocking plus a few rogue carp; the largest being one of 11lbs. 
It is a great coaching venue too with all swims easily visible from any point around the pond and with the BBQ lit on most Saturdays throughout the summer the smell of onions cooking wafting across the water is mouth watering! Birthday parties are held on here too and the kids have a great time. 
We have several qualified coaches in the club now and another batch ready to be trained this autumn to gain their coaching badges. If you would like more information on coaching or birthday parties please ring Andrew Mackenzie on 01483 424934. 
Here are some pictures taken by Nobby Clarke who is almost always to be found fishing on Hill Pond. Thanks Nobby. (click each image to enlarge)
Posted 17 July 09
Warning - Local Fish kills.
 
All members are asked to take exceptional care following ANY visits to other waters. There have been at least two cases of different fisheries suffering major fish kills in the last couple of weeks. It is very likely to be the dreaded carp herpes virus which is transferred through wet nets.
 
HOW TO SAFEGUARD OUR (YOUR) WATERS.
 
DRY ALL NETS BEFORE FISHING OUR WATERS - OR ANYONE ELSES COME TO THAT. DIPPING ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH AS THE VIRUS WILL SURVIVE UNLESS DIPPED CONTINUOSLY FOR 72 HOURS! The current keepnet ban will remain in force to assist us in trying to keep our waters virus free.
 
PLEASE, PLEASE do help by drying all your nets.
Posted 13 July 2009
Breaking News - Garbolino will be sponsoring the 2009 Apollomania Knockout Series 
Match Tackle supplier Garbolino have agreed to sponsor the 2009 Apollomania knockout series 
Simon Fry, Garbolino's head of UK sales said "This a great event and one Garbolino are proud to be associated with, the Marsh Farm complex is a cracking venue and it's great to see so many quality anglers taking advantage of such a well run event" 
Garbolino will be adding prizes for the finalists. 
Apollo II Angling Centre already carries a wide range of Garbolino products including rods, poles, floats and accessories. 
Please could u change the banner to read click here to visit Apollo II Angling Centre and the link to www.apollotackle.com
Posted 6 July 2009
HOT WEATHER KEEPNET BAN IMPOSED.
All members are advised that the General Committee have agreed a keepnet ban on all STILL WATERS until further notice.
High water temperatures and an increase in algae blooms despite our ultrasonic's and barley straw have meant we feel it is in everyone's best interests to ensure that fish are not unduly stressed by being kept in keepnets for the time being.
If you want further information on this please contact the Fishery Management Secretary.

Posted 9 June 2009
SWIM CLOSURES FOR MAINTENANCE FRIDAY 12TH JUNE 2009.
The following swims will be closed this Friday for maintenance. Please avoid these swims otherwise you will have to move so that the work can be carried out safely.
There will be a mini digger on site to speed up the work which will create some noise.
Maintenance will commence at 8am starting with Richardson Lake and the total works are expected to be completed by 3pm. As each swim is completed it will be re-opened. This list will be regularly updated on the notice board and the shop informed too.

RICHARDSON LAKE:
Swim numbers:
2, 3, 7, 10, 11, 12 – 17 inc., 19 – 22 inc., 25 – 27 inc., 31, 35, 38 – 42 inc., 45, 47, 48, 50 – 53 inc.

HARRIS LAKE:
Swim numbers:
1 – 5 inc., 7 – 10 inc., 16, 19, 20, 32, 37, 39 – 41 inc., 45.

HILL POND BOOKING:
Swim numbers:
6 -18 inclusive are booked for the day from 8.30am – 3pm.

Posted 29 May 2009
Qualifiers

Saturday 29th August 2009 Marsh Farm Fishery (Richardson & Harris Lakes) Details
Wednesday 2nd September 2009 Monks Fishery (Match Lakes 1 & 2) Details
Wednesday 9th September 2009 Willinghurst Fishery (Top, New, Horseshoe & Old Lakes) Details
Wednesday 16th September 2009 Newland Hall Fishery (Moat & Brook Lakes) Details
Saturday 19th September 2009 Stub Pond Fishery (Plantation Lake) Details
Wednesday 23rd September 2009 Hartleylands Farm Fishery (Pear, Bramley & Nick's Lakes) Details
Saturday 26th September 2009 Tylers Common Fishery (Horseshoe Lake)  
Saturday 3rd October 2009  Wylands Fishery (Snake Lake) Details
Wednesday 7th October 2009  Tylers Common Fishery (Horseshoe Lake)  
Saturday 10th October 2009 Framfield Fishery (Brookhouse & Spring Lakes)  

The top two qualifiers from each match qualify for the £3000 winner takes all final. 

Qualifier Payouts
These are the payouts for each of the 10 qualifiers.
1st Place       £200.00
2nd Place     £100.00
3rd Place      £ 50.00
6 Section winners of  £ 30.00 Each
The top three do not qualify for a section win, the section payout will go to the next highest weight in that section. 

The £3000.00 Winner Takes all Final
The final will be held on Sunday 25th October 2009 at Lake John Fishery in Waltham Abbey.
The top two qualifiers from each of the previous rounds will be entered into the £3000 winner takes all final..

How to Enter The Tournament
The cost to enter the tournament is £25.00 per qualifier.
To enter the Tournament simply follow these steps. 

  1. Choose which qualifier or qualifiers you would like to fish.
  2. Give me a call on either 020 8599 2285 or 07724 841722 to check availability and to book your spot.
  3. Pop the cheque in the post.
  4. Once your cheque has been received we will confirm your entry into the tournament.

If the qualifier you want to enter is full you can be added to the reserve list for that qualifier.
 
Posted 22 April 2009
RIG CLINIC
There will be a rig clinic on Saturday 2nd May in the Marsh Farm Pavilion which will be run by Gardiner Tackle. Start time 10am. Do come along and see what the experts are using and how to tie safe rigs.
 
April 2009
Chub have been stocked into Harris Lake and making regular appearances on the bank. Largest to date is 3lb 6oz unless you know differently? They will make good progress by thinning out the fry and helping to keep Harris as a specimen lake. As further Chub become available (Stillwater chub are very, very scarce) we hope to add to the 25 stocked to date.

Posted - 16 Dec 2008

How much rain?!
 
We've had some very wet times at Marsh farm in the few years we've been there but this weekends continuous rain actually resulted in Richardson lake overflowing onto the bank.

Posted - 18 Aug 2008 

 MARSH FARM IS FULLY OPEN.
 
Richardson Lake is now showing stable oxygen levels and the ammonia readings have stayed at zero for several days.
Consequently, it is felt safe to re-open it but with a ban on ground bait and feeders and a stipulation that loose feed only is to be used; these restrictions will be reviewed after next weekend.  Members and visitors are asked to comply with these measures. If you see anyone breaking this rule please do politely ask them to change their fishing tactics. Thank you.
NEW AERATORS INSTALLED AT MARSH FARM.
Posted - 07 Aug 2008

Marsh Farm is OPEN!
 
Please note that Harris Lake and Hill Pond are open although due to an oxygen level crisis Richardson Lake has been closed for the time being. It is not expected to be open for at least a week but it may be longer. Please check the website or ring the shop for updates AFTER Saturday 9th August. (01483 428885).
 
The Environment Agency attended very promptly on Saturday morning when the problem was first spotted for which we are very grateful.
With their full agreement we are currently taking the following action:
 
Richardson Lake - We are pumping water into the lake; pumping lake water up in the air to cascade back in to improve aeration, using a motorised stirrer to aerate & re-circulate water and have ensured that the Ultrasonic's are clean and fully operational.
 
Hill Pond is currently being aerated to ensure that it remains stable. We will probably move that aerator into Richardson Lake later this week.  Water from Richardson is also being pumped into it. 

Fish Stocks - Fortunately the number of fish lost to date appears to very few thanks to the prompt action of the Fishery Management team. A refuelling of the pumps rota has been set in place and thanks go to the following for all their hard work and the long hours already recorded: Andrew, Mike, Alan, Graham, Bernice, Barrie, Will, Ade & Derek. I trust I've not missed anyone. 

MATCHES - all matches are currently being fished on Harris lake with bait restrictions in an effort to ensure the Richardson problem is not repeated due to an increase in angling pressure. Members are asked to respect the bait restrictions (please check in the shop for current position) as failure to do so may result in problems for that lake and a possible closure there too.
Posted- 24 Feb 2008
Godalming Angling Societies 25 acre Johnson's Lake is known to hold even bigger Crucian than Marsh Farm (which is where the MF stock came from) and it is therefore even more likely to produce the next British Record Crucian. However, it is only available to members to fish. Still Water Fishery Manager Andrew Mackenzie said "There is the very exciting and distinct possibility that both waters will produce fish that will exceed the current record.
Posted- 21 Feb 2008
Supercup matches to take place on Richardson Lake on Sunday 24th February and Sunday 2nd March. We wish both Godalming AS teams the best of luck and good draws!
Posted- 21 Feb 2008
Peg 20 repair completed. Wheelchair access ramp to shop extended Friday 15th Feb 2008
Posted- 13 Feb 2008
It is hoped that the British Crucian record will fall this year but only time will tell. The Big Specimen hunters will be appearing shortly no doubt in their quest to take the record.

Swim 17 on Richardson Lake has been repaired and Swim 20 will be completed on Friday 15th February all being well

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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