Thames Gateway PAC : Region 19

FEBRUARY MEETING : EDDIE TURNER

2012-01-28T21:34:00.001Z

This month we welcome to the region probably the most prolific and successful pike angler in the country, Mr Eddie Turner. The author of two excellent pike books, captor of more 30lb pike than even Bill Palmer, including two 40lb'ers, and innovative pike tackle designer.
The meeting is at the Papermakers Arms on the 7th Feb and we'll be meeting around 7 for an 8 o'clock start.
Raffle and buffet as usual. Members £4:Non members £5

JANUARY MEETING: ROB MILFORD;DIARY OF A SUN TRAMP.

2011-12-31T15:33:00.000Z

Januarys meeting see's the return of another of the Dartford region "old guard" in the shape of Rob "sun tramp" Milford........John's twin brother Rob has left his "native!!" Ireland for the sunnier climes of the Ebro Valley in Spain, and taken up residence as one of the valleys fishing guides.......here Rob will recount his first year's escapades whilst living the dream....
An evening not to be missed as Rob is putting up a spectacular raffle prize.....3 days guided fishing for 2 on the Ebro including airport pick up and accomodation, all the lucky winners have to do is buy a flight..
Tuesday 3rd Jan is the date, usual venue of the Papermakers Arms : 7.30 for 8.00pm start for a night of hilarity and tall tales.....see you there........

Members £4/Non members £5

DECEMBER MEETING : STEVE ROWLEY

2011-12-03T13:52:00.000Z

Fresh from his Inaugural talk at Lincoln PAC on Monday, Steve "Esoxworld" Rowley will be winging his way to deepest darkest Kent to entertain the Thames Gateway faithful... Tales of huge pike, esox related web magazines and being Nevs (better catching!) boat partner will abound

Tuesday the 6th December at the Papermakers as usual (DA2 7RB) from 7.30 onwards

Members £4 / Non members £5....includes sumptious xmas buffet and don't forget the now famous xmas raffle!!

It's Going Home, It's Going Home............

2011-11-01T23:17:00.000Z

After a hard fought battle, the Canterbury region lads manage to wrestle the quiz trophy away from its rightful home in the Thames gateways trophy cabinet........

OCT 4TH : MICK BROWN : PROFESSIONAL PIKE ANGLER

2011-10-02T19:12:00.000+01:00

After years of asking, I have finally managed to get Mick "The Duke" Brown down to Kent to visit the region. Mick is probably the most recognisable pike angler in the country after his many TV appearances with cohort Matt Hayes, and has done more to bring Pike Angling awareness to the mainstream and general public than any angler around, as well as being a prolific catcher of huge pike.

Mick will be recounting his life in pike fishing, and will also have copies of his new book Professional Pike Angler for sale.

The meeting will start at 7pm with Mick starting his talk at 8pm

Members £4/ Non members £5...............buffet inc.

WINTER MEETING SCHEDULE

2011-08-17T22:10:00.003+01:00

SEPTEMBER 5TH : SOCIAL MEETING

The first meeting of the season will just be a social,to give everyone the chance to catch up, talk about the upcoming pike season, drink beer, eat sausages, tell everyone about the mudpigs you've been catching all summer etc......

OCTOBER 4TH : MICK BROWN (from off the telly!!!)

The piker who needs no introduction, Mick "The Duke" Brown will be the speaker to set our season off with a bang.

NOVEMBER 1ST : QUIZ NIGHT

Novembers meeting will be the big inter region quiz between the Thames Gateway and the Canterbury region 30/60 for the trophy put up by the Canterbury region last winter, and won by our region at the end of last season.

DECEMBER 6TH : STEVE ROWLEY

December brings Steve Rowley to the region to talk pike, and the trials and tribulations of being Nev's boat partner! Also jumbo Xmas raffle!

JANUARY 3RD : ROB MILFORD

The diary of a sun tramp: John Milford's twin brother Rob will open the New Year with his talk about the ups and downs of his first year as a guide on Spains River Ebro.

FEBRUARY 7TH : EDDIE TURNER

The Mega Pike catching machine comes to the Gateway this February

MARCH 6TH : JULIAN CHIDGEY

All round specimen hunter, pike ace, and Drennan Cup winner Julian Chidgey is our speaker for March

APRIL 3rd : END OF SEASON SOCIAL/ AGM

PAC Conference : Piking 2011

2011-08-16T18:53:00.000+01:00

April Meeting : Graham Booth

2011-03-31T21:44:00.001+01:00

This month visiting the region will be the thinking mans pike angler, Mr Graham Booth

The talk will be
wide-ranging, and include pike behaviour, the sporting approach and a little bit
of history, as well as an account of his own pike fishing odyssey. If you have read any of Grahams articles in P&P then you know you are going to be in for a thoughtful and insightful look into the world of ol' esox..........talk starts around 8, meet from 7 onwards for a beer and chinwag.....

February Meeting : Phil Kirk

2011-01-28T20:54:00.000Z

This months guest speaker is PAC stalwart Phil Kirk, Phil is a PAC ex committee member and one of the PAC's longest serving RO's.
He will be giving us his talk entitled " My Piking Life"

The meeting is at the Papermakers on Tuesday 1st February, from 7pm onwards with the usual buffet and raffle
Members £3.00/ Non members £4.00

January Meeting : Dennis Smith

2010-12-30T23:33:00.000Z

The Ultimate Predator : Great White Shark

To start the new year off with a bang we have probably one of the most underrated anglers I have had the pleasure of meeting, Dennis Smith, and his recollections of fishing for the apex predator on Planet Earth, The Great White Shark
Dennis has been fishing for these sharks for over ten years now and has caught specimens on rod and line up to 3500lb!!, and he will be showing us his video footage of these amazing creatures up close and personal.

Dennis with a GT from the Xmas Islands

The meeting is on Tuesday 3rd Jan at the Papermakers from 7pm onwards

Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00

Raffle and buffet......

See you there

December Meeting : Phil Wakeford

2010-12-03T13:48:00.000Z

This months speaker is Big Phil Wakeford,PAC ex president, water authority scientist, and captor of lots of BIG pike......
The meeting will kick off at 7pm at the Papermakers as usual, with Phil starting at around 8pm, there will of course be the usual resplendant Xmas buffet and Xmas raffle......

Members £3 /Non members £4

November Meeting : Steve Younger

2010-10-28T22:22:00.000+01:00

For your delectation, and amusement this month (believe me when I say this guy is funny) we have Steve Younger and his hilarious tales of his travels to far flung corners of the globe in pursuit of a large array of fearsome toothy predators

The meeting will be on Tuesday 2nd November at the Papermakers Arms, 7.00 pm onwards with Steve starting around 8.00pm
Usual buffet and Raffle
Members £3.00 / Non memebers £4.00

OCTOBER MEETING : STEPHEN HARPER

2010-09-30T21:33:00.000+01:00

To kick the pike season of in style this Winter, we are lucky to have Stephen Harper visiting the region to give his talk on "A History of Broadland Pike"

Stephen is a leading authority on all things relating to pike and pike angling in Broadland, as well as being an accomplised author and angling artist. Stephen has penned many a desirable tome, including the highly sought after Broadland Pike, as well as it's follow up The Pike of Broadland, and just recently, Dream Pike, of which he will have copies of for sale on Tuesday.

Steve's artwork can be seen on the covers of most of the influential pike and specialist angling literature of late......

The meeting will be on Tuesday the 5th of October at The Papermakers Arms as usual.....we'll meet from 7pm onwards with Steve starting his excellent talk around 8pm.

Raffle and Buffet as normal................... all welcome

Members £3/ Non members £4

APRIL MEETING : DAVE HORTON

2010-03-30T11:28:00.001+01:00

As the traditional Pike season comes to an end, and to see us out in style, I have managed, with much persuading, to procure the services of the one and only Mr Dave Horton.
Dave is one of the most prolific and successful pikers in the UK, as well as being the author of the now sought after tome " Ultimate Pike". Daves' presentation aptly named "Brace Yourself" will highlight Daves propensity to catch vast numbers of huge pike, and the drive that manifests itslf in those epic captures........this is one talk you REALLY do not want to miss!

The meeting is on Tuesday 6th April at the Papermakers Arms, and we will be meeting around 7 for an 8 oclock start, get there early as I think this will be a busy one

Usual buffet and raffle

Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00

MARCH MEETING: MARK PHILLIPS

2010-02-25T13:02:00.001Z

This month we welcome lure and zander afficianado Mark Phillips who will be coming to the region with his associate Neil Strain to give a presentation on all things predatory

The meeting is on Tuesday 2nd March at The Papermakers Arms starting at around 7pm, with Mark kicking off around 8ish
The agenda for the evening will go along these lines

· Spring lure fishing for pike – MP (20 minutes)

· Trolling tactics for rivers – MP (40 minutes)

· Break for the usual buffet and raffle

· Zander on lures – MP (30 minutes)
· Fishing in Canada – NS (30 minutes)
· Questions – MP/NS (15 minutes)

Members £3.00 / Non Members £4.00

Eric Edwards

2010-02-25T12:54:00.000Z

Another big turn out of the Thames gateway faithful saw Eric deliver an excellent presentation on Big Water piking. followed by his Top 10 most memorable fish...and what fish they were!!
Due to the distance Eric had to travel, we put him up for the night and the following day we had a days fishing at the Ski Lake. where Eric outfished me 3 fish to nil!

Not the biggest of fish, but a welcome sight on a day when the fishing was slow

FEBRUARY MEETING : ERIC EDWARDS

2010-01-19T09:31:00.001Z

Februarys meeting is on Tuesday the 2nd Feb at the Papermakers Arms
This month we have the pleasure of welcoming Eric Edwards to the Thames Gateway

Eric has caught the biggest brace of pike ever taken by a UK angler, fish of 41lb and 37lb from Blithfield res, and will be presenting his talk on Big Water Piking.

I have heard nothing but praise for Erics' talk from other RO's, so this is a do not miss evening!

We will be meeting from 7pm onwards with Eric starting around 8pm, and of course we will have the raffle and buffet, and hopefully the Eddie Turner Pike Tackle stand as well

Members £3/Non Members £4

DECEMBER MEETING : MIKE GREEN

2009-11-25T16:11:00.005Z

Decembers meeting will be on Tuesday 1st December at the Papermakers.
For your entertainment this month we have the pleasure to welcome Mike Green to the region.
Mike is a very successful angler, specialising in catching VERY big pike to over 40lb on the fly, and on lures.....I saw Mikes talk at the Cambridge region and can assure you this is one you do not want to miss....

Mike and a 30lb fly caught pike

As usual, we'll meet from 7 onwards for an 8.00pm ish start for Mikes' show.
Members £3.00/ Non Members £4.00 plus the usual buffet and raffle,
and we will have the Eddie Turner Specialist Pike tackle Stand in attendance as well

***** We will also be announcing some fish-in news at this months meeting ******

NOVEMBER MEETING : CHRIS LEIBBRANDT

2009-11-09T15:11:00.004Z

A highly amusing and informative talk by Chris had the lads thoroughly entertained this month. Numbers were down on last month, but i think we'll have to go a long way to try and top that turn out!!..Thanks again Chris, top fella.

NOVEMBER MEETING : CHRIS LEIBBRANDT

2009-10-27T13:57:00.005Z

For our meeting this month we have another of the Dartford PAC "old guard" Chris Leibbrandt. Chris was the RO of the Dartford PAC region when I joined back in 1984, Chris was in the first 100 members of the PAC...since then he has gone on to be General Secretary of both the Pike Anglers Club and the Lure Anglers Society. His talk will take us from his early days in the Darenth valley to his fishing today, centered around the River Severn near his new home in Tewkesbury. Along the way Chris has been Marketing Director in charge of Product Development for some of the major tackle companies including Masterline and Ryobi, and will be explaining his involvement in the development of some of the items and lures that we take for granted as pikers today....all in all I think will be a very interesting talk and a bit of a blast from the past for some of the older region members
The meeting will be on Tuesday 3rd November at the Papermakers, with the usual buffet and raffle...7 oclock onwards with an 8pm start for the talk
Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00

Chris, the "Chris Yates" of the piking world

WATTO DRAWS THE CROWDS

2009-10-27T13:33:00.003Z

A record turnout for John Watson last month saw 65 eager pikers cram into the Papermakers to listen to John impart his wisdom of pike fishing old and new....
The lads were in a spending mood too, with John selling 25 copies of his new book, plus a couple of leatherbound editions. Bill and Colin also saw brisk trade at the Eddie Turner Specialist Pike tackle stand...a great night all round....the landlord was particually happy, he'd never seen so many people in his pub on a Tuesday night before....

October meeting : John "Watto" Watson

2009-09-29T11:23:00.002+01:00

Octobers meeting will be on Tuesday 6th October
This month we will be graced by the presence of one of the icons of the pike fishing world, John "Watto" Watson. John has had a very successful and sometimes controversial career in pike angling, and is the author of what is considered one of the best books on Pike fishing ever written "A Pikers Progress".
We are privileged as this will be the first talk John has done for 17 years, and along with the release of his new book "A Pikers Progression" this is going to be an evening not to miss!!

John will have copies of his book for sale, and we will also have the Eddie Turner Specialist Pike tackle stand visiting us as well.

We will meet at the Papermakers as usual around 7ish for a social and John will get under way around 8pm with the buffet and raffle later on...

Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00

September meeting : Mark Salt

2009-09-04T14:46:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Mark for a very interesting and informative talk this month. Mark is working very hard to highlight the plight of the European Eel, and i can recommend that other regions snap this speaker up soon.
More details of the N.A.C can be found on their website.

http://www.nationalanguillaclub.co.uk/

September meeting : Mark Salt : National Anguilla Club

2009-08-27T08:45:00.002+01:00

September sees the first meeting proper of the forthcoming Winter Pike season, and this month we will be greeting Mark Salt from the National Anguilla Club. Mark will be imparting his knowledge on all aspects of this enigmatic fish, from its curious reproduction cycle to the hows and wherefores of angling for this amazing fish.

The meeting will be on Tuesday 1st September at the Papermakers arms as usual. We'll meet around 7ish and get the meeting underway around 8pm. There will also be the usual raffle and resplendant buffet

Members £3.00 / Non Members£4.00

WINTER SPEAKER ITINERY

2009-08-24T10:48:00.005+01:00

The Winter Pike fishing season is nearly upon us, and we kick off our winter meetings with speakers in September through to April. Ive managed to procure the services of some very interesting and diverse speakers this winter, so there should be something to appease all tastes.

Tuesday 1st September : Mark Salt of the National Angulla Club. Mark will be imparting his knowledge of the enigma that is anguilla anguilla

Tuesday 6th October : John "Watto" Watson. One of the all time great pike anglers, and author of the iconic tome " A Pikers Progress"

Tuesday 3rd November : Chris Leibbrandt. Chris has held the highest office in the PAC and the LAS, was the original RO of the Old Dartford PAC region, and can only be described as the Chris Yates of the Piking World

Tuesday 1st December : Mike Green Mike is a highly successful fly angler, catching a large amount of big pike on the fly, the most recent being the amazing 40lb 8oz fish from Chew

Tuesday 5th January : TBC

Tuesday 2nd February : Eric Edwards : Eric is a very successful and innovative all round angler, and the captor of the biggest brace of pike ever taken by a UK angler

Tuesday 2nd March : Mark Phillips. Mark is an avid lure angler specializing in Zander and Pike

Tuesday 6th April : Dave Horton : Dave Horton.....need I say more!

2009-07-13T15:53:00.001+01:00

Catfish Trip news

2009-04-02T10:20:00.002+01:00

There are a few (3 I think) places left for the regions annual catting trip to the Ebro.....Mr Synnuck has just returned from an early season visit and graced the boat with this beastie from the dam area....156lb.

Catfish Cowboys Spanish Catfish Trip Pt 2

2009-03-12T08:52:00.011Z

We have provisionally booked the Catfish trip to the Ebro, for the 2nd -5th of October this year (2009)
If you fancy a bit of moggy hauling, as experienced by the chaps last year, then bring a deposit of £100 along with your passport details to the April meeting.
Everyone on the mailing list will of recieved an e mail with greater detail about the trip, but if you need anymore info then just drop us an e-mail on pacregion19@aol.com.
Priority for places will go to last years attendees if the 10 places are over subscribed

You can check out the highlights of last years trip by clicking on " Catfish Trip" in the link list on the left hand coloumn of the blog

Last years biggest fish of 130lb, caught by John Sultana

March meeting : Colin Brett

2009-02-23T11:25:00.004Z

March's meeting will be on Tuesday the 3rd March at the Papermakers as usual.
This month we have Cambridge angler Mr Colin "Father Jack" Brett, who will be enlightening us on Huge Grafham Zander and Canadian Sturgeon fishing

For those who don't know, Colin is the dashing bearded gentleman on the right

Meeting at 7 o/c onwards for a 8 o/c start, with buffet and raffle

We will also be having the welcome return of Eddie Turner's Specialist Pike tackle stand...so bring your cash and we'll see you there

Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00

John Milford

2009-02-23T11:25:00.001Z

Thanks again to John for trekking all the way down from Derby in less than favourable weather conditions to entertain us. And thanks again for being on hand to photograph my pike in the snow the day after......cheers mate!

February meeting : John Milford

2009-01-24T23:21:00.004Z

February's meeting sees the return of one of the founder members of the old Dartford PAC region to his old stomping ground, John " plugger o'toole" Milford with be presenting his " Personal perspective on lure fishing " on Tuesday 3rd Feb.

John is a past Chairman of the PAC and ex president of the Lure Anglers Society, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of lures old and new.
We will be meeting at the papermakers at 7pm onwards and John will start around 8 o'clock
Members £3.00 / Non Members £4.00 inc Buffet

January Meeting : Phil Cheriton and Mark Barnett

2009-01-01T17:26:00.002Z

For the first meeting of the new year we will be welcoming back Phil Cheriton and Mark Barnett back to the region. The two local pikers will be presenting the second part of their talk about their Irish fishing adventures with "The Pikers" George Higgins and Roy Smythe. This talk is titled "The Winter Sessions"

Phils Irish Pug

The first part of the lads talk went down very well, and I'm sure this one will be as good, if not better...
The meeting is on Tuesday the 6th January at The Papermakers Arms, and we'll be meeting from 7pm onwards, with the talk starting at 8.00pm

Members £3.00 / Non members £4.00 inc buffet.

Tim Kelly

2008-12-03T11:03:00.003Z

An excellent talk by Tim last night...who doesen't want to go to the Lake of the Woods Muskie fishing after that presentation?? Tims entusiam for his lure fishing was amplely demonstrated in the talk, and I would recommend this talk to any of the other regions who are looking for something a bit different from the normal pike related shows.

Tim entertaining the troops

The Xmas bumper raffle went down well thanks to the continued support of our friendly local tackle shops and friends
Thanks to:-

Gary and Kevin Peet at the Tackle Box
Mark and Mark at MK 2 Angling
Tony at Anglers Rest
Ian at Anglers Base
Chris Leibbrandt at salmolureshop.co.uk

and thanks to all our members for their continued patronage of the region

Happy Xmas and festive tight lines

December Meeting : Tim Kelly

2008-11-26T11:40:00.002Z

Is it December again already??...it only seems a couple of weeks ago that I was bothering our friendly local tackle dealers to kindly donate some prizes for our Xmas raffle...and here I am doing it all again!

Our main attraction this month is Mr Tim Kelly, who will be sharing his adventures of catching Ol' Esox's American cousin, the Muskie.
As usual we'll be meeting from 7 o/c onwards at the Papermakers, with Tim starting around 8......and then during the break for grub...

*************BUMPER XMAS RAFFLE*************

Hope to see you all there.....

Members £3.00 : Non members £4.00

Dennis Moules

2008-11-26T11:34:00.002Z

An excellent talk by Dennis last month, and a bumper turn out from the members (standing room only)
Thanks to Dennis and to Bill Hancock and Colin Brett for bringing the EddieTurner range of specialist pike tackle for our perusement.

THAMES GATEWAY SPANISH CATFISH TRIP

2008-10-29T09:58:00.002Z

***CLICK ON "CATFISH TRIP" IN THE LINK LIST TO CHECK OUT THE RESULTS OF THE REGIONS FIRST OVERSEAS ADVENTURE***

November meeting : Dennis Moules : 40 Years of Fenland Piking

2008-10-28T19:37:00.005Z

For the meeting this month on Tuesday 4th November, we have the man who has forgotten more about pike fishing in the Fens than most of us will ever know...

Dennis Moules

Dennis is a lifelong Fenland angler, as well as being the author of the seminal work "The Fenland Thirties", and a stalwart of the PAC for many years.
If you've ever considered fishing in the Fens, then this is the talk you need to come and see.
We'll be meeting at The Papermakers Arms from 7pm onwards and Dennis will start the precedings at around 8 o/clock
There will of course be the usual raffle and more than adequete buffet, and all for the credit crunching price of £3 for PAC members and £4 for non members

We also hope to have Eddie Turner and Bill Hancock with a selection of their Eddie Turner Specialist Pike Tackle, including the rod of the moment , the 4 piece ET sneaker, which accounted for a few Cats and Zander on our recent foreign expedition.

http://www.eddieturner.co.uk/

October Meeting : Ian Welch

2008-10-01T11:23:00.003+01:00

Visiting the region this month, we have Ian Welch. Ian, a fishery scientist and past fishery manager of Cemex angling, Ian is well known for his columns in the weekly angling journals, and his captures of specimen fish of all species. For this meeting at The Papermakers Arms on Tuesday 7th October, Ian will be recounting some of his trips to Thailand in search of Mekong Catfish and the ever elusive Giant Freshwater Stingray, believed to be the largest freshwater fish on the planet.
We will meet at 7ish for the speaker to start at 8 o/c.
Members £3.00/Non Members £4.00 : Usual raffle and buffet (with lots of bangers and chips this month)

Graham Slater : September 2nd

2008-09-03T12:20:00.006+01:00

A truly inspiring talk from Graham, delivered in his own inimitable no nonsense style. We were taken on a journey from the humble drains and pits of Lincolnshire, to mighty Scottish and Irish Loughs and onto the trout reservoirs, with the culmination being his phenominal last seasons catches, taking in the learning processeses along the way.
An excellent talk that will be one of the highlights of this months PAC Conference at Stoneleigh Park.....
The Alan Partridge of Piking doing his thang!!

A top presentation and well recommended..Thanks Graham

And don't worry chaps....there will be plenty of sausages and chips at next months meeting!!!

September Meeting

2008-08-26T14:32:00.001+01:00

With the traditional pike fishing season only a few weeks away now, next week will see the beginning of the guest speaker meetings for this coming winter at the Thames Gateway region.
The meeting will be on Tuesday 2nd September at the Papermakers Arms nr Dartford, and we’ll be meeting from 7 pm onwards, with the speaker starting at 8 o’clock.
For your delectation this coming month, we have the newly crowned “pike angler of the year”,

Mr Graham Slater.

Graham is one of pike fishing’s quieter exponents of the fine art, who has enjoyed some phenomenal catches over the years, and over 30 years fishing in all corners of the British Isles has shaped the way Graham thinks, and goes about his fishing. His presentation will detail his experiences along his journey of catching our toothy adversary, along with last season’s adventures which resulted in his most successful season ever.
As usual we will have the buffet and raffle.

Members £2.50, non members £3.50

See you on the 2nd

Steve and John

Winter Guest Speaker Itinery

2008-07-31T15:43:00.018+01:00

I've almost completed the line up for our upcoming season of guest speakers, with a couple of loose ends to tie up, so for now, here is the provisional list for your winters entertainment

3rd September 2008 : Graham Slater

PAC Pike Angler of the Year Graham will be revealing how he goes about the vastly varying facets of his pike fishing. This could be his warm up gig, before he faces the masses as a speaker at this years Conference at Stoneleigh.
7th October 2008 : Ian Welch

Angling times coloumist, Fox consultant, and past fishery manger of CEMEX angling, Ian is to reveal all about his trips to the far flung corners of the globe in pursuit of the biggest freshwater fish that swim....Mekong Catfish and Giant Freshwater Stingrays, and much more!!
4th November 2008 : Dennis Moules

The oracle of all things regarding Fenland Angling, author and lifetime Fenland pike angler Dennis will regale us all with tales of his "40 years of Fenland Angling" Now including "special guests" Eddie Turner and Bill Hancock with their range of tackle and other goodies!
2nd December 2008 : Tim Kelly

Avid lure angler Tim will be availing us with his quest for the hard fighting Muskie in the good ol' US of A.
6th January 2009 : Phil Cheriton and Marc Barnett (The Irish Sessions pt2)

I know this is one that a lot of you will be waiting to see, after their excellent preliminarly talk earlier this year. This time Phil and Marc will be telling of their phenominal catches from various places around the Emerald Isle in the Winter.

3rd February 2008 : John Milford

Former founder member of the Dartford PAC region, John "Plugger O'Toole" Milford, returns to his old stomping ground from "opp north" to impart his vast and encyclopedic knowledge of lures and lure fishing in his own inimitable style.

3rd March 2008 : Colin Brett

Colin joins us in March covering his Zander fishing and Sturgeon fishing in British Colombia. Colin is the the dashing bearded gentleman on the right!

April 2009 : T.B.C (watch this space!!!)

Summer Special June Meeting " Catfish"

2008-05-21T11:46:00.007+01:00

Junes' meeting will be at the Papermakers on Tuesday 3rd June.

With the warmer weather threatening to make an appearance, no doubt a few of you are turning your attentions to the more traditional summer species,
and so to that end, and with a predator theme, for this months meeting I have persuaded Simon Clarke to come and impart his vast knowledge about catfish upon us. Simon is the Secretary of the Catfish Conservation Group, as well as running Catfish Pro, a highly successful internet company selling all things catfish related.
Simon has 20 years experience fishing for cats all over the UK and Europe and has published the CCG catfish waters guide, and his new book containing all you need to know about cats and catting.

As usual we be meeting at 7.15-7.30 for an 8pm start, no doubt Simon will be bringing a selection of stuff for you to peruse at your leisure, and we will of course be having the buffet and raffle......See you there Cat fans

May Meeting "Pike Quiz"

2008-05-09T11:33:00.012+01:00

The winners of the quiz receiving their hard fought spoils from Mr Synnuck

1st Prize : A days piking on the Ski Lake : Paul Sharman

2nd Prize : £30 tackle voucher : Bill Palmer
3rd Prize : £20 tackle voucher : Gary "spawney git" Hayes

Thanks and well done to all who participated

Spanish Catfish Trip

2008-04-29T09:08:00.007+01:00

John has arranged a trip to the Mighty River Ebro in Spain, for a long weekends catfishing. A few of the chaps have expressed an interest in sampling the delights of getting slimed and sunburnt, so nows your chance!
The trip will be from Friday 3rd-Monday 6th October 2008.
We will be flying from Stansted to Reus airport at 06.10am on the Friday and returning on the 22.45pm flight on the Monday night.
This gives us 3 full days fishing. The fishing will be done from a boat, with one of the local guides, using the full array of predator tactics (none of this pellet nonsense!) Accomodation will be self catering apartments within close proximity to the river and boats.The whole weekend inc flights, fishing/tackle/bait, accomodation/food and hire cars will cost around £500 per person. There are 10 places, 7 of which have already been secured, if you would like to catch fish like the one pictured then contact either John or myself, or bring a deposit of £150 and your passport (for flight and licence info) to the next meeting to secure a place.

Come and be a part of RA19's first foreign expedition, you won't regret it!

May Meeting

2008-04-29T08:59:00.002+01:00

Mays meeting will be on Tuesday 6th May at the Papermakers Arms
For this month I have put a pike based quiz together for your delectation, this can be done in teams of two or on your own if you wish.
For the most pike knowledgeable team or individual, the first prize will be a days pike angling at the now infamous Ski Lake....home of very big pike. This days angling will be in the company of Mr John Synnuck.
For the runners up, there will be prizes of tackle....

We'll meet at 7.15-7.30 for an 8 o/c start

Members £2.50 : Non members £3.50....inc resplendant buffet!

End of Season Fish In : Darenth Big Lake

2008-04-03T21:58:00.021+01:00

Checking the weather forecast for the couple of days previous to our fish in on the 30th March at Darenth Big Lake, I was convinced only the hardiest of souls would make an appearance, as the forecast was for 30mph winds and torrential rain. So, I was happily surprised when I arrived at the lake Sunday to find a couple of the lads already waiting by the gate, and the further appearance of another 20 or so of the Thames Gateway pikers. With the lads chomping at the bit we drew for swims and off we wandered to do battle with the Big Lakes head of resident toothy critters.
First cast of the day produced a 5lb jack for yours truly, and although a bit battle scarred from obvious spawning activity, it was a welcome sight none the less.
The expected flurry of activity from the dawn feeding spell never materialised and the next fish was landed by Tony Skeet at around 11a.m., a nice double of 13 3/4lb. Next in on the action was one of our guests from RA 70, Mark Skinner, opening his account with a 11lb 15 oz fish, quickly followed by Pete Fish capturing a plump 12 1/2 lber. Things quietend down for a few hours, than a flurry of activity around Paul Sharman and Tony Skeets' swim saw the pair finish the day with a tally of 9 fish between them including 4 doubles up to just under 15lb.

Top Left and Bottom Left : Tony Skeet : 13 3/4lb & 14 3/4lb
Top Right : Paul Sharman : 11lb 12oz
Bottom Middle : Mark Skinner : 11lb 15oz
Bottom Right : Pete Fish : 12lb 8oz

Michael Fish must have been on forecasting duty that day, as the predicated inclement weather never showed its face , and by mid afternoon.......the sun even came out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to all the guys that showed up and supported the region, and thanks again to Warren for allowing us access to the lake for the day, no doubt some of us will be back this winter to take on the bigger pike than are known to inhabit the lake.

April Meeting

2008-04-03T21:40:00.009+01:00

Aprils meeting was a chance for the members of the Thames Gateway region to put their questions to our panel of piking experts.
The plethora of experience contained within the members of the panel was put under scrutiny for a couple of hours with a whole range of subjects being covered from red letter days to moon phases and a couple of other subjects that are best left between the members and not broadcast on a public website ( you little tinkers you!!)
The panel of experts: BILL PALMER : DAVE HORTON : JOHN SYNNUCK

After the beer and fag break, and trying to prise Mike Kelly away from the buffet...

....we continued precedings with a tackle bring and buy sale, where the barter ethic was in full swing and some of us came home with more stuff than we turned up with!!( I just had to have that big wiggly lure!!!)

This was the last of the speaker meetings for the winter, for the next few months we will still be meeting up for a social and a beer, no doubt to regale each other with tales of catfish and the such like.........see you on the first Tuesday of each month.

SAVE THE NORFOLK BROADS PETITION

2008-03-29T19:26:00.004Z

Would all visitors to this site please take two minutes to sign the online petition to save the Norfolk Broads, a mecca for pike anglers past and present....Thanks

Click on the link in the link list on the left hand side of this blog

April Meeting and Fish In News

2008-03-25T16:21:00.011Z

This months meeting will be on Tuesday 1st April at the Papermakers as usual
We haven't got a speaker this month, so I thought it would be a good idea to have a two part meeting this month.
The first half will be in the form of a Piking Panel, similar to the format that they use at the PAC conference. Three of our most experienced and successful pikers will be on hand for you to quiz in whatever way you see fit on all subjects pikey!
Our experts for the evening will be
DAVE HORTON : BILL PALMER : JOHN SYNNUCK

So if there's anything you'd like to know, ranging from how to make a trace, to how Dave manages to catch huge pike from a bucket of water! then this is your chance!

The second half of the evening after the food and beer and fag break will be a Bring and Buy sale
If you have any tackle that is surplus to requirements, then bring it along and someone may wish to take it off you hands for a paltry sum

7.30 onwards. Members £2.50 Non Members £3.50.....buffet included!

END OF SEASON FISH IN at Darenth Big Lake : Sunday 30th March

*****DON'T FORGET THE CLOCKS GO FORWARD AT 2AM SUNDAY MORNING*****

The fish in will start at 7am, so if you can arrive around 6.30ish to get the money and draw for the walk off sorted that would be good.
Directions to the lake can be found here

www.darenthbiglake.com

We will meet in the fenced compound on the left as you drive into the lake complex
The day will cost £10 per angler (PAC members get a 50% subsidy paid for from the regions funds)

See you Sunday

Emerald Isle Extravaganza

2008-03-04T23:48:00.003Z

A superb talk tonight by Phil and Mark. Phils claims of nervousness on his first ever talk didn't show at all as he delivered an excellent presentation on his and Marks many successful trips to Ireland. Phils enthusiasm for the virginal fishing that he and Mark, along with "The Pikers", Roy and George have experienced, shone through in every aspect of his talk tonight...along with some fantastic bags of fish, some cracking photos, and a few tall tales from the locals.....Phil left everyone tonight waiting in eager anticipation for the second part of his talk.." The Winter Sessions"...to be aired later on this year...Well done mate, excellent job all round

End of Season Fish In : Big Lake, Darenth

2008-02-26T09:40:00.006Z

The end of season fish in has been confirmed for Sunday 30th March at the Big Lake on the Darenth complex.
The lakes owner, Warren Farrance, has given us exclusive access to fish this prolific water. The price will be £10 for the day. If you would like to fish then let me know on the regions e mail address which is

pacregion19@aol.com

All details of the venue can be found here

www.darenthbiglake.com

* ALL NEW BIGGER AND BETTER GALLERY

2008-02-23T10:00:00.005Z

The new GALLERY is at last up and running.All the pictures are much bigger as to do justice to all those cracking fish that you've all been catching.
Just click on the word "GALLERY" in the "link list" in the left hand column of the blog, and Roberts your fathers brother!!
So send those piccies in of your latest catches or anything predator themed that you would like to see up there!

March's Meeting : Irish Special

2008-02-21T12:48:00.009Z

This months meeting see's our own region members, "Pikey" Phil Cheriton and Mark Barnett of MK2 Angling, presenting their first ever talk on their numerous and very successful trips to the Emerald Isle.
Because of their vast experience of fishing all types of waters in Ireland, this is to be the first of two talks, this one will be concentrating on their Springtime trips, the second, which will hopefully be aired later in the year, will concentrate on the Winter sessions. Both guys have been fishing in Ireland for over 20 years, and mostly in the company of Irish piking legends George Higgins and Roy Smythe, so expect lots of amusing tales, lots of big fish, and even a few secrets may get divulged!!

Come along and support our home grown Kentish talent on the 4th March at The Papermakers Arms........7.15-7.30 for a 8.00 pm start

Members £2.50 : Non members £3.50 Usual buffet and raffle

Jason Davies

2008-02-15T18:17:00.003Z

Februarys meeting saw us graced with the presence of Jason Davies who recounted his tale of his "week in paradise" to us in his own inimitable laid back style.
Jesus, can that chap catch big pike, not only where we treated to the eight 35lb+ pike he caught in his utopian week, but images of at least another dozen thirties were flashed onto the screen for our delectation

Thanks to Jason for travelling down from Norfolk to entertain us, and to MK2 Angling and The Anglers Rest for the raffle prizes...........sorry this months updates a bit late but what with one thing and another (mainly spending days blanking at Chew)things have been a bit hectic.

FEBRUARYS MEETING

2008-01-14T17:56:00.000Z

Februarys' meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th at the Papermakers Arms, and for your delight this month we have an insight into probably the most historic pike captures for many a year, in not ever!
Norfolks very own piking policeman, Mr Jason Davis will be revealing the story behind his incredible capture of eight 35lb+ pike in one week, from a top secret, very exclusive fishery.
To hear Jason's account of his "Week in Paradise", come along to the meeting on the 5th for 7.15-7.30, and Jason will start his presentation at around 8.00pm.

Members £2.50 : Non members £3.50

Thames Gateway see in the New Year with Nev

2008-01-10T20:20:00.000Z

Tuesday 8th Jan saw the first meeting of 2008 for the Thames Gateway Region.
Flushed with the success of the xmas fish in, nigh on 40 pikers crowded into the Papermakers to hear the musings of one of pikings most famous participents (and closet Essexphobic) Mr Neville Fickling. Nev kept the troops highly entertained with his slideshow recounting the last few years of his angling career, and his unsucessful quest for another 30lb fish.........only just though!!!!
After a beer break, the drawing of the raffle, and the buffet being devoured quicker than if a plague of locusts had settled on it, Nev took a Q&A session to round off the evening

A laid back Mr Fickling being put under the spotlight

Thanks to The Tackle Box, MK2 Angling and The Anglers Rest for the raffle prizes

XMAS FISH-IN REPORT

2007-12-29T10:44:00.000Z

Friday the 28th December saw 16 of the Thames Gateways intrepid anglers braving the blustery conditions to attend a festive fish in at the Darenth Fisheries Tip Lake. After a few mugs of coffee, the odd massive fried breakfast, and the usual seasonal pleasantries, we left the comfort of the clubhouse and braved the gusty conditons to set up our stalls after the Tip Lake's resident esox.
Pugged up in the relative comfort of the sheltered SE corner of the lake, Dave Tomlin was quickly into the fish with a nice specimen of 18lb.
I set up next to the mouth of a small bay, into which, a number of pike had herded the lakes population of silver fish, and were crashing and swirling around in a traditional Mr Crabtree stylee. A deftly placed section of Bluey was quickly taken by one of these fish, and my account was opened with a nice fish of 15lb 6oz.
This was quickly upstaged by the first cracker of the day in the shape of a 22lb 8oz fish falling to the rod of Paul Sharman.

A phone call for a photo request from Gary Hayes took me to the far end of the lake to photograph a stocky 19lb 7oz fish for the grinning Mr Hayes

On returning to my swim, i recast the rods and was quickly rewarded with a nice double of 12lb 12oz from the mouth of the bay again.
Mid morning saw a lull in the pike captures, and the late arrival of Merv "the jackmaster" Jones, who was soon whipping out jacks a plenty on his ultra light lure gear, but let himself down later in the afternoon with a double of 13.08.
"The Jack Master" keeping the faith!

Midday saw the wind pick up and the captures die down, save a flurry of jacks for Tony Palmer and Dave Tomlin. As the gusts abated in the afternoon, the fish started to feed again, and Harry Wonford was in on the action with a nice double of 14.04, as was Tony Skeet with a long, big headed pike of 18lb, quickly followed by a scraper double.
Jon Willgress who had been suffering with a few false runs that day, struck into another run, only this time to be met by solid resistance, and was soon being given the runaround by a hefty fish, which turned out to be the biggest of the day at 23lb exactly.

With only the odd jack forthcoming after Jons cracking fish, we packed up at dusk and retired to the warmth of the local hostelry, to warm our cockles and soothe our wind swept faces.....
The day raised £240, which will be donated to the British Heart Foundation, on the request of our host for the day Ian Matthews.
Thanks again to Ian for giving up his lake for the day and allowing us access, and to Paul Davies who owns the Darenth Fishery complex, and to all the members who turned up and made it another successful fish in for the Thames Gateway region

JANUARY'S MEETING

2007-12-29T10:28:00.000Z

The first meeting of 2008 will be on the 2nd tuesday of the month, bescause the first Tuesday is New Years Day.
To entertain us this month we have no other than the one time UK pike record holder

MR NEVILLE FICKLING

Neville is a stalwart of the PAC, as well as holding the Zander record on a couple of occasions, he is also a prolific author and tackle shop proprietor,and has been pike fishing longer than most of us have been alive, with maybe the exception of Bill Palmer. In this time Neville has amassed a virtually unequalled tally of big pike.

The meeting will be at the usual venue, and we'll be meeting around 7.15-7.30 for an 8.00pm start. Usual buffet and raffle. PAC members £2.50, non members £3.50

Xmas Extravaganza starring "The Doc"

2007-12-05T00:05:00.000Z

What can i say, another superb evening, admirably supported by the stalwart chaps of Kent and Essex.....Big thanks has to go out to "The Doc", everyone to a man was in awe of James's commitment to his sport, and his incredable tally of big fish......the man is a big pike catching machine.

The Doc looking suitably pleased with himself.

I would recommend anyone to go and see James's talk, a nicer, more modest gent, you couldn't wish to meet, and a thinking, insightful angler to boot.

Bumper Xmas Raffle

Inbetween James's talk and the troughing of the buffet, the jumbo raffle went down a treat. Hopefully most people won a prize, and thanks to all the generous local tackle dealers for donating loads of excellent prizes.

Here's wishing everybody a very pikey festive season and thank you for your continued support and patronage of the Thames Gateway PAC Region 19 in our very successful first year.

DECEMBER "XMAS" MEETING

2007-11-20T13:10:00.000Z

Decembers meeting will be held on the 4t December at our usual venue.
For your delectation this festive month we have

JAMES "the Doc" GARDNER

visiting our region. James is a prolific catcher of large trout reservoir pike and in doing so has honed his trolling techniques in the pursuit of the reservoir dwelling denizens of the deep.
So, if you are thinking of fishing any of the trout reservoirs this season or just need a few pointers regarding your trolling tecniques, then James is the man to come and talk to......

In the words of the great Noddy Holder...

"IT'S CHRIIIISTMAS"!!!!!

And to this end that can only mean one thing

BUMPER XMAS RAFFLE!

I have been trawling the local friendly tackle shops, convincing their proprietors to donate a few trinkets for our Xmas raffle..............and donate they have!!!! I have enough stuff to start my own tackle shop now, I have been given Rods, Reels, pike tube, livo tube, lure carryall, trace wallet, lure box, lures, and more assorted bits of tackle and clothing than any self respecting piker could want...plus a copy of the PAC30 book, and other bits and pieces.
All of these have been kindly donated by the following splendid chaps

Gary and Kevin at The Tackle Box in Dartford
www.tacklebox.co.uk

Ian at Anglers Base in Penge
www.anglersbase.co.uk

Mark and Mark at Mark 2 Angling in Crayford
www.mark2angling.co.uk

Andy at The Friendly Fisherman in Tunbridge Wells
www.thefriendlyfisherman.co.uk
and
John at The Anglers Rest in Welling

So come along to the Thames Gateways Xmas Extravaganza on the 4th and be regaled by James and have a chance of winning lots of splendid stuff in the raffle.

November Meeting

2007-11-08T11:47:00.000Z

Ken Crow addressed the members of the Gateway region this month with a very interesting and insightful look into the role of the fishery manager, and the successful running of a good, consistant, winter pike fishery. It was obvious from his presentation that Ken cares deeply about his pike and goes to great lengths to conserve his fisheries longevity.
As usual the buffet was consumed with relish, and I actually managed to snaffle the odd sarnie this month!
This months raffle prizes were kindly donated by Mk2 Angling in Crayford and by The Anglers Rest in Welling...Cheers guys

Novembers Meeting : Ken Crow

2007-10-24T11:46:00.000+01:00

Novembers meeting will be held on Tuesday the 6th November at the Papermakers.
This month the man sharing his wealth of knowledge with us is

KEN CROW

Ken is very accomplished pike angler and a previous recipient of the PAC's Pike Angler of the Year award. He is a also the fishery manager of Kents most prolific big pike water, Bough Beech Reservoir, which has produced pike to over 40lbs.

As usual we will be starting at about 7.15-7.30 to drink beer and regale each other with tales of all the monster pike we've all been catching!!!!!, and the talk will start about 8.00pm

Usual buffet and raffle, and we will have a few copies of PAC 30 for sale for any interested parties

£2.50 members/£3.50 non members

RODDERS WOWS THE CROWDS AT THE GATEWAY!

2007-10-03T12:59:00.000+01:00

Stevie "Rodders" Rodwell entertained the largest turn out the Thames Gateway region has seen since its inception. Close to forty of Kent and Essex's finest (along with quite a few piking Legends) were entertained by the Fenland Superstar with Steve (The Godfather) Taylor unselfishly supplying a supporting act too....(Maybe they could start up a double act..a surefire winner for next years conference I reckon?)
If you haven't seen Rodders talk then I recommend that you make the effort to go and see the man at a region near you.........you won't be dissapointed...the guy is hilarious, and on the flip side, a top pike angler with a wealth of experience.

Thanks again to Mark at MKII Angling for the raffle prizes

October Meeting : Steve "Rodders" Rodwell

2007-09-14T12:05:00.000+01:00

Next months meeting is on Tuesday 2nd October at the Papermakers, and our guest speaker this month is none other than the Fenland Maestro himself

STEVE "RODDERS" RODWELL

Rodders has a wealth of experience fishing the Fenland Drains, with over 100 twenty pound plus pike to his name,as well as exstensive knowledge of the Broads, Trout ressies and rivers, plus his fishing exploits with ET and Mr Horton!
Steves talk is entertaining as well as informative, and will be an excellent incentive what with the traditional pike season looming, to dust those rods down and get out there among 'em!

Meet at 7.15-7.30 for beer and banter, 8.00pm start for the talk.

September Meeting : Andy Lush

2007-09-12T22:39:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Andy for starting the season off with a bang. 25 of the Gateways finest listened to Andy deliver a very interesting and sometimes thought provoking talk about all aspects of his lure fishing....from trolling the big trout ressies to fly fishing for predatory barbel and vertical jigging for dutch zander and perch
Andy's obviously a man who thinks long and hard about his fishing, and uses this to the best advantage judging by some of his catches.
Thanks to Mark at Mk II Angling for the raffle prizes, and as usual the buffet was consumed with great relish ( but not by me as I was too busy selling raffle tickets )

September Meeting : Andy Lush on Lure fishing

2007-08-22T16:05:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 4th September sees the start of the speaker season at the Thames Gateway PAC region
To kick us off this autumn we have

ANDY LUSH

well travelled lure angler and proprietor of the Friendly Fisherman tackle shop,

http://www.thefriendlyfisherman.co.uk/

who will be gving us an insight into all aspects of his different lure fishing styles from pike in the UK to zander in Holland and predatory barbel from Spain...

As well as Andy's talk we will have the usual raffle and resplendent buffet........
This all takes place at the Papermakers Arms in Dartford, Kent, and we meet around 7.15-7.30 for an 8pm start

July " Summer special" Meeting

2007-07-14T20:12:00.000+01:00

A big thanks to John Synnuck for regaling a well attended meeting this month, with his tales of Masheer, huge Catfish, and ever huger Tarpon. For anyone who couldn't make the meeting, you missed a cracker......the big fella has caught some cracking fish from all corners of the globe, and I think I speak for everyone there, that we were all suitably impressed...............those Tarpon don't half ruck...
I'm sure Jon would be more than happy to bring his talk to other regions if they were interested in something a bit less pike, but still predator orientated....

AUGUST Meeting

Next months meeting will be on Tuesday 7th August, and as a pre runner to the first "proper" meeting of the pike season in September, I will hopefully be bringing some of the latest catalogues from the Friendly Fisherman. So if anyone wants to put an order in for some nice new shiny lures, for the up coming trout water season, you can fill in a order form, and when Andy Lush visits the region in September for his Lure Talk, he can bring lots of lovely lures with him that you have pre ordered.

If anyones got any pics of some summer lure caught pike then send them to me at the regions e-mail pacregion19@aol.com and i'll put them in the gallery.

July's " Summer Special" Meeting

2007-06-21T11:17:00.000+01:00

The next meeting on Tuesday 3rd July, we will be playing host to our very own assistant RO, Mr John Synnuck.
John will be giving us an insight into his foreign fishing adventures, with video footage and a slide show featuring huge Tarpon and massive Catfish to name but a few.

We will meet at 7.30 for an 8.00 start at The Papermakers arms....all welcome

FUTURE SPEAKERS

I've been busy over the last couple of weeks procuring the services of some of the finest speakers on the PAC circuit, and the lineup for this winters pike season is looking like this at the moment

September 2007 - ANDY LUSH : Lure fishing

October 2007 - STEVE RODWELL : Fishing in the Fens

November 2007 - KEN CROW : Fishery Manager at the famous Bough Beech reservoir.

December 2007 - JAMES GARDNER : Fishing the Trout Reservoirs

January 2008 - NEVILLE FICKLING

February 2008 - JASON DAVIES

March 2008 - MARC BARNETT & PHIL CHERITON : Irish fishing adventures (The Spring Sessions)........the "Winter Sessions" to follow next season!!!!

April 2008 - DAVE HORTON : Author of "Ultimate pike" and catcher of loadsa big pike

More details will be posted nearer each date.

RA 19's First Fish-In

2007-05-10T20:00:00.000+01:00

The regions first fish-in took place last Sunday on a small secluded pit in the wilds of deepest Essex. Due to unforeseen circumstances, only seven hardy souls pitched up to do battle with the Essex Esox. Ray Pemberton was straight in on the action with a cracking fish of 17lb taken on a copper spoon, closely followed by Mick Doohan with a nice fish of 10lb.
Later that morning, a narcoleptic Jon Synnuck was rudely awoken from his slumber by a 19lb 4oz fish making off with his deadbait. After a couple of pics, the 19 was slipped back, only for it to swim off.....and take his livebait!!!....I knew these fish were hungry but thats just plain greedy!!! John also added a 12lber and a couple of jacks to his tally.

Yours truly opted for a more roving approach (roving around the whole pit about four times in fact!)and managed to winkle out a handful of jacks and two nice doubles of 16lb 6oz and 18lb 14oz on the trusty 'ol Springdawg.
.

Gary noticed that the roving approach was paying dividends, so off he went armed with his chubby shad, only to return minutes later, with a fish under his belt, a big smile, and a slashed thumb!
All in all twenty fish were taken during the course of the day with all members catching, with five doubles caught and a handful of nice sized jacks, but the roving approach obviously didn't suit Pete Fish!

A big thanks has to go to Ray for organising the day, and to Malden AC for allowing us access to their water.
John Synnuck has an idea for a fish-in later in the year, and I guarentee you won't want to miss out on this one!! All will be revealed at a later date!

2007-05-06T22:31:00.000+01:00

MAY MEETING

This months meeting was the first of our "informal" summer meetings, and was quite well attended considering there was bloody football on again!!(can't see the attraction of watching 22 overpaid, under achieving nancy boys chasing a bit of pumped up pig round a field), but hey ho whatever floats your boat!!.
I hope the pike based quiz went down well, and well done Ray Pemberton for coming out Top Dog....a sterling effort....i'm sure he got a few of the answers from Bill Palmer!!
We decided among ourselves that a good idea for next months meeting would be a "Bring and Buy" sale....so if you've got any old tutt...I mean tackle that is surplus to requirements...bring it along to the next meeting and someone might take it off your hands. That will be on Tuesday the 5th June...11 days before the start of the fishing season!
Don't forget to renew your rod licences if you haven't already
You can buy them on-line from the EA

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/fish/399730/?version=1&lang=_e

(you will have to cut and paste this link coz i'm a computer muppet and can't get it to work.....Doh!)

Fish-In Sunday 5th May
The regions first fish-in at Ricketts Mere, kindly arranged by quiz supremeo Ray Pemberton was an outstanding success........report to follow

APRILS MEETING

2007-04-05T19:49:00.000+01:00

The EDDIE TURNER roadshow rolled into town on Tuesday,complete with historic videos of the early days of Llandegfedd, a potted history of his illustrious pike fishing career, and a glimpse of what he's been catching in the last few years. There were certainly some VERY big surprises there, all of which will probably be revealed in his new book Mega Pike-The Return, which will be available at the PAC conference this September.
Despite a few technical hitches (and a suspect gentlemens dvd!!!)the evening was a highly entertaining event enjoyed by everyone present (especially hecklers corner!)
"Come on you b@stid, feckin work!!!!!!!"

Hecklers Corner

Thanks again to Mk 2 Angling and The Tackle Box for generously donating raffle prizes.

Thats it for the guest speakers until September now, I've already got a couple of speakers lined up for the next pike season (all will be revealed at a later date).
Over the summer months we will still be having the meetings, but they will much more an informal affair.
Next month, May 1st, we're going to do a pike based quiz, with prizes, and just have a general chat with you all about the direction you would like to see the region going in the future and any ideas you may have for future meetings. Also we'll have more info about the fish-in thats penciled in for early May.

2007-03-09T09:38:00.000Z

MARCH'S MEETING

saw Mark Barrett travel from the wilds of the Fens to entertain the Gateway lads with his excellent talk and slideshow.

The first half of the evening was taken up with Marks love for his Zander fishing and all round coarse fishing prowess...(who knew c@rp grew that big in the fens???), then following a break for a beer refuel, bangers, chips, sarnies and the raffle, we were treated to an insight into Marks pike fishing career.

All in all, a highly entertaining evening, and huge thanks to Mark for coming out on his birthday, to keep the standard of speakers we are getting at the Gateway at the highest calibre.

Thanks again to Mark 2 Anging and the Tackle Box for generously donating more raffle prizes.

MEMBERS GALLERY

As you can see I have had the first piccy sent to me for our members gallery, a lovely plump 21lber caught by Ray Pemberton.

Its looking a bit lonely there on its on, so come on lads, get those piccies sent in, action shots, your first pike, anything you want. Send them to me on the regions e-mail address

pacregion19@aol.com

and I'll post 'em up for the world to see.

APRIL MEETING

Don't forget that next months meeting on the 3rd April sees the

EDDIE TURNER

roadshow roll into town. I'm reliably informed that this is one not to miss

2007-02-07T22:06:00.000Z

Thames Gateway Inaugural Meeting

Last night saw 31 determined pikers battle the gridlocked traffic of the Dartford area, to hear Bill Palmer recount his life in piking, and kickstart the Thames Gateway region into life.
Greetings to old faces and new were exchanged, beer was quaffed, sandwiches were scoffed, and the assembled throng gathered to listen to Bill regale us with tales of many huge pike, and one very huge pike in particular, which impressed the hell out of everyone present, and may even have scared one or two!!

John Synnuck does his best Brian Blessed impression while addressing the members

Bill and the assembled throng

The evenings procedeings were rounded off with a Q&A session with Bill and the drawing of the raffle.

The raffle prizes were kindly donated by

Mark of MK II Angling http://www.mark2angling.co.uk

Gary of The Tackle Box http://www.tacklebox.co.uk

Thanks again lads

John and I would like to thank everyone who turned up for making the whole evening a lot less of a stress-fest than we thought it would be because of the traffic chaos.

I'd like to start a members gallery section on this blog, so if any members have catch photos they would like me to publish, send them with a few details (obviously not where you caught it!!!) to the regions e-mail address which is

pacregion19@aol.com

Next Months meeting is on Tuesday the 6th March, and our guest speaker will be

MARK BARRETT

Mark is the PAC secretary as well as a Fenland guide and Zander-phile

2007-01-13T21:47:00.000Z

Welcome to the Blogspot for the all new Thames Gateway PAC Region

The Thames Gateway region meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Papermakers Arms, Hawley Road, Dartford, Kent.

We intend to run meetings all through the year, but only play host to guest speakers during the pike season proper, which will be September-April.

Meetings will kick off from around 7.30pm onwards, with the guest speaker starting at around 8.30pm.

With the location of the meeting venue, we hope to attract pikers from the North Kent/South Essex/South East London catchment area and any brave soul who wishes to venture from further afield. All anglers of any age and ability with an interest in our toothy adversary are welcome.

Your Regional Organisers

I will be acting as RO for the Region. My name is Steve Gould and I have been pike angling seriously since 1983, although i did have a 10 year break between 1994-2004 when i discovered fast cars and faster bikes(the wilderness years I like to call them), but i returned to the fold with the fire burning as brightly as ever.

I'm the one with the silly hat, and the jolly looking chap with the santa-esque apperance is our assistant RO and Treasurer John Synnuck. John is also Treasurer for the PAC commitee. He is also one of lifes characters who has the annoying tendancy of being extremely successful in whichever branch of angling he seems to participate in, but I can't hold that against him as he is an excellent fishing companion and all round good egg.

Contact details: pacregion19@aol.com

Inaugural Meeting:Tuesday 6th February

Our first meeting is on the aforementioned date at The Papermakers Arms,Dartford.

Directions for the pub are here

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;q=DA2+7RB&ie=UTF8&z=13&ll=51.433464,0.227966&spn=0.055221,0.186939&om=1

To open precedings our guest speaker will be the legend that is

BILL PALMER

Bill is the author of two very successful books and the captor of more big pike than you can shake a stick at, so come and join us for lots of pike related banter, sandwiches and beer!

Precedings will start at 7.30pm, John and I will be the furtive looking ones sitting at the bar hoping for lots of people to turn up.

Members £2.50

Non members £3.50

Hope to see you on the 6th

March's Meeting

Tuesday 6th march

Guest Speaker

MARK BARRETT

(All round predator angler, fenland guide and PAC general secretary)

Thames Gateway PAC : Region 19

FEBRUARY MEETING : EDDIE TURNER

JANUARY MEETING: ROB MILFORD;DIARY OF A SUN TRAMP.

DECEMBER MEETING : STEVE ROWLEY

It's Going Home, It's Going Home............

OCT 4TH : MICK BROWN : PROFESSIONAL PIKE ANGLER

WINTER MEETING SCHEDULE

PAC Conference : Piking 2011

April Meeting : Graham Booth

February Meeting : Phil Kirk

January Meeting : Dennis Smith

December Meeting : Phil Wakeford

November Meeting : Steve Younger

OCTOBER MEETING : STEPHEN HARPER

APRIL MEETING : DAVE HORTON

MARCH MEETING: MARK PHILLIPS

Eric Edwards

FEBRUARY MEETING : ERIC EDWARDS

DECEMBER MEETING : MIKE GREEN

NOVEMBER MEETING : CHRIS LEIBBRANDT

NOVEMBER MEETING : CHRIS LEIBBRANDT

WATTO DRAWS THE CROWDS

October meeting : John "Watto" Watson

September meeting : Mark Salt

September meeting : Mark Salt : National Anguilla Club

WINTER SPEAKER ITINERY

Catfish Trip news

Catfish Cowboys Spanish Catfish Trip Pt 2

March meeting : Colin Brett

John Milford

February meeting : John Milford

January Meeting : Phil Cheriton and Mark Barnett

Tim Kelly

December Meeting : Tim Kelly

Dennis Moules

THAMES GATEWAY SPANISH CATFISH TRIP

November meeting : Dennis Moules : 40 Years of Fenland Piking

October Meeting : Ian Welch

Graham Slater : September 2nd

September Meeting

Winter Guest Speaker Itinery

Summer Special June Meeting " Catfish"

May Meeting "Pike Quiz"

Spanish Catfish Trip

May Meeting

End of Season Fish In : Darenth Big Lake

April Meeting

SAVE THE NORFOLK BROADS PETITION

April Meeting and Fish In News

Emerald Isle Extravaganza

***End of Season Fish In : Big Lake, Darenth***

******* ALL NEW BIGGER AND BETTER GALLERY******

March's Meeting : Irish Special

Jason Davies

FEBRUARYS MEETING

Thames Gateway see in the New Year with Nev

XMAS FISH-IN REPORT

JANUARY'S MEETING

Xmas Extravaganza starring "The Doc"

DECEMBER "XMAS" MEETING

November Meeting

Novembers Meeting : Ken Crow

RODDERS WOWS THE CROWDS AT THE GATEWAY!

October Meeting : Steve "Rodders" Rodwell

September Meeting : Andy Lush

September Meeting : Andy Lush on Lure fishing

July " Summer special" Meeting

July's " Summer Special" Meeting

RA 19's First Fish-In

APRILS MEETING

End of Season Fish In : Big Lake, Darenth

* ALL NEW BIGGER AND BETTER GALLERY