"Look to the skies" was a phrase that springs to mind regarding the future and a brave new world, and, having tried that, all that can be seen are blue skies. September has proven to be another month added to a long list of dry months, with water levels in this part of the country left really struggling. El Nino seems to have had no knock on effect so far and the weather forecast for the next few days offer very little for the prospects of a deluge of rain. We have been lucky in as much that we have experienced no fish losses due to heat and drought, but a dry winter and another hot summer could change our luck. We really are in the lap of the Gods, with rain dancing, whether solo or synchronized, having no effect.I may be eating my words in a few weeks time, but for the moment "PLEASE RAIN".

Of all the birds that visit our waters, there is one that is truly not welcome. Cormorants! Over the past 10 years, there has been considerable concern over their numbers and the impact on fish and fisheries. Their main breeding grounds are Sweden and Denmark but once these areas start to freeze the birds migrate South, including the UK, where the fishing is easier. The Angling Trust have been instrumental in creating a European Cormorant Management Plan which as the name suggests is a means to control Cormorant numbers, which have increased to epidemic proportions over the last few years. To such an extent that they are impacting upon Cod stocks in the Baltic. After dismissing the need for a species count, Europe is now seeing the need and the winter of 2027 will see such a count put in place. Hopefully, this will result in reduced numbers of fish taken or scarred by these predators.

Last months matches were fished on Cox and Bramley lakes, with the first of these being an OAP match on Cox Lake, in which Glen Sibbons won with a weight of 132lb 4oz. There were three other anglres who also had weights of over 100lb. Next came the Autumn 1 match fished on Bramley with a win by Bob Johnston with a weight of 25lb 11oz who had better sized fish than Adrian Loughton who only had Rudd and Roach. The 4 Float Challenge followed along with another match fished on Cox Lake, with the overall winner to be announced and the Sweepstake match is still to be added once the Match Secretary returns from his holiday.

Due to the dry weather, the fronts of the swims have become uncovered and for the safety of fish and anglers it is often prudent to set up below the swim as long as safe access is available. However, no matter how inviting it looks please do not fish from the exposed sand bars in the middle of Alresford Lake. There are some parts that are clay and silt based and are not safe to walk on. Just because the ducks and seagulls manage to, the bar does not have the same load bearing capabilities for an angler with half a ton of equipment.

The continued rental of the Abbey seems to be gathering speed and we seem to be at the dot and tee crossing stage now. The summer has caused the level in this lake to drop because of the farmer's need of water for crop irrigation. Pumping seems to be at an end now and the level is quickly starting to return. The Carp in this lake and Alresford seem to have had a successful year and several small Carp of 3-4inches are being reported. Bream catches have been at a premium this season, even when not fishing for them. There have been several instances of bleary eyed night Carp anglers recounting the number of Bream caught, through gritted teeth.

When memberships are renewed or new memberships taken out, could everyone please supply a personal passport sized photograph of your face. As much as we are interested in your dog, the Carp you caught or your would be Super-hero pose, this is no help to Bailiffs or yourselves proving your membership.Thank you.

Once again, Pike Fishing will be put on hold on Alresford Lake. This means, no dead-baiting or lure fishing of any kind either for Pike or Perch. The Pike have been very active through the summer and the start of autumn, but this does not mean that they can recover from being hooked and landed. Once the level starts to return and the weather gets colder, the lake will be opened up for predator fishing. Until then.please think of the fish's welfare.

We are now approaching the time of year when the call goes out for volunteers to help with maintenance around and in the lakes. Wednesday's are maintenance days on the Orchard Complex and Thursdays on Alresford Lake. The treatment of silt and the spraying of weed will continue this coming season on Cox Lake. The need to remove overhanging branches etc., plus the renovation of swims are on the agenda. All we ask from you is that you wear suitable clothes for the outdoors with sensible,robust shoes. You will not be asked to do anything beyond your capabilities. These are salaried positions, so unfortunately there is no overtime payment and the salary is based on Brownie points. Both venues are in the morning at 08:30 hrs until approx 11:30 hrs, weather permitting

This month's interesting fact is that on 22nd October 1957 , Captain Pugwash made his debut on the BBC with his crew of Master Mate , Tom the Cabin boy and Cut-throat Jake. The writer claimed damages after the press altered their names give a whole new meaning to a motley crew! And on the 26th October 1863 the English Football Association publish the first documented rules which is still causing problems today.

As always, stay safe, look after one another and enjoy your fishing.

Tight Lines