With the stillwaters only just having thawed out and the rivers running high and coloured there have been no reports at all this week.
There are three work parties fast approaching and the Fisheries Team at Luton AC have asked that as many people get involved as possible this year as there is lots of work to do. Over 150 members volunteered last year with 30 members doing 3 work parties or more and a huge amount was completed at many of the clubs venues.
Check the web site home page for work party details and registration form or contact Dave Edwards at the club office on 01582-728114 or Joanne Edwards on 01582-603466 or 07903048280. You can also text 07940301225 with your name, membership number and the work party venue and date you would like to attend. Remember you will not need to pay the £10 work party levy (adults and intermediaries) when renewing your membership for next season if you attend just one of the work parties. The first work party is the annual tree cutting at Beckerings Reservoir on 7th February 2010 which is required by the reservoir owners and forms part of the lease. Can any chainsaw owners/operators please contact us to discuss saw fuel and oil requirements which we will provide, 30+ volunteers are required however so far less than a third of that number have volunteered which is disappointing.  
Last years willow pollarding at Beckerings was a great success with many of the cuttings being successfully planted at Woodlands Lake and the rest recycled in the form of chippings for the pathway around the reservoir.
The second and third work parties will be at the clubs new Barretts Mere fishery on Saturday 20th February and Sunday 21st February 2010 and the club hope to have this water open very soon if enough volunteers attend over the two days. At least 20 volunteers are required on each day otherwise it is doubtful whether this water will open for next season.
Although volunteers save £10 on the total cost of their 2010/11 membership their efforts also help to keep the annual membership costs down for everyone as without their hard work it would be necessary to employ outside contractors with undoubtedly huge cost implications to the price of the annual membership. Hopefully everyone who volunteered last year will do the same again plus others who want to improve the waters that the club controls.
 
Fishing Wizard who are based near Broxbourne in Herts are offering Luton AC members 5% discount on purchases in store. Luton AC have a good many members based in that area and Gary Hodges the owner will give the discount on production of your membership book. Fishing Wizard can be found at 5 Meridian Building, Nazeing Glass Ind Est, Nazeing New Road, Herts EN10 6SX 01992-460969 www.fishingwizard.co.uk
If any other tackle shop or even non angling related companies would like to offer discounts to Luton AC members please contact the Luton AC Press Officer Steve Sharp on 07704462635.
 
The Luton AC Winter and Spring Membership Package is now on sale and is valid until 31st May 2010. Prices are Adult - £35, Intermediate (16 & under 18yr olds) - £22, OAP/Disabled (Blue Badge Holders) - £20, Husband & Wife - £48 (1 key), Under 16's - £10, Family 1 (One parent & up to two Under 16yr olds) £43, Family 2 (Both parents and 2 children Under 16) - £53. The prices include all renewal and new member fees plus a key that is universal to all Club fisheries where locked gates are to be found. All of the clubs waters are open for a full 12 months with the exception of the rivers which are closed during the statutory river close season. You can join by phoning the club office on 01582 728114.
Through a water share arrangement with Barnet Angling Club Luton AC members may also fish several additional stretches (not listed in the membership book) of the River Great Ouse, River Ivel and River Thames, maps that show parking areas etc are available to download from the club web site or by sending a request with an A5 sae (large size stamp please) to the club office. These waters offer excellent fishing for barbel, tench, bream and carp.
Please phone/text your catch reports from Luton AC waters to 07704462635 or email catchreports@lutonac.org and  if you have pictures taken on your phone send picture messages to 07876331180. Remember to always use an unhooking mat when targetting specimen fish, keeping the fish as low to the ground as possible when taking photos.
Check out the Luton AC website at www.lutonac.org for all the latest catch reports, news, pictures and membership details.
 
Steve Sharp