About the Society
A proud angling tradition serving Rayleigh and the surrounding Essex area
Our History
Rayleigh & District Angling Society was founded in 1963 by a small group of local anglers who shared a passion for fishing the rivers and lakes of Essex. What began as an informal gathering of like-minded enthusiasts has grown into the successful angling society that it is today.
Over the decades, the society has worked tirelessly to maintain and improve its waters, foster a welcoming community, and promote responsible, sustainable angling. We are proud of our heritage and the generations of members who have fished our banks.
Our Waters
We maintain several well-stocked lakes within easy reach of the Rayleigh District.
Birkett Hall
Our flagship water — a mature, well-stocked lake holding carp to over 10lb, bream, tench, roach, perch and pike. Suitable for all styles of fishing. It consists of two lakes the larger of which has a variety of species but a large head of carp. The second smaller lake has fewer carp but includes specimen tench and bream along with roach, rudd, perch and a few chubb, crucian carp and barbel.
Wrights Nurseries
A quieter, more intimate water ideal for the pleasure angler. This water holds carp, tench, roach,rudd,perch and bream.
Club Rules
All members are expected to fish responsibly and respect our waters, fellow anglers, and the environment. Key rules include:
- ✓A valid Environment Agency rod licence must be held at all times when fishing.
- ✓Members must carry the relevant proof of membership when fishing club waters which must be produced upon request. You will be required to vacate the clubs waters upon failure to produce proof of membership.
- ✓Barbless hooks only on all society waters.
- ✓All fish to be handled with care and returned promptly.
- ✓No litter — please take all rubbish home with you. Night fishing is not allowed at Birkett Hall. Junior members are not allowed to fish overnight unless accompanied by an adult.
- ✓Keepnets permitted but must be emptied every 3 hours. Maximum 30lbs per net. No carp or pike are to be kept in a keepnet and no fish over 3lb.
- ✓Please refer to the Swimbooker app for a full list of the rules that apply when fishing club waters.
The Committee
The society is run by a volunteer committee elected at the Annual General Meeting. The committee meets regularly to manage the waters, organise events, and represent members' interests.
Chairman
Rev David Redbond
Membership Secretary
Nick North
Treasurer
Colin Gabell
Match Secretary
Fred Sycamore
Senior Water Bailiff
Joe Bood