Positive Future for Humber SA

Over the past forty years I have attended more than thirty AGM meetings for the Humber SAC. This week it was the AGM and probably the most positive one I have ever been too, writes Tony Burman.

There was no arguing, it was all down to the club getting on together and trying to all have the same aim – to promote and enjoy local sea angling.

The ideas which came across at the meeting indicated people had had enough of the falling out and arguing, and wanted to concentrate on the main thing – sea angling.

As mentioned last week, Bill Sheppard decided to step down as treasurer.

This is a big blow to the club as Bill is probably one of the most respected anglers in the area, and people listen to his views and ideas more than most other anglers.

The club is very lucky that Garry Hutson, who is a very level headed guy and has great respect across the country not only as a fantastic angler but as a very reliable person, will step in as treasurer. I think he will do an excellent job.

The next post was that of secretary Jez Waters, who has had loads of personal problems over the last year, mainly work related, changing from the RAF to Civy street has not given him the spare time that he had before.

Jez was willing to step down, but has decided to stop and help new secretary Mark Taylor, who is one of the up and coming stars of angling and the future for this area.

The chairman Nigel Crabtree is remaining and this is good news as he has to steady the ship and put it on the right course. I am remaining as president.

Adie Cooper has also decided to take a back seat and not be involved in the matches.

He has taken a lot of stick over the past few months and he has decided to let other people do the work.

I must thank Adie for all the hard work that he has put into the club and at some time I am sure he will be back in some shape or form on the committee.

There were several proposals put forward – in the future your top twenty matches will count for the aggregate at the end of the year.

This will be fairer for those anglers who can not get every week.

Another very positive suggestion coming in from George Smith: if anyone has a complaint they must hand it in to the steward of the day and that person's decision will be final.

There will be no need to put in a £10 with the complaint, as we want to stop moans carrying on and tempers flaring as things linger on.

Also, all local tackle shops will get one free membership to help promote local angling.

I was very pleased with the way the meeting went and a big thanks to Humber Cruising Association for allowing us to use the social club.

It was a brilliant venue and everyone was very impressed by the facilities at the club.

On the fishing front Humber SAC were at Humberston creek in absolutely horrendous conditions.

I must admit I had my bait ready but these days I have to be careful – these old bones will take the punishment any more.

I am pleased to say that there was plenty of fish.

George Smith was in brilliant form. He had 17 fish for 9lb 12oz.

Next was Mark Taylor, seven fish for 7lb 11oz.

Mark used my bait to good advantage. At least it was not wasted and it was probably used better than I would have done .

Third in was Simon Drayton, seven fish for 6lb 6oz.

On Sunday, it is the HCA match. This is match three of the winter league and also the inter-club match between HCA and Boston.

The only problem is that there is no fish about.

A charter boat was out this week. Ten anglers caught one whiting in 10 hours.

Maybe we will have to target flatfish. I will give you all the info next week.

Tony Burman.