Boat Shifts

All,

It is again time to get our boats out of the water, cleaned up and prepared for next season.

Please see below the dates for this years boat shifts.

As always, hoping for good turnouts to ensure plenty of helping hands are available to help all of our members get their boats onto dry land and ready for a bit of annual maintenance.

06.11.2022

20.11.2022

04.12.2022

18.12.2022

08.01.2023

22.01.2023

Regards

The committee

2022 - End of Season Bash

Members,

As usual, on the last Saturday of the season, the members lounge will be open from 4pm on Saturday 29th October for fishermen, friends and families to gather and commemorate the season past. Whether it be good, bad or indifferent.

To mark the occasion, Mick (our Social Convenor) has organised music, hot food and a raffle with some great prizes up for grabs.

Hope to see a good turnout, both up the Loch and back at the club for a bit of a knees-up.

Cheers

The committee

Cabaret Night - Saturday 24th September - Tickets Available

Members,

There are still tickets available for the Cabaret Night at the VOLDAC this coming Saturday.

The Piano Man - Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel

Tickets are £8 and can be paid for at the door on the night. Come along and pack the club out for a night of great live entertainment and sing along to some classic songs!

Anglers, danglers, social members, family and friends all welcome!

Tickets will also be available on Saturday for the Christmas Cabaret Night on Saturday 3rd December. Get your tickets early to avoid missing out.

Voyager - ABBA Tribute Act

Regards,

The committee

Proposed 2023 River Gradings & C&R Enhancement Proposals

Members,

Please find below a summary taken from the L.L.A.I.A website of a communication from Marine Scotland Recreational Fisheries to the L.L.A.I.A and all the wider Salmon Fisheries in Scotland.


“I am writing to let you know that the Scottish Ministers propose to continue to regulate the killing of salmon in Scotland, including the prohibition on retaining any salmon caught in coastal waters, by means of conservation regulations made under section 38 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003.

Marine Scotland has undertaken an assessment of the conservation status of salmon in inland waters in Scotland for the 2023 fishing season. The outcome of that assessment, including proposed gradings for rivers and assessment groups in 2023, is available on the Scottish Government website.

Ministers are required, under the terms of section 38 and schedule 1 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003, to publish notice of the proposals allowing a minimum 28 day period for representations or objections to be made. Notice is hereby given that the consultation will be advertised and commence on Wednesday 10th August 2022.

Additionally, the Scottish Government are seeking views on the encouragement of voluntary measures to enhance catch and release rates to 100% across the whole of Scotland. These measures would include highlighting catch and release best practice guidance to reduce post-catch mortality. Should these voluntary measures be unsuccessful in achieving 100% catch and release we are also seeking views on the prospect of introducing mandatory measures in future to achieve this aim. This would potentially involve amending legislation to prohibit the retention of Atlantic salmon on all rivers in Scotland, regardless of their river grading. Please see the proposal on achieving higher catch and release rates for further details.

If you wish to submit a view on the proposed river gradings or on the proposals for achieving higher catch and release rates, you can do so online through our consultation hub using the link below.

You can save and return to your responses while the consultation is still open. Please ensure that consultation responses are submitted before the closing date of Friday 9th September 2022.

Additionally, your views on proposals to enhance catch and release and post-catch survivability rates across the whole of Scotland will contribute to policymaking that further protects and restores wild Atlantic salmon populations.

Link is:  https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/salmon-proposed-river-gradings-2023/

It is very important that as many members and anglers submit a response to make their views known to the Scottish Government. The Committee will be making a submission on behalf of the Association, but every Salmon angler should take five minutes to make their own submission to show the passion and commitment we have to our fishing.”


The club Secretary will be in attendance at the VOLDAC on Sunday 4th September from 12:00 - 3:00pm should any member require assistance with composing a response and submitting their views via the online consultation hub.

We would echo the view of the L.L.A.I.A and urge all members to take this opportunity to make their views known to the Scottish Government.

Regards,

The committee


Beaver Translocation on Lomond System

Members,

RSPB Scotland have a proposal to translocate beavers from conflict sites on the Tay system to the RSPB reserve on the Lower Endrick area of Loch Lomond.

Further information is available via the link below.

https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/loch-lomond-and-black-devon-wetlands/posts/beavers

A questionnaire is being used to gauge public feedback. Responses will be compiled and submitted to NatureScot as part of RSPB Scotland's beaver translocation licence application. The questionnaire can be accessed via the link below and takes a few minutes to complete.

https://ieu28rtpert.typeform.com/to/RGx38uAN?typeform-source=l.facebook.com

Note: No formal communication has been received from RSPB Scotland regarding this questionnaire or how it will form part of the beaver translocation licence application.

The closing date for submissions is today.

Regards,

The committee

Annual Membership Fees Due

Members,

If you have not already paid your annual membership fees, these are now due by the end of this month.

Fees can be paid via bank transfer, or alternatively in person at the VOLDAC on Sunday 28 August between 12:30 - 3:00pm.

If you require bank details or require further assistance please contact a member of the committee.

Regards,

The committee

VOLDAC Cabaret Night - Saturday 24th September

Members,

After the success of the Neil Diamond and Kenny Rogers tribute which sold out in June, the Social Convenor has organised another Cabaret Night - details below.

Tickets are are £8 each and can be purchased or reserved at the bar.

Hope to see you there.

The committee

Work Day - Sunday 24 July

Members,

Thanks to the handful of members who gave up their time and turned up for the work party on Sunday morning. We managed to get the rod room, workshop and drying shed tidied and swept.

In preparation for our next workday on Sunday 24 July, members are reminded that all personal belongings must be stored inside lockers.

Any item except oars, found sitting on top of a locker or stacked up outside a locker is at risk of being binned. This also applies to any materials that have been left lying around the drying shed or workshop without a label displaying the owners name.

We look forward to welcoming as many members as possible at 09:00 on Sunday 24 July to assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of your club.

Many thanks,

The committee

VOLDAC Cabaret Night - Saturday 4th June

Members,

A reminder that tickets are still available for the cabaret night at the VOLDAC on Saturday 4th June. However, they are going fast so act quickly if you would like to come along and be entertained.

Tickets can be reserved within the events book behind the bar and must be paid in full before 4th June.


See you there.

The committee

2022 Annual Membership Fees

Members,

Please note that Annual Membership Fees for 2022 are now due and can be paid via the following means.

  1. Via bank transfer. If this is your preference please contact a committee member for bank details.

  2. In person at the VOLDAC on Sunday 27th March from 12:30pm onwards.

Please note that a representative from the LLAIA will be in attendance on Sunday should anybody also wish to purchase their permit on the day. This will be on the basis that applicants have completed their permit renewal forms.

Many thanks,

The committee

Boat Shifts

Members,

If anybody still needs their boats moved before the fishing begins in earnest, there are two boat shifts remaining. Dates below:

  • Sunday 6th March 2022

  • Sunday 20th March 2022

As always, all help is welcome.

This conflicts with previous posts which indicated that the final two boat shifts were on 13th March and 27th March. Apologies for the miscommunication.

Regards,

The committee

AGM - Friday 25th February

Members,

A reminder that we will be holding our Annual General Meeting on Friday 25th February 2022.

We request that all members attending are seated for 7:30pm in the function suite.

Look forward to seeing you there.

The committee

Members Update

Members,

With the new season fast approaching the committee would like to notify members of the following general points.

AGM

The AGM will take place in the function hall on Friday 25th February 2022. Please make the effort to attend.

Annual Presentation Dance

The Annual Presentation Dance is scheduled to take place on Saturday 26th March. Given that life now appears to be slowly returning to normal we hope to see old friends and fellow members out in force for what should be a great night.

General Boat Maintenance

Please remember to stop by the club on occasion to check your boat and bail it out if required. Likewise, if you notice that somebody else’s boat needs bailed then let them or a committee member know.

Boat Shifts

There are still a few boat shifts to go if you need to move your boat or would to just help out or shoot the breeze. Dates as follows:

06.02.2022

20.02.2022

13.03.2022

27.03.2022

Gas Bottles

We would like to remind members that gas bottles cannot be stored on the premises as they are a fire hazard. Any found lying around will be removed at the next boat shift or work day if not before.

Public Rescue Equipment (PRE)

PRE has been installed on 8 bridges over the River Leven that have pedestrian access. Fire Scotland and the Partnership Approach to Water Safety) (PAWS) Group have requested that VOLDAC members report any deficiencies with this equipment should any be observed

Each bridge will receive 2 x lifebelts with rope attached.

Where access is pedestrian only a lifebelt will be located at each end of the bridge.

Where access is foot and vehicle a life belt will be located in the centre of the bridge on each side of the carriageway to reduce the need to cross traffic.

The bridges are as follows:

  • Balloch Bridge

  • Lomond Road Bridge

  • Stuckie Bridge

  • Bonhill Bridge

  • Renton Bridge

  • Leven Bridge (A82)

  • Artizan / Dalreoch Bridge

  • Dumbarton Bridge

Any issues can be reported to Scott McLelland on 07772442950.

Hope to see you down the club or up the Loch soon.

Kind regards,

The committee

 

Boat Shifts

Members,

Happy New Year to all members, family and friends. All the best for 2022!

With another new season just around the corner, please note that the remaining boat shifts are as follows:

09.01.2022

23.01.2022

06.02.2022

20.02.2022

13.03.2022

27.03.2022

As always, it would be great to have good attendance at each shift in order to assist with moving boats around the facilities. Many hands make light work!

If you wish to reserve a space in any of the work sheds, add your name and the dates requested on the lists which have been put up in the rod room.

Finally, a reminder to keep an eye on your boats when they are moored on the pontoons. If your boat needs bailed out then don’t leave it too long. And if you notice that somebody else’s boat needs bailed out then please let them know or inform a committee member.

Many thanks,

The committee

VOLDAC - Boats Damaged

Members,

Unfortunately, some boats are reported to have been damaged outside the club last night by a group of passers by. CCTV footage has been forwarded to Police Scotland who have requested that all damage is reported as soon as possible.

If you have not already done so, could you please check your boat and report any damage to a committee member, especially if your boat is on the hard standing outside the clubhouse or on the pontoon nearest the weir.

Many thanks,

The committee

Christmas Party - Cancelled

Members,

Regretfully we must inform all members, families and friends that this year’s annual VOLDAC Christmas Party has been cancelled.

This is in line with the Scottish Governments new COVID 19 isolation requirements on the back of the latest evidence regarding the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant.

Ticket payments will be refunded and and Santa will give out party bags to those that booked tickets at 11:30 - 12:30 on Sunday at the club main entrance.

Please accept our apologies and try to bear in mind that safety and the ability to enjoy Christmas with family and loved ones must come first.

Kind regards,

The committee

Final Reminder - Catch Returns Due 30th November

Members,

If you have not already submitted your annual catch return, please note that these are due today. See the below message from the LLAIA.

Important Reminder - Season 2021 Catch Returns Due Now

Message for our all our Full Members, Associate Members and day ticket anglers.

We would like to remind everyone that catch returns, including ‘Nil Returns’ are now due and should be submitted as soon as possible. This is very time consuming activity for the committee, and we would be grateful if you could complete your return as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

The LLAIA have a statutory obligation to forward a return of all migratory fish caught on the system to Marine Scotland by 31 December each year.

Last year despite fair warning being given that this measure would be enforced unfortunately several members found themselves £25 lighter in the pocket.

This year’s returns will be used in determining the salmon conservation category for season 2023, so it’s important that every angler returns their figures to us including ‘Nil Catches’.

We realise that some coarse anglers hold full memberships and we require a return from all members and River Leven season and day ticket holders.

Forms have already been issued with permits but copies are available at O’ Brien’s store at Bonhill Bridge and all permit retailers. These must be returned to us by 30 November to

allow for the preparation and transmission of the final report and should be posted to.

L.L.A.I.A. Catch Returns

4 Woodside Place

Charing Cross

Glasgow

G3 7QF

There are also collection boxes located within O’ Brien’s and on the railings adjacent to

VOLDAC.

Online Catch Register

The LLAIA online Catch Register is now live and can be visited on our home page. Or by clicking the link below.

This service can be accessed by full members, associate members and weekly and day ticket

holders. ’Nil Returns’ must also be recorded and subscribers will receive email confirmation.

LLAIA online Catch Register link: Online Catch Register

Many thanks to those of you who have already submitted.

Regards

LLAIA Committee

Members Update - AGM & Catch Returns

Members,

Update for all members.

AGM

Please note that a retrospective 2020 AGM will be held at the VOLDAC on Thursday 25th November at 7:30pm. Members are requested to make the effort to attend.

Catch Returns

A reminder that catch returns for the 2021 season are due by the end of November. Failure to submit even a nil return will result in a £25 fine being imposed by the LLAIA. Which, we would like our members to avoid.

Returns can be submitted by post or via the LLAIA website.

To submit your return online, simply copy and paste the link below into your web browser, enter your email address and press the button to receive a link to an electronic form by email. You will require your permit number in order to submit an online catch return.

https://catchreturn.lochlomondangling.com/#/

Many thanks,

The committee