Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society, founded in 1899, is a well-established fishing club located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Originally established by a group of passionate anglers who frequented Stanley Reservoir, the society has since grown into one of the leading fishing organisations in the United Kingdom. It boasts a diverse membership, which includes seniors, ladies, juveniles, and disabled members from all over the country.
The society takes pride in its wide range of fishing waters, catering to all types of angling interests. With a selection of still waters and several stretches of rivers available, they ensure that every angler can find a suitable spot to indulge in their favourite pastime. Additionally, canal anglers will be delighted to know that the society now offers three stretches of canal for them to enjoy. For more information about their waters, interested individuals can refer to the Waters List or their Google Map accessible on their website.
Membership and Stanley Head Parking can conveniently be accessed through the society's website, starting from 2024. Those interested in joining or renewing their membership can find all the details by clicking the “Join Us” button. Additionally, relevant information, such as the AGM report and important upcoming events, can be found in the Members section of the website.
The society actively participates in fishing events and initiatives. They recently took part in the National Celebration of Young People and Fishing, which was held on September 17-18, 2022. Additionally, they organised the Noel's Pool Memorial Match on September 10, 2022, and participated in the Lets Fish Event at Astbury Common, updated on October 20, 2020. They also organise work parties for maintenance and improvements of their fishing locations, with the next planned date set for January 20-21, 2024, at Stanley Pool.
The society keeps its members and fishing enthusiasts informed through the Latest Society News section on their website. There, they share significant announcements, reminders, and updates about various fishing-related matters. For instance, they remind members about the availability of 2024 tickets for renewals and new applicants at Smallthorne Victory Club on January 11th. They also provide information about ticket availability for Astbury on January 9th and 29th at the Astbury Visitor Centre.
Astbury Mere, a popular fishing spot, has recently seen the addition of stunning Carp through stocking efforts. They express their hope that these fish will become prominent attractions in the mere. The society maintains a waiting list for Astbury Mere, and they remind those on the list to renew their general membership tickets to retain their spot. Non-members will be removed from the waiting list.
The society is proud to have participated in the 2023 Daiwa Global Communities Celebration Event, organised by the Canal and Rivers Trust. This national event brought together 180 young anglers on the Shropshire Union Canal, providing an opportunity for them to showcase their skills. The event was generously sponsored by Daiwa, with fishing tackle prizes distributed to all participants. The society's own SOTAS Academy members had a successful outing in the event, with Theo Karadia winning the Cadets Category and Regan Grice securing victory in the Young Juniors category.
For those in need of fishing gear, Trentside Angling is the go-to place. They offer canal starter kits, including a Browning Pit Bull 2. 4mtr pole with fully elasticated top sections, 2 pole rigs, a disgorger, and a plummet. The total price for this kit is 40, but Trentside Angling offers it for a special price of 35, with a bonus 5 gift voucher for future purchases (excluding maggots and worms).
Anglers can depend on Trentside Angling for all their angling needs.
Overall, the Stoke-on-Trent Angling Society provides an inclusive and vibrant fishing community for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. With a variety of waters to choose from, valuable membership benefits, and active participation in events and initiatives, they continue to foster a love for angling and contribute to the angling scene in the UK.