Bellows Mill Fishery, also known as Verulam Angling Club, is a fishing club located in Dunstable, New Zealand. Established in 1934 by a group of local businessmen, the club has grown over the years and now boasts a membership of over 2000 anglers.
The club offers a wide range of fishing opportunities, including coarse fishing on rivers, lakes, gravel pits, and canals. They also have dedicated waters for fly-fishing enthusiasts who are targeting trout. Whether you're looking for a few bites in peaceful surroundings or hoping to catch a specimen of a lifetime, Bellows Mill Fishery has the perfect venue for you.
One of the unique features of the club is the availability of night fishing at no extra cost on selected venues. This allows members to enjoy the tranquilly of fishing under the stars and increase their chances of landing a big catch.
In addition to regular fishing, Bellows Mill Fishery also has an active match section that organises a full calendar of matches across various venues. These matches include charity events, the championship series, and the popular summer evening league, providing members with the opportunity to showcase their angling skills and compete against fellow anglers.
The club takes great pride in its fisheries, and each fishery has a dedicated fishery manager and a team of bailiffs to ensure the well-being and management of the waters. To maintain the quality of the fisheries, the club requires all able-bodied members to complete one working party per year, assisting with tasks ranging from litter-picking to more significant groundworks. Members who are less physically able can contribute by assisting with administration tasks throughout the year.
Bellows Mill Fishery welcomes junior anglers, offering them reduced subscriptions and no entrance fee, in an effort to encourage more young people to take up the sport of fishing. The club also allows non-fishing guests at most of its fisheries and provides toilet facilities at most of its still water venues. For added convenience, the Riverside Road venue features a toilet block with hot and cold water, as well as a small Angler's Retreat with tea and coffee making facilities, making it an ideal place to introduce your loved ones to your favourite pastime.
In 1986, the club became a limited company to provide officers with personal protection from club liabilities. This change has no impact on members, except for the event of the club being wound up due to litigation, in which case, members would be liable to pay a nominal fee of 1.
Verulam Angling Club prioritises effective communication with its members and utilises various social media outlets and regular “E-News” bulletins to keep members informed. They have a dedicated website and a club contact list available for members to get in touch with fishery managers or club officers for any questions or concerns they may have.
Overall, Bellows Mill Fishery (Verulam Angling Club) provides a vibrant and inclusive fishing community in Dunstable, offering a diverse selection of fisheries and a calendar of events for members to enjoy. With a commitment to maintaining the quality of their waters and encouraging new anglers, the club creates an inviting atmosphere for both seasoned anglers and newcomers to the sport.