About Us

Porthcawl Angling Association (PAA) was born in the early 1970`s. A few members of Porthcawl Sea Angling Association (PSAA) decided to try and lease the two lakes in Porthcawl and do some freshwater fishing. After successfully securing a 25 year lease, Porthcawl Sea Angling Association (Freshwater Section) was formed.

The Wilderness lake was operated as a Trout Fishery and the Meadow lake a Course Fishery. Due to the lack of clean fresh water flowing through the Wilderness it soon became apparent that it was not suitable for trout, and therefore became a course fishery.

Towards the end of the 1990`s the lease was due for renewal and the membership decided to break away from PSAA and become a separate association. The lease was successfully renewed for a further 25 years under the name of Porthcawl Angling Association, with its own Constitution, Rules and By-Laws. Membership soon increased to over 200 members.

Porthcawl is situated on the coast about midway between Cardiff and Swansea and has one of the world’s largest caravan parks. Now one of South Wales’ most popular sea resorts, Porthcawl was a coal and iron exporting port.

Work to enhance the lakes was undertaken by members, but it was realised that some major improvements needed to be undertaken so, with help and funding from the Environment Agency (EA) and PAA the Wilderness lake (about 5 acres) went through some major work of de-silting, bank restoration and the provision of 25 purpose built platforms giving access to able and disabled anglers.

The Meadow lake (about 2.5 acres) has also undergone some major work and now has 24 pegs made up from purpose built platforms / pegs and natural banking.

Both lakes are constantly being developed to enhance and promote the enjoyment of fishing. PAA have a close relationship with National Resources Wales (NRW) and are in frequent contact about further developing both of our club waters.

We are fully registered and affiliated with the Angling Trust and Fish Legal.

Internal and external matches are held on both of our lakes with Carp and Course matches taking place with prizes added by the Association, so the more people that enter the bigger the prizes!

Please visit the Matches and Competitions page for further information if you are interested in getting involved.