Our History
Over 130 years of angling heritage, conservation and community in Hull and East Yorkshire.
From small fishing clubs meeting in public houses to one of the region’s established angling associations, our story is one of local anglers working together to protect fishing for future generations.
Founded in 1892, the Association has evolved through decades of change, competition and cooperation — but its purpose has remained much the same.
Association Founded
Fish Rescued in 1895
Brandesburton Lease
Our Present Name Adopted
Where It All Began
During the 1800s, angling in Hull was organised through numerous small clubs, often based around local public houses or workplaces. As their numbers grew, anglers recognised the value of joining forces to secure fishing rights and represent their interests.
Among the earliest was the Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Angling Society, formed in 1868 by John Cheeseman, W.H. Barker and fellow enthusiasts. The Universal Angling Society followed in 1872, and the Hull Roach Club was established in 1877 at the Victoria Hotel on Anlaby Road.
John Cheeseman, a builder and surveyor, was an influential figure in Hull angling. He also wrote newspaper fishing articles under the name Piscator.
A Historic Milestone
2 November 1892
The Hull Amalgamated Anglers’ Association was officially formed, with F. Jordan as its first President and George William Schofield as its first Secretary.
The Great Fish Rescue of 1895
One of the most remarkable stories in local angling history began when a pond in Mill Lane was being drained for clay extraction.
Anglers from several Hull clubs organised a rescue after the Hull Amalgamated Anglers’ Association declined to become involved. They secured permission to net the pond and arranged a new home for the fish at Wheeler Street.
2,300 fish saved
Roach, perch and bream were successfully transferred to a four-acre pond at Wheeler Street, Hull.
The effort led to the formation of the Hull Angling Preservation Society in June 1895, with John Dickinson as its first President.
The Preservation Society went on to play an important role in fish conservation and securing local fishing waters.
Rivals Who Eventually Joined Forces
For many years, the Hull Amalgamated Anglers’ Association and the Preservation Society operated independently — and occasionally as rivals.
Both sought access to local fishing waters and represented Hull anglers at national events. By 1897, tensions had become public when a proposal to exclude the Preservation Society from the Yorkshire Anglers’ Conference was defeated.
Over time, cooperation replaced competition. By 1902 the organisations were sharing fishing on the Market Weighton Canal, and during the 1950s they jointly rented several local drains.
The Hull Anglers’ Joint Committee helped coordinate shared waters, paving the way for closer working and the eventual absorption of the Preservation Society’s interests into the Association.
Our Story Through the Years
The Yorkshire & Lincolnshire Angling Society is formed, helping establish organised angling in Hull.
The Universal Angling Society and Hull Roach Club emerge as local angling grows in popularity.
The Hull Amalgamated Anglers’ Association is founded on 2 November.
The Hull Angling Preservation Society is established following the rescue of 2,300 fish.
The Hull Association celebrates a National Angling Championship team victory.
The Hull Preservation team wins the National Angling Championship.
The Brandesburton ponds are formally leased jointly by the two organisations.
Ken Bone becomes Association Secretary, serving until 1982.
The Association adopts the name we know today: Hull & District Anglers’ Association.
The Growth of Our Fisheries
One important milestone was the development of fishing at Brandesburton.
Although the ponds had been used by Hull anglers since at least the late 1950s, a formal joint lease was agreed with Hoveringham Gravel in April 1966, at an annual rent of £900.
These arrangements helped lay the foundations for the Association’s continuing role in managing and protecting fishing waters across the region.
People Who Shaped Our Association
Early organiser and influential promoter of angling clubs in Hull.
First President of the Hull Angling Preservation Society.
Long-serving local angling figure and Association President for 12 years.
Association Secretary from 1969 until his retirement in 1982.
A Look Back in Pictures
Photographs from the Association’s archives, celebrating the people and achievements that shaped local angling.
Proud of Our Past. Looking to the Future.
From the early clubs of Victorian Hull to today’s Association, generations of anglers have helped secure, maintain and protect fishing for their fellow members.
That commitment to accessible angling, conservation and community continues to guide H&DAA today.
Historical research and material credited to Kevin Clifford.
