About
Tarka Swims
Bideford & District Angling Club started out in 1964 by Tackle Shop Owner Cyril Petherick with just a few people coming together to do what they love. Little did they know that it would grow into the thriving Fishing Club it is today. Our dedicated members enjoy meeting often for different events and activities. Passion and enthusiasm go hand-in-hand with everything we do.
Our door is always open to new members, no matter their experience level. We are proud to bring together people from all over Bideford and beyond. Come join us at our next event, we’d love to share all that Bideford & District Angling Club has to offer.
Tarka Swims consist of two lakes, George's Lake and Karen's. George's lake is stocked with different species of coarse fish where monthly matches are held. Karen's is stocked with Carp and Tench, with the lake record being a Common Carp of 26Ib 8oz caught Sept. 2024. Both lakes have disabled access, also the site has a spacious car park with a toilet block which has disabled access, small lawn area and summer house.
The club also have Coarse, Sea, Game sections that have monthly competitions throughout the year. Coarse section Jan-Dec. Sea section Jan-Dec. Game section Mar-Sept.
The Coarse Section have Junior Competitions/ Teach In : Tarka Swims during summers months June-July. See Coarse Section Competition For Dates.
BDAC Membership Entitlement
All Members are entitled to fish our Sea and Game competitions, they can also fish Clovelly Wall and our Game section on the River Torridge.
For an extra fee they can also fish our Complex at Tarka Swims and enter any competitions held there!