The Piscatorial Society is one of the oldest angling societies in England, if not the world. It was founded in 1836 and still flourishes today. It leases fly fishing water on a number ofchalk streams inHampshire andWiltshire, including theWylye, theTest, theItchen and theHampshire Avon. It no longer has a base inLondon, but maintains a Rod Room on one of its Wiltshire rivers. Although members originally fished for all sorts of fish (the society's crest still represents the head of apike), the society now concentrates on fishing forbrown trout andgrayling with upstream dry fly or unweightednymph imitations dressed lightly in the style ofG. E. M. Skues.[citation needed]
The Society has, at its core, three key objectives. First, to maintain a fellowship of flyfishers and the tradition offlyfishing, where possible, for wild or naturalisedbrown trout andgrayling. Secondly, to preserve what remains of thechalk stream environment; unpolluted water, healthy and appropriate weed growth and good fly hatches. Thirdly, to enhance the Society's libraries and archives.[citation needed]
The first meeting of which the Minutes survive took place on 2 November 1837, and at this meeting it was resolved to have a card engraved for presentation to members.[citation needed] This card bears the inscription:
The Piscatorial Society – Established 16th October, 1837 – For promoting friendly intercourse and mutual information among the lovers of the Art of Angling -Held at the 'Marquis of Granby,'South Audley Street"[1]
The decorated chair in the picture at the head of the table still exists along with many other original artefacts and books. The Club Secretary is Geoff Fleming.[citation needed]
