There has been evidence of fishermen in Poole since Roman times hence the old Oyster Bank, which used to exist at the end of Little Channel, now buried under the Marina. The Association was founded just after the 1914-18 war. Most of the boats, which fished the Poole Bay, were beached in the dunes at Sandbanks. At that time all trawlers were sailing vessels working at the mercy of the wind and the tide. Now, since the 1940’s, with powerful engines they can operate almost anywhere at all times, hence the decline of fish stocks. Few trawlers operate out of Poole these days having been replaced by crab and lobster potters, set nets which in season catch sole, bass, plaice, skate etc. and in the summer “Poole Canoes” ring net for bass and mullet. Winter sprats are no longer caught, as there is no market for them. Shellfish, cockles and clams are dredged at certain times of the year. Other shellfish are farmed in the Harbour. Twenty-acre plots are licensed and the beds sown with immature mussels and oysters to grow and later be farmed and like crabs and lobsters exported to France and Spain. Some go to restaurants in the Town. Catches can be good, but quotas and regulations mean that some species and slightly undersize fish cannot be legally landed and have to be thrown back, often dead. Fishing in a small port like Poole is more a way of life than a job. Many fishermen have to have a second occupation especially in the winter. The Association has a Regatta every year for charity. Originally it was to raise funds for a party for member’s large families and to provide each child with a present. For the last 24 years at least £1000 is raised each year for charity. For the last two years PDFA have amalgamated with the Pirates of Poole event. This resulted in some £11,000 being raised £8,000 being donated to Poole Hospital Wish List and smaller sums to the Poole Lifeboat, the Rowing Club and Sea Cadets.