In 1906 the Felixstowe Town Pier was constructed by the East Coast Development Company. It was then three-quarters of a mile in length and was built to accommodate paddle steamers bringing visitors from London, Southend and Great Yarmouth.
The advantage of a pier created an interest in pier fishing and, by 1909, a group of local traders and businessmen founded the F.S.A.S. with its H.Q. at the Ordnance Hotel, Felixstowe. The East Coast Shield was the first trophy to be awarded by the Society and was donated by the Pier Company. This trophy was competed for until the mid 1980s when it was replaced by the President’s Cup.Membership and interest in the Society grew over the years and by 1950 it was established in both pier and dinghy fishing, with storage huts on the beach alongside the pier.
In 1965 the Society moved to a site adjacent to the H.M. Coastguard station at the Manor end of the Promenade. Then in September 1990 it moved again to the present location at the end of Manor Terrace alongside Landguard Common.
Facilities consist of a modern brick built H.Q. building providing clean and comfortable accommodation on match days, together with a lockable fenced compound for boat storage. There is also ample public car parking adjacent to the compound. The provision of this excellent facility came about through generous grants from both Suffolk Coastal District Council and the Sports Council and much of the construction work was carried out by members who had the necessary trade skills.

The business of the Society is conducted by a committee of nine members, together with a President, Chairman, Secretary , Treasurer and Match Secretary.
All these posts are filled by nomination and election at the Society’s A.G.M. held usually on the first Monday in September of each year.Members of the Committee also carry out other duties such as Compound Steward, Scale teams, Press Officer, etc.
Members are encouraged to attend the A.G.M. and committee meetings where they have the opportunity to put forward constructive suggestions and to take a more active role in organising the affairs of the Society.

Facilities for dinghy anglers are a locked compound for approximately 50 boats. There is a ramp from the compound to the beach.
In an endeavor to maintain a high standard of safety, boat anglers must comply with the safety equipment requirements of the Society. (a list of these items is displayed in the H.Q. building).
Boat matches are organised on a regular basis for which annual trophies are awarded. A friendly helpful atmosphere is always present at these matches and members assist one another in the launching and recovery of their boats.
In the interests of safety, the Society does not allow to be stored in nor launched from the premises:
1. Boats greater than 5 metres in length.

Matches for beach anglers are also arranged on a regular basis and include fixed venue matches other than Felixstowe, e.g. Nacton, Orford Island, Dunwich. Midweek and evening matches are also organised in an effort to suit all members’ requirements.Trophies for beach matches are also awarded annually and all trophies are presented annually at the Society’s Presentation Evening.For many years the Society has organised an Open Beach Festival on the first Sunday in November and also an Open Sole Match in August and a Teams of Five competition in late spring.

Both Ladies and juniors are welcome as members and special trophies are awarded for these sections.
The Society insists that its members set an example at all times in safety, are considerate to other beach users and do not leave litter on the beach. The officers of the Society are always prepared to give advice and help on all matters relating to sea angling, boating and navigation.

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