Huge Rare Shad from local estuary

         Dan Spearman was spinning for thin lipped mullet and had a shock when a huge allis shad estimated at 5lb seized his baited spinner. The fish gave an exciting account leaping from the water and making several long runs. The fish was landed and carefully returned to the water. The shad is a rare and endangered species and are not to be fished for intentionally.  The population appears to be increasing on the Taw with several reported each year by salmon anglers. The species spawn during late spring and early summer.

Thin lipped grey mullet are moving into the estuaries of the Taw and Torridge providing exciting sport for anglers using baited spinner tactics. Combe Martin SAC member John Shapland caught a fine  specimen thin lip of 4lb 4oz.