Articles

Pat Smith Database. Message from John McMaster We first brought your attention to the need to protect the breeding stock of the Spurdog fishery (the older and larger females) early last year.  Since then we have been working along with others to keep the socioeconomic benefit of this fishery to the recreational angling sector uppermost in Defra’s mind. Our persistence has led Defra to ask Cefas to run an online workshop to explore the importance of Spurdog as a target species to the recreational sector, including charter vessel operators. This workshop is not just an opportunity for the recreational angling ...

I lost Internet connection for over a week following Storm Darragh hence a lack of reports on the website. Please see a brief round up of news. A Merry Christmas to all readers and all the best fishes for 2025 Bideford and District Angling Clubs Christmas Competition Keith Mountjoy secured top spot in Bideford and District Angling Clubs Christmas Competition held on their home water Tarka Swims with a fine net of 31lb 6oz. Martin Turner was runner up with 25lb 2oz and Craig Lamey third with 21lb 13oz. Nineteen members braved the tail end of Storm Darragh that decimated ...

Above) Joe Keating, Dave Chapman, Nick Tamlin, David Richards, Colin Combe, Tom Rushby, Tony Buckland, Bill Pink, Roy Pink, Andrew Facey, Steve Burnell, Brian Sedgebeer  Bulldog Trout Fishery held their first Christmas Competition with twelve keen anglers competing for the top prize of a Christmas Turkey and all the trimmings. I arrived shortly after 8:30am to find competitors tackling up in the fishery car park full of optimism for the day ahead. Nigel and Tom assured all taking part that the lake had been well stocked and talked of a few special fish with a twinkle in their eye and ...

South West Fly Fair 2025  South West Fly Fair 2025 will be held at Roadford Lake on Sunday 23 February See below my report from last years event https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2024/02/29/roadford-fly-fair-2/ A fun and informative family day out with activities such as fly tying and casting demonstrations, trade stands, expert advice from trout, sea and coarse fly fishers and food and drink available from Roadford Lake Café (don't forget season permit holders get a 10% discount in the café too)! Tickets are available now, so book online to benefit from; £7 advanced ticket price (tickets will be £10 on the door, free ...

Barnstaple & District Angling Clubs AGM was held at the Ebberley Arms in Barnstaple with a very good proportion of the membership in attendance. The clubs committee are undoubtedly a hard-working and dedicated team full of optimism despite difficult times on the river. The club has purchased a new stretch of fishing on the Middle Taw that was for many years owned by John Saunders affectionately known to local anglers as ‘Gandy’. Sadly no salmon were landed from the beat this year. Fortunately the wild brown trout fishing was superb with plenty of stunning fish over 1lb caught. Alan Jump ...