Each Winter anglers take advantage of the great sport available in the deep water off Ilfracombe where huge packs of spurdog prowl hunting whiting and herring. Catches of over a hundred spurdog a day are not uncommon with double figure Bull Huss and big conger also testing anglers tackle to the limit. This Winter has once again seen John Barbeary take anglers to fishing grounds that have provided some excellent catches as illustrated below. For details of Bluefin click on the above link.
(Below)Aaron Bunning has this lovely 19.12 mirror from Upper Tamar recently. His first carp of 2020. Nash baits scopex squid boilies as always for Aaron.
(Below) Barry Lee has this cracking 14.10 common from lower Tamar over the weekend in pretty cold conditions. Barry cast to showing fish at 120 yards range and caught on a tiny popup and stick bag.
(Below) Toby Bassett with a double figure pike from Slade Reservoir.
Bideford Angling Club – 24 hour Sea Rover results
1st Nathan Clements Whiting 1lb 5 1/2 89.583%
2nd Andrew Clements Thornback Ray 7lb 13 1/2 87.153%
3rd Tarrant Wotton Flounder 1lb 11 84.375%
(Below) Olie Passmore, Kody Chugg and Alex Milton enjoyed a great nights fishing from local North Devon marks. Olie Passmore had a stunning PB Codling of 6lb and a 4lb 12oz… also a 16lb 5oz conger, plus a small eyed ray. Kody Chugg also had this codling of 3lb 4oz and Alex had a conger of 15lb 8oz. and all fish caught on launce and squid and mackerel baits. It also proves that there is plenty of stuff to be caught at this time of year as well.
(Above) Roger Copeland banked four carp up to 28lb
(Above ) Sam Hennessy banked five carp from Stafford Moors Lodge Lake including a new lake record carp scaling 33lb 2oz.
North Devon Match Group competition results : Champion of champions and Championship No.1 , @ Stafford Moor Willow and Woodpecker, 23 anglers fished,
1st Dodgy Downton 75lb 5oz
2nd Ian Croxton 71lb 15oz
3rd Chris Morris 58lb 6oz
4th Neilsen Jeffery 57lb 1oz
5th Andy Gratton 45lb 14oz
6th Kevin Shears 38lb 8oz
7th Martin Turner 38lb 1oz
8th Jim Grogan 36lb 3oz .
Willow lake has produced the top 3 weights in frosty, still conditions, Dave Downton has come out top with a net of small carp on a 14 metre pole and double red maggots over micros. Second was Ian Croxton on peg 5 on willow, 3rd place and winner of this year’s Champion of champions is Chris Morris with a net of pole caught carp off peg 16 on Willow, top weight on Woodpecker and 4th overall was Nielsen on peg 10 , pole in the margin 6mm hard pellet.
After numerous shore fishing trips catching dogfish and small conger I felt a change of scenery and species was in order. With a cold North-East wind forecast pike fishing came to mind so a trip to a local reservoir was the plan. With the pike gear scattered around the shed I knew it would be a fraught half an hour or so getting ready and ensuring I did not overlook anything important. With ice coating the car I was in no rush to hit the road so it was mid morning before I arrived at the waters edge.
Piking tactics would be maximum of an hour in each swim before moving. Dead-baits fished beneath crimson topped floats.
It was great to be at the waters edge enjoying the warm sunshine as I watched my floats expectantly. After half an hour I saw a large swirl just over a rod length out close to my float! In classic fashion the float bobbed and slowly slid away. I pick up the rod waiting till the line tightened and lifted the rod to feel that pleasing resistance as a decent sized pike lunged on a tight line in the clear water.
A low double and a pleasing start to my winter pike fishing.
The day drifted past with a pike from three of the next four swims none as big as the first but pleasing jacks between 5lb and 8lb and all in superb condition.
The last pike of the day came as the light started to fade with the sun sinking beneath the hill opposite the bare tree branches silhouetted against the sky. It was going to be a cold night.
PIKE FISHING REGULATIONS
12 Children under 12 years may fish for no charge provided they are accompanied by full paying adult over the age of 18 years and then only with permission of parent or legal guardian.
Jennetts will be re-open on Saturday 18 January. SWLT thank all for their patience and understanding during the closure. The fishery is open from 6:30am to 10pm. Permit agents are listed on our website or you can buy them online through our website www.swlakesfishing.co.uk
“There is expectation for some fantastic fishing now with some very hungry fish! Good luck everyone”. says Ben Smeeth, Head of Angling.
South West Fly Fair Returns to Roadford Lake for its Seventh Consecutive Year
The South West Fly Fishing Fair will be held at Roadford Lake for its seventh consecutive year on Saturday 29 February, 10.00am – 4.00pm. This event, proudly sponsored by Chevron Hackles, has become a regular fixture in the West Country’s angling calendar as anglers prepare for the start of a new fishing season. Each year the event has built on the success of the previous Fly Fair and the 2020 show will be bigger and better again!
The show will be opened at 10.00am by one of the country’s most respected fly-fishing gurus, and Patron of the show, Charles Jardine. There will be fly-tying demonstrations from both local and nationally renowned experts, with a chance to ‘have a go’, as well as the opportunity to pick up useful tips and valuable advice.
Other activities throughout the day include casting demonstrations, fly casting lessons and clinics for both newcomers to the sport and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the closed season as well as casting competitions and the opportunity to try float-tubing or kayak fishing!
There will be Trout cooking demonstrations and a variety of live Trout for people to view including Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Blue Trout.
Trade stands will be selling tackle and equipment at bargain prices and there will also be rod making demonstrations.
It’s a terrific event and the only one of its kind in the South West! Entry is only £3.00 for adults and under 18s go free. The bar will be open for refreshments throughout the day and parking will be free.
For more information please contact Ben Smeeth by calling South West Lakes Trust on 01566 771930 or email [email protected].
Paul Grisley from Exford landed this stunning rainbow weighing just under 14lbs. The fish was tempted on a slow int’ line with a green tag minkie from Big Osprey Lake.
The fish helped Paul to victory In Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Clubs Winter Challenge match at Tavistock Trout Fishery.
