BDAC V PLYMOUTH
Tarka Swims George’s Lake.
The team results PDCAC 73lb 5oz BDAC 58lb 2oz
After the 2 legs Bideford 122lb 4oz Plymouth 116lb 7oz .
Individual results 1st Martin Rushton Bid. 17lb
2nd Bill Crossman Plymouth 15lb 7oz
3rd John Moore Plymouth 13lb 6oz
4th Richard Billingham. Plymouth 11lb 10oz
5th Ronnie Moore Plymouth 11lb 2oz
Bideford hosted the 2nd leg of our annual event 25 anglers took part. The weather was warm with occasional showers . Martin drew peg B and fished the pole shallow in the lillies for a fine net of carp for top spot. The next 4 places were taken by Plymouth anglers Bill was second overall with a lovely net of feeder caught bream of peg Q. John had 2 good carp on peg X for 3rd ,another skimmer net on the feeder on peg N secured 4th place for Richard.
Jeremy Wade attended the Plough Arts Centre and delivered a fascinating talk about his fishing exploits around the world and the filming of River Monsters, Mighty Rivers, his latest documentary programme Dark Waters and his new book “How to Think Like a Fish”
He enlightened and inspired the captivated audience explaining the structure of the programmes and how the audience are drawn into the mystery and environment of the natural world. The River Monsters series was to a large extent built around a plot of a murder mystery with Jeremy acting as the detective in search of the perpetrator.
He outlined the importance of big predatory fish as apex predators that live at the top of the food chain. The presence of these fish is an indicator of the general health of the underwater environment. In many areas these apex predators are decreasing in numbers a fact that raises deep concern for the future.
His knowledge as a fishery biologist certainly shone through with his deep knowledge of fish behaviour.
Observation to detail is certainly a major factor in being a successful angler and television presenter. He conceded that planning is essential in making successful angling film shows but often proves totally useless on the day as plans unravel due to the un-expected.
He discussed the wider value of angling in society and the invaluable work of the Angling Trust in working for conservation.
Jeremy followed the talk answering a range of questions from the audience with an in depth and considered response that demonstrated a deep understanding of his subject.
The event was hosted by Angling Heritage and River Reads both of which are based in Torrington.
Keith Armishaw of River Reads and Angling Heritage introduces Jeremy Wade
(Below) Jeremy signed copies of his new book for the sixty or so attendees.
After an interval for lunch there was a screening of an episode of Dark-waters that is presently being aired on Sky TV’s Animal Planet.
Jeremy gives the look that says ” wonder who that annoying man is with the camera” !
With the warm summer weather Stillwater trout fishing is suffering the summer doldrums with trout tending to lurk in the deeper water reluctant to chase anglers flies except perhaps in the early morning or late evening. The rivers are in serious need of a good flush of freshwater so where to take the trout rod?
I had a report from two members of the River Torridge Fishery Association who had visited the lower estuary to enjoy a hectic session with school bass catching a large number on small barbless lures. With warm sunshine forecast a trip to the beach seemed a good plan. Pauline could sit and read a book on the sands whilst I waded out into the warm waters of the lower estuary. In addition to the bass I also had golden grey mullet on my mind and just wondered if I could strike gold after several previous failed attempts?
I after arrived at the waters edge just as the tide started to flood. I had intended to get there a little earlier but had to work out how to put together Paulines beach shelter, the brisk Southerly wind did not help!
The water was surprisingly warm as I walked out and stretched a line across the water. A couple of casts later brought the pleasing tug of a school bass. Several more followed as the tide surged in with the fish seen swirling all around. As the tide pushed in the takes eased off and I decided on a change of tactics fishing two small flies intended for mullet.
Despite the huge numbers of fish present I retrieved my flies without success. I changed tack slightly casting my flies into the shallows and retrieving as slowly as possible. Suddenly the line zipped tight and a fish darted to and fro on the line giving a scrap far out of proportion to its size. I was delighted to see the golden mark that helped identify the fish as a golden grey mullet my first of the species. The next cast and I connected again and the rod bent over with line zipping out as a good fish powered away before the hook pulled! I big golden grey ? I will never know but I will be back. I then discovered that if I dapped the flies lightly on a short line I could catch a bass on every cast. Twenty- five or thirty bass later I walked back up the beach as rain began to fall. Time to watch a bit of cricket to end a fun summers day.
Apologies for the poor pictures it not easy trying to get a pic without dropping phone or fish.
There has been a significant pollution incident on a section of the River Mole and Molland Yeo with large numbers of fish killed including salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout. This devastating news come after significant investment over the last decade to improve the habitat with the River Taw Fishery Association, West Country Rivers Trust all working with the Environment Agency. The situation is magnified by the current low river levels that do not dilute any pollutants.
As soon as I get more information I will update.
“The incident is a Cat 1 Pollution incident involving a significant fish kill resulting from some form of slurry run off. Some 3 kms (min) of the Upper Mole from the junction of the Mole and Molland Yeo upstream have been very seriously affected. There may have been a total fish kill on this stretch of river.”
Salmon and sea trout fishing in North Devons Rivers has declined considerably over the past thirty years and I give illustrations of this in my book “I Caught a Glimpse” due for release later this month.
Joanne Coombes sent me this report from Stafford Moor with more big catches in the annual Fish Festival.
A huge well done to the worthy winner Lee Werrett (bait tech/middy) who won with 253lb 8oz from peg 2 on Tanners today well done Lee !! Lee won £1000 today. Our 1st in section winners all won £225 each and 2nd in section all won £125 so well done to you all.
Roadford Lake will be open for PERCH fishing during August. The 730 acre water has a large head of Perch, and some real specimens, with fish well over 3lbs having been caught in the past. It’s the ‘unknown mystery’ that makes this opportunity so appealing – the potential of a real monster uncaught stripey! Half a days test fishing has produced lots of fish to just over 3lbs so there will be plenty of action! They have never been targeted before!
The Perch fishing is by boat ONLY and boats can be booked on 01409 211507 at a cost of £15 for the day. Day tickets are £10 per person per day and available from the self service permit room at the Activity and Angling Centre. We have a petrol engine which is available at £9 per day or you can bring an electric engine. Oars are provided. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – it’s only for one month!
