With sport dropping off on the coast there was a low turnout for this club event with just seven members fishing marks all along the coast. Bites were few and far between for some members with small conger and dogfish providing most sport. Rob Scoines fished small baits close in to successfully target rockling landing close to a dozen the best three weighing 1lb 2oz, 1lb 1oz and 15oz to take the top three places.
The milder weather has encouraged carp to start feeding so dust off the cobwebs after the winter and set out to the waters edge!
Steve Pinn landed a cracking new Beatties personal best of 23Ib on Dynamite Baits tutti frutti (testing for Joanne Combes) balanced with fake corn – Best of 7 with Keith Maker who had 4 of the 7 fish including a 22 pounder – A great session for February !
Anglers are enjoying some great sport at Exe Valley Fishery where a new catch and release ticket has been embraced by numerous anglers who appreciate the option of a days sport without having to pack up because they have caught their quota or have more than enough trout in the freezer. Below is Nick Harts latest report on one anglers visit to the water.
Perhaps it is the mild weather but I have been out with a fair few anglers already this year and today it was Andrew Avery from Bristol. He had been having a mare and landed just one fish in his last 3 trips, so it was time to get his mojo back. After an hour tuning up his cast this morning we got straight down to business and found pretty quickly that the fish are very podded. If you catch and then it goes quiet it is time to move! That’s what we did and using Tungsten Buzzers Andy banked 9 fish in total, often reacting to the line moving rather than feeling for the take.
North Devon Anglers Kevin Legge and Craig McCloughlin of Braunton Baits made the long trek to Norway for a week fishing at Saltstraumen Brygge Fish Camp in search of the specimen fish that reside within the prolific icy waters. Fishing from the rocky shoreline in temperatures as low as minus15 degrees they landed numerous halibut and cod. The highlight of the trip was a huge cod of 51lb 12oz to the rod of Paul Rogers of Rock Grip.
(Above) Paul Rogers 51lb 12oz cod
A stunningly marked cod for Craig
(Above ) Kevin Legge with a fine cod
Shore caught halibut for Kevin and Craig
How do you thaw your bait in frozen rock pools?
South Molton & District Angling Club held their 48th AGM at the Coaching Inn in their hometown and as always it was a friendly and convivial evening. The formalities were handled by long serving secretary Ian Binding and club Chairman Mike Evans who has stood down after seven years in the role. His efforts were been much appreciated by all present. The Chairman’s role has been taken by Eddie Rands who also runs the clubs sea-fishing activities. Eddie dominated the clubs sea fishing trophy presentation winning the clubs top four trophies with an 8lb bass and a 30lb tope.
The clubs Mac Trophy for the biggest trout caught during the annual trout fishing competition was won by club treasurer Roger Bray who landed a fine 6lb rainbow from Bratton Water Trout Fishery. (Below)
The clubs primary focus is the fishing it leases on the River Bray where members enjoy some delightful fishing for an abundant population of wild brown trout that thrive in the clear waters of this delightful tributary of the River Taw.
Paul Carter the local full time Fishery Officer was a welcome guest at the meeting and reflected upon his 30 years as a fishery officer in North Devon. The fact that he was once part of an eight-man team of officers brings into focus how times have changed. Paul stressed the need for anglers to share information with the Environment Agency reporting any signs of pollution immediately to the E.A on their 0800 80 70 60 Hotline.
North Devon angler Colin Joy escaped from the cold English winter to the warmer climes of Costa Rica where he enjoyed fine sport with rooster fish and barracuda. The rooster fish weighed 80lb and the barracuda 30lb. Whilst its not North Devon it certainly beats dogfish on the local coastline and gives a glimpse of far off shores with blue skies and big fish.
(Above)Chris Connaughton landed ‘Angles’ Common from Furzebray carp lakes at a weight of 33lb 8oz.
(Below) Adam Short banked his 4th fish of the winter this morning Clover!! She looked fantastic in her dark winter colours at 37lb!!
South West Lakes Trust are holding their annual Fly Fair at Roadford Lake on Saturday February 25th. This popular event is an ideal curtain raiser for the Spring Season with a range of tackle and Fly Tying equipment on display along with casting demonstrations, Kayaking, Float-tubing, cooking and plenty more to interest the angler. Special guests on the day include Charles Jardine, Mike Weaver and Gary Champion.
There is also the opportunity to purchase season tickets for local waters at a discount of 5%.
The Open/league match on Tanners & Woodpecker lakes. Had a continental payout.
Competitors competed against both fellow anglers and difficult conditions as an icy cold wind brought arctic like conditions !!
Winner was Andy Dare who fished on Woodpecker peg 11 with a weight of 27lb 9oz; fished Maggot down the edge.
