Pete Tyjas chats with Charles Inniss at the Half Moon Inn a must listen for anyone interested in the River Torridge and North Devon’s salmon
Fly Culture
New Podcast – Episode 254
Charles Innis – One River
Pete Tyjas makes the drive over to visit Charles Innis at the Half Moon Inn, Sheepwash in Devon.
We talk about his relationship with the inn that goes back to the 1950s when his family took it on as a fishing hotel.
He tells me about his love for the Torridge, looking after guests and running the inn with his brother.
Charles is honest about the good and the not so good times and how a newspaper article made a huge difference to the business.
Now in his 80s he is still deeply involved with the fishing there and shares his deep knowledge and understanding of the river that means so much to him.
I had some rough questions planned but I just pressed record and let the conversation flow in whatever direction it took.
Combe Martin SAC members have been catching some fine specimen fish from North Devon’s rocky shoreline. Kyle Bishop registered bull huss of 11lb 11oz and 10lb 2oz. He also made the long trip to Scotland where he landed a fine skate of 136lb. Shane Hookway caught a 20lb 5oz conger at a local shore mark.
Graham Snow caught a specimen thick lipped grey mullet of 4lb 8oz.
TRIPLE HOOK CLUB OPEN RESULT
Mario Manley won Triple Hook Clubs South West Water Open with a flounder of 1lb 121/4oz. J.Martin was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 121/8oz and Mark Hancock third with a flounder of 1lb 12oz. Junior angler Max Chapel was fourth with a flounder of 1lb 111/8oz.
On October 26th I Joined representatives from several local angling clubs at a March For The Torridge. Over sixty from various organisations gathered to demonstrate their support for efforts to work together for the long term health of North Devon’s rivers. It is very apparent that there is a great deal of passion for our rivers with many working to get the issues that are impacting upon their health higher onto the political agenda. The Taw and Torridge Estuary Forum work with the North Devon Biosphere on a catchment based approach. It is essential that all parties put aside their differences and unite in the interest of the rivers that are the vital arteries of the land.
I was asked to say a few words and told of how I had witnessed the dramatic decline of salmon in the Torridge a river that a few decades ago saw catches in the hundreds. This years total rod catch is less than a dozen. Surely a symptom of a wider ecological issue?
Bluefin tuna are now present off the South West Coast in huge numbers during late Summer and Autumn generating a great deal of interest amongst sea anglers consequentially bringing a valuable boost to the local economy.
These immensely powerful fish were once prolific in the North Sea feasting upon the herring shoals that migrated to the area each autumn. The Yorkshire seaside town of Scarborough became the home of the British Tunny Club in 1933 and for the pre-war years became the destination for the rich and famous to battle with these leviathans fishing from rowing boats using strong tackle specially built for the purpose. There was a cessation of fishing during the war years and a revival of the sport following these dark times until the early fifties when the fishery collapsed due to the overfishing of herring.
Whilst tuna were caught off the Yorkshire coast they were also sighted off the Cornish coast and in 1936 several fish were hooked and lost. Brigadier J A L Caunter in his book Shark Angling In Great Britain records numerous sightings off Looe during the late forties.
My own interest in tunny was fuelled by books telling of this historic fishing. Tunny – The Rise and Fall of Britain’s Biggest Fish written by Chris Berry and The Glory Days of the Giant Scarborough Tunny by Mark Ross are both excellent tomes that recount those historic days of battles with giant fish. Both of these books were published in 2010 before the current revival in tunny catches.
Fireside reading
Fortunately todays anglers are wiser and all tuna are carefully revived and released at the side of the boat. Tagging of these majestic fish has provided a wealth of valuable scientific data that can be used to ensure the correct management of valuable stocks.
Today anglers targeting these fish are provided with top quality tackle and fish from well-equipped Charter boats. All the skill rests with the skipper locating the fish. All the angler does is bring the hooked fish to the side of the boat. A task that brings a sense of trepidation for these immensely powerful fish can exceed 1000lbs with 400lb plus fish relatively common.
Whilst many cite global warming as the likely reason for the tunny revival this is unlikely to be a major factor. It is more likely to be a change in the migration of food fish and conservation efforts across the globe. There are concerns at the impact of these huge shoals of tuna on stocks of bass and migrating salmon and sea trout. As an angler I relish this opportunity and hope to savour the experience of a lifetime.
Looe on the South Cornish coast is a seaside town that is very close to my heart as it was here close to sixty years ago that my angling journey started with mackerel and garfish from the Banjo Pier.
I climbed on to the Charter boat ‘Sowenna’ skippered by Dan Margetts in mid-October with four fellow anglers. Jeff Pearce, James Coggan, Rory Nugent and Bruce Elston. We were fortunate to be getting out to sea; for the previous day had seen named Storm Ashley sweep up across the UK with winds to over 60mph. Whilst a residual swell remained winds were light and from the South West with sunshine promised for later in the day.
The tuna fishing had been exceptionally good prior to the storm and we hoped that the strong winds hadn’t broken up the bait fish shoals and the hunting tuna.
John McMaster prepares
A moderate swell was rolling shoreward as we headed out anticipating an angling adventure. Never having caught a tuna before there was a touch of trepidation. Would I be physically able to deal with such a powerful fish? I had seen two caught on previous trips and knew that these were seriously strong testers of both angler and tackle.
I watched the horizon and spotted a large gathering of active birds. I immediately alerted skipper Dan and John Mc Master and we steamed optimistically towards the activity.
Beneath the swooping melee of birds the surface was disturbed as tuna smashed into shoals of bait fish.
The trolling gear was sent astern spreaders of bright lures with a stinger in their midst. We drew numbers to see who would be first. Jeff pulled 1, Bruce 2, myself 3, Rory 4 and James 5.
Tuna broke the surface tantalisingly close as birds continued to swoop and dive into the water. After a while the shoal dispersed and both hunters and hunted disappeared.
Dan suggested we head West to an area that had been proving productive over recent weeks. The skippers all work together sharing knowledge for there is a common desire to see this fishery prosper and as the fish are I believe generally nomadic there are no hotspots as such.
After steaming for ten miles or so we again spotted active birds and tuna along with a pod of dolphins.
Again the gear was sent astern and the steady troll resumed. Tuna broke the surface on a regular basis all around the boat.
We chatted, waiting in anticipation, Dan provided tea and coffee at regular intervals. Gulls, storm petrels, a lone skua and gannets filled the sky.
The tuna were here in numbers and from time to time a huge fish would crash out of the water its sides glistening in the sunlight before crashing back into the calming sea.
Suddenly a screaming reel set off cries of “tuna !”
Jeff who was harnessed and ready stood beside the screaming reel waiting for the first run to slow and for the other rods to be cleared ready for the battle ahead.
We all watched excitedly giving Jeff encouragement as he took the rod and commenced battle. Half an hour or so later the tuna was boat side and Dan grabbed the leader signifying that the battle was won. Sadly the fish detached itself at this point and Jeff did not get a picture.
It was Bruce’s turn next and we had to wait another couple of hours for the next fish. This was Bruce’s first tuna and he played the fish with determination savouring every moment.
The tuna was eventually brought boat side where it drenched us all as its powerful tail thrashed the water to foam. The tuna was estimated at 160lb its flanks of silver, emerald and gun metal grey a sight to behold. We admired its beauty as the fish was allowed to recover whilst we captured valuable images of the triumphant moment to store in life’s memory trove.
It was my turn next and I waited with mixed emotions. The sky was now a vivid blue the sun slowly sinking illuminating the vast seascape as the day ebbed away. Activity had by now eased the tuna and their prey had moved off. Pessimism was starting to battle with my expectation.
A half a mile or so closer to the shore we again spotted a large gathering of birds. John and Dan scanned the horizon with binoculars and we once again set off for a fresh area.
Gannets dived into the sea, gulls and other birds swooped in a feeding frenzy. Tuna broke the surface and the lures trailed through the feeding tuna to no avail.
Time was ticking, Dan really wanted to get me a tuna waiting and persevering with dogged determination and belief.
As my hope slowly evaporated it happened! The line flicked out of the clip the reel screamed and I took my place beside the rod and screaming reel. As the run eased I ensured the line remained tight whilst the other tackles were removed from the vast playing field.
I took the rod from the holder, Dan and John assisted in clipping the reel to the harness and I leant back to take the strain. Far away on the straining line a huge fish pulled back. The next half an hour was a game of give and take with line regained inch at a time with the powerful heavy fish taking it back with short powerful runs.
I savoured every moment of what seemed like the summit of an angling life. The sun slowly sinking towards the horizon as the fish that filled my dreams was tiring. Eventually the leader appeared and we all peered expectantly into the depths, the battle was seemingly won. Then unexpectedly the rod sprang back and that empty feeling of loss only an angler knows descended. The hook hold had given way the fish gaining freedom tantalizingly close to the boat. Dan and John congratulated me on getting my tuna. It was handshakes and congratulations for in one sense the deal was done I had caught a tuna.
“If you were intending to release the fish, then the leader wound to the rod tip or being grasped by a deckie can fairly be considered a caught fish.”
In footballing terms it seemed like a one all draw for it was neither a loss or a victory.
We steamed back to Looe the sun setting in the West as familiar landmarks on the Cornish coast passed by in the golden light of dusk. Gannets, glided over the calm waters I relived the drama of the day enjoying the company of fellow anglers vowing to return again to finish my quest.
Our son James had been mountain biking whilst I fished; he had successfully caught a 300lb plus tuna the previous year. As we approached the iconic Banjo Pier it was good see James sat rod in hand fishing. It was there that my lifelong love of angling had started with my own father. With the passion still burning strong I vow to return even as life’s autumnal years descend.
How long tuna will remain in British waters only history will reveal for there are no guarantees in this ever changing world we live in.
We are calling on you to join us at the upcoming March for Clean Water on Sunday, November 3rd in London. This is a great opportunity for anglers to make their voices heard on the urgent need for clean, healthy rivers and waterways, and we need as many of you as possible to join us.
We’ve already shared a video featuring our ambassador, Paul Whitehouse, alongside Bob Mortimer, encouraging support, now we’re asking you to be there with us in person. This march is about showing the strength of the angling community and the passion we have for protecting our waters.
Event details:
Date: Sunday, November 3rd.
Time: Assemble from 11:00 AM, march starts at 11:45 AM.
Location: Albert Embankment, London, SE1. Zones C-D, look for signs on the lamp posts & the Anglers Against Pollution banners.
Rally: The event will conclude with a rally at Parliament Square from 1.30 PM finishing around 3:00 PM.
Speakers: Penny Gane from Fish Legal and Angling Trust ambassador Feargal Sharkey
We’re asking everyone to wear blue as a show of solidarity, if you want to carry an old rod, or make up your own Anglers Against Pollution placard to show that the angling community stands united in the fight for cleaner, healthier waters. Your presence at the march will send a powerful message.
If you can’t attend, you can still support by sharing our social media posts to help spread the word.
This is our chance to make a difference, and we need you with us. We hope to see you there!
Another chance to see the acclaimed Riverwoods film and talks Local projects with the National Trust Wetlands Team my own thought’s on salmon decline across the West Country.
Bideford Angling Club and Barnstaple Angling Association both hold their AGM’s in November. If your consiodering joining these clubs or are members already its good opportunity to meet fellow members and find out whats what.
Dear Members,
If anyone has any proposals for the AGM 15th Nov, they must be received by midnight tonight, with a proposer and seconder. sent to [email protected]
Thank you
Mervyn Club Secretary.
Barnstaple & District Angling Club AGM will be held in the Ebberly Arms, Bear Street, Barnstaple on Tuesday 12th November at 7.30pm. There is free evening parking in the car park at the rear. This is always a friendly social evening, and we are expecting a good attendance as in previous years.
I just recieved this notification. As anglers we should be joining this march to raise awareness of the state of our rivers and put the importance higher onto the political agenda.
The 2024 AGM of the BDAC will be held at the Bideford Con Club on November 15th @ 19:30 for 20:00 prompt start.
Please note all proposals for change of rules or applications to join the committee in any capacity must be put in writing to the club secretary Mervyn Beal, with the name of a seconder to [email protected] by 23:59 on the 25/10/24
Due to the retirement of our Tarka manager Steve Bailey and Karen’s Lake secretary Jake England we need to elect members to take their positions, these are both big jobs that are vital to the running of our Tarka complex, and it’s no exaggeration to say that failure to fill the Tarka Managers post will have a great impact on the running and well keeping of the whole site.
For more information on these posts please contact Steve or Jake who will explain what’s required.
Could you ALL please make an effort to attend, there is a minimum number of people needed to form a quorum, and to make decisions on rules / fees etc.
Mid October and the chance to get a trip out on Predator 2 with fellow Combe Martin SAC member Daniel Welch was too good to miss. Also on board was Dans wife Lyn and James Gubb-Fradgley. With light South Easterly winds forecast we set out from Ilfracombe Harbour at 12:30pm with a loose plan to do a bit of lure fishing and then drop the anchor.
The calm sea reflected the steel grey of the sky as we headed West. Dan had enjoyed some sport a few days previously fishing close into the cliffs West of Ilfracombe and so we headed to the same area. The boat was manoeuvred into position and we cast our lures towards the rocky shore.
Bass were our target, but it was a pollock of around four pounds that smashed into my fiiish-black-minnow.
We persevered for twenty minutes or so and had a few small garfish follow our lures but no other fish of note. We then headed out to a reef offshore and had several drifts with no success despite seeing some substantial images on the fish finder. With just one small bass to Dan we decided to head back towards Ilfracombe and anchor up over a gulley that dissects an area of rough ground.
It was good to relish the quiet expectation that arrives when the engines are cut and the boat settles at anchor. We sent down big fish baits and hoped to connect with a late season tope.
After a few dogfish and a small huss. James had a tentative rattle and decided to check his bait. He let out an exclamation as he glimpsed a large shape following his bait to the surface. A good sized tope estimated at 50lb to 60lb swerved away at the last moment disappearing back into the steely green waters.
This sighting enhanced the sense of expectation as we all tensed waiting for the next bite that could signal connection with the big tope. Deciding to check my bait I lifted the rod from the rod holder and suddenly felt a savage tug the rod tip folding over as what I assumed was a tope seized the bait. Caught off guard I had not let the fish take the bait properly and connection was brief the mackerel head and flank showing a row of lacerations from razor sharp teeth.
A fresh bait was sent back down and within a minute or so I felt a savage pull, I allowed a few yards of line to be taken before tightening the drag and winding into the fish. The rod hooped over and several yards were begrudgingly given before the fish succumbed to heavy pressure as I coaxed it towards the surface. A good sized tope appeared boat-side and was swiftly netted by Dan who was kept busy as Lyn Welch brought a similar sized tope to the boat and waiting net.
James was next into action with the tope bringing another similar sized fish estimated at between 25lb and 30lb.
As the tide eased we expected more tope but it seemed that the pack had moved on or gone off the feed.
A steady succession of bull huss were then caught; the biggest probably nudging double figures. Huss are undoubtedly a good fish to photograph with their spotted flanks resembling the colours of a leopard.
As the tide picked up bites started to ease and with a chill East wind whipping down the channel we reeled up our baits and headed back to Ilfracombe. These short sessions over the top of the tide are often as rewarding as a full day with the fishing concentrated into the peak fishing time.
Talk of next seasons plans were already being discussed with some longer ventures a possibility. In these changing seas the prospects for boat fishing are exciting.
Dear Members,
