26 Mar 2020

TEN YEAR AGO – North Devon Journal Report – March 28th 2010

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With the ongoing lockdown and no fishing I thought I would start digging into my North Devon Journal Archives.

Late March 2010 and salmon fishing is top of the agenda and the debate rages regarding how to safeguard salmon stocks. Ten years later stocks continue to dwindle despite a massive investment in habitat improvements.  It s good to see a few familiar names in the competition results.

ANGLING REPORT

ULTRA have ambitious plan

            Salmon and sea trout of our local rivers provide the pinnacle of angling experience for many attracting game fishers from all over the country. This has been a significant part of the rural economy for many years with prime salmon fishing commanding a high price. A significant drop in salmon and sea trout numbers has lead to a decline in a once thriving rural industry. Many local anglers can recall a bygone era when riverside Inns such as the Rising Sun at Umberleigh would be packed with anglers each evening returning from the river with their bright silver prizes.

It was therefore apt that a new group calling itself ULTRA held an inaugural meeting at the Rising Sun. The Upper & Lower Taw Rivers Alliance is a group of anglers and riparian owners who have an ambitious plan to restore the spring salmon run using native broodstock to produce smolts for restocking. This is a complex issue that a working party has been set up to explore. The Environment Agency has given early indications that they will be likely to consent to the scheme.Tim Clarke is Chairman of the alliance and Dave Smith secretary; details of the group can be found on their website www.rivertaw.org

The web cam at Umberleigh that proves a valuable window on the river for anglers is temporarily out of action following a fire at Murchs’ Antiques Emporium upon whose building the camera is fixed. Web cams of a dozen West Country Rivers can be viewed by visiting www.therisingsunfc.co.uk

There are rods available on a prime stretch of salmon and sea trout water on the Taw and Little Dart at Tremayne near Chulmleigh. Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact John Smith on 01363 84804.

As spring slowly progresses carp anglers are enjoying action on several of the regions lakes. I fished Furzebray carp lake near South Molton last weekend and found myself fishing a swim between brothers Ally Laird and Ian Laird who had already landed three double figure carp during their weekend session. During Sunday afternoon I was privileged to witness them land a further three carp, two of which were prime mirror carp weighing 16lb 6oz.  Boilies, corn and pellets are all tempting fish on this well landscaped fishery.

At Angler Paradise carp are feeding well with several twenty pound plus fish caught including a 25lb 8oz mirror to the rod of Chris Rainbow and a 21lb 8oz specimen for Tom Cole.

Anglers Paradise

At Highhampton lakes the owners have been working hard preparing their lakes for the coming season. The trout lakes have been drained, refilled and restocked in time for the Easter weekend. The coarse lakes already healthy stock has been added to with double figure carp, quality tench and bream. There are also additional facilities including a new toilet and cooking area.

Ilfracombe Match groups latest match at Legge Farm near Hatherleigh saw Peter Slade take top spot with 34lb 15oz of roach and skimmers on soft pellet hook bait. Andy Gray took runner up spot with 31lb 15oz of skimmers on corn hook baits. John Lisle was a very close third with 31lb 10oz of carp on corn the loss of a carp of around one pound in the margins costing him dear. The silver fish bag went to Peter Slade with his fine bag of roach and skimmers.

Don’t forget its time to renew your rod licence at Local post offices or online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence Remember that finance received from licenses is invested in promoting and protecting angling and the environment. Failure to carry a rod licence can result in prosecution and a substantial fine.

The latest heat of the North Devon League saw Julian Stainer secure the top two spots for Triple Hook Club with dogfish scaling 2lb 7oz and 2lb 6oz.

Tony Gooch won Bideford And District Angling Clubs Mid Week Rover with a dogfish of 2lb 4⅝oz. In runner up spot was Jazza John with a doggie of 1lb 15⅞oz and in third Dick Talbot with a dog of 1lb 12½oz

Dick Talbot won Bideford’s 24 hour rover with a thornback ray of 8lb 2oz. Dick also secured runner up spot with a doggie of 2lb 3oz. Nathan Clements was third with a dogfish of 1lb 15⅝oz.

Triple Hook Clubs Flyfishing match at Wistlandpound saw Steve Ousley victorious with a four fish bag totalling 5lb. In runner up spot Daniel Miles and Ashley Curd with three fish each for 3lb 12oz.

 

25 Mar 2020

No Fishing –

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My friend Mark Everard shared this post vis his Email link. The Angling Trust has stated that we should all refrain from fishing as advised. Whilst fishing itself is low risk we all need to stick together without exception.

LET’S BE CLEAR. THE LOCKDOWN MEANS NO FISHING. WE WILL SEEK CLARIFICATION AS TO WHETHER FISHING IS AN ALLOWED FORM OF EXERCISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT FOR NOW WE CAN’T LEAVE OUR HOMES FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THE REASONS STATED BELOW. STAY SAFE

People in the UK will only be allowed to leave their home for the following purposes:

Shopping for basic necessities, as infrequently as possible One form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household Any medical need, to provide care or to help a vulnerable person Travelling to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home Police will have the powers to enforce the rules, including through fines and dispersing gatherings. To ensure compliance with the instruction to stay at home, the government will:

Close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship Stop all gatherings of more than two people in public – excluding people you live with Stop all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals Parks will remain open for exercise, but gatherings will be dispersed.

23 Mar 2020

NO FISHING !

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I had hoped that angling could continue in its solitary form with anglers pursuing their pastime safe in the countryside social distancing with no risk to themselves or others. Sadly the actions of many members of the public ignoring advice will surely lead to a lock down. The majority of the  West countries fishing Waters are now closing their facilities for the foreseeable future. This includes South West Lakes Trust, Wimbleball Lake and Furzebray Carp Lakes. Ammo Tackle are also closing down their operations for the duration of the crisis. Most charter boats are also stopping all trips in compliance with government guidelines.

SNOWBEE Tackle have put out this statement.

Coronavirus update

Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, our retail shop will be closed with immediate effect, until further notice.

This action has been taken, in line with government guidelines and with a view to protecting both our staff and customers.

If local customers wish to collect items from our retail shop, please ring the office on 01752-334933 and we will have your order ready for collection, adhering to recommended safe distancing guidelines.

In the meantime, the business will remain open, as long as possible or until we are advised otherwise, by the government, but to help our customers, we are offering all mail-order deliveries with free carriage, until further notice.

Russell Weston
Managing Director
Snowbee (UK) Ltd.

There will obviously be limited angling news over the coming weeks so I will not be posting as regular. I will try to keep things ticking over with a few articles and news as I get it. When this is all over I will ensure normal service is resumed. In the mean time there is plenty of archive articles and reports to sift through whist our away from the waters edge. I have a few ideas for the site in the future so keep an eye on it. In the mean time if you can get out fishing enjoy the isolation.

These are very difficult times for us all but if we work together we will hopefully be back at the waters edge at some point.

Best regards,

Wayne

 

 

 

17 Mar 2020

North Devon Fisheries Introduce no contact policy to keep anglers safe from Coronavirus

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Angling is one of the few activities that has a very low risk from Coronavirus being an outdoor pursuit it gives participants the opportunity to get away from the stress of the current situation and enjoy the countryside and fresh air. Anglers can ensure their day is completely safe by purchasing permits prior to fishing. Stafford Moor and Anglers Paradise have both introduced contactless policy for obtaining permits. South West Lakes Trust have also got facilities to purchase permits online.

Anglers Paradise – No Contact Policy

Anglers Paradise is continuing to operate as normal at this time. We have an operational plan in place for our customers and staff due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We are running a ‘No Contact Policy’. Below are the guidelines we are working to, please adhere to these guidelines. These actions have been taken to protect our customers, guests, staff and business.

  1. Villas will be deep cleaned and sanitised before your arrival.
  2. Villa bookings must check-in by phone the day before arrival between 09:00 and 17:00.
  3. At check-in you must pay for your fishing by card. You will be asked for your vehicle registration number.
  4. Specimen Lakes, Night Fishing and Day Ticket lakes must be booked over the phone and paid for in advance by card. (There will be no toilet or washing facilities available for day ticket anglers).
  5. On your arrival your Villa will be unlocked and your key will be left inside. Your complimentary bottle of wine will be waiting for you.
  6. Supermarket deliveries (and all other customer deliveries) must be met in the forest car park. (Sign posted).
  7. Bar, Bistro will be closed but orders can still be delivered to the Villa. Details on how to use this service will be provided in the Villa.
  8. The Laundrette will also be closed.
  9. Tackle shop will also be closed however purchases can be phoned through and delivered to the Villa within 1 hour.
  10. During this high risk time the swimming pool facilities will be CLOSED.
  11. Please bring with you anti-bacterial soap/sanitiser and bleach based spray for handles and surfaces
  12. As there has been panic purchasing of toilet tissue we can only supply a limited amount to each Villa so it may be advisable to bring extra.
  13. If you or any of your party feels unwell as described by the government guidelines, it must be reported to reception by phone so we can set the necessary procedures in action.
  14. Please only mingle between your own booking party and use common sense when socialising around villas and lakes.
  15. Urgent villa maintenance will be carried out by our staff, please respect the guidelines regarding contact and cleanliness; ideally vacate the villa whilst our operatives are in attendance. Non-urgent maintenance will be attended to following your departure. To report villa maintenance please ring the office on 01409 221559 between the hours 9am & 5pm.
  16. We reserve the right to change your accommodation with no notice given. If this occurs it will be in the best interest of our customers.
  17. In the event of you not being able to fulfil your holiday directly due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, you should contact your insurer for greater clarification, we have recommended that everyone take out holiday insurance please refer to Clause 6 of the terms and conditions of booking.
  18. Day ticket anglers must book in advance by phone and pay by card.

If the Government Response changes then we will react accordingly.

Anglers Paradise

 

Stafford Moor – No Contact Policy

At Stafford Moor they are also implementing a no contact policy regarding the Coronavirus. We are not currently closed we are open as usual but have a couple of extra precautions in place.

We as you know are quiet hot with general hygiene here in the toilets /showers but we are cleaning/sanitising more than normal plus door handles /counter ect.

Specimen / pleasure anglers you can pre pay for your ticket by calling the shop on 01805804360 then you can arrive /dip your equipment then go to the bank. If you need any tackle and don’t wish to visit the shop you can again call me and pay over the phone and Paul will deliver your items for you to your peg/swim.

Lodge guests can arrive as usual, again if you wish to not enter the shop on arrival your key will be in your lodge door for you once we have arranged your arrival time , you can then enjoy your holiday as usual , please bring enough food for your stay then you can still go for walks on site /fish as normal.

Our matches here start at Easter so I will keep you updated with any changes here.

11 Mar 2020

Big South West Lakes Carp!

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Its not a North Devon carp but thought it worth sharing as its a superb West Country Specimen!

Massive well done to Wayne Bateman for catching ‘the secret’ from Argal reservoir at 40lb 2oz! Argal, part of the South West Lakes portfolio, has been in really good form recently.
Wayne caught it on a very big bed of mainline fibre boilies fished snowman rig style along with a 3.5oz Westcountryleads flat pear. Congratulations Wayne!

9 Mar 2020

Carp and Cats at Paradise

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ELDORADO PRODUCING THE PERSONAL BESTS!

Dave King fished at Anglers Eldorado at the weekend for a Day and Night fishing session and managed to catch 2 personal bests, a 20lb 5oz Common and a 20lb 8oz Mirror both from the Bottom Cat and Carp Lake. He also caught a 16lb Common and a 23lb 10oz Catfish in the night!

Dave caught the beauties using Sticky Baits Krill topped with a Sea Monster or a Hell pop up from Baitworks.

GREAT ANGLING DAVE AND CONGRATULATIONS!!

Anglers Paradise
6 Mar 2020

The latest winter catches from Stafford Moor

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(Below) Liam Brookes  fished on the inlet swim on Beatties lake and had 3 fish out . All fish were caught on Sticky Baits Manilla sizes 12mm, 16 & 20 all soaked in Manilla liquid Liam used a max of 20/30 Baits which he scattered over the top with a throwing stick.

(Below) Neil Harvey and his friend Simon Allsop  fished  the Dam wall on Lodge lake and banked three carp., Simon had a 28lb 8oz mirror , Neil had 2 fish out up to 27lb 8oz a new pb for Neil  caught on cell glugged in cell hookbait dip also added a few sticky baits Manilla boilies & crushed cell , Korda almond goo.

(Below)Lee Roper fished up on lodge lake and had 2 fish out up to 30lb on the nose ! Lee caught on banoffee flavoured boilies from Outlaw Pro Baits.

(Below) Andrew Van Koutrik and his friend Darren  had one fish out each from lodge lake in a Day session Andrews fish was a 25lb 15oz and Darrens was a 21lb 10oz caught on Sticky’s baits Manilla boilies.

(Below) Kevin Waldron  had five fish out from the inlet swim on Beatties lake all caught on DNA secret 7 plum flavoured boilies.

2 Mar 2020

The South West Angling Show

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There is an exciting date for South West Anglers to add to their Diaries. The South West Angling Show is to be held on Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd at Newton Abbot Race Course.

I asked host Zenia Gregorek to send me a few words on the event:-

I am so excited and honoured to be asked to be the host and presenter of the 1st ever South West Angling Show which will take place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May.

We will be fronting some of the biggest brands from across the country offering great deals and offers on great tackle at the show and also showcasing some fantastic talks on the main stage of influential Anglers interviewed by myself.

We are very excited about bringing an Angling Show to the South West and hope to see everyone join us to celebrate it and make it a success to continue in the future.

Anglers Paradise