26 Nov 2019

An Evening with Chris Yates

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In 1986 I remember eagerly collecting my copy of the book ‘Casting at the Sun’ by Christopher Yates. I read the book enthralled  from cover to cover as it described angling adventures on mystical lakes where great carp glided through mysterious waters. In my view the book is the best piece of angling literature ever written encompassing much of anglings true essence.

Thirty odd years later Pauline and I set off to listen to a talk by Chris at Pentridge Village hall in Wiltshire.

We left our farmhouse B & B on a  wet and misty evening in late November driving through tree lined rural village lanes. On such an evening the sat nav was a welcome guide to our destination. As we entered the village of Pentridge we were guided by signs to Chris Yates that eventually brought us to a chaotic assembly of randomly parked cars.

We entered the village hall that was packed with an audience predominated by men. It was pleasing to see a wide mix of ages with several younger faces smiling enthusiastically as they chatted, swapping tales of a predominantly piscatorial nature. The hall proved the perfect venue with its high ceiling and timeless décor that would I imagine have changed little in recent decades unlike many village halls that have been modernised and sanitised.

This was the third evening talk featuring Chris with each event selling out and raising substantial funds to assist in cancer research. Anglers had travelled from far and wide to listen to the talk with visitors from the Netherlands, South Wales and North Yorkshire to name a few.  What entices people to travel so far on a cold wet November night?

Chris arrived receiving a warm welcome from the packed hall and chatted warmly to all signing books and other paraphernalia. Winners of an auction to spend a day fishing with Chris were given special certificates and raffle prizes were announced as those present dug deep into their wallets in the hope of winning a valuable prize.

The event organiser Neil Martin introduced Chris to the audience who immediately adopted a hushed tone of anticipation. And so, the talk began with Chris announcing that he was not sure where the talk would lead. Starting off with his latest passion for marsh harriers Chris delivered a mesmerising talk that flowed easily reminiscing about fishing in rivers and lakes whilst weaving in fascinating stories of ghosts, lost friends and other adventures. The core essence of Chris’s delivery was one of fun, humour and a connection with the natural world.

After a lengthy break with more book signing it was time for the raffle draw with some stunning and memorable prizes on offer. I was delighted to win a Lucky Crucian carp float donated by Chris. A treasured memento of a special night.

The raffle was followed by a fascinating question and answer session between Chris and the audience covering more fishy tales, tactics and ghostly goings on.

 

And so, the evening drew to a close and we set off into the night our minds swimming with fish and countryside visions. Mr Yates is certainly an antidote to the negativity of this modern world.

 

Below – My recent book ” I Caught A Glimpse” Is available from – https://thelittleegretpress.co.uk

25 Nov 2019

Stafford Moor Carp

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Alan Clarke  fished up on swim 2 on lodge lake and had 11 fish out all caught on DT Baits n blend boilies & CWGB white wafter hook Baits.

(Below) Rob Shann caught this fine mirror carp of 23lb from Lodge Lake using Sticky baits Krill Boilies.

 

 

 

25 Nov 2019

Stafford Moor Charity Match – Raises £1100

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*Report from an amazing 48hr Charity Carp Match in Aid of Dean*

Well what can I say! Back from An absolutely fantastic weekend at the awesome Stafford Moor Fishery.

Raising money for my good friend Dean who has recently had a life changing injury where he lost all of his fingers on both hands.

Over the weekend pairs battled it out in a charitable carp fishing match at Stafford Moor Fishery in Devon. All monies raised from this weekend will help Dean and his family during this difficult period and help aid in his recovery.

31 fish were landed over the course of the 48hrs.

The winners were Mat and Cody Mitchell with 15 fish for 248lb 10oz

Second place went Jack Gabriel and Thomas Rushby with 10 fish for 189lb 2oz

Third place went to 3rd Matt and Ian Andrews. With 4 fish for 62lb 13oz

Biggest fish of the match fell to Thomas Rushby with a 32lb 10oz mirror.

Thank you very much to Jo and Paul and Stafford moor fishery for having us. A stunning fishery and extremely well run. Can’t wait to return.

A great weekend was had by all and massive thank you to everyone. congratulations to all the winners.

As part of this weekend, alongside the charity match, there was a raffle with many fantastic prizes on offer.

There was also an auction with a fantastic prize on offer for the highest bidder.

Thank you to all who entered and supported the raffle and auction.

A staggering and truly incredible amount of money has been raised over the course of the event. The sum raised was an amazing £1100. All of which has now been transferred to Deans crowdfunding page. Absolutely overwhelming! I can’t thank you all enough.

An absolutely huge thank you goes to the amazing people and companies for donating so many fantastic prizes in which encourages people to enter. Please see below and check them out for all your fishing, bait, tackle and golf. Truly awesome venues and companies and please look them up and support them.

Huge Thanks goes to

CR Baits, Crete lakes, Dreamlakes,Carp Society,Linear Fisheries, Bluebell lakes, White Springs Fishery,Digger Lakes, Stanwick Lakes, Caerphilly Angling Club, Lavender Hall Fishery,South West Lakes Trust, Stafford Moor Fishery, Cypography, Angling Direct,Pro Baits UK, Barr’s Angling, Lakebed leads, Big Fish, little fish tackle shop Liskeard, Fox Int,Wernduu Golf Club, Borringdon hall golf club, Arron Fisher, Leon Sprague, Andrew Riste,Tom Colloff, Ade Holmes.

Thank you all. It’s truly incredible and overwhelming and has gone a long way to helping aid Dean on his long road to recovery.

 

16 Nov 2019

INVASIVE SPECIES – FREE WORKSHOPS

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An opportunity to learn more about the complex world of invasive species and how we a s anglers can help stop the spread and identify issues.

South West Lakes Trust and South West Water invite you to a free workshop to find out more about biosecurity, invasive non-native species and discuss what we can all do to help prevent their spread. There are five workshops covering our region and bookings are now being taken through our events page. https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/events

Presentations will focus on some of the key issues of invasive non-native species and the most current and effective biosecurity methods. Workshop sessions will provide an opportunity for us to discuss the best options for biosecurity facilities at our lakes so we can help protect them and our sports.

These are free events for anyone who uses our lakes for sport or recreation. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and supper will be provided.

Please feel free to pass this invitation on to friends and colleagues who may be interested.

The events are organised by South West Lakes Trust and South West Water and are supported by Angling Trust and Nicky Green Associates. Booking is essential. We look forward to welcoming you.

Invasive Species and Biosecurity Workshop – Brompton Regis

South West Water and South West Lakes Trust invite you to Brompton Regis Village Hall to find out more about biosecurity, invasive non-native species and discuss what we can all do to help prevent their spread.

Presentations will focus on some of the key issues of invasive non-native species and the most current and effective biosecurity methods. Workshop session will provide an opportunity for us to discuss the best options for biosecurity facilities at our lakes so we can help protect them and our sports.

This is a free event for anyone who uses our lakes for sport or recreation. Complimentary hot/cold drinks and pasties will be served from 6- 6.30pm.

Please click here to see the programme, and click the button below to book your place (please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking).

Please feel welcome to pass this invitation on to friends and colleagues who may be interested.

This event is organised by South West Lakes Trust and South West Water and is supported by Angling Trust and Nicky Green Associates.

Invasive Species and Biosecurity Workshop

Monday 25th November, 6pm – 8.30pm, Brompton Regis Village Hall, 8 Brompton Meadows, Brompton Regis, Dulverton TA22 9PD

Workshop Programme

6.00 – 6.30pm Registration, hot and cold drinks and pasties will be provided

6.30 – 6.45pm Welcome and introduction – Kate Hills, Biosecurity and Invasives Manager, South West Water

 What are invasive species, the problems they cause, what SWW and SWLT are doing about Invasive Non Native Species (INNS).

6.45 – 7.00pm Signal crayfish: origins, pathways to introduction and biosecurity risks – Nicky Green, Crayfish Specialist, Nicky Green Associates

 Crayfish ecology, management and research – what we know about signal crayfish in the South West, legislation and what can we do about them.

7.00 – 7.15pm Invasive species: their impacts on fishing and how anglers can help to stop their spread – Dr. Emily Smith, Environment Manager,

Angling Trust

  •   A summary of some of the main impacts of INNS on fishing in the UK.
  •   Negative impacts on native fish populations in the UK – direct predation on fish

    eggs/juveniles, competition with native fish for food/shelter, invasive plants

    blanketing waterways, reducing oxygen level and preventing access to fishing swims.

  •   Easy measures anglers can adopt to reduce the threat of INNS being spread into

    their fisheries and other waterways.

    7.15 – 7.30pm AQUA Biosecurity Accreditation Scheme – Nicola Morris, Invasive Species Officer, South West Lakes Trust

  •   An update on the AQUA Scheme at SWLT lakes.
  •   Current best practice biosecurity advice and methods to help protect our lakes.

    7.30 – 7.40pm Comfort Break

    7.40 – 8.20pm Workshop session

 Group discussions on the potential for biosecurity facilities at our sites and our most

likely options to help prevent the spread of INNS. 8.20 – 8.30pm Closing summary

FREE Invasive Species and Biosecurity Workshop

Tuesday 19th November, 6pm – 8.30pm, Roadford Lake, Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, Devon. PL16 0RL

Workshop Programme

6.00 – 6.30pm Registration, hot and cold drinks and pasties will be provided

6.30 – 6.45pm Welcome and introduction – Kate Hills, Biosecurity and Invasives Manager, South West Water

 What are invasive species, the problems they cause, what SWW and SWLT are doing about Invasive Non Native Species (INNS).

6.45 – 7.00pm Signal crayfish: origins, pathways to introduction and biosecurity risks – Nicky Green, Crayfish Specialist, Nicky Green Associates

 Crayfish ecology, management and research – what we know about signal crayfish in the South West, legislation and what can we do about them.

7.00 – 7.15pm Invasive species: their impacts on fishing and how anglers can help to stop their spread – Dr. Emily Smith, Environment Manager,

Angling Trust

  •   A summary of some of the main impacts of INNS on fishing in the UK.
  •   Negative impacts on native fish populations in the UK – direct predation on fish

    eggs/juveniles, competition with native fish for food/shelter, invasive plants

    blanketing waterways reducing oxygen level and preventing access to fishing swims.

  •   Easy measures anglers can adopt to reduce the threat of INNS being spread into

    their fisheries and other waterways.

    7.15 – 7.30pm AQUA Biosecurity Accreditation Scheme – Nicola Morris, Invasive Species Officer, South West Lakes Trust

  •   An update on the AQUA Scheme at SWLT lakes
  •   Current best practice biosecurity advice and methods to help protect our lakes.

    7.30 – 7.40pm Comfort Break

    7.40 – 8.20pm Workshop session

 Group discussions on the potential for biosecurity facilities at our sites and our most

likely options to help prevent the spread of INNS. 8.20 – 8.30pm Closing summary

10 Nov 2019

Late Autumn Carp to 32lb 16oz at Stafford Moor

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Andy Barnes banked seven carp  up to 32lb 15oz  from the beach swim on Beatties Lake.  All fish were caught on Sticky Baits Krill and Manilla boilies.

(Below) Oli Dietrich caught a brace of carp the biggest a 27lb mirror, from swim 3 (small island) on the dam wall on Beatties lake yesterday Oli caught on Crafty bait citrus fruit which is a tester bait.

6 Nov 2019

TRUSTY WATERS YIELD CARP A PLENTY

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Ben Smeeth Updates from trusty waters.

Update from Sam Gilhespy on his Upper Tamar campaign… cracking stuff thanks Sam…

Well at the beginning of August Jordan John Marsh & I decided to do a year campaign on Upper Tamar lake….
So far the campaign has got off to an absolute flyer, resulting in 43 fish 14 of which were 20s and one very special Upper Tamar gem!!

We never imagined 2 sessions would have kicked off and produced the amount of fish we have had so far. After putting a lot of time and effort into the lake, Me & Jordan have located some very frequently visited feeding spots which have produced fish that I have been waiting for, for over 10 years.
The variety and quality of the fish we have caught over these recent sessions are , in our opinion, second to none . Let’s hope there are plenty more surprises to come in the months ahead. Majority of fish have been caught on Nash scopex squid boilies.

Winter opening hours Tamar tackle shop.

From now till mid March our well stocked on site shop will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM- 4:30 PM

(Above) Aaron Jones had an Epic 12 hour session after work on Melbury Friday night in the storm packing up at 6am before getting blown away!
Aaron caught single scale at 24.8lb and a mint common at 22lb and also lost 2.
All fish taken off a pre baited area on Nash 20mm scopex squid.

 

2 Nov 2019

Low Pressure Big Fish!

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Big low pressure systems with mild air from the South West combined with wind and rain often bring the big fish the feed as anglers found whilst fishing South Molton Lakes at Furzebray and Hacche Lane.

(Above) Graham Kelly  made the most of a  cancellation at Furzebray !!! Graham banked one of his target fish from Island Lake  The mint common at an all time high of 35lb 12oz.

Lee Rolls has been a long time member of the Hacche Lake  syndicate and set a new  lake record banking 32lb 14 oz he then went on and broke it again a couple of hours later with another fish of 33lb 8oz.