13 members fished this event in windy conditions. All the weights fell to groundbait feeder tactics, and most catches were good sized skimmer bream. John Lisle has drawn on the road side peg 5 and has caught steadily all day for victory, Stuart’s 2nd place was also on the roadside peg 8. Neilsen secured 3rd spot from the middle of the dam.
The Saturday afternoon 3 hour competition was fished in warm blustery conditions , Thomas drew the end peg Q and took victory with a nice carp on the feeder and a good bream on the pole and corn, Charlie’s had a nice net of smaller fish on the pole on peg U . Third spot went to Tyler on peg S. The winner of the 4 match series was Tyler Scott
Well done to Martin Cox and Noel Hyland who both caught their personal best Catfish from our day ticket Specimen Cat Lake!
Martin caught a personal best 63lb 10oz Cat caught on peg 3 on Mainline spicy crab 20mm bollie over 10kg of Baittech pellets and Noel caught a personal best 40lb Catfish.
Stafford Moor is on top form for carp fishing and match fishing with plenty of twenties from the specimen lakes and numerous 100lb plus bags in matchs.
(Below) James Richard Russel had a new personal best mirror carp of 29lb 4oz from swim 4 (the gap) up on lodge lake using special Occasions bait.
(Below) Thanks from Jo — Hi All would just like to say a HUGE thank you again to Neilsen Jeffery who held his charity match here in June in which the money’s we all raised were shared with RNLI and we now have a difribulator here at Stafford Moor ! So happy days well not if we have to use it of course! but fab just to have on site in case we ever do just to give so many peace of mind the difribulator is located at our house on site and the emergency contact number will be shown around the site, also a huge thank you to Trevor Vernalls who trained us all free of charge plus gave us some more important guidance on CPR
(Below) James Short who had these 2 out including this stunning mirror at 26lb from the summer hut swim on Beatties lake, James was fishing with Nash Key Cray boilies and matching hook Baits & pellets.
(Below) Gareth Simpson who was fishing here with friend Kev, they had 20 fish out between them on the summerhouse swim on Beatties lake using DNA Baits S7.
Dan Maher who caught an amazing personal best 68lb 12oz Wels Catfish from the Main Carp Lake!
Dan’s story –
“My name is Dan, I’m 33 years old and I’m from Liverpool. I’ve been coming to Anglers Paradise for over ten years and this is the first year I have come with my girlfriend, Nicola. I decided to fish Nev’s Point on the Main Carp Lake and after catching a couple of nice carp up to 21lb I decided to cast out a catfish rod I brought specifically to try and beat my previous PB of 54lb from the Specimen Cat Lake.
Nicola and I had just sat down in our chairs after a nice bbq and a glass of Zyg’s wine, when the rod ripped off towards the 5C’s island. The fish decided to go on a long run to a snag against the island opposite and then over towards Zyg’s boat house. I was using strong tackle to deal with the biggest catfish in the lake and managed to pull it back through the weed and into open water.
This catch was extra special because it is a new PB and weighed in at a massive 68lb 12oz. It was also amazing to have my girlfriend present to help me net the fish. Nicola is new to fishing and this is the first fishing holiday we have taken together. I would have struggled to net the fish on my own and with little fishing experience, Nicola did an amazing job. I smashed my PB by 14lb and the fish was caught on pellet. I was also lucky enough to catch another cat a couple of hours later at 55lb.”
WELL DONE DANNY BOY – THAT’S A BIG FISH TO CATCH!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Here he is with his winning Fish and being presented his prizes by Zyggy and Zenia with special thanks to JRC Fishing.
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” !
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!
After several years of hard work my book I Caught a Glimpse is available to pre-order from the Little Egret Press. Details of book launch to follow. To place an order please press link below :-
Wayne Thomas has been privileged to enjoy over forty years fishing North Devon’s varied waters enjoying both success and failure. The places and the many people he has met along the way have greatly enriched his journey. In this book he tells stories of North Devon angling along with recollections from others; some from an earlier generation who enjoyed fishing in those good old days.
He has no favourite species of fish and this book reflects this with every discipline of angling represented. From the small crimson spotted trout of tumbling streams and the story of a five pound perch to the huge shark that roam the Atlantic Ocean. AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING EDITIONS
Limited Edition of only 300 copies
Special Edition Hardback of only 30 copies
Quarter Leather Edition of only 10 copies
Luxury Leather Edition of only 5 copies
NIRVANA’S SPECIMEN CAT LAKE PRODUCING THE CATFISH
