26 Jan 2018

Otters – A controversial issue!

by | posted in: Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Otters have become a controversial topic within the angling world with the reintroduction of the species into areas where their numbers have dwindled proving disastrous in some instances. I have no expertise in this area so can only give my own views and feelings without any scientific facts. I have seen otters on the rivers around North Devon on many occasions and I am always thrilled when I glimpse them as they hunt the river. Otters have been present on North Devon rivers for many years and have a big place in peoples hearts this is in part due to literature like Henry Williamson’s famous tome “Tarka the Otter” and the film ‘Ring of Bright Water’.

I believe that wild otters are part of North Devon’s natural Eco-system and belong as the damage they do on the river is acceptable. Sadly eel numbers have plummeted as have salmon and sea trout numbers and this undoubtedly forces the otters to look elsewhere for food. When they find a lake stocked with big meaty fish like carp they undoubtedly feel that they have stumbled upon a natural bounty. The fact that a specimen carp can be worth several thousand pounds is of no consequence to the otter. To the fishery owner an otter visit can be devastating which is why responsible fishery owners are investing thousands of pounds in building otter fences around their lakes.

The River Torridge – otters natural habitat

Anglers Paradise are investing many thousands into the building of an otter proof fence to protect the valuable stock within their lakes.

See post below from Anglers Paradise.

PROTECTING ANGLERS PARADISE
Sadly, with the ever increasing threat of Otters being released in the UK, means that all Fisheries need to take action in protecting their stock.
We have commenced work on our Otter Fence which will protect the Anglers Paradise Lakes, it’s a BIG job but we have had to do it for the future of Anglers Paradise.

Otter Fence
Construction on the Otter fence has progressed. The fence now runs from the Trout Lake to Easy Access Lake and beyond, a mammoth project in order to protect our stock from Otters and other predators. Evidence of Otter damage is a constant reminder that the population has soared in recent years.
The fence should hopefully be completed within the next couple of weeks.

Anglers Paradise
19 Jan 2018

Simpson Valley – A variety of opportunities

by | posted in: Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0
Jeff Pearce searches for pike on Mallard Lake

Simpson Valley Coarse and Trout Fishery is set in a peaceful valley near Holsworthy amid over 140 acres of farmland. The complex boasts several lakes that hold a variety of species that can be targeted using a wide variety of tactics. I visited the venue with Snowbee tackle representative Jeff Pearce in the hope of contacting one of the venues big pike on fly fishing tactics. Mallard lake has been stocked with a good number of pike the biggest nudging 30lb with several topping 20lb.

Jenny Wren Trout Lake

The pike proved reluctant to play the game so we enjoyed an interlude in our predator hunt and targetted the trout of Jenny Wren Lake where I was delighted to catch my first tiger trout and a stunning rainbow of around 4lb that gave a terrific scrap in the cold water.

 

We were joined at Jenny Wren’s fishing hut by fishery Manager Andrew Moore who made us a welcome hot cup of coffee. Andrew chatted enthusiastically about Simpson’s Valley and of its fishing and plans for the future. The five lakes on the complex offer pike to thirty pound, carp to 35lb, along with specimen perch, eels, chub,trout and other species. There is a unique opportunity to target rainbow trout using LRF tactics on Skylark lake where catch and release is permitted during the winter months. This style of fishing is an ideal opportunity for young anglers to enjoy great sport without having to master the complexity’s of fly fishing.

 

Fishery Manager Andrew Moore with a hard fighting rainbow tempted on LRF tactics.

Andrew enjoys a hard fighting rainbow tempted on LRF tactics

We returned to Mallard Lake after our informative chat with Andrew and once again set about tempting a pike with our Fly Tackle. On two occasions I thought I had hooked pike but found that plump rainbow trout of close to four pounds had seized my four inch long pike fly! We will be back again and next time I may well sit it out with a dead-bait. If I don’t get sidetracked by trout or other species.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 Jan 2018

Winter Pike

by | posted in: Coarse Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Its not North Devon but its is winter and nice to see a good pike. Ben Smeeth of South West Lakes Trust sent me this picture of a fine pike caught at Porth near Newquay. North Devon anglers can always target these toothy winter predators at Lower Slade near Ilfracombe.

Richard Mason visited Porth reservoir near Newquay at the weekend to land this cracking 18.05 Pike on a ledgered smelt near the Dam wall. A size 6 hook and 20lb Fox trace were the successful tactics for Richard.

 

13 Jan 2018

Litter Issue brings threat of angling ban!

by | posted in: Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

 

Once again I am prompted to mention the contentious issue of litter and angling. Last year there was talk of a ban on angling at Clovelly as a result of anglers leaving litter, bait and urinating against the harbour wall. Clovelly is a picturesque village that is currently in the running for Channel 4’s Village of the Year with Penelope Keith. it is completely understandable that the owners of the village and the community do not want their beautiful village to be tarnished by irresponsible anglers who undoubtedly have no respect for the environment or local community.

(Above) Clovelly during the Herring Festival in November

When I have posted about this previously I have provoked  strong protestations about this issue with many anglers condemning the culprits. This vitriol on Facebook and social media achieves little. In my view local anglers need to take action and work with the Clovelly Estate to address this issue. As Bideford and District Angling Club are closest it would be useful if they could take the lead and I have contacted them to this end and the issue will be discussed at their AGM. I would hope that anglers from other areas of North Devon will join in with a possible beach clean and show that we do care. If this is considered a good idea I will promote the event both here on NDAN and within my Angling Column in the NDJ.

It may well be that there is a need to control angling access in future so that any culprits can be identified and banned from future visits.

 

 

 

12 Jan 2018

Wooda Lakes – Fur N Feather Result

by | posted in: Coarse Fishing, Match Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Twenty anglers fished the 2017 Fur n Feather match held across lakes 3 and 4. With cold water coming into the lakes and a gusty wind, it was not easy fishing.

Kevin Shears (Above), pegged on the trackside on lake 4, took the win with 62lb 3oz of pole caught carp. Second overall was Paul Ware, on the point peg on lake 3, with 47lb 3oz. Martin Turner(Below) was third with 45lb 1oz from the wood side of lake 4.

The random pairs was won by Shaun Stenton and Kevin Shears with a total of 101lb.

All anglers went away with a range of prizes.

(Above) Christopher Morris

Lake 3
Christopher Morris 41lb 7oz (runner up lake 3)
Norman Martin 25lb 6oz
Mick Seaward 7lb
John Forster 18lb 6oz
Shaun Stenton 38lb 13oz
Paul Morris 17lb 10oz
Matt Sampson DNW
Barry Lee 13lb 8oz
Neilsen Jeffrey 15lb 8oz
Paul Ware 47lb 8oz (won lake 3)
Ian Owen 14lb 1oz

Lake 4
Kevin Shears 62lb 3oz (overall winner)
Kev Wilton 15lb 6oz
Nathan Underwood 16lb
Paul Elworthy 10lb 11oz
Ian Croxton 36lb 11oz
Martin Turner 45lb 1oz (won lake 4)
Garry Thornton 35lb
Peter Seaward 8lb 8oz
Keith Copeland 39lb 3oz

26 Dec 2017

Devastating Tackle Theft

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Combe Martin Sea Angling Club member Kody Chugg was devastated when thieves broke into his car and stole over £500 worth of sea angling equipment including 3 reels that included 1 penn 525 mag,  2 slh 30, lots and lots of tackle! Shakespeare’ seat box, small green and yellow tackle box. If any one has any information please pass it on to Kody or send a message to NDAN and I will contact Kody.

 

 

 

26 Dec 2017

Pike at Simpson’s Valley

by | posted in: Coarse Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Pike are the traditional target of winter coarse anglers and Ian Grimes (Above) enjoyed success with the species landing a personal best of 25lb 8oz at Simpson Valley Fishery near Holsworthy. Colin Howis (Below) also enjoyed success at the fishery tempting a fine 26lb pike on float-fished mackerel.

 

23 Dec 2017

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all who have supported North Devon Angling News since its launch in 2016.

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