Adam Elsbury, aged 26 from Reading, had a Holiday to remember at Anglers Paradise after catching his biggest ever fish, a Monster 62lb Catfish from the Specimen Cat Lake beating his previous Personal Best of 14lbs which he caught just 2 years ago meaning he’s beaten it by 48lbs!! This is the New Cat Record for this Lake too as the previous was caught by Ryan Owen at 60lbs.
It is unusual to bank a catfish so late in the season but with mild conditions the season gets extended.
Adam caught the Beast at midday just 3 hours after casting and used a simple running rig with a 22mm Halibut Pellet and a 20mm Halibut Boilie on the hair with a small PVA bag full of Micro Halibut Pellets.
Anglers Paradise just held their annual Lure Weekend which was a great success. Full report from Zenia. The weather was testing, rain, wind and hail but every Angler still stuck it out till the end of the Competition!
There were 20 Lure Anglers that took part and the 4 Teams were Captained by Nathan Edgell from Fladen, David Watkin-Smith from Quantum, Kevin Cox from Fox Rage and David Drake from Drennan. The Competition ran over 2 days of fishing on 4 different Lakes that consisted of our Predator Lake Valhalla, the Specimen Cat Lake, the Trout Lake and the Bottom Cat and Carp Lake at Eldorado of which all Teams fished each Lake in rotation.
In total, there were 11 Pike, 14 Perch, 2 Trout and the 1st ever Anglers Paradise Lure caught Koi and Golden Orfe to come out in the annual Competition, there was also a big Catfish lost, so no Cats were landed this year!
The Winner of the whole Competition was Damon Braxton who caught 3 different Species at a combined length of 108cm, Damon caught a 39.5cm Koi (which is the 1st ever Koi to be caught on a Lure here!) a 10.5cm Rudd and a 58cm Pike. Fladen and Anglers Paradise Sponsored this Event meaning Damon Won a Week’s Holiday for 2 at Anglers Paradise and a huge range of Fladen Predator Tackle, including a Rod, Reel, Lures and Clothing. Damon’s Team Captain was Fladen’s very own Pike King – Nathan Edgell, who was very proud of his Team Member to Win the Competition!
The Runner Up was Lee Paynton who had a Perch and a Pike at a combined length of 92cm, Sponsored by Quantum. Third Place was Tom Wilson who also had a Perch and a Pike with a combined length of 80.5cm, Sponsored by Fladen.
Tom Wilson took the Crown for the Biggest Pike with a respectable 68.5cm Pike from the Specimen Cat Lake, although Nathan Edgell actually caught the Biggest Pike measuring 86cm but as he’s a Team Captain – it doesn’t count!! Tom was in Team Quantum with Captain David Watkin-Smith leading him to Victory! Tom won some pretty special prizes from Quantum including a Spinning Rod, a Spinning Reel, a Specialist Bag, a Rod Guard and other goodies – Thank you so much to Quantum for the amazing Prizes.
Ben Taylor Won the Biggest Trout Category with a lovely 45cm Rainbow Trout, it was hard going on the Trout Lake all weekend but in the end he and Joe Drury were the only 2 to catch Trout on the last day of fishing!! Ben was in Team Fox with Kevin Cox from Fox as Captain (and Joe Drury as stand in Captain on Sunday) who both gave Ben plenty of tips and inspiration to help him win this title! Ben won a Fox Rage set up of a Rod, a Reel and some Lures – Thank you to Fox Rage for the great prizes and for sponsoring this Category.
Lee Paynton caught the biggest Perch measuring 33cm from the Specimen Cat Lake. Lee was in Team Drennan with the wonderful Dave Drake as his Team Captain, Lee won an absolute superb selection of Drennan Lures – he could start up a new Lure Shop with them!! Special thanks to Drennan for the amazing prizes and for sponsoring this category. This was Lee’s 1st ever Lure Weekend with us, and we are so happy that not only did he win but he also shared with us that he loved every minute and will be back for next year’s Anglers Paradise Lure Weekend!
The Winning Team was Team Fox – which consisted of Jim Williams, Ben Taylor, Bex Nelson and Father and Son Dominic and Dylan Cooke, Captained by Kevin Cox, (with help from Joe Drury as stand in on Sunday) knocking Team Fladen’s Nathan Edgell off his Thrown!! They won with 5 species, Pike, Perch, Rudd, Trout and the winning/deciding fish was a Golden Orfe caught by young Dylan Cooke just 10 minutes before the end of last session!!
Barnstaple and District Angling Association are one of North Devon longest running clubs with a rich history. They control fishing on a popular stretch of the River Taw with salmon and sea trout fishing. They also have coarse fishing at Aller Pond an atmospheric and tranquil water sited within woodland near South Molton.
(Above ) Newbridge on the River Taw B&DAA Club water.
(Above) South Aller Pond
On Monday November 13th a good proportion of the clubs membership gathered in Barnstaple’s Corner House for their AGM.
After the formalities of reports and election of officers members mingled and we swapped tales of local fishing history and prospects for the future. It was good to see that this long established club is still going strong.
Membership Secretary, Colin Ashby, 13 Green Meadow Drive, Barnstaple EX31 4HT. Tel. 01271 323017.
e- mail [email protected]
Club Secretary Sheridan Toms, Upcott Farm, Brayford, N.Devon EX32 7QA. Tel 01598 710857.
Congratulations to all the winners and competitors at Anglers Paradises lure weekend. Latest results direct from Zenia.
THE WINNER OF THE NOVEMBER 2017 LURE WEEKEND IS…
**Sponsored by Fladen**
DAMON BRAXTON – Who caught 3 different Species at a combined length of 108cm, Damon caught a 39.5cm Koi (which is the 1st ever Koi to be caught on a Lure here!) a 10.5cm Rudd and a 58cm Pike making him the WINNER OF OUR 2017 LURE WEEKEND!!
Fladen and Anglers Paradise Sponsored this Event meaning Damon Won a Week’s Holiday for 2 at Anglers Paradise and a huge range of Fladen Predator Tackle, including a Rod, Reel, Lures and Clothing.
Damon’s Team Captain was Fladen’s very own Pike King – Nathan Edgell, who was very proud of his Team Member to Win the Competition!
Special Thanks to Fladen for being so generous with the Prizes and a MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Damon for WINNING THE LURE WEEKEND!!
THE BIGGEST PIKE Sponsored by Quantum
Tom Wilson took the Crown for this Category with a respectable 68.5cm Pike from the Specimen Cat Lake, although Nathan Edgell actually caught the Biggest Pike measuring 86cm but as he’s a Team Captain – it doesn’t count!!
Tom was in Team Quantum with Captain David Watkin-Smith leading him to Victory!
Tom won some pretty special prizes from Quantum including a Spinning Rod, a Spinning Reel, a Specialist Bag, a Rod Guard and other goodies – Thank you so much to Quantum for the amazing Prizes.
THE BIGGEST TROUT Sponsored by Fox Rage
Ben Taylor Won this Category with a lovely 45cm Rainbow Trout, it was hard going on the Trout Lake all weekend but in the end he and Joe Drury were the only 2 to catch Trout on the last day of fishing!!
Ben was in Team Fox with Kevin Cox from Fox as Captain (and Joe Drury as stand in Captain on Sunday) who both gave Ben plenty of tips and inspiration to help him win this title!
Ben won a Fox Rage set up of a Rod, a Reel and some Lures – Thank you to Fox Rage for the great prizes and for sponsoring this Category.
THE BIGGEST PERCH Sponsored by Drennan
Lee Paynton caught the biggest Perch measuring 33cm from the Specimen Cat Lake.
Lee was in Team Drennan with the wonderful Dave Drake as his Team Captain, Lee won an absolute superb selection of Drennan Lures – he could start up a new Lure Shop with them!! Special thanks to Drennan for the amazing prizes and for sponsoring this category.
This was Lee’s 1st ever Lure Weekend with us, and we are so happy that not only did he win but he also shared with us that he loved every minute and will be back for next year’s Anglers Paradise Lure Weekend!
The netting report from Zyg and Rose at Anglers Paradise
Our annual Netting revealed our biggest ever Catfish weighing in at a record weight of 90lbs 11oz, we also weighed in two 60’s to 68lbs and four 70’s to 78lbs from the Main Carp Lake, which is the largest of our holiday lakes and home to the biggest head of carp and the largest predators on the complex. The fish were safely re-located to stock ponds while works are carried out on the lake and will be re-homed following completion.
The record for Wels Catfish was discontinued in the late eighties at 60lbs, this was due to fish being introduced at 100lbs or more from the Continent. It took me 4 years to get official planning permission from MAFF. I am particularly proud as our Catfish were introduced as small Catfish spawned in this country, the biggest about 10 inches, well under 1 lb. We are the only venue with proper provenance to have stocked Catfish and also bred them on our fish farm.
In addition to the physical work of netting the lakes, we take the opportunity to raise funds for local charities, some of this year’s nominated charities are Air Ambulance, local food banks, defibrillator for Ashwater etc.
The nutty netters come from far and wide to help in the netting, raising funds through such activities as Race Night, Bingo, Fishing Match, Archery, Quizzes and Disco culminating in a Bonfire and Fireworks spectacular on Friday 3rd November.
A particular thank you to Phillip Warren Butchers and graziers of Launceston for their generous donation of hot dogs and beef burgers.
The annual netting has been taking place at Anglers Paradise and the weights of the venues biggest cats should be revealed later this week!! Something for those catfish anglers to dream about over the cold winter months as they wait for next summer when the catfish will once again go on the prowl.
5C’s Member Jordan Whitfield, 21 from Exeter jvisited Anglers Paradise for a session on the Main Carp Lake for the last Syndicate Weekend of the year and caught this stunning 21lb 2oz Fully scaled Mirror and a mid-double.
Jordan caught the fish from the Little Point Swim with Mainline Cell Wafters casted towards the Boat House Island with scattered boillies over the top.
Not my idea of fun but if you fancy a bit of armchair fishing this new game could be of Interest. The details below come direct from Zenia at Anglers Paradise. I would rather fish in real paradise but I guess this way you wouldn’t get cold and wet.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANGLERS PARADISE TO BE IN A GAME COMING OUT IN 2018!
A NEW Game that will be an App called ‘Tight Lines Game’, will be coming to us all to play in 2018 AND Anglers Paradise are going to be one of the many Fisheries on it to fish VIRTUALLY!!
THE MAKERS OF THE APP SHARED WITH US –
“At the beginning of a Tight Lines game each player is given a tacklebox, fishing licence and landing net, and also selects two of the four hook baits available. It is up to the players to manage their tackle box, adding and removing items as strategy or conditions dictate. There are not enough tackle box compartments to carry everything that a player might need throughout a game, so keeping a good balance of items is important #tipthescales. Also, if #bobthebailiff catches you without a required item such as a licence, or with an illegal one like a banned bait, the penalties could be severe – unless you bribe him of course!”
The Tight Lines #fishtheworldapp#comingin2018 will feature ANGLER’S PARADISE @anglersparadisedevon. One of my favorite places to enjoy a fishing holiday, Angler’s Paradise boasts of 30 lakes, luxury accommodation, and most importantly a wonderful variety of stunning fish. Carp to 50lbs, #welscatfish to over 80lbs, #goldentench, #grasscarp, #goldenorfe, #koicarp and many more.
Friday 10th November to Sunday 12th November 2017 are the Dates to remember and get the time off work as it’s our LURE Weekend! Location – Anglers Paradise, Halwill Junction, Devon EX21 5XT. Time is running out – so pick up that phone and BOOK YOUR PLACE! Prices Start From £140 Per Person which includes – Accommodation for 3 nights, Fishing in the Lure Competition + Entry into All Competitions! It’s a Weekend you will not want to miss! They’ll be 4 Great Team Captains in the shape of Nathan Edgell from Fladen, Rob Williams from Quantum, Kevin Cox from Fox Rage and Dave Drake from Drennan who all will help you gain knowledge to better your future fishing and be on hand with tips and advice. Exclusive Lakes to Fish on the Lure AND Great Prizes to be Won! If you’re a beginner, intermediate or experienced – it doesn’t matter – ALL ARE WELCOME! They’ll be plenty of help and advice throughout the weekend, it’s a weekend where Anglers from all over the Country come together and share their passion of the sport, share a tale or two in the bar in the evening and enjoy some great fishing in the day – What more could you ask for?! Any Questions? Just email us at [email protected] or call us on 01409 221559 and we’ll be happy to answer them!
The ever popular netting week commences on October 30th for more details contact Anglers Paradise.
Fishing Friends Scott Brown, Damien Hicks, Colin, Chris Jones and Girlfriend Leslie came down from different parts of the Country to Fish our Day Ticket Venue Nirvana, let’s just say…there was quite a lot of heavy dew during their session but at least it also rained Cats and Carp for them too!!
Scott Shared –
“All Summer I have been counting down the days for our trip to the Nirvana Day Ticket Complex at Anglers Paradise in Devon. Myself, Chris, Leslie, Damien and Colin arrived and set our traps hoping for a similar outcome to last year’s trip.
Zyg says it never rains in Devon – well on this occasion I’m afraid he was telling porky pies, it chucked it down! But never the less the, Lakes still produced a few corkers!
I managed a 30lb 3oz catfish and a 22lb 5oz mirror as well as three smaller but chunky carp, all my fish coming to Finforce baits. Chris Jones got the biggest of the trip a 51lb 1oz Catfish all from the Specimen Cat Lake and Damien managed a 29lb Common from the Kracking Carp Lake. Leslie and Colin bagged up on Orfe and Rudd whilst trying a bit of float fishing but unfortunately didn’t manage to get amongst the bigger ones this time.
Great trip had by all and I look forward to our next adventure as a group”.
FISHING, FRIENDS AND FUN, ENJOYING THE SPORT TOGETHER – WELL DONE GUYS!
Zenia at Anglers Paradise is successfully trying to get more women interested in fishing and having some success as can be seen from her latest post below,
ANOTHER NEW LADY ANGLER ENJOYING THE SPORT!
As you know, we LOVE to see more Women on the banks enjoying FISHING!!
Here is a lady that does just that! Emily Wearden, 35 from Abingdon in Oxfordshire has only been fishing for a year and joined us last week with her partner James and caught 2 Personal Bests – a 5lb 11oz Koi from the Koi Lake off the top on Dog Biscuits and a 9lb Mirror from the Beginners Carp Lake on a Pineapple Wafter, her partner James Durkin also caught a Personal Best 3lb 8oz Koi from the Float Lake on a pop up.
Emily Shared –
“We have just come back from a fantastic week at Anglers Paradise. Your family/staff have done a great job on not only the fishing lakes, but also the accommodation. We came down for James 40th Birthday and can’t wait to come back next year.
I have only been fishing for about a 1 year, I am now 35 years old and love fishing!”
ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC EMILY – KEEP UP THE GREAT ANGLING AND PASSION FOR FISHING!
(Below)BIGGEST EVER KOI BUT NO SCALES TO WEIGH IT!
Steven Blackburn, 39 from Liverpool joined Anglers Paradise for a week with the lads for some fishing and fun and on their last day they decided to go back to the Koi Lake to see if they could catch one of the bigger ones…
Well Steve did catch one of the bigger ones but he forgot his scales to see exactly how big it was!! But, it definitely looks bigger than 8lb+!!
Steven shared –
“I was free lining using the soft floating biscuits from your tackle shop, I was fishing just a few feet from the bank around the Lillies to the left as you enter the lake from the foot path. After throwing in a few freebies to get them confidently feeding I chucked in my hook bait and next thing I know this massive head slowly comes up through the water and sucks it in. I couldn’t believe my luck. All the way through the fifteen minute fight to get it in I was constantly saying ‘please don’t come off, please don’t come off”
We ended up doing two days on the Koi Lake, easily the best fishing experience I’ve had to date.”
(Below)Oli Dietrich caught this fine carp of 24lb from the complex xanadu on #robinbaits.
RAINING CATS AND CARP ON THE SPECIMEN CAT LAKE!
