25 Oct 2024

March For Clean Water

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Conservation, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Dear Angling Trust Members & Supporters,

We are calling on you to join us at the upcoming March for Clean Water on Sunday, November 3rd in London. This is a great opportunity for anglers to make their voices heard on the urgent need for clean, healthy rivers and waterways, and we need as many of you as possible to join us.

We’ve already shared a video featuring our ambassador, Paul Whitehouse, alongside Bob Mortimer, encouraging support, now we’re asking you to be there with us in person. This march is about showing the strength of the angling community and the passion we have for protecting our waters.

Event details:

Date: Sunday, November 3^rd.
Time: Assemble from 11:00 AM, march starts at 11:45 AM.
Location: Albert Embankment, London, SE1. Zones C-D, look for signs on the lamp posts & the Anglers Against Pollution banners.
Rally: The event will conclude with a rally at Parliament Square from 1.30 PM finishing around 3:00 PM.
Speakers: Penny Gane from Fish Legal and Angling Trust ambassador Feargal Sharkey

We’re asking everyone to wear blue as a show of solidarity, if you want to carry an old rod, or make up your own Anglers Against Pollution placard to show that the angling community stands united in the fight for cleaner, healthier waters. Your presence at the march will send a powerful message.

If you can’t attend, you can still support by sharing our social media posts to help spread the word.

This is our chance to make a difference, and we need you with us. We hope to see you there!

For updates see here.

25 Oct 2024

Combe Martin – Riverwoods Screening

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Conservation, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Another chance to see the acclaimed Riverwoods film and talks Local projects with the National Trust Wetlands Team my own thought’s on salmon decline across the West Country.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/heddon-valley/events/8cd0947a-df6d-4d2e-b15a-f55658f2b28e

25 Oct 2024

Bideford & Barnstaple AGM – Members

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Carp Fishing, Club Page, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Bideford Angling Club and Barnstaple Angling Association both hold their AGM’s in November. If your consiodering joining these clubs or are members already its good opportunity to meet fellow members and find out whats what.

Dear Members,

If anyone has any proposals for the AGM 15th Nov, they must be received by midnight tonight, with a proposer and seconder. sent to [email protected]

Thank you

Mervyn Club Secretary.

Barnstaple & District Angling Club AGM will be held in the Ebberly Arms, Bear Street, Barnstaple on Tuesday 12th November at 7.30pm. There is free evening parking in the car park at the rear. This is always a friendly social evening, and we are expecting a good attendance as in previous years.

25 Oct 2024

March for The Torridge – October 26th 2024

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: At the Waters Edge, Conservation, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

I just recieved this notification. As anglers we should be joining this march to raise awareness of the state of our rivers and put the importance higher onto the political agenda.

https://taw-torridge-estuary-forum.org/index.php/forthcoming-events/march-for-the-torridge

16 Oct 2024

STRONGER LEADERS ADVISED @ Bulldog

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Stronger leaders are advised following the latest stocking at Bulldog Fishery. Big browns, tigers have been stocked to compliment the hard fighting rainbows!

13 Oct 2024

FLUFF CHUCKERS BROWN TROUT MASTERS 2024

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Many thanks for the below report from Rodney Wevill of the Fluff Chuckers.

October 12th saw the Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown trout masters round 3 at Roadford lake.

This was also the concluding round to end the series and Crown the 2024 Brown trout masters.

The anglers were faced with varying weather, starting with little wind and calm water, then windy and overcast and finally bright sunshine and windy.

We started at 8am

Most of the fish were caught in the first 4 hours

With a few fish in the afternoon.

A total of 29 Browns were caught and several perch.

Finish time was 5pm and back to the main car park to workout the scores and hold the prize giving.

Kevin Sellar was the winner of the 3rd round with 7 nice browns and received a Cortland UK limited edition peach Line and some goodies

Phillip Hoskin won the biggest fish with a stunning 46cm Brown and won a cortland line and goodies

Roger Truscott was biggest fish runner up

And also equal most fish runner up with Wayne Thomas and shared some wonderful Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room ale.

Roger Truscott was leading the series coming into round 3, with only Keith Burnett in 2nd having any realistic chance of upsetting the leader board.

But overall placing 3rd to 6th changed about a lot during the day.

Roger built a big lead in the first round back in March at his local and beloved colliford lake and showing his skills and knowledge in the 2 & 3rd rounds came out the overall winner and received the Fluff Chuckers – Fly Fishing Fanatics / Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust 2024 Brown Trout Master trophy and All waters 2025 season permit, great prizes for a very well deserved winner.

Well done Roger.

Fluff Chuckers would like to thank South West Lakes Trust for partnering up with us to create this new event for 2024.

Fluff Chuckers would also like the give a massive big thank you to YETI Europe , Turrall Flies and Lakedown Brewing Co & tap room for your sponsoring of this series, it really wouldn’t be the same without your help.

We would also like to say this new series has been a good success. Like all Fluff Chuckers events the aim is to get like minded anglers together for fun on the water whatever your ability.

Yes there’s a competitive side to the day but fun is first, so you don’t need to feel you need to be a pro to take part.

We are extremely happy to say there will be a 2025 Fluff Chuckers / SWLT. brown trout master series and the dates are now released.

In the past couple years south west lakes trust have really worked on improving the trout fishing on their waters, the brown trout fishing has been superb on all their waters and credit where credits due they have got it right.

So please support them, whether it’s entering an event or to fish one of their Trout waters Brown or Rainbow.

A few years ago we where moaning at them, they have listened so support them and help them secure a stronger better future for all.

Happy end of Brown trout season

Tight lines all

Round 3 Roadford results

1. Kevin Sellar 217cm

2, Roger Truscott. 209cm

3, Wayne Thomas. 188cm

4, Keith Burnett. 97cm

5. Philip Hoskin. 76cm

6. Steve Retallack 70cm

7. Sam Wallace 61cm

8. Rodney Wevill. 31cm

9. Richard Adeney

Overall results of round 1,2 & 3 combined

1 Roger Truscott. 791cm

2. Keith Burnett. 530cm

3. Kevin Sellar. 388cm

4. Wayne Thomas. 351cm

5. Richard Adeney. 274cm

6. Rodney Wevill. 235cm

7. Philip Hoskin. 214cm

8. Steve Retallack 70cm

8. Matt Rodwell. 67cm

9. Ben Elliott. 64cm

10. Dave Perks. 64cm

11. Sam Wallace 61cm

12. Pete Williams. 54cm

13. Slawomir Olaf Pilecki 32cm

14. Jack Welshman. 30cm

15. Dave Cook. 28cm

16. Andrew Watson. 27cm

17. Peter Finnis. ……….,

10 Oct 2024

How Fishing Can Help Your Mental Health – By Simon Tilbury

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

Today is Mental Health Awareness Day and for all those who love fishing this beautiful article written by Simon Tilbury of Farlows is a wonderful reminder of how fly fishing helps us to switch off and step away from the stresses of our everyday life.

Our Mental Health is Getting Worse

There’s an old saying that a bad day’s fishing is better than a good day at work. It’s much more than that though, especially where fly fishing is concerned. There’s something unique about the rhythm of casting a fly, the focus on fishing and outwitting the fish, and being one with nature that can produce an almost zen like state. Norman Maclean, author of “A River Runs Through It” (later made into a memorable film with Brad Pitt that won an Oscar for Cinematography) remarked “one great thing about fly fishing is that after a while nothing exists of the world but thoughts about fly fishing”.

Today’s digital world is fast paced, always on and it’s made our lives better in many ways, but it’s also made us more stressed. Witness the rise of yoga, meditation, wellbeing apps, therapists, mindfulness and such like as an antidote to our deteriorating mental health. According to the British Medical Association, mental health services in England received a record 4.6 million referrals during 2022 (up 22% from 2019), and there simply aren’t enough doctors to match it.

YOUR OBJECTIVE ISN’T THE ENDGAME:

So how exactly can fly fishing help? Firstly, catching fish isn’t that important. If you wanted to catch a fish, there are more effective ways than fly fishing. These days the majority of fly fishers now practise catch and release, and personally speaking I much prefer the satisfaction of safely releasing a fish than actually catching it. Another American, author Zane Grey, said “if I fished only to capture fish, my fishing trips would have ended long ago”. So if it’s not to catch fish, why do we do it? There is a myriad of reasons here, however in broad terms I think they can all be narrowed down to one simple answer – how it makes you feel.

ONE LONG JOURNEY:

One of the things I love about fly fishing is that you never stop learning. You can get familiar with the basics of casting and fishing reasonably quickly, but the art and science of fly fishing takes time to master. Fly fishing provides a lifetime of learning and improving, of challenging yourself, trying different things until you work out what works. And what works one day doesn’t always work the next. Heraclitus, an ancient Greek philosopher from around 500 BC, said “no man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man”. But that’s the fun of it, the constant learning, the variety, the challenges, pitting your wits against the fish and the conditions. Fly fishing can be as all-consuming as you want it to be. It’s a hobby and passion that can be with you throughout your life, an ever giving partner, an endless source of enjoyment, despite whatever else is going on. It’s one long journey that makes you feel good.

MANY SHORT JOURNEYS:

A fishing trip can be split into 3 parts: anticipation, enjoyment, recollection. There are two types of anticipation for me. Firstly, the months and weeks leading up to the opening of the trout river season, a time of checking over tackle, replenishing fly boxes and wondering how the river might have changed, what tactics I might use and when. Then there is the giddy anticipation the day before an actual fishing trip, getting your gear packed, keeping an eye on the weather and water conditions, and if you’re fishing with a friend usually a healthy exchange of eager WhatsApp messages full of hope. Then of course there’s the actual enjoyment of the day itself. A great cast to a tricky place, the satisfaction of adapting tactics to outwit an unwilling quarry, watching a fish released, a nice lunch by the riverside, damsels dancing in the air, the flash of a kingfisher swooping past, plucking a blackberry from the brambles that caught your fly when casting, the sounds of the countryside, not thinking about work or life, just being in the moment in a place of beauty. And when it’s over, then there are the happy recollections, not just later that day as you smile thinking back, but also the amazing moments and memories that keep you going through the winter months. Anticipation, enjoyment, recollection. Every time you go fishing. Many short journeys that simply make you feel good.

FISHING AS THERAPY:

In 2021 fishing was officially prescribed by the NHS to help people suffering with anxiety and depression. Farlows sister brand Sportfish, which runs the Sportfish Game Fishing Centre with two spring-fed crystal clear trout fishing lakes, is now an approved supplier and partner for the Get Fishing For Wellbeing program from the Angling Trust, the national fishing governing body. Fishing as therapy is nothing new – for decades there have been fly fishing charities supporting military veterans to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and combat fatigue. A new feature film called Mending the Line starring Brian Cox is now available on Netflix, about an old Vietnam veteran and a young Afghanistan one finding healing for their traumas through fly fishing and friendship.

The BBC’s hugely successful TV show “Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing”, now in its 6^th series, is all about fishing as therapy. Its origins lie in Paul Whitehouse discovering Bob Mortimer wasn’t going out anymore following his triple heart bypass surgery and inviting him out fishing. Mortimer loved it and later said “I’ve never felt anything like it. There comes a moment when you realise that you’ve said nothing for an hour and a half. I haven’t thought about anything else. I haven’t worried about the past, or future”.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE WELLBEING:

According to The Royal College of Psychiatrists there are 4 key areas as to why fly fishing is so beneficial for your health:

It involves a therapeutic engagement with nature and green-blue spaces, leading to a positive effect on your subjective happiness, satisfaction, relaxation levels and overall emotional wellbeing
It can support personal development, including new resilience and coping skills, and provide a sense of purpose and a network of positive relationships to improve psychological wellbeing
It provides opportunities to join clubs, participate in social events, take on new responsibilities, and engage in volunteering or coaching, all integral to social wellbeing
It requires various levels of physical exertion from walking, wading and repeatedly casting, which can increase physical wellbeing

When fly fishing, you’re concentrating solely on what you’re doing and the beauty of where you’re doing it. For hours, all the pressures of work, home life and the modern world are forgotten. This leads to lower stress levels, and studies show this reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) can have a positive effect for up to 3 weeks. With an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people in both a sociable setting and have some tranquil time with just yourself in nature, it’s no surprise there’s a new generation using fly fishing as a form of meditation and a means to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Especially given these days neither the kit nor the fishing itself needs to be expensive, and good fly fishing can be found pretty much everywhere. Especially at the Arundell.

THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING:

For some it’s hiking, cycling, jogging or something more extreme that helps their wellbeing. For a huge amount of us (last year nearly one million rod licences were sold by the Environment Agency in England and Wales), it’s fishing. Some words from legendary Arundell fishing guide David Pilkington:

“I had been busy all day teaching a couple of beginners, and finally found time to have an hour or two on the river Ottery, which is fortunately enroute for me as I journey home. The sedges were fluttering over the water, and the trout were rising. I caught a few nice wild brownies on a dry sedge pattern, missed a few others, and was reminded of that lovely quote from Howard Marshall, at one time editor of the Fishing Gazette, and a very accomplished fly fisherman. In his classic fishing book ‘Reflections on a River’, Howard said ‘we are all potential bunglers’. As my head touched the pillow later that evening, this went through my thoughts – yes, I had bungled a few fish, but by heck I had enjoyed it all, and my sleep that night was sound and totally contented. I awoke the next morning a better person.”

Regular Arundel guest Mike Murray summarised it neatly below:

“Fly fishing at the Arundell Arms is my perfect getaway from the daily grind. It’s where I can switch off, relax, and lose myself in the beauty of Devon’s streams. There’s no better therapy than fishing for crafty wild brown trout, soaking in the peace of nature, and sharing it with great friends. I feel lucky & privileged to have fly fishing as my escape.”

When I last stayed at the Arundell in May this year, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely gentleman called JP, who offered me this:

“Each year at the Arundell I cast my line into the river and wade away from the noise and pressure of my daily life in the City. My passion for fly fishing, the beauty of the Devon countryside and the Arundell hospitality are just about the best mental therapy for a stressed mind. In these quiet hours I rediscover balance and clarity. It’s all about tight lines and peaceful minds”.

It’s a sentiment also shared by the two co-owners of the Arundell:

“From the moment I pack the rod and waders into the car, and head to the river, I can feel the stresses of everyday life dissolving. The peace and calm of what lies ahead. The added excitement of not knowing what the day will produce. A kingfisher, a dipper, and possibly even that magnificent wild brown on a dry fly. I am in a state of subconsciousness. At that moment there is nothing to consider but my surroundings, and the gliding and winding river ahead of me. The Arundell is a truly special place for me, and always will be.” (Simon Village)

“Fly fishing really does have a unique way of connecting me with nature. The serene beauty of the Arundell streams is a perfect backdrop for those peaceful moments. It’s great how the rhythm of casting allows for a meditative state, helping me to unwind and truly appreciate the surrounding environment. It’s like therapy in motion that destresses and reenergizes. I love that place!” (Mark Bristow)

For some though there’s another aspect, less about fly fishing allowing you to put your concerns and worries temporarily aside, more about putting them into place. Fly fishing author John Gierach puts it best when he says: “they say you forget your troubles on a trout stream, but that’s not quite it. What happens is that you begin to see where your troubles fit into the grand scheme of things, and suddenly they’re just not such a big deal anymore.”

I wrote earlier about if fly fishing isn’t really about catching fish, why do we do it, and that we do it for a whole bunch of reasons, all of which can all be narrowed down to one answer – how it makes us feel. It’s that simple. Go fishing, feel better.

They are not alone. When we asked our Farlows customers in a recent online survey, 97% of them said that fly fishing significantly improves their mental health and 98% said it significantly improves their general wellbeing.

8 Oct 2024

RIVERWOODS @ BARNSTAPLE LIBRARY October 10th

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

An inspiring film about salmon and complex eco systems. Come along a join the debate.

1 Oct 2024

Seasons End at the Half Moon Inn

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

The seasons end comes all too soon and it seemed surreal to be walking through the familiar doors of the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash for the Torridge Rivers Association end of season Egg Box Dinner. The Torridge Fishery Association was formed back in 1979 with a young Charles Inniss at its helm. Forty five years later Charles is still very much the engine room of the Association and continues to welcome anglers to the Half Moon Inn with his cheery demeanour and resilient optimism.

*My wife Pauline and the ever cheery Charles Inniss*

The new owners of the Half Moon have wisely embraced Charles and Adam who has worked behind the bar for many years. A fascinating insight into the Half Moon can be gleaned by listening to the latest Fly Culture Podcast with Pete Tyjas. Interviewing Richard Miller.

Podcast

It has been a difficult salmon fishing season across North Devon and the chalked writing on the Inns blackboard told a woeful tale.

Sea trout numbers were not so bad and the brown trout returns very encouraging with close to five hundred brown trout recorded. In fact the general consensus is that the wild brown trout fishing is the future for North Devon’s rivers.

*A fine wild brown trout caught from the Half Moon Waters this summer by Nick Collard*

The annual dinner sees those with a deep love of the Torridge travel from all over the UK. It is always a joy to sit with fellow Torridge fishers and hear stories from the water’s edge told with a burning passion that flows through generations.

There was of course much talk about the sad demise of salmon across the UK and beyond with the complexities and causes of this debated over plates of delicious food, wine and ale.

*One of a handful of salmon caught this season.*

Charles Inniss gave a short humorous and impassioned introduction to Lord Clinton who has taken on the role of Torridge Rivers Association President.

A Memorial Service for the late Lord Clinton was held on July 15^th at Exeter Cathedral. It was attended by Association Chairman Paul Ashworth and his wife Geraldine along with Charles Inniss and Steve Phelps. Lord Clinton was the prime mover in the creation of the Association and was its first Chairman and President for Forty years.

The Grand Egg Box Draw once again raised considerable funds towards the running of the associations hatchery a project that requires much work and dedication and rewards with a glimmer of hope for the future.

Before I sat down to write this I walked out into the garden and smelt the comforting scent of woodsmoke drifting through the valley. Autumn has arrived and another salmon and trout season has drifted into the past. In less than six months anglers will once again be wading into those perpetual flows as yellow daffodils once again decorate the banks.

Lines will be cast and flies drifted in renewed hope for a true anglers optimism is both strong and resilient.

27 Sep 2024

South West Lakes Trust Trout Fisheries Report September 2024

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, Game Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

Snowbee Autumn Sale – Click to View

September proved to be a mixed month weather-wise, although generally warm, with some occasional heavy showers. Water levels slightly dropped over the month, now down to around 60% to 70% at time of writing.

Fishing:

Kennick – The fishing gradually improved as the month progressed, with weekly rod averages up to 2.4 fish per rod towards the end of the month. The fish were well spread out around the fishery, with Clampitts Bay, The Narrows, Oak Tree Point, Poplar Point and the East Wall all proving popular locations. Fish tended to feed close to, or from, the surface, and floating line tactics proved the most successful, either with dry patterns (Foam Daddies, Black Hoppers, dry Sedges and Beetle patterns), or shallow-fished nymph patterns (Damsel Nymphs, Green Buzzers, Pheasant Tails and Diawl Bachs). Successful lure patterns included Orange Fritz, Cats Whisker and Cormorant, as well as the occasional deeper fished Booby – Jerry Hiscutt (from Newton Abbot) caught five rainbows on a Black Booby.

Siblyback – The fishing at Siblyback proved challenging this month, with anglers struggling to average one fish per visit, although this did pick up as the month progressed. Stocky Bay, Crylla Bay, Two Meadows and the West Bank proved to be the most promising locations, with Damsel Nymphs, Goldhead Montanas, Black Buzzers, Shrimp and the occasional Black Midge catching fish. Few fish of note were caught – Nigel Hoskin managed to catch a 2lb rainbow using a Black and Green Goldhead pattern fished on a floating line and fast retrieve, and Ron Wilday (from Liskeard) caught a bag of four fish using a slowly pulled Black Beetle.

Burrator – Rods averaged 1.9 fish per angler over the month (picking up to 2.7 by the end of the month), with most fish being caught from Longstone Point and Bank, Bennetts Lawn, Lowery Point and Pig’s Trough. Fish were feeding throughout the water column, with floating, intermediate and sinking line tactics all catching fish. Successful nymph patterns included Damsels, Hares Ears, Buzzers and Black and Peacock Spiders, while successful lures included Hothead Yellow, Orange Blob, White Dancer and Black Woolly Worm. Alan Green caught a bag of five fish, the largest of which was a rainbow of 3lb 12oz, a personal best, as well as best rainbow of the season at Burrator. Carl Thomas (from Kingsbridge) caught five rainbows to 2lb, as well as two brownies, using Buzzer patterns on a floating line.

Stithians – Fishing at Stithians remained tough throughout the month, with anglers again struggling to average one fish per visit. The best locations included Goonlaze, Deep Bank, Pipe Bay and Yellowort. Generally midge-Tip and Floating lines proved popular, in conjunction with Daddy Longlegs, Black Gnats and Deerhair CDC fished on the surface, or Diawl Bachs, Hares Ears and Quill Nymphs fished just below. Neil Chapman (from Penryn) caught three browns from the East Bank, using a floating line and a moderate retrieve.

Fernworthy – The fishing improved as the month progressed, with anglers averaging three fish per rod in the final week. Lowtin Bay, Picnic Area Bank and the South Bank proved to be the most productive locations, with a selection of dry (CDC Sedge, Cinnamon Sedge and Black Parachute) and nymph (Damsel, Black Spider, Hares Ear and Pennel) patterns proving successful. Clive Garland (from Tiverton) caught three browns (missing six others) using a Black and Peacock Spider fished just under the surface on a floating line with a slow retrieve.

Colliford – Here the excellent sport continued, with anglers averaging 4.2 fish per visit (up to 5.3 in one week). Floating line tactics continued to produce the best results, with fish being caught on dry patterns (CDC Hoppers, Foam Daddies, Beetles and Black Gnats), nymphs (Pheasant Tail, Black and Peacock Spider) and pulled Soldier Palmers, Zulu Muddlers, Bibios and Zulus, as well as a few of the more traditional brown trout patterns (Alexandra, Teal Blue and Silver and Black Pennel). Popular locations included the Middle Car Park bank, Dam, Lords Waste, Stuffle and Menaridian Point). Simon Peters (from Cusgarne) caught thirteen fish in one session on a bright sunny day with a northwest wind, with fish coming to a selection of flies fished as a team with a slow retrieve. Chris Tilyard (from Fraddon) caught nine browns to 1lb 8oz, casting dry patterns to freely rising fish.

Roadford – The fishing improved as the month progressed, with anglers averaging 3.3 fish in the final week. Daveys Bank proved to be the best location, where Rodney Wevill (from Lifton) caught ten browns to 2lb, using Soldier Palmer and Humungous fished on a floating line with a varied retrieve. Other successful patterns included Blue Damsels and Bibios.

October 12th is the Final of the Fluff Chuckers Brown Trout Masters at Roadford

Please see the Trust’s website (www.swlakestrust.org.uk/trout-fishing) for more information on buying tickets, boat availability and booking, and forthcoming events. The Trust, in conjunction with Fluff Chuckers, will be running a Brown Trout Masters competition this season, to be held over three dates at Colliford, Fernworthy, and Roadford – please see the website for more information.

Chris Hall (September 2024)