19 Feb 2017

A Message from Bideford Angling Club

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Pete Skinner of Bideford & District Angling Club contacted me and asked me to stress that despite the closure of the clubhouse. Bideford and District Angling Club is very much still in existence, still running sea, game and coarse competitions and the Tarka swims lakes complex is still open and taking new memberships. All renewals and applications for membership can be made at Anglers Heaven, Market Place, Bideford. By kind consent of Tom Wade. The clubs results are a regular feature here on North Devon Angling News.

 

17 Feb 2017

EXE VALLEY FOR TOP SPORT

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Anglers are enjoying some great sport at Exe Valley Fishery where a new catch and release ticket has been embraced by numerous anglers who appreciate the option of a days sport without having to pack up because they have caught their quota or have more than enough trout in the freezer. Below is Nick Harts latest report on one anglers visit to the water.

Perhaps it is the mild weather but I have been out with a fair few anglers already this year and today it was Andrew Avery from Bristol. He had been having a mare and landed just one fish in his last 3 trips, so it was time to get his mojo back. After an hour tuning up his cast this morning we got straight down to business and found pretty quickly that the fish are very podded. If you catch and then it goes quiet it is time to move! That’s what we did and using Tungsten Buzzers Andy banked 9 fish in total, often reacting to the line moving rather than feeling for the take.

16 Feb 2017

South Molton & District Angling Club AGM

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South Molton & District Angling Club held their 48th AGM at the Coaching Inn in their hometown and as always it was a friendly and convivial evening. The formalities were handled by long serving secretary Ian Binding and club Chairman Mike Evans who has stood down after seven years in the role. His efforts were been much appreciated by all present. The Chairman’s role has been taken by Eddie Rands who also runs the clubs sea-fishing activities. Eddie dominated the clubs sea fishing trophy presentation winning the clubs top four trophies with an 8lb bass and a 30lb tope.

The clubs Mac Trophy for the biggest trout caught during the annual trout fishing competition was won by club treasurer Roger Bray who landed a fine 6lb rainbow from Bratton Water Trout Fishery. (Below)

 

The clubs primary focus is the fishing it leases on the River Bray where members enjoy some delightful fishing for an abundant population of wild brown trout that thrive in the clear waters of this delightful tributary of the River Taw.

Paul Carter the local full time Fishery Officer was a welcome guest at the meeting and reflected upon his 30 years as a fishery officer in North Devon. The fact that he was once part of an eight-man team of officers brings into focus how times have changed. Paul stressed the need for anglers to share information with the Environment Agency reporting any signs of pollution immediately to the E.A on their 0800 80 70 60 Hotline.

13 Feb 2017

ROADFORD FLY FAIR

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South West Lakes Trust are holding their annual Fly Fair at Roadford Lake on Saturday February 25th. This popular event is an ideal curtain raiser for the Spring Season with a range of tackle and Fly Tying equipment on display along with casting demonstrations, Kayaking, Float-tubing, cooking and plenty more to interest the angler. Special guests on the day include Charles Jardine, Mike Weaver and Gary Champion.

There is also the opportunity to purchase season tickets for local waters at a discount of 5%.

8 Feb 2017

FINE BAGS AT EXE VALLEY

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16486945_1494283240584587_5807892031922701065_o(Above) Biggest trout of day to Danny Ford at 5lb 12oz

Wistlandpound Fly Fishing club enjoyed great sport when they visited Exe Valley Fishery for the second heat of their Winter Challenge series. Dave Mock won the competition with a five fish bag of 19lb that included a 4lb rainbow and a tagged trout that earned Dave a tenner. In runner up spot was Danny Ford with five for 18lb 12oz and third David Eldred with five for 18lb 8oz. The biggest trout was a fine rainbow of 5lb 12oz for Danny Ford. The trout averaged 3lb and battled hard in the cold clear water. Overall winner of the winter challenge after 2 heats was David Eldred with 28lb 9oz. The first heat was held at Blakewell Fishery early in January.

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4 Feb 2017

Exe Valley Introduces Catch & Release Permit Options

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The latest News from Nick Hart at Exe Valley

During the 15 years that I have been involved with Exe Valley Fishery, firstly as an instructor and then as the manager, the only option available has been to catch & kill any Trout caught. 

However times are changing rapidly and increasingly I talk with anglers who don’t want to dispatch fish and fill their freezers.  I also meet plenty of anglers who are put off by the thought of reaching their limit and then having to head home prematurely, cutting short their enjoyment & experience.

Therefore after a number of successful catch & release events, such as this one in December 2016, I have decided to introduce a new trial permit.

The Catch & Release options will start on Tuesday 7th February 2017 and will be available until Sunday 9th April 2017.  During this time we will listen to your thoughts and welcome feedback.  If the fishery is well supported during these changes the options will be made available throughout the year, other than during periods of high water temperatures.  Full details will be available at the fishery regarding the rules applied to catch & release.  The key points include:

– Catch & Release available on Anchor Lake only

– Rubber mesh nets only (we can loan nets)

– Barbless flies only (not debarbed – barbless flies will be available for purchase in the shop)

– Fish to be released must not be removed from the water. 

– No Boobies.

– Kill tickets – Fish limit must be killed prior to Catch & Release.

Catch & Release Permit Options & Prices (07.02.17 to 09.04.17)

10 Fish Catch & Release Only – £25

2 Fish Kill & 2 Fish Release – £30

3 Fish Kill & 3 Fish Release – £35

4 Fish Kill & 4 Fish Release – £40

5 Fish Kill & 5 Fish Release – £45

Although there is an increase in permit prices, the first for several seasons, the new structure with the inclusion of catch & release offers some of the best value small stillwater fishing in the West Country if not the UK.

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29 Jan 2017

BRATTON GROWING REPUTATION FOR QUALITY BROWNS

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Bratton Water’s stature as a first class brown trout water is growing with some stunning fish being tempted. Chay Boggis visited the fishery and had a fine bag of trout to just over five pounds. Successful tactics were a white dog nobbler fished close to the surface with a fast erratic retrieve. Nick Hart and top angling photographer Henry Gilbey paid a recent visit to the fishery and their work should appear in a top trout fishing publication this spring!

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(Above)Chay Boggis with a qaulity 5lb plus Bratton Brown.

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