The North Devon Coast proved to be challenging over the lure fishing weekend competition with suspended weed proving problematic on the open coast where water clarity was good.
After weeks of very calm weather a brisk North West breeze undoubtedly resulted in the weed issue. The event hosted jointly between High Street Tackle and Combe Martin SAC failed to attract a large number of competitors. The difficult conditions undoubtedly deterring some from entering. I wonder if lure fishers tend to be non-competitive. There were bass to be caught as was proved with several fish registered from both the open coast and estuary. With many miles of coastline and a many lures and tactics to employ getting anglers together is a great way to promote learning in a pastime where those who take part will never stop learning.
( Below) The winning fish of 67cm caught after dark in shallow water.
(Below) Runner up Nick Phillips with a bass of 64.5 cm
A few observations on lure fishing the North Devon Coast. There are many miles of varied coastline to fish and anglers have a wide variety of tactics to employ depending upon where the fish are located and what the fish are searching for. A significant factor in lure fishing is undoubtedly confidence and the willingness to adapt and experiment. Nick Phillips and I caught bass fishing an open coast shallow rock mark after dark when the fish will often. move very close to the shoreline. My belief is that the fish lose much of their natural caution after dark. Weightless soft plastics work after dark despite producing little movement and vibration.
Reece Woolgar tempted his fish again on soft plastics stalking the fish in shallow estuary water where polarising glasses are perhaps the greatest asset.
On the open coast surface lures can often work if there is suspended weed in the water. In the right conditions hard plastics and metal lures have their days and can produce good catches.
Reel Deal Charters have been finding anglers some good bass from Reefs off North Devon and Cornwall.
http://www.highstreettackle.co.uk
Dan welcomes the great news that the CHART program will be running again this year.
CHART 2023 CONFIRMED 
Combe Martin SAC are hosting an Open Lure Fishing Competition with High Street Tackle Ilfracombe. If the event is well supported it is hoped it will become an annual event that can be built upon each year if the appetite is there to share the wonderful lure fishing for bass that can be enjoyed along Nortb Devons coast line. The coast line offers a wide variety of marks to target bass with a wide range of lure tactics proving successful.
The boundaries for the event are the entire North Devon Coastline from County Gate to Welcombe Mouth.
https://northdevon-aonb.org.uk
This event is shore only.
The entry fee is £10.00 Competitors must book in at High Street Tackle Ilfracombe.
There is a first prize of £100 and £50 for the runner up. Additional prizes may be added if support is good.
The presentation will be held at Ilfracombe Pier, Outside the Aquarium at 6:30pm on Sunday July 2nd.
All those who attend the presentation will be entred into a raffle for a lure donated by High Street Tackle.
The prizes are for the longest bass nose to tip of tail caught using an artificial lure. A photo of bass and tape must be provided in addition to picture with captor if possible.
Fishing is from 00.00 June 29th until 6.00pm July 2nd.
All entries to be sent to CMSAC via their facebook page or to North Devon Angling News via social media or [email protected]
Advice on lure fishing for bass along with a huge sellection of lures are avaialble at High Street tackle.
Ocean Daze offer an ocean and fish themed range of clothing that will appeal to those who love spending time by the sea. They are available at Braunton Baits and online.
The Angling Trust are offering posts for paid surveyors for the Catchwise project if interested please click the link
Combe Martin SAC – Mebers Lure Fishing Competition.
Shaun Quartly has registered three bass measuring 72cm, 60.5cm and 56cm for a three fish total of 188.5cm.
This puts him into second place behind Mark Jones who has three for 193cm.
Mark Jones. 3 bass 193.5
Shaun Quartly 3 bass 188.5
Reece Woolgar 2 bass 116
Mark Tossel 1 bass 69
A reminder that the Open Lure competition hosted with CMSAC and High Street Tackle commences on Thursda, June 29th at 00:00am.
1st Antony Smith Smoothhound 12lb 2 1/2oz 121.250%
2nd (junior) Jenson kiff Smoothhound 8lb 2oz 81.250%
3rd Richard Jefferies smoothhound 8lb 1oz 80.625%
4th (junior) Jenson kiff smoothhound 7lb 70%
Well done guys especially well done to jenson are first junior we have had In a sea competition for a long time.
