Young Charlie Stanway landed 4 bass and a Pollock during an evening fishing with father Ross Stanway the biggest bass scaling 3lb15oz a new personal best and Charlie’s biggest fish so far.
Well done to Charlie always good to see successful young anglers.
Jack Pike fished from a Private Boat to land this fine specimen tope of 54lb.
Good tope fishing can be enjoyed off Ilfracombe from the Charter Boats below click on the advert too view their websites.
1st Julien Stainer trigger 3lb 13 127.083%
2nd Jon Stevens rockling 1lb 10 1/2 110.417%
3rd Tarrant Wotton trigger 3lb 3 1/2 107.291%
4th Paul Downing smooth hound 10lb 6 1/8 103.853%
5th Paul Downing smooth hound 10lb 3 1/8 101.953%
6th Terry Dymond smooth hound 8lb 6 85.750%
1st Andrew Atkinson – Smoothound 12lb 95/8oz
2nd & 3rd – Thomas Atkinson -smoothound 9lb 14oz and 6lb 15oz
Jeremy Wade attended the Plough Arts Centre and delivered a fascinating talk about his fishing exploits around the world and the filming of River Monsters, Mighty Rivers, his latest documentary programme Dark Waters and his new book “How to Think Like a Fish”
He enlightened and inspired the captivated audience explaining the structure of the programmes and how the audience are drawn into the mystery and environment of the natural world. The River Monsters series was to a large extent built around a plot of a murder mystery with Jeremy acting as the detective in search of the perpetrator.
He outlined the importance of big predatory fish as apex predators that live at the top of the food chain. The presence of these fish is an indicator of the general health of the underwater environment. In many areas these apex predators are decreasing in numbers a fact that raises deep concern for the future.
His knowledge as a fishery biologist certainly shone through with his deep knowledge of fish behaviour.
Observation to detail is certainly a major factor in being a successful angler and television presenter. He conceded that planning is essential in making successful angling film shows but often proves totally useless on the day as plans unravel due to the un-expected.
He discussed the wider value of angling in society and the invaluable work of the Angling Trust in working for conservation.
Jeremy followed the talk answering a range of questions from the audience with an in depth and considered response that demonstrated a deep understanding of his subject.
The event was hosted by Angling Heritage and River Reads both of which are based in Torrington.
(Below) Jeremy signed copies of his new book for the sixty or so attendees.
After an interval for lunch there was a screening of an episode of Dark-waters that is presently being aired on Sky TV’s Animal Planet.
Note my own book ” I Caught A Glimpse” Is available to Pre-Order at https://thelittleegretpress.co.uk/pre-orders/
With the warm summer weather Stillwater trout fishing is suffering the summer doldrums with trout tending to lurk in the deeper water reluctant to chase anglers flies except perhaps in the early morning or late evening. The rivers are in serious need of a good flush of freshwater so where to take the trout rod?
I had a report from two members of the River Torridge Fishery Association who had visited the lower estuary to enjoy a hectic session with school bass catching a large number on small barbless lures. With warm sunshine forecast a trip to the beach seemed a good plan. Pauline could sit and read a book on the sands whilst I waded out into the warm waters of the lower estuary. In addition to the bass I also had golden grey mullet on my mind and just wondered if I could strike gold after several previous failed attempts?
I after arrived at the waters edge just as the tide started to flood. I had intended to get there a little earlier but had to work out how to put together Paulines beach shelter, the brisk Southerly wind did not help!
The water was surprisingly warm as I walked out and stretched a line across the water. A couple of casts later brought the pleasing tug of a school bass. Several more followed as the tide surged in with the fish seen swirling all around. As the tide pushed in the takes eased off and I decided on a change of tactics fishing two small flies intended for mullet.
Despite the huge numbers of fish present I retrieved my flies without success. I changed tack slightly casting my flies into the shallows and retrieving as slowly as possible. Suddenly the line zipped tight and a fish darted to and fro on the line giving a scrap far out of proportion to its size. I was delighted to see the golden mark that helped identify the fish as a golden grey mullet my first of the species. The next cast and I connected again and the rod bent over with line zipping out as a good fish powered away before the hook pulled! I big golden grey ? I will never know but I will be back. I then discovered that if I dapped the flies lightly on a short line I could catch a bass on every cast. Twenty- five or thirty bass later I walked back up the beach as rain began to fall. Time to watch a bit of cricket to end a fun summers day.
Apologies for the poor pictures it not easy trying to get a pic without dropping phone or fish.
Ross Stanway enjoyed success on the lure landed several in an evening session the best of 4lb 9oz fell to a Patchinko 125 Surface lure.
Combe Martin SAC member Ali Laird has been enjoying success on the coast and in the estuary catching this 10lb 10oz smoothound form the coast.
And this 3lb 11oz thin lipped mullet from the estuary.
Wayne Thomas has been privileged to enjoy over forty years fishing North Devon’s varied waters enjoying both success and failure. The places and the many people he has met along the way have greatly enriched his journey. In this book he tells stories of North Devon angling along with recollections from others; some from an earlier generation who enjoyed fishing in those good old days.
He has no favourite species of fish and this book reflects this with every discipline of angling represented. From the small crimson spotted trout of tumbling streams and the story of a five pound perch to the huge shark that roam the Atlantic Ocean. AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING EDITIONS
Rob Scoines enjoyed success on his latest visit to North Devons rocky shoreline tempting a 7lb bass and 2lb 8oz spotted ray.