11 Aug 2019

SOUTH WEST MARINE PLAN – Have Your Say!

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Steven Guilbert and I am the coordinator of the Devon Maritime Forum (DMF).  The DMF is an independent, not-for-profit partnership, based at County Hall in Exeter, which brings together a broad and diverse range of organisations and individuals who have a stake or interest in marine and coastal issues in Devon and the wider South West peninsula.

Over the last few years the Forum have been working with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and their Marine Planning team, on the development and implementation of Marine Plans in the region.  Recently we have been tasked with identifying and informing local stakeholders about the continuing development of the South West Marine Plan, the first draft of which is due to go out to public consultation in early 2020.   Although the MMO’s engagement process is well underway, there are still opportunities for stakeholders to learn more, have their say, and help shape the Plan.

As a hugely significant sector in the region, the MMO are particularly keen to still hear from a range of local sea anglers.

 

11 Aug 2019

Stormy waters mean bass!

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Stormy weather that stirs up the water is not ideal for the lure angler but is often a blessing for the bait fisher. Fishing as the storm abates is often productive with big odour oozing baits fished on big hooks likely to attract a specimen bass. Distance is not an issue with fish often found right in close feasting on food dislodged by the surging waters.

Safety is obviously paramount during rough conditions and marks must be chosen with care. Always look for somewhere with a degree of shelter and never fish where there is no chance of safely landing the fish you hook. Study the tide, weather charts and google maps. Wear a life jacket, do not fish alone and allow a sensible margin of error between you and the sea. Don’t linger as the tide pushes in. Use strong tackle to ensure you can bully a big fish into the net. Take a long handled landing net to allow netting without getting too close to the water.

(Below) Rob Scoines tempted this beautiful silver flanked bass from a North Devon rock mark using launce.

(Below) Rob is about to release his prize back. If you want to keep a bass fish of 4lb to 5lb make great eating bigger fish are best returned alive after a quick picture.

(Below) Paul Saunders tempted this bass during a stormy session at Ilfracombe.

4 Aug 2019

SEA ANGLING RESULTS – BIDEFORD & APPLEDORE

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Bideford Rover Results

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%

Appledore Shipbuilders Monthly Rover

1st Andrew Atkinson  – Smoothound 12lb 95/8oz

2nd & 3rd – Thomas Atkinson -smoothound 9lb 14oz and 6lb 15oz

4 Aug 2019

Jeremy Wade – Visit to the Plough Arts Centre

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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.

Keith Armishaw of River Reads and Angling Heritage introduces Jeremy Wade

 

(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.

Jeremy gives the look that says ” wonder who that annoying man is with the camera” !

Note my own book ” I Caught A Glimpse” Is available to Pre-Order at https://thelittleegretpress.co.uk/pre-orders/


4 Aug 2019

FUN IN THE ESTUARY

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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.