This 21lb smoothound was tempted on John Barbeary’s Bluefin.
Stafford Moor – Carp
(Below) Jarek Cheery and friend Kamil fished up on Lodge lake and banked 4 fish in a 24 hour session, all fish caught on our house pellet in a pva bag and Sticky baits krill wafters.
Stafford Moor – 342lb 1oz winning catch !
The latest Match at the prolific Stafford Moor saw Steve Ford secure an impressive victory with an amazing haul of 342lb 1oz. Runner up Dave Romain had 245lb 14oz.
In 2nd place was Dave Romain with 245lb 14oz.
In 3rd place was Mark Layzelle with 177lb 2oz from Woodpecker Lake.
Torridge Carp Lakes – In Fine Form
North Devon’s recently open Torridge Carp lakes have been fishing well over recent weeks with numerous twenty pound plus carp. Rob Jewell enjoyed an overnight session banking five carp to 33lb 7oz.
Bideford Angling Club – Monthly Competition Result
July monthly competition Tarka swims results:
1st Nathan Underwood 50lb 8oz
2nd Mike Snudden 34lb 3oz
3rd Richard Jefferies 21lb 15oz
Joint 4th Kevin Shears and Keith Mountjoy 21lb 13oz
6th Colin Cherrington 21lb 1oz .
20 fished in Sundays competition, held in mild but wet conditions. Nathan’s terrific bag of carp and bream where caught on sweetcorn in the margins on peg14, Mike on the adjoining peg continues his great run with a similar catch . Richard got to grips with peg 18 for 3rd spot. The lake has once again produced excellent returns.
Bass on the lure
Gary Moore enjoyed a weeks holiday in Woolacombe and messaged me asking if I could give a few pointers as to where he might catch a few bass. I was delighted when Gary messaged me to say he had enjoyed success on several short sessions in area.
Bideford and District Angling Club Versus Plymouth and District Coarse angling Club .
Bideford and District Angling Club Versus Plymouth and District Coarse angling Club .
Results :
1st Martin Turner 16lb 4oz
2nd Pat Whymn 9lb 4oz
3rd Nick Newns 6lb
4th Keith Mountjoy 4lb 10oz
5th Richard Jefferies 4lb 8oz
Overall PADCAC 28lb 14oz BDAC 34lb 9oz
Ten club members ,representing our club, travelled to Cadover Lake on the edge of bodmin moor to fish the first leg of our annual interclub event. Humid conditions found the deep venues fish stocks in a tricky mood, Team captain ,Martin , landed the best individual catch of roach and skimmers on the pole , Second was Pat who’s catch included a fine 5lb bream. We must thank our hosts from Plymouth and look forward to the return leg on Tarka Swims on 31st of July.
Fly Culture Editor Enjoys Taw reward
Pete Tyjas tempted this fresh run salmon from a River Taw beat as the rivers dropped following a recent rise. Pete is editor in chief of the excellent Fly Culture Magazine.
Rain brings life to North Devons Rivers
Recent rain has brought life into North Devons rivers with salmon and sea trout forging up river. Paul Carter tempted a fine 6lb salmon from a lower Taw beat along with a bright silver peal of around 1lb 8oz. With more rain forecast prospects for Taw, Torridge and Lyn are good.
An indicator of fresh run fish is often the presence of sea lice these can remain on the fish for up to 48hours. The tails of the lice contain the eggs which drop off before the lice. Small numbers of lice have always been an indication of a fish fresh from the sea. Sadly in some areas on the West coast of Scotland sea lice infestations from intense salmon farming have decimated salmon and sea trout populations.
Wild brown trout fishing is also good with some good mayfly hatches reported on the Middle Torridge.
Richard Nickell co owner of Blakewell Fishery tells me that some good brown trout are taking flies intended for sea trout with several fish well over the pound mark. Blakewell is in good form as well with buzzers working well.
Guidelines
Good Practice Guide
Catching the fish
Use appropriate tackle. Rod and line should be strong enough to bring the fish to net swiftly and without playing it to exhaustion. Move the fish out of fast water as soon as possible. The use of barbless single or double hooks is recommended. Barbed hooks can be rendered barbless by pinching with pliers.
Catch and Release
RTFCA strongly recommends that you practise catch and release whenever possible.
Playing the fish
When playing a fish try not to play it to exhaustion but land it as quickly as is possible.
Landing the fish
Use a fine knotless meshed landing net. No gaffs or tailers may be used. Ensure the fish remains in the water at all times.
Do not beach or tail a fish.
Handling the fish
Ensure that hands are wet and avoid squeezing the fish.
Removing the hook
Remove the hook gently, using forceps or a hook disgorger.
Should the fish be deep-hooked cut the line as near to the hook as possible.
Recording the fish
Do not weigh the fish, but calculate its length and subsequently use a length/weight conversion chart (see below) to find the weight. Suitable length marks on rod or wading-stick can be helpful. Photographs of the fish should only be taken while the fish is in the water.
Reviving and releasing the fish
Support the fish with both hands in a gentle current and facing upstream.
Allow time for the fish to regain its strength and be able to swim away on its own.
Disease
To guard against disease that can damage our fish stocks fishermen are directed to the Environment Agency’s website for “Guidance on Disinfecting Fishing Tackle”.
The Environment Agency Incident Hotline
For reporting any serious environmental incident such as pollution, poaching or fish in distress is
0800 807 060
- RTFA strongly believes that fishermen are the best guardians of our river and if you fish the Taw why not join the Association to support our efforts.
- Contact us via our website at www.rivertawfisheries.co.uk or phone our Treasurer, Richard Nickell on 10271 344533 / 07884 073932
15lb bar of silver from the Torridge
Simon Hillcox has caught a fresh run salmon from a mid Torridge beat estimated at 15lb. A very fresh run bar of silver!