Just a few of the fine carp tempted from Upper Tamar Lake over recent weeks.
Upper Tamar is not just a carp water it also has a vast range of other options with specimen perch, roach and eels along with bream and plenty of silver making it a fine match venues. (Below)Stuart Burridge had a cracking day at Upper Tamar with 42lb of roach and skimmers on the tip. 
Allan Jones and Karl Yates enjoyed their first fishing trip out since lockdown started. Jennetts was the destination and Allan was rewarded with a common of 19lb 6oz and Karl 23lb 2oz . Regulars to Jennets will be pleased that the fallen tree that has blocked access to far side has now been cleared away.
Paul Widlake fished a North Devon shore mark to tempt this huge bull huss scaling 14lb.
Ollie Passmore landed this impressive looking bull huss of 10lb 4oz
I took advantage of the partial easing of lockdown on Monday and travelled to Wimbleball Reservoir high on Exmoor in search of the venues hard fighting rainbows. On arrival a cool breeze was blowing and mist shrouded the hills, with sunshine forecast later in the day it was likely that the best sport would come early in the day. The water was certainly cold as I waded out to begin searching the water. A floating line and long leader with small black lures proved effective and soon brought a few pulls before I eventually stayed connected to a hard fighting rainbow of around 3lb. This was followed by two more similar sized fish before midday when the sun broke through as forecast.
The lakes surface reflected the blue sky and shimmered brightly, birdsong reverberated all around, buzzards soared high above and a pair of greater crested grebes flirted in the spring sunshine. The croaking of toads drifted across the water and fresh buds where bursting out from the tips of the bankside trees. There is far more to this fishing lark than catching fish!
As expected the fishing went quiet for a while but a change to an intermediate line in late afternoon brought further action with a wild brown trout and a brace of superb rainbow the biggest estimated at over 6lb.
Throughout the day I changed my flies several times in search of the correct pattern for the moment. I often ponder upon the value of changing patterns and its actual impact on results. The six trout I tempted were tempted on the following patterns; black wooly bugger 2, Blue flash and olive Damsel 2, black buzzer 1 and orange blob 1. It is important to remember that there are many other factors to take into consideration beyond the choice of fly/lure including feeding depth, light values and rate of retrieve. It is also worth asking the question as to whether we are trying to imitate natural food that forms part of the trout’s diet or trying to stimulate a reaction? Generally early season I tend to go for black or olive and probably had a black lure of some type or a damsel on the point throughout 95% of the day and fished a team of 3 flies throughout. The biggest fish of the day fell to the orange blob yet I only put this fly on late in the day when I had swapped to an intermediate line and speeded up the retrieve. Most decisions are made on the basis of an educated hunch and for most of my fishing I stick to the tried and trusted though this has changed over the years as patterns have come in and out of vogue.
It is this continual search for the answers that keeps us fishing the fun part is that each day has a different set of questions and different answers.
Combe Martin SAC members Kody Chugg and Dan Spearman have enjoyed early spring success with small eyed ray. Kody beaching fine a specimen 11lb 5oz and Dan Spearman a specimen of 10lb 5oz.
Lure fishing enthusiast Mark Jones continues in his quest to land bass on lures throughout the year tempting this fine looking bass of over 4lb on his latest trip to the waters edge.
Turning off the busy main road I follow a narrow lane flanked with primroses and fresh green growth. Several old farmsteads are nestled in the valley and it is exciting to be exploring new ground even though it is less than 10 miles from home. I park close to the bridge and walk up to take a look at the clear waters below as the sun shines into the deep clear water.
As I set up a light-weight nymphing outfit buzzards circle high above silhouetted against a blue sky with high white clouds drifting in the brisk westerly wind. I walk slowly up river searching the deeper runs and riffles with a pair of weighted nymphs. It is a delight to be out wading in the cool water and I am sure I will hook at least a couple of small wild browns before the morning is out.
I flick my flies searching the water exploring each run and riffle. Dippers flit up and down the river, pheasants take off in alarm as I push up through the valley. A sudden movement catches my eye as two deer gallop across the field opposite entering the river fifty yards above where I am fishing. For a moment they stand transfixed in mid river before dashing away in a flurry of spray to disappear into the woods.
The tree fish steal a couple of flies whilst the trout are elusive, the morning evaporates all too quickly and I send a text to say I will be an hour late home. I catch a fleeting glimpse of electric blue as a kingfisher flashes past. The occasional fly hatches from the river. Its’ going to be good here in the late spring and early summer. The clocks spring forward tonight and lighter evenings beckon.
As I return to the van a skien of Canada geese fly-overhead their distinctive call echoing across the valley. Half a dozen buzzards are riding the thermals.
Fishing covers a wide spectrum and its always good to hear of anglers successes and experiences. Ilfracombe angler Toby Bassett is an allrounder who catches pike from the local reservoir, sharks off the coast and also enjoys scaling right down to experience the wonders of multi species fishing with LRF tackle. Many thanks to Toby for his account below.
Every year i try and catch as many species as I can and this this year like everyone else I have been limited to just the Bristol Channel due to travel restrictions which has given me plenty of time to focus on local marks and where better then the pier to rack up my tally? I have always heard of weird and wonderful fish coming on out on the LRF gear so thats been my main goal and the clingfish always in the back of my mind as one of the more prized mini species, so when i actually caught one i was stunned, such an awesome slimy little morsal and a big tick off the list! That brings my tally to 20 species so far this year, i still have a few trickier fish to target as the year goes on such as the illusive tadpole fish and the dragonette but this cornish sucker has made me one happy focker lol! Toby Bassett
Phil Haggarty had a cracking day session on Upper Tamar banking seven fine carp including Commons 12lb 4oz 15lb 3oz, 20lb 6oz and 23lb 2oz bus mirrors of mirrors 15lb 4oz and 26lb 5oz.
If lockdown has taught us anything it is to savour each moment. As I searched the river for that elusive springer I was content to just be there flicking the fly across the river letting it swing over the known lies as the birdsong filled the air and spring flowers added a splash of colour to the banks.
