Members of South Molton Angling Club enjoyed a day planting trees close to one of their sections of fishing on the River Bray. In total they planted around 700 trees including oak, willow, birch, alder, hawthorn and holly. The conservation minded gesture was in exchange for increased access to a section of the river following a change in land ownership.
Today I cast a line for salmon on the middle Torridge with the river running high and at a good colour there should be a few salmon about and I have read reports of a couple of fish hooked and lost. Catching really did not matter today it was just good to be beside the river and feel the waters flow and cool air. In these worrying times its a great comfort to be beside the river as spring flowers bring a splash of colour and a feeling of normality.
After a winter away from the beat its always interesting to note the changes that have occurred after winter spates tear down the valley. The odd tree has succumbed but overall little has changed. The present situation in the wider world has made me focus on the present far more and today I walked slowly along the bank savouring the familiar spring flowers and birdsong. The pheasants, strutting across the fields, the cooing wood pigeons in the woods, a grey squirrel flitting from branch to branch.
I have been a keen collector of the books of BB and I recalled somewhere in his writings a dark tale of the Village of Faxton abandoned as the spectre of the Black Death reaped its curse in 1665. “The Country Mans Bedside Book” was published in 1941 during the dark days of World War 2. At the end of the introduction I found this fitting prose.
One day this dark dream will be over, the iron of winter will pass, the village bells ring out again over tranquil meadows and we shall have peace again. When that hour comes let us help to build a saner, simpler world on the one true foundation.
Nature is master of all, there will be wild violets blooming along the sheltered bank whatever we may do, the joyous bird will sing, grass will cover the old scars. In this I find quiet comfort and a pointer to man’s folly.
‘BB’
Northants, April 1941
It is comforting to look back into history and see that previous generations have been through dark days and that they have passed as these will do. We as anglers are very fortunate to have this connection with nature that can give assurance that all will be well in time.
I leave you with a few images from the waters edge.
( Below)The winter floods have washed away several freshwater pearl mussels. These can live upwards of 100 years and have not bred in the Torridge for many years. It is sad to see these casualties beside the river. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2017/04/28/saving-freshwater-mussels-torridge/
The above pearl mussel shell undoubtedly belonged to a mollusc that started its life somewhere around the time of World War 1 just a couple of years before the last flu pandemic to inflict death and misery across the world. It is sobering to think of this grim history but also perhaps comforting to reflect on all the good times that have happened in this century since this old timer was born in the ever-flowing waters of the Torridge.
In light of the current Coronavirus outbreak, the government recommendation is for ‘Social distancing’. We are now offering an online payment & catch return option, check out our website for full details… wimbleballflyfishery.co.uk/fishing-prices
Combe Martin SAC members Rob Scoines and Chris Bond joined a party of anglers aboard Charter Boat Lorna Doone out of Watchet and found blonde ray on the feed. Several ray were caught including a 15lb 10oz blonde for Rob and a 17lb 2oz blonde from Chris.
Afternoon everyone just a quick update,We are going to continue to run our trips (weather permitting) until we are told otherwise from the government. We will be putting a few things in place to try and make it as safe as we can for everyone aboard.
1. Drinks will still be available but please bring your own cups so you know it’s yours and yours only
2. All rods will be cleaned and made ready for the next trip the best we can
3. If you have any symptoms given out in the government guidelines please call me 07850984933 to rearrange or cancel until your better to help stop the spread
4. I am trying to source hand sanitizers for the boat but if you have some please bring it for yourselfs
5. We understand some of our customers are going to be financially affected buy this virus again please get in touch there are ways we can look to help each other out
6. We have other payment options available card machine and Bacs transfer
If you have any other issues please call 07850984933 or email me at [email protected]
Stay safe and continue life as best you can guys p.s sea air is good for the mind
Angling is one of the few activities that has a very low risk from Coronavirus being an outdoor pursuit it gives participants the opportunity to get away from the stress of the current situation and enjoy the countryside and fresh air. Anglers can ensure their day is completely safe by purchasing permits prior to fishing. Stafford Moor and Anglers Paradise have both introduced contactless policy for obtaining permits. South West Lakes Trust have also got facilities to purchase permits online.
Anglers Paradise is continuing to operate as normal at this time. We have an operational plan in place for our customers and staff due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
We are running a ‘No Contact Policy’. Below are the guidelines we are working to, please adhere to these guidelines. These actions have been taken to protect our customers, guests, staff and business.
If the Government Response changes then we will react accordingly.
At Stafford Moor they are also implementing a no contact policy regarding the Coronavirus. We are not currently closed we are open as usual but have a couple of extra precautions in place.
We as you know are quiet hot with general hygiene here in the toilets /showers but we are cleaning/sanitising more than normal plus door handles /counter ect.
Specimen / pleasure anglers you can pre pay for your ticket by calling the shop on 01805804360 then you can arrive /dip your equipment then go to the bank. If you need any tackle and don’t wish to visit the shop you can again call me and pay over the phone and Paul will deliver your items for you to your peg/swim.
Lodge guests can arrive as usual, again if you wish to not enter the shop on arrival your key will be in your lodge door for you once we have arranged your arrival time , you can then enjoy your holiday as usual , please bring enough food for your stay then you can still go for walks on site /fish as normal.
Our matches here start at Easter so I will keep you updated with any changes here.
Toby Bassett banked this fine 11lb 8oz pike from Lower Slade Reservoir.
The River Torridge Fisheries Association have reluctantly had to cancel their AGM that was due to be held at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash on April 3rd. The Covid-19 outbreak is causing widespread anguish and will leave a long lasting legacy as it spreads to cause ill health and both social and financial hardship. It is to be hoped that anglers can at least access the waters edge and enjoy a reprieve from the concerning news from around the world.
The latest news from the association can be found on their website –http://www.rivertorridge.org.uk
Competitors in Stafford Moors March Silvers festival 2020 had to endure some atrocious wetware conditions but had some cracking weights despite the inclement conditions.
The worthy winner with just 4 points and a total weight of 114lb 4oz was the legend Des Shipp (Preston innovations ) who also celebrated his 50th Birthday!
In second place with also just 4 points and a total weight of 102lb 9oz was Des’s nephew Ryan Shipp.
In third place was just 5 points and a total weight of 95lb 14oz was Mark Goddard.
1st Christopher Morris 55lb 12oz
2nd Simon Maunder 51lb 12oz
3rd Paul Elworthy 48lb 8oz
4th Tom Downing 47lb 5oz
5th CraigCrashLamey 38lb 10oz
6th Tim Brown 36lb 12oz
7th Martin Turner 30lb 13oz
8th Graham Currington 27lb 3oz
22 fished. The Wooda Lakes near Holsworthy hosted our monthly competition, we fished in damp but less windy conditions than of late . Christopher Morris has drawn peg 20 on lake 4 , and caught most of his winning net in the margins on the pole. Simon Maunder has had a similar catch also on the pole on sweetcorn from lake 1 peg 5 for second, , Paul Elworthy also on lake 1 has taken 3rd place with a small ground-bait feeder and maggots. Lake 3 has proved the toughest Graham has taken top weight with his 8th place. Thanks to Stuart Sharp for permitting us to use the lakes and providing breakfast rolls.
