7 Aug 2019

DISMAY & ANGER – At Fish kill

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North Devon’s anglers are shocked, angry and dismayed following news of a major fish kill on the River Mole one of the River Taws main tributaries. Various reports indicate that up 10,000 fish have perished over a 5km stretch including salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Early indications are that the pollution was anaerobic digestate. It is vital that the perpetrators are apprehended and a substantial response is imposed by the Environment Agency. A vast amount of time, effort and energy has been invested in improving the habitat of the Taw and its tributaries and it is heart-breaking that this has been impacted upon so severely by this tragic event. With river levels very low at the time of the pollution impact is likely to be severe with no dilution. Anglers are very often first on the scene and should report any incidents immediately to the Environment Agency via their hotline number 0800 807060. Whilst I seldom comment politically, I do feel saddened that the EA’s funding has been cut over recent years as focus is directed elsewhere. As voters’ anglers should give serious consideration to environmental issues when casting their votes.

I have very fond memories of fishing on the Mole and encounters with sea trout and otters. It is to be hoped that the river recovers from this tragic event. Lessons must be learnt from this to prevent future incidents and it is hoped that the penalty imposed will go some way towards highlighting the need for vigilance.

The rate of decline in West Country Rivers is truly alarming. In the forty years that I have visited the rivers I have seen a dramatic collapse in stocks. Remember that in natural terms forty or fifty years are short spans when you consider the long term evolution of salmon and sea trout. Each generation of anglers relates to their own life beside the water and as a result often fail to comprehend the longer term decline in stocks.

The interviews I conducted in research for my soon to be published book , “I Caught A Glimpse” have brought this home to me. Whilst it would be nice to think that salmon will be running our rivers for future generations; I have my doubts. It is likely that without a huge effort salmon will be non-existent within many West Country Rivers within decades. That this should happen during our watch is shameful.

 

6 Aug 2019

Blakewell Fun Fishing

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Catching those first fish is not always easy so that first venue needs to have a good head of fish. At Blakewell Fishery the Fun Fishing Lake gives young anglers the chance to catch that first fish and of course a tasty treat to take home as well. The Fishery also boasts a waterside cafe overlooking the fish farm where children can also feed the fish. An ideal venue for a family visit.

 

5 Aug 2019

Bideford & District Angling Club V PLYMOUTH – Bideford Win Overall!

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BDAC V PLYMOUTH
Tarka Swims George’s Lake.
The team results PDCAC 73lb 5oz BDAC 58lb 2oz

After the 2 legs Bideford 122lb 4oz Plymouth 116lb 7oz .

Individual results 1st Martin Rushton Bid. 17lb

2nd Bill Crossman Plymouth 15lb 7oz

3rd John Moore  Plymouth 13lb 6oz

4th Richard Billingham. Plymouth 11lb 10oz

5th Ronnie Moore  Plymouth 11lb 2oz

Bideford hosted the 2nd leg of our annual event 25 anglers took part. The weather was warm with occasional showers . Martin drew peg B and fished the pole shallow in the lillies for a fine net of carp for top spot. The next 4 places were taken by Plymouth anglers Bill was second overall with a lovely net of feeder caught bream of peg Q. John had 2 good carp on peg X for 3rd ,another skimmer net on the feeder on peg N secured 4th place for Richard.

 

 

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.

2 Aug 2019

Significant Fish Kill on the The River Mole

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There has been a significant pollution incident on a section of the River Mole and Molland Yeo with large numbers of fish killed including salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout. This devastating news come after significant investment over the last decade to improve the habitat with the River Taw Fishery Association, West Country Rivers Trust all working with the Environment Agency. The situation is magnified by the current low river levels that do not dilute any pollutants.
As soon as I get more information I will update.
“The incident is a Cat 1 Pollution incident involving a significant fish kill resulting from some form of slurry run off. Some 3 kms (min) of the Upper Mole from the junction of the Mole and Molland Yeo upstream have been very seriously affected. There may have been a total fish kill on this stretch of river.”
Salmon and sea trout fishing in North Devons Rivers has declined considerably over the past thirty years and I give illustrations of this in my book “I Caught a Glimpse” due for release later this month.