What a fabulous wild fish, approx 7½lb Brownie. Caught at Wimbleball.
Caught yesterday, May 4th in Ruggs bay from the bank by Robert Thomas on a size 12 gold headed daddy…
A brown trout with the wow factor!
The UK River Summit
Tghe UK River Summit is to be held beside the River Wandle in London on May 21st. It looks like it will be very intersting event for those who are passionate about rivers across the UK and beyond. Please see information below: –
https://www.theriversummit.com/the-uk-river-summit-2024-panel-discussions
https://www.theriversummit.com/the-uk-river-summit-2024-culture-celebration
https://www.theriversummit.com/our-partners
This unaffiliated event, curated by an independent team comprising of Claire Zambuni, Emma Sandham and Iona Mackay, aims to facilitate a forum for interesting parties and stakeholders involved with the range of issues affecting UK rivers. Set at Morden Hall on the River Wandle in London on the 21st May 2024, The UK River Summit & Festival provides a platform for collaboration and communication on the current issues and solutions required to improve the health of our rivers.
Bringing together environmentalists, policy makers, regulators, campaigners, anglers, media, businesses, politicians and members of the public who all share a desire to work towards a more positive future for our rivers, this event offers interested parties the opportunity to build relationships and network while also finding time to celebrate our rivers, engage in community-led initiatives, and experiences based on the river Wandle.
Following the success of the inaugural UK River Summit on the River Test in Hampshire last year, this event moves to the River Wandle, a unique chalk stream flowing through an heavily urbanised area intertwining a rich historical past with a current ecological importance.
Claire Zambuni, Founder of The River Summits & Festivals said “The UK River Summit offers the opportunity to discover some of the valuable work going on and the knowledge to affect change, as well as celebrate our rivers based on an extraordinary chalk stream, the River Wandle. We are hugely grateful for our partners’ support on this unique event. We hope the Summit helps present a collaborative voice in demanding positive action for our rivers and waterways. In this general election year, the need for action and to engage politicians to work across parties to resolve this crisis, has never been greater.”
Penny Gane, Head of Practice at Fish Legal said, “With the state of our rivers and lakes rarely out of the headlines, this event is an opportunity for local people to find out what is being done to turn things around.”
As we navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing planet, the key to environmental progress lies in facilitating continuous dialogue between various players – from government officials and NGOs to businesses and the public. This event aims to bridge these gaps. Attendees will gain informed knowledge from key environmental stakeholders, be able to ask direct questions, work collaboratively to find solutions, and celebrate our rivers.
Date, Location, and Schedule:
Tuesday 21st May 2024 at Morden Hall, South-West London
- Event opens at 9.30am
- From 9.30am: Coffee morning with YETI
- The UK River Summit panel “It’s not all about sewage” begins at 10:15am
- Lunch at 12:30pm
- Afternoon panels and activities from 1.30pm – 6pm
“It’s not all about sewage” summit panel speakers include:
- Penny Gane – Head of Practice at Fish Legal
- Dr Bella Davies – CEO at South East Rivers Trust
- Shaun Leonard – Director at Wild Trout Trust
- Jim Murray – Actor and Founder of Activist Anglers
- Dylan Roberts – Head of Fisheries at Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Dr Jack Hogan – renowned local historian and member of The Wandle Piscators, The Fly Connection & South East Rivers Trust
- Hannah Gunter – Proteus Instruments PHD Associate
- Dr Hannah Fluck – The National Trust
Afternoon panel discussions include:
- “The Freshwater Emergency: from scarcity to abundance” River Action UK panel chaired by CEO James Wallace, and speakers including; Philip Duffy (CEO, Environment Agency) Lila Thompson (CEO, British Water), Feargal Sharkey (Activist, SERA Chairman), Lawrence Gosden (CEO, Southern Water), Helena Horton (The Guardian)
- “Future of Farming” with Mike Blackmore of Wessex Water, Ed Ayton of Abel & Cole, Henry Clemons of Knight Frank, and JM Stratton Ecologist Robin Leech
- “Effecting Policy in Rivers” including Penny Gane (Head of Practice, Fish Legal), Stuart Singleton-White (Head of Campaigns, Angling Trust), Bobby Dean (Liberal Democrat Candidate for Carshalton & Wallington), Dani Jordan (Surfers Against Sewage), Ashley Smith (Windrush Against Sewage Pollution, WASP), Stewart Clarke (The National Trust) and Shosha Adie (ENDS Report)
- Cross-party discussion on water security for the future with leading politicians including Toby Perkins (Labour MP and Shadow Minister for Nature and Rural Affairs), Tim Farron (MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), and more to be announced
- “The History of the River Wandle” talk with Dr Jack Hogan
Film Screenings include:
- “Fish Legal” and “Hydrotherapy” film screening by Friction Collective
- “Black Samphire” and “This is Shit” – films by River Action UK
- A brand-new animation from The Beavers Trust
- “The River Nar: A chalkstream restoration” by Wild Trout Trust
- “50 years of salmon monitoring on the River Frome” by Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
- “Our Wild Salmon” by Fisheries Management Scotland
- “Britain’s Hidden Fishes” by Jack Perks, narrated by Jeremy Wade
- 30pm “Wandle: A River at Risk” film screening with panel of cast and crew including Bobby Dean, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Carshalton & Wallington at 5:30pm
Afternoon activities include:
- Hands-on workshops and river walks with South East Rivers Trust
- Introduction to Fly Fishing 101s & Kit with Orvis UK
- Wandle Piscators ‘Meet the Cast’ casting instruction and learn about local fly fishing and conservation
- Wandle Industrial Museum: textile printing demonstration and display of works by William Morris, Kilburn, and Liberty’s
- Entertainment from The Funny Terns: performance by comic musician duo at 12.30 and 3.30pm and more.
- Art Exhibition (including works for sale) with Jo Minoprio, Julia Manning, Elly Platt, Dexter Kazmierkiewicz, and Al Simmons.
- Stands from The National Trust, The Rivers Trust, Abel & Cole, YETI,
Orvis UK, Knight Frank, WildFish, Fish Legal, River Action UK, RS Hydro/Proteus Instruments, and more.
Tickets:
Tickets are now on sale here: UK River Summit – Orvis UK
Tickets include refreshments and lunch, and all activities on offer during the day.
All tickets must be bought in advance before 17th May
Event partners include The National Trust, Proteus Instruments, South East Rivers Trust, Fish Legal, Orvis UK, River Action UK, The Rivers Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Filson, The Wandle Piscators, The Wandle Industrial Museum, Delivita, Lakedown Brewing Co., and Abel & Cole.
For more information please contact Zambuni Communications on the details below.
PR Contacts
Claire Zambuni | [email protected]
Emma Sandham | [email protected]
Iona Mackay | [email protected]
SEA ANGLING RESULTS
Bideford Angling Club – MONTHLY ROVER
1st Andrew Clements Wrasse 4lb 4 1/2oz 95.138%
2nd Stephen Found Wrasse 4lb 2 1/4oz 92.013%
3rd Andrew Clements Wrasse 3lb 9 3/4oz 80.207%
4th Paul Ackland Dog 2lb 4oz 75%
APPLEDORE SHIPBUILDERS MAY ROVER
13 fished the May rover today.
Most of the Anglers targeted Smoothound and Rays but many reported large catches of small dogfish instantly taking the baits..
Kevin Pike did manage to catch 2 Smoothounds and these were big enough to secure first and second places. These went 7lb 11ozs and 8lb 5ozs. Josh Atkinson secured 3rd place with a Dogfish of 1lb 14ozs.
CMSAC POP UP FUN AND SPECIES
Close to a dozen Combe Martin SAC members arrived at Ilfracombe Pier to fish in the club’s latest pop-up fun and species fishing event. They were greeted by a cool and uninviting North East breeze that surprisingly failed to dent the enthusiastic vibe of those taking part.
Ilfracombe Aquarium had expressed an interest in species acquisition and had given me a short list of desirables for their tanks. After the first half an hour things were going slowly and when Dan from the aquarium appeared with a bucket I was disappointed that we had nothing to offer other than a small ballan wrasse that they have an abundance of anyway.
As the tide dropped and the wind eased a few fish started to show with plenty of small wrasse. This was very much an LRF type event though there were no purists using lures only.
Several members embarked upon exploring the rockpools around the pier whilst Ross Stanway headed for a rocky shoreline and reports came back of a large ballan wrasse he had hooked but lost on lure fishing tactics. Daniel Welch added a rare montagus blenny to his species tally that puts him equal second to Ross Stanway on the leader board for the year so far with 23 species. Toby Basset is top with 27 species.
Nick joined me for a chat on the top of the old pier and was rather perplexed when he realised I was actually fishing in the tiny rock pool he was standing beside. I had already extracted a tiny blenny from the pool and was hoping for one of these rare montagus but with a size 14 hook I was probably fishing far too heavy as size 20 hooks are more appropriate.
The cool breeze eased off and the sun broke through from time to time. As low water approached the water getting got increasingly murky and fish became harder to find. I caught two small pollock on ragworm which were welcomed by the aquarium.
The monthly raffle was drawn out and number 18 young Lenny Lake was the winner, adding to his prize for the longest fish caught during April. The competition for May is once again the best picture. many thanks to High Street Tackle for their kind sponsorship.
The next pop up fish will be on Thursday evening in June as we have decided to alternate between Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings.
COLOURFUL WRASSE
Combe Martin SAC member Ollie Passmore tempted this stunning ballan wrasse from a North Devon Rock Mark. The water clears these fish of the rocky gullies can provide exciting sport.
ARUNDELL – NEWS
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BIG TROUT BAGS AT BULLDOG
Fly Fishers are enjoying some exciting sport at Bulldog fisery with several limits bags of rainbow trout up to 7lb during recent weeks.
2024 Bass Lure Season Gets off the mark
Ross Stanway has registered the first bass in Combe Martin SAC’s Annual Lure Fishing League that is sponsored by High Street Tackle. The 43cm bass is a welcome sign that the 2024 bass lure fishing season is starting to take off.
STAFFORD MOOR – CARP RECORD 39lb 2oz
Scott Allan has set the new lake record on Beatties lake with a 39lb 2oz mirror carp from the inlet swim on Beatties lake caught on Mainline cell boilies.
LOST IN PARADISE – THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY
Snowbee Ambassador Jeff Pearce and I visited Anglers Paradises Day Ticket Trout Lake during May last year and enjoyed a rewarding days fishing catching rainbow trout to over five pound and tiger trout estimated at 8lb.
We were both keen to return and arranged a visit with Go-Catch representative Peter Skrivanos.
After hearing reports of some stunning fish in recent weeks we were full of optimism as we headed across the meadow to the water.
Verdant green was appearing on the trees and cuckoo flowers decorated the lakeside grassland. Despite obvious signs of spring a cold North East breeze made it feel more like winter. There was at least a touch of blue between the clouds lifting the spirits as we made our first casts.
Peter was starting with a bold approach tying on a rather gaudy lure that he assured us would appeal to the aggressive tiger trout that reside within the lake.
I tied a tried and trusted gold head damsel nymph to my 10.5lb b.s XS plus Gold leader and proceeded to search the water with an Intermediate Snowbee XS Fly Line. I was well aware that the lake holds big hard fighting trout and wanted to get the fish to the net as quickly as possible to ensure they could be returned safely to the water after a minimal battle.
After just a few minutes Peter hooked into a hard fighting tiger trout that gave a fight out of proportion to its moderate size of perhaps 1lb 12oz. Peter kept the fish in the net and slipped out the barbless hook allowing me to get a quick picture before the fish swam briskly back into the lake.
After twenty minutes or so without any action I moved to the lakes corner and hooked a handsomely marked brown trout that slipped the hook before visiting the net.
As the morning ebbed slowly away it became clear that the residents were playing hard to tempt. Jeff caught a tiger of 1lb 8oz and and a small handsome brown trout we all caught numerous small perch, stripy sergeants that evoke memories of childhood days beside still-waters.
The vibrant sounds of woodpeckers drilling in the woods drifted across the valley. The evocative call of a cuckoo lifted the spirits a sure sign that summer is on its way after what seems a long wet winter and Spring.
I noticed several fish rising close to lakes overflow tower and changed to a floating line, suspending a black buzzer beneath a sight indicator.
Casting this out I commenced an ultra-slow retrieve just keeping the line tight in the gentle breeze. I watched the indicator intently and lifted the rod sharply when I noticed it plunge beneath the surface. The rod a Snowbee Diamond 7wt took on an impressive curve and line was ripped from the reel as a trout of a good size powered away. To my concern the powerful fish seemed determined to head for the overflow pipe and whilst I frantically tried to prevent it I was unable to slow its progress. The fish of perhaps 7lb erupted from the lake giving a tantalizing glimpse of rainbow hued flanks before taking the line around the concrete the hook shank parting as the line momentarily snagged the structure.
Jeff and Peter looked across the lake alerted to my cursing cry! Encouraged by this, I tied on a new buzzer and started afresh.
The indicator dipped and I connected with what felt a very good fish. Once again its power surprised me and I endeavoured to get it away from the overflow pipe. To my dismay the powerful fish got the upper hand and won its freedom.
Peter and Jeff had also enjoyed brief connection with large fish that came adrift any one of which would have made it a day to remember.
As the afternoon evaporated Peter hooked into his second fish, a spartic nudging a couple of pounds.
Conceding that it was hard going Peter decided to head home before the traffic got bad. Jeff and I persisted convinced that at any moment the line would zip tight and one of the lakes special fish would make an error.
Jeff pointed out the orange of my lost indicator at the upwind end of the lake. I wondered if the fish was still attached? I walked around and after a couple of casts managed to hook into the indicator. The fish was no longer attached but the buzzer was still there so at least the barbless hook had fallen free.
By late afternoon the cold wind and lack of action started to take its toll and we eventually conceded defeat agreeing to return in search of the large trout that dwell within the lake that nestles within a wooded valley.
Anglers Paradise Trout Lake is strictly Catch and release with barbless hooks, single flies, rubber nets and unhooking matts mandatory. I personally try to unhook fish in the water returning with minimal handling.
Catch and release is a concept withing trout fishing circles that stimulates some debate. Some believe it makes the fish wary and harder to tempt. Whilst there could be a bit of truth in this it also enables trout fishing for large fish at a very reasonable price.
Day Tickets for Anglers Paradise can be purchased via https://www.gocatch.fish