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.
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.
It is the moment we wait for all year, persevering through a winter of insistent rain, brooding skies and quagmires of muddy fields to wake up to the perfect May morning. A deep denim blue sky with the last few spirals of mist evaporating in the warmth of the sun. A proliferation of lime green leaves, the hedgerows bursting with wildflowers; cow parsley, colombine and the bright yellow of the creeping buttercup. The early dawn chorus louder and slightly frantic, the chirps and chatter more insistent. What a way to start the Bank Holiday, this is West Devon at its absolute best and cannot fail to lift the heart!
The months of persistent rain, followed by Thursday’s deluge do mean the rivers are still carrying a lot of water. The River Lyd drops and clears more quickly than most and has been where most anglers have headed. Hatches and rising fish have been fairly limited but there are definitely some signs of life on the surface. Plenty of brownies, including a number to 12”, have come to hand as well as some cracking, albeit out of season, grayling. Fishing up on the Dartmoor rivers has also been very successful. With rivers levels holding well and the warmer weather finally here, prospects are looking good as we head into May.
On 31st May we have one hour fly fishing lessons on our lake which are available to book from 10am through to 5pm. Suitable for all ages, including the under-10s, this one hour session is a fantastic introduction to this wonderful art!
We have had several Tamara Way walkers staying with us as they complete this stunning coast to coast walk and will soon have a blog on our website, which covers the whole route. Written by a guest who stayed with us for two nights of the walk, it covers the highs and the lows – overall it sounds like an incredible experience! For the best rates book direct on our website or talk to our bookings team 01566 784666.
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.
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.
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.
A handsomely marked brown trout for Jeff
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.
The Braunton Bait Box are now stocking Carp, Coarse Fishing Baits and tackle providing a convenient location and service for anglers in the Braunton Area. This a very welcome development for North Devon’s anglers following the announcement that Quay Sports is closing in early July.
Combe Martin SAC members ventured to Portishead Marina in search of the large mullet that reside within the sheltered waters. The day commenced with heavy rain falling and a bitterly cold North wind that ensured that breakfast the first item on the days agenda.
Fortified with full English and hot coffees members explored the confines of the marina. The mullet proved elusive with John Shapland securing the only fish of the day a superb specimen of 4lb 2oz.
After a slow start to the 2024 salmon season a few fish are starting to show as the river fines down and temperatures rise. Roger Bickley caught a 9lb fresh run springer from the middle Taw and
Seth Tuson caught a beautiful 13lb springer from the River Torridge.
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“After an awful start to the season with river heights rarely dropping below 1m on the gauge, I’ve finally managed to get out salmon fishing a few times recently. After what feels like endless blanks over the last couple of years, I’m over the moon to have caught this 13lb salmon on a single handed rod, full floating line and small shrimp style fly. It feels like a great privilege to catch a fish like this on the Torridge as they become rarer and I’m so happy that all the time I’ve put in has been worth it.”
Stuart Gardener was a founding member of the South West Rivers Association in the 1960’s and created an annual award to be presented to someone who has done exceptional work for fishing organisations in the South west.
This encompasses the twenty two South West River Associations.
This year the award was presented to Stephen Phelps at the Associations AGM at the Arundell Arms the beating heart of West Country Fishing. Stephen writes :- “I was presented with it, I’ll hold it for a year. At yesterday’s SWRA AGM i was speechless, just mumbled a “thank you”. Today I realise the enormity of it to me. I will, I’m sure not receive anything so special again. Previous recipients include Charles Inniss, previous chairmen of the association, even Lord Clinton our President, until he passed away about a month ago. Hope you don’t mind me sharing but I am overwhelmed chuffed.”
A pollution incident on the River Taw caused wide concern across the angling community. Fortunately there were no reports of fish deaths following the incident that affected several miles of the mid to Lower Taw. The Environment Agency carried out an investigation and will undoubtedly continue to monitor the situation.
Anglers and those at the water edge are encouraged to report any pollution concerns to the EA on the hotline number 0800 807060
