Stephen Found secured top spot in Bideford Angling Clubs April Rover with a new club record small eyed ray scaling 13lb 61/4oz.
1st Stephen FoundSmall-eyed Ray 13lb 6 1/4oz 148.958%
2nd Andrew Clements Small-eyed Ray 11lb 3 1/2oz 124.652%
3rd Stephen Found Small-eyed Ray 10lb 14 1/4oz 121.006%
4th Andrew Clements Small-eyed Ray 10lb 8 1/4oz 116.839%
5th Antony Smith Thornback Ray 7lb 7 3/4oz 83.159%
Appledore Shipbuilders APRIL Rover
Numbers were down for Appledore Shipbuilders April Rover. David Atkinson caught the only fish big enough to weigh. His fish a Dogfish of 2lb 3ozs secured the points.
Other fish reported were small Bass, Huss and Poutings
RIVER TAW FISHERIES & CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION AGM
After a day of relentless heavy rain, we drove over the River Taw at Newbridge to witness a torrent of dirty brown flood water racing under the bridge and starting to spill over the flood plain. This was certainly an unusual sight for the last day in March and I thought about its impact on the fish. Any kelt’s’ would certainly be swept out of the system. The downstream smolt migration should now be underway and this significant flush of water will help these juvenile salmon to evade the flocks of cormorants that prey so heavily on them each spring. The raging torrent should also flush away debris and give the river a spring clean. There is of course the worry of pollutants with storm overflows undoubtedly discharging, farm slurry leaking and tons of soil washed from fields.
We arrived at Highbullen for the RTFCA and it was good to see familiar faces at this annual gathering. Chairman Andy Gray gave a warm welcome to the membership many of whom had travelled a good distance to attend. After a couple of crisis hit seasons of COVID and drought it was hoped that 2023 would bring better fortunes. The flooded river presently prevailing would hopefully bring a spring run as water levels drop. The large numbers of kelt caught at the start of the season was very encouraging indicating that good numbers of fish had spawned.
The main focus on river habitat work had been to concentrate on gravel washing but the 2022 drought had severely impacted upon this work.
The 2022 season had seen 53 salmon caught and 83 sea trout.
There was extensive debate surrounding the successful legal proceedings by Fish legal regarding the pollution on the River Mole in 2019.
The monies received from this court case will be invested in the future of the River Taw catchment with funds supporting the valuable work of the Westcountry Rivers Trust. The importance of joining Fish legal was highlighted as without their support and expertise the polluters would have escaped justice.
A significant number of migratory shad were witnessed in the Taw during the late Spring of 2022. It is thought that this could be a direct result of the removal of weirs project during the past decade. The presence of these rare fish spawning in the Taw can bring welcome funding to the river for further habitat improvement.
Adrian Dowding of the Westcountry Rivers Trust gave a short talk on the importance of gravel washing works on potential spawning areas. This is part of the SHIP ( Spawning Habitat Improvement Project). Gravel washing removes silt and breaks up compacted gravels enabling successful spawning.
There was passionate debate regarding the frequent pollution of rivers from agriculture and discharge from an antiquated and inadequate sewage treatment infrastructure. An ever expanding population has resulted in an overload with many sewage works working way beyond their design capacity.
Intensive farming is undoubtedly having a negative impact and considerable efforts are being made to work with farmers to control run off and ensure secure storage of effluent and slurry.
There has been a very high take up of Citizen Science Investigation monitoring across the Westcountry. This can provide the EA with valuable data. The North Devon Catchment Partnership brings a collective alliance with various interested parties working together for the good of the river.
The RTFCA believe that working together in common causes is the best way to achieve results regarding water quality, and habitat with the opportunity to pool resources where appropriate.
Harry Chance gave a talk on his work with the Environment Agency as an Agricultural Regulatory Inspection Officer on the Torridge catchment. His work funded by DEFRA ( Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) involves regular farm inspections. The focus is on offering advice and support to farmers to prevent pollution and habitat damage. Regulation is extremely complex and the legal system frustratingly slow. Harry explained the rigorous expectations for farming with mandatory soil testing and adequate controls to prevent pollution incidents. The importance of reporting any suspected pollution or breaches of regulations was emphasised with reports and data essential in bringing potential prosecutions and increased funding.
EA Hotline 0800 80 70 60
When reporting obtain an incident number, take photos, give a grid reference or what 3 word location.
Reports can be made anonymously.
Mr Phil Metcalf and Sophia Craddock gave an informative talk on the Devon Rivers Improvement Project ( DRIP) . This project started on the River Umber that flows through the valley at Combe Martin. The project focusses on flood risk awareness and flood risk. The installation of sensors that measure water depth, Moisture, rain, water quality, including turbidity, nitrates, conductivity, pH, temperature and ammoniums. These provide valuable data that is linked to satellites to give real time data collection.
This project is now being extended to the Little Dart a tributary of the Taw.
The initiative plans to use natural based solutions to reduce flooding and run off. These potential solutions involve woodland planting, cross slope planting, floodplain planting, hedgerow banks, log dams, gulley stuffing, buffer ditches, containment ponds and many other innovative trials.
Floodplain connection is considered a key factor in righting the mismanagement of land over recent decades.
As I attend multiple talks I realise how we need to rethink how we manage the land and our watercourses to enable nature to heal the damage that has been inflicted.
On conclusion of the formal meeting and talks many members remained at the venue to enjoy a delicious meal. If our table was anything to go by many topics were discussed with fishing past and present undoubtedly providing a vast wealth of subject matter. It is always good to make new friends and savour reminiscences of lifetimes spent beside many waters.
Anyone interested in North Devon’s rich angling history might enjoy my book published in 2016. See link below.
Lee Armishaw of Watersmeet Publications has provided me with details of an exciting new book due to be published at the end of May. I will update fully closer to the release date. I am sure the book will be a valuable addition to any keen sea anglers bookshelf. The history of shark fishing in the Uk is certainly full of evocative tales.
A few key points about the book are : –
-focused on shortfin mako sharks caught in the British Isles.
-written by Ian Harbage, former Northampton Saints professional rugby player and a chap who has caught hundreds of U.K. sharks.
-the captures are listed in chronological order from the 1950’s to current day.
-it’s the result of decades of extensive research by Ian.
-It has drawn interest from the scientific community as means of learning more about the species.
-There are 95 captures listed in the book and several previously notes makos that were misidentified as porbeagle’s and corrected.
-It includes anecdotal stories and accounts of ‘ones that got away’ and additional sightings not covered in the capture list, including accounts from Trevor Houseby, Simon Thomas etc. It also includes background on SACGB from creation to current day, info on prominent female anglers such as Hetty Eathorne and Joyce Yallop etc and skipper Robin Vinnicombe, the record holder for numbers caught and nicknamed ‘the mako man’.
-Southwest port towns make up the bulk of the records, such as Looe, Mevagissey and Falmouth. There are a few from other areas such as Wales and Ireland too.
-sales available via Watersmeet Publications directly and River Reads bookshop.
Combe Martin SAC member Kevin Legge joined the Weston Outcasts SAC on a trip to Norway. Many thanks to Weston Outcasts for allowing me to share the entertaining account of their angling adventure. From what I can gather fishing conditions were pretty brutal at times. Despite this the warmth of friendship shines through.
Last week saw 5 of our members of Weston Outcasts SAC embark on a 10 day Norwegian adventure. Luke, Damo, Kev ‘Keth’ Legge ( Combe Martin SAC) and Matt ‘the gaff’ Dallow, all under the expert tutelage of Uncle Phytos. Also, accompanied by former member Sean ‘just my luck’ Anderson. Fishing was hard, battling freezing -15 temperatures and stiff easterly winds, however a few decent fish were caught and a few more bites missed (mainly by Gaff master Matt ).
Day 1. The team was split to maximise space on the marks which were chosen to mainly get respite from the sub zero winds. Fishing was tough, Damo, Keth and Just my luck failing to register bites, while Luke and Matt both missed Halibut runs. The only notable fish of the day was from Luke. His first cast fishing specifically for a wolf fish produced a lovely 12 Lber which took off as he was tightening down on his lead.
Day 2. Phytos, Luke and the Gaffer headed to Bodø and registered several cod to near doubles, whilst the others visited a mark a little closer to home. 2 decent bites for Damo and just my luck but both failing to connect.
Day 3. Returning to their mark from Day 1, Mr Dallow managed to tame a lively 21lb Halibut. Not to be outdone on the very next cast, Lukes ratchet screamed off and after a short battle he banked a Halibut almost exactly 1lb heavier than Matts, Mr Dallow then showed the world his expert Gaffing skills (hence the nickname).
Day 4. Sean and Phyt fished a known mark and both registered Codling. Whilst the others ventured a bit further afield. The day was fairly slow a few codling and coalies caught and a couple of small halibut for Damo. Just as the sun was setting ‘Keth’ received a timid bite but as he struck into it, he realised that he may have hooked a Kraken! A 3.5 hr battle ensued in a freezing Blizzard. Each time a metre was gained the beast took 2, eventually slipping the hook and skulking off into the deep. Hard luck mate! We also nearly lost Matt to a snow drift on the way back which saw him disappear up to his waist like the Vicar of Dibley!
Day 5 saw a communal fish for all of the lads together, which although no notable fish there was a steady stamp of smaller cod, coalies and Halibut throughout the day.
Day 6 the lads ventured to a new mark further south. Mr Dallow caught his first Haddock and Keth had a decent Plaice around the 4lb mark on his first cast and a beautiful specimen Flounder for Damo.It was looking like it could be a productive day however with the turn of the tide fishing switched off .
Day 7. The A team went on a plaice hunt, ‘ the Gaff’ was on fire plucking out 5 plaice to around the 3lb mark whilst both Luke and Phytos struggled to catch any! Elsewhere, B team missed a few runs but still no decent fish .
Day 8. Matt and Luke decided to charter one of the boats from the accommodation, the fishing was not much better, a decent coal fish pushing double figure being the catch of the day. However, they spent most of their time cruising through the Maelstrom like Crockett and Tubbs. Sean and Kev ventured to a new mark producing just one double figured codling for Kev and nothing for Sean . Phytos was paired up with Damo, feeling sorry for him over his lack of fish, he took him under his wing and put him on a 35lb Halibut. Better late than never!
Day 9 Phyt, Matt and Luke caught a few coalies, whilst the other crew missed a couple of runs.
Day 10. Last chance saloon for some, saw Dimmo, Keth and just my luck wake at the crack of dawn in order to try and salvage a decent fish before packing to come home. Keth managed a lovely 25lb Halibut right at the death. Well done mate.
All in all a cracking trip, despite the lack of fish, genuine belly laughing most of the day. It’s hard to moan really when you are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and stunning wildlife. Eagles, moose and otters being the highlights. A special thanks to Kurt Saltstraumen Brygge for great accommodation and warm hospitality. Can’t recommend the place enough. Until next year!
Regular Roadford angler Rodney Wevill from Launceston caught 5 browns using humungous and blue zulu fly patterns on a floating line on Sunday, after catching 4 on Friday, noting that fish were found in the shallows.
Lanacre Barn Gallery is situated in the heart of Exmoor a short distance from Lanacre bridge that straddles the River Barle. The gallery is hosting an exhibition focusing on fish and life within water. https://moorlandart.com
‘Fabulous Fish’ will run daily from 25thMarch – 8thApril 2023, from 11am-5pm, at Lanacre Barn Gallery in Withypool, Exmoor, TA24 7SD. It will be open to the public, admission is free, and refreshments will be available.
As part of this event a talk was held with Phillip Turnbull Fisheries Technical Officer with the Westcountry Rivers Trust. The talk entitled The River Exe – A River Full of Fish, gave a fascinating insight into the history of the river Exe and the fish that have swum within.
The River Barle at Tarr Steps
The Westcountry Rivers Trust aims to enhance and protect rivers across the region with the long term survival of fish at the heart. Phillip listed the fish that have been recorded in the Exe including migratory and non-migratory species. Migratory species include salmon, sea trout, eel, lamprey ( sea, brook and River) Allis/ twaite shad, Atlantic Sturgeon. Non migratory fish include brown trout, grayling, bull head, stone loach and minnows.
The River Barle
The salmon are of course the most iconic of these species and much of the talk focused upon salmon and their past and future. The story of salmon on the Exe is an all too familiar tale with a dramatic decline in recent decades. Salmon are believed to have been harvested from the Exe since before Roman Times. Records from 1771 tell of a catch of 1000 salmon in Exeter in one week, A river full of fish indeed!
The largest salmon recorded from the River Exe was caught in a net at the mouth of the River in 1924 and weighed 61lb 4oz. I believe a cast of the fish can still be seen in the museum at Topsham.
Migratory fish (all species) have declined globally by 76% and 93% in Europe alone. This is reflected in global Atlantic salmon populations with a steady decline since the 1970s, with an estimated 50-70% decline in the past 40-50 years. River Exe salmon are classified as ‘At Risk’ meaning we need to work together to reverse the decline.
Salmon are seen as a keystone species the proverbial ‘Canary in the mine’.
An ambitious five point plan has been implemented to reverse the decline in stocks.
Reduce exploitation – Catch and Release, Netting ban
Remove barriers to Upstream migration
Improve Water Quality
Safe Guard Flows
The present focus is to deliver bespoke fish passage improvements at all remaining weirs on the river, whether this be removal or installing site-suitable fish passes.
A similar initiative was undertaken on the River Taw and has resulted in some promising signs.
The River Barle has been identified as the prime spawning area on the Exe system and is an SSSI with good water quality and significant redd capacity.
Climate change is having a significant impact on river flows and weirs are impacted upon with times of optimum flow reduced. Salmon migration both upstream as adults and downstream as smolts is impacted upon by high and low flows. Up to 50% of smolts are thought to perish in the rivers. The slowing descent of smolts disrupts their marine feeding time, water quality is impacted by low flows and predation is increased.
The weirs can be removed or modified to incorporate fish passes. The project involves a great deal of research to determine ownership and complex negotiations to deal with abstraction licences and use. RETA ( The River Exe & Tributaries Association) Is working in partnership with Westcountry Rivers Trust, which is supported by the Environment Agency and South West Water.
The talk also highlighted many factors that can impact on salmon and river life some of which do not immediately spring to mind. The redds are vulnerable to disturbance during the winter and early spring and care should be taken when entering the river at this time. Veterinary products used to treat dogs such as Spot On are highly toxic to invertebrates living within the river. Wild swimming is also a concern with sunscreen highly toxic especially during times of low water when dilution is minimal.
AWARENESS of the river environment is key with education essential. Citizen Science can play a significant role in highlighting issues with regular monitoring of water quality a key initiative. The underfunded EA does not have the resources to carry out adequate monitoring.
The River Fly Monitoring program can also play a significant role in identifying and highlighting problems. https://www.riverflies.org
Connection with our rivers is vital in helping us to understand their delicate and unique eco systems.
Nicky Green gave a talk on the Invasive signal crayfish that are now to be found throughout much of the Exe system. These crustaceans carry a plague that kills the native white tailed crayfish. They predate heavily upon invertebrates, fish eggs, fry and lichens. They also burrow deeply into banks resulting in siltation and erosion.
The crayfish were introduced during the mid 1970’s as part of a failed food industry plan.
Subscriptions for 2023 are now due. If you have not already paid please forward your cheque for £20 to the Secretary at the above address making cheques payable to The River Torridge Fishery Association.
Our AGM: 24th March: It was an excellent meeting with over 30 attending and The Half Moon laid on the usual superb buffet at the conclusion of the business. Izzy Moser gave an interesting and informative presentation on the work of the Devon Wildlife Trust. This led to a discussion on the pros and cons of Beavers which before long, whether we like it or not, will become established in the headwaters of our catchment.
Election of Officers: the agm re-elected the officers and committee “en bloc”.
Chairman: Paul Ashworth, Vice-Chairman Steve Phelps, Sec/Treas Charles Inniss, T. Harper,
S. McClaren, D. Betts, D. Williams, P. Coles, K. Dunn, J. Graham. T. Birkbeck
Our President, Lord Clinton, is an honorary member of the committee.
Hatchery Update: there was a long discussion at the agm regarding the future of our hatchery. All those present were determined that if at all possible the hatchery project should be continue. The Chairman pointed out that it was very time consuming and more volunteers were needed. The EA would only give the go-ahead if a detailed risk-assessment was drawn up and approved by them. It was agreed a small sub-committee prepare a detailed draft risk-assessment and to co-ordinate with the River Axe, which is now operating its hatchery again. Members offered their support to be part of the sub-committee and to undertake any structural work needed at the fish pass.
A proposal for 100% salmon catch and release: the EA has deferred this proposal for twelve months. If implemented for the 2024 season mandatory release will only apply to salmon not sea trout. With stocks in decline your committee strongly recommends that all fish are released without where possible removing them from the river.
Our North Devon Fishery Protection Officer: for personal reasons Callum Underhill has been transferred to work nearer his family home in the south-east. Callum has been very supportive particularly with regard to the hatchery. The EA are currently interviewing for a replacement.
The season so far: after a very dry February the river was quite low for the first week. A few kelts were caught from the middle river and two fresh fish were lost below Beam Weir. For the last three weeks the river has been in spate and unfishable. Patience is a virtue: when the river settles let’s hope there will be some fresh spring salmon to be enticed to our flies.
The Egg Box Dinner: Saturday 30th September at The Half Moon Inn. Book early with the Half Moon to avoid disappointment. Tel: 01409231376. e-mail: [email protected]
Nigel Woods and Richard Ford won the Mainline Baits Carp Open at Upper Tamar Lake from peg 21!
Their 3 biggest fish were 17lb 15oz, 18lb 8oz and 19lb 8oz adding up to 55lb 15oz .
Well done to them, they take the £2000 first prize!
2nd place goes to Chris Hudson and Matt Pepperell from peg 33. Their 3 biggest fish were 15lb 14oz, 17lb 12oz and 19lb 11oz adding up to 53lb 5oz, who take the £1000 home.
3rd place goes to Scott Bowden and Mark Brett from peg 34. Their 3 biggest fish were 13lb 4oz, 15lb 13oz and 16lb 13oz adding up to 44lb 14oz, who take £500 in prize money.
Biggest fish award goes to Jordan Dziadulewicz who had a 25lb 9oz common.
Thank you to John Kneebone and Mainline Baits for sponsoring the event.
Big thank you to the bailiffing team that Marshalled the event.
B.D.A.C.6TH ROD AND REEL MATCH RESULTS DATE 26.3.23 AT HIGHHAMPTON.
Today was the final winter rod and reel match of the winter series. 6 anglers fished it at HIGHHAMPTON weather turned out to be a nice day with plenty of sun and a little rain at times. All anglers caught fish first place went to Darren Polden with a great net of carp and a few silvers for a weight of 58lbs 5oz he fished the feeder with wafters second place was Richard Jefferies with a net of carp for 25lbs 1oz on the feeder and wafters and third place was Warren Thornton with 18lbs 7oz . The over all winner of the Rod and Reel winter league is Richard Jefferies with 60 points and joint second place was Sheila Found and Cyril Found with 56 point each. The next Rod and Reel match will be the start of the summer league Rod and reel matches and it will be at Tarka on the 23.4.23
