South Molton Angling Club members fished Blakewell on a cold and frosty morning to fish for their Mac Trophy. All members managed to tempt rainbow trout from the chill waters but none were big enough to beat Steve Bendles rainbow trout of 5lb caught earlier in the season.
Bideford Christmas competition results 66 angler’s fished with 12 fish caught.
1st M. Johns 1lb 6 3/4oz
2nd D. Bailey 1lb 6oz
3rd P. Downing 1lb 3 1/4oz
4th N. Braunton 1lb 3oz
5th P. Downing 1lb 2 1/4oz
6th S. Taylor 1lb
7th B. Maynard (junior) 15 1/2oz
8th R. Walker 14 3/4oz
9th M. John’s 14 1/4oz
10th B. Maynard (junior) 12 3/4oz
11th D. Bailey 12oz
12th M. Cashmore 10oz
Nathan Clements comments “Well done to all the winners brilliant job it’s been a difficult day’s fishing. Thank you very much to Paul and Lisa for organising all the sponsors and getting all the prizes brilliant job as always. Thanks you to all the sponsors we couldn’t do it without your generous donations, DS Electrical Angler’s heaven Quay Sports, Summerlands Tackle, Devon Baits Fat Boy fudge Parkham Cheese, Honeys Butchers, James Grigg, Roy Andrews Sorry if I’ve missed anyone out!!! Thanks again all hope you have a brilliant Christmas see you for next year’s competition”
Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club members fished their Christmas Competition at Bulldog Fishery where Colin Combe tempted a fine brown trout of 9lb.
Andre Muxworthy took the best bag of three trout totalling 9lb 6oz.
Dave Mock was second with three for 8lb 10oz and Dave Richards third with 8lb 4oz.
Dave Eldred was forth with three for 7lb 13oz.
The icy cold conditions do not deter rainbow trout that thrive in the cold well oxygenated water of winter. A variety of flies worked for members.
The moon was still shining brightly at the cold light of dawn as I climbed aboard the charter boat Sowenna with four fellow anglers. I had met with James Coggan on a previous trip back in the heat of the summer and James and I had conspired to organise a trip after tuna before the seasons end. Previous trips booked in November had been blown off and this trip just three days before the end of season was a last gasp chance.
It was well below freezing and ice lay upon the deck of the boat. James was accompanied by a fellow Fowey chap called Craig and we were joined by Mark and Richard two anglers from the Bristol area both of whom I had met in the Jolly sailor the previous night.
Dan Margetts the Skipper of Sowenna and his deck hand for the day John McMaster greeted us warmly as we all chatted excitedly about the prospects for the day ahead.
The boat was slipped from its moorings and we set off into the bay passing the Banjo Pier as the glow of the morning sun slowly welcomed the day. We had all dressed warmly with only our faces exposed to the bitter cold North East breeze.
As we glided across the calm waters the tuna gear was prepared by John with military precision. Dan and John were undoubtedly well rehearsed and their calm confidence added to our expectations. The sight of big game gear on a UK charter boat is certainly a welcome dimension to UK angling. The CHART program has undoubtedly been a major success and should be appreciated by anglers who have been given a unique opportunity.
In less than an hour the five sets of spreader bars lures and stingers were being trolled across a calm sea. The horizon was scanned with binoculars Dan and John were determined to find any signs of activity that could lead us to our quarry the mighty bluefin tuna.
Flocks of sea birds were seen gathering excitedly with gannets diving frequently into the cold clear water. Dan steered the boat towards promising areas and a tense anticipation hung in the air. We had drawn lots on the way out and I had drawn number five meaning that I was likely to be a spectator for the day. Craig had drawn number one and was undoubtedly slightly apprehensive of what might lay ahead.
This type of fishing is very much a team event with all on board sharing the experience. The vast seascape, the colours as the morning sun illuminates the coast, dolphins breaking the surface a privilege that we all shared over frequent hot drinks supplied by Dan and John.
We noted other boats tuna fishing close-by and expectation grew when a tuna was hooked in close proximity. I had enjoyed a day earlier in the year aboard Reel Deal off the North Devon Coast when we had spent a long and fruitless day searching the waters at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. I had come out today stating that I would be delighted; to just see a tuna caught. My turn will hopefully come one day if I persist.
At close to 11:00 pandemonium broke out as a reel screeched a harsh rasping cry. Craig took his place behind the rod as line disappeared from the reel at an alarming pace.
We all grabbed rods and frantically reeled the remaining lines clear to allow Craig to battle with the denizen of the deep.
John carefully passed the rod to Craig and ensured all was correctly in place with harness and padding. And so, a brutal battle began as Craig applied pressure and began the task of putting line back on the large capacity reel inch by inch.
John offered constant advice and assurance. I hovered around with my camera, James Coggan held onto Craigs harness just in case he slipped. Everyone else offered good humoured advice and banter. This banter and encouragement gathered pace as the battle went on and it became obvious that this was a big fish. Line was slowly gained to be lost as the fish made powerful runs testing both tackle and angler to the limit. Eventually the line indicated that the fish was deep below the boat and Craig was heartened when the leader eventually showed above the water. Tension hung in the air for the hook hold could give way at any moment denying us all the view of one of the oceans most magnificent fish.
The final moments were filled with tension as Craig hung grimly on determined to get his prize to the side of the boat. Sweat covered his brow despite the icy air. We all peered into the sea as the line drew our eyes into the mysterious waters.
Then it slowly appeared; massive flanks glimpsed in the cold clear waters. The mighty tuna materialised, aqua, sapphire, silver plated jewelled sides illuminated by the bright winter sunshine. The magnificent tuna was carefully gaffed in the lower jaw and held in the water whilst it was tagged. We all admired the massive fish boat side gathering a few images on our cameras none of which could truly capture its awesome beauty. When the fish had fully recovered it was released and disappeared with a powerful flick of its mighty tail. We all watched in awe sharing in one of anglings rich moments. It was after all very much a team effort headed by Captain Dan and John Mc Master.
The fish was carefully measured and estimated at between 450lb and 475lb
It was soon back to business with Mark ready and waiting for his turn in the pain locker. Hot teas and coffees were keenly devoured as the lures went back out and the quest resumed.
Flocks of bird wheeled above the sea, dolphins rolled and leapt from the water. Mark watched the lures intently hoping for contact. We looked far out towards the Eddystone and watched a pod of dolphins as they gracefully leapt into the air.
The day ebbed slowly away, the sun eventually descending beneath the distant western horizon painting the sky in deep orange glow. Shortly after the sun had set the moon rose to the east peeping out above the hills that had taken on a cold and icy hue.
The lines were slowly wound back onto the big reels and rods racked before the steam back to port. We enjoyed a last hot drink as we came close to Looe to be greeted by the bright lights of Christmas twinkling in the icy cold air.
We climbed onto the quay our steamy breath hanging in the air as we said our cheerful goodbyes before heading home across an icy moonlit landscape.
River Mole Polluter Pays £18,000 in Damages
A company that polluted nearly 5km of the River Mole, the principal tributary of the River Taw, in Devon has paid £18,000 in damages to local angling clubs and fishery owners following a legal claim. In July 2019 liquid anaerobic digestate deposited by agricultural contractors AJ Sing and Sons Ltd on fields north of South Molton entered the river, causing what was described by one Environment Agency officer as the worst fish kill they had seen in 30 years. An estimated 15,600 fish died as result of the pollution, including juvenile salmon, adult brown trout, sea trout and juvenile brown trout.
Represented by Fish Legal, the anglers’ damages claim followed a criminal prosecution brought by the Environment Agency (EA) where the company and an employee were fined a total of just £2,667 at Exeter Magistrates Court on 28 July 2021.
The anglers are donating all of the damages to help fund projects run by the Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT) in co-ordination with River Taw Fisheries & Conservation Association (RTFS) that improve and restore the habitat and spawning potential of the River Mole, giving fish populations the best chance of recovery.
Justin Neal, Fish Legal Solicitor, said: “The digestate was being spread at a time when there was rain and the leaking pipe was left for days, meaning that this highly damaging waste washed into what was a pristine river habitat, causing a total wipe-out of fish for a considerable distance.”
He added: “Whilst we are pleased that the EA prosecuted those responsible for pollution offences, we are finding in other cases across England and Wales that the spreading of digestate and fertiliser is not properly controlled with full oversight by regulators. Nevertheless, we hope that the money which was paid to our angler members can now be put to good use to assist the recovery of the catchment.”
Alex Gibson, who was Chair of RTFCA at the time of the pollution incident and is also a claimant said: “It is not just anglers fishing below the polluted stretch, but all those who enjoy the river and its ecology that have felt the devastating effect of this pollution incident and unfortunately will continue to do so into the future. Our collective claim enables us to provide £18,000 to the WRT for river improvement work on the Mole.
He added: “We hope the fact that anglers on the river have come together to take legal action directly against these polluters will send a message to others in the catchment that they need to take care when dealing with highly toxic substances or pay the consequences.”
Statement from Alex Gibson
“We all remember too well the Mole pollution incident at the end of July 2019. Anaerobic digestate being spread as a fertiliser on fields north of South Molton by Alun Sing, a farmer and contractor, was allowed into the River Mole in large quantities.
The EA estimated that about 15k fish were killed over a 5km stretch. That made it an EA Category 1 incident. Adult sea trout, adult brown trout, juvenile salmon and juvenile brown trout, some of which would have become sea trout, were killed. Also killed were stone loach, bullhead and minnows. In short it was an ecological disaster.
The EA’s prosecution was successful and we then mounted a private action using the services of Fish Legal. This took the form of 5 RTFCA members of Fish Legal acting as claimants. I am pleased to say that our claim has now been successfully settled. The £18k received is being paid by the 5 claimants to WRT for river improvement work on the Mole.
Here are a few conclusions of my own.
This incident happened during my chairmanship and has reached its conclusion during Andy Gray’s. I hope Andy never has to face anything similar. The RTFCA Committee asked me to continue taking responsibility until the file could be closed. Thankfully we have now reached that stage.
Thanks are due to the other claimants and to the RTFCA Committee, both of which groups, I would suggest, have made the right decisions during this long, drawn-out process.
The success of our private claim though is really down to the excellent work done by Fish Legal and in particular by Justin Neal. For many reasons this was never going to be a straightforward case. I have enjoyed working with Justin, but we will both be happy to close the file.”
Alex Gibson
http://www.rivertawfisheries.co.uk/html/current_news.html
Fish Legal is a not-for-profit organisation of dedicated lawyers who use the law on behalf of anglers to fight polluters and others who damage and threaten the water environment. Fish Legal secures compensation for its members to help restore polluted waters and challenges Government and regulators when they fail to protect fisheries.
The River Torridge Fishery Association
President: Lord Clinton
Chairman: Paul Ashworth Secretary: Charles Inniss
NEWSREEL: WINTER 2022
The Salmon Hatchery
Sadly I have to report that the annual programme to rear 30,000 swim-up fry at our hatchery will once again not be going ahead. The EA would only allow us to access and use the fish pass at Monkokehampton Weir on the River Okement to trap our broodstock if unbelievably strict health and safety rules were followed. Our chairman Paul and vice-chairman Steve have worked incredibly hard in an effort to reach an agreed way forward: sadly to no avail. The main stumbling block has been the inability of the EA to respond promptly to any suggestions that Paul and Steve made. This confirms our suspicions that the EA would be delighted if the hatchery closed down permanently. But we are not giving up and are determined that the hatchery will be operational next year so that we can continue to support the development of a hatchery hub for all the south west rivers at Colliford reservoir.
Our Fishery Enforcement Officer
For personal reasons Callum Underhill, who has been the Fishery Enforcement officer for the North Devon rivers for the last two years, will be leaving to work nearer his family home in Wessex. Callum has been a great support for our river especially with regard to the hatchery and we wish him well for the future.
The Annual Dinner
Over 40 members and guests enjoyed a convivial evening at The Half Moon with good company and an excellent meal on Saturday 24th September. Thank you all for supporting the raffle so generously which made a profit of £1,520. We were delighted that Mark Wormald was able to join us for the evening. He donated a copy of his book, “The Catch: Fishing for Ted Hughes” to the raffle. Much of the book is based on the Torridge where Ted Hughes so enjoyed his fishing. If you would like a copy contact Adam at The Half Moon who has copies: it would make an excellent Xmas gift.
The prize winners of the raffle: the case of wine Anthony Wilmington, the £50 Half Moon voucher Simon Hillcox, the £50 Snowbee voucher Martin Weeks and the book donated by Mark Wormald was won by a friend of Graham Henderson.
The Fishing Season
Due to a complete lack of water the salmon fishing was virtually non-existent and no more than 15 fish were caught by the rods for the whole season. Sea trout fishing was also extremely difficult. On the plus side anglers, prior to the heatwave in July, enjoyed some excellent brown trout fishing with several fish over 2lb caught. It has been suggested that the brown trout are getting larger as they are gorging themselves on baby signal crayfish. One thing for sure the whole catchment is now infested with signal crayfish. 2011 was the last really dry year and this was followed by a very wet year in 2012 with good river flows and good numbers of salmon and sea trout: so here’s hoping for better fishing conditions in 2023: we certainly deserve it.
My very best wishes to you all for the festive season. Charles.
We all know that statistics can be misleading but the facts above are pretty depressing taken at face value. The catch return data relates to the 2021 season so this year’s drought hit season will undoubtedly be even worse.
A 50% reduction in salmon caught is in itself a startling figure that is of course to some extent related to the reduction in angling effort as a result of the COVID epidemic. The vast majority of salmon and sea trout caught are now released in an effort to safeguard stocks that have tumbled in recent decades.
When I started fishing for salmon in the early 1980’s stocks were recovering from the blight of UDN a disease that decimated stocks across the UK. The number of salmon caught then was still far higher than today. On the River Lyn some individual local anglers caught in excess of one hundred salmon in a season. They reflected on times when salmon packed the pools like sardines. I suspect this season’s total catch will total less than 25 for the Lyn and little more for the Rivers Taw and Torridge combined.
The reasons for this catastrophic collapse are complex and many. Climate change is undoubtedly a big player along with historic overfishing by commercial fleets. There is also a complex imbalance of the natural eco-system with predators such as seals, cormorants, mergansers and otters taking large numbers of salmon throughout their incredible migration.
A relatively recent impact upon the salmon stocks of the West of Scotland has been salmon farming a toxic industry.
Pete Tyjas a well-known Local Fly Fishing enthusiast and editor of Fly Culture Magazine has launched a campaign to raise awareness surrounding the toxic nature of salmon farming and its devastating impact on wild fish stocks. Pete writes “Please DON’T EAT FARMED SALMON – Here’s Why – Huge and unnatural swarms of parasites (sea lice) that attack penned fish and kill young migrating wild salmon and sea trout. Serious pollution of the sea bed and coastal waters from chemicals, antibiotics and tons of fish faeces that smothers and kills sea life. Worldwide devastation of fish stocks, super trawlers to provide feed for fish farms that is destroying the life of coastal communities.”
Salmon have been migrating into the Rivers of the UK for many thousands perhaps millions of years. The last ice age ended around 25,000 years ago and at some point after this salmon the king of fish established a thriving population forging upriver in abundance. A couple of hundred years ago these fish were harvested and eaten in large numbers but it was not until Victorian times that the salmon was recognised as the king of fish sought after for sport by the wealthy upper classes.
During the early twentieth century salmon populations were able to support both a commercial fishery and a healthy sporting industry that supported many hotels, tackle shops and country estates. It still does in parts of the Scottish East coast where mighty Rivers like the Spey and Tay still have large runs of fish.
It is tragic that we have allowed wild salmon to decline to such an extent that they could be extinct across the South West within a generation. An iconic fish that has forged into rivers for thousands of years threatened with extinction largely due to mankinds failure to support and nurture natures complex system. If we had taken care of salmon and the oceans then surely we could have continued a sustainable harvest. Short sighted greed and failure to appreciate natures worth is a lesson that is only slowly starting to sink in.
| River | Salmon caught | Salmon released | Percentage released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Devon | 12 | 11 | 92% |
| Avon Hants | 88 | 88 | 100% |
| Axe | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Camel | 42 | 42 | 100% |
| Dart | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| Erme | 4 | 4 | 100% |
| Exe | 108 | 98 | 91% |
| Fowey | 94 | 92 | 98% |
| Frome | 42 | 42 | 100% |
| Lyn | 44 | 43 | 98% |
| Lynher | 63 | 61 | 97% |
| Plym | 3 | 2 | 67% |
| Tamar | 178 | 162 | 91% |
| Tavy | 30 | 27 | 90% |
| Taw | 59 | 57 | 97% |
| Teign | 33 | 30 | 91% |
| Torridge | 18 | 17 | 94% |
| Yealm | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Total | 823 | 781 | 95% |
