Richard Scarce boated a fine 20lb thornback whilst fishing off Ilfracombe aboard John Barbeary’s Ilfracombe based Charter boat “Bluefin”.
There are still a few spurdog showing with an 18lb specimen caught on Bluefin by James Mayhew.
SPURDOG PACKS STILL PROWLING THE DEEPS
Andrew Atkinson landed the biggest spurdog of the day at 15lb 6oz when Appledore Shipbuilders fished on John Barbeary’s Bluefin off Ilfracombe. The spurdog packs are still present in good numbers providing welcome sport.
REEL DEAL CHARTERS – Comes to Ilfracombe
Spurdogs still showing off Ilfracombe
Pete Gregory enjoyed a good days sport on Bluefin with spurdog still showing with bull huss numbers increasing probably because they can now get to the bait before the ravenous pack of spurdog.
A brilliant days fishing out from ilfracombe with john barbery on board his boat the ” Bluefin ” . About twenty spurdogs landed as we are coming to the end of the season , so not as many as in previous trips , but the shortage of bull huss in previous trips was reversed with lots on this trip as the waters are beginning to warm up . Lots of dogfish as usual and a few congers to twenty pounds . It was suggested that if all six of us put in a fiver for the biggest fish caught this trip , something i tend not to get involved with on most trips which would give the winner a thirty pound pay out . Just as well as it ended with me winning which made the trip extremely cheap .
Boat Anglers Enjoy Huss and Spurdog Sport
Lee Holden caught this 14lb bull huss whilst fishing off Ilfracombe on John Barbeary’s Bluefin. Sport with huss and spurdog is likely to continue right through until spring whenever the weather permits.
(Above) Dan Spearman with a spurdog of 14lb 1oz
IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT
Many thanks to Paul Lorrimore for permission to use his account of recent foray to the dark waters off Ilfracombe aboard ‘Bluefin’
Paul Lorrimore reports on a recent the 6 hour night trip on Board. John Barbeary’s ‘Blue-Fin’ off Ilfracombe with Troy, Pete and Rob.
We steamed a mile down towards Lee bay intending to pass 45 minutes until we could push out to mid channel as the tide slackened off.
From the first drop it was clear the fish were moving in close under the cover of darkness as a smooth hound of around 6-7lb nailed my baited cod feathers.
Pete soon hooked into a good huss sadly lost at the side but would have been a good double.
More huss and smooth hounds came to the rail in short order along with a double figure eel to Pete.
A small pack of spurdog hit the baits next with Troy and Rob picking up a couple along with a further smooth hound to Pete.
John gave us the decision to stay or move out, but as hard as it was to leave the grounds which by any normal standards would have been all you could ask for (John said its rare the fishing would be that frantic in daylight hours so close in) , we bit the bullet and pulled anchor with fingers crossed it was the right thing to do.
After 30 minutes steam we were deep in the channel and setting out our baits again with anticipation.
After 10 minutes with no action apart from a dogfish or two (happy to say we there were very few tonight) the spurs came on and several were boated along with huss and eels.
The next hour and a half had flurries of fish and i managed to pick up a nice but very angry eel of around 33lb which John was ecstatic(not) about me wanting on deck for a photo
The tide pushed in and the wind picked up making us drag anchor a bit to much to stay, so our sleepy crew headed home for a well earned rest
One things for sure, it wont be the last night trip on the Fin if this was anything to go by.
Winter Boat sport off Ilfracombe
Many thanks to Toby Bassett who sent me this report and pictures of a very enjoyable day on John Barbeary’s Bluefin off Ilfracombe .
I am sure the bigger spurdog will start to show soon and there is every chance as the winter progresses that someone will hook that elusive big cod or fifty pound plus conger.
Fishing aboard the bluefin..with john Barbeary, Dave Clements. Pete Gregory, Troy Laing .loads of huss..and small female spurs…cracking weather with the sun shining all day long….also caught were. Eels. Dogfish, a thornback ray…Good fun had by all with plenty of banter and early Christmas cheer.
The most handsome fish of all? Upper Tamar Perch
Chris Lambert and Adam Moxey enjoyed a memorable session at perch mecca Upper Tamar last week. Fishing from the perch boat they caught four fish over 3lbs, two fish over 2lbs lots of small perch and a cracking 4lb fish all on 3 inch soft plastics. Congratulations lads! Anyone who wants to book the perch boat needs to call 01566771930.
Holsworthy Anglers – Off Ilfracombe
(Above) Paul Cozens
Holsworthy Sea Anglers had a Club trip out of Ilfracombe with John Barbeary on the Bluefin.
Morning started off well with quite a few bass to 4lb and pollock whilst in drifting inshore. Anchored up later produced the inevitable doggies followed by some quality bull huss, tope to 26lb and smoothound.
(Above) Steve McDonald
(Above) Andrew Braunton
(Above) Graham Verrall
(Above) Paul Cozens
Appledore Boat Competition
Kevin Pike won Appledore Shipbuilders boat competition with a fine tope of 39lb 8oz. Andrew Atkinson took second and third place with bull huss scaling 11lb and 10lb 4oz. Conditions during the day were fresh as a the wind swung around to the south west building a moderate swell.
A couple of days before this trip Andrew took a trip to Chesil beach in Dorset where he landed a plaice of 2lb 10oz.
