Thomas Cooper is an up and coming Junior angler who has caught several smoothound and a ray during recent visits to North Devons beaches,
Grey Mullet catches
Some superb mullet have been tempted from North Devon waters in recent weeks. John Shapland caught this fine thin lip of 3lb 15oz from a North Devon estaury mark using a baited spinner.
(Below) Mark Jones was targetting bass when a speciemn thick lipped grey mullet of 4lb 9oz seized his lure.
Snap shots from the waters edge
North Devon has a vast range of waters to fish with an abundance of different species to target. Below are a few snap shots from the Water Edge,
(Above) An unsuccessful trip to the coast with the lure rod the sea full of suspended weed; but it was still good to breath in the salty air.
(Below)
Sometimes its good to get back to basics. James joined me for a session at Jennetts watching a crimson topped float close to the water Lily’s. Watching the float disappear was a delight and resulted in small roach, skimmers and a tackle twisting eel that reminded me of my younger days when these slimy tackle twisters were a common feature of catches.
Variety on the coast
I often comment that one of the joys of sea angling is the unexpected. During late Autumn and winter the coast certainly has a few surprises along with the target species. Kevin Legge tempted this specimen pouting of 1lb 9oz on a recent visit to the shoreline.
The beaches can still produce bass when the conditions are right but its not always bass that find the bait. This small turbot was a welcome surprise on a recent trip.
This conger estimated at 18lb put a good bend in Kevin legges rod on recent session on the rocks.
On the same session I was pleased with this small spotted ray.
December mullet were once rare yet mullet fishing now seems well worth the effort throughout the entire year.
TIME TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL TACKLE SHOP
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The local tackle shop is an integral part of the angling scene and we are very fortunate in North Devon to have a network of excellent shops offering anglers a wide range of the latest tackle and bait. Recent years have been very difficult for the tackle trade with tackle shops like many other High Street outlets suffering from on-line competition.
Many shops have adapted to this and have successfully combined the at front shop outlet with an online presence combining the best of both worlds.
The tackle shop has always been an important meeting place for anglers where social intercourse leads to more fishing trips as a result of enthusiasm generated from fishy chats. There is nothing to beat face to face conversations even if it is behind a mask in these strange times.
Angling is fortunately booming in many areas as a result of COVID impacting upon many other activities. The joys and benefits of outdoor pursuits have been brought to the fore and it is to be hoped that this has a long lasting impact on angling participation.
I would like to thank the local tackle shops and the wider tackle trade who support North Devon Angling News via sponsoring the site. As Christmas looms ever closer perhaps the ideal gift for a loved one is a gift voucher for your local tackle shop.
QUAY SPORTS is North Devon’s latest tackle outlet conveniently situated on the Roundswell Industrial estate near Sainsburys. The team offer up to date friendly advice on all aspects of angling with an extensive range of tackle and bait in stock.
SUMMERLANDS TACKLE North Devon’s long established family run tackle shop in Westward Ho! Always has an extensive stock of the latest tackle with a friendly greeting to all.
BRAUNTON BAIT BOX Craig Mc Cloughlin runs this tackle and bait outlet in Braunton and offers a flexible service for anglers unable to visit a shop during normal office hours. Focusing on sea angling Craig is a friendly and knowledgable point of contact for advice on where to fish and what is being caught. He also provides rod repairs and reel servicing.
HIGH STREET TACKLE Danny Watson and Pauline Chard run Ilfracombe’s tackle shop specialises in lure fishing stocking a very impressive selection of all the latest lures to tempt the bass that lurk along the North Devon Coast. They also stock quality live and frozen bait for the sea angler. They have an extensive selection of sea angling rods and accessories working closely with the Ilfracombe Charter Boat fleet.
Massive Porbeagle for Solitaire Angler
Mark Jones did a solitaire shark fishing foray off the North Devon coast and hooked a huge porbeagle shark estimated at 310lb (89″ from nose to fork of tail). The shark took close to an hour to bring to the side of the boat where it was released.
Fine brace of identical specimen bass
Martyn Hunton landed a brace of bass from a local beach each weighing 8lb 1oz. Both fish took dirty squid purchased at Braunton Baits. He also beached small eyed ray and small eyed ray.
Double Figure smoothound
Jon Stevens landed a fine brace of double figure smoothound fishing a North Devon mark over the recent big spring tides the best hound scaling 11lb 2oz.
Early bass on lures
Lure fishing enthusiast Mark Jones continues in his quest to land bass on lures throughout the year tempting this fine looking bass of over 4lb on his latest trip to the waters edge.
Jamie tempts an Early Hound ?
Combe Martin SAC member Jamie Steward caught this specimen smoothound of 11lb 3oz from a North Devon Rock mark. This is a promising sign with Spring just around the corner as smoothound were once considered a fish of the spring and summer. Recent seasons have seen them caught throughout the year.