immaculate looking fish!
Windows of opportunity are often brief on local rivers and getting to the waters edge when conditions are prime is the key to success.
Recent rain has brought the Taw and Torridge up a little encouraging a few fresh fish to forge upriver. Paul Carter fished a middle Taw beat to tempt a fine fresh run salmon.
Blakewell Fisheries Richard Nickell fished the middle Taw and tempted a fine brace of fresh run fish. A superb 10lb + sea trout and a fine fresh run salmon estimated at 13lb. For advice on catching salmon and sea trout from the Taw contact Richard at Blakewell Fishery.
I ventured to the River Torridge hoping to find a bar of silver but failed to drift my fly over a willing fish. The Rivers are a delight at the moment with luxuriant lush growth of early summer and an abundance of wildlife to watch. Hedging my bets I carried a light trout rod with a dry fly set up and before I left the river I dropped my fly over a rising fish to be rewarded with crimson spotted wild brown trout. When the rivers start to run clearer brown trout fishing should be excellent with the real chance of a bonus sea trout.
As part of our Waters of Exmoor campaign, we are delighted to welcome Professor Penny J. Johnes, Professor of Biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol, for a talk on the many sources of pollution affecting Exmoor’s rivers, streams and coastal waters. She will explain how pollution impacts ecosystem health, and what can be done to control it in ways that benefit wildlife and improve water quality.
Professor Johnes has spent more than thirty years researching the relationship between what happens on land and what happens in our rivers and seas. She is one of Britain’s leading environmental scientists and has advised the government on reducing water pollution. We are very grateful that she has agreed to speak to The Exmoor Society about her work. This is a not-to-be-missed talk for anyone who wants to understand more about the pressures facing our rivers and streams – and what can be done to help protect them.
Join us at Dulverton Town Hall on Tuesday 23rd June. Welcome drinks at 6.00 pm with the talk commencing at 6.30 pm.
Click link below for tickets and further information
To mark World Oceans Day on June 8th, the Association of Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (AIFCA) is proud to launch its latest film, Conserve, showcasing how IFCAs work to protect sensitive species and habitats in England’s inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), while ensuring sustainable fisheries can thrive.
The film explores the role of IFCAs in managing fishing activity within inshore MPAs, ensuring that the conservation objectives of these important sites are achieved while enabling sustainable use of these areas.
Conserve highlights the principles that underpin the IFCAs’ approach to MPA management:
The film demonstrates how effective management of MPAs can support both thriving marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries.
Produced by Mindfully Wired, Conserve follows the successful release of the Association’s previous films, Lead, Champion and Protect. Together, the four films provide an insight into the work of IFCA officers and members who are dedicated to protecting our coastline and fisheries.
As we celebrate World Oceans Day, Conserve highlights the important role Marine Protected Areas play in safeguarding healthy seas for future generations.
Bideford Angling Clubs monthly sea rover was won by Paul Ackland with a fine specimen smoothound of 14lb 10oz. Robert Hancock was second and third with hounds of 13lb 3.5oz and 11lb 6.5oz. Stephen Found was fourth with a smoothound of 8lb 12oz.
Andrew Atkinson took first place in Appledore Shipbuilders June rover with a specimen smoothound of 12lb 1oz. Michael Hammett was second and third with a smoothound of 11lb 10.75oz and a bull huss of 8lb 14ozs.
Combe Martin SAC host their annual Putsborough Beach Open Match this Saturday with fishing commencing at 9:30pm and ending at 1:30pm. Booking in is from 8:00pm at the venues car park. The event is generously sponsored by Sakuma Tackle with the club providing a cash first prize of £100 with a runner up prize of £50.
Pauline and I went to Scott’s Cinema in Barnstaple Last night to watch the film Jo in the water. The film tells the inspiring story of Jo Batemans ongoing court case against South West Water.
Sea swimming is Jo Bateman’s sanctuary—until sewage spills threaten the waters she loves.
A passionate sea swimmer turned reluctant activist, Jo Bateman takes on one of the UK’s biggest water companies in a David-and-Goliath battle to protect our oceans from devastating sewage pollution.
As Jo’s courage helps ignite a growing movement, this film exposes the dire state of our water system and asks: who will stand up for our right to swim in clean natural waters, for the species and communities that rely upon them?
Jo in the Water is a powerful, emotional feature-length documentary film. It is not just about water pollution; it is about connection—to nature, to our own sense of place, and to our responsibility for the world around us.
A PERSONAL VIEW
The film is an emotive production that provokes anger at the state of our rivers and the failure of water companies. The evidence is clear that water companies are failing in their duty. But as someone who feels passionate about these issues I despair at the lack of interest shown by the wider populate regarding the environment.
The environment is climbing the political agenda but MPs will only go where there are votes and sadly pot holes and the cost of living get more votes than rivers. Those who swim, fish, surf canoe and walk the rivers and coast have a vital connection but they are not in the majority.
The Environment Agency are generally underfunded and lack the power to regulate and prosecute. They are the environmental police overwhelmed by corporate greed, industrialisation of agriculture and a growing population that impacts upon our precious environment.
Nationalising the Water Industry will not be a panacea to all ills for treating sewage and water is far more costly than many believe. The infrastructure is inadequate and as house building expands the infrastructure is not upgraded adequately. Policing, education, NHS, Social Services, Public Transport, Roads are these all as they should be?
It is vital to raise the tragic decline in river health for as I often say the rivers are the vital arteries of the land. We need the debate, yes we need to campaign and activists are vital in raising awareness of the issues.
Those reading this can help to spread the word. Get involved in water testing, reporting issues and joining organisations that care.
The next local showing is at Torrington :-
https://www.theploughartscentre.org.uk/event/jo-water
