Devon’s Largest Carp

Clint Miller has caught what is believed to be Devon’s largest carp from Angler’s Paradise’s Nirvana Syndicate. The carp known as Silverback weighed an impressive 59lb 2oz and is Clint’s second carp of over 50lb from the lake. A fishery source says, “As a fishery, we are very proud of what we are achieving across the whole site. The project will always be ongoing, but we will continue to strive to be one of the best fisheries in the country.

2026 will be another big year for Anglers Paradise, with plans to develop more lakes to offer outstanding fishing for all. The Nirvana Syndicate is a small piece of a big puzzle, it is meeting all expectations. We expect two 60s by the end of next year. It really is the lake of dreams!

            The exceptionally mild weather so far this Autumn has resulted in ideal conditions for carp anglers across the region with good fish banked from many venues. At this time of year carp are often at their peak weight as they feed hard prior to the onset of colder weather. In the past fifty years the waters containing carp over thirty pounds have expanded with anglers expectations ever higher. The higher weights of carp is probably a result of a combination of a warmer climate, anglers quality baits and selective breeding. It will be fascinating to follow the growth rate of carp across the decades to see if this trend continues.

As we move closer to Christmas the angling competition fixture list starts to get congested as clubs and organisations hold their annual festive events. In the coming weeks Flounder anglers will be vying for success in the Taw and Torridge Estuaries. On November 30^th The BBT Dan Mile Redmore Memorial Competition offers a wide selection of prizes with proceeds from the competition going to Children’s Hospice South West. Entry forms are available at Barnstaple Bait and Tackle.

Bideford Angling Club hold their popular Christmas Flounder Competition on December 14^th.

Martin Turner won Bideford Angling Clubs Monthly Coarse Match at their home venue Tarka Swims with 29lb 12oz. Antony Bentley was runner up with 29lb 8oz and Nathan Underwood third with 25lb.

Bulldog Fishery host their latest popular Trout Fishing Competition on November 30^th  and event that will undoubtedly see good numbers of large trout caught by competitors.

Barnstaple and District Angling Club hold their AGM at the Ebberly Arms on Tuesday, November 18^th. The Westcountry Rivers Trust are giving a presentation to members. The club has seen a significant upturn in recent seasons with a real focus on the value of their waters both game and coarse along with the natural world that thrives within.