Passionate Young Angler seeks Sponsorship to chase his dream

Max is a very passionate fisherman and long time member of Dulverton Anglers Association.  He is currently in the England Youth Fly Fishing Team and has already 2 caps to his name so this will be his 3rd International match this year.

He is also the Loch Style National Youth Championship winner, (catching 11 and 2nd place caught 4)
Max spends most of his time either fly fishing or carp fishing
Max turns 16 this year and has been offered a place at Sparsholt College, in Hampshire to study Fishery Management Level 3.  Although the course is funded, he will need to board due to the distance.  Therefore he is looking for sponsorship in order he can fulfil his passion (dream).

If you can help young Max please contact Lance Nicholsons at Dulverton

COMBE MARTIN SAC FUN FISH 2023

            In 2012 over a decade ago Combe Martin Sea Angling Club had an idea to hold a fun fishing event at Ilfracombe Pier in conjunction with a Marine festival entitled Sea Ilfracombe.

The idea was to bring various angling interests together with the aim of promoting angling to young people and providing an opportunity for some social interaction. On this first event I invited Ben Field from the Art of Fishing, Mat Mander and Jeremy Boyd from the newly formed Devon And Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and Nick Payne Devon Development Officer for the Angling Trust.

 

(Above) Guests at the 2012 Fun Fish
(Above) Fun Fishers in 2012

            This event on a murky day blighted by drizzle ran from 1.00pm until 5.00pm. A dozen or so took part in the competitive aspect of the event whilst many more came along to chat and mingle with our guests.

            A good number of fish were caught some of which were donated to the Ilfracombe Aquarium who supported the event with prizes and shared knowledge regarding the fish caught.

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

            Over a decade since the first event, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who have supported the event since its conception.

            This year’s Fun Fish saw us once again welcome Mat Mander from the D & S IFCA, along with Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust and Jo Eames from the RNLI. The format of the competitive aspect has been tweaked slightly over the years but the general concept of a family fun day of interaction remains.

2023 – Nick Phillips CMSAC Secretary, Mat Mander D & S IFCA, Jo Eames RNLI, Dean Asplin Angling Trust and Wayne Thomas CMSAC Chairman.

            Each year on the run up to the event I have my concerns for there are always things that can go wrong that are too many to mention here and if we undertook an in-depth risk assessment we would undoubtedly have to rule out any fun! That said involving the Coastguard and RNLI over the years has provided a valuable opportunity to share common sense safety advice to all who enjoy being at the water’s edge.

            Two of the main factors impacting upon the event are tides that dictate the times and of course the weather that is totally unpredictable. This year’s event was set to run from 2.00pm until 4.00pm a couple of hours shorter than the inaugural event back in 2012. One lesson we have learned is that young angler’s attention will start to wander if sport is slow and its also exhausting running around with a clip board keeping a tally of catches for the species competition.

            Luck was certainly with us on Sunday September 3rd 2023 for we were blessed with a light breeze, warm sunshine and a blue sky reflecting upon a calm sea. We met up with our guests in the Aquarium Café an hour before the event to greet and run over the days format.

For Dean Asplin of the Angling Trust and Jo Eames of the RNLI this was their first CMSAC Fun Fish. I explained that the format was rather loose and that whilst there is a competitive element its really just about having a fun day. Rules are minimal and we have no idea how many will turn up on the day.

            This year’s event was generously supported by Danny Watson of High Street Tackle who supplied a splendid array of tackle prizes to add to the club’s funded prizes and additional support came from the Angling Trust.

            Arriving at the pier we regretted the oversight in not having our club papering table to work from. I had assumed Nick would bring his, Nick had assumed I would bring mine and Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust said he would have brought his if he had known. There is surely a lesson to be learnt there. I vaguely remember something on a training course referring to an Ass of U and Me!

            We strolled onto the pier with an array of spare rods leaflets and boxes of prizes. A good number of anglers were already set up some of them fishing and others getting ready for the fun fish to commence. Dean Asplin joined with me in grabbing details of the competitors and I invited those who just happened to be there fishing to join in the fun. After twenty minutes or so we were ready for cast off with over twenty competitors ranging from three years old to a more senior stature.

            In truth it was a bit chaotic but it wasn’t long before a variety of fish started to be swung to hand. I dashed around with the clip board keeping a tally and grabbing a few images. Nick Phillips the Clubs long suffering secretary assisted keenly measuring fish when requested and offering advice and tutoring when possible. Jo Eames from the RNLI chatted keenly with anglers and members of the public displaying a vast knowledge of safety at sea and the history of the RNLI. Mat Mander was at hand to assist throughout and take any questions relating the sterling work undertaken by the Devon and Severn IFCA to help manage and police inshore waters for the benefit of stakeholders and the complex marine ecosystem.

            There were twelve species of fish registered during the event including, mackerel, pollock, ballan wrasse, corkwing wrasse, smelt, blenny’s, shanny’s, rock gobies, garfish, pouting, whiting and even a small tope.

            The results are as follows : –

Junior Winner of top prize –  Ben Clark – 17 points

Overall winner – Anna Stavrakopoulos – 27 points

Heaviest Fish – Paul Chamberlain – tope 11oz

Longest Fish – Paul Maxfield – garfish 56cm

 

(Above) Solly Welch and his grandad Dave Welch share the fun of fishing.

(Above) Dean Asplin of the Angling Trust –https://anglingtrust.net

It is true to say that everyone who took part in this year’s event was a winner. It was perhaps one of the best Fun Fishes we have held over the years though there have been some very special memories made and I hope just a few new anglers have been set on a journey of fun and adventure.

 

 

Its Fun Fish Time at Ilfracombe – Sunday September 3rd 2023

COMBE MARTIN SAC FUN FISH – The weather is looking perfect for the Fun Fish on Ilfracmbe Pier with sunshine and light winds forecast . We have guests on the day including Mat Mander Chief Officer of  Devon  & Severn Inshore Fisheries & Conservation Authority,  Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust and representatives from the Coastguard and RNLI who focus on water safety.

Bring along a rod and enter the fun fishing competition or just come along for a chat with club members and our guests. Its only two hours and once a year. There is also lots to explore around Ilfracombe’s Sea Ilfracombe Festival.

The event is generously supported by High Street Tackle Ilfracombe with an array of superb prizes for the competitors.

Ilfracombe Aquarium. https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

Below an array of top quality prizes from HIgh Street Tackle.

Combe Martin SAC Fun Fish 2023

Combe Martin SACs annual Fun Fishing Event coincides with the Sea Ifracombe Festival. This years special guests include Mat Mander from the D & S IFCA, Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust and hopefully members of the Local Coastguard and RNLI. There will be a friendly competition as in past years and the opportunity to talk with local anglers and our special guests.

The club look forward to meeting up with local anglers as participants or just for a chat on the day.

The event is free to enter. All junior anglers must be accompanied by an adult.

Bideford and District Angling Club Junior Competition No. 4

Bideford and District Angling Club
Junior Competition No. 4
Tarka Swims
Results:
1st Brodie Allen 23lb 6oz
2nd Findley Huggins 17lb 10oz
3rd Jenson Kiff 13lb 8oz
4th Imogen Babb 13lb 1oz
5th Ted Blight 11lb 12oz
6th Bailly Brambley 9lb 10oz
7th Maci Brambley 8lb 4oz
8th Willow Davies. 4lb 15oz
9th Billy Butler 4lb 14oz
10th. Leo Davies 3lb 3oz
11th Albi Clements 2lb 9oz
12th Lewis Hathaway 2lb 8oz
13th Brodie Daniel 2lb 4oz
14th Amelia Bell 1lb 10oz
15th Metida Voice 13oz
16th Tash Hawkins 9oz
17th Fletcher Hawkins 8oz
Despite the fierce winds our junior members turned out in force for the penultimate competition of the junior calendar, over half the pegs on George’s lake were used.!
Poles and rods were gripped tightly as storm “Antoni” did it’s best to spoil the day.
Brodie, on peg 15 , put a cracking net of mainly carp on the scales to win the day. Paste on the pole his tactics.
Second spot went to Findley on peg 8 , his chosen tactic to combat the high winds was a method feeder.
Jenson fished similarly on peg 11 for a well earned third spot.
Despite some very challenging conditions the youngsters all managed to weigh in, well done all.
Martin Cox Bait tech for their generosity.
Also our helpers on the day.

Bideford and District Angling Club Junior event No. 3

Bideford and District Angling Club
Junior event No. 3
Results:
1st Brodie Allen 14lb 8oz
2nd Lewis Hathaway 9lb 4oz
3rd Leo Davies 7lb 14oz
4th Eric Snudden 3lb 9oz
4th Hector Snudden 3lb 9oz
6th Willow Davies 2lb 10oz
7th Imogen Babb 1lb 14oz
8th Albi Clements 15oz
The forecast for wind and heavy rain kept some of our regular youngsters away for this,the third event of the summer series ; however the weather wasn’t as bad as predicted and pegs 7 to 14 offered a degree of shelter.
Some nice catches were made with Brodie’s net of pole caught carp top wieght on the day,
Second place went to Lewis on peg 7, sweetcorn on the pole tactics.
Leo fished pellets on a method feeder for third.
Our next event is on Saturday August 5th.

Bideford and District Angling Club Junior Event

Bideford and District Angling Club
Junior Event
Results:
1st Ted Blight 15lb 1/2oz
2nd Charles Heddon 13lb 15 1/2oz
3rd Brodie Allen 12lb 7 3/4oz
4th Leo Davies 10lb 13 3/4oz
5th Jake Seddon 8lb 8 1/4oz
6th Billy Butler 7lb 6 1/2 oz
7th Albi Clements 7lb 1 3/4oz
8th Thomas Scott 6lb 6 1/4oz
9th Imogen Babb 5lb 12 1/4oz
10th Kash Hawkins 5lb 9 1/4oz
11th Fletcher Hawkins 3lb 8 1/4oz
12th Lewis Hathaway 3lb 7 1/2oz
13th Rudyjames Nicholas 3lb 6 1/4oz
14th Maci Brambley 2lb 10 1/4oz
15th Isaiah Seddon 2lb 7 1/4oz
16th Willow Davies 2lb 1 3/4oz
17th Bailey Bramley 2lb 1 1/2oz
18th Archie Brooks 1lb 7 3/4oz
19th Taylor Charlton 1oz
Fantastic ,
19 young members have turned up to fish the second event of the year, George’s lake has produced bumper
catches for our lads and lasses.
Really close results, Ted topped the field from peg 14
with a lovely net of carp all on the method feeder.
Charlie’s second spot fell to paste on the pole off peg 12 , Brodie took 3rd on peg 1.
The weights were taken on an assortment of techniques and all around the lake.
Everyone went home with a prize, a suntan and l hope, a smile.!!…
Many thanks to the senior helpers and to the sponsors for our prize table.

Latest Coarse Results from Bideford & District Angling Club

Midweek evening competition
Round 4 results:
1st (joint) Nathan Underwood  32lb 4oz
1st (joint) David Bailey 32lb 4oz
3rd Stephen Craker  26lb 8oz
4th Roger Ackroyd  24lb 4oz
5th Richard Jefferies  23lb 6oz
6th Mike Snudden 19lb 2oz
15 fished
Our members enjoyed another beautiful evening on Tarka Swims , as we approach the half way point in the series Nathan continues his relentless dominance, with his second win this time on peg 22, pole and paste has accounted for his mainly carp net.
He didn’t have it all his own way as David made his return, with a fantastic net of larger carp on peg 9 , float fished hard pellets beside the lilly pads.
Steve’s 3rd place came to luncheon meat.
On Sunday we have our monthly competition.

Junior Competition No 1

Tarka Swims

Results:

1st Thomas Scott 11lb 10oz
2nd Alby Clements 9lb 12oz
3rd Lewis Hathaway 5lb 6oz
4th Imogen Babb 5lb 4oz
5th Ted Blight 3lb 10oz
6th Matilda Voice 3lb 7oz
7th Jenson Kiff 2lb 9oz
8th Isaiah Seddon 1lb 7oz
9th Jake Seddon 1lb 6oz
10th Bailey Brambley 1lb 3oz
11th Maci Brambley 1lb 2oz
12th Tanzin Galliver 15oz
13th Billy Butler 1oz
A scorching Saturday afternoon on Tarka swims saw our young members fish the first in their 5 match series .
Thomas, our oldest competitor, has left it late to catch the winning fish , a nice carp on peg 21 has swung the decision.
Albi ,our youngest member, has put a lovely net of fish together on peg 17 for second spot.
Lewis, fishing his first ever match came in third on peg 18.Last year’s overall champion Imogen was 4th.
A fantastic day was had by all, a special thanks to Summerlands Tackle and Quay Sports for their help with prizes , also to our senior helpers on the day.

SPRING INTO FISHING! ANGLERS ELDORADO – 2023

Spring into Fishing – Get into fishing this April, May and June with FREE fishing from the Angling Trust

The Angling Trust’s Spring into Fishing campaign returns for a fourth year with FREE fishing sessions  to re-awaken your love of the outdoors

Come and Spring into Fishing at free, fun, outdoor activity events for families around the country that are the perfect way to discover the wonderful world of angling. Everybody is welcome, to come and try fishing – whatever your age, ability or experience level.

Never been fishing before? No problem – tackle, bait, instruction and info on fishing clubs and places to go are all included for everyone at Spring into Fishing events.

Already a beginner? Great – come back and continue your introduction to angling, refresh your basic fishing skills this spring and discover some new fishing tips to help progress your angling to the next-level!

Spring into Fishing beginner sessions are quality assured by the Angling Trust to give the best possible experience of fishing to children, families and anybody who wants to find out what you need and where to go fishing. Funded by the Environment Agency and Sport England, Spring into Fishing gives everyone the chance to get outside, try fishing and learn new skills.

Free fishing events like this let you experience first-hand how fun, inexpensive and accessible fishing is, and how it’s good for your wellbeing to get outside next to water and simply tune-in to the peace and quiet of nature.

Spring into Fishing events are happening all over the country from April right through to June at fishing clubs and venues in partnership with friendly, helpful coaches and volunteers who will show you and your children what fishing is all about.

I arrived at Anglers Paradise’s Eldorado Day Ticket complex shortly after the start of the morning session of the 2023 Spring into fishing event. It was a perfect late Spring morning with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Wispy white high clouds drifted across the blue sky with the water of the  mixed general lake reflecting the lush green surrounds of the flag Iris and bankside trees.

The vibrancy of the Devon countryside in late May and early June is certainly to be savoured. The lake was surrounded by families sharing in an introduction to the joys and tribulations of fishing. The coaches were certainly in for a busy day as they explained the setting up of tackle to the eager pupils. The brightly coloured wriggling maggots always fascinate children who are often eager to touch and feel the writhing mass within the bait tub.

The coaches set up a selection of tackles some putting out self-hooking leger rigs whilst most opted for the simplicity of pole tackles and float. I always think that the simplicity of float fishing is perfect for beginners. A float offers a point of focus; giving delight in its disappearance and buoyant optimism whilst watched.

I wandered around the lake with my camera chatting with coaches and pupils whilst trying to capture the essence of the day. It is always a joy to witness success as the fish were lifted from the water their jewelled flanks glistening in the sunshine. Beaming smiles abounded as floats dipped frequently during the morning session.

Nick Pack is delighted with a golden rudd

The coaches were kept busy carefully unhooking the fish and explaining the importance of correct handling procedures. The use of unhooking matts, wet hands and correct unhooking tools was explained.

A variety of species were caught including golden rudd, perch, carp and a stunning koi carp of close to 10lb caught by Lewis Jones.

The coaches talked about each fish and pointed out its characteristics, the golden flanks of rudd with scarlet fins, the stripy flanks of perch with their spiky bristling fins and the bronze chain mail flanks of carp.

During my walks around the Lake I caught sight of a bent rod on the cat and carp lake below. I dashed down to witness Paul Hockam land a pleasing catfish. Later in the day his fishing partner Tasha Caunter banked a stunning common carp of 17lb.

The pupils ranged from families who travelled from across the South West to individual anglers rediscovering the joys of angling. I hoped that some of the young would become hooked by the fascination of angling and follow a journey through life enhanced by days in nature that can nurture mental health. It was also good to share the rediscovery of angling with a man who recalled fishing with his Grandad as a child.

Malcolm Saunders

Angling is a passion that can be enjoyed in many different ways. I have commented before how an angling journey can often be plotted with beginners wanting to catch fish, they then wish to catch more fish, bigger fish or maybe more than their fellow angler. At some point they perhaps rediscover the simple of joy of just going fishing.

By the end of the morning session most pupils had caught a fish and hopefully most will want to return to the  water’s edge again.

During the short dinner break between the two session’s I chatted with Dean Asplin Angling Development Manager for the Angling Trust. Dean works with the trust and its volunteer coaches to organise these valuable events at participating fisheries across the country.

The Coaches – Alex Green, Mark Thormycroft, Joe Dietrich, Dan Smedley, Michael Head, Roly Palmer, John Thompson and Zenia Gregorek

Dean told me that they are very busy at present with many eager to sample fishing. Zenia Gregorek of the Anglers Paradise complex is a passionate supporter of the Angling Trust and thanked Dynamite baits and Shakespeare Tackle for their generous support. Anglers Paradise continues to grow and there are many exciting plans for the future that I will continue to share here on North Devon Angling News

Before the afternoon session commenced I called for a quick group photo as another group of budding anglers converged on the water. After the busy morning the fish seemed less inclined to dine and action was less frantic. With coaches having to explain why it is called fishing and not catching.

Despite the slower fishing there were plenty of smiling faces as I departed for home with a camera full of  the days images.

 

Jack and Joe Cantillon share the joy of catching a fine perch

 

Lucy Hook with a lovely mirror carp
Jasper Pack with a fine perch
Olivia Nuttall with a golden rudd

 

Alistair Nuttall with golden rudd

Edward Steward with a fine common carp

 

Zackery Gibson with a golden rudd
Zenia explains the principles of angling to Scarlet Richards

 

Ollie Richards with his first fish
Noah and Jacob Carpenter

Anglers Paradise

Great Torrington Detachment Devon Army Cadet Force – Fly Fishing for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Skills Section

Great Torrington Detachment Devon Army Cadet Force

Fly Fishing for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Skills Section

Back in September four Army Cadets from Great Torrington Detachment undertook the challenge to learn fly fishing as a skill for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Hobby.

Cdt Sjt David Lee, Cdt Barnie Reeves, Cdt Archie Reeves & Cdt George Batten have worked hard over the winter months to master all the relevant skills required, under the supervision of Captain Trevor Cook.

The program followed by these four Cadets included a visit from Environmental Agency Fisheries Enforcement Officer Callum Underhill to talk about his job role and licensing. Also included were rod actions, reels, types of lines, types of flies, line installation, braided loop install, knots, roll casting, false casting and turn over plus a session of fly tying and two days on the lake.

On both lake days the cadets managed to catch and take home 1 fish each, the second day on Sunday 12th March proved quite challenging and the rain in the afternoon didn’t help. But they all achieved their goal and had a great time.

Very Special Thanks

Very Special Thanks to Paul Cozens and Simpsons Coarse and Trout Fishery for their continued support in making our two lake days possible, it is greatly appreciated for without their help and support these young people may not have had the full experience.

Also, special thanks to Callum Underhill EA Fisheries Enforcement Officer for giving up his free time to come along and do a presentation. Thank you we really appreciate it.

We are now planning our next course starting in June with fishing days in the Autumn 2023.

Merry Christmas & Happy Fishes for 2023

I would like to thank all those who have followed North Devon Angling News throughout 2022 and to those who have contributed news stories and pictures. A special thanks to those who have sponsored the site over past years.

I welcome new sponsors for 2023 at very reasonable rates. Contact – [email protected]

 

Anglers Paradise

FUN FISHING 2022

         Combe Martin SAC hosted their annual Fun Fish on Ilfracombe Pier in conjunction with the  2022 Sea Ilfracombe festival. The event was once again a resounding success with several families taking part in the Fun Species competition.

         Special guests on the day included Mat Mander Chief Officer of Devon & Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority and the Ilfracombe Area Coastguard. The event gave the opportunity for members of the public the talk with the guests about the valuable work that they do.

         The event was generously supported by High Street Tackle, The Angling Trust  and Ilfracombe Aquarium.

         The whole aim of the event is to give the opportunity for young anglers and their families to participate in angling. The Angling Trust provided Certificates, Angling books and caps. High Street Tackle provided a top prize for the overall winner of the event along with numerous prizes for all who took part. Ilfracombe Aquarium gave a family entry to be used by the winning family at a time of their choosing.

         The competition started promptly at 3.00pm as the tide receded from the landing stages. Close to twenty anglers of all ages cast out and fish came regularly from the start. Eight species were registered including, pollock, ballan wrasse, pouting, corkwing wrasse, rock goby, tompot blennies, Shanny and dragonette.

         Smiling faces lit up what was at times a grey afternoon as dark clouds drifted above with occasional drizzle.

         Small ragworm baits proved most effective with mackerel and squid also producing good numbers of fish.

 

         The competition closed at 5.00pm with the prize presentation at 5:15pm.

         The winning individual was Effie Welch who was presented with a superb Rockfish LRF rod and reel donated by High Street Tackle. The winning family were the Stanway family, Ross, Charlie and Jake who received a family ticket for Ilfracombe aquarium.

         All junior anglers who took part received a prize and each family were presented with a book on Angling from the Angling Trust.

         The club hope to host the event again next year and thank all those who made the effort to attend.

Combe Martin SAC Fun Fishing

Top prize in tomorrows Fun Fish competition is a Rockfish LRF Rod and reel worth over £80.00. Special thanks to High Street Tackle. Plenty of other goodies plus a family Aquarium ticket. Special guest is Mat Mander from Devon & Severn IFCA. I have free starter rigs and bait supplied by CMSAC. There will be a limited number of light rods set up to use.
The Angling Trust have supported the event and there will be Certificates and books for entrants.
Competition is a fun friendly event top prize is for most points,
2 points per species with 1 point per fish for next two of each species. Only 3 fish of each species to count.
Longest fish
Heaviest Fish

Bideford Angling Club – Final Junior event of our summer series:

Final Junior event of our summer series:
Results:
1st Hope Polden 18lb 10oz
2nd Ted Blight 6lb 4oz
3rd Imogen Babb 3lb 3oz
4th Cruise Eigins 2lb 14oz
5th Willow Davies 2lb 5oz
6th Leon Davies 1lb 15oz
7th Fletcher. 1lb 14oz
8th Alby Clements 1lb 7oz
9th Kash. 1lb 1oz
10th Sammy Thornton retired early.
Hope, one of our youngest competitors , has put many a senior member to shame ! , with a terrific winning net of tench and skimmers in just 3 hours.
Hope has fished on peg 21 with worm baits on a short pole,
Ted ,on peg 19 , has come second using luncheon meat on the pole.
3rd spot has gone to Imogen on peg 23 , and has thus secure the victory in the league.
Our junior summer series has been well supported and a huge thanks must go to all who have helped on the days.
The terrific prize table was made possible by the generosity of Quay sports, Summerlands, Bait-tech, Tom Downing , Martin Cocks , huge thank you to them.

QUAY SPORTS AND DEVON ANGLERS – SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S HOSPICE SOUTH WEST

Some of our amazing supporters at Quay Sports in Barnstaple donated money raised at their 1st Anniversary Fundraiser. They raised an impressive £1122 in ONE day and we’d just like to say a massive thank you to Toby, Harrison, Chris and Mark L and the rest of the store team for continuing to fundraise for Children’s Hospice South West.

Junior Bass Fishing Success

Young Solly Welch aged 8 fished with his father Daniel from their Private boat and caught three fine bass on lures bought from High Street Tackle. The bass of 57cm and two of 58cm put Solly into second place in Combe Martin SAC’s lure fishing competition sponsored by High Street Tackle.

Combe Martin SAC Lure Fishing Competition

1st Daniel Welch three bass – 195cm

2nd  Solly Welch three bass  158cm.

3rd James Corner – 2 bass 122cm

Bideford and District Angling Club. Junior event No. 3

Bideford and District Angling Club.
Junior event No. 3
Results:
1st Sammy Thornton 11lb 12oz
2nd Brodie Norris 6lb 1oz
3rd Imogen Babb 5lb 3oz
4th RudyJames Nicholas 3lb 3oz
5th Ted Blight 3lb
6th Willow Davies 2lb 3oz
7th Leo Davies 1lb 6oz
The weather was kinder to us ,on Saturday, for our third Junior event this summer .
Our winner,Sammy ,has fished on, the unfancied,peg 3 with a top kit, his net of good roach and skimmers was taken on maggot .
Brodie fished on peg 26,for second place, he has found some nice tench again taken on short pole tactics.
3rd place went to Imogen on the adjacent peg 25,using the long pole with paste .
Rudy James came in 4th on peg 1.
Our prize table was once again supported by the generosity of local shops.
A big thanks to our helpers on the day .

Bideford and District Angling Club Jubilee Special Junior event :

Bideford Angling Club do a fantastic job  encouraging young anglers with their special Junior events with coaching from qualified club members. The lakes two lakes are superb facility for club members at a very reasonble price.
https://www.bidefordanddistrictanglingclub.com
Bideford and District Angling Club
Jubilee Special Junior event :
1st place : Tom Scott 6lb 9 oz
2nd Brodie Allin 5lb 12oz
3rd Imogen Babb 4lb 10oz
4th Alby Clements 4lb 8oz
5th Lilly Bell 3lb 15oz
9 youngsters took part.
Our junior members enjoyed a glorious summer afternoon on George’s lake ,Tarka Swims. Fish proved tricky to tempt but everyone managed to winkle out a few,
Thomas was top of the over 14 age group on peg 23 , with a nice mixed net caught on double red maggot on the pole. Brodie was a close second on peg 18, some late fish on paste just pipped Imogen on the next peg.
A special thank you to the generosity of our local shops for helping with our prizes.
Let’s hope the weather is kind for the next one in the series on June 18th.

Anglers Paradise – Get Fishing Family Fun Day

            The Angling Trust are always at the forefront of events to promote angling ensuring its future for generations to come. Anglers Paradise was founded by Zyg Gregorek over forty years ago and has undoubtedly sowed the seeds for many anglers who have visited the venue with their families.  On Easter Sunday 2022 I attended a family fun fishing day at the day ticket Eldorado complex that was supported by Anglers Paradise, The Angling Trust, Shakespeare, Angling Direct, The Environment Agency, Dynamite Baits and Nash Tackle.

Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust with Zenia Drury Gregorek

            Zenia Drury Gregorek was undoubtedly the driving force behind the event that attracted over seventy eager participants. Coaches from the Angling Trust were joined by keen local anglers to introduce families to the joys of angling. All tackle and bait was provided at this free event with a wealth of expert advice on tap for both total beginners and the more experienced angler. All juniors who took part earned a Get Fishing Certificate Award and badge from the Angling Trust presented by Dean Asplin who is Angling Development Manager for the South of England and South West Angling Development Officer.

            I arrived at the venue shortly before the start and enjoyed chatting with  the coaches who had travelled from far and wide to assist and support on the day. Amongst the coaches were Roly, Tony King, John Thompson, Andy Payne, Joe Drury, Hassan Khan, Steve Manley, Dan Murrell, Joe Dietrich, Callum Regan and Mark Thorneycroft.

Roly
John Thompson
Mark Thorneycroft – Angling Trust Volunteer
Tony King
Joe Dietrich
Hassan Khan & Steve Manley

Andy Payne

It was to prove a busy day for the coaches with families descending on the venue from far and wide. The event was blessed with warm sunshine during the morning session with the sounds of children’s laughter and adults banter filling the spring air. A few swallows swooped over the water as the coaches explained the finer details of fishing. The majority of families gathered around a lake stocked with  a wide variety of smaller fish with whips used in conjunction with float tactics. The young anglers were fascinated by the brightly coloured wriggly maggots and soon focussed upon the brightly coloured floats that bobbed optimistically upon the water to disappear delightfully from time to time as a bejewelled fish from another dimension was lifted from the cloudy waters.

Tony King and Andy Payne with the Ezsias Family proudly displaying their certificates. ( many thanks to Tony King for the above image)

            Many caught their first fish and it was  great to see the joy and fascination upon so  many faces. The coaches gave guidance on how to unhook the fish carefully and return them to the water with minimal harm.

            On the lower Lake Hassan Khan of Nash Tackle was joined by Steve Manley and Dan Murrell of Catch to explain the complexities and technicalities of carp fishing. During the morning session the carp showed on the surface in abundance allowing Hassan and his friends to demonstrate the frustration of carp fishing as the carp ignored the carefully presented hook baits. They made up for this in the afternoon session helping a young angler to bank two fine double figure carp.

Leon Mortimer with a fine double figure carp
Leon Mortimer with his dad Floyd Mortimer with the biggest fish of the day.

The event proved a huge success with many families being introduced to angling for the first time. For some this could prove the gateway to a lifetime spent in the great outdoors gaining an in depth appreciation of nature. Angling is recognised as providing a great deal of well-being with significant benefits for mental health.

Joe Drury of Fat Mammoth with a family of happy anglers with a fine koi carp

            During the day I attempted to capture a few images of the fishing that will hopefully do more justice than words alone.

 

Hugo Clayton with a golden tench

 

Tony King and Oscar Ody

Dillion Bandy with fine perch ( Image – Kevon Jefferies)
Dillion Bandy with a golden tench ( Image – Devon Jefferies)

Zenia Drury Gregorek would like to say a special thank you to Get Fishing and the Angling Trust for helping and supporting this Event, also to Zyg and Rose Gregorek for letting us hold the wonderful event at Anglers Paradise’s Day Ticket venue Eldorado Big thank you to Shakespeare Fishing for sponsoring the Event with prizes for the kids. Dynamite Baits for providing all the bait, and to the Angling Times & Improve Your Coarse Fishing for providing copies of their awesome magazines to all that attend!! Not forgetting the volunteers to help on the day – Dean Asplin from the Angling Trust, the Angling Trust Coaches, Hassan Khan, Joe Drury, Tony King, Andy Payne, Steve Manley, Joe Dietrich & any that I have forgotten – THANK YOU!! It really was a wonderful event to see so many smiling, happy families & share the MAGIC OF…FISHING!
Anglers Paradisehttp://www.anglers-paradise.co.uk

TIME TO VISIT YOUR LOCAL TACKLE SHOP

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.

 

FUN FISHING @ Sea Ilfracombe 2021

Combe Martin SAC’s annual Fun Fish was once again held In conjunction with the Sea-Ilfracombe Festival at Ilfracombe Pier after a one year break. This year the club had not promoted the event to the extent of previous years as concerns about COVID still linger amongst many across society.

I arrived early to secure a parking place on the pier and called in to speak with Dan at the aquarium as they had offered some containers to hold any donations to the aquarium we could catch.

This event is as stated a fun event aimed at families and those happy to try something a little less serious. The format is a species competition with 10 points for the first of each species with 2 points for the next two after which any more of that species do not count.

We had eleven competitors dominated by the Stanway and Welch families who had come armed with a variety of baits and light tackle. The event was due to cast off at 10.00am and I took the inevitable snap of Verity towering above the pier dividing opinion as ever among both visitors and locals. It was loaned to Ilfracombe in 2012 by the well known artist Damien Hurst and is due to remain until 2032.

A brisk North East breeze was sweeping down the channel causing some concern that fish would be reluctant to feed. These fears were soon dismissed as rod tips started twitching as soon as baits hit the sea bed.

Young smiling faces soon followed as a succession of small pouting and pollock were swung ashore. I was kept busy with the camera whilst club secretary Nick Phillips made busy with the score sheet. Dan from the aquarium made regular visits throughout the morning to take the required fish back to their new home in the aquarium. I am pleased to say that numerous pouting and poor cod from previous fun fishing events still reside safely in the aquarium’s tanks.

Effie Welch with a wrasse
Jake Stanway with one of the three smelt that helped to a winning points total
Charlie Stanway with scorpion fish
A fearsome looking scorpion fish
A corkwing wrasse
Effie Welch displays a corkwing wrasse
A rock goby
Solly Welch with a ballan wrasse

The morning proceeded with the species tally growing steadily to include pollock, pouting, poor cod, shanny, smelt, scorpion fish, rock gobies, ballan wrasse and corkwing wrasse. Many of these small fish are handsome creatures with an amazing array of colours decorating their flanks.

A Pretty corkwing wrasse

A rather concerning observation was a total lack of mackerel or garfish, species that would historically have been  abundant at this time of year. General consensus is that this year is one of the worst for mackerel in living memory.

I am sure that by the end of the four hours fishing mums and dads were glad to take a rest after working hard detangling rigs, retackling and unhooking fish. The results are as follows.

 

1st – Jake Stanway – 90 points

2nd – Charlie Stanway – 70 points

3rd – Ross Stanway – 66 points

4th – Effie Welch – 64 points

5th – Solly Welch – 52 points

6th – Paul Maxfield – 26 points

7th – Malin Marcus Young – 24 points

Longest fish – Solly Welch – Pollock 27cm

An array of  quality prizes donated by the clubs sponsors High Street Tackle were presented to the top five competitors. Ilfracombe Aquarium kindly donated family tickets for the two competing families enabling them to visit during the autumn and see the expanded layout and new exhibits.

Combe Martin Sea Angling Club plan to repeat the event next September once again working with the Sea Ilfracombe Festival organisers. With luck COVID fear will have subsided allowing a higher profile event welcoming back those VIP guest anglers and the local coastguard.

An unusual guest appearance at this years event was that of a rather wet and bedraggled grey squirrel that swam onto the pier steps and bounded energetically past competitors!

The competition prize giving was followed by the declaration of winning fish in the club’s lure fishing competition once again generously sponsored by Danny and Pauline at High Street Tackle.

1st – Daniel Welch – bass – 72cm – £200 Voucher

2nd – Wayne Thomas – bass – 67cm – £100 Voucher

3rd – Ross Stanway – bass  -55cm – £25.00 Voucher

 

Daniel Welch – Winning bass 72cm
Wayne Thomas – bass 67cm

 

Young Luke banks first carp and its a double!

Young Luke McCarthy’s mum and dad Heather & Simon from Summerlands Tackle are very proud of young Luke who baited up, cast out and landed, by himself, his very first carp, 15lb 14oz!

⭐🎣🎉Summer Competition Time🎉🎣⭐
👊🎣👊It’s THE BIG FISHING ONE 👊🎣👊
WIN A £100 GIFT VOUCHER & £100 DONATED TO RNLI APPLEDORE 🧡
HOW TO ENTER… LIKE AND SHARE THIS POST TO ENTER! IF YOU WANT TO DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING BRING US YOUR FAVOURITE FISHING PHOTO IN STORE FOR OUR WALL (You will then be entered twice!) Closing date 31st August 2021.
WHAT A 18 MONTHS… I think we can all say thank goodness for fishing and friends 🎣 So it seems only fitting that as we enter the “new normal” it only feels right to recognise how far we have all come and how well we have all done and to also give back to a charity just down the road from the shop that literally didn’t stop at all through the pandemic 🧡 Thank you for all your support, the shop is jam packed FULL of stock and summer ready for you 😁

 

Bideford and District Angling Club Junior Competition No.4. :

Bideford Angling Club have done a sterling job in helping to promote angling amongst their Junior membership throughout the summer.
Results :
1st Thomas Scott  15lb 14oz
2nd Mia Bell 10lb 4oz
3rd Tyler Scott  10lb
4th Lilly Bell 9lb 14oz
5th Adam Wheeler  8lb 9oz
6th Charlie Heddon 6lb 5oz .
Lucky, the pessimistic weather forecast proved unfounded , and our Juniors enjoyed another lovely afternoon on Georges lake . Thomas fished the pole on peg 17 with corn for a great net of skimmers to win the last match of the series. Mia fished her first match on peg 16 and added a 3lb carp to her net of tench to finish 2nd. The final points tally resulted in a draw in the over 14’s for first place between the Scott brothers , 56 points apiece.Count back on weigh saw Thomas take the Gold medal. In the under 14’s category Charlie Heddon collected Gold with 42 points.
Huge well done to all competitors and helpers for making this event possible. Thanks to BaitTech, for generous donations of prizes , Mervyn Beal for sponsoring the medals also to Summerlands for their support.

BIDEFORD JUNIOR EVENT

Well done to Bideford for their efforts in promoting angling to a young generation.

Junior event No. 3 Results Over 14s

1st Adam Wheeler 8lb 5oz

2nd Tyler Scott 7lb 10oz

3rd Thomas Scott 6lb 12oz

Under 14 age group 1st Charlie Heddon 10lb 3oz 2nd Brodie Allin 8lb 12oz .

Using pegs 4 to 11 the junior event produced some great catches, in this , the third match of the series. Top weight on the day was youngster Charlie with a lovely double figure net of skimmers and tench ( and terch! ) on peg 7 in the 3 hour competition . Prizes were kindly donated by BaitTech and Summerlands.

Bideford & District Angling Club – Junior Competition Round 2 Result

All credit to Bideford Angling Club in organising this fabulous competition for the clubs Junior members. many thanks to Martin Turner for the report.

   BDAC Junior Competition No2 held today at Tarka swims .

Results:Over 14s

1st Tyler Scott 11lb 10oz

2nd Thomas Scott 10lb 12oz

3rd Joe Westcott 5lb 13oz

4th Adam Wheeler  1lb 10oz

Under 14’s

1st Brodie Allin 9lb 10oz

2nd Thomas Conibear 2lb 15oz

3rd Harry Mounce 2lb.

Lovely afternoon for this 3 hour event held on the shallower pegs on Georges lake , the Scott brothers shared the top spots again , with Tyler coming out best this time on peg 25 , a nice bag of tench crucians and rudd topped off with a 5lb carp. Thomas was second with mainly skimmers on peg 5. Star of the show was 6 year old Brodie on his first match, winning the under 14’s off peg 2 with a great net of fish all caught on a short pole .We must again thank Summerlands and Bait Tek for their kind support with prizes.

Bideford Angling Club – Junior Event

Bideford Angling Club held the first of their Summer fishing events at Tarka Swims. Great to see a good number of juniors coming into fishing. Well done to Bideford for such a sterling effort.
Today’s first Junior Event Tarka Swims , Results: Over 14’s
1st Tom Scott  9lb 15oz
2nd Tyler Scoot   6lb 12oz
3rd   Adam Wheeler 6lb 6oz
4th Joe Westcott 3lb 9oz
Under 14’s
1st Charlie H 4lb 6oz
2nd Tom G 2lb 1oz.
Our junior members enjoyed the 3 hour afternoon event on the shallower pegs, conditions were warm and overcast.Tom landed a late carp on peg 22 to secure victory, older brother Tyler had a good mixed net on peg 23 for second, just pipping Adam in to third. Many thanks to our helpers and a special thank you to Tom Downing for securing a fine box of prizes from BaitTech also thanks to Summerlands of Westward Ho!

Young ZAINE CATCHES A MONSTER

Zenia Gregorek reports :-
Our Son has only gone and caught a personal best 40lb Catfish!! He fought it like a little legend (poor boy, as he was fighting it, couldn’t stop saying, my arms hurt, my arms hurt!!!)
But he won the battle and has even beat his Mummy’s PB now!!!
Caught using a Dynamite Baits 20mm Squid & Octopus Hard Hookbait
topped with a Pineapple & Banana pop up glugged in Squid & Octopus Liquid Attractant
Anglers Paradise

A FINE BIRTHDAY PRESENT – Ten Year old Zaine banks carp brace

Proud parents Joe and Zenia Drury Gregorek sent me this heartwarming  report from Anglers Paradise.

Zaine Drury-Gregorek who knows how to celebrate his 10th birthday and that was to go fishing! Zaine had a few hours on Anglers Eldorado’s Cat and Carp Lake 1 and caught a stunning Mirror and a lovely Common! Needless to say it was the best Birthday ever and he didn’t want to leave! Zaine caught the Carp using Munchbaits Citrus Blend Pop Ups.

Anglers Paradise

Angling Generations

Norman Bird was a founder member of Combe Martin Sea Angling Club and I was fortunate to join the club ten years after his son Nigel who joined the club in 1963. Nigel and I fished together with the club on many occasions during the seventies and early eighties and now fish together from time to time with the Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club. I was pleased fo receive this picture from Nigel showing his grandson George enjoying his first fishing trip with his grandad at Bratton Water where they enjoyed catching a fine bag of rainbow and brown trout.

It is great to see the generations as they discover the joys of angling. For many years I enjoyed trips out of Combe Martin on George Eastmans boat Star of Scillionia PW265.  and was also privileged to help out from time to time hauling lobster pots and taking trips around the bay. Those glorious summer days were greatly enhanced by Georges great grandad George Eastman of whom I have many fond memories . Much has changed over the years but I still feel a sense of belonging when I stroll upon the foreshore at Combe Martin reminiscing upon a lifetime of encounters within the bay.

Footnote – Nigel traced Star of Scillionia PW265 around the West Country over the years from the Isles of Scilly to the Helford Passage were she was finally decommissioned and broken up.

Day Ticket Catfish at Anglers Paradise

One of angling greatest joys is introducing your children to the joys of angling. Damion Babb took his daughter Imogen to Anglers Paradise Day ticket Eldorado catfish lake where she caught a fine cat of 20lb 12oz. “Wow my girl with her cat that she wanted 20lb 12oz & she had a right old fight with it so proud of her”.

The fish won Imogen the complexes Fish off the Month Competition!

Bruce Elston and John Hughes enjoyed success with the catfish at Anglers Paradise’s day ticket Eldorado Catfish Lake.

Anglers Paradise

Childhood Streams – By Ross Stanway

Many thanks to Ross Stanway who produced this enchanting piece for North Devon Angling News. I know that there are many who will read this and recall their own days beside childhood streams. The West Country is criss-crossed by these fascinating streams that have seen many hundreds of anglers born. The piece is illustrated with more of Ross’s stunning illustrations available via his facebook page https://www.facebook.com/RossStanwayMarineArt/

 

Great Torrington Army Cadet’s Fly Fishing for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 2019

This year’s course started on 2nd April 2019 with a basic Introduction into Fly Fishing, over the past 7 months 4 cadets from Great Torrington Detachment have worked hard learning the different elements required to be proficient fly fishermen, these included types of Rods, Reels, Flies, Lines, Leaders & Casting.

On 16th April we had a visit from Paul Carter, Environment Agency Fisheries Officer to talk about his job and Licencing.

As well as Paul we had another visitor, Alan Crawley, River Warden for the Commons Conservators to talk about the work he’s been doing to improve access to the river by installing steps etc.

The Cadets found this evening really interesting.

15th June was our fly tying day where the cadets were instructed in the art of fly tying, this was also an opportunity for them to tie a selection of flies ready for the lake days to follow, all the cadets successfully managed to tie 6 reasonably flies by the end of the day.

13th July was our first Lake day, Simpsons Valley Trout & Course Fishery, near Holsworthy. This day proved to be challenging and despite everyone’s best efforts no fish were caught, but the cadets did get a lot of experience.

27th July should have been our second lake days, Bratton Water Fly Fishery, Barnstaple. Unfortunately due to so much other training happening that weekend which some of the group were involved in, we had to cancel.

30th November was our third lake day, Blakewell Trout Fishery, Barnstaple. This day started with a guided tour around the farm to see and learn about the fish, how water levels, oxygen level and temperatures affect the fish’s growth & wellbeing.

Fishing was challenging with fish following lures and turning away at the last moment, the cadet didn’t let this put them off but persevered in their quest to catch and land their first fish.

By the end of the day the cadets had all caught a fish to take home, best result ever, a perfect end to the course.

The Cadets and Instructors would like to thank the following people for their continued support,

Paul Carter                   Environment Agency Fisheries Officer

Alan Crawley                 River Warden for the Commons Conservators

Paul Cozens                  Simpsons Valley Trout & Course Fishery

Andrew Moores            Simpsons Valley Trout & Course Fishery

Mike Williams               Bratton Water Fly Fishery

Richard Nickell              Blakewell Fishery

John Nickell                  Blakewell Fishery

 

 

 

I CAUGHT A GLIMPSE – A Great Winter Read

I CAUGHT A GLIMPSE – Fishing In North Devon

            I have been privileged to enjoy over forty years fishing North Devon’s varied waters enjoying both success and failure. The places and the many people I have met along the way have greatly enriched the journey and as the years pass I realise that all we ever get is a fleeting glimpse of a period in angling history.

In this book I tell a few of my own stories of North Devon angling along with recollections from others; some from an earlier generation who enjoyed fishing in those good old days.

I have no favourite species of fish just the one I am fishing for at the time and this book reflects this with every discipline of angling represented. From the small crimson spotted trout of tumbling streams to the huge shark that roam the Atlantic Ocean.

Angling is in essence an attempt to reach into a different dimension. Its fascination has for me never ceased and I always believe that the next cast will be the one that connects, that marvellous moment of completed deception. The anglers I have interviewed in writing this book reflect upon past times when they too glimpsed piscatorial events that they enjoyed recalling. Stories of lost fisheries, big fish, record fish of angler’s their attitudes and love of fishing.

I hope that I manage to share and convey the joys of angling in North Devon and provide a glimpse into a century of marvellous fishing.

 

Just a fleeting glimpse,

Of Memories gone,

A hopeful glimpse of what may come,

 

When its bitter cold outside its often good to settle down by the fire to read a good book.  ” I Caught A Glimpse” has an array of fishing stories from North Devon with all disciplines catered for if your interested check out this review from Dominic Garnett and the comments from my friend Paul French.

https://dgfishing.co.uk/winter-coarse-fishing-and-new-angling-books-reviewed/?fbclid=IwAR1STJpBKb5FDftACxckmT4Gjl9zb5UknO9M0eyvbEQuhmITPgH2TQLF5As

I received this email from my friend Paul French who took the book on a cruise.

“We’ve recently returned from a cruise to Norway which provided me with ample time to read your book and what a thoroughly good read it was too! The passion you undoubtably have for this pastime of ours is embodied in the words on each and every page. The part mix of autobiographical and part historical is I believe a unique blende and certainly not something I’ve seen attempted elsewhere. It couldn’t have been an easy project to undertake and metaphorically reading between the lines the reader may understandably not appreciate the hours and days of research you have put into it. You’ve smashed it, all round my kind of book. 

All we need now is a Glimpse of the next one”.

https://thelittleegretpress.co.uk/product-category/author/wayne-thomas/

Available from The Little Egret Press or drop me a PM via my Facebook Page or North Devon Angling News.

 

 

FUN FISHING 2019 – SEA ILFRACOMBE

 

Combe Martin SAC’s Annual Fun Fish at Ilfracombe Pier has become a popular event within the Sea Ilfracombe Maritime Festival and this year was no exception with thirty fun fishers taking part.

Once again the weather played its part in the success of the event with warm sunshine throughout. A moderate North West breeze was fortunately at the participants backs helping the lines to blow away from the pier’s structure with a good drop to the water on one of the lowest tides of the year.

This is as it says on the box a fun fishing event with minimal rules. The competitive element is based on catching the most species with the top prizes in the points section reserved for under 18’s with adults picking up the remaining prizes. There are also prizes for the longest fish and heaviest fish. The main reward for those taking part is the social interaction and the broad beaming smiles on anglers faces.

Combe Martin SAC give thanks to High Street Tackle, Ilfracombe for their generous support of the event with an array of great prizes donated. Thanks also to Ilfracombe Aquarium who donated the family prize and engaged with participants in fish identification.

Our special guests on the day were Steve Dawe author of the book “Fishty Two weeks In A year”. A book that tells of Steve’s year long quest to catch as many species within twelve months as possible all in the cause of raising money for the stroke association.

Colin Wood and Alex Bond represented Ilfracombe Coastguard and mingled with the visiting public to talk about their valuable work as an emergency service co-ordinating rescues along the coast and beyond. Safety is of course top of their agenda with advice on good practice and safety aids readily available.

Colin Wood & Alex Bond represented the Ilfracombe Coastguard

The fishing proved to be challenging at times with the water coloured due to the low tide and brisk NW wind leading up to the event. Plenty of fish were caught however with a very wide variety of species including a few rarities. Young Solly Welch enjoyed an exceptional day with a little help from mum, dad and grandad. Solly landed an incredible eight species including a rare Cornish clingfish, red mullet, dragonet, rock goby, ballan wrasse, corkwing wrasse, smelt and pouting. There was also a little drama when a pouting that had succumbed to his bait was seized by a conger eel that held tightly onto its prey before letting go when it saw the waiting landing net!

Several crustaceans were also landed including two lobsters and a good sized edible crab for Danny Watson. These were not eligible for prizes but I think there could be a prize introduced next year for the most exceptional non piscatorial catch. In the past there have been octopus caught and this year one angler lost contact with a substantial oar that battled gamely twisting and turning in the tide before coming adrift.

Morgan Butterfield with his lobster
Steve Dawe displays a fearsome lobster
Danny Watson of High Street Tackle with the crab of the day

The Welch family were way ahead of the field amassing a grand total of 38 points to receive a family visit to the aquarium where they can visit the clingfish caught by young Solly and donated to the aquarium.

Lyn Welch displays a silvery smelt

 

Effy Welch is all smiles after catching a three bearded rockling

 

Young Solly and grandad with the pouting that tempted the conger that got away!

The longest fish was a 43cm garfish tempted by Matt Jeffery and the heaviest a ballan wrasse of 11oz to the rod of Matthew Dawe.

Matthew Dawe with the 11oz wrasse that won the heaviest fish prize

As part of Sea-Ilfracombe a big part of the event is the social interaction as members of the public wonder amongst the anglers to gaze at the catches and chat enjoying the ambience of the seaside and fun of the fishing.

Smile of the day had to go to young Scarlett Hart who tempted a scorpion fish just before the call for all in was broadcast. Persisting throughout the day Scarlett was absolutely delighted when the fearsome looking mini species seized her bait.

 

Always seems a bit sad to see the dismantling of the festival props as I drive away knowing that another summer has drifted past all too quickly. The best of the years fishing lies ahead though so embrace the coming autumn and get out there fishing.

The 2019 Fun Fishers

 

The Fun Fishing Event signalled the conclusion of Comb Martin SAC’s summer lure fishing competition that was won by Rob Scoines with a fine boat caught bass of 8lb 8oz.

 

Danny Watson presents a top of the range lured to Rob Scoines winner ion the CMSAC Summer Lure Competition

 

 

Bideford Angling Club – Junior Fishing Event

Junior results, Tarka Swims George’s Lake.

1st  Thomas Scott 10lb 8oz

2nd Charlie Evans 3lb 9oz

3rd Tyler Scott   2lb 7oz.

The Saturday afternoon 3 hour competition was fished in warm blustery conditions , Thomas drew the end peg Q and took victory with a nice carp on the feeder and a good bream on the pole and corn, Charlie’s had a nice net of smaller fish on the pole on peg U . Third spot went to Tyler on peg S. The winner of the 4 match series was Tyler Scott

Blakewell Fun Fishing

posted in: Sidebar, Young At Heart | 0

Catching those first fish is not always easy so that first venue needs to have a good head of fish. At Blakewell Fishery the Fun Fishing Lake gives young anglers the chance to catch that first fish and of course a tasty treat to take home as well. The Fishery also boasts a waterside cafe overlooking the fish farm where children can also feed the fish. An ideal venue for a family visit.

 

 Junior Event @ Tarka Swims George’s Lake results:

1st Tyler Scott 11lb 7oz

2nd Charles Evans 4lb 9oz

3rd Thomas Scott 3lb 13oz

Our 3 hour junior event was the third in the summer series, Tyler Scott has fished peg U and landed a near 10lb carp early in the match, this specimen plus some smaller fish secured victory. Young Charles on the adjoining peg, V has pole fished to a very respectable 2nd spot.  Thomas Scott put together a good net for third.

Bideford Angling Club – Junior Event

Bideford Angling Club arranged a Junior match and coaching session at their Tarka Swims Georges Lake – Well done to the club and its members for providing this valuable experience.

 Junior Event @ Tarka Swims George’s Lake

1st Tyler Scott 7lb 5oz

2nd Charlie Evans 5lb 3 oz

3rd Thomas Scott 2lb

4th Joe Westcott 1lb 15 oz

5th Adam Wheeler   13oz .

This 3 hour event was fished on the shallow pegs .Celebrating his birthday , Tyler Scott  landed a fine mixed catch alternating between shallow and full depth on the pole on peg F to secure victory on the first of our 4 match series , Charlie took second spot in his very 1st competition fishing on peg Z . Third place was Thomas Scott, next door to his brother on peg E .

Learn How To Fish at Anglers Paradise – Junior Fishing

 

**GETTING KIDS FISHING DAYS WITH NASH AND ALAN BLAIR AT ANGLERS PARADISE**

Zenia Gregorek says –

“We are very excited to announce that the Nash Team with Alan Blair will be joining us at Anglers Paradise on 23rd and 24th July to encourage more Kids to go Fishing!

On Tuesday 23rd July we will be hosting the Kid’s Fishing Day for the Anglers Paradise Kids that are staying with us and on the 24th July it will be open to “All Kid’s” and we will be fishing at Anglers Eldorado.

All tackle and bait will be provided by Nash, they’ll be a goody bag for each Kid to take home and they’ll also be Prizes to be won! Our whole aim is to show Kids how much fun fishing is and start them on their fishing journey the right way!

If you would like your Child to join in then please contact Zenia on 01409221559 to book their place ASAP before it gets fully booked! ”

Time to share our passion for angling with the future generation! — with Alan Blair Urban Banx, Nash Tackle and Zenia’s Fishing Adventures.

Anglers Paradise

Zenia lands a starring role with Shakespeares fishing heroes

(Above) Zenia with Matt Hayes -Then and Now

Shakespeare Fishing Heroes is a show to celebrate and thank the unsung heroes of the sport that bring so much back into fishing but are also the ones that don’t get the recognition they deserve. When I was asked to be the Presenter of this inspiring show – I couldn’t believe it, to get to meet these Fishing Heroes and tell their powerful stories is an honour I don’t take lightly! We ask all on facebook if they know a Fishing Hero that they want to nominate – to get in touch and share your story! You can contact me via Zenia’s Fishing Adventures Page. We will be airing the next Fishing Heroes video on Matt Hayes Page in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for it! Time to celebrate fishing and the amazing people we have in this great sport.

Anglers Paradise

Catfish in Paradise

Congratulations to Charlie Grant, 12, who whilst on his annual Family holiday with us at Anglers Paradise caught his biggest ever fish, a personal best 29lb Wels Catfish!!

Charlie caught the Catfish on Luncheon Meat soaked in spotted fin smokey jack over spray from the Easy Access Lake.

**Take note ‘all’ on how he is presenting the Catfish – Superb pictures Charlie, showing us how not to hold Catfish!!**

Anglers Paradise

Fun Fishing for young anglers

It is vital that young anglers come into this wonderful pastime of ours and engage with nature. At Exe Valley Fishery they are catering for those first timers with a lake dedicated to young family fishing adventures. Chris Guest sent me this news story following on from young Haydo’s adventure.

 

“Fun in the Easter Sun, Haydo & grandpa went fishing and Haydo caught his first trout on Lobbs Lake at Exe Valley Fishery, a brilliant place to take kids for their first fishing adventure, this lake is bait or spinner, we float fished with some soft pellets and it wasn’t long before he had his string pulled, a couple of fish later he was enjoying a well deserved Cola Ice Pop from the fishery freezer, check it out!!!”

There is of course the main fishing lake for the dedicated Fly Fisher with trout to double figures!

 

Young Solly boats a whopper!

Always good to see young anglers enjoy success and boat fishing gives them a good chance of battling a larger than average fish.

Dan Welch enjoyed a short boat fishing session over high water off Ilfracombe. He landed a pleasing blonde ray into double figures.

His young son Solly hooked a conger; Dan Said  ” which turned out to be the biggest fish he has ever had at 15lb 4oz I did have to give him a hand to wind this one in. He couldnt stop saying it’s a whopper!! Must have seemed massive to him”.

The below Charter boats all operate out of Ilfracombe giving access to exciting offshore sport for all.

FLOUNDER FUN ON THE TAW

The Pearson family enjoyed a fun flounder fishing session in the Taw estuary with Candy Pearson hauling a double shot of flounders and nine year old Ellie Pearson catching a whopper of 1lb 10oz.

The humble flounder can provide great fun for family fishing with no sophisticated tackle required as the fish can be caught in very shallow water. For great sport use a light carp rod or spinning rod with a 2 or 3 hook trace with size 2 fine wire hooks and a bunch of ragworm. The fish can also be caught using light float tackle set so the the bait trundles over the sand. LRF style tackle can also give an alternative challenge with artificial ragworm on the hook worked slowly through likely spots.

Summerlands Tackle are presently selling fresh locally dug harbour ragworm. Phone to secure your order if you suffer from a bad back it can ease the pain.

 

Estuary Provides Fine Junior sport

The autumn estuary can provide some fine sport for young anglers with flounder and school bass.

Ian Cairns won Triple Hook Clubs Junior Open Flounder competition with a fine flounder of 1lb 87/8oz. In second place was Roxy Mortimer with a flounder of 1lb 8oz. Joan Cairns won the ladies Open Flounder match with a flattie of 1lb 73/4oz. Christine Hancock was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 31/4oz.

 

Andrew Conibear took his son Thomas to the Taw estaury where they enjoyed sport with flounder and bass to 5lb 9oz.

Combe Martin SAC Fun FIsh 2018

Combe Martin Sea Angling Clubs annual fun fishing event on Ilfracombe Pier always brings plenty of smiles and this year was no exception. The title of the event explains what the day is all about nothing too serious just a few hours fishing with the chance to meet fellow anglers and special guests. The event focuses on young anglers so the competition is geared towards under 16’s accompanied by a responsible adult.

This years guests included Dominic Garnett who writes a regular column for the Angling Times and works with the Angling Trust to promote angling. https://dgfishing.co.uk/

(Above) Dominick Garnett gets involved coaching young anglers 

Steve Dawe is an all round angler who has a particular interest in species fishing and is raising funds for the Stroke Association.

The Fishty Two Challenge

In January last year he started a fund raising challenge to catch 52 species of fish in a year and has surpassed this already landing his 64th species during this years event, a rock goby.(Below)

(Below)The Coastguard raised awareness of the need to take care at the waters edge  offering advice to all who attended.

(Below)Ilfracombe Aquarium were at hand to identify any rare species caught and also hope to obtain specimens for the aquarium.

http://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/

High Street Tackle kindly sponsored the event with an array of prizes presented to the winners.

Fun Fish rules were – To reduce tangles CMSAC suggested 1 rod with 3 hooks, Barbless hooks preferred but not compulsory.

The top prizes were for the anglers under the age of 16 with the most points.

Points awarded: – 2 points first of each species, 1 point for second of each species.

Prize for longest fish – Lyn Wilson  garfish – 57cm

Prize for heaviest fish –  Lyn Wilson – garfish 9oz

Family prize for most points – A Family Ticket for Ilfracombe Aquarium -The Welch family with 51 points

Ross Stanway won the adults section with 16 points and was presented with a signed copy of Dominick Garnetts book Crooked Lines

Winner of the event eight year old Effie Welch (14 points) received an LRF rod, reel and line

2nd  – Charlie Stanway  11 points

3rd – Solomon Welch   9 points

4th – Ben Clarke 8 points    Joshua Jeffery 8 points

5th – Phoebe Dawe – 5 points    Jordan Choules  5 points

This years event was once again a success with a really friendly atmosphere and plenty of fish caught to give the young participants encouragement. One of the events main targets is to introduce young people to a pastime that can provide a lifelong interaction with the environment as Dominick said to me if we recruit one young person into a life of fishing we have been successful.

The below pictures give a view of the event that is made successful by those who take part.

(Above) Winning angler Effie Welch aged 7
(Above) Dan Welch with one of several garfish caught.
(Above)Charlie Stanway with a wrasse
(Above)Lyn Wilson with the only mackerel caught
(Above) Lyn Wilson won the longest fish and heaviest fish category with a garfish of 9oz.
(Above) Lyn Welch with a rock goby and a pollock
(Above)Steve Dawe and family
(Above) Danny Watson chats with Lawrence from Ilfracombe Aquarium
(Above) Joshua Jeffery with a garfish
(Above) Ben Clarke with one of several blenny he caught.
(Above)Dominick Garnett, Danny Watson and Pauline Chard of High Street Tackle, Ilfracombe.
Ross Stanway receives his signed copy of Crooked Lines from Author Dominick Garnett

 

(Above)Paulina Garnett with a poor cod
(Above)Solomon Welch with a wrasse
(Above)Ross Stanway with wrasse
(Above) Jordan Choules with a wrasse
(Above) Sea Ilfracombe Pirate checks on proceedings
(Above)Harbour Master Georgina meets with the local coastguard

(Above)The participants at the 2018 Fun Fish

Adam Wheeler Wins Three Match Junior Series – Bideford Angling Club

Congratulations go to Bideford angling Club for organising a series of Junior Angling Matches on their home water Tarka Swims. The future of angling rests with these young people who will hopefully embrace a pastime that will bring a lifetime of enjoyment. Many thanks to Martin Turner for the report.

Results @ Junior match/coaching session No.3

1st Ruari Hewitt 8lb 2oz

2nd Will Richards 6lb 6oz

3rd Brooke Copp 3lb 9oz

4th Adam Wheeler 2lb 14oz

Ruari has fished with maggots on peg P for a nice bag of bream. Will, on the next peg, fished with a ledgered pellet and caught a lovely mirror carp for second place. Brooke fished with a feeder and landed a fine bream for third on peg R. 11 different young anglers have fished the, closely contested, 3 match series and Adam Wheeler has come out winner of the Junior Cup,with a points total of 30 ,in 2nd spot Tyler Scott on 29, 3rd Brooke Copp on 28, 4th Ruari Hewitt 24 5th Tomas Scott 22. Thank you all ,helpers and fishers, and Summerlands Tackle for your support.

Fly fishing for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Great Torrington Army Cadets take on the trout

Fly fishing for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Captain Trevor Cook

ACF Instructor

Fly Fishing for D of E skills element ,,

20th February 2018 Saw the start of a new challenge for five young members of Great Torrington Army Cadet Force who decided to take on fly fishing for the skills element of their D of E Award scheme.

Prior to the course starting we arrange a Sunday morning visit to Monkokehampton Salmon Hatchery on the 4th February to learn about their work, kindly laid on by Charles Innis, who explained to the Cadets about the life cycle of the Salmon from egg to return, we looked at the setup and walked up river to see the weir, the Cadets found this visit very educational.

Over the past 5 months Cadets Sjt Daniel Lobb, L/Cpl Tyler Bolt, L/Cpl Jack Pledger L/Cpl Sam Newberry & Cdt Harvey Hodge have learnt and practiced all the skills needed to become proficient fly fishermen.

The course covered all elements such as types of rods, reels, lines leaders, knots, casting techniques and types of flies and how to fish them, which was then followed up by a day tying their own flies for them use on the two lake days.

The course also included two guest speakers, the first being Paul Carter, Environment Agency Water Bailiff who gave the Cadets an insight into his job role, Licensing and environment, the second was Allan Crawley Commons Conservators River Warden, Allan gave the Cadets an insight into his role and how they were working on better access for anglers along the commons riverbank. We also had a third speaker Keith Armishaw lined up from the fly fishing section of the Torrington Museum, unfortunately Keith was taken ill, the Cadets found Paul and Allan’s presentations really interesting. I’m sure Keith’s presentation would have been equally as good, we do hope Keith is on the road to recovery and wish him well for the future.

Months of hard work practising paid of on our two lake days, the first being at Simpson’s Valley Coarse & Trout Fishery nr Holsworthy on Saturday 26th May 2018

This was a good days fishing and despite it being hard work all five managed to catch a nice Rainbow Trout, the first fish of the day was caught by Col Ashley Fulford OBE, Chairman of the Army Cadet Force Association and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Advisory Panel who joined us for the day being a keen fly fisherman himself.

The heaviest fish of the day was caught by L/Cpl Tyler Bolt, a nice Rainbow weighing in at 3 ½ pounds. Everyone went home excited having caught their first ever Trout, thanks to Paul Cozens & Andrew Moores for making this possible for us, we really appreciate it.

Our second lake day was held at Bratton Water Trout Fishery, Loxhore Cross, nr Barnstaple, This proved to be another cracking days fishing where after a slow start all five caught their second ever trout. The first fish of the day was caught by L/Cpl Sam Newberry and the largest was caught by L/Cpl Pledger. Thanks to Mike Williams for all his help setting this up and accommodating us on the day , really appreciated.

This Course is the third one we have run but this year we have built a lot more into it and it has gone so well these five Cadets have started buying their own kit and asking for more lake days in the future.

Great Torrington Army Cadets would like to express their sincere thanks to the following people for their help and support this year it really has been appreciated, thank you.

Charles Innis : visit to Salmon Hatchery

Paul Carter : EA Bailiff

Allan Crawley : Commons Conservators River Warden.

Paul Cozens & Andrew Moores : Simpsons Valley Coarse & Trout Fishery

Mike Williams : Bratton Water Trout Fishery

Keith Armashaw : Great Torrington Museum

Again many Thanks

Capt Trevor Cook ACF Instructor.   Lt Matt Sanders OC Great Torrington Detachment

Great Torrington Army Cadets started fly fishing for D of E two years ago, buying six starter kits directly from Airflo at a special price thanks Glenda Evans (Airflo) and funded by a grant from Great Torrington Town Council.
We now have enquiries from Cadets about the next course.
From this years five Sjt Lobb has now used fly fishing for his Bronze, Silver & Gold Awards
L/Cpl Pledger for his Bronze & Silver
L/Cpl Bolt, L/Cpl Newberry & Cdt Hodge for Bronze.

 

 

 

 

Bideford Host Junior Fishing Event

Bideford Angling Club hosted the first of three Junior Events at their Tarka Swims Lake. many Thanks to Martin Turner for his report below and for his efforts in introducing a future generation to angling. Further events take place on July 21st and August 4th.

This afternoons junior event took place at Tarka Swims in hot conditions. Rory took the honours with 2lb 14oz of roach and perch on peg D,joint second Tyler and his French exchange student Martin both on 2lb, joint fourth went to Brooke and Thomas, on 1lb 14oz ,nets in this 3 hour event were mainly made up with roach perch and rudd .Thank you to Summerlands Tackle for providing the prizes and bait.

 

Fun and Fishing at Anglers Paradise

Report and pictures below from Zenia at Anglers Paradise

Zenia Drury-Gregorek (myself) took her son Zaine, age 7 fishing for the day on the Specimen Tench and Orfe Lake and had a great day full of beautiful Tench! Zaine caught a personal best 4lb Golden Tench and Zenia caught her 1st ever Koi Tench and many Golden Tench up to 4lb+, all float fished off the bottom using strawberry soft hook pellets – Life is better with Fishing and it’s even better when you can share fishing moments with your son.

(Below)5C’s Member Maggot aka Mike Whitfield caught a Personal Best 64lb Wels Catfish from the Main Carp Lake, it gave him the fight of his life but he won the fight in the end! Maggot caught the Monster using Paradise Baits Castastrophic dumbells.

We had the lovely handsome actor that is Will Mellor of Hollyoaks fame come and stay with us bringing his wife, son and daughter. They had lots of fun fishing every day and caught some stunners along the way! Will said “Had a fantastic few days at Anglers Paradise with the family! Caught some great fish, had quality family time and met some lovely people.”

Anglers Paradise

 

 

Big North Devon tench!!

Wilder Van Koutrik aged ten caught this stunning  tench of 6lb 7oz from a Private Lake near Barnstaple. Its great to receive a picture of a fine tench from a local water as these fish are no were near as abundant as there were in North Devon waters. This is partially due to an obsession with carp fishing and also I guess due to environmental factors? Its also great to be able to report of a successful junior anglers.

Fun Fishing at Agapi

Agapi Fruit & Fishing is a small lake that nestles in a secluded valley a few miles from Torrington and is reached via quiet country lanes that make its discovery all the more rewarding. I had not visited since last September when I had visited with my wife Pauline and son James and wrote a review on the fishery. http://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2017/08/24/unique-fishery-agapi-fruit-fishing/

This is a fun fishing venue teaming with rudd and a few carp that have probably grown to a little over 5lb maybe more. I had persuaded Snowbee ambassador Jeff Pearce to join James and I on a fun trip to try and catch a carp using fly fishing tactics. James would act as back up using free lined stalking tactics to get a carp for the camera if Jeff and I failed. Jeff is a dedicated Fly Fisher and loves to catch his fish on Fly Tactics whilst I tend to be a little more flexible in my approach generally using whatever tactics are within the rules to catch. On this occasion however I was going to remain strictly Fly Only!

James adopts simple free line tactics to try and catch a carp                                                                                                                                      Jeff being the fly Fishing purist ties on a small nymph pattern whilst I elect to use a deer hair chum mixer fly. To increase our chances I catapult pre-soaked mixers out into the lake so that they will drift slowly down the lake with the breeze. When the carp start slurping them down I will flick my fly into their path. That was the plan but the carp proved elusive whilst the rudd swarmed around the baits in their hundreds with an occasional glimpse of a bigger than average rudd that would have been close to 1lb!

Jeff was first to tempt a fish a small golden scaled rudd.

This was closely followed by a couple more tiny rudd on Jeff’s small nymph patterns. The fascinating aspect of this being that once a couple had been caught it seemed that the lakes population had been briefed for catching consistently became frustratingly difficult.

James was persisting with the traditional bread tactics and caught a pleasing rudd early in the evening and glimpsed a couple of carp cruising the margins.

After a couple of hours we retired to the lakeside Summerhouse for a well earned cuppa with delicious ham and chutney sandwiches, salad, crisps and Kit Kat’s. Special thanks must go to Sandra for making us welcome and ensuring we didn’t go hungry.

Fortified we returned to the fishing I dabbled my chum mixer fly in the margins and watched the rudd nudge and nibble at it whilst I hoped to see a carp materialize from the green tinged water and devour my offering. Jeff and James had crept up to the shallows where James had spotted a few carp. I strolled up to see how things were going and Jeff said a good carp had slurped up a bit of floating crust from amongst the reeds. James had modified his tactics and was using a chum mixer on the hook that slowly sank with the weight of the hook. This tactic proved successful as the line suddenly zipped tight and the rod hooped over as a carp surged to and fro stirring up clouds of silt as it fought gamely before eventually slipping over the rim of the net. Sandra appeared at this moment to congratulate James on catching the first carp of the season a handsome mirror carp of around 4lb.

Agapi is the perfect venue for a family fishing excursion with hordes of small rudd to ensure plenty of action and the chance of a carp to set the pulse of the young angler racing. This is thie sort of water all young anglers should start off on for many anglers today set their sights so high that they reach the summit too early without enjoying the journey. Of course old timers like me still get immersed in the fascination of the chase and the challenge of catching whatever the lake holds.

If you are going to Agapi I suggest you give Sandra a ring for directions and to book the lake and secure a few hours of tranquil seclusion deep in the countryside.

 

 

 

 

Young Ollie Boats best of the day

Ian Laird and Ali Laird organized a four hour trip off Minehead with Michael Webber Griffiths skipper of Teddie Boy Charters. They enjoyed sport with ray, smoothound and the inevitable dogfish.The best specimen of the trip was a small eyed ray of 9lb 5oz and was boated by young Ollie Laird. The ray gives Ollie an excellent chance to retain the specimen trophy for the best fish caught by a Junior in CMSAC.

These short four trips are excellent for young anglers who might find a full eight hour trip too much.

Ollie Laird 9lb 5oz small eyed ray

Riverton Impresses!

Ross Stanway enjoyed a great day out with his son Charlie at Riverton Fishery. He was particularly chuffed with the crucian carp that was his first of the species. Young Charlie caught his biggest fish to date. They caught tench a few bream and a few small carp.

Ross commented, ” I have to say what a well managed fishery Riverton is now very impressed. All the fish we caught were in prime condition.”

Junior Masters at Exe Valley

Nick Hart was pleased to post the latest news from the Troutmasters event at  Exe Valley where Nick was super impressed by “these young lads competing as juniors and all helping one another out. Sam in the yellow had his first 2 fish within 7 minutes!!! We just need more of them …..”

It is imperative that we encourage as many young anglers as possible into angling to enjoy a lifelong pastime that is proven to be for good mental health, social interaction and awareness of the natural world.

BIG congratulations to junior winner James Mockridge with 5 fish for 13lb including a 1 hour time bonus and senior winner Phil Duckett in his first comp with 5 fish and a 2 hour bonus for 16lb. And finally 9 year old Max Mockridge & 10 year old Sam Shepherd both got 4 fish each and weighed in at 9lb 12oz to tie second place!

(Above) Exe Valley troutmasters fish off junior winner James Mockridge & senior Phil Duckett

 

Blakewell – First trout on New Years Day

Shaun Antony Ley sent me this account of his trip to Blakewell with his son Danny.

As a keen angler growing up fishing with my dad it’s only natural that I’ve been waiting for my son to show an interest and catch his 1st fish by himself on a fly. New Years Day seemed like the perfect time to try our luck at Blakewell. Danny’s interest was soon established when we saw fish rising and turning as I set up he picked his fly and spot. Not long after he bagged his 1st trout quickly followed by a second which was bigger. A perfect start to the New Year.

Flounder provide Junior joys

posted in: Sea Angling, Young At Heart | 0

The humble flounder have introduced many young anglers to the joys of fishing. Kevin Legge took six year old Grace Joslin on an angling adventure on the banks of the Taw Estuary where under Kevin’s guidance she landed a fine 1lb 10oz flounder. One of angling’s greatest attributes is that it gives that hands on link to nature that can last a lifetime.

Fun Fishing In Paradise

WEEKEND FULL OF FISH AND FUN AT ELDORADO

Paul Painter from Exeter, brought his Sons (Jack 7 and Harry 14) to fish the Middle Cat and Carp Lake at Eldorado for 48hrs and managed to catch quite a few fish! They ended up with 45 Carp, 1 Cat and some lovely Koi from the Koi Lake!

Paul said – “It was good to see my boys enjoying the outdoors and catching lots of fish, Jack loved stalking out the beautiful Koi from the Koi Lake and Harry loved stalking out the Carp. Good to spend some quality time with my boys, top rods! Harry and Jack love your Lakes and look forward to their next trip after a nice big Cat for Harry and some Koi for Jack!”

WELL DONE TO THE PAINTER FAMILY – GREAT CATCHES AND TIME SPENT TOGETHER – WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT!

Anglers Paradise

Fun Fishing – Sea Ilfracombe 2017

(Above)Solly Welch is all smiles with this wrasse.

Combe Martin Sea Angling Clubs 2017 Fun Fishing Event on Ilfracombe Pier once again brought plenty of smiles as young anglers and families shared in the pleasure of fishing. Eighteen anglers signed up for the event and plenty of passers by mingled with the participants to gaze in fascination at the array of species caught.

 

A total of twelve species were registered including numerous mini species.

Special guests for the day included Mat Mander from Devon and Severn IFCA and the Marine Coastguard. The coastguard chatted with members of the public explaining their crucial role in coordinating rescues along the coast where they liaise with the other emergency services to save lives. Mat mingled with local anglers discussing fish legislation and conservation. The event always provides this valuable link between these bodies enabling valuable interaction in a friendly environment.

 

 

Colin Wood & David Harper from the coastguard.

    Mat Mander – Devon and Severn IFCA

The morning commenced under a bright blue sky with the sea a pleasing calm. The fishing proved productive with an LRF style approach bringing plenty of action with rattling rod tips throughout the morning. The competition was fished on a species basis with 2 points for the first of each species and one point for the second, only two of each species counting per competitor. This was an attempt to ensure that there was not a tied result. The top three prizes were for under 16’s only and the winner was for the second year young Charlie Stanway who amassed an impressive 18 points. Runner up was Solly Welch with 17 points and third Jack Phillips with 16 points. Ross Stanway landed the longest fish a garfish of 20”. Jack Phillips caught the heaviest a ballan wrasse of 9oz.

4th – Lyn Welch & Angela Kinish – 14 points

5th – Effy Welch – 11 points

6th – Ross Stanway – 10 points

7th – Sam Compton – 9 points

8th – Cory Payne – 8 points

(Above)The winners

The rarest fish caught was a leopard goby (Below) to the rod of young Charlie Stanway.

Everyone who caught a fish took home a prize with a splendid selection of quality tackle provided by sponsor High Street Tackle, Ilfracombe. Several other prizes were provided by IFCA and one by North Devon Angling News.

Winning angler Charlie Stanway admires part of his catch.

 

(Above) Lyn Welch is delighted with a rock goby.

 

(Above)The longest fish to Ross Stanway a 20″ garfish
(Above) Jack Phillips -Heaviest fish – Ballan Wrasse 9oz

CMSAC’s two month long species competition ended with two anglers way out ahead of the field with John Shapland registering an amazing 43 species and Dan Welch 41. To catch such an array of fish over two months is an achievement to be proud of, both anglers received quality prizes from High Street Tackle. In third place was Ross Stanway with 25 species and in forth Lee Holden on 21.

John Shapland and Dan Welch

The prominent statue of Verity always stimulates debate amongst both locals and visitors.

(Above)Safety on the coast demonstrations from the David Harper of the local Coastguard.

 

John Shapland with a dragonet

 

(Above)Cory Payne is delighted with this pouting.

(Above)Paul Hutchings holds the wrasse for young Cory who is wary of the spines.

 

(Above) Sam Compton scaled down his hook size to tempt this shanny.

 

(Above)The Welch Family had a great time catching plenty of fish.

A pleasing brace from Agapi Fruit and Fishing

(Above) Peter Knight and Agapi Fishing owner Sandra Hood

Peter Knight visited the tranquil waters at Agapi Fruit Farm and Fishing to land a pleasing brace of carp that are amongst the first to be caught at the water that I visited just a week ago. Peter a local angler visited the water with his partner after reading the review on North Devon Angling News.

Agapi is a delightful lake teaming with rudd and a healthy stock of carp that make the venue an ideal pleasure fishing venue for family’s and anyone wanting to escape for few hours by the water. This is not yet a water for the specimen hunter but is ideal for those who love fishing.

A UNIQUE FISHERY – AGAPI FRUIT AND FISHING

Agapi Fruit and Fishing is a unique venue nestled in a tranquil valley near Torrington that offers a fine family fishing experience. The owner Sandra Hood invited Pauline, James and I to sample the fishing and write a short review on the complex.

We  followed an intriguing country lane at the end of which we came upon a pleasing lake stretching before us reflecting a blue sky and wispy white clouds.

Glancing into the water I immediately saw dimples on the water as small rudd broke the surface. At the far end of the lake a few carp could be seen cruising slowly, fish of up to around 4lb that would give a pleasing tussle on light tackle.

Sandra greeted us warmly and told us about the fishery and its facilities that include a spacious ready made up bell tent and a two birth caravan where guests can stay over at a modest cost.

 

James and I were eager to get fishing as late August evenings pass by all too quickly and it was already past 6.00pm. I had brought along a bait box full of Jolly Green Giant sweetcorn and half a loaf of white sliced bread. No need for modern fancy baits here just simple basics.

James started off float fishing with a single grain of corn and was soon swinging in small golden rudd the float disappearing with pleasing regularity within seconds of it sitting upright in the still water.

 

I was already focusing on the chance of a carp and tied a size 10 barbless hook to the end of my 3lb line that was loaded on my old Avon Royal Centre Pin. I tossed a few crusts out onto the water and expected the carp to devour them but shoals of rudd were on the bait within seconds. I wondered along the bank rod in hand to a shady corner where several carp were visible. I pinched a generous piece of flake onto the hook and swung it out in front of a cruising carp. The bait disappeared and the line slowly tightened. I felt a pleasing resistance as I set the hook, the carp made a dash for the weedy  margin beneath the tree branch’s and after a tense struggle came adrift.

Sandra arrived shortly after with a tasty plateful of ham sandwiches, homemade chutney and a flask of hot water with tea, coffee and cakes.

 

Pauline chatted at length with Sandra whilst James and I became immersed in the tense and frustrating game of stalking carp. James found a group of carp on the far bank and was soon calling for me to rush over with the net. I got there to find the carp battling beneath the rod tip partially tangling in trailing grass and brambles. My attempt to net the carp resulted in the fish shedding the hook.

I had one further chance in the shady corner as I watched a carp suck in my bread flake just few inches from the bank. I lifted the rod expecting to feel a solid resistance; I instead felt the deflating thin air. Its been a while since I stalked carp and but after this exciting session it will not be long before I am creeping the banks again. I had forgotten just how addictive, and exciting this close up fishing is!

Sandra’s vision is to offer a unique fishing experience the emphasis being on fun. This is not at present a specimen fishing lake though I am sure the carp will soon pack on weight and in two or there years there will be carp present topping ten pounds. The fishing on offer is perfect for a fun family day out in beautiful surroundings. A cosy summerhouse offers shelter with a wooden platform that gives access to the centre of the lake.

Float fishing with sweetcorn bread or maggot will bring constant action ensuring newcomers to the sport get plenty of bites and beautiful golden scaled rudd.

 

We caught several rudd up to 8oz and there are undoubtedly a few bigger ones. The carp are plentiful and at present range from a couple of pounds up to perhaps 5lb.

The lake is available for exclusive use with adults paying just £5 for a day ticket and children fishing for free. Only one booking per day is taken with groups of up to six around the maximum for the venue. The lake has a very pleasing atmosphere and intimacy that is lost at many crowded commercial fisheries. To get away from it all and escape into the countryside with a bit of fishing I can highly recommend the venue.

In addition to the fishing Sandra is pleased to provide tasty food including Devon Cream teas and cooked breakfasts. In addition to fishing there is also the opportunity to pick your own Fruit in season.

For more details contact – Sandra Hood

Email – [email protected]

Tel – 07776315696

 

Lower Cranford

St Giles In the Wood

Gt Torrington

Devon

EX38 7LA

 

 

Family Fishing Adventure at Stafford Moor

Scott Mann MP for North Cornwall is a keen angler and paid a visit to Stafford Moor Fishery with his family  enjoying success landing five carp to 16lb 9oz. Scott tells me that the family are hooked and looking forward to a return visit.

Scott with Charlie and his carp of 14lb 6oz
Charlie 16lb 9oz
Charlie 16lb 9oz
Bethany with a fine carp of 11lb 6oz

Kids Fishing day – Report from Zenia Gregorek

Kid Fishing day – Report from Zenia Gregorek

Anglers Paradise recently held a Kid’s Fishing Day that was a great success raising money for the local school and also encouraging the younger generation to fish!

Here are some pictures of the recent Kid’s Fishing Day at Anglers Eldorado, where Angling Coach Tommy Flower offered his services for a day to help kids learn to fish and to help those that already fish to further their angling knowledge.

It really was a wonderful day, the kids loved it from ages 3 up to the age of 12, some had fished before and others hadn’t, but every single one of them loved it which is exactly why we wanted to do it.

Here are some of the magic moments we shared, we hope to do more Kid’s Fishing Days in the future to encourage and help, as they are the future of this sport and it’s great to see more younger ones enjoying the sport like we do!

Thank you to all the Kids that joined in, you were all FABULOUS and a Special Thank You to Tommy Flower and his assistant Adam May – What you did was what Angling should always be about – Enjoying the Sport, Helping Others and of course keeping the Angling Passion going! Also special thanks to Skretting for donating the bait for the event. All proceeds raised will go to Halwill Primary School.

Anglers Paradise

A first Twelve months – Thank You

North Devon Angling News has been up and running for just over twelve months and I hope that it has been of benefit to the local angling community. My intention has always been to entertain and inform. The site would not work without regular news stories from anglers in North Devon and with huge support from my sponsors who have placed adverts with me. I try to give good value and welcome any new supporters who would like to come on-board.

 

I was going to put up a few highlights from the past year but on reflection this would be difficult as there are so many and I would undoubtedly over look so many so perhaps I should just encourage you to take a look back over your particular area of interest. And don’t forget  to send your latest news and images. If you want to comment you can always do so via the Facebook or twitter feed or even using the telephone.

Joy for Young at Anglers Paradise

Jacob Judges aged 9 from Rochester, Kent, caught not ONE but THREE PERSONAL BESTS!! Jacob caught a PB 18lb 4oz Grass Carp and a 3lb 10oz Golden Orfe both from the Main Carp Lake on a simple knotless knot hair rig with a ABS Plan B wafter. Jacob then caught a PB 26lb 15oz Catfish from the Octopussy caught on a double frankfurter bait. Jacob didn’t stop there, he also caught some Stunning Koi from the Koi Lake – landed all by himself at the age of just 9 Years Old!! What amazing catches in just 1 week!

 

(Below) Molly Cook, age 7 from St Austell, Cornwall caught a Personal Best carp of 10lb 13oz on the Beginners Carp Lake, so she decided that she then wanted to catch another big fish like her Dad and Grandad. She told her Dad to get out the Spam and showed him where she wanted it to be cast to. Then all of a sudden, the bite alarm went off, Molly jumped up and struck it. After a healthy fight, Molly’s Dad helped her land it, Molly had caught her 1st Ever and Biggest Fish to date, a 14lb 14oz Catfish from the Easy Access Lake.

(Below)Sophie Oxehnham, 11 from Charfield, Gloucester, caught her 1st ever Tench from the Tench Lake and it was a special Two Tone Golden Tench too! She caught it all by herself after being taught how to cast, bait up and safely unhook the fish. She baited with sweetcorn and hemp and had a grain of corn on the hook. Sophie made sure she gave the fish a Kiss goodbye before returning her back to the Lake.

Anglers Paradise

 

Anglers Paradise – Young Anglers Catches

Its always great to see young anglers enjoying success and at Anglers Paradise there are plenty of fish to target. This is the latest report from Zenia who give the youngsters plenty of encouragement.

Charlie Grant, 10 from Reading was certainly one very happy boy after catching a Personal Best 14lb Mirror and also a 15lb Wels Catfish from the Easy Access Lake both on Boilies. Charlie also Won Fish Of The Week with his PB Mirror, Charlie has also set a New Record in being the 1st Person to win Fish Of The Week 3 times!! Great to see Kids loving the sport so much, and this young man certainly does!

( Below)Here is the Charming Reilly Mulrooney, aged 4 from Bagworth, Leicester with just one of his many catches from Anglers Paradise and this Common from the Magic Lake was the 1st ever Carp he’s ever caught! Reilly came to us last year with Mum and Dad when he was 3 and caught his first ever fish, a Goldfish from the Float Lake and now he continues to fish with his Dad and he loves it!! We encourage all Parents to take their kids fishing, teach them all about fish care, how to look after the fish and start that fishing passion the right way so their future in angling will be bright! Look after the fish and they will look after us – to keep them healthy and let us catch them again one day!! We all remember our 1st and who got us into Fishing, so lets all carry that on and share our passion of the sport with our younger ones. Kids are the Future generation, and we love seeing them all start their Fishing Journey and certainly feel very privileged when it starts at Anglers Paradise!

Anglers Paradise

 

Fishing at 90 years young!

1ST EVER CAT AT 90 YEARS OLD!!!


To see kids fish and get the buzz for fishing it’s pretty special but at the other end of the scale, when you hear a 90 year old man has caught his 1st Ever Catfish – now thats VERY SPECIAL!!

Here’s John Coates, who at an amazing age of 90 Years, has just caught his 1st ever Catfish from the Easy Access at 20lbs!!

WELL DONE JOHN – THIS IS WHAT MAKES THIS SPORT SO GREAT – FISHING FOR ALL AGES!!

Anglers Paradise

Zaine is 100% ‘hooked’ into fishing!

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Zenia Drury Gregorek sent news of her young sons latest angling adventures.

Please find enclosed pictures of our eldest Son Zaine Drury-Gregorek, 6 who is proving to be quite the Angler! Zaine went Lure fishing with his Dad Joe on our Predator Lake Valhalla, and within just two hours he caught a Personal Best Perch AND his 1st EVER Pike!! A double Whammy and in just 2 hours!! His arms were aching when he got home after all that reeling in! He is definitely 100% ‘hooked’ into fishing!

Anglers Paradise

A fine chub for Zaines birthday!

Zenia Drury-Gregorek sent me this story and superb picture from proud parents who took young Zaine on a fishing adventure to running water in Shropshire.

5LB CHUB MAKES THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT – EVER!

During a holiday away ourselves to Shropshire, we took our eldest 6 year old son Fishing on his 6th Birthday to the River Severn in the hope of a Pike, he had the shock of his life when he struck into a hard fighting Chub and landed a New Personal Best at 5lbs! Zaine caught the Chub on a 5oz Deadbait Rudd too! He said “it was the best birthday present ever”, he’s even beaten his Mummy and Daddy’s Personal Bests!! He is officially hooked and already becoming a fine little angler!

Anglers Paradise

FISHING IS FUN AT BLAKEWELL

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I am sure that many young people have started on a path to angling as result of a trip to water with their grandparents and I would suggest that there is no better gift to give than a lifetime of angling.

Colin  Brown introduced his grandson, Daniel aged nine to the joy’s of fishing at Blakewell Fisheries.

 

(Below) Billy Daykin visited Blakewell to land a  5lb 4oz rainbow in a bag totaling 8 lb. He used a blue fly that was homemade.

 

Litter a sad reflection!

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I have just heard of a threat to a popular local fishing mark as a result of the idiotic behavior of a few anglers. This unfortunately is a very common problem that has lost anglers access to many marks across the country.

I took the above photograph earlier in the year whilst on holiday in Cornwall where we visited a picturesque viewpoint that overlooked the stunning River Fowey. There were no anglers present at the time except me, I was not fishing just admiring the view. A young couple scrambled past and I heard them remark about the disgusting stench. The smell of stale urine hung in the air and the detritus that lay around was a clear sign of the culprits. At that moment I felt ashamed to be an angler.

There is no excuse for leaving the places we fish in such a disgusting state, litter should be taken home. Ensure leftover bait is discarded with care, if its not going to be taken home then ensure it goes into the sea where it will be washed away and eaten. Never leave hooks and traces lying around, there have been numerous incidents with dogs becoming injured resulting in costly visits to the vet. The stench of urine is another blight on the anglers who should either use the public toilets or have a pee where the tide will wash clean.

Many of the places we fish are shared by sightseers who want to sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery that North Devon has to offer. What do you think there reaction is going to be when the place stinks of urine and the ancient cobbles are strewn with litter. If it was your property would you welcome anglers?

I know that some of you reading this will be guilty of the above and that my words will fall on stony ground. Angling is a wonderful pastime, pursued in stunning surroundings and I have often sung the praises of what anglers do for the environment and how they care about fish stocks. Those who leave behind their dirt tarnish us all. I have written this in the hope that it will make a few think about their actions. If it doesn’t then don’t grumble when we lose another easily accessible fishing mark. Don’t walk by if you see litter pick it up and bin it.

YOUNG SUCCESS IN PARADISE

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A very proud Zenia at Anglers Paradise sent me this report on the early angling success for her two young son’s.

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This is a very special latest catches as it is about my 2 son’s Zaine and Zeejay who both love fishing and our youngest who is 3 went for his first time with Joe at the weekend and is now hooked, please find enclosed the pictures and write up.
We have been waiting until our youngest Son Zeejay who has just turned 3, showed the signs that he was ‘ready’ to start his fishing journey, and now came the time that we felt he was ready for his first fishing trip! Joe aka Daddy decided to take Zeejay Lure Fishing at Valhalla in search of some Perch to wet his appetite and hopefully catch his 1st ever Perch on a Lure. The weather was cold, but Zeejay just loved being with his Daddy and Fishing for the first time so he didn’t care, he just wanted to catch a ‘Phish’!
They couldn’t believe their luck when they landed Zeejay’s 1st ever Pike!! Zeejay’s face was a picture, and he was speechless (which is VERY Rare) when they got it into the net!

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It was then our eldest son’s turn, Zaine who is 5, and he managed to land himself this lovely little Perch on a Lure, so we had 2 very happy brothers with their catches! It’s so great to share our love of the sport with our sons and we hope that others will do the same with theirs and get out there!

Anglers Paradise
Anglers Paradise

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A plea from Nick Hart at Exe Valley! Junior Anglers

 

A plea from Nick Hart at Exe Valley!

Do you know any budding young fly anglers that are free this Sunday 23rd Oct? I am running a heat of the Junior Bank National at Exe Valley Fishery and there are some places to be filled. This is a great fun event, see pix from last year. Entry open to anyone aged 17 years or under on the day of the final which is 9th April 17. Prizes by Greys and event supported by the Angling Trust. Please message or call for details. Fishing Permit & Entry is just £5!!!

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FUN AND MARRIAGE AT PARADISE

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The latest report from Zenia at Anglers Paradise once again reflects the fun and family atmosphere that prevails.

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Reilly Mulrooney, Age 3 caught his 1st EVER Fish with us, a Goldfish from the Float Lake on Sweetcorn, and as you can see he was a very happy boy with his Catch! We love seeing pictures like this, the younger generation are the future of this sport and it’s great to see them enjoy it so much!

markrichardspb6lb12ozkoifloatlakeMark Richards, 50 from Bristol was a VERY Happy Chappy when he landed this Personal Best 6lb 12oz Stunning Koi from the Float Lake.
Mark caught the Orange and Black Koi using Soft Hook Pellets, his wife Tania was very envious of his catch!!

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We recently welcomed back to Anglers Paradise regular visitors Steve and Sally Kemp from Norwich, Norfolk who, whilst here decided to renew their Wedding Vows in true Fisherman style. Exchanging the normal wedding vows for the following:-

Dearly beloved we are gathered here together in the sight of God, nature and fish to renew our eternal vows and proclaim our everlasting love.

Do you Sally promise to take Steve for good days and bad days, big fish and small fish, blank days and loads of fish.

Do you Steve promise to take Sally for good days and bad days, big fish and small fish, blank days and loads of fish.

After each enjoyable session, will you make sure that you
thoroughly clean each other’s tackle, wash it, dry it and make sure it is in pristine condition for the next session

And do you promise to honour and obey and go fishing every day

I now pronounce you fisherman and fisherwoman, husband and wife and with this net I now re-join you for ever and a day.

The ceremony was concluded with a covering of the net together with a celebratory glass of wine.

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Anglers Paradise
Anglers Paradise

Flounder Fun for Junior Anglers

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Daniel Welch took his children to the River Taw estuary where they enjoyed flounder fishing fun beneath the warm autumn sunshine. The humble flounder are ideal fish for Junior anglers to target as they are relatively easy to catch and give a pleasing tussle on light tackle.

14611005_10154431991115560_1207465280488067568_nSix year old Effie Welch ( Above)

14563459_10154431991120560_3390013464941977146_nTwo and half year old – Solly Welch

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YOUNG ANGLERS AT STAFFORD MOOR

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Its always good to get news of young anglers enjoying success as these are the anglers of the future. Joanne at Stafford Moor sent me these images of early angling success.

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(Above) Mark & Debbie Brett’s triplets who are Bailey, Bluebell and Harley age 4 this was there first fishing trip on oak lake

(Below) Charlie Vernon who was here with dad Josh with his 14lb catch from Beatties using sticky baits white pop ups and pellets .

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BIDEFORD JUNIORS

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Rory Hewitt and Henry Gayton won Bideford and District Angling Clubs Junior Pairs Match at Tarka Swims. Bideford are to be congratulated for all the sterling work they have undertaken to encourage young anglers. The club lake has been a huge benefit providing an ideal location close to Bideford at a very reasonable cost.

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14329258_551092858408255_723587001_oAdvert  - Summerlands Tackle

FIRST FISH FOR CHLOE AGED 3

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Zenia at Anglers Paradise sent me this story and picture of a first fish. Great to see the futures anglers getting started.

Just been sent this adorable picture of the beautiful Chloe Wyatt that just caught her 1st Ever Fish, she overcame her fear of Maggots, chose her own hook and reeled in this lovely Mirror from the Pixie Lake, she will be 3 at the end of this Month! She is on holiday with her Mummy, Daddy and Grandma.

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Zenia Gregorek “Love it! So great to see the younger generation enjoying the sport we all know and love”

Anglers Paradise
Anglers Paradise

ALL FUN ON THE PIER

IMG_3348Slight Delay

Combe Martin Sea Angling Clubs Annual Fun Fishing event on Ilfracombe Pier was once again a highly enjoyable event with twenty competitors taking part and plenty of onlookers taking an active interest. Special guests for the event were Libby Ross from IFCA and representing the local coastguard Deputy Station Officer Dave Mannering and Coastguard Rescue officer Jodie Smith.

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Jodie Smith & Dave Mannering from the local coastguard.

 

The event was unfortunately delayed as a result of a delay in the birthing of the Balmoral which was running late after a delay on the Welsh side due to inclement weather. This gave the opportunity for the coastguard officers and Libby to engage with the fishers discussing fish conservation, regulation and safety at sea.

 

 

Libby Ross - IFCA Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority
Libby Ross – IFCA
Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority

When fishing eventually got underway competitors soon started to get a few bites and swing fish  ashore to be admired briefly before being returned to the water. Species caught included tub gurnard, pollock, wrasse, rockling, shore rockling, poor cod,pouting,smelt,grey mullet,rock goby, tompot blenny, and mackerel. Despite the small size of many of the fish caught beaming smiles on young faces made the event well worth while.

IMG_3394Charlie Stanway – Winner of the Event

A little light rain began to fall at the end of the event but not enough to dampen enthusiasm as everyone gathered for the presentation that was kindly carried out by Jodie Smith from the coastguard.

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Winner of the top prize was young Charlie Stanway who caught five species for 7 points. Runner up was Sam Davison who caught four species for 7 points. Winner of the over 18’s section was Lyn Wilson with 7 points and runner up Ali Laird with 5 points. The heaviest fish was a 1ln grey mullet caught by Dan Welch. Special thanks go to High Street Tackle who kindly sponsored the event. Prizes were also provided by Combe Martin SAC and North Devon Angling News.

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Colorful tub gurnard
Colorful tub gurnard

 

Lyn Wilson with the first fish of the day.
Lyn Wilson with the first fish of the day.

 

Tompot blenny
Tompot blenny

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Dan Welch -  grey mullet 1lb
Dan Welch – grey mullet 1lb

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COMBE MARTIN SAC – FUN FISHING

14193856_10154489773247533_347403858_nCombe Martin SAC hold their Annual Fun Fish tomorrow on Ilfracombe Pier fishing 1.00pm until 4.00pm.

We have special guests from IFCA and the Coastguard and an array of quality prizes from our sponsors High Street Tackle and from COMBE MARTIN SAC and North Devon Angling News.

The top prize is for most species by an angler 18 or under. There will also be a senior prize for most species, a prize for heaviest  fish prize and runners up.

Anglers can register two fish of each species each fish scoring one point.

To reduce tangles one rod only please at a time.

ENTRY IS FREE – Just turn up and register.

Full REport and pictures on North Devon Angling News tomorrow night!

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FIRST CARP FROM HORWOOD

 

14124866_10208492732213960_5784798049075623523_oYoung Chloe Tuffin Brazier aged eleven  fished at Horwood Fishery and landed her first carp a hard-fighting 7lb common that tested her angling skills and made her a very happy girl. Andy Seery’s new 8mm go-nut bait was the successful offering presented on pole tackle with a size 18  hook.

Day Tickets for Horwood can be purchased from Summerlands Tackle.

Advert  - Summerlands Tackle

YOUNG FUN AT ANGLERS PARADISE

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The latest report from Zenia at Anglers Paradise is full of young anglers enjoying early success during their summer holidays.

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(Above)Freddie Woodcock, 7 from London caught his 1st EVER Catfish at 17lbs 8oz from the Easy Access Lake on Halibut Pellets, Freddie said – “I have never been so excited, and I knew I’d made my Dad Proud!”

AivaShelley4yearsfirst6lbmirrorbeginnersPRECIOUS MOMENTS. (Above) Here is Aiva Shelley with her Daddy on her first ever day of fishing on the Beginners Carp Lake. At just 4 Years Old she cast out and reeled Reeled in this 6lb Mirror and she loved it! Aiva used her Daddy’s Float Rod with Sweetcorn as the hook bait and this was her First Ever Carp!

Zenia comments. “Special Moments as a Family is just one of the reasons why we do what we do, what a priceless picture of a Father and Daughter Sharing the moment”.

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Charlotte Cropp,( Above) 15 from Salisbury caught her 1st Ever Catfish from the Easy Access Lake after 15 years of coming here! The Girl Power Continues, it really is so great to see so many more Girls out there Fishing!
Charlotte’s Story – “This holiday, my goal was to catch my first ever Catfish. So on a drizzly Wednesday, we set up on Easy Access with the hope of achieving this. After waiting for about 4 hours, with no bites at all, my rod went screaming off and the drizzle decided to turn into a full on shower! After a fairly long battle and an aching wrist my first ever Catfish was landed. Not only that, but it weighed 21lb 4oz! After 15 years, I’ve never been so happy at catching a fish in my life!”

Here she is with her First Ever 21lb 4oz Catfish from the Easy Access and being presented her Prizes for Winning Fish Of The Week. (Below)

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A Picture Can Speak A Thousand Words.. ( Below).Tommy Flower with his Gorgeous 2 Year Old Daughter Summer giving the Fish a Kiss before releasing it back into the Octopussy Lake. Tommy caught the Upper Double off the Top during a quick hour of stalking on Skretting Pellets. It’s Pictures like this that remind us the Magic of This Sport we call Fishing!

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Anglers Paradise
Anglers Paradise

YOUNG CHARLIE WINS FISH OF THE WEEK IN PARADISE

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Charlie Grant

Charlie Grant aged 9, from Reading  caught his FIRST EVER Catfish of 18lbs 4oz from the Easy Access Lake at Anglers Paradise on Luncheon Meat whilst fishing with his Dad Rich Grant and brother Joe. Zenia Gregorek says “It’s moments like these, that make us love what we do and when you see Families like the Grants enjoying the sport together and making memories like this, is just perfect.Charlie’s face is priceless and has certainly made us all Smile with him. The Passion that boy has for Fishing is just great and we were thrilled to present him as the Winner of Fish Of The Week!!”

Many lifetime anglers start their journey whilst on summer holidays with their families; all credit to such venues as Anglers Paradise for providing such an idyllic starting place.

Anglers Paradise
Anglers Paradise

BRATTON FLEMING CRICKETS BIG FISH OFF

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Close to twenty members of Bratton Fleming Cricket club descended upon the normally tranquil waters of Bratton Water Trout Fishery for what will undoubtedly become an annual event. A mixture of experienced fly Fishers and first timers enjoyed the event that was blessed with warm summer sunshine. In the clear water small imitative patterns proved most successful with a gold headed pheasant tail nymph responsible for the demise of several of Bratton Waters hard fighting residents.

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On arrival at the fishery I found experienced local trout fisherman and Bratton Water regular Glyn Rees who had enjoyed a good day at the water landing four brown trout to 4lb targetting the fish using dry fly tactics.

Whilst the fishing fraternity cast their offerings to the lakes trout the remaining members of the Cricket club prepared the BBQ and played a primitive form of cricket using bats made from old sticks. Others watched the anglers and helped with the netting of fish.

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Most anglers landed their brace of trout despite the warm sunshine that beamed into the water. A pair of Polaroids were a distinct advantage enabling individual fish to be targetted with the two trout I caught both actually seen to take the tiny fly. The fish were a mixture of brown and rainbows with Debbie Tucker landing the biggest brown trout at 3lb 1oz. James Thomas landed a hard fighting of rainbow of 3lb 8oz that was leading the biggest fish of the day when we left the event to join another local event. Rob Scoines fresh back from a trip to Norway chasing big fish adapted to the finesse of trout fishing landing a brace of rainbows each weighing 2lb 9oz.

The Cricket club give special thanks to fishery owner Mike Williams for hosting the event that raised valuable funds for the Cricket Club.

 

Debbie Tucker with brace of Bratton Trout including a 3lb 1oz brown trout
Debbie Tucker with brace of Bratton Trout including a 3lb 1oz brown trout
James Thomas with a 3lb 10oz rainbow
James Thomas with a 3lb 8oz rainbow

 

 

 

Rob Scoines with his first brace of trout
Rob Scoines with his first brace of trout

 

Hard fighting trout
Hard fighting trout
Safely in the net
Safely in the net, Sophie Welby nets a rainbow for James Thomas

 

The waiting net
The waiting net

 

Success!
Success!

 

Darren Drew with a brace of rainbows
Darrin Drew with a brace of rainbows
James Thomas and myself with our catch.
James Thomas and myself with part of our catch.

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SUMMER HOLIDAY TIME

The summer holidays provide the ideal time for a little father and son time. Carp fishing gives the opportunity to combine the joys of fishing and camping. Sleeping out beside a lake on a summer night is a great adventure and a chance to see wildlife close at hand and hear the owls in the still of the night.

 

Craig Batti and son Cayden fishing on Beattie's lake on the summer house swim using WLM baits. With  just one of his many catches.
Craig Batti and son Cayden fishing on Beattie’s lake on the summer house swim using WLM baits. Wit just one of their many catches.

FISHY BLISS

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Anglers Paradise’s Zyg Gregorek sent me this news story from the famous angling Complex.

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Following tumultuous referendum results, on a lighter note we held a wedding blessing for Gary and Sarah Mayo from South Petherwin, Cornwall, with Gary emerging from the water in true Poseidon fashion with his special Poseidon fork, he battled his way from the sea to the Koi Lake with his special fork, we used our fishy wedding vows and provided the bouquet for the bride which were rare water lilies.
Poseidon was very, very pleased that we got our fish in the seas back around the Great Britain shores and he wanted to settle down and live peacefully, he appreciated the bottle of Viagra wine we gave him to help him get his strength back and cement his relationship.
These were the wedding vows we used:-

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Dearly beloved we are gathered here together in the sight of God, nature, fellow fisherman and fish to renew our eternal vows and proclaim your everlasting love.
Do you Sarah promise to take Gary for good days and bad days, big fish and small fish, blank days and loads of fish.
Will you look after each other’s tackle, wash it and clean it after use
And do you promise to honour and obey and go fishing every day
I now pronounce you fisherman and fisherwoman, husband and wife and with this net I now re-join you for ever and a day.
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The guests then toasted the bride and groom with Viagra wine

TWENTY POUND MIRROR FOR FOUR YEAR OLD NED

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Four Year Old Ned Grinney and his Dad
Four Year Old Ned Grinney and his Dad.

 

Stafford Moor regular Wayne Grinney took his four-year-old son Ned with him to fish the venues Beatties Lake. Young Ned enjoyed success landing a fine mirror carp of 22lb 11oz, undoubtedly with a little help from Dad. Great to see the happy face; a fish he will never forget.

HONOUR OBEY & GO FISHING EVERY DAY

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Another couple went through their wedding blessing in a very fishy way at Anglers Paradise. Emma and Mark from Bookham, on holiday decided to bid for and won a designer wedding dress at one of our charity auctions and then decided to have a wedding blessing down at the Koi Lake, revised vows are taken very seriously amongst anglers, substituting the normal vows for:-

Dearly beloved we are gathered here together in the sight of God, nature, fellow fisherman and fish to renew our eternal vows and proclaim your everlasting love.

Do you Emma promise to take Mark for good days and bad days, big fish and small fish, blank days and loads of fish.

Will you look after each other’s tackle, wash it and clean it after use

And do you promise to honour and obey and go fishing every day

I now pronounce you fisherman and fisherwoman, husband and wife and with this net I now re-join you for ever and a day.

 

The weather stayed fine for the couple, needless to say Mark proposed officially to Emma and they now await a date, Good luck and Best Fishes to both of them.

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