Bideford Christmas Flounder

            Close to one hundred anglers lined the banks of the Torridge Estuary to compete in Bideford Angling Clubs Christmas Competition. The winner was Adam Coley with a flounder scaling 1lb 15oz. Runner up was Steve Foland with a flounder of 1lb 13oz and Paul Burslam third with a flounder of 1lb 12oz. Forty seven flounder were brought to the scales and several good sized bass were also tempted. Bideford Angling Club would like to thank their generous sponsors, DS Electrical, Anglers Heaven, Clawford Lakes, Leeda, Devon Baits, Barnstaple Bait and Tackle, James Grigg and Gabby Pillows. The competition raised £650 for the Charity ‘Cardiac Risk in The Young’.

Flukey’s Christmas Flounder Open

            Flukey’s Christmas Flounder Open attracted fifty one anglers. The winner was Mike McManus with a flounder of 1lb 13.5oz. Mario Manley was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 9.75oz and Mathew Mitchel third with a flounder of 1lb 8oz. Layla Mitchel was top junior with a flounder of 1lb 3.5oz and Kayden Hull runner up with a flounder of 1lb 1.25oz

   

        

BIDEFORD COARSE MATCH

Bideford Angling Club Christmas Coarse Match at their home venue Tarka Lakes was won by Nathan Underwood with 47lb 3oz. John Lisle was runner up with 25lb 14oz and Martin Turner third with 18lb 6oz.

 

            Bulldog Fisheries Christmas Competition was won by Roy Pink with five trout for 16lb 13oz. Runner up was Colin Combe with three fish for 16lb 2oz and Dave & Freddy Chapman third with 13lb 1oz. The biggest fish of the day was a fine tiger trout of 8lb 9oz to the rod of Colin Combe.

Fluff Chuckers STILLWATER EVENT 

            The Fluff Chucker’s held a Stillwater competition hosted by the Arundell at Lifton. Fishing the hotels Lake members caught over twenty trout with Roger Truscott winning with an impressive eleven trout. Runner up was Andrew Watson with three trout and winner of the biggest fish myself with a brown trout of 43cm. The event was sponsored by Yeti Europe, Lakedown Brewing and Tap Room.

            Sam Graham fished Hacche Moor Fishery to bank a fine common carp of 44lb 14oz.

            South West Lakes Trust have closed all swims on the West bank at Lower Slade Reservoir following a tree survey that revealed a large number of ash trees that are in danger of falling. Ash die back is having an impact on many fisheries across Devon and anglers should be aware of the ongoing dangers as the trees are particularly prone to falling or losing limbs. Lower Slade is one of North Devon’s few pike waters with fish present to over twenty pounds. Those targeting the species should ensure they have all the correct unhooking equipment and should familiarise themselves with South West Lakes relevant rules.

            Sea anglers fishing the Open coast will be targeting spurdog, bull huss, conger and tope. The winter months offer the chance to target a wide range of species from the open coast. Those venturing out should always consider their safety taking relevant precautions. Always be aware of weather conditions and tides. Tell someone where you intend to fish and expected time of return. Use what three words to indicate location and ensure you carry a mobile phone and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Combe Martin SAC Member Shane Hookway caught  a specimen 10lb 11oz bull huss.

          

CHRISTMAS TURKEY’s for Triple Hook Club Winners

            Triple Hook Clubs Christmas Turkey Flounder Open is always a popular fixture for the North Devon angling community and this year was no exception with over forty anglers taking part. The flounder proved hard to find with plenty of freshwater rushing out with the ebbing tide. Despite this some quality fish were brought to the scales and it was good to join in and catch up with familiar faces from the angling community.

            The top ten anglers all received a turkey dinner. The winner was Tony Gooch with a fine flounder of 1lb 10.5oz. Paul Ackland was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 93/8oz and Rob Hancock third with a flounder of 1lb 75/8oz. Forth was Mark Beer with a flounder of 1lb 71/2oz and fifth myself with a flounder of 1lb 63/8oz. The clubs ladies flounder competition was won by Sam Ackland with a flounder of 1lb 57/8oz  with Amber Chapple runner up with a flounder of 13.5oz.

Appledore Shipbuilders Results

22 members fished Appledore Shipbuilders Christmas competition on Sunday 21st December.

Martin Davis took top spot with a lovely Flounder of 1lb 13ozs. David Atkinson was 2nd and 3rd with Flounders of 1lb 9 and 1lb 8 3/4.

20 Flounders were weighed in with the majority safely released to be caught again.

Well done everyone who fished.

Also this weekend was the December heat of the winter League. Andrew Atkinson was 1stcwith a Huss of 9lb 8ozs. Josh Atkinson was 2nd with another Huss of 8lb 5ozs with Andrew 3rd with a Huss of 8lb 4oz.

Bideford Angling Club Result

            Stephen Found won Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour rover with a specimen pouting of 2lb 1oz. Jon Stevens was runner up with a small eyed ray of 7lb 51/2oz and Paul Ackland third with a flounder of 1lb 9.5oz. Richard Jefferies set a new Bideford Angling Club record with a skate scaling 13lb 4oz.

           Combe Martin SAC  

Combe Martin SAC Member Shane Hookway caught a fine bull huss of 10lb 11oz on a recent session along the North Devon coast. Bull huss, ray and spurdog have featured in catch’s recently along with whiting and dogfish.

            Barnstaple Bait and Tackle Match Group held their annual Christmas Competition at Morchard Road Lake View. Steve Hayman was the winner with 77lb 6o z. Runner up was Gary Sullivan with 53lb 8oz and Kevin Wilton third with 52lb 13oz.

            The Christmas Special of the popular Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Fishing programme is on screened on Christmas Eve and is filmed in Devon and Cornwall with the Arundell Arms at Lifton playing a starring roll.