Kevin Legge secured first and second in Combe Martin Sea Angling Clubs Spring Rover landing a fine brace of bull Huss scaling 13lb 101/2oz and 11lb 8oz. The fish were tempted during heavy rain and were caught on consecutive casts. 
Both fish were retained in a large rock pool and returned after weighing and photographing in line with the clubs catch and release ethos.
Aaron Jones! Aaron sent this catch report to us. ‘cracking 24 hour session on Melbury ended up with a 16lb common and a target fish “the Crafthole Common ” at a great winter weight of 24.5lb. Fished over a kilo of 20mm Scopex squid and Lee’s Leads’.
Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club held their presentation night at the Pack of Cards Combe Martin where club members and their partners enjoyed a delicious meal. The club was formed in the late seventies and is still going strong despite Wistlandpound being downgraded to a wild brown trout fishery. The small friendly club hold competitions throughout the year visiting the regions many still waters in search of trout.
(Below) Liam Brookes fished on the inlet swim on Beatties lake and had 3 fish out . All fish were caught on Sticky Baits Manilla sizes 12mm, 16 & 20 all soaked in Manilla liquid Liam used a max of 20/30 Baits which he scattered over the top with a throwing stick.
(Below) Neil Harvey and his friend Simon Allsop fished the Dam wall on Lodge lake and banked three carp., Simon had a 28lb 8oz mirror , Neil had 2 fish out up to 27lb 8oz a new pb for Neil caught on cell glugged in cell hookbait dip also added a few sticky baits Manilla boilies & crushed cell , Korda almond goo.
(Below)Lee Roper fished up on lodge lake and had 2 fish out up to 30lb on the nose ! Lee caught on banoffee flavoured boilies from Outlaw Pro Baits.
(Below) Andrew Van Koutrik and his friend Darren had one fish out each from lodge lake in a Day session Andrews fish was a 25lb 15oz and Darrens was a 21lb 10oz caught on Sticky’s baits Manilla boilies.
(Below) Kevin Waldron had five fish out from the inlet swim on Beatties lake all caught on DNA secret 7 plum flavoured boilies.
February 2020
At the time of writing, Kennick is the only South West Lakes Trust Trout fishery that has opened for the 2020 season and, in spite of three named storms, strong winds and heavy rains, anglers who have braved the elements have been rewarded with some excellent sport.
The opening weekend (14 February) produced a rod average of over four fish, with over half of the anglers recording a full bag. The fish are lying deep, so sunk lines fishing weighted lures (Blobs, Nomads, and Cats Whiskers, as well as Goldhead Damsels) have produced the best results, with fish being caught from the banks at Clampitts, Laployds, up to the Causeway. The best fish caught on opening day was a 2lb 12oz Rainbow, caught by Andy Gooding (from Liverton), while Andy Lobb braved storm Dennis to bag eight Rainbows weighing in at 17lb 5oz.
The following week continued to produce some fine fishing, with most anglers opting to fish from the banks (although boat anglers caught well in the deeper waters in Outer Clampitts), with the North end of the fishery producing the best results. Anglers averaged a rod average of 3.1 fish per rod, including plenty of strong overwintered fish, with Mike Malpas catching the best fish – a Rainbow of 3lb 12oz.
The seventh annual South West Fly Fair (this year’s main show sponsor being Chevron Hackles) was held on 29 February at Roadford Lake and, yet again, the day proved to be a great success. In addition to the opportunity to try out the latest equipment available from the various trade stands, there were casting and fly tying demonstrations from the show’s patron, Charles Jardine, as well as demonstrations, including preparation and cooking your catch, from Gary Champion. A number of fly tiers were on hand to demonstrate and explain various techniques, with the opportunity to ‘have a go’ with the experts, as well as stands organised by local Clubs, fishery and environmental organisations. The day is always a great opportunity to buy that essential tackle for the new season, as well as to catch up with old friends and to talk fishing in anticipation of the forthcoming year on the water.
Annual Fly Fair Attracts Over 200 People to Roadford
The eighth South West Fly Fair got the Trout fishing season off with a bang on Saturday 29 February as fly fishermen from all over the region attended the annual show, held at Roadford Lake and hosted by South West Lakes Trust.
The show is always a great place to grab a bargain, watch some fantastic demonstrations from Trout fishing celebrities and speak to the many organisation and trade stands that attend. There was also a free fly casting and fly tying zone for anyone to have go.
The show was launched by Ben Smeeth, Head of Angling for South West Lakes Trust, and then officially opened at 10.30am by Charles Jardine, one of the country’s most respected fly-fishing gurus, England Fly Fishing Commonwealth Team member and patron of the show.
Activities throughout the day included casting demonstrations with Charles, who gave an entertaining and impressive display with the Trout rod, and Gary Champion, a local expert who travels worldwide teaching people to fish and give demonstrations.
More than 30 people took advantage of the free fly casting lessons and clinics for both newcomers to the sport and experienced anglers feeling a little rusty after the closed season. Gary Champion gave a fantastic demonstration on ways to prepare and cook your Trout once you have caught it with samples to taste. This was a real treat on a very cold day!
There were a variety of angling conservation organisations including The Westcountry Rivers Trust, The Wild Trout Trust and local custom rod maker, Luke Bannister, who has built up an international following for his beautiful hand-crafted split cane rods.
Those looking for new fishing opportunities in 2020 were able to speak to representatives from various fishing clubs throughout the region.
There was also a large selection of angling trade stands including impressive displays from the shows sponsor Chevron Hackles, with the opportunity to handle, try and buy this year’s latest equipment.
The 2020 Trout fishing season has started on the South West Lakes Trust Rainbow Trout water Kennick with Siblyback, Stithians and Burrator all opening on 7 March. The Brown Trout season for Roadford, Fernworthy, Colliford and Wistlandpound starts on 15 March. Full details and this year’s prices are on the Trust’s website – www.swlakesfishing.co.uk.
Peter Duckett was one of several anglers to enjoy a cracking opening day at Wimbleball. “We had well over 20 fish between the two of us including 3 lovely wild Browns amongst the hard fighting Rainbows. The weather did a bit of everything but that didn’t put the fish off. The Rainbows went to around 4lb “.
The South West Fly Fair at Roadford Lake has become a popular fixture on the West Country angling calendar and always attracts a healthy number of the regions fly fishing enthusiasts. Falling on the eve of a new season the event is always good for stocking up with tackle and catching up with fellow anglers rekindling old friendships and forming new ones.
There is always a strong focus on the environment that is vital to the health of ourselves and the fish we seek. After a stormy winter with exceptional rainfall anglers are looking forward to warmer months rising trout and perhaps silver sea trout and salmon.
This year’s event was sponsored by Chevron Hackles. Chevron are a local company who produce top quality fly tying hackles for the discerning Fly tyer.
The following stall holders were present :- Alan Riddell Rods, Arundell Arms, Turral, Homeleigh Angling Centre, Chevron Hackles ( Show Sponsor) Snowbee UK, Casterbridge Fisheries, Luke Bannister Split Cane Rods, British Float Tube Association, Second Hand Tackle Sale, Wild Trout Trust, Author Wayne Thomas, West Country River Trust, South West Lakes, South West Lakes Invasive Species, Virtual Nymph, Grayling society and Launceston Anglers, Milemead Fish Farm, Torre Trout Farms.
The following stall holders were present :- Alan Riddell Rods, Arundell Arms, Turral, Homeleigh Angling Centre, Chevron Hackles ( Show Sponsor) Snowbee UK, Casterbridge Fisheries, Luke Bannister Split Cane Rods, British Float Tube Association, Second Hand Tackle Sale, Wild Trout Trust, Author Wayne Thomas, West Country River Trust, South West Lakes, South West Lakes Invasive Species, Virtual Nymph, Grayling society and Launceston Anglers, Milemead Fish Farm, Torre Trout Farms.
I am so excited and honoured to be asked to be the host and presenter of the 1st ever South West Angling Show which will take place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May.
We will be fronting some of the biggest brands from across the country offering great deals and offers on great tackle at the show and also showcasing some fantastic talks on the main stage of influential Anglers interviewed by myself.
We are very excited about bringing an Angling Show to the South West and hope to see everyone join us to celebrate it and make it a success to continue in the future.
Report from North Devon Tackle Club.
MATCH 2 (Wooda Lakes) 1/3/20
Results:
A really good turn out, for our 2nd match of the year held at Wooda Lakes (on lake 3 & lake 4)
Winner on the day was Wayne Mitchell who put 21 carp on the scales for 52lb 9oz.
Norman Martin also had 21 carp & even tried weighing in a duck to move off 2nd spot!!!
(Move over Bazza the 4th, Norm the 2nd is now in town!)
TOP 5 on day:
1st Wayne Mitchell – 52lb 9oz
2nd Norman Martin – 50lb 7oz
3rd Stephen Barrell – 44lb 10oz
4th Kevin Wilton – 44lb 9oz
5th Andrew Gratton – 19lb 9oz
Lake 3
Wayne Mitchell 52lb 9oz
Norman Martin 50lb 7oz
Lake 4 Kevin Wilton 44lb 9oz
Andrew Gratton 19lb 9oz
A HUGE Happy Birthday to Kevin Wilton who probably wont thank me for saying he turned 60 this weekend, also premature congratulations to Michael Seward who also reaches the same milestone in just over a week.
Hope you guys all had a great weekend, sorry I could not make the celebrations.
A quick well done also to Peter Sward who won the Birthday Saturday knock up with 43lb 4oz.
Thank you to Stuart Sharp for taking the attached photos of you guys & sending them over.
NEXT MATCH – Jennetts Reservoir 5th April.
A big well done to Graham Currington who weighed in 11lb 12oz of tip caught skimmers from peg 6 which was the middle of the wall, road side, next peg was Chris Morris who pushed him all the way with 11lb 8oz of mainly whip caught roach, this was easily enough to give Chris the overall win of this years winter league.
Third was Nathan Underwood from peg 9 with 6lb 10oz mainly pole caught roach, and 4th was Paul Elworthy with 4lb 10oz, including a nice perch.
With a nasty wind blowing onto the far bank all anglers were pegged on the road side, unfortunately for myself and Wayne Murton we ended up by the car park and between us Wayne thinks he might of had a sucked maggot.
