8 Aug 2019

Stafford Moor Latest news update.

by | posted in: Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Match Fishing, Sidebar, Uncategorised | 0

Stafford Moor is on top form for carp fishing and match fishing with plenty of twenties from the specimen lakes and numerous 100lb plus bags in matchs.

(Below) James Richard Russel  had a new personal best mirror carp  of 29lb 4oz from swim 4 (the gap) up on lodge lake using special Occasions bait.

(Below) Thanks from Jo — Hi All would just like to say a HUGE thank you again to Neilsen Jeffery who held his charity match here in June in which the money’s we all raised were shared with RNLI and we now have a difribulator here at Stafford Moor ! So happy days well not if we have to use it of course! but fab just to have on site in case we ever do just to give so many peace of mind  the difribulator is located at our house on site and the emergency contact number will be shown around the site, also a huge thank you to Trevor Vernalls  who trained us all free of charge plus gave us some more important guidance on CPR

(Below) James Short who had these 2 out including this stunning mirror at 26lb from the summer hut swim on Beatties lake, James was fishing with Nash Key Cray boilies and matching hook Baits & pellets.

(Below) Gareth Simpson who was fishing here with friend Kev, they had 20 fish out between them on the summerhouse swim on Beatties lake using DNA Baits S7.

7 Aug 2019

Big Catfish Wins Fish Of The Week In Paradise

by | posted in: Coarse Fishing, Sidebar | 0

FISH OF THE WEEK WINNER 2ND AUGUST IS…

Dan Maher who caught an amazing personal best 68lb 12oz Wels Catfish from the Main Carp Lake!

Dan’s story –

“My name is Dan, I’m 33 years old and I’m from Liverpool. I’ve been coming to Anglers Paradise for over ten years and this is the first year I have come with my girlfriend, Nicola. I decided to fish Nev’s Point on the Main Carp Lake and after catching a couple of nice carp up to 21lb I decided to cast out a catfish rod I brought specifically to try and beat my previous PB of 54lb from the Specimen Cat Lake.

Nicola and I had just sat down in our chairs after a nice bbq and a glass of Zyg’s wine, when the rod ripped off towards the 5C’s island. The fish decided to go on a long run to a snag against the island opposite and then over towards Zyg’s boat house. I was using strong tackle to deal with the biggest catfish in the lake and managed to pull it back through the weed and into open water.

This catch was extra special because it is a new PB and weighed in at a massive 68lb 12oz. It was also amazing to have my girlfriend present to help me net the fish. Nicola is new to fishing and this is the first fishing holiday we have taken together. I would have struggled to net the fish on my own and with little fishing experience, Nicola did an amazing job. I smashed my PB by 14lb and the fish was caught on pellet. I was also lucky enough to catch another cat a couple of hours later at 55lb.”

WELL DONE DANNY BOY – THAT’S A BIG FISH TO CATCH!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Here he is with his winning Fish and being presented his prizes by Zyggy and Zenia with special thanks to JRC Fishing.

Anglers Paradise
7 Aug 2019

DISMAY & ANGER – At Fish kill

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North Devon’s anglers are shocked, angry and dismayed following news of a major fish kill on the River Mole one of the River Taws main tributaries. Various reports indicate that up 10,000 fish have perished over a 5km stretch including salmon, sea trout and brown trout. Early indications are that the pollution was anaerobic digestate. It is vital that the perpetrators are apprehended and a substantial response is imposed by the Environment Agency. A vast amount of time, effort and energy has been invested in improving the habitat of the Taw and its tributaries and it is heart-breaking that this has been impacted upon so severely by this tragic event. With river levels very low at the time of the pollution impact is likely to be severe with no dilution. Anglers are very often first on the scene and should report any incidents immediately to the Environment Agency via their hotline number 0800 807060. Whilst I seldom comment politically, I do feel saddened that the EA’s funding has been cut over recent years as focus is directed elsewhere. As voters’ anglers should give serious consideration to environmental issues when casting their votes.

I have very fond memories of fishing on the Mole and encounters with sea trout and otters. It is to be hoped that the river recovers from this tragic event. Lessons must be learnt from this to prevent future incidents and it is hoped that the penalty imposed will go some way towards highlighting the need for vigilance.

The rate of decline in West Country Rivers is truly alarming. In the forty years that I have visited the rivers I have seen a dramatic collapse in stocks. Remember that in natural terms forty or fifty years are short spans when you consider the long term evolution of salmon and sea trout. Each generation of anglers relates to their own life beside the water and as a result often fail to comprehend the longer term decline in stocks.

The interviews I conducted in research for my soon to be published book , “I Caught A Glimpse” have brought this home to me. Whilst it would be nice to think that salmon will be running our rivers for future generations; I have my doubts. It is likely that without a huge effort salmon will be non-existent within many West Country Rivers within decades. That this should happen during our watch is shameful.

 

6 Aug 2019

Blakewell Fun Fishing

by | 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.

 

5 Aug 2019

Bideford & District Angling Club V PLYMOUTH – Bideford Win Overall!

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BDAC V PLYMOUTH
Tarka Swims George’s Lake.
The team results PDCAC 73lb 5oz BDAC 58lb 2oz

After the 2 legs Bideford 122lb 4oz Plymouth 116lb 7oz .

Individual results 1st Martin Rushton Bid. 17lb

2nd Bill Crossman Plymouth 15lb 7oz

3rd John Moore  Plymouth 13lb 6oz

4th Richard Billingham. Plymouth 11lb 10oz

5th Ronnie Moore  Plymouth 11lb 2oz

Bideford hosted the 2nd leg of our annual event 25 anglers took part. The weather was warm with occasional showers . Martin drew peg B and fished the pole shallow in the lillies for a fine net of carp for top spot. The next 4 places were taken by Plymouth anglers Bill was second overall with a lovely net of feeder caught bream of peg Q. John had 2 good carp on peg X for 3rd ,another skimmer net on the feeder on peg N secured 4th place for Richard.

 

 

4 Aug 2019

SEA ANGLING RESULTS – BIDEFORD & APPLEDORE

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Bideford Rover Results

1st Julien Stainer trigger 3lb 13 127.083%

2nd Jon Stevens rockling 1lb 10 1/2 110.417%

3rd Tarrant Wotton trigger 3lb 3 1/2 107.291%

4th Paul Downing smooth hound 10lb 6 1/8 103.853%

5th Paul Downing smooth hound 10lb 3 1/8 101.953%

6th Terry Dymond smooth hound 8lb 6 85.750%

Appledore Shipbuilders Monthly Rover

1st Andrew Atkinson  – Smoothound 12lb 95/8oz

2nd & 3rd – Thomas Atkinson -smoothound 9lb 14oz and 6lb 15oz

4 Aug 2019

Jeremy Wade – Visit to the Plough Arts Centre

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Jeremy Wade attended the Plough Arts Centre and delivered a fascinating talk about his fishing exploits around the world and the filming of River Monsters, Mighty Rivers, his latest documentary programme Dark Waters and his new book “How to Think Like a Fish”

He enlightened and inspired the captivated audience explaining the structure of the programmes and how the audience are drawn into the mystery and environment of the natural world. The River Monsters series was to a large extent built around a plot of a murder mystery with Jeremy acting as the detective in search of the perpetrator.

He outlined the importance of big predatory fish as apex predators that live at the top of the food chain. The presence of these fish is an indicator of the general health of the  underwater environment. In many areas these apex predators are decreasing in numbers a fact that raises deep concern for the future.

His knowledge as a fishery biologist certainly shone through with his deep knowledge of fish behaviour.

Observation to detail is certainly a major factor in being a successful angler and television presenter. He conceded that planning is essential in making successful angling film shows but often proves totally useless on the day as plans unravel due to the un-expected.

He discussed the wider value of angling in society and the invaluable work of the Angling Trust in working for conservation.

Jeremy followed the talk  answering a range of questions from the audience with an in depth and considered response that demonstrated a deep understanding of his subject.

The event was hosted by Angling Heritage and River Reads both of which are based in Torrington.

Keith Armishaw of River Reads and Angling Heritage introduces Jeremy Wade

 

(Below) Jeremy signed copies of his new book for the sixty or so attendees.

After an interval for lunch there was a screening of an episode of Dark-waters that is presently being aired on Sky TV’s Animal Planet.

Jeremy gives the look that says ” wonder who that annoying man is with the camera” !

Note my own book ” I Caught A Glimpse” Is available to Pre-Order at https://thelittleegretpress.co.uk/pre-orders/


4 Aug 2019

FUN IN THE ESTUARY

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With the warm summer weather Stillwater trout fishing is suffering the summer doldrums with trout tending to lurk in the deeper water reluctant to chase anglers flies except perhaps in the early morning or late evening. The rivers are in serious need of a good flush of freshwater so where to take the trout rod?

I had a report from two members of the River Torridge Fishery Association who had visited the lower estuary to enjoy a hectic session with school bass catching a large number on small barbless lures. With warm sunshine forecast a trip to the beach seemed a good plan. Pauline could sit and read a book on the sands whilst I waded out into the warm waters of the lower estuary. In addition to the bass I also had golden grey mullet on my mind and just wondered if I could strike gold after several previous failed attempts?

I after arrived at the waters edge just as the tide started to flood. I had intended to get there a little earlier but had to work out how to put together Paulines beach shelter, the brisk Southerly wind did not help!

The water was surprisingly warm as I walked out and stretched a line across the water. A couple of casts later brought the pleasing tug of a school bass. Several more followed as the tide surged in with the fish seen swirling all around. As the tide pushed in the takes eased off and I decided on a change of tactics fishing two small flies intended for mullet.

Despite the huge numbers of fish present I retrieved my flies without success. I changed tack slightly casting my flies into the shallows and retrieving as slowly as possible. Suddenly the line zipped tight and a fish darted to and fro on the line giving a scrap far out of proportion to its size. I was delighted to see the golden mark that helped identify the fish as a golden grey mullet my first of the species. The next cast and I connected again and the rod bent over with line zipping out as a good fish powered away before the hook pulled! I big golden grey ? I will never know but I will be back. I then discovered that if I dapped the flies lightly on a short line I could catch a bass on every cast. Twenty- five or thirty bass later I walked back up the beach as rain began to fall. Time to watch a bit of cricket to end a fun summers day.

Apologies for the poor pictures it not easy trying to get a pic without dropping phone or fish.