31 Aug 2025

Combe Martin SAC Fun Fish 2025

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Hard to believe that another Combe Martin SAC Fun Fish has come and gone signalling the end of the Summer season in conjunction with the annual Sea-Ilfracombe Festival.

This popular event is very much what it says on the tin so to speak; a fun fishing event with few rules and the focus very much on family fun. Once again a big thank you from Combe Martin SAC for generous sponsorship from High Street Tackle, Ilfracombe Aquarium and Barnstaple Bait and Tackle.

This year’s event saw over twenty taking part with several young anglers catching or seeing their very first fish. The move to use lighter tackle and small barbless hooks has certainly boosted the catch rate ensuring that plenty of fish were tempted.

Nine species were caught including pollock, conger, blenny, red bream, tompot blenny, smelt, ballan wrasse, corkwing wrasse and poor cod. A good number of red sea bream were donated to Ilfracombe aquarium where they can be seen along with other fish caught on previous fun fishing events over recent years.

The Welch Family won a trip to Ilfracombe Aquarium that they kindly donated to runner up family Jesubaul and Becky Mringer. The longest fish was a 54cm conger caught by Louie Cameron and the heaviest a ballan wrasse of 1lb 1oz to the rod of Daniel Welch. The top individual points scorer was Ben Clarke with 25 points and Jesubaul runner up with 24 points.

Daniel Welch with the heaviest fish a ballan wrasse of 1lb 1oz
The Cameron Family with Archie (right) holding his brothers conger

The event cast off at 2.30pm as a strong swell surged close to the pier landings and a heavy shower threatened to dampen the spirits.

Fortunately the storm clouds soon drifted past and a vivid rainbow appeared off Hillsborough as bright blue skies brightened the rest of the afternoon.

Fish were caught from the start despite the murky water stirred up by heavy swells throughout the previous week. Four or five lobster were caught which is far more than any previous Fun fish. Another interesting feature was the large number of small red bream caught throughout the two hour long event.

Apologies if I have spelt any names wrong, a strong breeze, aging ears and a rain smeared score sheet undoubtedly contribute to any errors. Everyone who registered a fish took home a prize from our sponsors and in my view everyone who took part was a winner. I hope that those smiles convert just a few to enjoy the marvellous pastime that can forge a deep and lasting connection with the natural world.

28 Aug 2025

WEEKLY ANGLING REPORT – August 28th 2025

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            Members of Combe Martin SAC spent a day off Ilfracombe fishing on Daniel Welch’s boat Predator 2. Whilst the hoped for tope failed to show members found ten different species fishing on the seabed as cloudy water hampered lure fishing. The species caught included mackerel, scad, black bream, bull huss, smoothound, gurnard, conger, pollock, bass and dogfish.

             Combe Martin SAC host their annual fun fishing event this Sunday on Ilfracombe Pier with fishing starting at 2.30pm and ending at 4.30pm. This easy going event has been running for several years in conjunction with the Sea-Ilfracombe Festival. All young anglers should be accompanied by a responsible adult. The club would like to thank the ongoing support of High Street Tackle, Barnstaple Bait and Tackle and Ilfracombe Aquarium. Prizes are awarded for anglers under 16 who catch the most species and longest fish. The heaviest fish caught by and the top family points total.

 

            Late summer and early Autumn offer a wide range of species to target in saltwater as the seasons transition. All tactics can work at this time of year with both bait and lure tactics proving effective dependant on the prevailing conditions. An increasing number of anglers are now compiling records of the fish species they catch. A branch of angling I would compare to keen birdwatchers often referred to as twitchers. This can become very addictive with anglers traveling long distances and adapting tackle to target species not caught on standard sea tackle. Some mini sea species are caught using tiny hooks and gossamer thin lines paired with miniature rods. I recently bought Jack Perks excellent book “Field Guide to British Fish- Freshwater and Marine”. The book contains information and quality photo’s of 200 species found in UK waters. It has a useful tick list in the back of the book to record your own tally of species.

The book is a perfect companion to Alwynne Wheeler’s Key to the Fishes of Northern Europe that was first published in 1978. It is fascinating to compare the two books that illustrate the significant changes that are happening in both marine and freshwater eco systems.

            Ben Evenden won Stafford Moor’s Sunday Open with 197lb 9oz.

            Stafford Moor’s Carp Lakes are in fine form with plenty of multiple hauls. Dan Hoskin and his son fished Beattie’s Lake to bank sixteen carp twelve of which were over twenty pounds with the best a fine fish of 28lb. Martin Burton banked four carp to 32lb and Owen Thrumble banked forty carp over five days to 30lb 5oz.

24 Aug 2025

Combe Martin SAC – Predator 2 Boat Trip

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Combe Martin SAC’s Boat trip on Predator 2 was a trip we had been anticipating eagerly and with a fine day forecast optimism was high as we set out of Ilfracombe harbour on a calm morning.

As expected Skipper Dan Welch had a plan and it was to be a down channel day. Buoyed by stories of bass and tope we bounced over the calm waters and were overtaken by ever speedy Dan Hawkins on Reel Deal who was destined for the reefs of the North Cornish coast.

First stop was the turbulent tide race off Morte Point where bass and wrasse were targeted with lures. The water clarity was disappointing and after a short drift it was decided to head to mixed ground a short distance off the headland and drop the anchor. I opted to fish my light rod with a two hook paternoster baited with small strips of squid on size 4 Sakumu Chinu hooks. The rod tip was soon rattling as scad hit the baits, these were kept fresh as they would surely prove good baits for tope later in the day.

A steady trickle of species were caught including a bass, red gurnard, pollock, smoothound, dogfish, small conger and scad. As the tide eased Dan suggested we move out into deeper water with more tide flow.

 

“Peter the conger charmer”

This was big bait territory and large fish baits were sent to rest on the sea bed. Peter Robinson proved to be the conger charmer tempting a good fish of around 20lb along with others throughout the day. A few bull huss seized our baits and bent the rods. The tope proved elusive and we moved again further out to an area that had been producing some good tope in recent weeks.

The water was very murky and Dan thought this was the result of algae blooms and the dead algae being stirred up by the big tides. Bideford Bay had been alive with bait fish, bass, dolphins and birds a few days before this trip. It seemed devoid of life today with no signs of activity and little or no action as we dropped our baits to the seabed.

An increasingly frustrated Dan could only suggest we head back to where we had started the day and resume sport with the multitude of species that lurk close inshore.

We enjoyed the last couple of hours fishing off the spectacular headland of Morte point. Black bream, bull huss, conger, mackerel and pollock were brought to the boat with Peter Robinson catching a good number of fish from the boats stern.

Dan said it had been one of the toughest days of the season. But we all had a very enjoyable day boating ten different species of fish without actually focussing on amassing a large tally. The next few months will offer an array of opportunities and when the water clarity improves I feel sure sport will take off as it so often does in early autumn.

19 Aug 2025

A Fish of Summer Lakes

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A fish that conjures up the essence of summer lake fishing is surely the tench with its glistening smooth olive flanks and bright ruby eyes. In my mind’s eye there is always an image of tranquil waters at the heart of which is a crimson tipped float poised between water lily’s.

            My good friend Steve Dawe had invited me to fish his complex of lakes so aptly called sanctuary lakes, nestled deep within Devon’s rural heartland these three lakes offer carp, crucian carp and tench.

            It had taken me a while to schedule in a trip but with summer ebbing I arranged a trip to the venue with my wife Pauline promising a relaxing day far from the madding crowd with all facilities at hand. This wasn’t to be a serious fishing session just a day emersed in nature with the chance of a few fish if I nurtured my luck.

And so it was no traditional crack of dawn start after tench but a more leisurely preamble to Lizzies Larder in Milton Damerel for a full English before heading to the lakes for a midday start. It was one of the summers hottest days with temperatures predicted to reach the high twenties. There was a clear blue sky and little breeze as we wound our way through country lanes following the sat nav whilst noting old country cottages, quiet villages and hamlets along the Devon lanes.

We eventually reached our destination to be given a warm and friendly welcome from Steve who then gave a proud tour of the three lakes. The first of the lakes was created in 2009 and it is astonishing how they have matured into an oasis of wildlife habitat in such a short time. An abundance of dragonflies could be seen swooping and hovering above the calm waters.

After circumnavigating all the lakes it was time for Pauline and I to set up for the day and with tench the number 1 target I followed Steve’s advice choosing a swim that offered some shade from the hot sun. Conditions were certainly not ideal for fishing so I did not set my expectations too high. One tench would be a result.

Pauline settled into the camping chair and digested ample reading matter while I engaged with the business of fishing. We delighted in the occasional glimpse of kingfishers darting across the lake and swallows and martins swooping to and fro. It really was a summer idyl to be savoured.

A couple of small rudd fell to a grain of sweetcorn on the float tackle and tell-tale bubbles indicated that a few tench were routing about in the bottom silt. After half an hour I put the kettle on and we enjoyed a fresh brew whilst absorbing the tranquil scene that was only troubled by the sound of farm machinery as farmers took advantage of the good weather to cut silage.

It was no surprise when late afternoon arrived and no tench had graced the net. I suggested we stretch our legs and have a wander around the lakes. We ambled past the smaller lake and onto the carp lake where some good sized carp were basking on the surface in the warm sunshine. It would have been easy to become side-tracked at this point as a well- placed floating crust would surely result in a well bent rod? Well, fish watching is second best to fishing and we lingered a while spotting the carp as they cruised around the lake.

After this short interlude we returned to the tench lake and recast my two rods. I have often found a break brings a fish and it was the case on this occasion for after a few minutes my float promptly sank and I felt that delightful resistance as the hook gained a hold. The tench plunged amongst the lily pads and I held it on as tight a line as the 6lb b.s line would take, the old Drennan tench rod absorbing the tension and cushioning the line.

At 3lb 5oz the tench was a pleasing catch and we admired its olive green flanks and crimson eye before slipping the fish back into the warm water. I had caught this fish on a small segment of luncheon meat and elected to persist with this same bait on the float rod. A few streams of classic tench bubbles drifted to the surface and with these signs my confidence grew. The float again sank and a second tench of a similar size to the first followed.

We brewed a fresh cup of tea and coffee and delved into the picnic bag. Throughout the session I had fished a method feeder and noticed just a couple of trembles of the rod tip.

We both relished the quiet warm summer evening and Pauline was content to relax as I continued to focus on the promising crimson tip that projected from the lakes mirror calm surface.

            The late summer sun slowly descended casting its reflection on the lake as martins and swallows swooped above the lake feasting in preparation for the long voyage that they will embark upon in just a few weeks. It is fascinating to ponder on nature and how these tiny birds migrate over these vast distances. Programmed from birth they surely have no perception of where or why they have to leave? No fear no apprehension just that inbuilt instinct to survive and thrive.

            I ponder on these matters as my float dips, I lift the rod and miss but at that very moment the other rod lurches over and the bait runner screams. The third tench of the day is the biggest at 3lb 9oz and it seems an appropriate time to pack away. The light is fading as we make our way to the car and glance back at Sanctuary vowing to return again.

Sanctuary Lakes are run by Steve Dawe via  a small limited membership club that is presently fully subscribed. Membership enquiries can be made to Steve via email :- [email protected]

14 Aug 2025

WEEKLY – ANGLING REPORT – August 14th – 2025

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BIG CARP FROM PARADISE SYNDICATE

George West enjoyed success at Angler’s Paradises Nirvana Syndicate lake banking a fine brace of mirror carp scaling 39lb each. The lake holds a stock of large carp grown on at the venue.

Anglers Paradise

Comment

Carp fishing is constantly evolving as the desire to catch bigger carp drives the sector resulting in  varied venues offering a gradual progression for carp anglers. Day ticket waters that offer large numbers of carp progressing to syndicate waters that have long waiting lists to enter with a high price tag that now exceeds the cost of a rod on an exclusive West Country salmon beat.

Match Fishing

Craig Lamey secured top spot in Bideford Angling Clubs monthly coarse match at their home water with 87lb 10oz. Nathan Underwood was runner up with 44lb 15oz and Keith Copland third with 44lb 10oz.

Sam Powell won last Sundays Stafford Moor Open Match with 248lb 5oz. The Saturday  residents match was won by Martin Heard with 321lb 7oz.

Sea Angling

South Molton Angling Club members enjoyed a boat trip out of Lyme Regis where they enjoyed great sport catching eleven species that included black bream, thornback ray, and bull huss.

Stephen Found has been enjoying some great smoothound sport from the North Devon shore landing specimens of 14lb, 15lb 6oz and 18lb. Recent seasons have seen unprecedented numbers of these hard fighting fish move close inshore and at times moving into the estuary an area that historically did not see these fish in any numbers.

Several bonito have been caught from boats fishing the water at the mouth of the Bristol Channel. These powerful fish that average 2lb to 4lb are a hard fighting predatory fish that can be glimpsed as they erupt from the water as they smash into shoals of baitfish.

I enjoyed a day fishing for porbeagle shark on Ilfracombe boat Predator 2 and ventured to the recognised sharking grounds West of Hartland Point. Whilst we caught no shark we caught numerous tope, gurnard, bass, mackerel, gurnard and scad. Several shark have been caught in recent weeks but fishing seems to have been impacted upon by frequent algal blooms that are unusual for this time of year.

Rivers

Barnstaple and District Angling Club have once again suspended fishing on their river beats as high water temperatures and low oxygen levels bring grave concern for the rivers wildlife.

Comment

As I add the finishing touches to this week’s angling report the BBC news is reporting on the fact that ‘The UK’s seas have had their warmest start to the year since records began, helping to drive some dramatic changes in marine life and for its fishing communities’.

In my weekly angling report above I mention the influx of smoothound, unusual algal blooms and river temperatures that are concerning for fish survival. All of these could be linked to climate change and as an angler I observe these changes from the water’s edge.

            I personally accept that the evidence points to rapid change in our climate and yet this is tempered by the fact that climate change is linked to events that have happened before as marine eco systems are cyclical and complex. Tuna are not new to UK waters and were abundant during the mid-twentieth century. Octopus population explosions occurred previously at the start and middle of the twentieth century. I would also point out that the frequently used phrase since records began is emotive terminology as since 1980 when records started is probably less alarming as forty odd years is little more than a blink of the eye in the evolving climate of the planet.

9 Aug 2025

Ilfracombe Aquarium – Offers an intimate view into local waters

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Ilfracombe Aquarium offers an insight into the abundant life that resides in the varied waters of North Devon and Exmoor. Situated in a corner of Ilfracombe’s busy Pier Car Park. Anyone with an interest in life beneath the surface will be fascinated by the abundance and variations of life in our regions waters. The colours of many fish a match for those of far off tropical seas.

Conservation is very much at the heart of the exhibits with information from Exmoor National Park, The National Trust and River Trusts displayed throughout. The Aquarium staff share their extensive  knowledge of exhibits with plenty of personal observations to enliven their narrative.

            Whilst the venue perhaps lacks the punch of the larger venues it offers a more intimate experience that can be savoured across the generations. I remember my own childhood visits to sea side aquariums with fondness and always relish getting up close to life in that other realm. The magic of gazing into clear rockpools and streams with a child’s eyes is rekindled in these smaller aquariums.

            The Aquarium has supported Combe Martin Sea Angling Club’s annual Fun fish over the past twenty or so years and has once again offered a family ticket as a prize in this years event.

 

            The Aquarium Café offers great coffee and light snacks that can be enjoyed on a warm day relaxing on the elevated decking overlooking the bustling pier and harbour.

 

 

7 Aug 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – August 7th 20205

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Stunning Carp Brace

Shaun Thorne tempted a stunning brace of carp from Lower Tamar lake including a stunning common carp of 32lb 12oz and a mirror carp of 25lb 2oz. The lake on the Devon Cornish Border holds a stock of stunning specimen fish including carp, bream, roach, tench, perch and eels.

Carp sport

Carp anglers are enjoying sport across the regions lakes with Hacche Lane producing several thirty pound plus specimens. At Stafford Moor Owen Thrumble fished four nights on Beattie’s Lake to bank forty carp to 30lb 5oz. Adam Atkins banked sixteen carp to 35lb 7oz.

Bass Fishing

Bass anglers continue to enjoy good sport with lure tactics from both boat and shore.  I took a good friend to a local shore mark recently and despite lots of weed in the water and a brisk wind we managed a fish each. I was delighted to introduce him to the excitement of bass fishing in shallow water and enjoyed his success as much as my own.

Rivers

High water temperatures are still a concern for river anglers across the region. Barnstaple and District Angling Association have extended their advice to members requesting a refrain from fishing until water temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Abundant algae is also causing concern as it clogs the river bed and reduces oxygen levels.

Match Fishing

Stafford Moor continues to produce excellent bags of fish for match anglers. Scott Puddy won the mid-week open match at the venue with 274lb 3oz and Rich Yeo won last weekends match with 250lb 1oz.

Sea Angling 

Bideford Angling Clubs Monthly sea rover was dominated by smoothound with Richard Jefferies heading the field with a specimen of 11lb 9oz. Tony Gussin was runner up with a hound of 10lb 10oz and Dale Kiff third with a hound of 10lb 4oz.

Appledore Shipbuilders monthly rover was also dominated by smoothound with Andrew Atkinson taking first and second with hounds of 12lb 4.25oz and 9lb 3.75oz. Third was Michael Hammett with a hound of 8lb 12oz.

Comment

The summer holidays are now upon us and it is to be hoped that some young anglers will take their first steps into a pastime that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment at the water’s edge. The world today is very different to when I started fishing over fifty years ago. Many believe it is the online and gaming  world that has taken many young people away from outdoor pursuits whilst others consider cost to be a major issue. Reflecting upon my own journey as a young angler I would suggest that the main obstacle is the lack of freedom given to young people in an increasingly protective society. This is perhaps ironic when the world of social media may well pose more threats to mental well- being than those physical dangers of a life at the water’s edge.

Bideford Angling Club have been running a brilliant series of Summer competitions for junior anglers at their home water. Bailey Bramley won the latest event with 7.840 kilo. Max Chapple was runner up with 6.085 kilo and Leo Davies third with 5.795 kilo. Twenty one young anglers took part in the latest match that has been generously supported by local tackle shops. This Saturday is the last in the series in which close to forty young anglers have taken part over the five events.

1 Aug 2025

REEDS CHILLCHEATER

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As we move towards Autumn it is perhaps time to think about upgrading those waterproofs. Local company Chillcheater provide high quality garments to beat the harshest of conditions. My own Storm Jacket has been beating the weather for over ten years and is set for replacing this season.

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