PREDATOR 2 – COMBE MARTIN SAC – BOAT TRIP

June 12th 2025 was Combe Martin SAC’s first club boat trip out of Ilfracombe aboard Predator 2 with Dan Welch. I hope that it will be a new chapter in the clubs long history and I look forward to plenty more trips with Dan who works hard to find the fish that are all too often hard to find.

We headed up channel as a result of strong Westerly winds that would have made the waters closer to the mouth of the Bristol Channel uncomfortable. It is always enjoyable watching the familiar coastline from the boat as those landmarks pass by along with a lifetime of memories. The headland of Rillage and the coastguard station, Widmouth Head, Watermouth and the Sexton Burrow, Burrow Nose. Broadsands, Sandy Cove, Combe Martin, Wild Pear Beach and Little Hangman. North Devon’s dramatic northern edge looked splendid with verdant lush green providing a glorious back drop. As we surveyed this beauty I also reflected on the access that has been lost to us as anglers over the last fifty or so years. Restrictions due to private ownership and Coastal erosion all contributing and exacerbated by human behaviour, an increasing population and of course funding for access projects.

Past Combe Martin Bay and the dramatic sea cliffs immortalised in the book “The Hidden Edge of Exmoor”.  Access to this shoreline restricted by geographical splendour has always been difficult and it is fascinating to reflect upon past generations who descended these cliffs to harvest natures gifts.

“While over a thousand people may have climbed Mount Everest and may thousands may have walked England’s South West Coast Path, very few have traversed the whole of the Exmoor Coast down at sea level along what we have called The Hidden Edge of Exmoor. The Exmoor Traverse is a serious mountaineering venture that is compounded by a tide that can rise vertically at six feet an hour and by cliffs that tower over six hundred feet in places. Out of sight of civilization it is an awe-inspiring wilderness, boasting the highest marine cliff in England, a waterfall as high as Niagara and a colony of ancient stunted yew trees that may prove to be the largest in Britain.”

The book goes on to record the historical stories of those who descended the cliffs in Victorian times to gather birds eggs, laver, driftwood and botanical data. Not to mention the scars still visible on the cliffs from mining operations.

On this day as a brisk west wind blew up channel it was without a doubt the dramatic scenery that stole the show for the fishing proved difficult. The morning started well as we dropped anchor off Woody Bay. We hoped for tope that had been abundant over recent days. These proved elusive but a couple of small eyed ray proved encouraging along with a few huss and the inevitable dogfish. A couple of pollock succumbed to baits when we moved a little inshore over the rough ground to avoid the stronger tide and this prompted a short lure session with several pollock brought to the boat.

An 8lb 4oz small eyed ray for Peter Robinson
One of several huss caught but not as big as the one that dropped the bait later in the session!
Skipper Dan Welch with a 6lb 4oz small eyed ray

 

Nick Phillips with a lure caught pollock

 

Wayne Thomas with a pollock tempted on a Fillish minnow
Jack Phillips with a pollock caught on bait.

The wind was steadily increasing as we moved out to fish offshore where we once again hoped to find the hard fighting tope.  The wind buffeted the boat causing it sit awkardly at anchor making keeping contact with our baits challenging resulting in a few minor tangles. There was little that Dan could do and we chose to move closer inshore seeking shelter and perhaps that illusive tope. An hour passed and with just a few dogfish Dan suggested we call it a day and paused for few mackerel on the way home to top up our bait freezers and perhaps savour for tea.

A few drifts in a lively sea off Rillage produced a few nice mackerel one of which was consumed a couple of hours later after pan frying with a dash of pepper and lemon juice. We all look forward eagerly to the next trip when we hope for better weather and a few more fish.

The Waverley passes us as we drift for mackerel providing a timeless view as it steams past.

 

One cast is all it takes to make a memorable day!

I always relish my trips to Wimbleball savouring each day at this wonderful fishery located deep in the heart of Exmoor. Early to mid-June is undoubtedly one of the best times to visit with Exmoor’s valleys alive with the vibrancy of early summer. Hedgerows and trees that wonderful verdant green that lasts all too briefly before taking on the darker hues of July and August.

I arrived at the boat launching pontoons shortly after 8.00am and set up a pair of rods and tackle before pouring a coffee from my flask and enjoyed the view whilst I waited for my good friend and fellow Snowbee Ambassador Jeff Pierce to arrive.

            It was a mellow cloudy morning with a gentle breeze blowing from the West and there was the chance of sunny spells as the day progressed. Perfect conditions I thought but Jeff cautioned my optimism as catch returns reflected that the fishing had not been easy despite a very high stocking campaign.

            We were fishing from a boat giving the freedom to search for the fish across the lakes 370 acres. After a cheery greeting Jeff and I discussed our plan for the day. It was hoped that the beetles would be on the water as good numbers of fish had been tempted when conditions were right as the trout feasted upon this annual glut of food.

            We decided to commence activities in the deeply wooded Upton Arm an area that has a unique atmosphere with its steep wooded banks flanking the water. Far up at the head of the arm all was calm as bird song drifted through the air. We made our first casts searching the water as we drifted slowly.

            After fifteen minutes or so we moved to the middle area of the arm and resumed our search. I glimpsed a couple of good sized rainbows and made contact with a wild brown trout that shed the hook after an all too brief tussle.

            A second drift brought no action and so we headed for the deep water off the dam that seems to produce fish on a regular basis throughout the year.

            I was now using a fast sinking line with my favourite olive damsel on the point and a cormorant on a dropper. I was confident of success and seeing very little surface activity assumed the fish were deep. Jeff however persisted with a floating line and a more subtle imitative approach.

            We drifted slowly adjacent to the dam area rope cordon and I scanned the water as I always do with my polarised glasses giving a glimpse into the water through the surface glare.

Two good sized rainbows swam purposely through the clear water. I immediately swapped over from the sinking line and lure set up to a floating line with a foam beetle pattern on the point and a larger foam hopper three feet further back.

            I watched the water intently and spied another couple of trout. I placed my flies a few feet in front of the cruising fish. The trout inspected the offering but showed disdain. Jeffs floating beetle proved more appetising and was slurped down by a hard fighting rainbow of around 2lb.

            This was exciting fishing and my turn soon came as I dropped my flies in front of a trout that gave a good account on my 5-wt set up before shedding the hook.

            It was obvious that the trout were on the look out for surface food as close study of the water revealed plenty of cruising fish.

            There are often defining moments in a day’s fishing that can live long in the memory. One such moment came on this day as I watched a good sized rainbow cruising just beneath the surface. I extended my Snowbee Thistledown line and dropped my fly’s five feet in front of the trout.

            I watched with anticipation as the trout converged upon my offering. I gave Jeff a running commentary as the trout paused and inspected my offering circling warily before slurping the beetle from the surface in a delightful ring of deception upon the calm water.

            I lifted the rod to feel that thrilling moment of connection. The trout powered away the light rod taking on a steep curve and the trusted Snowbee Fly reel singing as line was ripped off at a rate of knots. This was undoubtedly a good fish and considerably larger than my initial estimate as I had seen it take my fly. After several powerful runs the fish dived deep stripping line from the reel as I put as much strain on the 6lb b.s point as I dared.

The 10ft 5-Wt rod  was well hooped over as I relished the opportunity to test my tackle as the fish shook its head far below the boat in over 60ft of water.  The fish held its position deep down the rod absorbing each lunge as for a few moments it was stalemate. Maximum pressure was applied and slowly the fish came up in the clear water and we glimpsed a deep silver flank. I readied the net; Jeff exclaimed that it was probably a double and I breathed a sigh of relief when the rainbow was safely within the folds of the net.

            The fish was in splendid condition with deep flanks and wide spade like tail. I slipped the small barbless hook from its jaws. Held it in the net for several minutes and lifted it from the water for a quick photo before slipping the fish back into the depths.

            We fished on a for a while missing several fish before it went quiet and we decided to search elsewhere. We headed to the far end of the lake to search Bessom’s and the shallower water. Several bank anglers were enjoying good sport in the area.

            There were no fish visibly rising so I decided to try lure tactics again. Jeff wisely persisted with dry beetle pattern and soon rose a fish. Switching back to my dry fly tactics I too enjoyed success and in the next hour we added three more fish to the days tally missing numerous takes as we failed to connect with the fly that was hard to watch as the brisk breeze rippled the surface.

            A lesson learnt was that the fish were undoubtedly looking for beetles on the surface. Whilst there were very few beetles showing the fish were still preoccupied with this food source and would intercept our artificial whilst ignoring lures.

            We returned to the boat jetty shortly after 6.00pm reflecting upon a rewarding day afloat on this jewel of water high on Exmoor. It had not been an easy day and that one opportunist cast had made it another day to remember. It is always worth reflecting that it only takes one cast in the right place at the right time.

2025 Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters Round Two Fernworthy Reservoir.

2025 Fluff Chuckers / SWLT Brown Trout Masters Round Two Fernworthy Reservoir.
REPORT FROM Rodney Wevill
What a day we have had today on Dartmoor .
The high winds never came even though it was windy enough, but the rain was extremely heavy and tested all our waterproof gear. And by and large most of the jackets failed at some point.
Funny that the non fishing gear worked a lot better than the ultra expensive stuff 👎.
We signed on at 8.30 for a 9 am start and a 5pm finish.
A real close day for three anglers, the series leader Roger Truscott  and Wayne Thomas and Rodney Wevill all shadowing each others catch totals and Wayne and Rodders neck on neck for biggest fish of the day.
By the end of the day Wayne came out on top with 339cm total length and 10 fish, Rodders runner up also on 10 fish and a total length of 336cm and Roger Third also on 10 fish and a total length of 289cm
Rodders taking the biggest fish , with a very nice 48cm from Wayne’s 47cm.
John Huckings coming in Fourth with 4 fish.
All the other anglers sharing out the points with 3, 2, 1 fish and a couple blanks.
As always a special thank you to Turrall Flies the main sponsor, YETI Europe, Lakedown Brewing Co. & Tap Room, Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust our partners in these events, thank you for all your continued support
And thank you to all the anglers that turned up and gave it a go and had some fun even if a damp day .
Results round 2.
1. Wayne Thomas. 339cm
2. Rodney Wevill. 336cm
3. Roger Truscott 289cm
4. John Hickings 118cm
5. keith Burnett  100cm
6. Richard Adeney 70cm
7. Steve Retallack 25cm
8. Dave Cook  23cm
9. Matthew Woods 15 cm
10. Pete Williams
11. Ben Elliot
Standings after 2 rounds. Points
1. Roger Truscott. 4
2. Wayne Thomas. 6
3. John Huckings. 6
4. Keith Burnett. 8
5. Rodney Wevill. 10
6. Steve Retallack. 13
7. Richard Adeney. 18
8. Matthew Woods. 18
9. Steve Lawes. 18
10. Simon Peters  21
11.Kevin Sellar . 24
12. Peter Williams. 25
13. Phillip Hoskins. 27
14. Ben Elliot. 28

Many thanks to Rodney Wevill who is head Fluff Chucker and chief organiser of these enjoyable and friendly events. The Fernworthy heat proved challenging with epic rainfall throughout several hours of the 8 hour long event. I was fortunate to secure top spot with ten brown trout the best a stunning fish of 47cm. All but one of the fish was tempted using a red headed black tadpole. To some extent I would have to say that my success was in part due to the old adage that the harder I try the luckier I get.

It is sometimes puzzling why fish are caught by an angler whilst another angler fishing just a few yards away blanks. Whilst this can be luck it is often a subtle difference in retrieve, depth or perhaps a bottom contour that attracts the fish to a certain area.

Tackling up at the start of the day
Eagerly awaiting the off
A rainy view across the lake
Epic rainfall
Calm waters after the rain

PUTSBOROUGH OPEN – RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY JUNE 21st

Due to a forecast of large swells and a strong North West Wind CMSAC have reluctantly decided to reschedule the annual Putsborough Open to Saturday June 21st. Same times etc see poster below : – The decision has been made with the clubs sponsors in mind. Once again we thank the owners at Putsborough for allowing the event to be held.

 

Always a great night with a friendly vibe and plenty of fish over the past couple of years

WILDFISH – BIN THE BILL CAMPAIGN

Wild salmon are endangered so join Wildfish in their passionate effforts to raise the issues that threaten these iconic fish.

Welcome to our May newsletter. The prolonged dry weather has remained a defining feature of the year so far – and May has been no exception. Drought is no longer a distant possibility; it’s becoming a growing reality in the UK. Yet, despite the warning signs, water companies have failed to plan ahead – and it’s our wild fish populations that are paying the price. This month, we’ve launched our “Bin the Bill” campaign in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. We’re calling on the Government to rethink its approach and deliver a planning system that protects wild fish and the waters they depend on. Scroll down to learn more about this and what else we’ve been working on throughout May.

Join our call to Bin the Bill

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is central to the Government’s plan to “get Britain building” and boost economic growth – but at what cost? This Bill poses a serious threat to wild fish and would dismantle environmental protections that have been in place for generations. Some are willing to compromise. But when nature is on the line, there is no middle ground. Join us and show the Government what’s really at stake.

📸 Take a photo that shows what it means to you

📱 Post it on social media with the caption below

#️⃣ Add the hashtag #BINTHEBILL

🔗 Finally, don’t forget to tag @wildfishcons !

Social Media Caption

If the Planning and Infrastructure Bill goes ahead, this is what we all stand to lose. Wild fish and the wildlife that depend on our rivers will pay the price. I stand with @wildfishcons to #BINTHEBILL

South Molton & District Angling Club Trip – Bluefin

I joined South Molton AC  members and boarded John Barbeary’s Bluefin at just before 8.00am. The plan was to go and fish the waters close to Lundy Island but with a brisk Westerly and fair sized residual swell after a couple of rough days John suggested plan B. And so we left Ilfracombe harbour and headed up channel.

The spectacular cliffs that plunge from Exmoor’s Northern edge are always a joy to witness especially as the morning sunlight reflects upon the waters creating a silvery seascape framed by the dramatic cliffs.

            We started the day drifting the reefs off the Hangman’s where several pollock smashed into our strings of lures. We kept half a dozen to use as fresh bait when we dropped anchor. John explored several reefs but the fishing proved slow. As it was now high water with little tide flow we dropped anchor.

            It wasn’t long before rod tips were nodding as huss, conger and the inevitable dogfish intercepted our baits. Ed Rands and Lathum both caught conger into double figures and Ed  boated what was to be the biggest huss of the day at close to 10lb.

            As the tide pull slowly increased John up anchored and we tried drifting a few marks further up the coast to no avail. John received Info from fellow Ilfracombe boat skipper of Carrick Lee who’s party had caught several bass on a drift further up channel. Its always good to witness how Ilfracombe’s skippers work together sharing information to help each other.

            It seemed we had missed this opportunity as after several drifts our bass tally remained at nil.

            We then enjoyed an hour in the relative shelter of Woody bay with its densely wooded slopes and admired the exclusive properties nestled within the woods.

            John was uneasy at the slow sport and decided it was time to head back to the waters off the Hangman’s. Down went the big baits and again the rod tips nodded to the pull of huss, conger and dogfish.

            A sharp pull resulted in a pleasing bass of around 4lb to my offering of a bluey and squid wrap.

            Ed hooked into a very good fish that put a serious bend in his rod. We all watched the drama waiting in anticipation to glimpse what we thought was a big conger. Sadly whatever it was came adrift close to the boat before we had the chance to see it? The touch of drama added a hanging question over the day.

A good fish..but what is it?

And then its gone……..

Ed ponders upon what he lost?

            For the next hour we fished on as the tide eventually swung the boat so that we faced into the brisk breeze. A steady succession of huss, small conger and dogfish visited the boat before John started the engines and we headed back to Ilfracombe.

            The pier was busy with crabbers and tourists as we climbed ashore. Sausage and chips beside the harbour to round off a good days fishing.

http://www.ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

Bulldog Fishery May Competition

I called into Bulldog to capture a few images during the first hour of the competition and witnessed some fine trout brought to the net. The fishery should continue to give great sport over the coming weeks with some big fish stocked still remainng uncaught.
May Fly Fishing Competition
The May fly comp took place on Saturday  24th! 12 keen anglers took to the bank in a bid to win the top prize 🏆
In past comps  the main water inlet to the farm as been a quiet spot not seeing much action. This time however the inlet was the place to be! Multiple hook ups taking place at the same time!
No new records for fastest hook up were broken this time, however Dave Coad now holds the record for fastest pre lunch fish limit (4 fish) landing all for in an impressive 35 Minutes! 👏
As the day went on and more fish were landed it became apparent that it was going to be close for the biggest fish of the day award! Many of the bigger lumps were on the feed!
Lunch time came and went, and with our anglers happily fed we were back at it! Rising winds made for a difficult afternoon however the competitors persevered! 🐟
Results:
1st Mike Lathum
6 fish – 27lb2oz
Biggest 6lb12oz rainbow
2nd Nick Tamlin
6fish – 22lb5oz
Biggest – 7lb4oz rainbow
3rd Dave Chapman
5fish – 22lb
Biggest 8lb9oz rainbow (Biggest of the day)
A total of 53 fish were landed throughout the day, many being in the 5lb- 8lb bracket! two 5lb+ Tigers included in that total. Not any of the browns or Spartics 👀 it will definitely be interesting to see how long they can avoid the day ticket anglers 😁
Thank you to everyone that took part 😁 we hope you all had a great day! 🎣
These fly comps have been a huge success and we’ve received great feedback from those involved! We will be seeing how the weather fairs before setting the next date, likely to be after the warmer summer months but we may try to sneak another one in next month. So keep an eye Bulldogs Page or North Devon & Exmoor Angling News

In Deepest Wales – Llyn Clywedog

The Welsh valleys in late May provided a pleasing route to a fishing adventure that I will savour in my ever growing array of memories gathered throughout an angling life. The trip to Llyn Clywedog Trout fishery in Mid Wales had been anticipated for several months and as always it seemed slightly surreal when the day to set off actually arrived.

I was joining three old friends who I had fished with over many years in the annual Water Industry Game Fishing Championship ( WIGFC). Whilst we are no longer eligible to fish in the competition we still try to celebrate the old days with a trip together sharing tales of old and writing new chapters. It seems hard to believe that it was way back in 1995 that we were part of the winning team for South West Water at Sutton Bingham.

The glorious weather of late Spring was set to continue and a glance at the many rivers reflected this as we wound our way North. A road closure resulted in a short detour that proved a blessing in disguise as at just before 8:00am we spotted a sign to a Farm Shop with breakfast from 8:00am. The Valley was bathed in soft morning light, resplendent shades of green with rolling hills lay before us as we enjoyed a delicious full English with hot tea and coffee. Swallows and house martins were swooping to and from the eaves and all seemed pretty good with the world.

Fully refreshed we set off again pausing to take a look at the River Usk where Ray had enjoyed a day chasing the wild trout for which the river is renowned. So many places to fish and so little time. Talk of friends work colleagues and people we had known through the years who were now deceased or gripped by old age focussed the mind on life’s fragility.

 The words of Francis Rossi’s song ‘Tongue Tied’ came to mind as we resumed our journey.

I’m just dreaming of a time long ago
I’m just dreaming of the past
I’ve been feeling that there’s not long to go
Why does living go so fast?

An hour or so later we arrived at Llyn Clywedog a spectacular reservoir nestled within steep valleys of bracken, forest and sheep grazed slopes. The water shimmered ruffled by a moderate North East breeze beneath a brilliant blue sky. We purchased our bank tickets from the fishing lodge and set up our tackles for the day.

We had three days fishing ahead of us and confidence was high as we explored the vast area available on the Southern Bank. Swallows swooped over the water and the cuckoo’s evocative summer call drifted through the air. The occasional trout rose just out of casting range and we fished hopefully.

The scenery was truly epic and I relished exploring each corner of shoreline. Lush greenery of late Spring, young lambs grazing on in an idyllic backdrop.

Ray was fishing to my left and I called to him as an osprey soared above its white undersides clearly visible as it glided effortlessly above the lake. It was a sight to lock into those memory banks for sure along with the many kites we were to see over the three days we fished.

We packed up at around 5.00pm to head for our hotel ‘ The Red Lion’ in nearby Llanidloes a small town located close to the source of the River Severn. We had left North Devon before 5.00am and were all feeling a little weary and ready for food and drink.

We reminisced about life and fishing over a couple of pints and a good meal. The same old stories resurfaced of past adventures across the UK. The annual WIGFC competition rotated around the reservoirs of the UK resulting in us visiting an array of locations. Stories of a pub in Northumberland where a raffle in the village Hall offered pots of paint, light bulbs and a starched white shirt were retold. The hostel where a bed bug resistant bag was offered on arrival. The trials and tribulations over the years recalled with fondness and a hint of melancholy as we pondered upon the passing of time.

Day two saw us head to the lake after a good breakfast. We fished from the boats. I shared a boat with Ray with Garry and Rob sharing another boat. The boats enabled us to explore a far wider area. Stepping out onto the boats we gazed into the clear waters to watch a large gathering of trout swimming around the jetties. A few trout pellets tossed into the water resulted in a boiling frenzy. These trout were not fished for and known affectionately as the pets. Some of these fish were well over 5lb and had apparently haunted the area for several seasons.

On day one we all found a sinking line productive with the ever successful olive damsel proving effective. I also experimented with the locals popular choice of tactic suspending a pink wriggly worm pattern beneath a bright bung indicator. Ray and Garry frowned upon my lack of etiquette; likening the tactic to Coarse Fishing. As an all-round angler I sometimes struggle with the rights and wrongs of fishing tactics. In truth it was nice to take a rest from continual casting and drift along watching the optimistic bobbing of the bright bund. Its disappearance and connection with a hard fighting trout just another tactic to employ and enjoy.

In short we caught close to forty hard fighting rainbows during our two days on the boats with Rob landing a pleasing spartic. The fish were all in superb condition, full tailed and hard fighting. The average size was around 2lb with the occasional fish close to 3lb.

            On our last morning we learnt that booby’s often produced the bigger fish; deep and slow the tactic.

            Once again our WIGFC inspired trip had taken us to new waters. Vast blue skies, soaring kites in a wild and largely unspoilt landscape. Llanidloes the small town at the head of the Severn had an atmosphere of its own with a timeless aura that seemed to hang onto a retro 70’s vibe. Squadrons of swifts swooped high above as we strolled the streets embarking upon a little window shopping. It seemed to me that there was a greater abundance of bird life here in the depth of Wales. I certainly hope to return in the not too distant future.

            As to next year there will hopefully be another WIGFC reunion maybe a bit closer to home.

Wistlandpound Club Monthly Competition Result – May 25

Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club fished their May competition at Torridge Fly Fishing Clubs water at Gammaton Reservoir. I won the competition with three trout for 5lb 15oz. Nigel Bird was runner up with a brace of trout weighing 5lb with Colin Combe and David Eldred equal third with trout weighing 2lb 10oz.

Upper and Lower Gammaton Reservoirs hold many memories for me personally as I worked there over forty years ago when I worked with South West Waters reservoir maintenance gang. Whilst the old slow sand filters are long gone the actual reservoirs and the surround are little changed so returning always brings a sense of life passing as I ponder upon those who I worked with now undoubtedly long gone.

Conditions seemed promising as we approached the water with cloudy thundery skies. It was very still at first but I guess that a breeze would stir as the morning passed.

Within ten minutes Nigel Bird fishing to my left had a hooked trout which seemed a promising omen.

I set up with a floating line and a team of nymphs expecting fish to be high in the water. After an hour with very little sign of surface activity and no takes I decided to go deep and changed to fast a sink line. After half an hour a rainbow of perhaps 2lb 8oz seized my black booby lure and gave a spirited account before being dispatched.

I persisted and lost another trout a while later when it took the booby as I lifted it from the water. I tied a bright pink blob onto my top dropper and had a few follows before hooking another trout that was a lean sliver rainbow that again gave a good account.

It seemed that my tactics were worth persisting with as only three other trout had been tempted by members. I reverted to the black booby on the point after trying various lures  and was rewarded with my final trout to complete my limit.

I walked back to the car relishing the wild orchids and May blossom.