Trevor Telling Memorial Competition 2025

Final call for this coming Sunday…

Trevor Telling Memorial Fishing Competition
Wimbleball Lake, Sunday the 7th September 2025…
2 Fishing competitions in 1, from the boat and the bank, trophy & prizes for each.
Normal price for fishing plus £5 donation to charity.
The charity being supported is Exeter Hospicecare team.

For those that knew Trevor, and for those that didn’t, this is now an annual commemorative event to remind us of a man who simply loved all fishing but especially fly fishing.

His local knowledge of Wimbleball was legendary which he readily shared with anglers on the pontoon as he sent them out for their days fishing.

A Fish of Summer Lakes

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]

Anglers Paradise – Syndicate Success

The new Nirvana syndicate lake is producing some stunning fish withon its first few weeks of opening. The lake was well knwon as the specimen catch and release trout lake and is one of the most picturesque lakes across the venue.
GEORGES SYNDICATE SUCCESS🎣
Well done to George West who on his first session on the Nirvana Syndicate landed two 39lb+ Mirror Carp 👏
George said it felt he was on a mini France Carp fishing holiday with the hot sunshine and big fish, and thoroughly enjoyed his peaceful three nights on the lake. He also commented saying they are the hardest fighting fish he had ever caught!
Jay also got in on the action with a lively Grass Carp 👏 (pic in comments).
The third session starts tomorrow as the lads on the weekend 2 rota take to the lake for the first time.

created by Polish

Anglers Paradise

Zenia – Just like living in paradise

Zenia fished her home venues new Nirvana syndicate lake and had success beyond her dreams….read her story below…
Those of you that know me, will know that even though I live at Anglers Paradise, I don’t actually get much time to go fishing because of my role at AP! I literally live, eat and breathe AP, and that is my life, but I love seeing so many different walks of life here, seeing day to day, anglers catching PB’s, people making memories and of course kids and adults catching their first fish and gaining a passion for fishing from what we do…I love it! It means the world to me!💛🫶🎣✨
Every other week during the peak season months, I get a few hours to myself and because my time is limited, I go in search of the fish, stalking and surface fishing.
This session was a 40th birthday wish as it had been years since I was gifted ‘time’ to actually go night fishing and to have any longer than 5 hours, this is a big treat for me!! So a day/night/day session was more than I could ever wish for and also with my amazing husband which was a blessing on its own that we could have this time together doing what we love most!!
When my husband said that he wanted me to be the one to christen and fish the new Nirvana Syndicate, I was blown away and haven’t stopped thinking about it since!
Nervous, excited and butterflies going crazy, after dropping off our youngest, the time had finally come to go FISHING!!!
I was going to savour every minute being there, and that I did, catching would be a bonus as I really had no idea what was about to happen…
The first day was extremely windy and very challenging with the baiting pole!! After the traps were set, it was time to wait after several attempts getting the rigs and bait in place.
Plenty of pellet and crushed Monster Tiger Nut Boilies were planted and the Carp were already feeding which was a very good sign!
It ended up being the best Carp Red Letter Fishing session of my life!
Never did I think I would catch one forty…but TWO!!! 2 Grass Carp to 32lbs and a 29lb Mirror!
After catching my personal best and Common Complex Record at 44lbs, I honestly never expected it to get any better…
But then it happened, we’d just finished a beautiful dinner that my husband cooked, steak 🥩, broccoli, asparagus and a jacket potato, absolutely delicious! Then, all of a sudden, my right hand rod screams off!!
Another amazing fight, I knew this was going to be a big Carp! It was one of the most nerve wracking moments in my life praying that she’d eventually caress my net, which she did.
I was literally shaking, and after seeing the size of her, I cried, it was a moment I’ll never forget, I looked at Joe and he was in disbelief too, we both were just in shock, this session was just insane and so special, and one I will be eternally grateful for.
My new personal best 45lb Mirror, what a Fish!!!
I’m proof that Fishing Dreams can come true, and it was the best dream EVER!!!
Thank you to my amazing husband for making this trip possible, looking after me, just being a wonderful husband and not forgetting cooking for me like a Queen, and to friends Toby and Emma for having the boys to make this HAPPEN!!! I love you all and will be eternally grateful 🙏💛🫶✨🐳
Ps 1 Peppered Squid 🦑 🧨Pop Up was the winning bait!! 🟰🐳🦑🧨

 

Anglers Paradise

A glimpse of silver – Arundell Summer Fishing

The season certainly seem to be drifting by on life’s current in an ever increasing speed and it seems only a short time since I was last at the Arundell for the grayling day back in early March. https://www.northdevonanglingnews.co.uk/2025/03/06/arundell-spring-grayling-day/

Over three months later and the grayling closed season has passed and summer sea trout are ascending the rivers of the Tamar catchment. The Arundell boasts twenty miles of water amidst lush landscapes of the Devon and Cornish borders. I had arranged a day’s fishing with my good friend Jeff Pearce and had arranged to meet at the Arundell tackle shop for 9:00am.

Traffic at Bideford delayed my journey and it was 9:30am before I arrived and apologised for my lateness. Jeff had enjoyed chatting with fellow fishing guests and James Christoforou who is the venues head of Fishing.

James is a breath of fresh air with an abundance of passion and optimism befitting an angler from a younger generation. James talked of the recent upturn in fishing in the rivers following a good summer spate with good numbers of sea trout showing along with a few salmon. These migratory visitors really are the icing on the cake with abundant wild brown trout and some stunning grayling providing consistent opportunity’s for anglers.

It is always well worth listening carefully to advice from experienced local anglers and James certainly knows the hotels waters intimately explaining to Jeff and I where to fish and suggesting which flies to use and how to fish them.

Jeff is a keen exponent of nymph fishing and engaged in an in depth discussion with James delving into the intricacies of fly design. Like many other anglers I know including myself he carries an extensive selection of fly patterns yet in reality only fishes with a tiny proportion of them. My own interpretation of the discussion is to some extent that there is some basis in certain flies working well on specific rivers. This could be in part be due to anglers following trends and traditions. It is also likely that certain colours are more visible in certain tinges of water colour. The weight of a nymph is undoubtedly vital in ensuring that a fly gets down to where the fish are so the stronger and deeper the pool the heavier the fly needs to be. So the perfect nymph for the Arundell waters is perhaps a tungsten silver headed jig style with black body and sprinkling of silver flashy sparkle.

It was late morning by the time we actually arrived at the waters edge keen to start exploring the deep pools and runs. We both carried two rods one set up with a dry fly and the other with a nymphing set up.

We started fishing on Beat 2 and Bridge Pool where Jeff commenced the days quest drifting his team of nymphs slow and deep as a rather nonchalant duck observed proceedings.

The lush green foliage of late June hung over the river its course carved through rocky bed rock over thousands of years. As I often say each river has its own unique character and the River Lyd is undoubtedly one of the West Country’s finest and after recent rainfall to flush sediment its waters seemed to be in sparkling health.

            BB that great Countryside Writers Children’s Book ‘The Little Grey Men’ is a classic tome that captures the magic of a rivers journey and the shaded waters of the River Lyd somehow resonated within the pages of the book. This morning could easily have been a day BB describes “ After a soft grey morning, the sun had slowly broken through the clouds, and every blackbird and thrush in Lucking’s Meadow began to warble and tune up; the first opening bars of a great symphony in praise of life”. My ponderings on gnomes dwelling in the shady banks of the River Lyd are undoubtedly deluded for BB states “ For secrecy  was of utmost importance, especially in these modern days when discovery would mean the end of everything. Why these little creatures had survived for so long is puzzling, because  though they lived in this rural countryside, it was by no means ‘wild’ in the sense that some parts of Devon and Cornwall are wild, and there are, to my knowledge, no gnomes left now in either of these last two localities, though I understand they are still to be found in some parts of Ireland”.

            We fished carefully up through deep shady pools that hid their secrets as sunlight broke through the vibrant green canopy of midsummer. We were both using bright indicators to suspend our nymphs to just trip the riverbed. This was not traditional fly fishing and the purist would certainly not approve. We are going through a revolution in fly fishing at the moment as technics from across the wider world are embraced by a younger generation who push the boundaries and break down the barriers between disciplines.

Watching our bright indicators drift slowly through deep calm pools is little different to trotting with a float and what’s wrong with that?

            There is no doubt that catching on an upstream dry fly is more satisfying and that delectable moment of deception is one to savour. However life is short and in these modern times if we want a younger generation to embrace the sport then perhaps we have to accept a wider range of tactics and values. It is perhaps possible to draw comparison with today’s cricket scene. The traditionalist will always extol proper Test match cricket; five days of endeavours to be savoured and analysed. A younger generation will perhaps prefer the wham bam thrust of 20/20 cricket that is all over in just a few hours.

            Jeff was first to connect and I watched as a sea trout gyrated in the strong current as it was persuaded to the waiting net. The silver flanks glistened as we admired its beauty before slipping it back into the cool waters.

Boosted by this success we both searched intently drifting the nymphs through the pools. I hooked a small brown trout that shook the hook and caught a couple of small parr.

            We then took a break to drive a short distance to the fish beat 3 a stretch of river that we had fished back in early March when Jeff had caught a grayling and I had lost one.

            We went our separate ways now alternating between pools immersed in our own endeavours to a large extent.  When we met up a short while later Jeff was excited to recall the capture of a fine sea trout estimated at around 2lb at had made his reel scream as it battled gamely.

 

            It is often the case that when I fish with Jeff we seem to mirror each other’s catch’s and when one of us enjoys a good first half the other succeeds in the second half. This was certainly my hope as I searched the pools attempting to read the water carefully focussing on those sections that took my fancy.

            The deep fast water towards the head of the pools and runs tempted me and I searched these areas in preference to the slower deeper areas.

            I undoubtedly missed a couple of fish as my indicator dipped beneath the surface or twitched vigorously with my strike finding no connection.

            Then that wonderful moment of connection came and a bar of silver erupted from the water leaping almost to eye level before coming adrift after just a few seconds of adrenalin fuelled excitement.

            Ten minutes later I hooked another larger fish that battled hard again leaping from the water before diving deep and under the far bank where I feared the line would catch in the roots of bankside trees. I savoured the bending rod and feel of a good fish in the strong current. I knelt at the water’s edge and guided the sea trout towards the waiting net. Then elation turned to dejection as the hook hold gave and my silver prize disappeared with flick of its tail.

            The two glimpses of silver leaping and gyrating on my line are lodged in that deep file of memories in the mind. Merging with the lush green of early summer clear glistening water following a summer spate. The electric blue of kingfisher and the cheerful echoes of chiff-chaff and wren song in a river valley. Damsel flies and dragon flies haunting the river margins. As many of BB’s books commence,

The wonder of the world

Its beauty and its power,

The shapes of things,

Their colours lights and shades,

Look ye also while life lasts.

            I caught up with Jeff at the weir pool and told of my losses. We chatted and fished the deep water above the weir together. A few trout dimpled the surface and Jeff switched to dry fly tactics whilst I persisted with the deep nymph tactics and missed a couple of chances.

We had planned to pack up at around 5.00pm but a glance at the time revealed it was now past 6.00pm and after ten or so last casts we reluctantly walked back across the waterside meadows to return home. Already plotting further trips with a youthful enthusiasm that belied our years. The indicator deep fished nymph will certainly be used elsewhere to explore those deeper pools when the fish are not rising.

South West Lakes Trust – Partner with Catch

Message from South West Lakes Trust

Hello fellow anglers

We’re very excited to tell you that we have partnered with Catch to be our fishery management and booking partner.

From 16 November 2023 day tickets will only be available through Catch. Season tickets remain bookable through our website, but will be available through Catch from next year.

Catch are giving our season ticket holders a six-month free subscription so you can book day tickets via the app and enjoy the other benefits. If you already have a Catch account this will automatically be applied. If you don’t, Catch will be sending you an email shortly with details on how to access and begin your free subscription.

Download the Catch app from App Store or Google Play, create a free account and take advantage of all the great features straight away:

  • Interactive lake maps
  • Masses of information at your fingertips
  • Receive catch reports, news and events in real-time
  • Upload your own catch reports directly to our fishery pages
  • Book your next session days, weeks or even months in advance
  • Receive automatic reminders when your next session is due

… and much more!

These guys know what they are doing and have your (and our) best interests at heart. They’ve made the platform easy for everyone to use and we strongly believe that we’ve made the very best decision possible: by partnering with Catch we’ve brought our fishery administration bang up to date which will, in turn, benefit you as an angler.

We appreciate you may have questions so feel free to contact us directly or the Catch team at [email protected] for more information. There is also a live chat option on the Catch website.

Thank you
Ashley
Head of Angling

Stafford Moor – One of Devon’s most prolific carp waters

I have been visiting Stafford Moor for over forty years collecting a wealth of memories from its banks. During the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the fishery was one of the top Stillwater trout fisheries in the country. When I first fished there the lake was owned by Andrew Joynson and managed by Gordon Eveleigh. The lake was well stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout to over 10lb . I well remember tempting a rainbow of 12lb from the lake which is now Beatties. The fishery was extended in the eighties with the higher lake excavated to offer more scope for the trout anglers.

In 2001 the fishery started a new chapter when it was bought by Andy Seery who transformed the lakes into an outstanding coarse fishery offering superb match and coarse fishing.

Today Stafford Moor is owned by the Coombes Family who have invested much time and energy and money into the fishery ensuring it remains one of the country’s top match and specimen venues with luxury Canadian style lodges.

www.staffordmoor.co.uk

            I had been intending to pay a return visit to target the venues carp for some time and arranged a visit in early May. Joanne Coombes and her daughter Millie offered a warm and cheery greeting as I walked into the shop to purchase some bait and bits for my trip on Lodge Lake. The shop is extremely well stocked with bait and tackle for both match and specimen anglers. The shop also has fresh milk, bread and snacks.

            I was very impressed with the clean and well maintained onsite facilities that include toilets and showers for anglers to use.

            I parked up in the Lodge Lake car park and had a scout around to choose a swim to occupy for the next 24 hours. Fortunately, I had several to choose from and settled for the Big Island Swim. With a gentle breeze blowing into the corner and the odd fish showing I felt confident that this would produce.

            I loaded the barrow and wheeled my ridiculous mountain of gear to the swim. First job was to have a cast around with a lead and float to find the depth and potential features. The Island directly out in front was an obvious point of interest and I decided that I would put a bait on each end of the island fishing a third bait out into the clear water to my right.

            On the left of the island, I found around three foot of water close in with around five foot to the right side. I carefully measured the distance to my chosen spots and spodded out a mixture of pellets and broken boilies.

            I then cast out  my baits into each of the chosen spots and set about erecting the bivvy as ominous rainclouds started to build. With the bivvy set up and tackle sort of tidy I put out a few more boilies with a throwing stick. The middle rod was suddenly away the indicator screaming its warning! I lifted the rod to feel a momentary heavy weight. Sadly, the fish came off within seconds and I cursed my luck. Encouraged I hoped this wouldn’t be my only chance of the session.

            The swims are well laid out with a gravel base ensuring you do not end up fishing amidst a sea of mud. I put the kettle on and made a fresh brew of coffee sitting back on the bed chair to savour the tranquil surroundings.

            When I first fished this lake for trout close to forty years ago there was only sparse vegetation with the banks showing the scars of recent excavation. Today the lakes have matured with the lush greenery of late spring all around. My mind drifted back over the years at the fishery and how it has matured into a haven for wildlife and a fantastic venue for anglers and their families.

            Ominous rumbles of thunder came from nearby as the storm clouds gathered. Rain started to fall with intensity and I was glad of the bivvy’s sheltered interior. I love looking out across lakes as the lights and shades play upon the water. At times the rain pelted the surface with great intensity and I sort of dreaded a run for to leave the bivvy would result in a drenching.

            I hadn’t expected any extensive rain with the met office forecasting 10% chance of showers! I looked that the rain radar and noted that the rain should eventually move away by late afternoon.

            At around 6.00pm the rain did indeed stop and weak sunshine broke through the clouds. Surely the carp would come on the feed anytime soon. I cast out fresh baits and spodded a few more boilies

            As darkness eventually descended I expected a run at any moment. I soaked up the atmosphere relishing the onset of darkness as owls hooted in the nearby trees. The occasional star could be glimpsed in breaks in the cloud. I snuggled into the sleeping bag ever hopeful that a screaming alarm would wake me from my slumbers.

            A breeze picked up overnight and the occasional single bleep came from the bite alarms raising expectation as I woke sporadically during the dark hours.

            The soft cool light of dawn brought with it a sense of disappointment. The confidence that is so vital was ebbing slowly away. I expected to see signs of life as the temperature climbed but all was still except for the ducks and robins that frequently visited my swim.

            I reeled in the middle rod and checked the bait that was all good. I put on a fresh bait and topped up the bait in the swim with a few boilies and pellets. The other rods were left in place as I was confident that all would be present and correct with the baits.

            I brewed a fresh coffee and sat back to survey the lake and analyse why I had failed to connect with any of the lake’s residents. It would have been interesting to know how other anglers on the complex had caught during the 24 hours I was present. I had a degree of confidence in my bait and rigs. The swim I had chosen seemed to be likely to hold carp with good features and a gentle breeze blowing into the corner.

            Perhaps the heavy rain had resulted in a dramatic drop in water temperature suppressing the fish’s appetite? It was possible that the carp were preparing to spawn?

            I compared notes with a good friend who told me that his mate was fishing a prolific water and had not had a run for 36 hours. So maybe the conditions were just not conducive for good fishing? Or was I just a bad angler?

            I am not a regular carp fisher and fish very few longer overnight sessions. With many species of fish to target I am wary of the addictive nature of carp fishing. The desire to hear that bite alarm scream out and subsequent bending rod is a strong compulsion.

            Non anglers struggle to comprehend the whole notion of spending days trying to catch a fish that is returned to the water. I have given up trying to explain or justify the obsession. There is certainly something rather special about carp fishing that attracts a huge number of devotees.

            I am looking forward to my next visit to a carp lake when I will hopefully get it right and bank a fish or two.

Recent reports at Stafford Moor show some very impressive specimens with several carp of over 30lb banked.

(Below) Andy & Jack Burrett  fished on swims 1 and 2 on Beatties lake and banked 43 fish  including a new Common lake record ! ………….. a stunning 36lb 3oz common.

( Below) Ben Smith banked 7 fish out up to 31lb 12oz from the inlet swim on Beatties lake , Ben used pva bags with pellet and 12mm pink wafters.

            I called into the shop after packing away having to admit to Jo that I had blanked on what is one of Devon’s most prolific carp waters. I joked that I was able to blank and still leave with a smile. The fishery owner’s life is certainly not easy as Jo quipped that she could write a book on the strange comments made by visiting anglers. “ How many fish can I expect to catch in a 24 hour session?”. Or “I am off now; I have been fishing for nearly three hours and caught too many fish! Meeting the needs of anglers is certainly a challenge.

My own impression of Stafford Moor is that of a very well run fishery that offers the chance to catch some superb specimens. Next time I intend to put things right!

 

Message from Ashley Bunning – SWLT

Another year passes and we say goodbye to 2022! It has been a hard year for the reservoirs, not only in the South West, but all over the UK.  Low water levels and lake closures have been a frustrating factor to fishing through the summer, and we thank all of you for being understanding through these testing times. Having started my role in September, I would personally like to thank all of you for your kind words of support and I hope we can now push forward and continue the great work South West Lakes has been doing to improve the fishing on the waters.

There have been some great catches through the year with many great bags of silvers from many of the reservoirs to some special carp being caught.

Sadly, the lakes have lost two of its ‘A-team’, with Arnie from Porth and The Big Fully from Argal passing. These fish put many smiles on anglers’ faces, they will be missed!

Looking towards the future of the lakes, in November we stocked 39 new carp into Argal. These fished ranged between 13lb and 17lb, with 34 mirrors and 5 commons. Next year we are planning to stock other waters in the region to continue our work to improve all our waters. There has been some great swim building projects carried out on the lakes also, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have given up their time to help and make improvements on the lakes.

I am pleased to announce that we will be running the Mainline Pairs competitions again for next year the dates for this will be March 24-26, June 30-July 2 and September 29-October 1. We are looking forward to seeing all the familiar faces and welcoming new anglers to the competitions.

Also we will be having two event days in August, which will be part of the Angling Trust’s National Fishing Month, with the emphasis to get as many kids fishing as possible. The dates and places for this are the Royalty Fishery on August 5 and Upper Tamar Lakes on August 19. Please keep your eyes peeled for these events on the website, so you don’t miss out.

Once again thank you for all your support through this last year, may you all have a great Christmas and happy New Year. Look forward to seeing you all out on the bank in 2023.

Cheers
Ashley Bunning

ASHLEY BUNNING – NEW HEAD OF ANGLING AT SOUTH WEST LAKES

September 2022 

Hi all, I’m Ashley Bunning, the new Head of Angling at South West Lakes.

I am a keen angler who has fished the South West Lakes reservoirs all my life. I grew up in Holsworthy and when I finished school I moved away from home and studied Fishery Management and Aquaculture to a Bachelor of Science level at Sparsholt College in Winchester.

After completing my course, I worked at various fisheries around the country, then settled at Anglers Paradise in Devon for the last six years.

Over the years I have volunteered for South West Lakes and when the opportunity came about to have a role here as Head of Angling I jumped at the chance! I look forward to pushing fishing forward and improving the experience for anglers on our waters.