A Miscellany of Angling Anecdotes, Facts and Folklore.
By Dominic Garnett
GMC Publications. ISBN 9781784947200
Dominic’s latest book delivers an array of wisdom and comment in his unique and at times quirky entertaining style. The book strips angling back to basics in the first few chapters adding clarity to tactics that will sharpen any anglers approach to the varied waters into which lines are cast.
The design of the book certainly oozes tradition and it is in many ways a timeless tome packed with information for anglers making their first tentative casts or reflecting upon a life time searching for that connection with those creatures that dwell within a fascinating and mysterious realm.
Dom is a multi-discipline angler like myself and I can relate to much within the book and found myself benefitting from the straight forward analysis of angling. It also stimulated my own thoughts on why we fish and its wider benefits.
As those darker winter nights approach it is a book well worth delving into deserving a place on any anglers bookshelf. My own personal favourite section is perhaps the Fishing and Culture section that celebrates anglings rich history and mythology.
It is a book that will never become outdated for its key themes are the timeless essence of angling through the ages.
Dominic Garnett ( Right) with a rare comber caught off Looe in Cornwall
Finally the monthly fly comps are back at Bulldog! The lake came alive right from the off — fish were feeding hard, and multiple anglers were into hookups at once.
Aiden started the morning in style, landing his first four fish in no time at all. Over on another peg, Mike Latham was off to a flying start too, netting a brace of cracking 9lb brown trout in the early stages. Not to be outdone, Fran was absolutely on fire, matching Aiden’s pace with her first four fish coming quickly and confidently.
As the morning action slowed, everyone gathered for a well-deserved lunch — Nigel’s roast beef rolls with roast potatoes went down a treat and gave the anglers just the energy boost they needed before heading back out to finish their limits.
The afternoon session saw some impressive fish landed. Amongst the 2lb Rainbows being landed around the lake, Nick Tamlin hooked into a superb 7lb 11oz tiger trout along with a lovely 5lb 14oz brown, while Dave & little Freddie netted a solid 4lb 9oz Spartic.
When the final weigh-in came around, the results were as follows:
1st – Mike Latham: 6 fish, 26lb 13oz
2nd – Nick Tamlin: 6 fish, 21lb 11oz
3rd – Ian Connabeer: 6 fish, 13lb 10oz
Biggest Fish of the Day:
Mike Latham with a stunning 9lb 10oz brown trout
The rain kindly held off until the last hour or so, rounding off what was a brilliant day of fishing, food, and great company.
A massive well done to all the anglers who took part, and congratulations to our winners!
Below – A 10lb 5oz brown trout caught the day after the competition !
A month of mixed weather conditions, some days warm and sunny, others wet, windy, and cooler, which, along with cooler nights, has meant that water temperatures are starting to drop, and water levels to slowly rise. Storm Amy helped to stir things up, with strong winds and some heavy downpours making angling conditions challenging.
Fishing:
Kennick – The fishing improved as the month progressed, with anglers averaging 2.3 fish per rod overall. The best locations included Smithacott, The East Wall, The Narrows, Poplar Bay and Bracken Point, with boat anglers doing well in Clampitts and in the deeper central water. Fish proved to be feeding at all depths, so anglers needed to be open-minded to trying a selection of different line methods and tactics. Similarly, a wide variety of fly types all caught fish, depending on the conditions on the day (particularly successful patterns included Black Hoppers, Foam-back Daddies, Sedges, Buzzers, Montanas, Damsels, Diawl Bachs, Cats Whiskers, Orange Blobs, Cormorants and Nomads).
Graham Roberts (from Totnes) and his boat partner caught four rainbows to 4lbs on a sunny day, about 16ºc, fishing deep with lure patterns; in another session they caught thirteen fish to 3lb 12oz, again using fast sinking lines and lures. Andrew Kirchin (from Dawlish) caught two rainbows to 3lb, using foam-back Daddies, while Richard Berrisford caught two rainbows to 3lb using a mini-snake pattern on an intermediate line in one session, and another six fish to 2lb 10oz on a deep-fished Tequila Booby on another visit. For operational reasons, South West Water has recently dropped the level considerably, which has restricted the number of boats available, and left some banks unfishable due to soft mud – the level is now down to 32%. Check the Trust’s website for the latest updates.
Burrator – The fishing at Burrator continued to improve, with anglers achieving an overall monthly average of 4.6 fish per rod (with a couple of weeks exceeding six fish). Generally, floating or intermediate line tactics proved to be the most successful. Popular locations included Longstone, Back Bay, Pigs Trough, Sheepstor, Discovery Bay and Pines. Foam Daddies, Hawthorns, Tequila Hoppers, Sedges and Klinkhammers caught surface-feeding fish, while deeper fish were caught on both nymphs (Damsels, Buzzers and Hares Ear Nymphs) and lure patterns (Goldhead Yellow and Orange streamers, Tequila Blobs, Orange Fritz and Cats Whiskers).
Gordon McLeod (from Tavistock), caught a bag of twelve fish, which included a cracking 4lb rainbow (a personal best as well as the best fish caught at Burrator this season) on a Candy Blob; Gordon also caught a bag of eleven rainbows to 2lb on another visit using a Tequila Blob. Daniel Forrester (from Hatherleigh) also caught eleven fish to 2lb using a Candyfloss Booby pulled slowly across the surface to imitate floating fry. Water levels are now at 47%.
Stithians – The fishing continued to improve as the month progressed, with anglers averaging well over three fish per visit in two of the weeks. Floating line tactics proved to be the best, with plenty of fish rising to dry patterns (Hares Ear Parachute, Elk Hair Sedge, Beetles, Midge Hoppers and Black Hoppers). Sub-surface feeders were caught on Diawl Bachs, Spider patterns and Damsels, as well as lure patterns (Orange Blobs, Minkies, Cormorants, Black Fritz, Cats Whiskers and Fry Patterns). Popular locations included The Dam, Mossopps, Goonlaze, Pipe Bay, Hollis, Yellowort and Sluice Bank. John Henderson had an excellent day’s sport, catching five rainbows and twelve browns, with most fish taking surface patterns. Levels are at 50%.
Colliford – Colliford fished consistently well throughout the month, with anglers averaging 3.2 fish per visit, with Lords Waste, Middle Car Park, Stuffles, Dam and East Bank producing the best sport. Floating line tactics proved the be the best option, with Dry Sedges, Bibio Hoppers, Daddylonglegs, Olive Crunchers, Bobs Bits, Zulu, Bibios, Soldier Palmers, Alexandras and Black and Peacock Spiders all catching well. Chris Tilyard caught seven browns to 12” on Bobs Bits, while Paul Mockford caught four fish to 30cm on a Bibio pattern. Water levels are now at 44%.
Fernworthy – The fishing at Fernworthy proved to be fairly consistent throughout the month, with anglers averaging 1.4 fish per visit. Generally floating lines were preferred, with fish taking a variety of patterns on or just under the surface (Sedges, Black Parachute patterns, Silver Invicta, Kate McLarens, CDC Hoppers, Daddy Longlegs, Soldier Palmers, Hares Ear and Pheasant Tail nymphs). Thornworthy, Dam bank, Picnic area and South Bank proved to be the most productive locations. Levels are at 71% at time of writing.
Low level at the close of season at Roadford
Roadford – The excellent sport continued at Roadford as the season draws to an end, with anglers averaging 3.5 fish per visit (up to 5.8 in one week). Gaddacombe, Wortha, Big Oaks, South Shop, Goodacre and Daveys Bank all proved to be popular locations, with anglers preferring floating line tactics. Successful patterns included Diawl Bach, Soldier Palmer, Zulu, Cats Whiskers, Black Gnats, Black Tadpoles, Spiders, Crunchers and Black Pennels. Dean Boucher (from Gunnislake) caught eleven browns to 16” using a Soldier Palmer and Black Tadpole; he also caught thirteen fish up to 1lb on a previous visit, using pulled wet patterns (again Soldier Palmer and Black Tadpole). Chris Langton also caught five browns. Water levels are now at 60% capacity.
Bideford Angling Clubs monthly Coarse Match on their home water was won by Nathan Underwood with 84lb 2oz. Runner up was Darren Polden with 52lb 12oz and third Keith Mountjoy with 39lb 14oz.
Jamie Steward caught a stunning lure caught bass of 71cm to give him a narrow lead in Combe Martin SAC’s lure fishing league sponsored by High Street Tackle, Ilfracombe with five bass for 353cm. The league ends on October 31st with several members in contention. Runner up spot is currently held by Mark Drewer with five bass for 351cm and Seth Tuson third with five bass for. 347.5cm.
Combe Martin SAC members have been catching specimen mullet from the North Devon Coastline with Daniel Welch catching a 4lb 2oz specimen and Graham Snow a specimen of 4lb 1.5oz.
The Fluff Chucker’s Fly Fishing Group followed up on a successful Brown Trout Masters series with a West Country Grayling Cup hosted by the Arundell on the Devon and Cornwall border. Roger Truscott once again demonstrated his skill with the Fly Rod winning the event with a fine grayling of 45cm. Runner up was Rodney Wevill. Winner of the morning session was Gary Brazier and Ozzie Gough winner of the afternoon session.
Grayling offer winter sport on a limited number of rivers across Devon with the Arundell waters offering fishing on the Tamar and its tributaries. The Upper Exe waters controlled by the Dulverton Anglers Association offer several miles of fishing for these ladies of the stream.
Bulldog Fishery is in fine form with big brown trout, spartic’s and rainbows being caught. The venue is launching its winter competition program of events with the first competition this Sunday.
Several North Devon based anglers have travelled to Cornwall and South Devon ports to sample the exciting tuna fishing that is currently thriving to bring a welcome boost to local economies. I joined four good friends out of Looe to share an awesome angling adventure that saw us bring nine tuna to the boats side all between 200lb and 300lb. The power of these fish is immense and a true test of an anglers stamina. It is truly amazing to witness such an abundance of life as these magnificent fish feast upon a shoal of fish along with dolphins and sea birds. It is to be hoped that this valuable catch and release big game fishery can thrive and focus minds on the long term conservation of our coastal waters.
Overall Winner of the West Country Grayling cup was Roger Truscott and also winner of the biggest fish of the day with a fine 45cm fish
Overall winner Roger Truscott
Biggest fish of the day. Roger Truscott
Winner of Morning Session Gary Brazier
Runner up Rodney Wevill
Winner of afternoon session Ozzie Gough
Runner up. Graham Alcock Smith
Many thanks to Ozzie Gough for his account of the competition below :-
We had an early meet at The Arundell hotel on a cold but thankfully dry autumn day. Meeting with both new and old faces, who had the same keen expression upon their faces. And after a lovely bap we split into groups and sessions, Everyone geared up and hit the river. I pulled home beat for the afternoon session and was paired with a lovely chap named Philip Hoskins. After conducting Philip for his AM session I quickly realised it wasn’t going to be an easy session at all with Phil covering the water thoroughly and only managing a few small par and a lovely but out of season brownie of about 25cm. I geared my self up with 2 methods-euro nymph and Clink’n’dink. After covering water with reasonable efficiency and missing a few bites and with the clock running down. I dialled down my gear for simplicity and with the goal of 1 good grayling I put on a heavier self tied nymph to try get down to the bottom of the pool and after a few casts I got into my first scorable fish which was a lovely 30cm grayling which massively boosted my confidence after a lost grayling and an OOS trouts. After that with not long to go I covered a few more pools but to no avail. We headed up to the hotel as the rain began to come down and met with other anglers and realised the day had been a real struggle for the majority catching a fish or unfortunately blanking. However 1 man did extremely well and landed a 45cm grayling on his first ever session targeting them, so well done Roger and congratulations on winning the event . I was extremely pleased to get second place and was privileged to be a part of the event. A massive thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work setting up such an incredible event. And I cannot wait for the next one.
(Above) Ozzie searching the water during the summer months.
The final round of the Trout masters was held at Roadford Lake today.
With challenging conditions, bright sun around mid day .
Series leader Roger Truscott set out on a mission to put a good gap between himself and his closest challengers, and mission completed, Roger finished on 17 Browns with Runner up Wayne Thomas on 12.
Rodney Wevill getting the biggest Brown of the day at 39cm with Keith Burnett runner up with a nice 38cm fish.
A total of 55 Browns caught for the day
A massive thank you to Trout Fishing South West Lakes Trust for Partnering up with Fluff Chuckers and providing the Brown Trout Masters Cup and the overall winners prize of an all water season ticket.
And to all the anglers that have taken part over the year.
This series of events have become a great fun day on the water, all taking part have joined in with smiles no matter what their individual ability has been.
Looking forward to next year and hopefully build on the past two years,
Nice to see anglers that are normally fishing for Rainbows taken up the challenge of chasing these lovely Brown trout, not always the biggest or the easiest to catch but proper fishing for sure.
Round 3 Results.
1. Roger Truscott
2. Wayne Thomas
3. Kevin Selkars
4. Rodney Wevill
5. Keith Burnett
6. John Huckings
7. Richard Adeney
8. Jon Hopper
Final overall Results after Three Rounds.
Points
1. Roger Truscott 5 (Brown Trout Master 2025)
2. Wayne Thomas 8
3. John Hucking. 12
4. Keith Burnett 13
5. Rodney Wevill 14
6. Richard Adeney 25
7. Kevin Sellars. 27
8. Steve Retallack 27
9. Steve Lawes. 32
10. Matt Woods. 32
11. Simon Peters. 35
12. Jon Hopper. 36
13. Dave Cook. 36
14. Peter Williams. 39
15. Phillip Hoskin. 41
16. Ben Eliot 42
Thanks to Rodney Wevill for all his hard work putting this enjoyable and friendly event together. All three venues run by South West lakes Trust provided excellent fishing in stunning scenery. I look forward to next years series of events. Hartd to comprehend the passing of a season that started in late March on the wide wild expanse of Colliford as we looked for the first martins and swallow arriving from Africa. The middle summer event was held at Fernworthy high on Dartmoor as heavy rain gave us all a good drenching but failed to deter the trout that were caught in good numbers as swifts and swallows darted across the water. And at Roadford its waters seriously low after a long dry summer I caught sight of a straggler swallows and martins leaving for their winter home in Africa.
I sometimes wonder what anglers want to read on North Devon Angling News in addition to the latest news from around the region. I thought it might be worthwhile taking a look back at the beginning of each month at the venues I have fished over the preceding month and the triumphs and trials I have encountered.
In early September Pauline and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. It is a testament to Pauline that she has accepted my obsession with angling throughout those fiorty plus years supporting me great with patience. (Most of the time; for there are times when I have undoubtedly overstepped the mark a little).
We celebrated at the Tarr Steps Inn beside the glorious River Barle that once teemed with salmon during the Autumn months. I remember catching a silver grilse on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral back in 1997. The river like many has suffered a dramatic decline in its salmon stocks though its wild brown trout are still abundant.
The Barle above Tarr Steps
In the Exmoor Town of Dulverton it was good to see minnows shoaling in the leat that runs past Rothwell & Dunsworth the book shop that always has a tempting array of fishing books.
An antique cased perch catches my eye…whats the story behind it?
The Glorious Wye
Whilst the River Wye in Herefordshire frequently makes the headlines regarding effluent from Chicken farms and agriculture it is still a beautiful rIver. its salmon runs have plummeted but it is still home to some wonderful Coarse fish. I extracted a few bronze flanked chub on a trip in the middle of September.
A feast intended for barbelThis chub found rolled meat to its liking.
Evening light on a tranquil Wye.
HOME WATERS
The quiver tip back on home ground…
CORNISH REEF
The annual trip to fish in the Looe Basher was once again an enjoyable excursion visiting familar haunts.
The flooding tideOut of LooeA brace of comber for myself and Chris Hayton
Spectacular red gurnard
Bruce Elston with a fine conger
A decent black breamwow ! what colours
Fish to brighten the dullest of daysDominick is king of ling catching his third in three years.
Broken tips for two!
An un-welcome sign on the quayside where I spent many hours fishing as a child. Floatfishing for pollock after dark on Autumn evenings remembered with great fondness.
IN HOPE OF SALMON
Prime water on the River Torridge
THOSE WILD BROWNS ALWAYS OBLIGE
The beauty of a wild brown trout from the higher reaches of a local river.
Many thanks to Anglers Paradise for inviting Pauline and I to their 40 year celebrations.
The Angler’s Paradise complex created by Zyg Gregorek celebrated forty years in September 2025. The venue has become one of the region’s top fisheries boasting over thirty lakes that are home to a vast range of freshwater species including specimen carp, grass carp, orfe, tench, perch, pike, trout and catfish to name but a few. The holiday complex has brought a wealth of happy memories for many family generations and it’s waters are now a thriving natural eco-system. The fishery is testament to the vision of Zyg who transformed a marshy piece of scrubland to create Anglers Paradise a for-runner that has become the template for complexes across the country. The venture is very much a family business with Zyg’s daughter Zenia Drury-Gregorek and her husband Joe very much at the helm continuing the sterling work undertaken by Zyg and his wife Rose. My wife and I joined the celebrations last weekend to witness a thriving community of anglers and their families forged over the past four decades.
Wine & Dine CelebrationsConversations flows in the Safari BarTrophies and memories from around the worldZenia and son Zee-Jay demonstrate fish care and how to get the best catfish pics
Bingo Time!
Zenia and Zyg working with the Angling Trust at a previous event.Get FishingAn Eldorado catfish for Bruce ElstonA specimen tiger trout caught from the trout lakeA Paradise sunriseA netting day
Team working
Rainbow over ParadiseThe latest capture from the Nirvana syndicate lake….CLINT WITH THE FREAK OF THE NIRVANA SYNDICATE, ‘JOY’ at 54lb 8oz This fish is stacking on the lb’s and has plenty more growing to do. Will Joy be our first 60? Silverback is among the elusive and if the other fish are anything to go by he may already be at 60lb…Anglers Paradise
Fishing for the silvery grey lady of the rivers is increasingly popular at the Arundell and happily this does mean the continuation of fishing into the winter season. Day tickets for grayling are £25 per rod or £150 for a season ticket valid from 1st October 2025 – 14th March 2026. We also have our first West Country Grayling Cup on 18th October – entry fee is £25, details below!
We are so looking forward to the return of the renowned world champion, Katka Švagrová at the end of the month. Her three, one- day courses are almost fully booked but we do still have some spaces on Saturday 1st November and possibly one space on Friday 31st October. Please call or email bookings. Tel: 01566 784666.
Katka Švadgrová returns to The Arundell!
Join the 2023 World Ladies Fly Fishing Champion for 1-day courses on
