South Molton & District Angling Club AGM

South Molton & District Angling Club held their 48th AGM at the Coaching Inn in their hometown and as always it was a friendly and convivial evening. The formalities were handled by long serving secretary Ian Binding and club Chairman Mike Evans who has stood down after seven years in the role. His efforts were been much appreciated by all present. The Chairman’s role has been taken by Eddie Rands who also runs the clubs sea-fishing activities. Eddie dominated the clubs sea fishing trophy presentation winning the clubs top four trophies with an 8lb bass and a 30lb tope.

The clubs Mac Trophy for the biggest trout caught during the annual trout fishing competition was won by club treasurer Roger Bray who landed a fine 6lb rainbow from Bratton Water Trout Fishery. (Below)

 

The clubs primary focus is the fishing it leases on the River Bray where members enjoy some delightful fishing for an abundant population of wild brown trout that thrive in the clear waters of this delightful tributary of the River Taw.

Paul Carter the local full time Fishery Officer was a welcome guest at the meeting and reflected upon his 30 years as a fishery officer in North Devon. The fact that he was once part of an eight-man team of officers brings into focus how times have changed. Paul stressed the need for anglers to share information with the Environment Agency reporting any signs of pollution immediately to the E.A on their 0800 80 70 60 Hotline.

ROADFORD FLY FAIR

South West Lakes Trust are holding their annual Fly Fair at Roadford Lake on Saturday February 25th. This popular event is an ideal curtain raiser for the Spring Season with a range of tackle and Fly Tying equipment on display along with casting demonstrations, Kayaking, Float-tubing, cooking and plenty more to interest the angler. Special guests on the day include Charles Jardine, Mike Weaver and Gary Champion.

There is also the opportunity to purchase season tickets for local waters at a discount of 5%.

FINE BAGS AT EXE VALLEY

16486945_1494283240584587_5807892031922701065_o(Above) Biggest trout of day to Danny Ford at 5lb 12oz

Wistlandpound Fly Fishing club enjoyed great sport when they visited Exe Valley Fishery for the second heat of their Winter Challenge series. Dave Mock won the competition with a five fish bag of 19lb that included a 4lb rainbow and a tagged trout that earned Dave a tenner. In runner up spot was Danny Ford with five for 18lb 12oz and third David Eldred with five for 18lb 8oz. The biggest trout was a fine rainbow of 5lb 12oz for Danny Ford. The trout averaged 3lb and battled hard in the cold clear water. Overall winner of the winter challenge after 2 heats was David Eldred with 28lb 9oz. The first heat was held at Blakewell Fishery early in January.

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Exe Valley Introduces Catch & Release Permit Options

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The latest News from Nick Hart at Exe Valley

During the 15 years that I have been involved with Exe Valley Fishery, firstly as an instructor and then as the manager, the only option available has been to catch & kill any Trout caught. 

However times are changing rapidly and increasingly I talk with anglers who don’t want to dispatch fish and fill their freezers.  I also meet plenty of anglers who are put off by the thought of reaching their limit and then having to head home prematurely, cutting short their enjoyment & experience.

Therefore after a number of successful catch & release events, such as this one in December 2016, I have decided to introduce a new trial permit.

The Catch & Release options will start on Tuesday 7th February 2017 and will be available until Sunday 9th April 2017.  During this time we will listen to your thoughts and welcome feedback.  If the fishery is well supported during these changes the options will be made available throughout the year, other than during periods of high water temperatures.  Full details will be available at the fishery regarding the rules applied to catch & release.  The key points include:

– Catch & Release available on Anchor Lake only

– Rubber mesh nets only (we can loan nets)

– Barbless flies only (not debarbed – barbless flies will be available for purchase in the shop)

– Fish to be released must not be removed from the water. 

– No Boobies.

– Kill tickets – Fish limit must be killed prior to Catch & Release.

Catch & Release Permit Options & Prices (07.02.17 to 09.04.17)

10 Fish Catch & Release Only – £25

2 Fish Kill & 2 Fish Release – £30

3 Fish Kill & 3 Fish Release – £35

4 Fish Kill & 4 Fish Release – £40

5 Fish Kill & 5 Fish Release – £45

Although there is an increase in permit prices, the first for several seasons, the new structure with the inclusion of catch & release offers some of the best value small stillwater fishing in the West Country if not the UK.

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BRATTON GROWING REPUTATION FOR QUALITY BROWNS

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Bratton Water’s stature as a first class brown trout water is growing with some stunning fish being tempted. Chay Boggis visited the fishery and had a fine bag of trout to just over five pounds. Successful tactics were a white dog nobbler fished close to the surface with a fast erratic retrieve. Nick Hart and top angling photographer Henry Gilbey paid a recent visit to the fishery and their work should appear in a top trout fishing publication this spring!

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(Above)Chay Boggis with a qaulity 5lb plus Bratton Brown.

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Winter days at Exe Valley

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The latest from Nick Hart at Exe Valley. These cold calm winter days are great for the winter fly fisher!

Always good to see new faces on the lake and today Andrew, John, Simon & Roger took the trip from Cheddar on a cold January morning. I got the boat out for a bit of ice breaking and the guys nailed some fish. Rogers were camera shy but the 4 of them landed 19 fish with John taking the best bag of 5 at 19lb 8oz with Andrew on 5 for 17lb. All sorts of tactics used including lures and nymphs with sink tips & floaters. Thanks for visiting guys and hope to see you again.

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