TEN YEAR AGO – North Devon Journal Report – March 28th 2010

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With the ongoing lockdown and no fishing I thought I would start digging into my North Devon Journal Archives.

Late March 2010 and salmon fishing is top of the agenda and the debate rages regarding how to safeguard salmon stocks. Ten years later stocks continue to dwindle despite a massive investment in habitat improvements.  It s good to see a few familiar names in the competition results.

ANGLING REPORT

ULTRA have ambitious plan

            Salmon and sea trout of our local rivers provide the pinnacle of angling experience for many attracting game fishers from all over the country. This has been a significant part of the rural economy for many years with prime salmon fishing commanding a high price. A significant drop in salmon and sea trout numbers has lead to a decline in a once thriving rural industry. Many local anglers can recall a bygone era when riverside Inns such as the Rising Sun at Umberleigh would be packed with anglers each evening returning from the river with their bright silver prizes.

It was therefore apt that a new group calling itself ULTRA held an inaugural meeting at the Rising Sun. The Upper & Lower Taw Rivers Alliance is a group of anglers and riparian owners who have an ambitious plan to restore the spring salmon run using native broodstock to produce smolts for restocking. This is a complex issue that a working party has been set up to explore. The Environment Agency has given early indications that they will be likely to consent to the scheme.Tim Clarke is Chairman of the alliance and Dave Smith secretary; details of the group can be found on their website www.rivertaw.org

The web cam at Umberleigh that proves a valuable window on the river for anglers is temporarily out of action following a fire at Murchs’ Antiques Emporium upon whose building the camera is fixed. Web cams of a dozen West Country Rivers can be viewed by visiting www.therisingsunfc.co.uk

There are rods available on a prime stretch of salmon and sea trout water on the Taw and Little Dart at Tremayne near Chulmleigh. Anyone interested in this opportunity should contact John Smith on 01363 84804.

As spring slowly progresses carp anglers are enjoying action on several of the regions lakes. I fished Furzebray carp lake near South Molton last weekend and found myself fishing a swim between brothers Ally Laird and Ian Laird who had already landed three double figure carp during their weekend session. During Sunday afternoon I was privileged to witness them land a further three carp, two of which were prime mirror carp weighing 16lb 6oz.  Boilies, corn and pellets are all tempting fish on this well landscaped fishery.

At Angler Paradise carp are feeding well with several twenty pound plus fish caught including a 25lb 8oz mirror to the rod of Chris Rainbow and a 21lb 8oz specimen for Tom Cole.

Anglers Paradise

At Highhampton lakes the owners have been working hard preparing their lakes for the coming season. The trout lakes have been drained, refilled and restocked in time for the Easter weekend. The coarse lakes already healthy stock has been added to with double figure carp, quality tench and bream. There are also additional facilities including a new toilet and cooking area.

Ilfracombe Match groups latest match at Legge Farm near Hatherleigh saw Peter Slade take top spot with 34lb 15oz of roach and skimmers on soft pellet hook bait. Andy Gray took runner up spot with 31lb 15oz of skimmers on corn hook baits. John Lisle was a very close third with 31lb 10oz of carp on corn the loss of a carp of around one pound in the margins costing him dear. The silver fish bag went to Peter Slade with his fine bag of roach and skimmers.

Don’t forget its time to renew your rod licence at Local post offices or online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/rodlicence Remember that finance received from licenses is invested in promoting and protecting angling and the environment. Failure to carry a rod licence can result in prosecution and a substantial fine.

The latest heat of the North Devon League saw Julian Stainer secure the top two spots for Triple Hook Club with dogfish scaling 2lb 7oz and 2lb 6oz.

Tony Gooch won Bideford And District Angling Clubs Mid Week Rover with a dogfish of 2lb 4⅝oz. In runner up spot was Jazza John with a doggie of 1lb 15⅞oz and in third Dick Talbot with a dog of 1lb 12½oz

Dick Talbot won Bideford’s 24 hour rover with a thornback ray of 8lb 2oz. Dick also secured runner up spot with a doggie of 2lb 3oz. Nathan Clements was third with a dogfish of 1lb 15⅝oz.

Triple Hook Clubs Flyfishing match at Wistlandpound saw Steve Ousley victorious with a four fish bag totalling 5lb. In runner up spot Daniel Miles and Ashley Curd with three fish each for 3lb 12oz.

NO FISHING !

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I had hoped that angling could continue in its solitary form with anglers pursuing their pastime safe in the countryside social distancing with no risk to themselves or others. Sadly the actions of many members of the public ignoring advice will surely lead to a lock down. The majority of the  West countries fishing Waters are now closing their facilities for the foreseeable future. This includes South West Lakes Trust, Wimbleball Lake and Furzebray Carp Lakes. Ammo Tackle are also closing down their operations for the duration of the crisis. Most charter boats are also stopping all trips in compliance with government guidelines.

SNOWBEE Tackle have put out this statement.

Coronavirus update

Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, our retail shop will be closed with immediate effect, until further notice.

This action has been taken, in line with government guidelines and with a view to protecting both our staff and customers.

If local customers wish to collect items from our retail shop, please ring the office on 01752-334933 and we will have your order ready for collection, adhering to recommended safe distancing guidelines.

In the meantime, the business will remain open, as long as possible or until we are advised otherwise, by the government, but to help our customers, we are offering all mail-order deliveries with free carriage, until further notice.

Russell Weston
Managing Director
Snowbee (UK) Ltd.

There will obviously be limited angling news over the coming weeks so I will not be posting as regular. I will try to keep things ticking over with a few articles and news as I get it. When this is all over I will ensure normal service is resumed. In the mean time there is plenty of archive articles and reports to sift through whist our away from the waters edge. I have a few ideas for the site in the future so keep an eye on it. In the mean time if you can get out fishing enjoy the isolation.

These are very difficult times for us all but if we work together we will hopefully be back at the waters edge at some point.

Best regards,

Wayne

North Devon Fisheries Introduce no contact policy to keep anglers safe from Coronavirus

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Angling is one of the few activities that has a very low risk from Coronavirus being an outdoor pursuit it gives participants the opportunity to get away from the stress of the current situation and enjoy the countryside and fresh air. Anglers can ensure their day is completely safe by purchasing permits prior to fishing. Stafford Moor and Anglers Paradise have both introduced contactless policy for obtaining permits. South West Lakes Trust have also got facilities to purchase permits online.

Anglers Paradise – No Contact Policy

Anglers Paradise is continuing to operate as normal at this time. We have an operational plan in place for our customers and staff due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We are running a ‘No Contact Policy’. Below are the guidelines we are working to, please adhere to these guidelines. These actions have been taken to protect our customers, guests, staff and business.

  1. Villas will be deep cleaned and sanitised before your arrival.
  2. Villa bookings must check-in by phone the day before arrival between 09:00 and 17:00.
  3. At check-in you must pay for your fishing by card. You will be asked for your vehicle registration number.
  4. Specimen Lakes, Night Fishing and Day Ticket lakes must be booked over the phone and paid for in advance by card. (There will be no toilet or washing facilities available for day ticket anglers).
  5. On your arrival your Villa will be unlocked and your key will be left inside. Your complimentary bottle of wine will be waiting for you.
  6. Supermarket deliveries (and all other customer deliveries) must be met in the forest car park. (Sign posted).
  7. Bar, Bistro will be closed but orders can still be delivered to the Villa. Details on how to use this service will be provided in the Villa.
  8. The Laundrette will also be closed.
  9. Tackle shop will also be closed however purchases can be phoned through and delivered to the Villa within 1 hour.
  10. During this high risk time the swimming pool facilities will be CLOSED.
  11. Please bring with you anti-bacterial soap/sanitiser and bleach based spray for handles and surfaces
  12. As there has been panic purchasing of toilet tissue we can only supply a limited amount to each Villa so it may be advisable to bring extra.
  13. If you or any of your party feels unwell as described by the government guidelines, it must be reported to reception by phone so we can set the necessary procedures in action.
  14. Please only mingle between your own booking party and use common sense when socialising around villas and lakes.
  15. Urgent villa maintenance will be carried out by our staff, please respect the guidelines regarding contact and cleanliness; ideally vacate the villa whilst our operatives are in attendance. Non-urgent maintenance will be attended to following your departure. To report villa maintenance please ring the office on 01409 221559 between the hours 9am & 5pm.
  16. We reserve the right to change your accommodation with no notice given. If this occurs it will be in the best interest of our customers.
  17. In the event of you not being able to fulfil your holiday directly due to the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, you should contact your insurer for greater clarification, we have recommended that everyone take out holiday insurance please refer to Clause 6 of the terms and conditions of booking.
  18. Day ticket anglers must book in advance by phone and pay by card.

If the Government Response changes then we will react accordingly.

Anglers Paradise

Stafford Moor – No Contact Policy

At Stafford Moor they are also implementing a no contact policy regarding the Coronavirus. We are not currently closed we are open as usual but have a couple of extra precautions in place.

We as you know are quiet hot with general hygiene here in the toilets /showers but we are cleaning/sanitising more than normal plus door handles /counter ect.

Specimen / pleasure anglers you can pre pay for your ticket by calling the shop on 01805804360 then you can arrive /dip your equipment then go to the bank. If you need any tackle and don’t wish to visit the shop you can again call me and pay over the phone and Paul will deliver your items for you to your peg/swim.

Lodge guests can arrive as usual, again if you wish to not enter the shop on arrival your key will be in your lodge door for you once we have arranged your arrival time , you can then enjoy your holiday as usual , please bring enough food for your stay then you can still go for walks on site /fish as normal.

Our matches here start at Easter so I will keep you updated with any changes here.

Celebrating Fifty with Silver Festival Win

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Competitors in Stafford Moors March Silvers festival 2020 had to endure some atrocious wetware conditions but had some cracking weights despite the inclement conditions.


The worthy winner with just 4 points and a total weight of 114lb 4oz was the legend Des Shipp (Preston innovations ) who also celebrated his 50th Birthday!

In second place with also just 4 points and a total weight of 102lb 9oz was Des’s nephew Ryan Shipp.

In third place was just 5 points and a total weight of 95lb 14oz was Mark Goddard.

North Devon Match Group Championship No.3 @ Wooda Lakes

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 1st Christopher Morris 55lb 12oz

2nd Simon Maunder 51lb 12oz

3rd Paul Elworthy 48lb 8oz

4th Tom Downing 47lb 5oz

5th CraigCrashLamey 38lb 10oz

6th Tim Brown 36lb 12oz

7th Martin Turner 30lb 13oz

8th Graham Currington  27lb 3oz

22 fished. The Wooda Lakes near Holsworthy hosted our monthly competition, we fished in damp but less windy conditions than of late . Christopher Morris has drawn peg 20 on lake 4 , and caught most of his winning net in the margins on the pole.  Simon Maunder has had a similar catch also on the pole on sweetcorn from lake 1 peg 5 for second, , Paul Elworthy also on lake 1 has taken 3rd place with a small ground-bait feeder and maggots. Lake 3 has proved the toughest Graham has taken top weight with his 8th place. Thanks to Stuart Sharp  for permitting us to use the lakes and providing breakfast rolls.

Bideford and District Angling Club Coarse Section- Wooda Lakes

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Match results @ Wooda Lakes,

1st Martin Turner 55lb 6oz

2nd Thomas Scott 32lb 8oz

3rd Steve Bailey 31lb 15oz

4th Keith Copland 25lb 4oz

5th David Bailey 23lb 9oz

6th Colin Gorman 19lb 11oz

7th  Ian Owen  15lb 7 oz

8th John Lisle 14lb 11oz ,

14 keen members endured another Sunday of wind and rain. The prolific Wooda Lakes produced the goods again!  Martin Turner   fished on lake 4, alternating between feeder and margin pole , a 20 carp net sealed victory, Second place and top weight on lake 3 was another pole caught 11 carp net for up and coming Junior member Thomas Scott , Our Secretary Steve also on lake 3 found some nice edge dwelling carp in the closing stages of the event for third spot. April’s monthly match see’s us back at Tarka Swims.

The South West Angling Show

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There is an exciting date for South West Anglers to add to their Diaries. The South West Angling Show is to be held on Saturday May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd at Newton Abbot Race Course.

I asked host Zenia Gregorek to send me a few words on the event:-

I am so excited and honoured to be asked to be the host and presenter of the 1st ever South West Angling Show which will take place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May.

We will be fronting some of the biggest brands from across the country offering great deals and offers on great tackle at the show and also showcasing some fantastic talks on the main stage of influential Anglers interviewed by myself.

We are very excited about bringing an Angling Show to the South West and hope to see everyone join us to celebrate it and make it a success to continue in the future.

Anglers Paradise

North Devon Tackle – Match at Wooda Lakes

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Report from  North Devon Tackle Club.

MATCH 2 (Wooda Lakes) 1/3/20

Results:

A really good turn out, for our 2nd match of the year held at Wooda Lakes (on lake 3 & lake 4)

Winner on the day was Wayne Mitchell  who put 21 carp on the scales for 52lb 9oz.

 Norman Martin also had 21 carp & even tried weighing in a duck to move off 2nd spot!!!

(Move over Bazza the 4th, Norm the 2nd is now in town!)

TOP 5 on day:

1st Wayne Mitchell  – 52lb 9oz

2nd Norman Martin  – 50lb 7oz

3rd Stephen Barrell – 44lb 10oz

4th Kevin Wilton – 44lb 9oz

5th Andrew Gratton  – 19lb 9oz

Lake 3

 Wayne Mitchell 52lb 9oz

Norman Martin 50lb 7oz

Lake 4  Kevin Wilton 44lb 9oz

Andrew Gratton  19lb 9oz

A HUGE Happy Birthday to Kevin Wilton  who probably wont thank me for saying he turned 60 this weekend, also premature congratulations to Michael Seward  who also reaches the same milestone in just over a week.

Hope you guys all had a great weekend, sorry I could not make the celebrations.

A quick well done also to Peter Sward who won the Birthday Saturday knock up with 43lb 4oz.

Thank you to Stuart Sharp  for taking the attached photos of you guys & sending them over.

NEXT MATCH – Jennetts Reservoir 5th April.

North Devon Match Group Winter League held at Slade Reservoir.

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A big well done to Graham Currington who weighed in 11lb 12oz of tip caught skimmers from peg 6 which was the middle of the wall, road side, next peg was Chris Morris who pushed him all the way with 11lb 8oz of mainly whip caught roach, this was easily enough to give Chris the overall win of this years winter league.
Third was Nathan Underwood from peg 9 with 6lb 10oz mainly pole caught roach, and 4th was Paul Elworthy with 4lb 10oz, including a nice perch.
With a nasty wind blowing onto the far bank all anglers were pegged on the road side, unfortunately for myself and Wayne Murton we ended up by the car park and between us Wayne thinks he might of had a sucked maggot.

Bideford and District Angling Club Coarse Section Monthly [email protected] Mill Park Berrynarbor

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Bideford and District Angling Club Coarse Section Monthly [email protected] Mill Park Berrynarbor ,1st John Lisle 45lb 1oz 2nd Richard Jefferies 32lb 13oz 3rd Martin Turner 15lb 9oz 4th Steve Bailey 11lb 3oz 5th David Bailey 9lb 6oz 12 hardy/ foolish individuals ventured forth into storm “Ciara” , to fish our monthly match . The normally prolific lake fished very peculiarly with half the field blanking , no roach caught and only 20 odd large chub and carp landed. John’s net of 9 carp and one chub taken on method feeder and bomb and bread off peg 1 ran out the easy winner,  Richard Jefferies landed 3 good chub and 4 carp on similar tactics for second on peg 10. 4 carp put Martin Turner in 3rd spot. Steve’s 10 and a half pound common carp secured 4th.