I would like to wish all the readers of North Devon Angling News a Merry Christmas and fish filled New Year. Hopefully 2021 will bring a little more freedom. Special thanks to this who have supported North Devon Angling News since I started the website back in 2016.
Jamie Steward fished an up Channel mark and hooked into a surprise fish in the shape of a rare skate. The skate believed to be a blue skate (Common skate) is a very rare catch from the South-West of England and sets a new club record for the Combe Martin SAC. The skate weighed 8lb 3oz which its not big in skate terms as these fish grow to over 200lb’s. I wrote about the huge skate that were once caught off Lynmouth and the North Devon in my book “I Caught A Glimpse”. coast it would be exciting if these fish could once again establish a population in our region. I have made enquiry’s to try and establish a definite identification of the skate and will update this story when I have further expert opinion.
The skate has a large chunk missing from its wing indication that it has been attacked at some point by a large predator.’possibly a seal or shark. This is of course one of sea anglings great attractions in that you never know what lurks pithing casting range.
Jamie was fishing with fellow club member Ali Laird who caught a 20lb 3oz specimen conger.
BIG CONGER REQUIRE STRONG TACKLE
Combe Martin Sea Angling Club member David Brooke fished a North Devon rock mark to tempt a fine specimen conger scaling 26lb 10oz. Large conger are to be expected over the winter months and can turn up at many marks and are often the source of tales of the one that got away. Strong tackle is required to give a good chance of securing these powerful fish that often dwell in the snaggiest of lairs. Whilst conger of over forty pounds have been landed from the North Devon shoreline larger specimens of over fifty pounds undoubtedly exist and offer a significant challenge to the shore angler.
Anglers fishing during the winter months require top quality waterproof clothing to ensure that can enjoy their long vigils beside the murky surging waters of the Bristol Channel. Local company Chillcheaters based in Braunton provide outstanding quality clothing that I have been using for several seasons.
It’s great to get out on the winter shoreline and during these strange dark days its a welcome escape to normality for the familiar seascapes I have enjoyed throughout my life are reassuringly constant. It was also good to be on the rocks before darkness fell savouring the view of a porpoise hunting close to the shoreline.
The fishing has been hard going lately with large numbers of strap eels seizing the baits and today was little different with several small eels succumbing in the first hour of fishing. A spotted ray was a welcome catch as the tide started to flood though its pale colouring and lack of spots was a little unusual. Bites came steadily with a small huss, dogfish and more slightly bigger straps.
Bull Huss are showing from marks along North Devon’s rocky coast. Dan Spearman caught a 10lb 10oz specimen and Ali Laird caught a 10lb 6oz specimen and Rob Scoines tempted a plump huss of 7lb 11oz.
Combe Martin SAC member fished an up Channel mark for cod using a squid and lugworm cocktail and was rewarded with hard fighting conger scaling 23lb 2oz.
Combe Martin SAC Member Kevin Legge tempted this fine 10lb 12oz bass from a North Devon Beach using an Ammo baits Joey mackerel.
The bass was carefully returned after this quick photo was taken.
bass
Combe Martin SAC members are venturing out in the cold to enjoy winter sport and compete in the clubs month long December competition.
Combe Martin SAC member Dan Welch caught this double figure specimen Bull Huss of 9lb 13oz. Fellow club member Mark Jones caught a thornback ray of 12lb 2oz to take the lead in the clubs December competition.
Cold North and East winds combined with high pressure seldom bring good results for sea anglers at this time of year. The wind is forecast to back to the South later in the month when sport should improve.
Bideford Rover results
1st Dick Talbot flounder 1lb 7oz
2nd Dick Talbot flounder 1lb 5oz
Dick caught his brace of flounder from the River Torridge estuary to win first and second in the clubs. monthly rover.
Triple Hook Club Suspend competitions.
Barnstaple’s Triple Hook Club have made the decision to suspend all competitions until 2021 when the COVID situation has eased.
Combe Martin SAC
Combe Martin SAC are holding a monthly competitions for the first half of their club year. At present Rob Sciones is leading the event with a small eyed ray of 9lb 10oz.
Myself and
were on day 2 fishing with no sleep in early September – maybe 1998 from memory.
