Chris Connaugton his son Alfie Joe (AJ) and Steve Pinn are the Barnstaple Bait and Tackle team giving a friendly welcome to anglers at the extenstion of the shop in Queen Street, Barnstaple just a short cast from Barnstaple Central Car Park. The shop has a wide range of tackle for all disiplines of angling. The team offer comprehensive advice on all aspects of angling. The shop has now doubled in size giving more stock and more room to browse and of course chat with fellow anglers.
Almost every peg was taken for this 6 hour event, bright sunshine and a stiff South Easterly breeze has kept the weights modest.
Match organiser Martin has drawn the last peg in the bag ,number 16, a straight lead with pellet or meat , fished out to the cage has accounted for the bulk of his winning catch. , backed up with some good fish on caster on the short pole.
Warren’s second place from peg 9 consisted of larger carp on the pole to maggot over pellets.
Third place was our current league leader Kevin on peg 6 , he’s caught a nice mixed bag on pole fished maggot .
Richard has landed 5 carp for 4th place off of peg 13.
Once again the shallower section has proved tricky, Roger Ackroyd took the honours with 2lb 5oz on peg 2..
Dulverton Anglers Association AGM was held on Friday, February 21st in the Anchor Inn at Exebridge. I have been a member of the club for a couple of years and have enjoyed a few pleasurable days exploring their extensive waters on the Upper Exe and its tributaries.
The club is a long established one and its committee undoubtedly hard working and committed to providing good fishing, protecting the environment and nurturing a friendly network of anglers. The AGM was conducted in a calm professional manner with those friendly moments of warm banter that make all feel welcome and relaxed.
It is fair to say looking around the room that the majority of members fit the expected dynamic of a fly fisher pursuing the gentle art. Most with a few exceptions are of an older generation with greying or thinning hair with the occasional ache and pain. There is however no lack of passion for the river environment its fish and the desire to cast a line. I state this ageing dynamic as there is often a debate around the future with a lack of younger generation anglers. More on that later.
Catch returns show that brown trout and grayling fishing remains good with no significant concerns. The acquisition of Old Woman’s Beat is a significant milestone for the club and its first season saw many members fishing this historic beat. Over 250 brown trout were registered, close to 90 grayling and one sea trout. It is sad that no salmon were caught as this was once regarded as one of the prime salmon beats on the Upper Exe. Sea trout have never been a significant catch on the Exe system which is strange as the river shares many characteristics of other West Country Rivers that still boast good sea trout runs.
Old Womans Beat
One member present was Nicholas Fitton who has recently had his second book published, ‘Gently Down the Stream’. The Forgotten Art of Downstream Wet-Fly Fishing. ( his first book was ‘In Search of Wild Trout , Published in 1992) I asked Nicholas if he would kindly sign my recently purchased copy of the book and he duly obliged. His opening question to me was; Are you a downstream or upstream man? I replied that I cast to the fish where they lie be that upstream or down. In many of our wild rivers with overhanging tree’s there is surely no room for dogma and outdated tradition.
In so called liberated days it is perhaps strange that many still hold onto traditions of the past. It is perhaps a contradiction in stating this that I admit to a great fondness for angling literature from the early days of the last century and savour the words of some of the sports greatest writers. H T Sheringham, George A B Dewar, Sir Edward Grey, E. A. Barton, G.E.M Skues and of course F.M. Halford. These great writers hale from what was perhaps the golden age of angling when fly fishing traditions were established.
We chatted at length about fishing and Fly-fishing and reminisced about a time when we were young and commenced our angling journey. Freedom to explore the countryside and fish are common themes I have discussed with many anglers who shared those same decades. As young anglers we of course followed no rules drifting worms to catch wild trout and only learning the delights of fly-fishing as we progressed. I sometimes wonder if we should have open stretches of rivers where junior anglers can fish without the restraints of rules. Young anglers are the future and it is imperative that we engage them in fishing and nature. In the old days I feel sure the keepers of the river would occasionally turn a blind eye to the young child flicking a worm or knub of cheese to trout. Primula soft cheese worked for me, along with grasshoppers and flakes of mothers pride.
I am looking forward to reading Nicholas’s book and learning more of the art of downstream flyfishing. ( Will write a review on the book on here in due course) The complete fly angler will surely be adept at all methods dictated to by the flow of the water and the ways of the trout.
The official meeting business was followed by a talk from Angling Trust representative Alex Van Wienen who highlighted the many services, avenues for advice and funding the Angling Trust offers to member clubs.
A delicious and plentiful buffet was provided to close the meeting the remains of which fed the associations habitat working party the following day as they cleared paths of debris on one of their beats in accordance with the landowners wishes. The association organise various working parties throughout the year and plans to work with the Environment Agency later in the summer to help tackle invasive Himalayan balsam.
March 1st and the commencement of a new salmon season on North Devon’s Taw and Torridge. I joined members of Barnstaple & District Angling Club at Newbridge to celebrate the occasion at their bankside hut. Warm spring sunshine brought smiles and optimism a contrast to last season’s start with a raging torrent of dirty water combined with hail and thunder.
A Hang glider drifted high above in a clear blue sky. We chatted warmly of seasons gone and those who had walked the river banks at this very spot. It was good to share the spring day with a band of fellow piscators those stories of silver bars bringing hope for the season for anglers are an eternally optimistic bunch. A cool beer, hot dogs, Lemon drizzle and a cup of afternoon tea.
The river was running high with that healthy aqua tinge of spring. With the biggest tides of the season any salmon were likely to be well upriver by now but it was perhaps still worthwhile savouring the throb of a spinner as it traversed the currents or the drift of the fly over well-known taking lies.
Daffodils, celandines and primroses brought that touch of yellow to the lanes and river bank. We will soon glimpse the first martins and swallows and who knows perhaps that silver tourist will bring a touch of silver to enrich some lucky anglers life. I look forward to reporting on the first spring salmon of 2025.
Another enjoyable night with Bideford & District Angling Club a pleasure to be a part of the evening. A very good attendance this year with a really positive vibe.
BDAC Coarse section 2024 cups and trophies.
Senior Match man Winner Craig Lamey 137pts
Senior Match man Runner up Paul Elworthy 103pts
Midweek series Winner Nathan Underwood 130pts
Midweek series runner up Kevin Shears 92pts
Pairs match Winners
Rhys Eyles and Darren Polden
Highest weight in competition. Rhys Eyles 69lb 12oz
Rod and reel league winner Richard Jefferies 128pts
Rod and reel runner up Darren Polden 112pts
Junior series Winner Ethan Broom. 46 points
Junior series runner up Lewis Hathaway 45 points
BDAC Sea Section 2024 Cups and Trophies.
1. Valentine bowl-most points in the monthly Rover. Andrew Clements 57 points
2. Keira short trophy-most points in the 48-hour. Stephen Found 18 points
3. Stephanie Vanstone-best specimen caught from the shore . Jon Stevens Bass 11lb 1 1/2 158.48%
4. Jason Talbot memorial plate-best ray caught from the shore. Stephen Found Thornback 12lb 9 139.58%
5. Snake plate-best Conger caught from the shore . Andrew Clements Conger 17lb 1 85.31%
6. Best round fish from the shore . Jon Stevens Bass 11lb 1 1/2 158.48%
7. Best specimen flat fish (no ray). Phil Vanstone / Stephen Found Dab 15oz 93.75%
8. Best specimen shark from the shore . Andrew Clements Smooth hound 14lb 9 1/4 145.76%
9. Winner of the end of season competition . Andrew Clements Small eyed Ray 9lb 9 106.250
10. Big Mike memorial vase . Craig Lamey Flounder 1Ib 5 3/4
BDAC Game Section 2024 Cups and Trophies
1st: Terry Dymond.
2nd: Dave Bailey.
BDAC: Highest Points in Monthly Comps. Terry Dymond 52 Points
BDAC: Runner Up Of Aggregate Points in Monthly Comps. Dave Bailey.
Best Rainbow Trout Caught. Dave Bailey 4Ib 2oz.
Best Brown Trout Caught From Reservoirs Fished. Dave Bailey.
BDAC: Combined Weight From All Reservoir Fished. Terry Dymond.
Chairmans Clubman of the Year. Steve Bailey.
The Club would like to thank, Nick Laws, Tom Wade and Wayne Thomas for presenting the trophies and making the evening a success.
The winning fish an eel of 18lb 10oz was caught by Jonathon Stanway with his brother Ross Stanway securing runner up spot with an eel of 12lb 2oz. Third was Ollie Passmore with an eel of 11lb 15oz.
Jonathon Stanway with his winning eelOllie Passmore with his eel of 11lb 15oz
Conger dominated catches during this six hour evening competition with members fishing various marks on the North Devon Coast. The conger seemed to be on the feed in a big way. I fished with club secretary Nick Phillips and we landed close to twenty eels, sadly all were less than 10lb. I did hook what felt like a very big eel and was dismayed when the 7/0 hook I was using snapped an event that has never happened to me in over fifty years of fishing.
COMBE MARTIN SAC – AGM
Chairmans report
An interesting year with potential areas for the club to grow. The fun and species league based around Ilfracombe has generated an influx of new members and as a club we need to ensure this initial enthiusasm doesn’t dwindle away. How we do that is of course up to the members?
The core of the club is still specimen based but there has been a change in the way we fish with less social interaction and a more insular approach. Reduced access to the coastline is an issue as an increasing population leads to ever more restrictions on parking and access.
The challenges we face as a club are common to most clubs and we need to address areas where we can perhaps offer more to the membership. Though all a club really provides is a place to come together and share a common love of angling. It is a concern that Nick and I have been at the helm of the club for forty years or more! If there is a future then at some point some young revolutionaries will have to kick us out.
Fish recorders report
38 species from Ilfracombe Pier and harbour area!
Toby Bassett caught – 34 of them!!!
Specimens fish – 51 over 100%. Kyle landed – 20 of these
(49 in 2023)
Gilthead bream seem to thriving in the estuary and I suspect there were more 100% smoothound caught than recorded? A big change in what is being caught in the estuary with smoothound and gilthead bream caught as far up as Fremington Quay.
The winter fishing on the Open coast has been difficult with small conger and dogfish dominating catches. Good to see a few big pouting caught but the numbers of pouting and whiting are a fraction of those in past decades.
The summer bass fishing was good in the estuary and for some periods on the open coast.
I am hoping to see a big increase in fish recorded from the boats this season now that we have a Charter boat skipper in our midst. I would like to recruit a few new members wanting regular boat trips. As members they will have secure access to regular trips and a reasonable rate.
As regards to fish entries they are a valuable source of historical data for the club so please send in your fish. Either via email, Watts App, Messenger or good old phone.
I spent an hour or so working through the results of the 2024 Combe Martin SAC – Ilfracombe Harbour fun & Species Competition the results are below.
Well done to all who have taken part throughout the year. We had a very good uptake at the start of the year and special thanks go to Toby for his enthusiasm and efforts in recruiting new members. The number of species caught across the membership was amazing. The club sub group has added a different dimension the club and it is essential that this is continued. The club has its AGM on Friday 31st at the Mariners Arms, Braunton and it would be really good if as many as possible attend. This is your club and ideas are required.
I suggest we have a sub group coordinator or maybe a meeting at Ilfracombe for a chat and get together and maybe a combine with the first fish of the year.
To continue the club species total accumulator on both an annual and ongoing basis.
Arrange events throughout the season maybe Winter, Spring , Summer & Autumn. Plus at least one social meet at Ilfracombe in conjunction with one of these events?
Please Bring ideas to the AGM….
Total Number of species caught by club members – 38
1st – Toby Bassett – 34
2nd – Daniel Welch – 31
3rd – Ross Stanway – 30
4th – Nigel Oliver 24
5th – Gary Prout 21
6th– Lenny Lake – 19
7th Solly Welch – 18
7th – Ted Childs – 18
8th Paul Lorrimore – 13
9th – Charlie Stanway – 10
10th – Andrew Laramy -9
Zephyr Laramy – 9
Wayne Thomas – 9
11th – Jake Stanway – 7
12th – Matt Childs – 6
A sub group meeting is to held to look at how the league will proceed in 2025.
The AGM was attended by 19 club members. The only substantial change was that competition entry for standard competitions has risen to £10 reflecting changing times and relative value of money. A £5.00 entry fee had been in place for over twenty years. The increased entry fee makes the prize money more attractive.
Bideford and District Angling Club held their AGM at Bideford Con Club on Friday November 15th, the event was very well attended. The club is North Devon’s largest angling club with a membership of over 500 that includes over fifty Junior members many undoubtedly attracted by the clubs two well maintained fishing lakes. Tarka Swims consists of Georges Lake and Karen’s Lake that between them provide excellent pleasure, match and carp fishing. The lakes manager Steve Bailey resigned from the post after many years of sterling service and was presented with gifts from the club in appreciation. The new lake manager is Mike Jones.
Club Secretary – Mervyn Beal says :- Farewell Steve. At last nights AGM the club said farewell to our outgoing Tarka Swims manager. Over the past 20yrs Steve has been the backbone of our club, his grit determination, hard work and commitment has made Tarka Swims what it is today. On behalf of the committee and club members we would like to say a massive thank you Steve and to Lorraine for giving up so much family time over the years. Hopefully you can now enjoy more family time and get some well earned fishing in. Thank you.
The clubs holds well attended coarse fishing Matchs each month and a summer series of events for Junior anglers. The club also hosts regular sea angling competitions and game fishing events.
Bideford and District Angling Club Match Secretary’s Report 2024
The Senior matches on George’s Lake, Tarka Swims have once again, been very well supported. With an average of 20 members regularly competing.
Our Junior Section has also been extremely well supported with 35 different youngsters enjoying the 3-hour Saturday events held throughout the summer. The 5-match series was won by Ethan Broom on 46 points, close second Lewis Hathaway on 45 points.
The 10 match, Summer Evening Series attracted 22 different anglers, we were blessed with some great weather for the 3-hour contests. Runaway winner was Nathan Underwood on 130 points with Kevin Shears 2nd on 92 points. The 3-hour pairs event was won by Rhys Elyes and Darren Polden with a remarkable total of 96lb 12oz.
Richard’s ‘Rod and Reel Only’ Competitions have been fully attended; organiser Richard Jefferies currently leads the league with 2 matches remaining.
At present, in the monthly Sunday Matches, Craig Lamey has an unassailable lead with Nathan in 2nd place.
Our 2-leg team match against Plymouth resulted in a resounding victory for us 713lb to 219lb. I hope to set up a more challenging contest against Bude Canal anglers.
This club offers a fantastic variation of disciplines; from the game beat on the Torridge to boat trips, shore fishing contests and, of course, the Tarka events. The lakes provide a host of opportunities to get involved; as members we need to be mindful that the membership is diverse and each of us find pleasure and fulfilment in our chosen pastime whether helping with the working parties, camping out overnight after the ‘Big One’ or witnessing the joy of watching the juniors catching their first fish.
Openness and understanding are essential if the club is to prosper; division is not healthy. As a club we must be respectful of members choices.
Regular matches, I believe, provide a very useful indicator as to the condition of the water and its inhabitants. Recorded results provide accurate information and trends can be monitored.
Once again, I must thank those people who have supported events but especially those who have ensured that they run smoothly. Mervyn for his support scrutinising and publishing results. Steve and his team for providing us with a well maintained and safe environment to enjoy our chosen discipline.
Finally, I must comment on the shock of the closure of the institution that was Summerland’s Tackle; we wish the family well and thank them for all their support over many years.
Martin Turner stands for another term as club match secretary.
Barnstaple & District Angling Clubs AGM was held at the Ebberley Arms in Barnstaple with a very good proportion of the membership in attendance. The clubs committee are undoubtedly a hard-working and dedicated team full of optimism despite difficult times on the river.
The club has purchased a new stretch of fishing on the Middle Taw that was for many years owned by John Saunders affectionately known to local anglers as ‘Gandy’. Sadly no salmon were landed from the beat this year. Fortunately the wild brown trout fishing was superb with plenty of stunning fish over 1lb caught.
Alan Jump works tirelessly working to enhance South Aller Lake the clubs sole remaining coarse fishing lake. The lake offers excellent fishing for tench, crucian carp, roach, perch, eels and carp to mid doubles. The secluded lake set in an old quarry surrounded by mature trees is a wildlife haven far removed from some of today’s commercial lakes with their platforms and gravel paths.
Don Hearn gave a passionate and detailed report on the clubs fishing at Newbridge. Three salmon were caught from the beat this year one of the worst in living memory. There were positive reports of roach and dace being caught from the club water which is an encouraging sign as the river was once a thriving coarse fishery renowned across the country for producing huge roach many of them over 2lb.
The numbers of shad entering the river is of great interest to scientists and the presence of these fish is likely to offer conservation funding and protection for this iconic North Devon river.
The official proceedings were followed by fascinating talks from Lucy Robinson and Mike McNally both from the Devon and Cornwall Police Wildlife Team. Mike and Lucy explained how important all information is and how it can be used to piece together the complex and intricate jigsaw puzzle of crime detection.
The illegal netting of elvers was a fascinating part of the talk with the massive value of these fascinating fish fuelling a vast criminal network that exports to the Far-East.
Sadly the Wildlife Crime department is underfunded as is the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies that try to protect our natural world.
In this day and age poachers have sophisticated technology at their disposal such as thermal imaging that can target a deer at over mile distance.
Reporting of incidents is 100% anonymous and can be reported via Crime Stoppers 0800 555111 Crimestoppers-uk.org
To report pollution incidents call the EA on 0800 807060
Club Members at the Gandys Beat
DON HEARNS – Report
A difficult year for all game rivers it seems and no exception on the Taw.
Opening day at Newbridge
We started the season with a first day meet and BBQ at the new club hut in a hail shower! A good number attended though, including Gary Herbert who drove all the way from Guildford for it. Good effort and despite the weather a brilliant social occasion enjoyed by all who came. Hopefully we can repeat this event next year. Game fishing can be a solitary affair and sharing tall tales of days gone by with like-minded people is always worthwhile as it keeps us all in contact with each other and is one of the reasons our club life is so appreciated.
We start the season full of hope, as ever, but had little reward after the spring.
A few Salmon and sea trout were caught/lost early on but little showed after June. The summer of course was low water and plagued with algae blooms as ever. We did see fish moving up in the last week of September in the spate and assume they went straight upriver. As in previous years the rain came too late for us and that seems to be the pattern these days. There is much discussion as to why so few fish are seen and the more we discuss the more complex it becomes. I had a report from the Tamar, which is a monitored river, that the return of fish was very low. It’s assumed something is happening at sea. Not sure if that is the case but it seems the west country is suffering more than the East coast. Super trawlers, climate change to gulf stream, dirty rivers or maybe a combination of everything. We haven’t had any late season sea trout reported either. I and others spent many nights on several Taw beats without a sign of one, so it wasn’t down to of lack of effort. The only thing for sure is that there is always a chance of a fish and nobody ever caught one watching the T.V.!
It has been noted that the Brownies seem to be doing ok with several fish in the 2lb to 3lb range being reported and many members have scaled down to enjoy good sport with them. More brownies have been reported than ever before in recent times and often save a blank which is welcome. The Shad showed again early in the season and are of great interest as it’s another important protected species and reports of any captures are welcomed as it helps in the fight for our water quality. The recent industrial farming introduced into the Lower Taw valley is putting a lot of pressure on an already troubled river and hopefully there is a way to make it more acceptable. The EA farm inspectorate are investigating this process and we can but hope it can make a difference.
The Southwest rivers trust have asked us for permission to install water monitoring equipment on our waters and of course we welcome it and will assist them all we can. We are not sure where it will be at the moment, but we’ll keep you all posted. If you do find telemetry in the river, please know we are aware and avoid disturbing it. If you haven’t sent in your catch report, please do so even if it’s nil. Please include all species, also an indication of AGM attendance would be helpful.
As most of you know our AGM will be held in the Ebberly Arms, Bear Street, Barnstaple on Tuesday 12th November at 7.30pm. There is free evening parking in the car park at the rear. This is always a friendly social evening, and we are expecting a good attendance as in previous years.
For those struggling with downtime, a reminder that Bass, Mullet and Pike on the fly are always an option and we are lucky enough to have good access locally. We hope you enjoyed your time on the water and wish you tight lines for next season.
Don Hearn
and all at B.D.A.A.
Colin Ashby presenting Dave Winter with the Salmon Trophy
The evening concluded with an auction of fishing books donated by the late John ‘Gandy’ Saunders widow. An amazing £205 was raised has been donated to Devon Air Ambulance.
Several awards were presented including the best salmon of 13lb to Dave Winter.
Steve Maddox was awarded the Claude Pugsley roach cup and Jim Simpkins the bass trophy for a fly caught bass of 5lb. The sea trout trophy was won by Matt Cooper.
After the meeting members enjoyed reflecting upon past glory’s and future aspirations.
Bideford Angling Club and Barnstaple Angling Association both hold their AGM’s in November. If your consiodering joining these clubs or are members already its good opportunity to meet fellow members and find out whats what.
Dear Members,
If anyone has any proposals for the AGM 15th Nov, they must be received by midnight tonight, with a proposer and seconder. sent to [email protected]
Thank you
Mervyn Club Secretary.
Barnstaple & District Angling Club AGM will be held in the Ebberly Arms, Bear Street, Barnstaple on Tuesday 12th November at 7.30pm. There is free evening parking in the car park at the rear. This is always a friendly social evening, and we are expecting a good attendance as in previous years.
The 2024 AGM of the BDAC will be held at the Bideford Con Club on November 15th @ 19:30 for 20:00 prompt start.
Please note all proposals for change of rules or applications to join the committee in any capacity must be put in writing to the club secretary Mervyn Beal, with the name of a seconder to [email protected] by 23:59 on the 25/10/24
Due to the retirement of our Tarka manager Steve Bailey and Karen’s Lake secretary Jake England we need to elect members to take their positions, these are both big jobs that are vital to the running of our Tarka complex, and it’s no exaggeration to say that failure to fill the Tarka Managers post will have a great impact on the running and well keeping of the whole site.
For more information on these posts please contact Steve or Jake who will explain what’s required.
Could you ALL please make an effort to attend, there is a minimum number of people needed to form a quorum, and to make decisions on rules / fees etc.
After several aborted trips due to bad weather it was good to eventually get back out to sea on a Combe Martin SAC boat trip out of Minehead with Steve Webber skipper of Osprey Charters. As a club we have been fishing with Steve for many years a skipper who has provided us with some exciting fishing trips over the decades.
On this day we had six anglers on board two of which are good friends who kindly came along filling vacant places left by club members who could not make the trip.
The forecast for once promised calm seas, light winds and perhaps a little sunshine!
The boat was due to sail from the harbour at 10:30am so a rendezvous at the Minehead Witherspoon’s was arranged at 9:00am. This proved an unwise move in some ways as discussing the days fishing prospects over a full English was difficult as it appeared that Butlins stags had invaded in numbers. Alcohol in quantity at 9:00am certainly fuelled the volume making hearing a little challenging for those of us who have impaired hearing. Like many anglers we are getting on a bit!
And so we climbed onto Osprey all pleased to be leaving the raucous delights of Minehead to the young Butlin brigade.
Steve welcomed us with an ever cheery greeting and we set off for familiar fishing grounds to the West of Minehead. The tide was ebbing as Steve dropped anchor at the first mark. The steep wooded cliffs were lush and green. The sea a pleasing calm beneath a blue sky interspersed with light white cotton wool clouds.
Fishing talk flowed freely with a bit of local politics, reminisce and fishy tales thrown into the mix.
I think I was lucky to catch the first fish a small smoothound. Dogfish were to prove a menace throughout the day snaffling baits intended for more worthy fish.
Jack Phillips caught a smoothound of perhaps seven pounds that gave a good account and was the first of several caught throughout the day. The best a fish of around ten pounds to my good friend Bruce Elston his first of the species and a welcome catch adding to his impressive tally of species across salt and freshwater.
Bruce Elston with a double figure hound.
Ray were the main target and several small eyed ray were tempted at this first mark of the day.
Club Secretary Nick Phillips with a nice small eyed ray.
Jack hooked a very good fish that put a healthy bend in his rod before severing the 60lb b.s hook length after a ten minute tussle in a strong tide.
A battle lost…what was it?
As the tide eased towards low water. Steve up anchored and steamed further west to a renowned area for ray.
I decided to drop down my down-tider for the first time having concentrated on Up-tiding for the first couple of hours. A mackerel head and flappers was devoured within a few moments of it hitting the seabed. A large huss of just over 10lb appeared on the murky water surface and I was pleased when it slid safely into the net. They have an annoying habit of spitting out the bait on the surface.
A steady succession of hounds and ray were brought to the boat. Steve kept us fully hydrated with tea and coffee throughout. Friendly banter flowed and the sun shone down.
Peter Robinson
Keith Armishaw with a small eyed ray
As the tide flooded we made a couple more moves to new areas based upon Steve’s extensive knowledge of this spectacular stretch of Somerset coastline.
Our last mark was close to where we had started and after a quiet start gave a frantic last hour with several small-eyed nudging double figures and a stunning thornback to Peter Robinson.
I lost a good fish that slipped the hook just a few yards from the boat. A good smoothound or a big bass? I will never know.
Jack Phillips with a good small eyed ray
After close to nine hours at sea Steve called last orders and we steamed back to Minehead. The sun was sinking in the west as we washed down the boat. It had been a great day typical of a day out of Minehead its murky waters home to an array of ray and other species. All within a very short steam of the port.
Steve and his family have three charter boats and Speed-bait operating out of Minehead. Check links below:-
I was privileged to be invited to attend the Taw Fishing Club AGM at the Fox and Hounds at Eggesford last Saturday. The Taw Fishing Club has five and a half miles of fishing on the Upper Taw and its tributaries offering some excellent fishing for wild brown trout.
I arrived at 10:00am to join members in the field adjacent to the River Taw where Gerald Spiers of the Devon School Of Fly Fishing was offering a casting clinic for members. It was good to be close to the river with the evidence of Spring all around. Gerald chatted about the intricacies of casting and fly presentation in depth. Engaging the audience in discussion on mending the line, fly choice, reading the water, casting loops, arc, wrist position, and how to approach the water. He also discussed the finer details of tackle choice advising on leaders, tippets, rod choice and line care. I am sure all walked back to the hotel for lunch enthused for the coming season and eager to employ the knowledge imparted by Gerald. The art of fly fishing and fishing in general is a never ending game of interaction with nature that offers an absorbing fascination that can never be quelled once hooked.
Members and guests mingled over lunch and engaged in conversations that I feel sure contained many fishy tales. On our table the fishy agenda drifted into the toxic world of politics and the environment. It seems increasingly apparent to me that populist politicians are leading the human race on a slippery road to extinction. Failure to acknowledge uncomfortable truths to ensure election is a symptom of a generation that is increasingly disconnected with the natural world.
The Taw Club has been running successfully for over a century and is presently in a very healthy state thanks to a hard working committee Chaired by Gordon Murray with secretarial responsibilities carried out by Chris Searles. The club has a current membership of fifty and welcomes new members to its ranks. The Taw Club is a friendly group that offers plenty of opportunity to mingle and learn during club teach ins and bank clearing days.
The Chair addressed a large proportion of the membership at the meeting and highlighted concerns mirrored across angling clubs throughout the land. There was conversation around the aging dynamics of club membership and the need for a younger generation to take up rods on the water. Angling participation and social interaction has undoubtedly been impacted upon by covid and recovery is slow.
The health of the river was top of the agenda with a focus on working with landowners to safeguard the future. Gordon expressed his views on pollution and quoted the phrase; “ Kind Words butter no parsnips”. Farming incentives to deliver habitat improvement, River fly monitoring, Citizen Science Water Quality Sampling and the vital work of an underfunded Environment Agency was all discussed with passion. It is essential that this desire to safeguard our rivers is put into practice.
The Environment Agency was represented by North Devon’s Fishery Enforcement Officer Sam Fenner who engaged with the club members offering advice and guidance on a range of river related enquiries.
There was discussion around invasive species including signal crayfish and mink. The increasing population of beavers were also acknowledged which are generally thought to bring wide benefits to the rivers eco systems.
An exciting increase in shad spawning in the Taw system was noted with hope that this will bring focus upon the importance of the Taw system to this rare and endangered species.
Catches of wild brown trout across the club’s waters has been consistently good over recent seasons with between 300 and 500 trout registered by members each season. The use of an online recording system has been a very beneficial recording tool ensuring up to date information is shared across the membership.
The AGM was concluded with a talk from Gerald Spiers who gave some valuable advice on wading safely. His three top tips being to wade slowly and upright, wear studded waders and use a wading staff.
Membership details for the Taw Fishing Club can be found at :-
Bideford Angling Club welcomes game fishing members to join in friendly competitions at waters across the South West. Like many club’s recruitment of younger anglers into Fly Fishing is in need of a boost. The club has access to a prime stretch of the River Torridge with salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout fishing. Adult membership is just £12.50
The club holds six regular competitions from March through until August.
For more details contact Terry Dymond on 07585588595
Potential new members are welcome to attend the clubs presentation night at the Bideford Conservative Club on February 23rd .
More Information can be accessed via the club,s informative website : –
Twenty five or more club members assembled at the Coaching Inn in South Molton for the clubs 55th AGM. Members chatted in a convivial atmosphere as glasses were filled and anglers swapped tales.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ed Rands and proceeding duly followed as they have on this February night on the second Tuesday for many years. Ed welcomed guests that included Sam Fenner the new North Devon Fisheries officer and Gordon Murray Chairman of the Taw Fishing Club.
Secretary Roger Bray delivered his report on the 2023 season that brought some good news from the clubs fishing on the River Bray. The forty seven members had recorded close to 270 wild brown trout and 3 sea trout. There were no salmon recorded which is a reflection on fishing across the region.
Riverside walks during the salmon spawning season had revealed very little information as the rivers were bank high as a result of an exceptionally wet Autumn.
River-fly monitoring had been carried out by members with encouraging results that indicated generally good quality water. There was discussion around the potential around gravel washing, gravel raking and limited bank clearing.
Chairman Ed Rands discussed forthcoming club events that would be put in the diary’s during the next meeting.
The club’s officers were elected en-bloc with Roger Bray continuing as Secretary and Treasurer and Ed Rands as Chairman.
Trophies were awarded with Danny Boyles winning the Mac Trophy for a rainbow trout of 3lb 10oz caught at Blakewell during the clubs Christmas competition. The sea Angling trophies were presented to Wayne Thomas for bass and tope caught during the year.
The Chair then introduced Environment Agency Fisheries Officer Sam Fenner to give a talk to members about his work and the broad picture across the region.
Sam talked about his background in fishery and environmental regulation. He has gained considerable experience in an Agricultural advisory role and will be focussing on the Taw catchment. His role also involves fishery enforcement work with rod licence checking and byelaw enforcement. He will also be working with the D & S IFCA fishery officers on areas of dual interest.
Sam highlighted the dramatic decline in salmon numbers across the region with Rivers such as the Taw producing close to 800 salmon in the 1980’s and less than forty in 2023!
Virtually all of Devon and Cornwall’s rivers are at risk in regards to salmon populations. Catch and release is now practiced by virtually all anglers but could soon be made mandatory.
There are glimmers of hope with some Exmoor Rivers showing some reasonable fry counts.
Water quality, Low flows, High water temperature and predation are all factors in salmon decline though general concensus is the that survival at sea is the biggest threat with just 5% of salmon returning to the rivers of their origin.
I will be meeting with Sam in the near future and will discuss the issues with him in greater detail.
The main message from Sam is to report any incidents or pollutions to the Environment Agency via their hotline :-
Another difficult year but it has had its moments , the Kelt run in March was spectacular ,all well repaired fish in the 6lb to 8lb range we had 14 reported in the first 2 days of the season before we asked for restraint and hope at least some make it back!! Also, Several good fish were caught during the year . I saw an old ghillie from the Tweed on TV recently explaining that salmon are called the fish of 10,000 casts .However we do actually have a new member who caught a salmon after just a couple of visits. This goes to show that Anything can happen at Newbridge but as ever “you have to be there”
A member sent an article from very first issue of Trout and Salmon in 1955 saying 100 fish were caught in the Taw Torridge tidal pools that year .They say it was a record and the result of restocking with Scottish fish a few years before. Food for thought.
We’ve had another year of low warm water ,leading to more angling restraint requested, the short spate in august brought a few fish up but the September spate was once again too late for us . Just as the fish started showing we had to stop.
Apart from Salmon ,Where are the sea trout? So, few have been reported even from traditionally prolific beats up river. It does seem that as the fish decline so does the fishing effort which doesn’t help with reported numbers.
We have good news ,as most are aware We have now finished the new club hut. This has been a huge effort by dedicated volunteers and the club are very grateful for it. It’s a lovely peaceful place to rest a while with a companion and watch the river pass by. We intend to have a formal opening on the first day of the season next year and Members will be notified nearer the time. Also, John and Hayden Kenyon led a working party for the installation of steps and a ladder to improve access to the railway swirl pit, now called the Chairman’s steps .They have our thanks for that.
You may not be aware but Earlier in the season our local wildlife trained police officer Lucy Robinson and our local EA bailiff Sam Fenner had a person excluded from our water due to antisocial behaviour connected to Elver poaching. This isn’t an easy process that included a difficult “home visit “and We are very grateful to them for this action. It’s good we have this level of support from our local enforcement officers. They always do as much as they can for us but they are under so many constraints and can only do what they are resourced for. The EA bailiff Sam Fenner also got involved with the cattle encroachment from just above the bridge .After a meeting The estate has now replaced the fencing and that is ongoing. The West Country rivers trust has installed water quality monitors just upriver from us and we’re all interested in any reports from that. Another item of interest is that Adi’s wife ,Caroline Podesta ,is in the citizen scientist project and takes monthly water samples at the bridge ,it all helps to keep the pressure up on abuse of the rivers and the genie is firmly out of the bottle in regard to that. Who does what about it is another matter though! We can but support any campaign we come across . We generally have a negative attitude to these agencies but mostly the people on the ground are on the same page as us and as frustrated as us when it comes to any deployment of resources. Please be patient with them if you have any personal contact, we have to support them too as they are doing their individual best under a lot of pressure .We are encouraged to call in incidents/events at least it will get logged.
As a club We always doing our best to protect and improve The Newbridge beat we’re but always happy for any suggestions. Very exciting news is the club is finalising the purchase of another beat further up river. All details regarding fees and access will be forwarded to all members ,hopefully in time for the coming season.
Club cups were awarded at the recent AGM and this year the committee cup went to Dave Winter for his efforts at Newbridge, Paul Meredith gets the most salmon cup for his 3 good fish, Chay Boggis gets the Bass on the fly cup for his lovely 7lb fish from Clovelly, and I was lucky enough to get the best Salmon 34inches estimated at 13.5lb.
Don Hearn
Newbridge river keeper
Colin Ashby presents Dave Winter with the B&DAA Committee Cup
(Above) Some of this years superb prizes from our sponsors at Sakuma
Combe Martin SAC hope you enjoy this open competition with kind permission of the landowner.
The club is very grateful to local tackle shops and Sakuma for supporting the event.
SAKUMA, , Quay Sports and Braunton Baits.
The prize table for 2023 is the best yet for the Putsborough competition.
The weather this year holds no concern light North East Winds forecast that will be right over our heads.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Met Office
Staying dry with high pressure remaining dominant. Plenty of strong sunshine but some cloud bubbling up at times. Warm days, albeit cool overnight. Breezy along the southern coasts.
Fishing is for single best specimen, with £100 for first place and £50 second plus pick of the prize table and so on. There is an optional £1 pool for the best specimen. There will be prizes for the top fifteen fish!
Small-eyed ray are the principal target and can show up anywhere — so pick your spot.
Sandeel is generally best but fish can be tempted at times with a whole squid or mackerel bait. Bass will show if there is some surf, the obliging dogfish is usually around — along with the odd small turbot, conger, smoothound and occasional blonde ray.
Low water is 00:24am and the best period to fish is usually two hours either side, with the last hour-and-a-half of the ebb and first hour of the flood often proving the most productive. There are some small pits and sandbanks along this beach, so if you can spy one out it might be worth heading for…
For the purpose of this competition two rods and four hooks may be used, with a pennell rig counting as two hooks. Combe Martin Competition size limits apply.
Please leave a space of approximately 20 yards between yourself and the next angler — it’s a large beach!
When you catch a fish, please check it against the sizes overleaf and complete the capture form, before showing it to another competitor and asking them to witness it. [Witnesses: Please also print name so you can be identified if need be!]
Steward’s decision is final. All complaints must be issued in writing to organisers before the scales close.
Please do not bring fish to the scales in water, unless the intention is to release them alive. Each angler is limited to two fish per species, but we would ask you to minimise killing of fish and endeavour to keep only your single best specimen.
Please respect the beach and do not leave litter, discarded line or old tackle behind and do not start fires.
If possible, please ensure your vehicle is parked at the bottom of the car park to the far right.
South Molton Angling Club hold bank clearing sessions generally focussed early in the fishing season. I arrived at the River Bray an hour before the working party were due to meet and wandered down below the bridge with a rod to flick a heavy nymph and a spider pattern into a couple of deeper runs. It’s always interesting to take note of the signs at the water’s edge telling of previous visitors. I noted the likely prints of an otter and a Heron that had enjoyed an early morning fishing session before my arrival.
They would undoubtedly have been far better fishers than I as I smiled at my early season incompetence when I snagged my fly in the river bottom and gave it a tug. The fly came loose and was catapulted into the tree branch above, I then managed to knock my cap off into the river giving it a drenching.
As I walked back to the car and the work party I glimpsed a big brown trout in a deep pool and marked its location down for another day.
I met up with fellow club members and we headed off upriver where we carried out some minor pruning to improve casting access. We also removed several large trees from favoured fishing pools dragging them to the bankside where we hoped they would prevent further bank erosion.
We all headed off to our homes and families after a good mornings work beside the river as signs of spring were bursting forth all round.
Details of South Molton & District Angling Club can be found below :-
The South Molton and District Angling Club was established in 1970 and has 5 miles of fishing on the picturesque River Bray for wild Brown trout. The River Bray is a tributary of the River Mole, which in turn is a tributary of the River Taw. It rises in Exmoor National Park, and our fishing beats are near Brayford on the southern edge of the moor.
We have two main fishing sections:
The first beat is called the Stucley Water, which is approximately three miles long and, for the most part, there is fishing on both banks.
The second beat is the Hunter Water, where again there is fishing on both banks for approximately one mile.
Both beats are very well maintained by way of regular bank clearing sessions, annual redds count, Riverfly inspection, along with Westcountry CSI water quality monitoring. This regular programme of maintenance is conducted by club members, and all members are welcome to join in.
The river is a spate river to a degree but does not stay coloured for very long due to the high water quality coming off Exmoor and not too intensive farming in the catchment. Fishing access for the most part, is easy.
Although some restrictions apply to salmon and sea trout fishing, the sport is usually fishing for wild brown trout, on fly only.
We have a series of six, still water, competition events throughout the year, and our chairman organises sea fishing trips off the coast of North Devon.
As a club, we hold monthly meetings, in the relaxed atmosphere of a local hostelry. Fishing business is discussed and fishing tales exchanged! We also have our yearly, more formal AGM which usually includes a speaker and is followed by a meal.
In the autumn we have our annual dinner to which partners are invited.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, then please email:
The River Torridge fishing community gathered at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash for the AGM of the River Torridge Fishery Association. Pauline and I always enjoy the twice yearly coming together of the membership for the AGM in the Spring and the annual fund raising dinner at the seasons close at the end of September.
The Inn was reassuringly busy as we stepped inside the familiar bar where many members of the association were catching up on all the latest news. After half an hour of rekindling friendships and fostering new ones it was time to head the meeting room for the formal proceedings to begin.
As with many angling clubs the River Torridge Fishery Association’s officers are long standing stalwarts with Secretary and treasurer Charles Inniss and Chairman Paul Ashworth controlling the meeting with an ease born from long experience in their roles.
Thanks to Charles for the below summary:=
“Over 30 members attended the agm on Friday 24th March. The Chairman announced that for personal reasons the North Devon Fishery Protection Officer had been transferred to work nearer his family home. The EA were currently interviewing for a replacement to the vacancy. The EA proposals for the mandatory release of salmon throughout the season had been deferred for twelve months. Members were keen for the hatchery project to continue and several members offered their support. Izzy Moser gave an interesting and informative talk on the work of The Devon Wildlife Trust, particularly the pros and cons of the inevitable spread of beavers into the headwaters of the Torridge catchment. After the meeting The Half Moon provided an excellent buffet.”
I would suggest that any anglers who fish the Torridge join the association and help support sterling efforts to protect the river for future generations. Subscription is just £20 per year. For details visit their website http://www.rivertorridge.org.uk
The report from 2022 was very concerning with the drought conditions resulting in perhaps the worst salmon season in living memory. A total of 15 salmon were landed from the river all of which were returned.
Fortunately, as I write this the rivers are brimming full last summer’s drought seems long ago. However, Roadford Reservoir is still at only 62% and Colliford in Cornwall 47%. In the Spring of 2022 these reservoirs were close to 100%. It doesn’t take a genius to conclude that another drought summer would have serious consequences. There is concern that South West Water would be forced to consider abstracting from the regions rivers an act that would be devastating for the rivers eco systems. Discussion reflected upon the apparent lack of water resource planning with no significant reservoirs constructed since Roadford in 1989. A new reservoir takes many years to come into being with years of consultation, planning and construction my own estimate would be at least 25 years before a new reservoir could be completed. One has to question why with an increasing population and climate change at the top of the agenda this is not happening?
The Associations Hatchery has been an ongoing project that unites the membership. The past few seasons have seen the project stalled by COVID and issues with permissions from the EA ,largely around risk assessments and health and safety concerns. The committee are working hard to progress with significant help and expertise from within the angling community many of whom bring skills from their roles within society.
Torridge members at the Hatchery pre COVID
The decline in salmon and sea trout stocks is alarming and many feel that the hatcheries are the only hope for slowing this decline. The EA hatchery at Colliford is to be an integral part of the future plans to rear ova to swim up fry stage. This hatchery has the facilities to enable essential temperature control a major problem for salmonoids as global warming takes a hold.
It is of course essential that the habitat into which these future salmon are stocked is suitable. The Torridge faces many challenges with intensive farming resulting in pollution from sediment and nutrients and sewage discharge resulting in further issues with phosphate levels that promote algal growth.
The Torridge River Association are working closely with the Devon Wildlife Trust and the West Country Rivers Trust to seek solutions to many of the issues. Guest speaker Izzy Moser delivered an inspiring illustrated talk on projects to restore the river and the environment. These include slow the flow initiatives like leaky dams, meandering river courses, gravel introduction and creation of wild flower meadows and wetlands. The introduction of beavers was discussed with some concerns about their impact on fish migration and woodland.
There was considerable interest in Citizen Science Monitoring to flag up any pollution incidents and to assess the ongoing health of the river. River Fly Monitoring has also proven to be a valuable tool in tracking keystone species. Data gathering is essential in tracking success in any projects in our rivers.
Invasive species are an ongoing concern with signal crayfish reported from several locations along the Torridge. Any sightings should be reported to the Devon Wildlife Trust.
A good news story on the Torridge is the healthy population of wild brown trout that were caught in good numbers last season with wild fish to over 4lb caught and released. Dry fly tactics also resulted in several good sea trout. With dwindling salmon numbers many feel that the future of the rivers angling very much lies with trout fishing that I hope to promote over the coming season.
Wistlandpound Fly Fishing Club was formed back in the 1970’s and its members enjoyed fishing the venues from which it takes it name. With the changes in Wistlandpound stocking over the years the club has now adapted and enjoys visiting trout fishing venues across the South West.
Members assembled on February 23rd at the Ye Old Globe Inn, Berrynarbor. Top of the agenda was the calendar of events for the coming year.
The events were discussed and dates set up with all members looking forward to getting together at the water’s edge for a bit of friendly competition.
The club welcomes new members of all ages and abilities. Membership is just £10 per year. Contact club secretary David Richards for details:-
Bideford and District Angling Clubs annual presentation night was held at the Conservative Club where members enjoyed an evening filled with good humoured banter and a celebration of a succesful years angling.
A big well done to all the winners of 2022 who have all been recognised and celebrated at the clubs annual presentation night. Guests Wayne Thomas, Simon McCarthy, and Chris Connaughton for presented the trophies and awards.
I joined fifteen members of South Molton and District Angling Club at the Coaching Inn South Molton for their AGM. As always the event ran smoothly thanks to the sterling work undertaken by the club’s officers. Club Chairman Eddie Rands and Secretary/Treasurer Roger Bray gave their reports to the membership reflecting upon a year plagued by low water levels. The environment and river health were top of the agenda throughout with grave concerns regarding pollution from agriculture and South West Waters numerous sewage treatment works.
South Molton Club is a small friendly club that welcomes new members at a very reasonable cost offering superb wild brown trout fishing on five miles of the river Bray. The club also organise forays to the coast with both boat and shore fishing events.
https://www.southmoltonanglingclub.co.uk
(Below) The cup winners for 2022.
From left to right
Richard Power 30lb tope, Wayne Thomas bass just under 10lb,Steve Bendle 5lb rainbow and Steve Edmonds 7lb pollack.
After the meeting I was priveleged to deliver a talk on my fishing and the variuos paths it has taken me on.
South Molton & District Angling Club carried out Riverfly and CSI monitoring sessions at Brayley Bridge and Brayford Bridge on Sunday the 21st of August included our chairman Ed Rands, Steve Bendle (Riverfly), Roger Bray (CSI), and club member Mike Coulson.
However, CSI results for both locations were excellent despite the low water levels. Riverfly count for Brayley Bridge results was a little low but the count at Brayford was more encouraging despite the water level being a little low.
1st Tony Gussin – Ballan wrasse 4lb 0 1/2oz 89.582%
2nd Stephen Found – thick-lipped mullet 3lb 2oz 78.125%
3rd Tony Gussin -Ballan wrasse 3lb 3oz 70.832%
11 people fished Appledore Shipbuilders August rover. “Lots may think that fishing at this time of year is easy but many will know that it’s always a tricky month. Several anglers reported fishing more than one mark to try and locate a fish eligible to be weighed in over 60%”
Winning today was Andrew Atkinson who caught a nice Ballan Wrasse of 4lb 6 3/4 ozs. Josh Atkinson was second with a Smoothound of 8lb 6ozs. Andrew also secured 3rd with a Bull Huss of 7lb 2ozs.
If you follow my writings over several years you will have read my ramblings regarding the Barnstaple & District Angling Clubs hut situated beside the river at Newbridge. During what was perhaps the clubs heyday this fishing hut provided a welcome meeting point where members could meet and socialise as the river glided slowly past. The river then was thriving with salmon and sea trout and the club was also thriving in unison with the healthy river.
As catches dwindled a generation of anglers drifted away from the river and the hut sadly fell into disrepair. In recent seasons the club has seen an influx of enthusiasm and just maybe some sentiment from my writings stirred a will to resurrect the hut. I have spoken with the clubs river keeper Don Hearn on several occasions and was delighted to hear that the hut is to be restored.
It was very sad to recently receive news from Don via an email that vandals have visited the hut setting fire to the old bench and wood saved to help in the restructure.
Don asked if I could highlight the issue in the hope that police could be informed to help with their enquiries.
My initial reaction at hearing this was anger; but as I thought more it was sadness that replaced the anger. The world is sadly full of angry and intolerant people. Anger is contagious hitting out in anger and frustration just extends the problem. I have to ask what is gained by vandalising and inflicting damage to the dreams and efforts of others?
I look forward to enjoying the new club hut with fellow members. There are still a few salmon in the river and we can only hope that efforts to curb pollution and the many other issues that face the river eventually bring rewards. I hope to write a full article on the huts history and its resurrection in due course.
Matt Cross has set a new lake record for Bideford Clubs Karens Lake banking a fine common carp scaling 23lb 8oz. The fish was part of a five fish haul.
South Molton Angling Club held their AGM at The Coaching Inn South Molton on April 12th. There was a good attendance with the Environment at the forefront of discussions. The local Environment Agency Fisheries Officer Callum Underhill gave a brief outline of the vital work undertaken by the EA across the region. Good news is that two Agricultural EA Officers are being recruited to focus on the issues surrounding agriculture and its impact on the regions rivers. He also reported on a successful operation to target illegal netting last year in the local estuary with cooperation between EA officers, IFCA and the police.
The clubs members have undertaken citizen Science studies in the local rivers including water quality monitoring, River Fly Surveys, gravel washing, redd counts and river clearing.
The clubs trophies were presented with:-
Steve Bendall winning the Mac Trophy for the biggest trout with a fine rainbow from Wimbleball weighing 6lb.
The Tope Cup was won by Matt Brady with a tope of 30lb.
The best specimen was won by Ed Rands with a cuckoo wrasse of 1lb 8oz.
The Bass Trophy was awarded to Wayne Thomas
Mike Moser gave a fascinating presentation on Nature Recovery in the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere.
Mike highlighted the many issues that face the rivers and watercourses within North Devon all of which flow into local coastal waters. He highlighted what we can do as individuals and how local businesses and organisations are collaborating towards a recovery for nature following many years of miss-management.
The decline of salmon and other fish throughout Devon was discussed at length with members sharing many memories of days when fish were more abundant. The loss of habitat for breeding bird populations and mammals was also highlighted.
Mike outlined the many benefits linked to the reintroduction of beavers in South West Rivers.
The clubs chairman Edward Rands would like to thank all those who attended the 53rd AGM last Tuesday at the Coaching Inn who provided us with excellent facilities and food.
Edd opened the meeting at 7.30 pm and gave a very comprehensive re’sume’ of our 2021 season which included all the hard work carried out by members attending bank clearing, redds counting, the Riverfly checks, and the introduction of the Citizen Science program being carried out by himself and the secretary.
The treasurer’s report included the current healthy bank balance but he is concerned about the lowly number of paid-up members for 2022 so far. The resumption of some more normal post covid activities could put pressure on our funds for 2022. The only other expense will be the new website being released shortly.
Our chairman Edd invited Calum Underhill who is our new EA bailiff and gave a short talk and report. This was followed by a very interesting talk given by Mike Moser who is the chairman of the Nature Biosphere Improvement Group.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm.
A CREEPING DEATH
On a personal note I visited the Lower River Taw the morning after the meeting to cast a line in hope of salmon. The river was running low and clear and it was alarming to note how slippery the rocks have become so early in the season. A layer of algae and weed smothers the river bed undoubtedly a result of high nutrient levels in the water. It is sad to observe the decline in the river over the past forty years. I remember fondly how a visit to the river thirty or forty years ago would almost always result in the sighting of a salmon or sea trout leaping from the water.
The decline of salmon and sea trout during my own lifetime has been alarming and if it continues these iconic and once prolific fish could be extinct within twenty years. The reasons for this decline are as I often state complex. Agricultural practices and sewage discharges are undoubtedly a major factor in the decline of the rivers health. Many in the general population fail to appreciate the devastating impacts of intensive dairy farming. Investment is needed to eradicate pollution and improve farming practices. A buffer zone should be implemented beside rivers to create a wildlife corridor boosting biodiversity.
Cows grazing contentedly beside river at what cost to the rivers?
On a positive note it was heartening to catch several silver smolt during my short session and to observe good numbers of fry in the margins. If action is taken rivers can return to health in a relatively short time.
As I walked back from the river I noted the discarded junk lying throughout the river. A Childs buggy, an old piece of carpet and a vast array of other relics illustrating a total lack of respect for the rivers that are at the heart of the land in which we live.
Barnstaple & District Angling Association held their AGM on line consulting the membership via email. The club Chairman John Webber reported on a very successful year with positive developments on the upkeep of the waters on the Lower Taw and at South Aller. The club launched it new website last Tuesday evening that will provide a valuable working link to the membership. http://www.barnstapledistrictangling.co.uk
The B&DAA formed in 1941 is one of North Devon’s longest running clubs and it is good to see that it is thriving thanks to the dedication of its long running committee. The club gave special thanks to Colin Ashby who has been membership secretary for at least 25years. Don Hearn and Alan Jump also deserve credit for the work that they have undertaken on the club waters.
Many Thanks to Martin Turner for an excellent round up of this years Bideford Matches.
Our match calendar was, once again, interrupted by the continuing Covid restrictions. October’s 2020 match was our last competition at Tarka for the year, fortunately we were able to resume running regular monthly matches in May of this year. A fantastic attendance of 23, almost a full house, met up to once again compete on George’s Lake. Paul Elworthy had almost 30lbs to win the day, which reassured us that the measures taken to protect our fish stocks had been successful. With Covid procedures in place we were again in a position to begin our Wednesday evening competitions. Kevin Shears set the early pace winning with a bag of 20lbs mainly Skimmers. After 4 matches new member Steve Johnson and ex-Bude member Nathan Underwood were forging ahead in the league. The matches were mainly dominated by Bream, Tench and smaller Carp, 30lb plus needed to win most weeks. Halfway through the evening league Steve had withdrawn due to family illness, Nathan continued to score well. Mike Snudden using a chopped worm approach managed to put some good bags together and 3 consecutive wins, the best 54lbs 2oz in 3 hours! We averaged 18 attendants which was great, and the weather was fantastic allowing us to weigh in almost all 10 matches without head lamps. 26 different anglers fished throughout the league; the final scores were: first overall Nathan Underwood with 115 points; second Martin Turner 102 points and third Kevin Shears 91 points. Our last evening event was our pairs match drawn top to bottom from the final league. Kevin Shears and Craig Lamey 52lbs 2.5oz were the winners on the night; second were Anthony Bentley and Tyler Scott with 45lb 2oz.
We were once again able to fish our inter-club match against Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Club, our team travelled to their water at Cadover Lakes, a very deep ex-clay pit on Dartmoor. It proved tricky and we came away with a narrow lead 34lb to 29lb. We welcomed the Plymouth lads back for the return leg at Tarka; 2 teams of 12 fished. Led by Kevin Shears, 37lb top individual, we won the day with a whooping 230lb to PDCAC’s 63lb.The other team event was held at Stafford Moor, where we took a battering from North Devon Match Group Pros.
Bideford and District Angling Club’s aims and objectives are (from memory) ‘to promote and foster angling in the area’; with this in mind we ran some Junior events this summer. By running these as small matches I had hoped to be able to introduce new youngsters to our sport and to encourage those that already compete regularly. Saturday afternoons saw some excited youngsters eager to catch some fish, the over 14’s group was a very close-run affair this year with Thomas Scott edging out his older brother on weight count-back over 4 matches. Under 14’s section was won by 8-year-old Charlie Hedden closely followed by Brodie Allin. We must thank Thomas Downing for securing 2 magnificent boxes of goodies from his sponsor Bait-Tech, Summerland tackle for their generous support with prizes and Mervyn Beale for supplying the engraved medals.
As our monthly senior competitions continued to attract 20+ anglers the catches began to be dominated more by Carp, although Skimmers, Bream, Roach, Tench and Crucians always featured in the nets.
Currently, with 2 matches remaining, Kevin Shears and Nathan Underwood are tied for the lead with 77 points. Les Polden third on 59 points and a late run of 2 wins, has pushed Steve Craker up to fourth with 51 points.
As I write the ropes are being placed across the lake to protect our stock from cormorant attack throughout the winter months. Pegs will therefore be limited but I hope to be able to run the remaining matches on Tarka.
In conclusion the lake has fished exceptionally well this year, with great attendances and excellent bags being brought to the scales. All species seem to be thriving, particularly the Tench and Crucians. Hopefully if we can remain vigilant over the winter period we can look forward to a bumper, FULL season next year.
Obviously, I cannot conclude my report without expressing my thanks to Steve Bailey and all those who have made it possible for us to fish at Tarka. Personally, I would like to say how sorry I am to hear that Steve has decided to stand down from the role that he has held for many years. He will be sorely missed.
Young Luke McCarthy’s mum and dad Heather & Simon from Summerlands Tackle are very proud of young Luke who baited up, cast out and landed, by himself, his very first carp, 15lb 14oz!
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WHAT A 18 MONTHS… I think we can all say thank goodness for fishing and friends So it seems only fitting that as we enter the “new normal” it only feels right to recognise how far we have all come and how well we have all done and to also give back to a charity just down the road from the shop that literally didn’t stop at all through the pandemic Thank you for all your support, the shop is jam packed FULL of stock and summer ready for you
(Above)Tarka Swims – General Coarse Lake – Bream, carp, tench, perch and roach.
Bideford Club was founded in the early sixties and is one of North Devons’s largest and most successful clubs with a multi discipline membership. The club runs two lakes for the use of members and has done a great deal to promote angling for local juniors.
The clubs lakes are disabled friendly, with all platforms being accessible.They are currently in the process of replacing existing platforms, with specific wheelchair friendly ones as recommended by the British disabled Angling association, who have accredited our site.
They run regular Coarse, Sea and Game fishing competitions.
Membership can be obtained by contacting Pete Skinner :- [email protected]
or by calling into Summerlands Tackle or Anglers Heaven.
2020 season. These must be paid before fishing TARKA swims or entering club run competitions.
Juniors Under 12. Free
Juniors. 12—18. £5 Sea , game competitions £10
Concessions 65+. £5 TARKA new members. £55 Concessions 65+.
TFFC was formed in 1959 & controls the fishing at Gammaton Reservoirs near Bideford.
The reservoirs are two lakes each being about 4 acres .They are set in a very picturesque location with views stretching to Bideford bay.
The lakes are predominantly stocked with rainbow trout although there are a few resident browns. The fish are fed for a week or so after stocking but then feed naturally on the abundant wild food in the lakes.There are plans to stock some more,
brownies as well as spartics , cheetahs & blues in September to add variety to the fishing.
Annual membership is limited to 40 anglers & costs £175. Members can catch up to six fish a week which can be taken or released.
Day tickets are £20 for 3 fish & are available from Summerlands in Westward Ho! Or Tarka Outdoor Pursuits in Torrington.
Lower Gammaton Treasurer, Jim White
Secretary/ Membership Secretary , Mike Ball 07899 742757 , [email protected]
Chairman & Facebook coordinator , Robert Chugg, 07491 931003, [email protected]
Treasurer, Jim White, 07843 628381, [email protected]
Barnstaple & District Angling Club is one of North Devon oldest clubs and has a rich history stretching back to its formation in 1941. The club is now primarily and a Coarse and Game Fishing Club with a beat on the Lower Taw just above the tide and an old quarry lake near South Molton. Details below.
The club owns on the river Taw near three miles of fishing on the left hand bank (looking downstream) ending at the disused Old Iron railway bridge and 500 yards of the right hand bank ending at what is known as Big Pit.
The beat commencing at Newbridge where the road crosses the river on the A 377, a mile or so past the village of Bishop’s Tawton towards Crediton. Post code. EX32 0EW
River is known for it’s game fishing, salmon , sea trout & brown trout although coarse anglers could find roach, dace and eels which have been recorded in the past.
The Clubs water at Newbridge
South Aller Pond, is our coarse fishery.
South Aller Pond
Club has stocked pond over the years and it contains carp, tench, bream, roach, rudd, perch, eels & silver fish.
Membership of club is £50 for seniors and Juniors £15 which allows members to fish both venues.
More history of B&DAA can be found in my book available from “The Little Egret Press”.
History of the club
John Webber sent me a few details relating to the clubs long history and some of its founder members.
Details of reforming the club attached July 15th 1941.
I know of two original members
Dr. Harper, the President was a well know GP in Barnstaple. His surgery was opposite which is now the goods entrance into Green Lanes shopping area, Boutport Street.
The Harper Ward at the ND Hospital was named after him.
Dr. Harper had a hut below my house where he came to relax and fish on the Yeo. The family still own the wood and right hand bank fishing here at Snapper. His wife, also an avid dry fly fisher woman, wrote a record of his life in the privately printed book ‘Dr. Richard Harper of Barnstaple’ which records his life story and includes his efforts for the health and well being of the poor of the town.
The Chairman was H.S. Joyce. Author of several fishing books, such as ‘By Field and Stream’, ‘ Holiday Trout Fishing’,
‘By Field & Stream’ and ‘A Trout Anglers Notebook’ plus many articles in periodicals of the day ‘ Game & Gun’, ‘The Fishing Gazette ‘
and ‘Angling’
His son Peter was my next door neighbor here in at Snapper for many years and lent me his father’s notes written on the back of wall paper due to paper shortages in the war years
Harry I understood moved to Dorset and lived in a mill called the ‘White House’, which was left to the National Trust when he died and all his original books were then bound in leather and gifted to them by his late grand-daughter Judith.
The forward to H. S .Joyces book Holiday Trout Fishing
Wayne Thomas
Chairman & Competition Secretary & Fish Recorder & Facebook contact
The Shippen
Loxhore Cott
Nr Barnstaple
North Devon
EX31 4ST
Tel: 01271 850586 Email: [email protected]
Nick Phillips
Secretary & Treasurer
2 Sharlands Lane
Braunton
N Devon
EX33 1AY
Tel: 01271 814703 Email:[email protected]
Jack Phillips
Webmaster
2 Sharlands Lane
Braunton
N Devon
EX33 1AY
Tel: 01271 814703 Email: [email protected]
The Combe Martin Sea Angling Club was in 1962. Whilst over the years has never really developed into a large Club, it has always had a hardcore of dedicated anglers who have contributed to the Club in their own individual way. Be it a member who is so enthusiastic for the sport, members who are not really into competition fishing and members who put time and effort into administration necessary to run any organization. Over the years all personal aspects have contributed to a Club well known throughout the south west for it’s solid and reliable longevity.
The Club now holds it’s meetings and weigh-ins at The Cricket Club, Braunton.
Competitions are held every month throughout the year. The Club also organises occasional outings, both shore and boat. Also holds a Presentation Night in February which is very well received and normally a slide show is put together at our AGM. A newsletter is distributed to members two or three times a year with a “news brief” following the Club’s AGM. E-newsletters are now also mailed to members only. These are then available to download with all manner of specimen and minimum size lists, rules, calendar, etc.
Dear Members,
The River Torridge fishing community gathered at the Half Moon Inn at Sheepwash for the AGM of the River Torridge Fishery Association. Pauline and I always enjoy the twice yearly coming together of the membership for the AGM in the Spring and the annual fund raising dinner at the seasons close at the end of September.
If you follow my writings over several years you will have read my ramblings regarding the Barnstaple & District Angling Clubs hut situated beside the river at Newbridge. During what was perhaps the clubs heyday this fishing hut provided a welcome meeting point where members could meet and socialise as the river glided slowly past. The river then was thriving with salmon and sea trout and the club was also thriving in unison with the healthy river.
Summer Competition Time
