9 Feb 2026

ANGLING REPORT – February 9th 2026

by | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Carp Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

ANGLING REPORT

RICHARD DENNIS SECURES DOUBLE MATCH VICTORIES

Richard Dennis won Bideford and District Angling Clubs latest match on their home water Tarka Swims with a bag of 31lb 4oz. Martin Turner was runner up with 25lb 8oz and Paul Elworthy third with 20lb 12oz. Pole tactics proved most successful with members catching carp, silvers and tench.

Richard’s success came close on the heals of victory at Stafford Moors Open match on the Saturday when he clinched top spot with an impressive 153lb 5oz.

            Hard to believe but its just over two weeks before the start of a new salmon fishing season on North Devon’s rivers and there should be plenty of water in the river systems ensuring that the winters kelt’s have descended to the sea. Whilst the salmon fishing scene is plagued by the all too real stories of their decline anglers are eternally optimistic and there will those who take a rod to the water and try for that elusive springer one of angling’s greatest prizes. The fresh air and warming sun will certainly lift the spirits on those daffodil lined river banks.

On Sunday, February 22nd South West Lakes Trust host their popular Fly Fair at Roadford Lake. The event is always well attended as a curtain raiser for the coming trout and salmon season. There will be casting demonstrations and talks from top anglers and organisations including Charles Jardine, World Champion Fly caster Hywel Morgan and Shaun Leonard, Director of the Wild Trout Trust. South West Lakes Trust’s Head of Fisheries, Leon Fisher, said: “This year’s Fly Fair is set to be an amazing event with lots of activities on offer for the whole family. We have some fantastic guests lined up with world class knowledge of the sport. Attendees are in for a real show, whether you are an experienced fly angler or you are just starting out”.

I won Combe Martin SAC’s winter rover with a thick lipped grey mullet scaling 3lb 5oz. Kevin Legge was runner up with a conger of 16lb. Members caught conger, dogfish, rockling and bull huss.

Anglers are on the front line in witnessing the changes brought by climate change. It seems that frogs are spawning far earlier with spawn seen across the Westcountry from mid-January. Spring Flowers are also abundant with many daffodils and primroses already in bloom. The relentless rain is swelling rivers and will undoubtedly impact upon salmon and trout spawning areas.

Carp anglers are perhaps reaping the benefits of a warmer climate as carp continue to feed all year and pack on the pounds reaching weights that would have seemed incredible just a few decades ago.

It is perhaps at sea that the greatest impacts are being seen as fish populations fluctuate. During the winter months cod once considered the main quarry of sea anglers have all but disappeared with hardly any reported from the Bristol Channel this winter. Bass are now being caught on a regular basis from our estuaries throughout the year. Grey mullet once deemed a fish of the warmer months are now caught by enthusiasts fishing in the depths of winter.

The influx of tuna, bonito and gilthead during Summer and Autumn months are also cited as being the result of climate change. In truth nature is complex and only time and scientific data will bring greater clarity. As anglers we can explore exciting possibilities and adapt our tactics to exploit these new opportunities.

12 Jan 2026

ANGLING REPORT – January 12th 2026

by | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

ANGLING REPORT

Flounder Season Conclusion

Barnstaple Bait and Tackles New Year flounder bash concluded the flattie season with several good flounder brought to the scales at Flukey’s Bar.  Tyler Short caught the winning fish of 1lb 8.25oz. Kevin Hancock was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 8oz and Shane Murch third with a flattie of 1lb 5oz. A. J. Connaughton was top junior with a flounder of 1lb 5oz. Tyler Gammon runner up Junior with a flounder of 1lb 3oz and Josh Varbey third with a 1lb 2oz flounder. The series of flounder competitions held over the Autumn and Winter months by Barnstaple Bait and Tackle and David Jenkin’s have proved extremely popular with good numbers of Juniors catching their first fish. David and Barnstaple Bait and Tackle look forward to organising more events next season.

Bideford Angling Clubs end of season sea competition saw Dale Kiff secure the top two places with a spurdog and 10lb 3oz and a bull huss of 8lb 14oz.

Josh Atkinson secured the top three places in Appledore Shipbuilders January Rover with a brace of  pouting weighing 1lb 1.5oz and 13.75oz along with a dogfish of 1lb 13.25oz. Competitors caught bull huss, whiting, conger, rockling and codling.

Bideford Angling Clubs January Coarse Match at their home venue Tarka Swims was won by Nathan Underwood with 23lb 11oz. Kevin Shears was runner up with 19lb 4oz and Paul Elworthy third with 5lb 9oz.

Winter trout fishing is thriving at Bulldog Fishery where consistent sport is being enjoyed by visiting anglers. Highlight of New Year catches was a fine double figure brown trout caught by Garth Fuchs. The fishery are holding an Open Competition on February 1st contact the fishery to book as spaces are limited.

There are numerous dates for the diary over the coming months as we move towards Spring. The popular South West Fly Fair is to be held at Roadford Reservoir on Sunday February 22nd. Charles Jardine will once again be the guest of honour as fly Fishing enthusiasts from across the West Country gather in anticipation at the dawning of a new season.

Trout and Salmon magazine is now under the editorship of Pete Tyjas whose home water is the River Taw. A gathering to celebrate the start of a new season is presented by Trout and Salmon magazine is to be held at the Fox and Hounds between Friday March 27th and the 29th. The event has a full program of speakers, demonstrations and exhibitors together with food, drink and the opportunity to mingle with fellow anglers and their families. Contact the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel for full details.

12 Dec 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – December 11th 2025

by | posted in: Carp Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

ANGLING REPORT

Sixty Pound Carp from Paradise

Jay Harper has banked what is believed to be the first carp over 60lb to be caught from Devon or Cornwall. The huge carp was tempted from Anglers Paradise’s Nirvana Syndicate Lake and tipped the scales at a fraction over 60lb. The fish was weighed and verified by fishery manager Joe Drury and sets the bar for anglers fishing the venue over the coming months. The carp was caught less than a month ago at a weight of 59lb 2oz and was believed to be Devon’s largest carp. Carp are very often at their top weights throughout the winter months and with  a seemingly milder climate expectations are that potential weights for carp and other fish will climb over the coming years.

Anglers Paradisehttp://www.anglers-paradise.co.uk

When I started fishing for carp back in the early 1980’s Winter fishing for the species was still looked upon as pioneering with the fish still regarded as a fish of the summer months. A combination of climate change and significant improvements in weather resistant bivvy’s and warm and waterproof clothing has revolutionised the sport. Anglers can now camp out in the wildest of weather with little discomfort. Modern effective self-hooking rigs mean that anglers can wait in comfort only dashing out when the bite alarm signals.

A group of eight anglers from Plymouth enjoyed their Christmas Social event at Bulldog Fishery banking two carp over thirty pounds and ten over twenty pounds. Such a catch from this sometimes tricky venue during early December highlights just how productive winter carp fishing can be.

Combe Martin SAC’s Christmas Rover was won by David Brooke with a bass of 5lb 13oz. Kevin Legge was runner up with a smoothound of 6lb 15oz and myself third with a bull huss of 6lb 3oz. Members caught dogfish, spurdog and conger.

Michael Hammett secured top spot in Appledore Shipbuilders monthly Rover with a bull huss of 9lb 9.5oz. Josh Atkinson was second with a huss of 8lb 3oz and Chris Slade third with a huss of 8lb 2oz.

North Devon Match Group fished their latest Match at Stafford Moor where members combatted challenging conditions with strong winds and heavy rain. Paul Morris won the Willow Lake section with 89lb 7oz with Warren Thornton runner up with 69lb 7oz. Tom Downing won the Oak lake section with 62lb 10oz with Dave Wood taking runner up spot with 55lb 2oz.

 

South Molton Angling Club fished their latest Mac Trophy Competition at Bulldog Fishery where Edward Rands was first to bag up with six fish by 9:30am including the biggest fish for the day a fine brown trout of 4lb 8oz. Breakfast was served up at 10:00am by which time some members had already enjoyed excellent sport.

 

 

4 Dec 2025

ANGLING REPORT – December 4th – 2025

by | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Casting around North Devon, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Lure Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

ANGLERS RAISE OVER £1200 FOR

CHILDRENS HOSPICE SOUTH WEST

The flounder fishing season is in full swing with last weekend’s BBT Dan Miles Redmore Open attracting over one hundred competitors who raised over £1200 for Children’s Hospice South West. The competition was won by Mario Manley with a fine flounder of 1lb 15oz. David Atkinson was runner up with a flounder of 1lb 14oz and David Jenkins third with a flounder of 1lb 10.5oz. The best brace was caught by David Atkinson with two for 3lb. olive Atkinson was top junior with a flounder of 1lb 5oz with AJ Woodger runner up with a flounder of 1lb 4.5oz.

Bulldog Fisheries November Trout Fishing Competition was won by Ian Conabear with six rainbow trout for a total bag weight of 15lb. Aiden Revie was runner up with six for 14lb 15oz and Nick Tamlin fourth with six for 14lb. The biggest fish of the day was a fine tiger trout of 6lb 14oz to Aiden Revie.

 

Bulldogs monthly trout competitions are very much a social occasion with plenty of coffee, biscuits, bacon rolls to start the day with burgers and chips for midday lunch. The events are limited to twelve anglers and generally sell out quickly. Novembers competition was blessed with sunshine and light winds which may not have been ideal for the trout but were certainly perfect for the competitors.

Bideford Angling Clubs latest Rod and Reel Match on their home water Tarka swims was won by Colin O Hagan with 39lb 2oz. Runner up was Ian Sedgewick with 24lb 9oz and third Keith Copland with 23lb 15oz.

Anglers Paradises Lure Fishing weekend was hotly contested with a wide range of species tempted from the complex. Sixteen year old Harrison Woodham was the weekends champion landing seven different species including pike, rudd, common carp, mirror carp, perch, brown trout and rainbow trout. Runner up was Scott Way with five species. The biggest pike of the weekend was caught by Nikki Williams and measured 89cm. The biggest perch of 35cm was caught by Matthew Colegate. Nat Worsfold banked the biggest catfish at 78cm.  Thomas Wilson caught the first chub to be tempted during the lure fishing competition. Fox Rage were the winning team with nine species. The event was generously sponsored by Capital Angling, Rapala, Fortis Eyewear, Fox Rage, Okuma Europe, Devon Baits and Okuma Freshwater UK.

Anglers Paradisehttp://www.anglers-paradise.co.uk
1 Dec 2025

A Danglers Diary – November 2025

by | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

November can be a great month for angling full of opportunity. But as is often the case these days I struggle to get out to the waters edge as often as I would like.

Late afternoon flooding tide.

Mullet fishing in late Autumn and at night would once have been unthinkable.

Not that mullet always take the bait.

A big Spring tide and a full moon casts its light across Lynmouth Bay. Its sights like these that make it worth getting out there.

Out with Kevin and the big rods… dogfish, small conger and hopefully one of those nights something better…

An afternoon on the rocks where once there were cod…..

A trout competition at Bulldog Fishery to end the month….

BULLDOG FISHERIES – NOVEMBER COMPETITION

 

27 Nov 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – November 27th 2025

by | posted in: Articles, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

WINTER ANGLING

            As we head into Winter dedicated sea anglers will be targeting the big fish that prowl the varied shoreline of North Devon. On the open coast late November would once have signalled the start of the cod fishing season when anglers would jostle for position at favoured marks. The cod have sadly departed becoming a rare sight in the Bristol Channel. The number of anglers fishing the open coast has also plummeted and many sea angling clubs are in terminal decline. This decline is not entirely linked to fish but more to other factors that impact our lives. Social behaviours have undoubtedly changed since the Covid pandemic and anglers have to some extent become more insular and solitary in their pursuit of fish. The cost of living has also had a significant impact as families struggle to make ends meet.

            Whilst fish populations fluctuate and I mention the decline of cod in our region all is not bad news. Bass are now present in our waters all year and other species seem to be more prolific. Ray, smoothound, spurdog, tope and bull huss seem to be more abundant and dogfish seem to be present in plague proportions. Whiting and pouting populations seem to have crashed compared to thirty years ago which is a mystery as these fish are not targeted commercially. It could be that bottom trawling is having an impact on these fish that has not been documented.

            Safety is paramount when fishing North Devon’s remote and rugged shoreline and a few words of advice at this time seems appropriate. Key points I would suggest are an awareness of tidal state, weather and sea conditions. Sensible clothing and footwear. Consider a floatation device. Always let someone know where you are intending to fish and expected time of return. Carry a mobile phone and keep it safe and dry and use What-three words to communicate your location.

            Dale Kiff won Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour rover with a bass of 6lb 14oz. Runner up was Stephen Found with a spotted ray of 3lb 11oz.

The flounder fishing season is in full swing now and many will be fishing the estuary with numerous competitions being staged this Sunday including the Barnstaple Bait & Tackle Dan Miles Redmore Memorial. The competition starts at 8.00am and concludes at 1.30pm with the weigh in at the Ebberley Arms at 2.00pm. Entry forms at Barnstaple Bait and Tackle all proceeds go to Children’s Hospice South West.

Barnstaple & District Angling Association’s AGM was held at the Ebberley Arms on November 18th and a large proportion of the clubs membership were in attendance. The meeting commenced with an informative presentation from Hannah Parvin of the West Country Rivers Trust. Hannah outlined the challenges facing the rivers of the South West and in particular the Teign – Taw Fishery Management plan. Hannah outlined the work being done working with the farming community to reduce harmful impact on rivers from slurry and sediment. Adjustments to practices can have a very positive impact on the health of rivers with cost benefits from reduced lost soil and longer term sustainability. The main focus on the River Teign catchment is on removing migration blockers such as weirs. Hannah highlighted results of recent fish fry surveys with some good news amongst the data showing good numbers of salmon fry across some areas of the Taw catchment.

The Taw eDNA study is ongoing and it is hoped that results from this year’s sampling carried out by anglers trained during the summer will soon be released. In recent seasons anglers have reported significant numbers of shad caught whilst fishing for trout and salmon. The presence of a breeding population of shad could bring significant funding that will in turn benefit salmonid populations.

The 2025 salmon fishing season was hampered by low water levels and high temperatures. The last month of the season brought an encouraging number of salmon caught by anglers fishing the Lower beats above the club water. Close to forty salmon were caught between Newbridge and Umberleigh with only a handful of fish caught from higher beats despite good water in the closing weeks. Most of the fish caught were believed to have been in the river for some time and had become active with a rise in water levels and oxygen.  The club has resurrected several of its old trophies and three trophies were presented on the night. Dave Winter was awarded the bass on the fly trophy for a bass reported at 8lb in Trout & Salmon magazine. The fine bass was tempted over a mile above the tidal limit. Scott Bowden received the Salmon Trophy and Nick McMurtrie was awarded the committee Cup for his sterling and meticulous work as club archivist.

The evening was an enjoyable social occasion that brought its membership together with a very positive vibe despite the challenges that face our rivers. An auction of fishing books and memorabilia was held at the end of the meeting with proceeds going to the Air Ambulance.

 

14 Nov 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – November 13th 2025

by | posted in: Articles, Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Devon’s Largest Carp

Clint Miller has caught what is believed to be Devon’s largest carp from Angler’s Paradise’s Nirvana Syndicate. The carp known as Silverback weighed an impressive 59lb 2oz and is Clint’s second carp of over 50lb from the lake. A fishery source says, “As a fishery, we are very proud of what we are achieving across the whole site. The project will always be ongoing, but we will continue to strive to be one of the best fisheries in the country.

2026 will be another big year for Anglers Paradise, with plans to develop more lakes to offer outstanding fishing for all. The Nirvana Syndicate is a small piece of a big puzzle, it is meeting all expectations. We expect two 60s by the end of next year. It really is the lake of dreams!
Anglers Paradise
            The exceptionally mild weather so far this Autumn has resulted in ideal conditions for carp anglers across the region with good fish banked from many venues. At this time of year carp are often at their peak weight as they feed hard prior to the onset of colder weather. In the past fifty years the waters containing carp over thirty pounds have expanded with anglers expectations ever higher. The higher weights of carp is probably a result of a combination of a warmer climate, anglers quality baits and selective breeding. It will be fascinating to follow the growth rate of carp across the decades to see if this trend continues.

 

As we move closer to Christmas the angling competition fixture list starts to get congested as clubs and organisations hold their annual festive events. In the coming weeks Flounder anglers will be vying for success in the Taw and Torridge Estuaries. On November 30th The BBT Dan Mile Redmore Memorial Competition offers a wide selection of prizes with proceeds from the competition going to Children’s Hospice South West. Entry forms are available at Barnstaple Bait and Tackle.

Bideford Angling Club hold their popular Christmas Flounder Competition on December 14th.

Martin Turner won Bideford Angling Clubs Monthly Coarse Match at their home venue Tarka Swims with 29lb 12oz. Antony Bentley was runner up with 29lb 8oz and Nathan Underwood third with 25lb.

Bulldog Fishery host their latest popular Trout Fishing Competition on November 30th  and event that will undoubtedly see good numbers of large trout caught by competitors.

Barnstaple and District Angling Club hold their AGM at the Ebberly Arms on Tuesday, November 18th. The Westcountry Rivers Trust are giving a presentation to members. The club has seen a significant upturn in recent seasons with a real focus on the value of their waters both game and coarse along with the natural world that thrives within.

 

7 Aug 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – August 7th 20205

by | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Carp Fishing, Casting around North Devon, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar, Young At Heart | 0

Stunning Carp Brace

Shaun Thorne tempted a stunning brace of carp from Lower Tamar lake including a stunning common carp of 32lb 12oz and a mirror carp of 25lb 2oz. The lake on the Devon Cornish Border holds a stock of stunning specimen fish including carp, bream, roach, tench, perch and eels.

Carp sport

Carp anglers are enjoying sport across the regions lakes with Hacche Lane producing several thirty pound plus specimens. At Stafford Moor Owen Thrumble fished four nights on Beattie’s Lake to bank forty carp to 30lb 5oz. Adam Atkins banked sixteen carp to 35lb 7oz.

Bass Fishing

Bass anglers continue to enjoy good sport with lure tactics from both boat and shore.  I took a good friend to a local shore mark recently and despite lots of weed in the water and a brisk wind we managed a fish each. I was delighted to introduce him to the excitement of bass fishing in shallow water and enjoyed his success as much as my own.

Rivers

High water temperatures are still a concern for river anglers across the region. Barnstaple and District Angling Association have extended their advice to members requesting a refrain from fishing until water temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Abundant algae is also causing concern as it clogs the river bed and reduces oxygen levels.

Match Fishing

Stafford Moor continues to produce excellent bags of fish for match anglers. Scott Puddy won the mid-week open match at the venue with 274lb 3oz and Rich Yeo won last weekends match with 250lb 1oz.

Sea Angling 

Bideford Angling Clubs Monthly sea rover was dominated by smoothound with Richard Jefferies heading the field with a specimen of 11lb 9oz. Tony Gussin was runner up with a hound of 10lb 10oz and Dale Kiff third with a hound of 10lb 4oz.

Appledore Shipbuilders monthly rover was also dominated by smoothound with Andrew Atkinson taking first and second with hounds of 12lb 4.25oz and 9lb 3.75oz. Third was Michael Hammett with a hound of 8lb 12oz.

Comment

The summer holidays are now upon us and it is to be hoped that some young anglers will take their first steps into a pastime that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment at the water’s edge. The world today is very different to when I started fishing over fifty years ago. Many believe it is the online and gaming  world that has taken many young people away from outdoor pursuits whilst others consider cost to be a major issue. Reflecting upon my own journey as a young angler I would suggest that the main obstacle is the lack of freedom given to young people in an increasingly protective society. This is perhaps ironic when the world of social media may well pose more threats to mental well- being than those physical dangers of a life at the water’s edge.

Bideford Angling Club have been running a brilliant series of Summer competitions for junior anglers at their home water. Bailey Bramley won the latest event with 7.840 kilo. Max Chapple was runner up with 6.085 kilo and Leo Davies third with 5.795 kilo. Twenty one young anglers took part in the latest match that has been generously supported by local tackle shops. This Saturday is the last in the series in which close to forty young anglers have taken part over the five events.

31 Jul 2025

Weekly – ANGLING REPORT – July 31st 2025

by | posted in: Carp Fishing, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

MAINLINE CARP PAIRS RESULT

South West Lakes Trust’ Mainline Carp Baits Open Pairs Competition at Upper Tamar Lake has been won by Terry Vincent and Ben Combes with three fish totalling 63lb 7oz. The pair take home a prize of £2000 plus trophies. Runners up receiving £1000 were Jason McEvoy and Paul Thomas with three carp for 61lb 15oz. In third place was Nigel Woods with 57lb 1oz. Over thirty carp were registered in the popular event held on South West Lakes Trusts premier carp water on the Devon and Cornish border.

Zenia Drury-Gregorek of Angler’s Paradise took a break from her busy schedule to celebrate her birthday and a enjoy fishing session with her husband Joe on the complex’s new Nirvana Syndicate Lake. The session proved very successful with Zenia banking a complex record common carp of 44lb, a 45lb mirror carp along with grass carp to 32lb and a 29lb mirror carp.

 

Anglers Paradise

Bideford & District Angling Clubs Rod N Reel match at Tarka Swims was won by Kevin Shears with 67lb 14oz. Runner up was Keith Copland with 61lb 14oz and Paul Elworthy third with 45lb 10oz.

Andy Edge won the latest Open Match at Stafford Moor with 255lb 14oz.

Boat anglers are enjoying some fine bass sport off Ilfracombe with Predator 2 Charters putting anglers amongst some large shoals of feeding bass, Skipper Dan Welch took time out for a bit of fishing himself and registered a brace of 58cm bass and one of 55cm.

Combe Martin SAC’s Lure Fishing League Sponsored by High Street Tackle is attracting a good number of entries from club members reflecting an excellent year for the species. Mark Drewer and Seth Tuson are currently joint first with five bass for 344.5cm. In runner up spot at present is myself with five bass for 313cm and in third place Reece Woolgar with four bass for 263cm.

Reel Deal Charters has taken anglers to the North Cornish Coast where several porbeagle shark have been brought boat-side.

The regions rivers are continuing to suffer from a lack of significant rain and warm temperatures. Barnstaple and District Angling Club control fishing on two beats on the River Taw and have closed both beats after recording water temperatures in excess of 24 centigrade. Water temperatures this warm are very concerning and can cause stress for both salmon and trout. The advice of the West Country Rivers Trust is to cease fishing above 20 degrees C.


24 Jul 2025

WEEKLY – ANGLING REPORT – July 24th

by | posted in: Articles, Carp Fishing, Casting around North Devon, Coarse Fishing, Game Fishing, Match Fishing, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Andrew Clements secured top spot in Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour rover with a specimen smoothound scaling 11lb 14oz. Tony Gussin was runner up with a smoothound of 11lb 1.5oz and Stephen Found third with a bass of 7lb 11oz.

Bideford Club have recently acquired fishing rights for club members at Higher Shorston Lakes near Holsworthy. Full details can be found via the clubs website. Access to these waters adds extra value to membership of this thriving and long established angling club.

Bideford Clubs Junior competition is proving very popular and is fully subscribed most weeks with twenty three participants in last weekend’s event which is very encouraging to see as it bodes well for the future. Hallie Osbourne won the latest match with 7.105 kilo. Runner up was Bailey Bramley with 6.935 kilo and Jenson Kiff third with 4.925 kilo.

This weekend is the first weekend of the summer holidays and I still relish the memories of those distant times when I fished the River Umber in Combe Martin to catch small brown trout and eels that were abundant in those days. The open coast and local ponds were also visited and our generation seemed to enjoy a greater freedom than todays. Angling is undoubtedly a pastime that is beneficial to mental health and connecting with nature and it is to be hoped that the joys are discovered by a few more young people this summer.

Predator 2 Charters operate out of Ilfracombe and in this their first full season of operation they are gaining a reputation for putting anglers amongst the fish. Skipper Dan Welch has fished the North Devon coast for many years and is putting that experience to good use having considerable success targeting bass and wrasse using the latest lure fishing techniques.

Good numbers of tope are also being tempted from waters off Ilfracombe with plenty of fish over 30lb boated.

High water temperatures have eased on many local rivers enabling angling to resume though extra care should be taken to ensure all fish are returned as soon as possible preferably unhooked in the water. During hot summer days fly fishing enthusiasts can enjoy some superb and at times challenging sport targeting bass and mullet in saltwater. Mullet have become something of a cult species to target with their wily reputation and powerful fights sometimes compared to the bonefish of tropical waters. On a warm summers day it is undoubtedly a joy to stand ankle deep in the cool waters as bass and mullet swirl close by in the flooding tide.

Stuart Kennedy won Stafford Moor’s latest residents Match with 269lb 10oz. This followed success for Stuart in the venues Open match when he put together a net of 262lb 15oz.  On the venues Lodge Lake Zack Skinner banked a personal best carp of 32lb.