Combe Martin SAC member Jamie Steward tempted this fine specimen thin lipped grey mullet of 4lb 14oz whilst using baited spinner tactics.
The Taw and Torridge Estaury offer many miles of accessible angling where light tackle and varied tactics can be employed to tempt a surprisngly wide variety of species. Bass to double figures hunt the estuaries and can be found surprisingly high up on the confluence with freshwater as well as at the estuary mouth.
Gilthead bream are a more recent visitor to the Taw estaury with specimens tempted as far up as Fremington Quay. All three species of grey mullet can be found throughout the estuary and can be caught using bait, fly fishing and baited spinners.
Where the estuary meets the sea smoothound to double figures can provide excting tussles as they grab baits often intended for bass or gilthead bream.
( Above) Mullet will push up into the many creeks along the estuary offering a challenge that few anglers are prepared to accept.
The vast estuary with its many mudbanks, creeks and sandbanks offers a wealth of opportunities for anglers with the chance to glimpse a diverse variety of wildlife. The scene is ever changing as the tides ebb and flow beneath everchanging skies. As autumn approaches flounder enthusiasts will line the banks at popular venues. Codling can often provide a decent meal as the nights pull in during late autumn.
The Flounder season is underway with catches starting to increase as winter edges nearer. Several local clubs have organised Open Flounder Competitions. Full Details below :-
Ian Laird and his thirteen year old son Ollie have been enjoying some superb gilt head bream sport in local estuaries. Their best so far this stunning gilt head of 4lb 1oz.
Combe Martin SAC member David Jenkins fished the Taw estuary to land a dozen thin lipoped grey mullet to 3lb 6oz and golden grey mullet of 1lb 7oz.
Several golden grey mullet have been caught in the Taw estuary in recent days an encouraging sign early in the season. These hard fighting members of the mullet family are found off local beaches in large numbers but prove difficult to tempt.
Combe Martin SAC member Jamie Steward enjoyed a great session in the estuary landing close to thirty flounder with several fish over 1lb 8oz. Pick of the session was this fine 2lb specimen.
In recent seasons gilthead bream have become a regular catch for North Devon anglers with specimens landed on a regular basis throughout the summer months. Combe Martin SAC member Jamie Steward has landed several of these hard fighting sea bream from local North Devon marks the best scaling 3lb 1oz.
Dan Spearman is dedicated thin lipped mullet angler and landed this fine 4lb 1oz specimen on his seventh trip of the season.
Dan Followed by landing this fine thick lipped mullet of 4lb 4oz that also took a baited spinner showing that fish do not always follow the text book approach.
Dan Spearman had a pleasant surprise when this 5lb 4oz bass seized his baited spinner intended for thin lipped grey mullet. Big bass move surprisingly high up local estuaries venturing right up to the tidal limits in search of prey.
