26 Jan 2026

ANGLING REPORT – Mid January 2026

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

Specimen spurdog and huss win Bideford Sea Match

Antony Smith secured first place in Bideford Angling Clubs forty eight hour rover with a specimen spurdog of 13lb 1.5oz. Stephen Found was runner up with a bull huss of 12lb 9oz and Andrew Clements third with a huss of 12lb 7oz. The specimen fish emphasise the significance of the weather in fishing. After several weeks of poor fishing along the coast with a North and Easterly winds predominating a swing to a South Westerly flow has invigorated sport. The next few weeks should see some good fish from the North Devon coast especially following any storms that stir up the seabed.

North Devon Match Group fished their first match of 2026 at the ever prolific Stafford Moor. The Match was fished on Woodies Lake and Tanners and both lakes gave great fishing. Dave Stockton was top rod on Woodies with 190lb 13oz and Steve Hayman runner up with 143lb. Tom Downing was the winner on Tanners with 108lb 2oz and Les Polden runner up with 100lb 14oz.

Each season I venture over to fish for grayling on the Upper Exe and its tributaries that are accessed via Dulverton Angling Association membership. Grayling are not native to Exmoor but have thrived since their introduction into the Exe in around 1896. These delightful silver ladies of the stream offer an excuse to visit the river in the depths of winter. Probing the river using tight line nymphing tactics I connected with two grayling one of which shed the hook the other was brought to the net and admired for a moment before being slipped back into the cool water.

The valleys at this time of year have a certain atmosphere that contrasts with the vibrancy of Spring and summer. There is state of slumber as the cold of winter still maintains a grip yet there are signs of spring as snowdrops flower and the intensity of birdsong seems to be increasing as if there is expectancy in the cool air.

There are less than two months until the start of a new trout fishing season non local rivers and that time will soon pass. Now is the time to sort out those fly boxes, tie flies for the new season and plan where you intend to cast a line.

STORMY DAYS FOR ANGLERS

Storm Ingrid swept across the South West last weekend with rainfall swelling the regions rivers. Its impact on the salmon redds high on the moors and upper tributaries of rivers is unknown. It seems remarkable that the salmons tiny eggs buried in the gravel survive. Yet winter floods happen every year and these remarkable migratory fish survive against all odds. I have heard some encouraging results from last year’s fry surveys with good numbers of salmon fry recorded across many of North Devon’s rivers. It is to be hoped that ongoing work across the region is starting to bring hope for the future.

On Friday night Combe Martin SAC hold their AGM and presentation night at the Mariners Arms in Braunton. As chairman of the club and club officer for close to fifty years I have seen significant change in angling and the angling community. The club like many others is struggling to adapt to changes in society and social habits. I remember with fondness the clubs annual dinner, dance and presentation night when at its peak over one hundred would attend to cheer on the cup and trophy winners. The desire to win trophies has declined across the sea angling sector as a grip and grin picture on social media seems to have become the preferred option. Adapting to change is undoubtedly a challenge for all clubs as the way we fish changes. Clubs are vital in bringing anglers together and it is to be hoped that community survives as the modern world continues to evolve.

The Angling Trust is the sports representative body and I have been a member since its formation. The Angling Trust and Fish Legal work to protect, promote and develop angling for all anglers across all disciplines. Sadly only a small proportion of anglers belong to this organisation with many openly criticising the organisation for its failure to deliver. The organisation needs vital funds to bring the results that anglers need to safeguard the future. If every angler joined, the trust would be a powerful body that could fight for the future of angling a pastime that brings many benefits across society.

Bideford and District Angling Club members endured cold wet and windy conditions at their monthly rod n reel competition fished at their home water Tarka Swims. Paul Whitehead was the winner with 17lb 10oz. Martin Turner was runner up with 12lb 10oz, Paul Elworthy third with 12lb 9oz and Colin O Hagan forth with 11lb 11oz.

Steve Johnson was awarded angler of the year in Barnstaple Bait and Tackle Match Groups presentation night evening.

Kevin Shears won the latest open match at Stafford Moor fishery with 169lb 4oz.

Bulldog Trout Fishery hold their latest Open Fly Fishing Competition this Sunday spaces are limited and can be secured by contacting the fishery via the contact details on their website www.bulldogfisheries.com

27 Nov 2025

Weekly ANGLING REPORT – November 27th 2025

by Wayne Thomas | 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.

24 Nov 2025

Changing Times For Sea Angling

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Articles, At the Waters Edge, Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

I fished a North Devon Rock mark with Combe Martin SAC secretary Nick Phillips it was due to be a club competition but we were the only two members fishing and in the circumstances decided to just enjoy an afternoons fishing.

http://www.highstreettackle.co.uk

It was after all a pleasing day with sunshine reflecting from the sea as a good surf rolled in. There were a good number of surfers enjoying the day and another couple of anglers were fishing the mark.

I reflect upon a few things that have changed over recent years. For there has been change in both the fishing and the anglers that fish. Are the two related perhaps or is it social behaviours that have radically changed?

The mark we were fishing will be recognised by many who read this post and some may well criticize me for blatantly revealing where we were fishing. I generally maintain a degree of discretion when posting images as many worry about large numbers of anglers descending upon good marks. But how big an issue is this these days? Yes keeping good marks under wraps is probably sensible but looking back to previous decades there was often intense competition to secure the top marks.

If you had fished this mark in November thirty years ago cod would have been the target species but at present cod are virtually non-existent along the open coast. In the 1980’s through until the mid 1990’s open coast marks like Capstone would be fished by anglers from all over the West Country. If you wanted to get a space you would have to get there early morning or at least a few hours before the tides peak.

Weekend sea angling club competitions would attract good numbers of anglers. Many of my generation will remember with fondness the weigh-ins on a Sunday night at the Bastille in Ilfracombe when twenty or thirty anglers would gather around the scales. In recent years local sea angling clubs struggle to attract more than half a dozen competitors.

Whilst the decline in cod may have impacted upon Winter fishing there are other species that have filled the niche with bass, ray, bull huss, spurdog and tope now caught pretty well all year.

It‘s not as simple as a decline in fish resulting in less anglers for I believe society has changed dramatically. The normal working week of Monday to Friday has been replaced with more seven day working. This has undoubtedly impacted upon competitions. The cost of living also impacts as does the cost of fuel and bait.

Access to the coast is also a worrying issue as more marks are closed off to anglers. Parking is both expensive and restrictive with night fishing at some marks now impractical.

Another factor that is impacting upon angling is the aging dynamic of anglers with the number of new young anglers in decline. The majority of anglers I know are over fifty whilst twenty years ago there were plenty of anglers in their twenties. Angling is recognised as good for mental health and brings participants close to nature.

What is the future of angling? It has been a big part of my life for close to sixty years and I would like to see it flourish into future decades. So what would reverse the decline in angling and bring a new generation into the sport?

31 Jul 2025

Weekly – ANGLING REPORT – July 31st 2025

by Wayne Thomas | 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.

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 Wayne Thomas | 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.

17 Jun 2024

Big Gilthead from North Devon Shoreline

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Combe Martin SAC member Ollie Passmore has been targetting gilthead bream and enjoyed success with this awesome specimen of 6lb 10oz. The fish has a local specimen rating of 220%.

Ollie commented on his facebook page.

“Still absolutely buzzing with this unit of a gilt head bream from a few weeks back. Fallen in love with catching these fish!! Still lots to learn and lots of blanks involved, trying to work out there feeding patterns and locations. Such an amazing fish in the flesh and feel blessed to have caught such a big local one 6lb 10oz

@sakuma_fishing Top bits from sakuma using 25lb fluro for hooklenth and mini manta extra size 2s nailing them every time.”

14 Jun 2024

A new chapter for North Devon’s anglers.

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

Quay Sports closed on June 14th after trading for close to three years it has been a valuable stop off point for North Devon’s Anglers providing a wide range of tackle for all disciplines. Fortunately the shop manager Chris Connougton is opening a new tackle shop that will ensure that Barnstaple still has that vital ingredient to enable a social hub and source of those essential items of tackle and bait. It is essential that local anglers support this new venture and all other local tackle shops. We are very fortunate to have a range of tackle shops across North Devon a fact that I will promote in the coming weeks.

Last day of the shop today. Come and grab yourself some last min bargains. We would also like to say a huge thank you to you all for your support over the last 3 years, we have made some great relationships and friends. We wish Chris all the best for the future with Barnstaple Bait & Tackle and sure will see some of you on the bank.

Quay Sports

( Above) Mark Potter and Chris Connaughton on their last day at Quay Sports

CHRIS CONNAUGHTON Comments

“I am proud to announce that I will be opening a fresh new bait and tackle store at 6 Queens House, Barnstaple, EX32 8HJ. I am hoping to be open by the 1st of July but more will follow on this.

There will be all the usual sea and freshwater baits available along with a vast range of tackle from leading brands.

My aim is to create a local social hub where like-minded people of all ages can meet, shop and chat about all things fishing!

It hasn’t been easy so come show some support when open and keep a tackle shop in Barnstaple for many years to come.

Watch this space for further details, a new facebook page, deals and events.

I look forward to welcoming you through the door

Chris

(I would also like to say a massive thank you to Mr Pinn of Pinndart for all his help with the logo etc).”

30 Jan 2024

The Impact of Pollution – Ask The experts

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Article, Articles, At the Waters Edge, Game Fishing, Sidebar | 0

This event at the end of February offers a unique opportunity to learn about water pollution across North Devon with representatives from across the region. I will be on the panel representing anglers though I do not profess to be an expert, just someone with a passion for angling within a healthy eco-system.

18 Jan 2024

Kyle Tempts Big North Devon Cod

by Wayne Thomas | posted in: Sea Angling, Sidebar | 0

Combe Martin SAC Member Kyle Bishop tempted this fine 18lb 5oz cod from a North Devon rock mark. The cod is one of the biggest caught from the coast in over a decade. Kyle tells me that the fish was long and thin and would have weighed considerably more if it was in top condition.

In the 1980’s and 1990’s twenty pound plus cod were a regular feature of catches along the North Devon Coast. Recent decades have seen the fish almost disappear from this area. Cod numbers have been holding up further up channel but there is concern that numbers are starting to decline there too. The recent cod boat fishing competition held at Minehead saw just two cod registered from most of the Minehead Charter Fleet. This will undoubtedly result in the competition format changing in future years to reflect this and other species will be targeted.