As recreational anglers we have an increasing opportunity to have our say as stakeholders on the management of the waters that surround our country. I suggest all sea anglers should engage. I am a general member of the D & S IFCA so if you have views on this please feel free to message NDANs.
Angling is a very divided pastime with each discipline having its dedicated band of practitioners. Historically angling has been split into Coarse, Sea and Game yet even within these parameters each discipline is segmented into different groups. In Coarse fishing we have specimen hunters, carp anglers, pleasure anglers and match fishers. Sea anglers can to some degree be split between shore, boat, match fishers, specimen hunters, LRF and those who fish primarily for the table.
Even within these branches there are those disciples of a particular style or method. For example, within carp fishing circles there are traditionalists who use vintage tackle and methods stalking the fish they seek. Then there are those who employ modern technics and tackle to deceive the carp using a trapping mentality that can involve long stays camping at the water’s edge.
I could write on about these differing strands of angling but hopefully I have made my point. Times change though and as always angling evolves within society and perhaps reflects the times we live in.
I am a rare breed in that I am a true allrounder casting my line into many waters for a wide range of fish. I truly struggle to say what my favourite fish or technique is often stating that I will fish for anything that swims.
In addition to fishing, I enjoy reading about fishing, writing about fishing and talking about fishing. Being passionate about the pastime I inevitably get drawn into the politics of it all from time to time.
It is probably true to say that many anglers try to keep clear of politics though there are of course numerous keyboard warriors on social media.
One issue that should unite all anglers is the dramatic decline in nature, its eco systems and of course fish stocks. In an ideal world all those who care for nature would work closely together putting their differences aside for the greater good. Sadly, this just isn’t the case at the moment. One issue is of course the moral question posed by those who think angling is cruel. Then there is the all too frequent confrontations between canoeists, wild swimmers and numerous other water users.
Fortunately, there is growing unity amongst many who enjoy the outdoors and the water’s edge. Pollution from agriculture, sewage and industry is destroying our rivers and the seas into which they flow. Nobody wants to swim, paddle or fish in filth so there is a growing desire to get those in power to sort it out.
It is fair to say that the angling sector having most influence in this area is the game fishing fraternity. In the UK freshwater gamefish are determined as Salmon, trout and grayling all of which have an adipose fin. In England’s historic class hierarchy these fish were fished for by the upper classes. The coarse fish and sea fish were predominantly the domain of the lower to middle classes.
This was put to me during a discussion at a recent meeting when I was expressing concern at the lack of engagement between sea anglers and the state. Recent restrictions on netting in estuaries that benefit sea anglers in protecting bass and mullet stocks were largely brought about by lobbying of those in power by River Associations whose members are primarily salmon and sea trout anglers.
It is fair to say that there are far more sea anglers and coarse anglers than game fishers and yet the minority who fish for salmonoids seem to have greater influence. Is this because they have more money, because they move in privileged circles, because they are better organised or better educated?
Such questions seem wrong, politically incorrect but there is undoubtedly an undercurrent with our history that perhaps lingers.
Apathy within many angling community’s and a distinct dislike and distrust of authority runs deep. Whilst angling is undoubtedly one of the biggest participant sports in the land with estimates ranging between one and five million the number who actually belong to its governing body number just thousands.
It engages huge numbers of people – estimated to involve around 900,000 fishing in freshwater in England and Wales and around 750,000 people who fish in the sea every year in the UK3.
A thorny topic amongst sea anglers has been a suggestion that there should be an angling licence . Such suggestions often result in indignant statements that fishing in the sea is free and always should be. The finance raised would not be used to protect or promote angling interests, Just another tax and so on.
Freshwater anglers have to buy a licence and revenue from this is used to protect and promote angling via the Environment agency in liaison with the angling trust.
But perhaps this is the only way that sea angling will be truly recognised and valued? Sea angling is undoubtedly of more value to the economy than the commercial sector but this is not widely acknowledged.
Licence or not sea anglers as stakeholders do not in general engage with the bodies that manage our waters. I sit on the D & S IFCA as a general member and have engaged with MMO consultations. Of the thousands who cast a line in sea water how many actually get involved as stakeholders?
The D & S IFCA website is worth a visit if you want to get a bit of background on fishy politics and management of our waters.
https://www.devonandsevernifca.gov.uk/
March Rover results
1st Andrew Clements Smalleyed Ray 9lb 5oz 103.472%
2nd Nathan Clements Bull Huss 7lb 3 3/4oz 72.343%
SPRING ROVER
1st Wayne Thomas – Thick lipped grey mullet 3lb
There is an opportunity for anglers and commercial fishers to take part in a consultation regarding fishery management plans. As is often the case North Devon has missed out to some extent but there is an opportunity to engage on-line.
Upcoming Engagement Events – (NQS) FMP Tuesday 7th March 9am – 12pm Weymouth – Quayside (outside Weyfish the fish shop) 6pm – 8pm Lyme Regis – Fishing College 4pm – 6pm Online* 7pm – 9pm Falmouth – Chainlocker Pub Wednesday 8th March 9am – 12pm Newlyn – CFPO office 10am – 1pm Lyme Regis – Quayside (The Cobb) 2pm – 4pm Newlyn – Quayside 3pm – 5pm Axmouth – Quayside Thursday 9th March 9am – 12pm Fowey – Mission to Seafarers 9am – 12pm Exmouth – Quayside 2pm – 5pm Looe – Fish Market 6pm – 8pm Plymouth – Quayside 7pm – 9pm Looe – Social Club Friday 10th March 10am – 1pm Mevagissey – Social Club 10am – 12pm Brixham – Quayside *For online events, please email [email protected] for link
Combe Martin SAC members Martin Huntingdon and Stef Jones enjoyed some exciting spurdog fishing on a Private boat off the North Devon Coast. The best at 16lb 8oz fell to Stef with Martins best scaling 15lb 8oz.
Stefan also enjoyed some excellant pollock sport off Beer aboard Orca Charters boating a pollock of 9lb 2oz.
Lee Mutter fished the Taw estuary offering worm baits purchased at Quay Sports. He was delighted to catch and return a fine bass of close to 6lb.
Bass are present in the estuary throughout the season but are strictly catch and release until March 1st when two bass per day can be retained.
Calmer conditions have resulted in a down turn in sea angling sport with specimen fish hard to find over the past week. Despite this some good fish were recorded by anglers fishing the first week of February a time of year when catches traditionally start to decline. The seasons and the migration of fish in our waters is without doubt under going change with reports of mackerel from Ilfracombe in the past week and the presence of grey mullet throughout the calendar year.
1st Antony Smith Bull Huss 7lb 9oz 75.625%
2nd Andrew Clements Dog 2lb 3oz 72.916%
Club seceretary Nick Phillips won with a specimen whiting scaling 1lb 10oz. Runner up was Wayne Thomas with dogfish of 2lb 8oz.
Whiting, dogfish, spotted ray and conger were also caught by members who fished marks across North Devon.
Combe Martin SAC member David Brooke caught this stunning Bull Huss weighing 15lb 2oz on a recent session. The fish is just 1oz short of the club record set in 2011 by Jon Patten.
Combe Martin SAC held their AGM and Presentation night at the White Lion, Braunton. A brief outline of proceedings follows :-
AGM Chairmans Report – Wayne Thomas
I thought I should jot down a few notes this year instead of freewheeling through the Chairmans report as has been my way in recent years.
These seem to be strange times with much happening across the world and society that isn’t inspiring. Perhaps that perspective is an age thing as I get old with the prospect of becoming a grandad this year. Fortunately, one thing that hasn’t changed for me is my ongoing passion for angling and the outdoors. To this end Combe Martin SAC has been a part of my life for close to fifty years along with Nick we have swapped roles along the years. We must have been doing somethings right as the club is still going and if we compare with other local sea angling clubs we are probably the most active club and with a good reputation.
It would be really good to see a younger generation emerge to kick us old gits out and overhaul the club into a new vibrant force reflecting what today’s angler wants.
In the mean time we soldier on attempting to provide the club membership with a club structure that provides. A social function, a reward for fishing effort, pooling of knowledge, and a sense of belonging to something positive.
To this end we continue to try and provide a calendar of events and work with local tackle shops and businesses to provide prizes and recognition. It is also I feel important to support all local tackle shops and charter boats etc as without them angling will fade away.
This is the clubs 61st year an age I share at the moment. Tonight, is an opportunity to decide what you want from the club and how you can contribute to the clubs, success?
Looking towards next year we need to decide on a potential club adventure. In past years we have visited Sark, Alderney and Ireland. Whilst travel has become expensive there is an interest in a skate fishing foray to Scotland with perhaps two days boat fishing and a little shore fishing.
I attended the Wyvern Shore Fishing competition at Slapton a couple of weeks back and would like to enter a team of four from Combe Martin SAC next January. It may not be tremendous fishing but I found it an enjoyable event to be involved in. As it’s a fair trek perhaps a night’s B & B on the Saturday night would be an option.
I would like to thank Pete Robinson for offering to help with boat trips this year. I think the best way forward with this is that members booking a trip pay a deposit in advance. In the event that member cannot make the trip they should contact the club a month before to allow a replacement to be found. In the event of a member dropping out of a trip at the last moment then they shall be responsible for the financial burden if others not prepared to share the this. If the numbers are short two weeks prior to the trip then it is thrown open to non-members and to the charter boat skipper who might have anglers wanting a chance to get out.
Thank you for attending tonight; I look forward to a good year with the club and meeting with you at the water’s edge.
Wayne Thomas
Many thanks to Quay Sports, Braunton Baits and to Club members who donated prizes for the raffle held at the AGM & Presentation evening.
The club are pleased to announce a new award for club members including the predator award sponsored by Daniel Welch who will donating a megalodon fossilised sharks tooth.
The top six shore species and top four boat species awards are kindly sponsored by Ross Stanway Art.
Exciting plans for 2023 include an Open Lure Fishing Festival in conjunction with High Street Tackle.
Club membership entitles members to fish of the season awards £25.00 Tackle Vouchers for High Street Tackle.
A summer lure fishing league sponsored by High Street Tackle.
Summer Species Specimen Awards sponsored by Braunton Baits and High Street Tackle.
The club is also a member of the Angling Trust and Wyvern Division.
Follow the clubs facebook page for the latest updates and news.
AWARD WINNERS 2022
Cod Trophy Chris Bonds – 16lb 9oz B
Bass Trophy Shane Hookway. 7lb 10oz
Mullet Cup Daniel Welch – Thick Lipped grey mullet 5lb 5oz
Conger Cup Kyle Bishop 25lb 11oz S
Flatfish Cup Solly welch Flounder 2lb
Shore Shield Ali Laird – gilt head bream – 7lb 4oz
Medway Cup Mark Jones – Porbeagle 280lb
Ray Shield Kyle Bishop blonde ray 13lb 8oz
Specimen League –
| Ali Laird | ||||
| tope | 36lb 6oz | 121.25 | S | |
| bull huss | 12lb 9oz | 125.625 | S | |
| spurdog | 8lb 10oz | 90.789 | S | |
| glithead bream | 7lb 4oz | 241.667 | S | |
| smoothound | 13lb 9oz | 135.625 | S | |
| rockling | 1lb 8oz |
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S | |
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| Kyle Bishop | ||||
| tope | 40lb 4oz | 134.167 | S | |
| bull huss | 13lb 9oz | 135.625 | S | |
| conger | 25lb 11oz | 128.437 | S | |
| spurdog | 18lb 1oz | 180.625 | S | |
| smoothound | 14lb | 140 | S | |
| blonde ray | 13lb 8oz | 112.5 | S | |
| 831.354 |
Top four boat specimens
Dan Welch
| Daniel Welch | Pollock | 12lb 15oz | 129.375 | B |
| Daniel Welch | mackerel | 1lb 8oz | 100 | B |
| Daniel Welch | smoothound | 13lb 14oz | 92.5 | B |
321.875
Burgess Trophy Solly Welch – tope boat 42lb 4oz & Flounder 2lb
Wrasse Trophy Kyle Bishop ballan wrasse 4lb 3oz
Scouse Shield Alec McCleish rockling 1lb 9oz
D Kyte Award
Daniel Welch Thick lipped grey mullet 5lb 5oz 125
| Daniel Welch | Thick lipped grey mullet | 5lb 1oz | 119.118 |
| Daniel Welch | Thick lipped grey mullet | 4lb 7oz | 104.412 |
| Daniel Welch | Thick lipped grey mullet | 4lb | 94.118 |
| Daniel Welch | Thick lipped grey mullet | 4lb 4oz | 100% |
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Out Of Limits Kyle Bishop – skate -210lb shore –
Merit Award – .Kyle Bishop – outstanding catches local and in Scotland
Thornback Cup – Mark Jones. Thornback 11lb 2oz
Club Records
Kyle Bishop – Spurdog 18lb 1oz equal previous record
Ali Laird – gilt head bream – 7lb 4oz
Fish of the season –
Winter 21/22
Kyle Bishop – Spurdog – 18lb 1oz – 180.625
Spring 22
Kyle Bishop – bull huss – 13lb 9oz – 135.625
Summer 22
Ali Laird – gilthead bream – 7lb 4oz – 241.667
Autumn 22 –
Dave Brook – smoothound – 13lb 6oz – 133.75
For further details on AGM visit www.cmsac.co.uk