Sea Angling News January 2016 by SeaAnglingNews

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Sea Angling News

ISSUE 245 JANUARY 2016

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ANGLER HAS “TOPE-TASTIC” TIME IN ALDERNEY...

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Prestige sea fishing tackle

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DON’T LEAVE YOUR TACKLE BEHIND Following recent reports about discarded fishing tackle on Suffolk’s beaches, Suffolk Coastal is urging all anglers and visitors to our beautiful beaches to remember to make sure they leave nothing behind and not to walk on by if they find out-of-place items on our beaches. During the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch surveys, carried out in September 2014 and coordinated locally by the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB and facilitated by Suffolk Coastal and Waveney Norse, 1,029 pieces of angler’s fishing line were found on beaches surveyed in Suffolk, making this the fifth most commonly found type of litter on Suffolk’s beaches. Fishing tackle that ends up as litter on our beaches can cause serious harm to wildlife, people and pets visiting the seaside. We want to encourage anglers to hang onto their fishing equipment and make sure none is left behind. All fishing related waste can be disposed of in litter bins where these are provided or should be taken home and placed in the appropriate wheeled bin.

Darren Braby caught this fantastic 45lb Tope from an Alderney shore mark. Using a heavy duty pulley rig, with a short 110lb wire bite trace and 8/0 sakuma manta extra hook. Bait used was locally caught squid and was tamed using Century Kompressor Sports and Abu 9000 multiplier reels loaded with 30lb Okuma Platinum.

SOMERSET ANGLER BAGS BIG COD FROM BRISTOL CHANNEL Somerset angler Mike Allen bagged this lump of a cod weighing in at 28lb 12oz whilst fishing on Minehead based charter boat Osprey skippered by Steve Webber. After a hard 20 minute scrap this great fish was carefully netted and after a quick photo shoot was released unharmed to fight another day.

Any waste left on our beaches is a littering offence and anyone found doing so can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Fine of £80, or a criminal record and a fine of up to £2,500 if found guilty by a Court – one “fine” catch no angler would ever want to land. Cllr Carol Poulter, Cabinet Member for the Green Environment, said: “Nobody wants their child or dog to step on an unwanted fishhook, and I would encourage anglers and visitors to our beaches who find fishing and general litter to pick it up carefully and dispose of it correctly.” “We’ve had a fantastic response by people in the district who carry out litter picks to help keep our environment clean and safe this year, and I hope more people will be able to join in and carry out a litter pick no matter how big or small!” If you would like to organise a litter pick, our partners Suffolk Coastal Norse can provide you with equipment and arrange for the collection of filled sacks. You can register your activity online: http://suffolkcoastalandwaveney. firmstep.com/default.aspx/RenderForm/?F. Name=ow54YQdcfJw&HideToolbar=1 or Call: 01394 444 000

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SEA ANGLING NEWS www.seaanglingnews.com HEAD OFFICE PROPRIETORS Keith & James Wigglesworth Sea Angling News Ltd, 9 Hayfield Close Minehead, Somerset TA24 6DE

Sea Angling News, January 2016

RESULTS / NEWS

Welcome to 'The Salt'

SAFETY WARNING AFTER ANGLER FALLS INTO THE SEA

and release. A full social programme is included and there are some superb prizes on offer. Accommodation is available to suit all budgets and there will also be a ‘training’ day included in the entry price, featuring some of Cornwall’s top pro guides Thanks to the strong support of Kilchoman, our title sponsor, the 2016 festival will feature a greater variety of training clinics. There will also be detailed local information, available only to festival participants, of the best local marks and how these vary with tide and wind conditions. .

EDITOR / DESIGN & PRODUCTION Adam James Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com Tel. 07581 384411

An angler who appears to have been fishing on a maintenance ramp had to be rescued after he fell into the water on the 25th November 2015.

Throughout the festival lunch will be arranged at various local pubs so everyone can get together over a drink and some food to discuss the mornings happenings.

ADVERTISING James Wigglesworth

07825 181694

It’s not clear whether the man slipped, or was washed in by a wave at the north end of the prom at Hendon Beach, Sunderland.

Printed by NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS Newspaper House, Faraday road Newbury RG14 2DW

Fellow anglers heard his cries for help and called the Coastguard immediately via 999 call, meaning assistance could be sent very quickly.

SAN WRITERS

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Humberside, both Sunderland inshore lifeboats and Tynemouth all-weather lifeboat were sent to the incident.

Aurthur Savage, Dave Roberts, Rob Miller, Lee Bolingbroke, Kevin Morgan, Paul Whittall, Adam James, Andy & Sam Cumming, James Wigglesworth Craig Butler.

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A nearby fishing vessel also responded to Coastguard requests for assistance.

After a very successful inaugaural year the second Kilchoman UK Saltwater Flyfishing Festival will be held from 15th to 18th September, based and hosted around the historic fishing harbour of St Mawes, Cornwall. Participants will fish from the shoreline, using the many beaches and rocky areas where sport is to be found, using your your fishing skills and watercraft. The fish being returned unhurt to the water with catch

NWASAC

The angler was recovered from the water by the Sunderland Atlantic inshore lifeboat, with Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and taken to the Sunderland lifeboat station.

Match Report: NWASAC John E. Williams 2 Day Festival, Sat/Sun 5th & 6th December 2015, Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool (103 rods Sat, 104 rods Sun).

He was checked over by paramedics and taken to hospital.

The first day of this well attended major event in the match calendar was affected by severe onshore winds gusting to 70 mph. Though uncomfortable, Otterspool Promenade remained fishable with the fish, mainly whiting and codling, feeding well on most pegs. Many of the of the visiting anglers from throughout Britain and Ireland, particularly those from the Isle of Man and the North-East, featured in the results. Lymington’s Andy Dawkins, an angler with a good track record at Otterspool, topped the Saturday results with an incredible 947 cms of fish. In contrast, the wind dropped completely for Sunday with the Mersey Estuary calm. Newcomer to the event, Southport's Lee Thornton won this second day but England International George Smith’s zone 3rd was crucial: with his Day 1 zone first it gave him a total of 4 zone points for the two day win with Andy Dawkins runner-up. Manxman Gary Reid was third on countback with 7 points (sharing this score with Dave Wilson and Alan Price). Two good cod were landed during the weekend. On Saturday, Bob Gascoigne netted a fish of 66 cms (7lb 10ozs) from upriver Zone B on his first cast while on Sunday, Stuart Littlewood’s 64 cms fish came from peg 107 in Zone D, just upriver of the jetty. The presentation took place in the Otters Pool pub and the North West Association would like to thank the management and staff for hosting the event.

Senior Maritime Operations Officer Richard Johnson said, ‘We know that angling is hugely popular and people get a lot of enjoyment from it. But we want them to enjoy it safely. ‘Make sure you fish from somewhere safe, so that you’re stable. Take the conditions into account – sudden waves can come out of nowhere and wash you away. Wear a lifejacket. All these things will help.’

Copyright Notice All intellectual property rights (including without limitation, patents, copyrights, design rights, registered design and trade designs and trade and service marks, and right to apply for any of the foregoing) whatsoever, whereinsoever and whensoever subsisting in or to any invention, ideas or information or in or to any service, goods or works (including without limitation, drawings, sketches, artwork, typography and photographs) invented, devised, made, created, acquired or written by or for the Sea Angling News (whether or not in connection with any contract with the advertiser) shall be and remain the Sea Angling News absolute property. Neither the advertiser nor any other person shall have any licence or other rights whatsoever under or in any respect of the said intellectual property rights. The advertiser undertakes that it will not reproduce or authorise or procure any other person to reproduce any of the said artwork, typography, photographs or other works. The advertiser hereby assigns all its rights (if any) in and the said intellectual property rights to the Sea Angling News. The advertiser must ensure that he/she has obtained the appropriate permission to reproduce any artwork, logos, designs, trade names and trader service marks which he has supplied to, or asked the Sea Angling News to incorporate in any advertisement to be published in the Sea Angling News newspaper. Telephone calls made to the Sea Angling News may be taped to ensure the highest quality of customer service. The views expressed by contributors to the Sea Angling News are not necessarily the views of the editor but we do try to allow free speech.

Rules for all Sea Angling News competitions All entries must be accompanied by a clear photograph. All entries must be weighed on accurate scales and witnessed. All entries will be judged on the size of the fish, tackle used and the quality of the photograph. Weights must be submitted in pounds and ounces, metric weights may be submitted in addition to imperial weights. The Editors decision will be final in all cases.

Please mention the Sea Angling News when replying to adverts

B. Gascoigne cod

S. Littlewood cod

For those that enjoy fishing from a boat, or who fancy grilling a local guide for some more knowledge, Austen Goldsmith and his boat Zen 2 will be available for hire throughout the festival. Our equipment sponsor Angling Active, will be on hand during the festival to help out with any kit issues etc. Believe it or not one of our competitors in 2015 arrived having forgotten his rod, Angling Active were able to lend him one for the duration of the festival. Day 1: Zone A: 1. Ian Griffiths (Eastham). 2. Dave Wilson (Cleveleys). 3. Gordon Thornes (Connah’s Quay). Zone B: George Smith (Grimsby). 2. Heather Lindfield (Greasby). 3. Bob Gascoigne Cramlington). Zone C: Andrew Dawkins (Lymington). 2. Mark Leece (Isle of Man). 3. Tommy Tait (Sunderland). Zone D: 1 Derek Sharp (Isle of Man). 2. Ken McCoy (Sunderland). 3. Chris Stringer (Whitley Bay). Day Winner: A. Dawkins, 947 cms. Roundfish Pool: B. Gascoigne, cod 66 cms. Flatfish pool: Alex Campbell (Wallasey), flounder, 34 cms. Day 2: Zone A: 1. Bryn Jones (Benllech). 2. Martin Grossman (Westcliff-on-Sea). 3. Rob Neal (Holderness). Zone B: 1. Neil Cutler (Washington). 2. Gary Reid (Isle of Man). 3. Tony Baxter (Fylde). Zone C: 1. Mike Hughes (Bangor). 2. Sean Golightly (Tyne & Wear). 3. Alan Price (Kinmel Bay). Zone D: 1. Lee Thornton (Southport). 2. Stuart Littlewood (Isle of Man). 3. G. Smith. Day Winner: L. Thornton, 701 cms. Roundfish Pool: S. Littlewood, cod, 64 cms. Flatfish Pool: N. Cutler, flounder, 38 cms. Overall Two Day result (J.E Williams Trophy): 1. G. Smith, 4 zone pts. 2. A. Dawkins, 6 zone pts. 3. G. Reid, 7 zone pts. 4. D. Wilson, 7 (countback). 5. A. Price, 7 (countback). 6. S. Golightly, 8.

G. Smith winner with Bill & Heather Lindfield and NWASAC President Brian Margetts

Sea Angling News, January 2016

THAMES ESTUARY / NEWS

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THAMES ESTUARY REPORT by Lee Bollingbroke

Well I wish I could give a better report than i am about to write, firstly the weather has not helped us in fact it’s been disgusting as we all know, strong winds and gales nearly every day this has hurt the charter boat industry badly and just before Christmas as well when everyone needs an extra bob or two. And with the strong winds even in our area of fairly sheltered waters, we still have not been able to get where we need to be for a chance of codling and when we can get there to be honest cod fishing is difficult at the moment due to the massive amounts of herring that have appeared in our area, drift fishermen are reporting plenty of cod but all in the top part of the nets and not on the bottom where we need em. Our saviour has been thornback rays which are still plentiful and good catches of whiting with the odd cod throne in on most trips, but you have to take the rough with the smooth, cod fishing has been fantastic earlier and i have no doubt that it will pick up in the future and of course the weather needs to allow us to get to the marks we need to be on. The charter boat industry still needs the support of its anglers you can still have a great day out with a few mates in the estuary and its better than sitting around getting under the wife feet at home and let’s face it she is sure to find you some jobs to do. So in summing up it has been a great year other than the last month or so don’t get despondent and keep fishing and supporting the charter boats, also I would like to wish readers and all at SAN a great Christmas and a happy healthy new year.

BRIGHTLINGSEA, Essex

Thames Estuary

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Mick from Brightlingsea with his cod - Sophie Lea

Still plenty of Rays on Sophie Lea

Mick from Brightlingsea with a ray of ten pounds Sophie Lea

Please mention the

Sea Angling News when replying to adverts Kevins cod on Sophie Lea

One codling all day but ten rays the biggest 13 pounds on Sophie Lea whats going on !!!

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SPECIES HUNT APP

Sea Angling News, January 2016

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PLYMOUTH / DEVON BAITS

2016

PLYMOUTH CLUB SCENE By Scott Smy

Well it would seem that we are still awaiting the arrival of some proper traditional winter weather with the TV and newspapers commenting upon the major flooding problems currently being experinced in the north of the country coupled with what seems like an endless run of gale force winds. With the high winds and heavy seas those anglers who have ventured out have had to seek more sheltered locations such as the River Tamar which continues to produce some excellent cod fishing with numbers of fish being caught in the 5-8lb range. The only downside to the current bout of Plymouth ‘cod fever’ is that many of the more popular marks are seeing a high level of activity and you need to arrive early to guarantee a spot. In addition to the usual marks lower down, anglers fishing venues such as Looking Glass, Wilcove Pier and the foreshore around the mouth of the River Lynher should find cod as well as whiting and thornback rays. Personally I have found that a large helping of peeler crab combined with Devon Baits cuttle has been a winning combination for the cod although I did recently see a cod captured on mackerel bait intended for whiting. In addition to cod some good pouting are now showing with Giuliano Pellecalle of Pot Black SAC getting a cracker of 2-4 on a late evening session at Devils Point. During a recent and all to brief break in the weather Matt Parry of Castaways SAC made the long trip up to Chesil Beach and under the guiding skills of the legend that is Rob Yorke managed to capture a cracking cod of 16-11 which was a new PB and Castaways Club record. Well done Matt, cracking fish mate. During the same weekend local unattached Plymouth angler Sam Smale tried the Cogden end of

Chesil and registered a personal best plaice of 3-13. Despite some pretty horrible conditions a total of 53 seniors and 19 junior anglers fished South West Sea Baits Annual Xmas Rover Flounder Competition. Many anglers (myself included) opted on fishing Kingsbridge and although this venue produced the top 2 fish, the high temperatures and lack of a cold spell meant that it was particularly crabby in the main channel areas. Fishing one of the creeks at the top end of the estuary local angler Dom Green came first with a fish of 2-7.5 which netted him £280 along with an Anyfish Anywhere rod. Fishing his usual spot in Frogmore Danny Hanna came in a close second with a fish of 2-7 which gave him £140 whilst Steve Pope came third with a fish of 2-6.5 for £70 in prize money. It was good to see several juniors return to the weigh-in with fish and under the guidance of her Dad, Cerys Hanna took first prize with a great fish of 1-15.5. Adam Fuller came in second with a fish of 1-7.5 followed closely by Rueben Green with a fish of 1-5. Well done to all those juniors who fished the comp in challenging conditions.

Adam Fuller with a flounder of 1-7.5

Rueben Green with a flounder of 1-5

Dom Green winner of South West Sea Baits Xmas Flounder Competition

The mild conditions of late have resulted in some very large bass being caught from both boat and shore with local angler Paul Gordon getting a cracker of 11-8 which was a new PB. The recent strong winds have curtailed much of the boat angling activity out of Plymouth. With some settled weather (fingers crossed) I hope to be able to report on the first heavyweight Pollack from the wrecks in my January report. All it leaves me to say is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!

Danny and Cerys Hanna with flounders of 2-7 and 1-15

Sam Smale Plaice 3-13

THIS MONTHS FEATURED BAITS

SANDEELS

UNWASHED SQUID

BLACK LUG

CUTTLEFISH

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HAMPSHIRE / TORBAY

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Sea Angling News, January 2016

SUSSEX

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ANGLING TRUST RECRUITS POLISH AND LITHUANIAN SPEAKERS TO HELP ENCOURAGE MIGRANT ANGLERS TO FISH LEGALLY Two more Eastern European migrant anglers have been recruited by the Angling Trust to further encourage lawful angling in England. Many migrant anglers come from cultures where coarse fish are regularly taken to eat and over the past ten years some migrants, often unaware of our laws and conservation-based angling culture, have continued this practice – causing tension amongst the angling community in England. Avoiding such community division is one of the reasons why the Angling Trust’s new Fisheries Enforcement Support Service in partnership with the Environment Agency has established this issue as a priority for angling. The Environment Agency has commissioned the Angling Trust to deliver this service, paid for by rod licence income.

Their appointment as Project Officers continues the ‘Building Bridges’ work started five years ago by the Angling Trust, involving production of multilingual information leaflets, fishery protection signs, engagement with schools and communities, and integration events involving migrant and British anglers. Covering the whole of England, the Building Bridges team will be part of the Angling Trust’s new Fisheries Enforcement Support Service.

“So I joined the Angling Trust’s Voluntary Bailiff Service soon after it was launched in south east England to help protect our fisheries. I am also a member of the Crawley Angling Society bailiff team and do all I can to help. The only way forward is for migrants to embrace the law and culture of their adopted countries as I have.

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“Fishing is not just my passion, it’s my chosen lifestyle,” said Patrycja. “I came to England a couple of years ago and I am fascinated by the fish stocks and beautiful nature in the UK. We must all work together to protect this treasure. “I also run an angling club known as WWA. It’s such a fabulous thing to be able to meet angling enthusiasts every day. Through competitions and events we can socialise, exchange views and experiences.

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Martynas said: “I came to England eight years ago, working for an aviation catering business. In England I first enjoyed sea fishing but soon started coarse fishing, practising catch and release, playing by the rules. “I noticed, though, British anglers’ attitudes on the bank often changed when they heard my accent. This upset me because not all migrant anglers are poachers and fish thieves, and this needs to be much better appreciated.

Patrycja Bury has been fishing since childhood in Poland and is delighted to have the opportunity to promote integration amongst all anglers in Britain.

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Martynas Pranaitis is a life-long angler who fished competitively in Lithuania, where he graduated with a Masters in Ecology & Environmental Sciences and was a voluntary bailiff supporting the Lithuanian Aplinkos Apsauga (Environment Agency).

Now Polish-speaking Patrycja Bury and Lithuanianspeaker Martynas Pranaitis will help educate anglers on the ‘catch and return’ practice in this country, and encourage legal fishing as members of angling clubs or legitimately at commercial fisheries.

Building Bridges founder and manager, Rado Papiewski, said that the expansion of the team would “accelerate this massive task of educating and integrating, and build even stronger bridges between local and migrant anglers”.

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fishing.” Martynas Pranaitis, Dilip Sarkar, Rado Papiewski, Patrycja Bury x350px Welcome to the Angling Trust ... (from left) Martynas Pranaitis, Dilip Sarkar, Rado Papiewski and Patrycja Bury

“I'm proud to see more women in this sport today. I'm not only an angler, I'm a mother too, and understand how important it is to find the right inspiration for little ones. Angling is perfect. Junior anglers are the future and we must engage with all of them. My children are nine, eight and four years old and all get hooked on

“I am passionate about fish, fishing and protecting our fisheries. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity to be a part of the Building Bridges project and help with this vital work.” Angling Trust’s National Enforcement Manager Dilip Sarkar MBE, said: “The expansion of Building Bridges is testament to Rado Papiewski’s vision and tenacity in dealing with a very difficult and complex issue. Prevention is always better than detection and so long-term, education is key. “The approach under the Voluntary Bailiff Service falls within the Environment Agency’s holistic approach to enforcement, meaning that this is one component of an overall strategy to secure compliance with the law by all anglers, regardless of status or ethnicity. I am pleased to welcome our new staff and that Building Bridges is now included in the Fisheries Enforcement Support Service, delivering the Fisheries Enforcement Campaign.” Through the work being done by the Building Bridges project, strong links have been forged with environmental and enforcement organisations in Poland and Lithuania, and the project is endorsed by Mr Daniel Kawczynski MP, the Prime Minister’s Envoy for Polish & Eastern European Diaspora in the UK.

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POOLE / DORSET

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POOLE PORT REPORT

Sea Angling News, January 2016

SILVER SPRAY & SILVER SPRAY II Two modern catamarans from Poole. Fast and spacious boats fitted with twin engines. COP 60 miles for 12 anglers. Large heated wheelhouse with toilet. Hot drinks provided and microwave available. All necessary rods, tackle and bait available.

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SILVER SPRAY REPORT By Sam Cumming

Not a huge amount to report this month unfortunately as you can imagine, with this amount of bad weather I’ve managed 3 trips since my last report. None the less those trips have produced some good catches of cod, interestingly they have been tempted by the smaller baits like single squid or half cuttle fish rather than the usual enormous ones. Along with this we have seen plenty of mixed fish like rays bass spur

dogs and smoothounds. Hopefully with a little bit of luck with the weather we will start our trips out to the offshore banks to target those big blonde rays and spurdogs on the next neap tide. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us at Silver Spray Charters and tight lines for 2016. Sam Cumming Silver Spray II

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Recent catches aboard Silver Spray

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Sea Angling News, January 2016

POOLE & SWANAGE / NEWS

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POOLE REPORT by Philip Higgins

Welcome to 2016, after the dismal start to December where the storms just kept rolling in to finish what has been officially confirmed as one of the windiest years on record.

The Poole charter fleet has been for the main tied up for the last week of November and early part of December with only the briefest window of opportunity to get out amongst the gales so I apologise for the lack of content. On the odd occasion we have ventured out the fishing was reasonable with some nice Rays being landed and a cracking Conger of over 60lb landed by Luke Allen on True Blue. After such a long period of inactivity the weather forecast was giving lighter winds for Sunday 13th most of the Poole fleet took the opportunity being presented and went fishing, there were some good catches with most boats landing good size whiting in quantity along with Conger Eels, Rays , Bass and some big Smoothhounds the best being weighed and released aboard M Mimms boat ‘Our Gemma’ of 12lb and some boats found the preferred winter target the Cod . Due to the unseasonal high temperatures we are still catching the odd Mackeral, Gurnard and

Garfish. Poole Harbour has as expected produced some good Flounder fishing with some boats landing over 40 fish per session and if the weather settles the bigger fish will be landed. The better catches have come from the top end of the harbour in the shallows , in January these fish move down the harbour prior to their migration and will be caught from the traditional marks near the entrance. The boats venturing off to sea towards the end of the month will be looking for Spurdogs which in the last 3 seasons have fished well including a British record fish being landed on 1 such trip during these trips many Blonde Rays and Congers will give you a tough battle in the tide for those willing to test their tackle to the extreme. The Recreational Sea Angling Committee next meet at the end of January and if you have any ideas on the way to ‘map the future’ for angling please email me at ‘philip.higgins@virginmedia.com’ and I will raise the question. Philip Higgins

Mistress Linda Fishing from Poole, Dorset

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Dave Lynes cod.

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Luke Allen 60lb Conger - True Blue

W Aitchison Whiting Mistress Linda

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PHOTO FEATURE / NEWS

Crunch Time For European bass stocks This week is crunch time for European bass stocks with the Council of Ministers meeting to discuss controversial proposals from the European Commission for 2016 aimed at reducing pressure on the fishery. Representatives from the Angling Trust and the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society (BASS) have been hard at work making the case to UK fisheries minister George Eustice on behalf of recreational anglers. The Commission's proposals include reductions in commercial catch limits, lowering anglers' daily bag limit to one fish and a total ban on all forms of bass fishing, including catch and release angling in the first half of 2016. Both the Trust and BASS have urged the Commission to go further and make bass a sustainable hook and line fishery only for both recreational and commercial sectors. However, they have strongly opposed any attempt to include catch and release angling in the six month bass fishing ban and have described lowering the bag limit as 'disproportionate'. Angling Trust Campaign Chief Martin Salter said: "The recreational angling community totally rejects the unfair, unenforceable and totally disproportionate proposal put forward by the Commission to include Catch and Release bass fishing within the closure period announced for the first half of 2016 and to reduce the recreational bag limit from three fish to just one. We have provided comprehensive briefings to our ministers showing high survival rates from angling making such a draconian measure completely unnecessary. Bass stocks have declined because of commercial over fishing and that is where the Commission should be making the greatest changes."

In the second half of 2016, recreational anglers are getting a considerably worse deal than commercial fishermen as evidenced by 2014 UK landings data. The new Vessel Catch Limits will only impact 111 vessels out of 1,331 landing bass (i.e. only 8%) and only reduce commercial landings by 25%. The EU Commission has committed to fishing bass at Maximum Sustainable Yield (FMSY) from 2017 and these proposals make this target unreachable.

Sea Angling News, January 2016

Sea Angling News Gallery A selection of photographs sent in by our readers this month

Nigel Horsman of BASS added: BASS hopes and expects that George Eustice will remember, when he is discussing the future of our declining bass stocks at Fisheries Minister's meeting, that the biggest and most valuable stakeholder in the bass fishery is the £200 million recreational sea angling sector. Simply tinkering with the problem is not enough and serious action is needed now and this should discriminate in favour of the most valuable and least impactful sectors. The only sustainable forms of bass fishing are recreational sea angling and commercial hook and line fishing. It is time for bold measures for long term gains." Angling Trust Marine Campaign Manager David Mitchell said: "When the Minister is discussing bass at next week’s Fisheries Minister's meeting, we have asked him to keep uppermost in his mind that saving the bass stock is the key to saving the jobs and businesses that depend on a sustainable bass fishery. Banning catch and release fishing for bass is both absurd and impractical given that anglers use similar methods for a host of other species including wrasse and pollack. It would also be economically disastrous for the tackle and tourist trade, the angling charter boats and the local bass guides who derive much of their income from April onwards when the bass begin to show on the inshore grounds."

Cod 5lb 12oz, Chesil beach, angler Steven Carter

SEND YOUR PICTURES TO editor@seaanglingnews.com

BASS MIGRATION ANALYSED WITH Photo Feature SATELLITE TAGGING SYSTEM Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has undertaken an innovative satellite tagging study to investigate the spawning migrations of bass. A large number of adult bass in Cork Harbour were tagged, and the study took place in partnership with Finn Okland from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Wildlife Computers, a leading electronic tagging company, and local angling experts. Little is known about the migration patterns or spawning behaviour of Irish bass populations and this study was designed to contribute to addressing this significant knowledge gap and provide improved information to manage this iconic sport fish species. Miniaturised satellite tags, developed by Wildlife Computers, were attached to angler-caught bass which were returned to the water within minutes after tagging. The lightweight tags are scheduled to release from the fish in late spring 2016, when they will transmit data about the fish location and other scientific information to the ARGOS satellite. ARGOS is a satellite-based system which collects, processes and disseminates environmental data from fixed and mobile platforms worldwide. IFI’s CEO, Dr Ciaran Byrne, commented: “Bass is one of the most exciting and valuable recreational angling species occurring in Irish waters.” “This project was particularly timely given the major international focus on the distribution of bass and concerns about its status. Unravelling more about bass migrations through this partnership presents an excellent opportunity to gain new insights which are essential when considered in the context of IFI’s national role in protecting and conserving this

important but vulnerable species,” Byrne added. NINA’s Finn Okland, an international fish telemetry expert who is advising the project, was on-site for the sampling and tagging which was recently carried out over four days in Cork Harbour. This was a repeat of a similar tagging effort carried out in 2014 and information gleaned from the 2014 results was used to enhance the tags and improve the study this year. Elaborating on the study Finn Okland said: “This is a very exciting project which is focused on investigating the migrations of bass using the latest technology and I look forward, with great anticipation, to the results in 2016.” This tagging study is one element of IFI’s long-term National Bass Conservation Programme, which aims to determine the status of juvenile, pre-adult and adult bass around the coast. Working closely with anglers is a key element of the programme given that bass is the only marine fish species that is managed exclusively for angling. The expertise of local anglers, who caught the fish which were tagged, was essential for the success of the project. IFI’s Head of Research, Dr Cathal Gallagher, said: “Using this satellite technology was a highlight for Inland Fisheries Ireland’s National Bass Programme in 2015 and marks ongoing developments in the use of advanced telemetry in Ireland. It emphasises the importance of ‘Citizen Science’ in supporting bass research and further enhances the ongoing collaborative research with NINA and several other international partners on a range of species.”

SAN COMPETITION WINNERS IF YOU SEE A SNOWBEE RED GILL, DEVON BAITS OR ISOK WINNERS BADGE IN YOUR PICTURE PLEASE CONTACT JAMES WIGGLESWORTH

ON 07825 181 694 OR EMAIL

editor@seaanglingnews.com

Plaice 2lb, Chesil beach angler Steven Carter

Devon baits sponsored angler Carl McCormack

RESULTS

Sea Angling News, January 2016 LDSFC

Shirley SAC

LARGE BOAT COMPETITION 22 November 2015 Nine members enjoyed a welcome weather window in the recent gales to fish their last large boat competition of the season aboard Private Venture, skippered by Art Savage. The prolific numbers of cod this winter were in evidence, with six being boated; Arran Harmer managed to break his boat cod duck by catching three of them, whilst the biggest - one of 15lbs 5ozs - fell to the club’s president Derek Smith, who also had the heaviest fish of the day: a specimen conger eel of over 40 lbs. Other species caught included dogfish, whiting (several over 3 lbs) pout, spotted and thornback ray. 1st Derek Smith 137 points, 2nd Arran Harmer 130 points, 3rd Brian Dawkins 111 points, 4th Jane Hopkins 101 points, 5th Alec Harmer 89 points, 6th Malcolm Gerrish 76 points.

Just received the result of our last Deep Boats trip of the year which was on Sun 22nd Nov out from Hayling aboard 'Malaki'. 8 members fished and all 8 weighed and released 17 Pout, 39 Dogfish, 157 Whiting, 6 Cod, 2 Conger Eel & 1 Ray. The best fish that was weighed was anice Whiting of 2lb 12ozs caught by Kim Tang. RESULT. 1. Nick Manning 43 fish 225pts 2. Steve Southwell 36 fish 182pts 3. Henry King 35 fish 181pts 4. John Bell 37 fish 179pts 5. John Schipper 25 fish 121pts

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 11

Results Zone A, Darren Newlands Ian Dancey Darren Stevens Paul Phillips

9-7-0 8-7-0 7-15-0 5-14-0

£80 £50 £30 £20

Zone B Justin Roulland Richard Dorgan Danny Mogridge Ian G olds

9-0-0 5-1-0 4-1-0 3-6-0

£80 £50 £30 £20

LDSFC

Shirley SAC Here is the result of our latest match which was a Shallow Boats comp on Sunday 6th December. We manged to get out with the winds easing off throughout the day but because of the weather Saturday only 7 members went afloat with many opting to stay at home. Of the 7 fishing 3 weighed in 53 fish for a total weight of 13k 590gms. Species were Pout, Whiting & Cod with the best fish being a Cod of 2k 600gms caught by Bob Patterson. RESULT. 1. Bob Patterson 33 fish 9k 590gms 2. John Richards 11 fish 2k 170gms 3. Gary Thomas 9 fish 1k 830gms

Rhys Hayward was in the England Junior Shore team which picked up the team gold medal at the Sea Angling Liaison Committee (SALC) Home International Shore Angling Championships held in Co. Wexford, Ireland, in July. He has been selected to represent his country again in 2016.

SLO R12 Results Penn Points 1 Darren Newlands IOW A 2 A1 9-7-0 2 Justin Roulland Portsmouth B 1 B20 9-0-0 3 Ian Dancey Waterlooville A 0 A4 8-7-0

Derek Smith

Shirley SAC Here is the result of our latest match which was a Shore comp at Hythe to Ealing Creek on Sun 29th November. 20 members fished with 11 weighing in 129 fish for 30k 280gms. The Species were Flounder, Bass, Dogfish, Pout & Whiting with the best fish being a Bass of 960gms caught by Richard Purkess. SENIORS. 1. John Bell 30 fish 6k 620gms 2. Adrian Groves 23 fish 4k 760gms 3. David Beale 15 fish 4k 000gms 4. Bob Patterson 17 fish 3k 240gms 5. Ryan Beale 12 fish 2k 780gms No Juniors weighed in.

The SLO had it's twelth competition at Lee on Solent on Saturday the 5th of December 2015 from 5pm until 10pm. 25 anglers fished in 2 zones with 24 anglers weighing in. The 191 sizeable fish consisted of 7 Rockling, 1 silver eel,10 Dogfish,45 pout,127 whiting and 1 cod a total of 320 fish were caught. The Winner of the match was Daz Newland from the IOW with 9lb 7oz 0dr from peg 1 consisting of 9 pout, 12 whiting, 3 rockling and 6 topups. Second place was Justin Roulland of Lock stock and Tackle from Portsmouth on peg B20 with 9lb 0oz . Third place was Ian Dancey from Waterlooville on peg A4 with 8lb 7oz. Penn points on weight will be awarded to Darren Newland and Justin Roulland. Heaviest round was Justin Roullands 6lb 5oz cod and the flatfish pool rolls over. Zone Winners picked up £100, nominated fish pool winners with Pouting Darren Stevens,Paul Phillips 29cm. >>

Veals Winter League Table 2015 (best 6 from 8) Position Shaun Tromans Keith Warren Bert James adsen M Dave Shore Buzz Dave lackwell B Phytos John rn Linte Ian rice B Rich Simpkins 1 Ian avis D Morgan Lucky Lil Tony in Irw Scott arton B Grant ones J Cliff ones J Andy nd Shopla Francis ones J Tonto Rich White Andy uncan D Duncan Young Tony Taylor Adam rooks B Pete Griffin Rowley Graham Wood Mike Watts Nick Snow Matt handler C Steve Ace Dave Gracie 34 Steve Sweet 35 Russell ston Pre Kev Smith 37 Tom Bayford 38 Kev Daley 39 Becky Adams Dave Fortune 41 Shawn itteridge42 K Mini Hawkins 43 Gary Withey 44 Steve Ford 45 Brogan ayford B Colstan awker H Niki Frewin 48 Matt allow D

Match 1 192 149 140 220 195 212 189 184 197 50 146 160 207 163 183 189 153 202 164 212 205 159 145 212 195 144 184 130 172 50 154 192 202 173 130 176 163 50 154 125 201 164 171 50 179 178 50 143 50

Match 2 50 204 199 199 194 189 175 7 193 180 185 50 194 145 50 170 175 188 179 174 19 165 165 50 165 161 140 154 185 179 50 165 208 50 50 50 50 165 36 185 168 195 140 50 50 50 140 50 46 170 47 50 50 50

Match 3 198 1 186 150 155 208 145 164 189 174 189 10 1203 194 12 13 193 14 203 15 135 185 16 154 17 18 50 199 140 20 21 145 22 173 23 183 24 168 25 135 26 135 27 155 28 169 179 29 30 155 31 150 140 32 182 33 155 50 169 160 155 210 40 155 174 50 135 140 50 50 184 135 50 49

2 3 4 5 6 8 9

Match 4 189 185 206 165 185 175 204 50 184 208 201 175 50 198 199 190 194 160 160 50 160 184 179 50 150 174 175 179 150 189 150 175 50 50 174 50 50 179 50 50 155 150 169 50 50 50 50 50 50

Match 5 208 209 175 174 165 189 50 160 183 169 204 194 199 155 189 184 50 50 50 50 175 184 194 155 169 160 150 184 175 140 50 140 50 194 50 50 165 50 50 50 50 179 50 50 189 50 155 50 50

Match 6 180 199 199 178 179 181 184 189 212 165 180 150 50 50 174 50 194 200 189 199 180 150 140 165 184 140 50 50 164 165 155 165 212 194 204 50 50 169 50 50 50 50 50 145 50 50 50 50 50

Match 7 201 169 196 194 175 189 208 204 170 203 155 180 184 208 181 164 189 165 165 174 50 184 155 165 160 50 50 50 50 165 50 50 160 50 199 194 50 50 50 175 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 189

6 of 8 988 983 975 965 961 960 960 959 956 954 943 937 928 927 926 923 919 906 891 890 885 884 876 871 858 857 849 841 840 839 817 812 806 766 757 754 723 721 659 645 630 593 575 525 518 498 489 428 389

Total 1218 1301 1265 1285 1301 1280 1174 1169 1300 1169 1139 1247 1028 1027 1231 1137 1122 1006 1101 990 1080 1084 1161 1076 1133 957 949 941 940 1029 917 912 906 866 857 854 823 821 759 745 730 693 675 625 618 598 589 528 489

Saturday November 21st – Aust 1st – Dave Blackwell – 9lb 14oz (Bath), 2nd – Shawn Tromans – 6lb 15 ½oz (Bristol), 3rd – Phytos Yianni – 4lb 9oz (Weston-Super-Mare) 35 Anglers Fished

Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club Honour their England Team Members. On Friday evening December 11th, the club held a buffet reception to honour the superb achievements of their fellow members representing England at national and international level during 2015. Club president Derek Smith congratulated them all on the dedication and determination they had shown competing at this high level. He emphasised that these competitions were far from being just a relaxing time abroad: pre-practice matches, freezing winds, late nights making rigs and discussing tactics, combined with early morning starts and the intensity of the matches themselves, was the stark reality. After citing their individual achievements, he concluded by thanking Tom Bagnall of Christchurch Angling Centre for sponsoring the junior section of the club run by Laura Blomfield. It was a credit to her that so much talent had emerged from their ranks.

SLO R12

NWASAC NWASAC Personal Members- Allan Marklew Fur & Feather Match, Seacombe Promenade, Wallasey, Sun 29.11.15 (22 rods). Conditions at this Personal Members season finale which commemorates North West Association stalwart, Allan Marklew, deteriorated drastically at high water with the waves washing over the promenade. In the interests of safety, the match was abandoned with an hour and fifteen minutes to go. Nonetheless, the fish had been feeding well and the tail end of Storm Clodagh ended a close battle between Carl Edwards and Mike Hughes on adjacent pegs in Zone B with Carl taking the verdict for the win. Les Trish won Zone A for runner-up place and back at the Beehive, there were prizes for all competitors.

The following club members represented their country in the FIPS-Mer World Championships in Holland held on the beaches around Domburg, in October: Jaon Voller, in his last year as a junior, was in the World Junior Team. Although not managing a team medal, Jaon won a deserved individual silver medal. Callum Graham and Toby Oldfield were both in the England Youth team, which won the team silver - Toby was also in the Youth Home team that fished the SALC Home International Shore Angling Championships in Ireland, where they won a spectacular gold. Malcolm Stote was congratulated on his success as England Youth team manager, steering them to silver position at the World Championships. In addition he was in the Home Internationals in Ireland where his team won bronze. He also managed, and was a member of, the fifteen-man Sea Angling Match Federation (SAMF) team that fished in Holland against Belgium and won. In the adult section Ollie Hopkins was in the England Adult World team for the FIPS-Mer World Championships in Portugal in November. They finished in sixth position, with Ollie coming a respectable 32nd out of the 85 anglers participating. On the boat angling scene, Steve Batchelor was the reserve for the Team England World Boat Squad which won team silver in Co. Donegal, Ireland in August.

Results (scored in continental style from 2 zones): 1. Carl Edwards (Bootle), 5 whiting, 5 codling, 1 dab, 180 pts. (Zone B). 2. Les Trish (Crosby), 3 whiting, 2 codling, 2 dabs, 105 pts (Zone A). 3. Mike Hughes (Bangor), 8 whiting, 3 codling, 153. 4. Paul Bonner (West Kirby), 5 whiting, 2 dabs, 1 codling, 102. 5. Steve Bonner (Wallasey), 8 whiting, 1 codling, 147. 6. Gordon Thornes (Connah’s Quay), 4 whiting, 2 codling, 1 dab, 84. Roundfish Pool: L. Trish, whiting, 37 pts. Flatfish Pool: P. Simpson, flounder, 37 pts.

Before congratulating and presenting each of them with a token of the club’s appreciation, Local and County Councillor Jacqui England acknowledged the effort required to achieve such successes; she recalled the amount of dedication that a friend of hers had put into his sport in order to realise his ambitions. His name - Ben Ainslie! Praise was also given to Sport England coaches David Graham and Chris Clark. David was manager of the World Junior and Junior Home Teams. Elder statesman Chris Clark (twice World Shore Champion) was Assistant Manager to the World Juniors, in Holland. He has had a particularly busy year: in addition to attending the World Championships in South Africa, Holland and Portugal in his role as delegate for the International Federation of World Championships, he has also been to Ireland as Home Team manager, and only recently returned from Luxembourg where he attended meetings of the International Federation; he is due to return early next year to help with the English translation of the rules. Early next year the club will be playing host to both the International Selectors committee, when the 2016 England representatives will be decided, and Angling Trust/Sport England who will be holding their twoday Junior Talent Pathway event in the summer at the clubhouse.

Carl Edwards NWASAC

Back row (l. to r.): Ollie Hopkins, David Graham, president Derek Smith, Malcolm Stote, Steve Batchelor. Front row (l. to r.): Rhys Hayward, Jaon Voller, Callum Graham, Toby Oldfield.

12 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com

ILFRACOMBE / RESULTS / NEWS

Sea Angling News, January 2016

High Street Tackle

MINEHEAD COD CHALLENGE 2015

153 High Street, Ilfracombe EX34 9EZ

By James Wigglesworth

● FRESH & FROZEN BAIT ● GREAT RANGE OF RODS, REELS AND TACKLE ● OUT OF HOURS SERVICE AVAILABLE

Email: highstreettackle@gmail.com

www.highstreettackle.co.uk

Tel: 07810 186482

Well despite a less than ideal forecast the annual Minehead Cod Challenge did go ahead yesterday. With strong southerly winds it made for an interesting day with fishing being difficult to say the least but there was no stopping the 70 anglers that turned up to try their hand at becoming the Minehead Cod Champion!. Those that stuck at it and fished hard reaped the rewards with 37 cod caught in total. The winner would be the angler who accumulated the longest length of cod and then there would be a separate prize for the heaviest cod of the day. Mick Patten came out on top for the second year in a row with a total length of 129.5cm. He walked away with £400 prize money and the highly prestigeous Cod Challenge Silverware. MIck was followed very closely by George Stavrakopoulos whos rich vein of form carried on when he measured in with a very respectable 128cm. The heaviest fish of the day was caught by Sam Tarr who brought a lovely 11lb 7oz cod to the scales which saw him take the Minehead Cod Cup and a nice cash prize. Other Fish of note were a 9lb 6oz for Richard Hodges, 8lb for Steve

Pope, 7lb 4oz for George Stavrakopoulos, 5lb 1oz for Matt Jeffreys and Nick Lane at 4lb 3oz. Individual boat winner prizes were also awarded and they were Matt Jeffreys on Orca, Dan Taggart on Scooby Doo Too, Steve Kitchen on Reel Deel,Richard Hodges on Teddy Boy, Nick Lane on Osprey, Clive Hardwick on Atlantic Blue, Lance Edwards on Fulmar and Phil Jane who fished aboard Alykat Too. There is a lot of work that goes into organising this comp and without Keith Wigglesworth's efforts it wouldnt happen so I speak for all of us when I say thankyou. Special mention must go to Craig Butler of Westcoast Tackle who selflessly puts alot of his own time into running the comp and also Steve Liddle for sponsoring the prizes. Of course I had better mention the skippers as without their hard work this wouldnt be possible so big thanks to Steve Yeandle, Mike Dyer, Steve Pilbrow, Steve Webber, Mikey Webber, Dan Hawkins, Albert Hartgen and Mr Dave Roberts. Last but not least, a big shout out has to go to all the anglers! Congratulations to the well deserved winners and we hope to see you all there next year.

Winners of the Minehead Cod Challenge 12th december 2015

Mike Patten overall Winner of the Minehead Cod Challenge 12th december 2015

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Sam Tarr winner of heaviest cod

George Stavrakopoulos 2nd overall.

Sea Angling News, January 2016

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 13

ALDERNEY

ALDERNEY ANGLING REPORT by Mark Harding

The fishing locally has been extremely weather dependant this month. However, when the windows have been there though, local angler Darren Braby more than anyone has hit it hard and had some fantastic results, landing a number of tope, undulate rays, bass and bullhuss. Those fishing the beaches have found it tough, with big swells and large rafts of weed affecting bite detection, but again when wind has dropped, Red Mullet, Sole, Bass and Black Bream have all made an appearance. The lure fishing which is usually very good at this time of year is very slow at present, with just the odd bass and pollack being caught, but hopefully we’ll see the winter shoals arrive soon along with the rafts of mullet that Alderney is famous for. Apart from that, we have also had three league matches this month. Reports are below: Alderney Angling Shore League 2015 – 05/12/15 Best Conger Match Saturday’s weather was far from brilliant, but more importantly it was fishable and for the four anglers that decided to give it a go, the harbour area was going to give the best chance of a fish. With all four anglers choosing to fish the Commercial Quay, it was a game of who could stick it out the longest and maximise their chances of finding an eel. Five hours into the onslaught, Mick decided enough was enough, shortly followed by Ross who admitted defeat and left feeling very tired shortly before midnight. That left two brave souls on the Quay, both feeling tired themselves but determined not to give up. Constantly refreshing their baits and keeping warm behind Scott’s van, their efforts were eventually awarded as Scott’s ratchet sounded and the first fish of the night made an appearance. At 16lb 3oz it was also over the minimum qualifying weight, therefore knocking Matt’s Huss off top spot as Heaviest Fish of the year! Not to be outdone, Darren continued to fish on and got his just deserves shortly before high water with a fish of 14lb 7oz, deservedly earning him a 2nd place finish. Despite both having caught, neither stopped fishing and come the 7am finish, they were both still on the quay fishing just as hard as they had been over 12 hours before hand….that’s some commitment! Match results: 1. Scott Audoire – 16lb 3oz 2.

Darren Braby – 14lb 7oz

Alderney Angling Shore League 2015 – 12/12/15 Best Pollack Match Match results: 1. Mick Maurice – 2lb 8oz

tally with a few more fish each before the end, including a bass of 38cm for Darren which took the longest fish pool. Matt and Wayne also managed to increase their tallies with bass, bream and pout between them. As time was called, the totals were added up and it was Ross who came out victorious with 10 fish for a total length of 2.72m. Darren was next with 7 fish for 1.88m, making it three consecutive 2nd place finishes, some great fishing for sure! Next weekend is the final match of the year. Play off places are all but secured for Ross, Scott, Darren and Dicky, but there can still be a late twist if Gary can produce the goods with his Joker still to play in the last match. It will be a great finale whatever happens! Sunday 20th December – fishing from 13.00 till 20.00. Booking in is from 12.30 on the commercial quay. Shop will be closed at 13.00. It’s a split competition with 2 sets of positions, one for heaviest bag of squid and the other for longest length of fish. Your positions in each section will count towards the final result. One rod, 3 hook max and only one squid jig can be used at any time. League Table Top 4 win a rod or reel to the value of £100, top 4 fish the Fish Race Final and for the winner a trip to Norway (or somewhere warmer if preferred!). Best 12 matches from the 19 count. J’s signify number of jokers played. 1. Ross Johnson 1025 (JJ) 2.

Scott Audoire

880 (J)

Darren Braby

805 (JJ)

Dick Smith

760 (JJ)

Mark Harding

698 (JJ)

Matt Smith

680 (JJ)

Gary Maurice

650 (JJ)

James Clarke

530 (JJ)

Adam Salmon

476 (JJ)

10.

Mick Maurice

473 (JJ)

11.

Wayne Cosheril

436 (JJ)

12.

Michael Bohan

435 (JJ)

Darren Braby – 2lb 5oz

13.

Fieona Cosheril

371 (J)

Michael Bohan – 1lb 14oz

14.

Marcus Odoli

353 (J)

Scott Audoire – 1lb 11oz

15.

Jordan Walters

Ross Johnson – 1lb 5oz

16.

Dave Young

17.

Alistair Walters

18.

Andy Black

19.

John Copeland

193 (JJ)

20.

Adam Barnes

162 (J)

21.

Andrew Scott

130

22.

Helen Young

23.

Kim Le Poullain

24.

Johny Parmentier

25.

Mark Ashton

26.

Steve Scott

27.

Chris Dowden

Catch a pollack over 40cm in 6 hours, easy right?...Wrong and as is usually the case when you want one particular species, they seem to be very hard to locate. The usual hot spots such as Houmet Herbet, The Slides and Houmet Floraines were not producing any fish and with the breakwater and back side of the island being unfishable, options were limited. In the end it turned into another harbour match, with all but one angler camped on the commercial quay for the evening. Magic Mick Maurice had other ideas though, breaking away from the pack and heading to the Douglas Quay to try his luck there. Fishing was slow going and at one point it didn’t look as though anything was going to be caught, but an hour or so into dark Scott Audoire broke the deadlock and landed the first of the evenings qualifying fish. This started a short run of fish with Darren, Michael and Ross also managing to pluck a fish out over the minimum size limit of 40cm, Darren’s fish being the biggest of the bunch at 2lb 5oz. Then it went dead again and with the match drawing to an end, it seemed as though the result was in the bag for Darren. As we all packed the gear up though, over came Mick Maurice with a big smile on his face, had he got a weigher?.... Of course he had, two in fact, with his best one going 2lb 8oz and taking the top spot. Top effort from the big man and that’s Mick’s second win of the year. Alderney Angling Shore League 2015 – 13/12/15 Platte Saline Pegged Match Match results: 1. Ross Johnson – 8 Black Bream + 2 Pout – 2.72m 2.

Darren Braby – 3 Red Mullet + 1 Couch’s Bream + 1 Bass + 1 Pout + 1 Black Bream – 1.88m

Matthew Smith – 2 Black Bream + 2 Pout – 1.00m

Wayne Cosheril – 1 Bass + 1 Black Bream – 65cm

Adam Salmon – 1 Black Bream – 28cm

Scott Audoire – 1 Pout – 15cm

The second match of the weekend was a much more pleasant affair, with Platte Saline being lovely and sheltered from the little wind there was. Everyone knew that fishing would be tough during daylight hours and it definitely proved that way. At the gravel works end, a number of Black Bream started to show an hour before dark, with Ross managing a quick flurry of fish before sunset. Darren at the Doyle end had also managed a few fish, including a Red Mullet and a Couch’s Bream, whilst next to him Scott Audoire was having his own nightmare session, even snapping his faithful Vercelli rod during a cast, we all felt for him! As dusk came and the light started to fade, Adam, Matt and Wayne all kick stated their tally with a black bream each, leaving it wide open with half the match still to go. Everyone then expected the fishing to pick up in the dark, but we were all surprised at how slow it was. Ross and Darren continued to slowly add to their

Matt Smith 28lb Tope

Matt Smith Undulate Ray 12lb 14oz

Darren Braby Undulate Ray 13lb 14oz

Scott 16lb3oz eel

Darren Braby Undulate Ray 13lb 9oz

Darren 14lb7oz eel

271 264 (J) 258 (J) 222 (J)

Trophy Contenders Team Trophy 1. Ross J/Jordan W/Michael B

1716

Darren B/Marcus O/Andrew S

Scott A/Fieona C/Jasper O

1378

Matt S/James C/Johny P

1250

Gary M/Wayne B/Chris D

1106

Mark H/Andy B/Adam B

1082

Dick S/John C/Helen Y

1039

Alistair W/Mick M/Mark A

761

Dave Y/Adam S/Angela B

735

Heaviest Fish of the Year Scott Audoire – Huss – 16lb 3oz Most Species of the Year Matt Smith – 25 Ross Johnson – 22 Darren Braby -20 Mark Harding - 19 Dicky Smith & Scott Audoire – 18

1436

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NEWS

www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk/how_fishing.htm Hello and welcome aboard the ‘Fishing Dartmouth’ (www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk) column with myself, This month’s Shore report Rob Miller. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and The shore fishing has taken a big hit with the rough a Happy New Year and managed to wet a line during conditions affecting the coast and the plentiful rain the festive period! colouring the rivers. However a few good shore fish have been reported. The best I would say was a 7lb 10oz Bass for Arron Churcher. He loves his evening/ This month’s Boat report and outlook The local charter boats of ‘Anglo Dawn’ (Chris night lure fishing for Bass and he came up trumps Roberts), ‘Outlaw of Dartmouth’ (Owen Mallia) and again with his nice specimen.. Some Wrasse are also ‘Samuel Irvin 3’ (Ian Noble), all send me regular being targeted with Brixham SAC member Mike reports of what their anglers are catching. With the Bailey getting anice fish of 4lb 5oz from the Brixham onset of the Winter weather is has been very unsettled Breakwater. The Flounders are always a favourite spebut when they get out they all say there are quality fish cies at this time of year as they come into the rivers to be had and the catches have been good for what is to hunt the peeler crab and these feisty little flatties always seem to give the anglers some good sport. The normally a quiet time of the year. best this month was a very nice fish of 2lb 14oz 5dr Mid Channel wrecks - This time of year they’re for Dartmouth angler Paul Lingham. mainly targeting Cod, Pollack and Ling. The Cod are With any luck the weather will subside and the unexpectedly still hanging around with quite a few Flounder fishing will be back on track in the River still coming to the net. Most that are being caught are Teign and Kingsbridge inlet. Plus I would hope the in the 7-9lb range but there are bigger fish to be had Codling and large Whiting will start to make a show with the odd fish in mid teens coming to the net. The on the popular marks of Berryhead and Hopes Nose Ling are here in reasonable numbers. The best this month was caught by Ray Brookes with a fine fish As many of you will know the Fishing Dartmouth of 20lb which he caught aboard the Dartmouth based website (www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk) is a haven of charter vessel ‘Outlaw. The Pollack are still around in knowledge for the inexperienced and experienced numbers as well with some big ones, well in the teens anglers alike with regular updates of catch reports being caught. Hopefully as the New Year progresses from far and wide and has been ranked at number we’ll see the first of the ‘lunkers’ moving up from the 3 amongst the Worlds top recreational sea angling websites. Please keep all your fishy tales and catch Western Approaches. reports coming in, they’re greatly appreciated and will ‘Skerries Banks’ - Further inshore the ‘Skerries keep the website the success it has become. My email Banks’ is fishing okay. The Plaice have mainly moved address is rob@fishingdartmouth.co.uk so keep your off the banks for their spawning time in the channel. fishy tales coming in and the some of the best will be The Rays are still around in numbers with some in future editions of the Sea Angling News. nice Blonde Rays coming to the net. The best In the meantime, I hope the fishing is good and it’ll be Blonde Ray was a nice fish of 25lb for North Devon great to see you next month. angler, Cameron Atkinson, who was fishing from the Dartmouth charter boat ‘Samuel Irvin 3’. For the most Rob Miller up to date catch reports from our area please visit © Robert Miller January 2015. All rights reserved.

Sea Angling News, January 2016

Welcome Aboard

Tim Smith & Harry White cod - Outlaw

Ray Brookes 20lb ling - Outlaw

Owen Mallia 19lb pollack - Outlaw

Ray Brookes pollack - Outlaw

Sea Angling News, January 2016

DARTMOUTH

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SALCOMBE CHARTERS

Tony Whally pollack

Pete cod

Steve cod

DARTMOUTH ANGLING CHARTERS

Geoff Bennett 3lb 8oz flounder

Chris Lynn flounder

Arron Churcher 7lb 10oz bass

Corey Upham flounder.

Paul Lingham 2lb 14oz 5dr flounder

Corey Upham PB eel

Michael McCabe 3lb 10oz bass

Shay Upham bullhuss

Stuart Norrish 2lb 1oz flounder

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WALES / BURNHAM ON SEA

Sea Angling News, December 2015

Wales Shore Fishing

Lee Williams from Grangetown Cardiff fished the ranny at Penarth landed this nice cod of 7lb 4ozs he used farm rag an limpet as bait at range.

Andrew Mcfarlane fished the green light Barry and landed this 15lb conger fishing close in to the boulder using whole bluey as bait.

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Richard Verrall double figure conger of the whitelight Barry

Good session for Ryan Wingfield and Gareth Griffiths on the down West Wales. Plenty of huss upto 10lb using mackerel and dirty squid baits.

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Free Postage and Package on orders over ÂŁ10 Burnham Boat Owners Sea Angling Association Well what a disappointment the last month has been. There seems to be no let up in this wind with only the briefest of windows, which never seem to coincide with free time! There hasn't been a single club boat launch from Burnham since my last report which is very frustrating as the cod fishing was just starting to get in to full swing in the bay. With 2 competitions cancelled fish of the month for November was won again by Andy Georgiou with a cod of 8lb 4oz on November 1st. After an invitation from Portishead Small Boats club a couple of Burnham boats towed up there to fish in their cod comp. There were a number of cod caught with new BBOSAA member Zeke Grant taking 1st place with a cod of 7lb 5 Â˝ oz. Zeke also landed and released a cracking thornback of 15lb. November was also the month for our AGM with only a couple of changes to the committee, standing down were Dave Teather and Craig Willis, many thanks guys for your effort over the years. Alex Wharton has taken on the roles of Vice chairman and Safety officer and I am the new Competition secretary. Our first comp for 2016 is on Sunday 10th Jan and our first club meeting is on Thursday 21st Jan at Burnham Motor Boat and Sailing Club on the sea front, pop along if you are interested in joining a friendly club. You can keep up-to date with latest news and catches and all things fishy on our facebook page and website Burnham Boat Owners Sea Angling Association.

Zeke Grant and John May with cod biggest 7lb 5 1/2 oz

Lewis Hobrow from Rhoose south Wales fishing Lavernock Point caught and released this fine 14lb 2oz cod using his new Century t1000 rod and Penn 525 mag reel. The fish was tempted with ragworm and lugworm on a pulley rig at range.

Stuart pulsarr from Barry 8lb Thornie from friars point

Sea Angling News, January 2016

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 17

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Cotney and Kylie with a couple of skate - Seafire II

Andy with a double figure thornback - Seafire II Inset: Rob with a nice cod

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BRISTOL CHANNEL / MINEHEAD

Sea Angling News, January 2016

BRISTOL CHANNEL BOAT by James Wigglesworth

COD! They’re here! Sort of! I can confirm that the cod fishing has improved since last month however if you think it’s just a case of buying some worm and they will be throwing themselves on the hook then think again. Numbers are certainly up and there does seem to be a real mix of age classes this year with fish as small as 8oz right up to near 30lb fish being caught most notably a cracking fish of 28lb 12oz caught by Taunton angler Mike Allen on a recent trip aboard Minehead charter boat Osprey. Most of these trips are concentrated around the Dunster/ Blue Anchor bay areas where there seems to be a good head of fish in the 4-7lb bracket with the odd double chucked in but most trips out are only accounting for 2-6 per session for the whole boat. That being said there are a few other bits and pieces around that should keep you happy. The thornback rays are always happy to have a chew on your squid and fish baits and so will the eels. For some these can become a pest when targeting cod but others are just happy to put a bend in the rod. The whiting numbers still seem a bit disappointing but Richard Dean did manage a nice

fish of 2lb 7oz in the recent Cod Challenge. In my opinion we could probably do with a bit of a frost and prolonged cold spell. I can’t help but feel that this will really kick things off and bring greater numbers of cod and whiting up the channel to feed. For those wanting something a bit different then the first run of spurdogs is well and truly underway. One of the best ports to target these from is Ilfracombe as they have quick access to the deep channels that these seasonal sharks run through and the action can be hectic to say the least. If they return in numbers like we had last year then we could be in for some great days afloat. The ray fishing as always is still fantastic for those who want to stay away from the inshore cod fishing. This last week has seen some cracking blondes to over 20lb boated along with some decent small eyed rays as well. I’ll take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas. I’m sure there is going to be some new gear christened over the festive period. Good luck if you are getting out but please be safe. I expect to see every one of you with a Pb cod next month! Tight lines all!

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Cod - Teddie boy

Dave Parr 17lb blonde ray Alykat

Geo with his first cod alykat

Cod - Teddie boy

Julie Heaton 12lb huss Alykat

Dave Cook cod Alykat

Martyn Pratt 15lb blonde Alykat

Sam 11lb 7oz - Osprey

Pete Mather 19lb 5oz - Osprey

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Mitch Johnson fine brace of cod Alykat

Sea Angling News, January 2016

MINEHEAD / BRISTOL CHANNEL

BRISTOL CHANNEL SHORE REPORT By Craig Butler of West Coast Tackle There has been a vast improvement in the cod fishing in the the past month from the beaches of the Bristol Channel. 3 weeks til Christmas and it's happy days. It would seem a fresh population of cod have arrived in the channel to bulk up the early Autumn run. This is normal for December when the better quality fish move in to gorge on the abundant food larder on offer for them.

There has been some great moments recently. None more than one of our shops customers who has been relentlessly trying to catch his first cod. 2-3 days a week when time allows, going here going there with no luck at all. Then with a bit of help over the counter with a map scribbled on a scrap of paper and a lb of lug, it all came together late one night. The next morning Ian Preater was waiting out side the shop with a beaming smile when I turned up to open up. He only went and bagged a 8lb9oz & 6lb8oz cod and a 4lb1oz bass !!! Not bad for 3 casts on the bounce and his first ever cod . Sadly tho Ian was made to feel very uncomfortable after excitingly posting his catch on social media and getting some negative comments about the location. Bit sad really !!. Anyway back to the happier and more positive things that go on. Bristol angler Steve Ace from Veals tackle shop in Bristol bagged himself a cracker of 14lb6oz from the Clevedon area and is a testament to dedication and commitment to putting the hours in. George 'the bass' Stavrakopoulos bagged a new PB of 10lb3oz over high water at Blue Anchor again commitment and smashing in the hours paid its rewards for the Greek god of bass. There has been many other 5-8lb cod beached, too many to mention. Things look set up nicely for A pretty tidy New Year period. The prospects for the festive season are very good throughout the channel. The upper parts will continue to have a jolly with steady catches if things stay mild. Battery point, sugar loaf and Ladye bay all areas that will give up their cod and codling.

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●Fishing parties welcome. Steve Ace from Veals tackle shop in Bristol bagged this cracker of 14lb6oz from the upper reaches of the channel.

Anyway I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a very fishy new year. Also I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to all that have shared there catches and photos over the last year for this monthly report. Cheers. Tight lines and happy hunting…

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Upper channel star Bert Ford with a fine example of the stamp of cod about in the upper parts.

The 3 wise kings of West coast & Watchet SAC with there cod from a recent club match 5 & 8lb fish.

Moving down into the Weston area. Sand point and Brean down again can be hard to beat and always chuck up the doubles thus time of year. The reef systems from Hinkley point down to Watchet have been blowing hot and cold and should start to produce the better stamp of cod if we get a cold snap to knock off the rich pickings the cod have in this area. There is so much food around the cod aren't exactly jumping on the baits. Blue Anchor right through to Minehead over high water has been chucking up codling of all sizes from a lb to 10lb. Down at Minehead you just know any minute now the cod and codling are going to drop in the holes and gullies and some decent codling and cod sport is going to happen. Bossington and Porlock weir beaches are begging for a serious cold snap to draw the codling in to the deeper water , but there's little doubt of a bigger cod lurking about waiting to be caught. This is now the time that we all need to be putting rod hours in if we want that decent cod. You will notice a couple of the photos adjacent to my report have Bristol Channel fishing printed on them. Bristol Channel fishing is a new website / Facebook page . Committed to the shore fishing in the Channel. Set up and run by James Madsen with weekly updates and prospects. Well worth looking it up and ideal for keeping a eye on what's going on.

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Historic Harbour-side Venue

As mentioned if the previous months reports. The cod/codling are not widespread, but more in localised pockets in favoured hot spots. Don't expect to rock up with a pack of mackerel on a sea wall and catch a cod. You may get lucky, but the odds are stacked against you. Seek some info from your local tackle shop when you collect your bait and accessories and your half way there. It's been a good few years since we have seen an average stamp of 5-8lb cod show up like this. There has been no rhyme or rhythm to it this year. You think you've cracked it on a mark, only for if to switch in its head and do the opposite. I guess it's that unpredictable aspect that keeps up us on edge. One thing to be said for fishing the Bristol Channel for cod it's no lazy anglers game. Chased up and down the beach by the tide like a crazy ass looney, making sure not to leave anything behind to be claimed by the sea on your way.

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 19

James Corner with a cracking 10lb14oz cod caught on a live bait from Minehead Golf links beach ( photo taken at another location , as James was fishing alone so met up with one of our S.A.N reports for a proper photo .

Fraggle with a 5lber from Watchet

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Sea Angling News, January 2016

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Sea Angling News, January 2016

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LAST LAUGH REPORT By John Skeggs We managed to get to sea, only half a dozen times last month. Therefore, there is not much to report. As you all know,it has to be one of the windiest periods on record. There seem to be as many frustrated anglers as what there are skippers. Let's hope we can get to sea more in 2016. On a more cheerful note, our most recent trip produced 7 Cod to 21lb along with a few nice Whiting. Keep positive,there's still

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 21

WEST WIGHT

a chance of a 40 pounder during January. The bass fishing continues to be good with the average fish being around 5lb. In general the fishing is pretty good, it is just a problem being able to get out after them. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my customers for their support during 2015 and look forward to seeing you in 2016. Tight Lines...John Skeggs / Last Laugh / Lymington.

WEST WIGHT REPORT By Arthur Savage Not a great deal to write about this month apart from the weather which I am sure will have a mention in every ones report. It has kept us in port for over four weeks, with just a couple of inshore trips being taken between blows . This is the month when traditionally we see the very big fish appear around our area, with one of 32lb reported just before this weather moved in, so you cam imagine the frustration. To date our biggest Cod still remains at 21lb, however I am sure that should change as soon as the weather improves. Channel Whiting are still here in good numbers and increasing in size, with our biggest so far weighing in at 3lb 8oz Other fish in the area were Conger Rays, Smoothound and a couple of stray spurdog. The British Cod championships was also a casualty of the weather, which had to be cancelled due to gale force winds. We will try again next year. Have a great Christmas and New Year, look forward to seeing you again in 2016.

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RECENT CATCHES ABOARD PRIVATE VENTURE

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NEWS / WEYMOUTH

Sea Angling News, January 2016

Port Report It’s Dec 13th. Today this poor excuse of an angling journalist has been instructed to get the current port report sent in as the deadline for printing is tomorrow, Mon 14th. I am 6,000 miles east of my Charter Skipper brothers in sunny Phuket, Thailand. We are 7 hours ahead of UK on the timescale and I can see from the wonders of the internet that the Weymouth sea area is experiencing a very rare phenomenon… that is a relatively windless day. This is, of course, if the Guru’s at XC have predicted the current conditions correctly! Until today, the last boat to have gone to sea out of Weymouth was me on Nov 29th and that took me up to an amazing 6 days at sea for the whole month. Messages from my colleagues are indicating varying depths of despair over this prolonged period of winds and a mounting concern that there will be no Plum Duff on the Xmas Table let alone that taken-forgranted luxury…a stuffed turkey. So…for the first time ever in writing a port report, I can say absolutely nothing about December’s fishing! What can be expected for the rest of the month and January? These two months have always been noted for their whiting fishing. The Adamant Bank east of Weymouth has always provided consistent sport with quantity and quality of whiting along with some every active conger fishing. This is an unusual combination coming from the same predominately shingle ground and often means than the eels are being fought on tackle and size 1/0 fine wire hooks intended for the smaller fish. There has been reports of much improved ray fishing from all along the south coast this year. The Adamant is always good for a few rays at this time of year and so expect there to be better action than in recent years with different rays, undulates in particular, taking the squid/mackerel cocktails. 2015 has been a wonderful year for cod and there is every chance of taking more cod from the inshore

marks. The Adamant usually fishes best for cod when the flood tide is running at its hardest. It pays to deliberately target them with pennel rigs presenting up to six whole squid in a T-formation with experienced cod anglers using a large flounder spoon just ahead of the squid to provide added movement and attraction. This set up works very well on the west of Portland marks which the adverse weather has denied anglers for a long time now. The Kidney Bank, M2 areas and the Abbotsbury Met Buoy grounds all produce cod so it’s well worth having a couple of rigs pre-prepared to clip on when the tide is at is best. The last few years have been very productive for bass. Apart from this species taking the bottom fished baits intended for the whiting and cod, the main method is using lures over the tide and pirks over the slack tide. Fast action pirks such as Norwegian Yans worked with fixed spool reels can be very effective especially when worked under feeding birds.

Turbot - Fish On II

Squidding for squid aboard Fish On II

Of course, in writing the paragraph above, I am mindful that in 3 days the whole of the bass fishing experience we have enjoyed throughout our lifetimes may have totally changed. It will indeed be interesting to see how this all pans out and what the implications for everyone will be. Wrasse - Fish On II Wrecking over this period into February was always regarded as the very best time for Pollack. I was hoping to provide a few reports and pictures but obviously no-one has been anywhere near the offshore marks for ages. I do hope there is some respite for everyone but the forecasts remain as changeable as ever although there appears a glimmer of hope in the long range pre-Xmas predictions. So, this is a short and dismal report to conclude an extremely difficult year with what must be a record number of cancellations. Thank you to everyone for making the bookings and trying to remain optimistic. We can only conclude that 2016 HAS to be better than 2015...

Undulate ray - Duchess II

Bream - Fish On II

Bass - Fish On II Bass - Fish On II

Cod - Duchess II

Caroline with a nice whiting - Duchess II

Conger- Fish On II

Bull Huss - Duchess II

Sea Angling News, January 2016

WEYMOUTH / RESULTS

Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 23

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AZOREAN ADVENTURE

By SAN International reporter Martin Pratt In August last year an email popped in my inbox from our friends in the Azores. It was regarding the 2015 Big Game Fishing Tournament that would be taking place from 18th to 24th of September and asking if we would we be attending. So, after a few last minute tweaks in our domestic plans the flights were booked from Heathrow to Ponta Delgada via Lisbon. I say ‘tweaks’ but in reality, it meant my wife Lucy rearranging her planned visit to Abu Dhabi to see her mother, and me cancelling a much awaited 3 day trip to fish around the island of Lundy! However, we both figured that it would be worth it for the chance to do battle with the tunas and marlins of the Azores as well as see our great friends from the island of São Miguel again. So, we departed a cold and rainy Heathrow at 0830 on Friday 18th and landed a little over two hours later in a warm and sunny Lisbon. The flight to Ponta Delgada was due to leave Lisbon at 1230 and arrive in Ponta Delgada at 1345 local time. (- 1 hour from UK time) This would leave us time to grab a taxi, check in to the hotel and walk the short distance along the quayside to the Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada ready for the 1530 Captain’s meeting. However, a technical problem on the aircraft meant we were delayed by 3 hours. This gave me plenty of time to have a public moan on Facebook about the delay whilst I enjoyed a Super Bock beer and Lucy went off shopping! We took off and after the two and a quarter hour flight, we eventually arrived on the island. Once we’d picked up our bags, we went through to the arrivals hall and were surprised to be greeted by a smiling young man holding up a sign with our names on it. He led us to an awaiting car and were quickly sped to the hotel. We thanked him very much and went to check in whilst still wondering why we had been given the special treatment! Anyway, the view from our room soon made all the travel hassle worthwhile as we looked out over the quay to the Clube Naval with the beautiful blue Atlantic behind.

However, we didn’t have much time to enjoy the view as the organisers had arranged a welcome cocktail cruise in 5 minutes at 1730. With a 5 minute walk to get to the departure point we left the hotel room and moved quickly. Down on the quayside, we could see the boat with our friends and other competitors already aboard so we quickened our pace. Once on board, we were greeted by hugs and handshakes all round from the organisers, boat crews and previous competitors, much to the amusement of some of the new competitors. They must have thought someone really special had arrived given the warmth of the greeting we enjoyed. In a few minutes the boat slipped her mooring and made her way out of the harbour. Lucy and I had a glass of wine in hand and were reacquainting ourselves with the other half of the Press Team in the form of Captain Matt Baryshyan and his son Matthew from the USA. We also caught up with Carlos Linhares and David Rodrigues from Rabão, one of the competing vessels and we explained how we had been delayed in Lisbon and were concerned we would not make the welcome cruise. This is when David explained that he had seen my Facebook post and told those at the Captain’s meeting that we would be late arriving on the island.... it was then that the penny dropped in my head and I figured out why the car at the airport, and the cruise boat at the quayside were waiting for us....our wonderful hosts had made sure we got to the cruise! With our wine glasses refilled, we were introduced to Diogo Paiva and Eduardo Lopes, the crew of our assigned boat. A 24 foot Rodman 747 called the Frontino, she had been bought a few years previously by the pair in order fulfil their life-long ambition to run a charter boat. Now in their late twenties, they had been fishing together since they were boys. However we were not at all put off by their relatively young years, as they had come a very credible second place in last year’s tournament and proved to be as keen as mustard. In fact they even expressed a little concern that we would not be fit enough to fish the day after having had the wine on the Welcome Cruise. We reassured them that they need not worry! The Frontino, although diminutive in size compared with some of the other charter boats, is an extremely comfortable craft for a party of four adult anglers and her two crew. Fitted with a good sized fishing area that kept spray to a minimum, a detachable canvass sun awning, a swim platform and rear door to ease landing big fish, a live bait tank, outriggers, full electronics, a fish well fully stocked with wine and champagne, decent berths (Yes I did use them many times) and dry storage inside, she was more than a match for any other boat in the competition fleet. With a reasonable weather forecast for the first competition day, we raced out of Ponta Delgada harbour at 8am full of optimism after last year’s disappointing weather. The other boats soon disappeared from

AZORES view as we steamed straight across to the west of the island. Once at our chosen mark, we set up a spread of five rods with various lures to attract marlin, tuna and wahoo before starting to troll the bank. As seasoned anglers nobody on the Press Team was expecting sport to be hectic so we settled down for the inevitable wait that big game angling is. As anyone that has fished for the ocean giants will know, it is very much an experience that will test the patience and involves many hours of trolling, where the only discernable difference from one hour to the next is whether the boat is going with, against or side on to the sea! However, on this particular morning after only a short time, the centre rod screamed into life as a fish took the Fronteira lure and made off very quickly. As the competition rules forbid any help from the regular boat crew, the four of us on the press team leapt to our pre-assigned roles. Captain Matt was to fight the fish, I would take care of the leader, and his son would boat the fish whilst Lucy recorded all the action for posterity on her trusty Canon companion. However, our excitement was short lived as the fish came off before even Captain Matt could pick up the rod. Diogo and Eduardo speculated the culprit was most likely a blue marlin! It seems these large predators are known for coming up behind their chosen prey and taking a swipe with their bill to stun the victim before coming back around to swallow it. I wondered if our fish had hooked itself lightly during the swipe only to then break free. Blue marlin are one of the world’s largest bony fish and females are caught in excess of 1,000 pounds (450Kg) however the adult males seldom exceed 150 kilograms (330 lb). They are cobalt-blue on top and silvery-white below, have a pronounced dorsal fin and a long spear-shaped upper jaw. A particularly noteworthy specimen weighing 1,805 pounds (819 kg) was caught in 1970 by anglers fishing out of Hawaii and still stands as the largest marlin caught on rod and reel. The stomach of that leviathan contained a yellowfin tuna of over 155 pounds (70 kg) in weight!

Blue marlin occur in the tropical oceanic waters of both the Atlantic and the Pacific. It is also known that many fish make seasonal migrations into the temperate waters of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres in order to feed. As the Azores archipelago are situated along the southern edge of the warm waters of the North Atlantic drift current and are fed by the nutrient rich Gulf Stream, these warm currents serve as an ocean route for blue marlin migration. However, water temperature influences the distribution of the fish considerably. This is because the blue marlin is unable to self-regulate its body temperature over a wide range and the lower limit of their temperature tolerance is thought to be in the region of about 20 °C (68 °F). As the water temperature is so important, we learned that the skippers of the Azores keep a watchful eye on this using dedicated websites. One such website is www.windyty.com and even the free version gives useful information for anglers in the UK. As the morning wore on, we learned of other boats encountering the coveted blue marlin, with action aboard Rabão and Gringo. On the Rabão the blue marlin screamed off and took some 700 metres of line and jumped right out of the ocean. Then began the long fight to recover the line and all was going well until the fish, estimated to be around 600 pounds, jumped again and threw the hook a mere 20 metres from the boat. I cannot imagine the disappointment experienced by the ‘Barca Velha’ team from Portugal. Later that day the radio signalled a blue marlin catch for the USA team on Alobote. We were encouraged by these reports, even though we knew that the catches of blue marlin were coming from the east of the island. Consensus was to not waste time making our way to the other end of the island some 40 or so miles distant, choosing instead to remove the tuna spreader lure in favour of lures designed to catch the marlin but sadly we were not to see any fish on day one. Later we discovered that two of the three blue marlin were caught towards the south east of the island and of the 10 boats that headed elsewhere, only one other had a blue marlin. With the results of the first day in our minds, it was decided that we would specifically target the marlin on the second day. As we headed out towards the bank some 20 miles to the south east of the island, the five rods were rigged with white marlin lures on the outriggers and blue marlin lures on the centre rods. As Matt from the U.S. put it ‘No junk’! By not putting out tuna gear or teasers, the marlin lures were able to provide clean bubble trails which the creatures seem to prefer. As the day wore on, a steady stream of announcements from the radio alerted us to the fact that other boats were catching. We heard of a yellowfin tuna for the Swiss team on Shido, a dorado for Gringo, a wahoo for Alobote and a blue marlin for the crew of Shanghai. With such exciting news, my fellow team members were at fever pitch and hardly able to contain themselves! As the tournament organiser’s intention was that the fleet would fish whilst making their way across 60 miles of ocean to the island of Santa Maria, and with the wind raising the seas a little more than earlier, we decided to get under way and fish the more sheltered waters around the island. However, despite our best efforts the fish eluded us and it was soon time to head for the pretty little marina in Vila do Porto to survey the other boat’s catches. The first thing we saw was the Swiss team’s smiles whilst proudly displaying their 110lb yellowfin tuna. We also saw the dorado caught by the crew of Gringo. This was the first time I’d seen one of these strange looking creatures in the flesh,

Sea Angling News, January 2016

and although nowhere near fully grown, this specimen was around about 0.6 metres in length. I was reassured it was very good to eat. They are fairly abundant and are fished for in the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic coast of Florida, West Africa, the South China Sea, parts of the Mediterranean and many other places worldwide. However, dependent on where you are in the world, you may hear this fish referred to by other names. The fish is called mahi-mahi in the Hawaiian language, meaning ‘very strong’ and this name is commonly used elsewhere. In other parts of the Pacific and along the English speaking coast of South Africa they are also commonly called by the Spanish name, Dorado meaning ‘golden’. Alternatively the Mediterranean island of Malta, refer to the fish as the Lampuka but perhaps the most disconcerting name used is the Dolphinfish. This is often shortened to simply Dolphin on restaurant menus and can leave unknowing customers horrified that they are being offered a slice of those cute, intelligent sea going mammals! Whatever you choose to call them, they are fascinating creatures with streamlined bodies and a single long-based dorsal fin extending from the head almost to the tail. Their body shape undoubtedly helps make them fast swimmers as they are able to reach speeds of around 55 mile per hour when chasing prey! Dorado are coloured mostly golden on the sides with bright blues and greens elsewhere Males are bigger than females and the with the mature males have very prominent foreheads giving them an almost pre-historic look. The fish are carnivorous, feeding on flying fish, squid and other bait fish, but have also been known to eat zooplankton and crustaceans. Living up to 5 years, they seldom exceed four and their healthy appetite supports phenomenal growth especially given their relatively short life-span necessitates this. Catches average 15 to 29 lb and fish over 40lb are exceptional. After we had a few light refreshments in the Clube Naval, we boarded a coach and headed up to the hotel in readiness for day 3 which was to be a tour of Santa Maria. Being approximately 38 square miles in size with about 5500 inhabitants, the island is the third smallest of the Azores and is blessed with a beautiful golden sand beach at Praia Formosa, reputedly one of the best in the archipelago. At over 8 million years, it is also the oldest of the Azorean islands with no current volcanic activity, and is referred to as “Yellow Island” because of wild yellow flowers that bloom there in the month of February. Additionally it is known as “Island of the sun”, because of its drier climate compared with the other islands. As for the locals, well they are just as friendly and as mad about fishing as their counterparts on the island of São Miguel. Check out the two pictures below; one is of the massive volcanic cliff with the lighthouse on top, the other is a zoom into the bottom right of the cliff shot where we spotted this old guy precariously perched doing a spot of float fishing.....any idea how he got there because we can’t see a path down!

As we toured the island taking in the many beautiful sights, we noted the wind seemed to be increasing and, after the organisers called a Captain’s meeting over lunch, we learned that the schedule would be rearranged as indeed the weather would have made the 60 mile crossing back to São Miguel on day 4 something of an ordeal! And so we had a ‘rest day’ to contend with. After a lazy morning with a late breakfast, we joined our press team mates and headed down to the marina to see what was going on. Before we knew it, we found ourselves in the Clube Naval chatting to some of the organisers over a beer which given it was only midday probably wasn’t going to pan out too well the following day! So, we arranged to have an afternoon of coastal fishing with Diogo and Eduardo aboard the Frontino. It seemed others had the same idea and whilst we had a fun afternoon catching the plentiful (but to some, terrifying!) trigger fish, our friends from the Portugese ‘Barca Velha’ team decided to go fishing on Rabão and got stuck into the wahoo big time! Now the abundance of wahoo brought in from the Rabão turned out to be a bit of a blessing for Lucy as she fancied a change from the staple diet of big chunks of pork, beef or blood sausage which is like black pudding but way more coarse. You see the islanders are really quite keen on meat and when, in a previous year’s tournament, one of the participants explained he was a vegetarian, I could see this was clearly not a very common phenomena in

the Azores! Anyway, whilst the rest of the Press Team were tucking in to a very nice chunky beef stew, Lucy decided she would slide off and offer to help the wahoo captors carry their supper up the stairs to the outside balcony. I know what my wife is like. So it came as no surprise when I later found her, having been invited to join in the fish supper, enjoying wahoo with her Portuguese friends! The next morning we were up at 5.30am to check out and get down to the marina ready for a 7am start. We had decided our strategy the day before and planned to go straight to the mark a few miles from the harbour that had proved bountiful for the wahoo the day before. After this we planned to steam to the Marta Prata bank which was around half way back to São Miguel to pursue the Blue Marlin. It seemed the wahoo had heard the plan too as 30 minutes after leaving the harbour, the central reel screamed as a fish took the lure. Captain Matt was supposed to be first up, but in an act of chivalry he stepped aside to let Lucy reel in the fish. His son Matthew and I think it was because he fancied his chances against a blue marlin later in the day but Captain Matt insisted not! So, as Lucy stepped forward to take the screaming rod, we hastily retrieved the others out of harm’s way. Lucy wound the reel in several times, only to have the fish retake many yards of line. She persevered and eventually after 15 minutes started to get the upper hand. We could just see the long silver body coming towards the stern, when the fish powered off to one side and made a break for it. Simultaneously we shouted to Diogo to power ahead in order to return the fish to the stern of the Frontino. A quick prod on the throttles and the fish, clearly a good size was again where it needed to be. Given the competition rules meant the team alone had to handle the catches, Eduardo stepped back whilst Matt senior took the leader and Matt junior boated the massive wahoo. It was by far the biggest wahoo I had ever seen and there was much rejoicing as the Press Team were finally on the scoreboard. We celebrated in typical fashion as Eduardo broke out the chilled champagne.....at around 8am! After several other unsuccessful strikes, we had another strike from an obviously large fish that broke free when being fought by Matt senior. When the line was retrieved we discovered the leader had been bitten clean through so it was obviously something with a seriously large set of teeth that had done the damage. So, we decided to put part two of our plan into action and head for the bank in search of marlin. On the way we discussed the lost wahoo, but consoled ourselves with the knowledge that on the previous day, the team on Rabão had 17 wahoo strikes but only boated 6 of them. However, with only a handful of fish caught on the first two competition days, a single blue marlin (worth 300 points) for us could, with the wahoo, clinch us a good position on the results table, or even bring us a win! After the remaining hours elapsed, it was clear that it was not to be our day to win but we were still hopeful to get placed on the scoreboard. Once at the marina, it was time to lift Lucy’s fish from the boat to get the weight, length and all important souvenir picture. The fish weighed in at a tad under 50lbs and measured 1.5 metres from nose to tail! That evening a tournament dinner was held in the Clube Naval and after smartening up, we headed out. On arrival, we were pleased to see the final scoreboard and learn that we did make it, in fact we came 6th out of the 14 boats that started. Our friend Afonso van Uden, skipper of the Gringo won overall with a fantastic blue marlin. 2nd and 3rd places also went to blue marlin with 4th being taken by the smaller white marlin whilst the yellowfin tuna took 5th place. So it was as we predicted, one blue marlin for us and we would have won. However, winning isn’t the point. Being there with the charming locals, and all the other competitors in one big angling team is what draws us back to these wonderful islands. We hope to return next year to once again fish with our international anglings friends. If you fancy a trip yourself, there are low cost flights to São Miguel from the UK, good value accommodation on the island in sea front hotels, breathtaking scenery and excellent boats with knowledgeable crews. Oh and of course the warm, friendly people! You won’t regret it.

Sea Angling News, January 2016

CHESIL BEACH / NEWS

Chesil Beach Report By Danny Hardwick

The last couple of weeks Chesil beach has experienced storm after storm coming in from the south west making fishing extremely difficult or pretty much impossible. With winds at times in excess of 50mph and very large seas it has been enough to put off the most ardent of anglers. There have been a few opportunities to get out when there has been a lull in the weather and to be honest the whole beach has provided some good fishing. Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge has produced a lot more double figure cod this month which goes to show the bigger fish are certainly there it’s just finding a gap in the weather to be able to get out and target them that has been the problem. A lot of anglers are also picking up some really good shore caught jumbo pout on their cod baits with loads of fish reported over the 1lb 8oz mark. This would also explain why good numbers of conger are making an appearance over high water at night with the average fish weighing between 15-20lb all out hunting their favourite dinner “pout”. The ray fishing has thinned out a lot over the last few weeks with only the odd lucky fish being caught. To the other end of the spectrum the bass fishing is still pretty good. Most of the fish are not of any size (in the region of 2-3lb) but there is still the odd PB fish about but as you know any size bass can give you great sport with the initial bite coming out of nowhere and getting the heart really racing with the typical jag jag as the zip around in front of you. The best time to target the species is the last 3 hours on a rising tide at

Adam Slack with this fine shore caught Cod of 12lb 15oz 8dr which he caught on recent trip to Chesil Beach

Steve Ford with a nice plump Cod of 9lb 1oz

night using good sized fish baits lobbed no more than 30yards out. Do this and you will stand a very good chance of getting amongst them. They will start to thin out soon when the colder weather and frosts start to set in and the water temperature drops. If like many other anglers, you turn up on Chesil and the beach is a lot crazier than you expected, then step your end gear down a tad and try Preston Beach (Weymouth). This venue is a great back up and is sheltered from WSW to NE winds. The venue can be a little gem at times with a chance of catching absolutely anything from guiltheads in the summer to codling in the winter. I recently had a club match with Wests SAC that was supposed to be at Ferrybridge but due to an average wind speed of 28mph from the WSW the venue was changed to Preston. During the match 11 species of fish were caught, dogfish, pout, whiting, cod, lesser weaver, sole, thornback ray, small eyed ray, smooth hound, bass and pollock. Any angler would agree that is pretty good for the time of year. Usual tactics for the venue is one rod with a clipped down size2 pennel with fairly big rag baits fished at distance. The second rod with a 2-3 hook flapper with no more than 10lb snoods and size 6 hooks with smaller rag baits lobbed just behind the ledge. Remember small hooks don’t necessarily mean small fish. Give it a go. Hopefully the weather will calm down soon so we can get back on the mighty Chesil to seek the shingles rewards! Until next month..... Tight lines!

Andy Copping with a nice Cod of 11lb

Jason Hemmings with a jumbo Pout of 2lb 6oz 5dr

Aaron myatt 20lb conger, bridging camp

Wayne Hand with a brace of codling on recent trip to ferry bridge

Rick Garford with a brilliant bass of 9lb 1oz caught from ferry bridge amongst the storms

john parker with smalleye ray and stephen howell with a good sole of 1lb 14oz caught from preston beach [weymouth]

Aaron Myatt 11lb cod from the bridging camp

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26 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com

TRONIX PRO

Sea Angling News, January 2016

FIXTURES / SNOWBEE

MATCH PLANNER WEYMOUTH ANGLING SOCIETY OPEN COMPETITIONS Saturday 21st Nov - Sunday 29th , Heaviest fish wk, Dorset rover, fish may be weighed in at tackle shops or HQ after 7pm evenings. Book on by 2pm on 21st, last bag 10pm on 29th. Saturday 19th December, Xmas fayre, Chesil centre, 2 - 8pm Sunday 27th December, Bangers & Beans Harbour competition, book on in club from 12.30 ,fishing 2pm 7pm last bag 7.30pm. SAMALITE OPEN COMPETITIONS; August 22nd, Burton , 7pm - midnight September 26th, Abbotsbury, 2 - 7pm October 10th, Chesil Centre, 2 - 7pm December 12th, Chesil centre, 4 - 9pm Contact number for further details on all of above matches, Dave, 07977132951

2016 Chesil League (open) Date Jan 23rd Feb 20th Mar 26th Apr 23rd May 21st Jun 25th Jul 23rd Aug 20th Sept 24th Oct 15th Nov 19th Dec 17th

Venue Bexington (left) Abbotsbury Bexington (right) Abbotsbury Chesil Centre (right) Cogden Chesil Centre (right) Bexington Abbotsbury Chesil Centre Bexington (left) Chesil Centre

Time 4 - 9pm 4 - 9pm 6 - 11pm 6 - 11pm 6 - 11pm 7 - Midnight 7 - Midnight 7 - Midnight 9 am - 2 pm 4 - 9 pm 7 - Midnight 5 - 10 pm

Further details contact 07977132951 new members welcome. Angling Trust Wyvern Region dates Wyvern Region AGM at the RBL in Alphington, Exeter on the 11th November 2015 8pm Wyvern Region Open Shore Competition at Slapton Sands, South Devon on Sunday 10th January 2016. Wyvern Region Presentation Evening at the Royal British Legion, Alphington, Exeter on Saturday 30th January 2016. The evening will start at 8pm, come along and sample our free buffet. This year there will be a short talk from the RNLI and their services. All welcome to attend. More details of any of the above from Mike Spiller on 01404 43397.

BOGNOR REGIS AMATEUR ANGLING SOCIETY OPEN BEACH COMPETITIONS 2016

Penn Points Sunday 10th April 2016 1030 t o1530 to fished at pagham beach booking in and draw for pegs from 0930 at Pagham yacht club, 1 West Front Road PO21 4SY ALL COMPETITIONS ARE PEGGED PENN POINTS ENTRY COST SENIOR £8 JUNIORS / OAP £ 4 POOL FLAT £1 ROUND £1

TEL JOHN SMALL 07799 762377 AFTER 5 pm

FRESH BLACK LUGWORM

SHIRLEY SAC Here is the result of our latest match which was our last Shore comp of the year our Xmas Fayre held along Weston & Netley Shores on Sun 13th December. 30 members fished with 16 weighing in 28 fish for 8k 360gms. Species were Flounder, Pout, Bass & Whiting with the best fish being a Bass of 1k 320gms caught by Mrs Tina Bell. RESULT - SENIORS 1. Mrs Tina Bell 2. John Bell 3. Wayne Bulley 4. Bob Patterson 5. Paul Dorey

2 fish 3 fish 3 fish 2 fish 2 fish

JUNIORS 1. Leon Bulley

1 fish

1k 520gms 1k 100gms 960gms 740gms 680gms

£24 PER 100

PLUS NEXT DAY DELIVERY

TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME ALL BAIT DUG ON DAY OF POSTAGE CALL NICK MAY

01424 717082

60gms

PLEASE MENTION THE SEA ANGLING NEWS WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

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28 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com

TACKLE SHOPS DIRECTORY

Update from the British Record (rod-caught) Fish Committee The BRFC met at Fishmongers’ Hall, London, on 1st December 2015. Present were: Mike Heylin OBE (Chairman), Nick Simmonds (Secretary), Oliver Crimmen (Scientific Advisor, Natural History Museum), Nigel Hewlett (Scientific Advisor, Environment Agency), Andrew Nellist (Angling Trust – freshwater specialist) and David Rowe (Angling Trust – Sea fish specialist)

The following claims were ratified by the committee as new records:

Roger Simcox Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata) Boat-caught Salcombe, Devon, on 31st July 2015 Roger’s claim was ratified at a weight of 10lb 2oz, beating Mr Bradford’s record of 24 years by two-and-a-half ounces. Roger becomes a double record holder adding this Gilthead Bream to his 1980 Turbot record.

Roger Bryant White Sea Bream (Diplodus sargus) Shore-caught West coast of Jersey, on 8th August 2015 Roger’s fish weighed 2lb 12oz 8dr and supersedes Bryan Swain’s 2011 record of 2lb 6oz 14dr, also from Jersey

Sea Angling News, January 2016

TACKLE SHOPS DIRECTORY ALDERNEY ALDERNEY ANGLING 32 Victoria St., Alderney GY9 3TA Tel/Fax: 01481 824884 Mob: 07781 130304 Email: mark@alderneyangling.com Website: www.alderneyangling.com

DEVON SEAVIEW ANGLING 14/15 Faraday hill, Plymouth PL4 0ST. Tel: 01752269698 SEATON ANGLING CENTRE The Harbour, Axmouth, Seaton Devon EX12 4AA Tel: 01297 625511 www.seatonanglingcentre.co.uk HIGH STREET TACKLE, 153 High Street, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 9EZ info@highstreettackle.co.uk Tel: 07516 730749

DORSET SWANAGE ANGLING CENTRE 6 High St., Swanage BH19 2NT Tel. 01929 424989 email martin@ swanageanglingcentre.co.uk THE ANGLING CENTRE, 10a West Bay, Bridport tel. 01308 421800 www.fishto.net WEYMOUTH ANGLING CENTRE 2-3 St Edmunds Street, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8QU Tel 01305-777771 Fax 01305-788881 ABBOTSBURY FISHING TACKLE Rodden Row, Abbotsbury Weymouth DT3 4JL Tel 01305 871199. Delivery service to beach available. WESSEX TACKLE & GUNS 321 Wimbourne Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 3DH 01202 668 244 CHESIL BAIT N TACKLE 77 Portland Road Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset DT4 9BE Tel: 01305 766222, www.chesilbaitntackle.co.uk CASTAWAYS 76-78 Ashley Road, Parkstone Poole BH14 9BN Tel: 01202 739 202 CASTAWAYS 85 Coles Avenue, hamworthy Poole BH15 4HJ Tel: 01202 674 596 SEA FISHING POOLE, Fishermans Dock, Poole, BH15 1HJ Tel: 01202 679666 / 07891 669489

ESSEX

Greg Whitehead Thin-Lipped Mullet (Liza ramada) Boat-caught East coast of Guernsey, on 14th August 2015 This huge fish was ratified at 7lb 0oz 8dr and just beat last year’s record of 6lb 15oz from Jersey, jointly held by Derek Kane and Gerald Gavey

COLCHESTER BAIT & TACKLE, Harwich Road Colchester CO4 3DQ Tel: 01206 860649 www.colchesterbaittackle.co.uk

JERSEY MORNING WATCH TACKLE St Catherines Breakwater, St Martins Jersey JE3 6DD 01534854359

HAMPSHIRE

Ollie Stenning Thin-Lipped Mullet (Liza ramada) Boat-caught East coast of Guernsey, on 16th August 2015 16-year-old Ollie eclipsed Greg’s record (above) with this absolute monster of 8lb 7oz 4dr just two days after Greg’s capture, and while fishing from Greg’s boat

ALLAN’S MARINE 143 Twyford Ave., Portsmouth Tel 02392 671833 www.allansmarine.co.uk MANNINGS FISHING TACKLE 33a London Road, Widley, Waterlooville PO7 5AS Tel/Fax 02392 373073 ROVERS FISHING TACKLE 178a West St., Fareham, Hants PO16 0EQ Tel. 01329 220354 Fax 01329 829040 roverstackle@yahoo.co.uk LYMINGTON FISHING TACKLE Chrystals of Lymington, 27 b, St Thomas St,Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9NE Tel. 01590 689203 POINGDESTRES Unit 11, Southampton Trade Park, Third Avenue, Southampton, Millbrook SO15 0LE 023 8077 2958 www.poingdestres.co.uk

KENT

Guy Spriggs Stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) Shore-caught Chesil Beach, Dorset, on 1st September 2015 Guy’s fish was ratified at a weight of 78lb 8oz, beating Ken Canning’s 2008 shore record of 67lb 12oz. Guy’s great fish is the largest shorecaught English fish in BRFC records

Colin Marquis Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias) Boat-caught Hoffets, Guernsey, on 30th August 2015 Verified at 1lb 15oz, Colin’s fish beats David Paddock’s 2013 Cornish boat record of 1lb 10oz

Ryan Carter Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata) Shore-caught Kingsbridge Estuary, Devon, on 22nd October 2015 Ryan’s superb fish is ratified at a weight of 10lb 7oz, beating Colin Carr’s 20-year-old record of 10lb 5oz. Ryan also caught another Gilthead of over 8lb, making a fantastic brace

DOLPHIN ANGLING CENTRE 11-13 Queens St. Gravesend. 01474 355440 SEAGULL FISHING TACKLE 4 The Parade, Greatstone, Romney Marsh. 01797 366837 THE ANGLERS DEN 10 Franklin Road, Gillingham Tel. 01634 852180

SOMERSET VEALS FISHING TACKLE, Brunel Rooms, Unity St. Bristol, BS2 0JP. 01179 260790 THYERS FISHING TACKLE, 1A Church Street, Highbridge 01278 786934 Fax 792397 WEST COAST TACKLE The Quay, Minehead Tel. Craig 01643 705745 WEST COAST ANGLING CENTRE 53 Swain St, Watchet Tel. Steve 01984 634807 FISHING TACKLE WAREHOUSE Unit 1 Warne Park Warne Rd Weston-super-Mare Somerset BS23 3TP Tel: 01934 782407 WESTON ANGLING CENTRE 25A Locking Road, W-S-M, North Somerset, BS23 3BY 01934 631140 email: westonanglingcenter@hotmail.co.uk

SUSSEX ALDWICK ANGLING, 25 Nyewood Lane, Aldwick PO21 2QB Tel/Fax 01243 829054 www.aldwickangling.com SQUIRES FISHING TACKLE 25, Southwick Square, Southwick, West Sussex Tel: 01273 592903 THE ANGLERS DEN 6 North Road, Pevensey Bay, East Sussex BN24 6AY Tel: 01323-460441 LAGOON BAIT& TACKLE, 327 Kingsway, BN3 4LD Brighton - 01273 415879 TROPIKOI AQUATIC & ANGLING CENTRE Chalcroft Nurseries, Chalcraft Lane, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 5TS Tel: 01243 842660 Email: info@tropikoi.com www.tropikoi.com

WALES TELBOY’S TACKLE Amlwch, Anglesey Tel. 01407 832965 www.telboystackle.co.uk

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