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Taunton based angler John Chester Fishing on Charter boat Zen 2 out of Falmouth landed the wrasse weighing in at 7lb 4oz in 45 foot of water fishing Fiiish Crazy eel 180 mm / 35 g . It hit the lure so hard and fought so hard that he thought it was a good pollock, so it came as quite a surprise when a big red pig came to the net .
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SEA ANGLING NEWS
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BIG BOOST FOR BRITISH RECREATIONAL BLUE FIN TUNA CAMPAIGN FROM IRELAND
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Once the UK has left the European Union this could be achieved by the UK applying to join the ICCAT as a sovereign member and requesting a quota in our own right. The campaign has been gathering pace and has the support of key MPs plus thousands of recreational anglers and charter boat skippers from Cornwall to Scotland. Last week campaigners met Fisheries Minister George Eustice to press the case for a UK fishery.
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
Angling groups campaigning for the establishment of a UK live release bluefin tuna recreational fishery have warmly welcomed the news that Ireland has secured approval from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and the European Union (EU) for the introduction of a broad-based, science-based catch, tag and release research programme utilising Irish recreational anglers. For the last three years giant Atlantic Bluefin Tuna have appeared in substantial numbers in waters around the British Isles. From Cornwall, through the Celtic Deeps off south west Wales, off the Irish west coast and throughout the Western Isles of Scotland, hundreds of sightings have been made. Their presence in UK waters – a return after an absence since the early 1950s – presents a fantastic opportunity for the UK. Last November the Angling Trust and the campaign group Bluefin Tuna UK launched a joint campaign to establish a live-release sport fishery that would deliver a significantly greater economic value, per tonne, than that of a traditional commercial fishery, with the societal benefits spread across a wider cross section of coastal communities. The fishery would also support broader, global, scientific research into bluefin tuna through the sort of parallel tagging programmes already being supported by WWF in Sweden and Denmark and now about to
Ireland’s new bluefin tuna management plan was agreed following the adoption by ICCAT of a new management plan at their 2018 Annual Meeting which took place in Dubrovnik in November of last year. Michael Creed, the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: “As part of the negotiations on the new international management plan for bluefin tuna in the east Atlantic, Ireland was able to secure agreement that will allow countries like Ireland, that do not have a commercial bluefin tuna quota, to operate a catch-tag-release fishery for gathering scientific data. "My Department is currently working with the Marine Institute and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority on a pilot project that will allow up to 15 angling vessels with trained tagging operators to target bluefin tuna in 2019. "The aim of the project is to build on work undertaken to date and to increase our knowledge of the behaviour and abundance of bluefin tuna in the waters off the Irish coast. It will also provide an ancillary benefit in that it will support angling tourism in peripheral coastal communities, including in particular Donegal. Previously, under ICCAT rules, Ireland could not allow targeted angling for bluefin tuna as they did not have a bluefin tuna quota. The research programme derogation secured by Ireland will now allow targeting for tagging purposes only by recreational anglers.
Steve Murphy, Director of Bluefin Tuna UK, said: “We applaud the decision by ICCAT and the EU to provide a derogation for the operation of a formal catch, tag and release bluefin programme in Irish waters. "The authorities are finally recognising the opportunity provided by the continued presence of these magnificent fish to undertake valuable research in a way that brings economic and social benefits to those communities. It confirms the view that recreational anglers can be invaluable allies in executing important research programmes.” Martin Salter, the Angling Trust's Policy Chief, added: “Although we have just had an extremely positive meeting with our own Fisheries Minister George Eustice the UK is now having to play catch up with our Irish friends. They have indicated that their research programme will have the large scale involvement of recreational anglers, in marked contrast to the UK’s current ThunnusUK programme which is limited in scale and geographical coverage. "Ireland, the EU and ICCAT have recognised the good sense in boosting both science and tourism by adopting this inclusive, recreational angler based programme. With a proven recreational mortality rate of less than 5%, catch and release anglers can enjoy great sport, put thousands of pounds into struggling coastal economies and help scientist discover more about why these amazing giants of the ocean have returned to our waters after a 70 year absence.” David Mitchell, Head of Marine at the Angling Trust, said: “Ireland is taking a progressive approach in securing from ICCAT permission for a comprehensive tagging programme with the full and beneficial involvement of recreational sea anglers. This is a win, win, win for science, coastal communities and blue fin tuna. The sooner the UK does the same and opens up its own tagging programme to recreational anglers, the sooner these wider benefits will accrue to the UK,”
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
THAMES ESTUARY
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
BRIXHAM / NEWS
ANGLING TRUST URGES RSPCA TO STOP BLAMING ANGLERS FOR PLASTIC PROBLEMS
OBSESSION - BRIXHAM
'The home of Biguns & Whoppers'
Kevin
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BRIXHAM REPORT By Kevin Wyatt
Obsession Brixham the home of biguns and whoppers, well guys the weather has not been the best but we have managed a few days at sea and Lee has worked his socks off finding fish for our customers, its not been easy as the pollock haven't returned in numbers due to the water temp being to high in the English Channel, if it keeps up like this it will be like the med ! At least the sharks won't be long in coming back, and if we manage to get a catch and release
The Angling Trust has urged the RSPCA not to lay the blame at anglers’ feet following the publication this morning of an article in The Guardian suggesting that the majority of litter related wildlife incidents are caused by discarded fishing tackle. Instead the Angling Trust invites the RSPCA to join with it in highlighting the issue of litter and its impacts in both the marine and freshwater environments. Anglers take the issue of litter extremely seriously and the vast majority are responsible custodians of our countryside and coasts. The Angling Trust runs several initiatives to educate the small minority, working with their extensive network of over 2,200 clubs, fisheries and trade members to promote angling club litter clean ups, in which anglers in their thousands take part in across the country. The Trust also runs an initiative called Take 5 to inspire anglers to collect five pieces of (non-angling related) litter when packing their gear away, all in partnership with the Environment Agency. Over recent months a new enterprise to recycle used fishing line has also emerged. Known as the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme, the Angling Trust is encouraging all anglers to utilise this free service to minimise the amount of fishing line that is sent to landfill. Furthermore, our 500 trained Voluntary Bailiffs have guidance on how to assist injured wildlife, which was drawn up in partnership with the National Swan Convention. The Trust has had a number of meetings with the RSPCA in the past to work jointly on this issue with them but regretfully they have declined to take this further. According to the RSPCA’s own figures, of the 579 incidents in 2018 involving plastic litter, only 29 were litter from angling and 550 were from general litter. Moreover, The Guardian article failed to acknowledge the contribution of commercial fishing to
fishery for the UK blue fin tuna, it will be big game fishing from South Devon, fingers crossed... Don't forget our general ground fishing for plaice and turbot, rays,, and our conger and ling fishing at anchor, all so guys next winter we will be coming round to the Bristol channel for a few months on our old stomping grounds until the spring, if you are interested in joining us for this just give the team a call 07964 053347..
marine litter in particular, with reference to “discarded nets” from anglers. Discarded nets are likely to arise exclusively from commercial operations – not from recreational angling – and can cause major damage to wildlife both in the marine environment through ‘ghost fishing’ and by entangling animals when nets wash up onto the shore. The Angling Trust recognises that litter can become a problem in some areas. However, analysis of previous data provided by the RSPCA has shown that this is an issue primarily attributed to summer school holidays on open access waters, where inexperienced anglers are using inappropriate fishing equipment. The Trust wants to see more people take up angling and to access the many health and wellbeing benefits derived from participation but would urge everyone to first attend one of our managed and supervised “Get Fishing” family events, which can be found at www.getfishing.org. uk. James Champkin, Campaigns Officer for the Angling Trust, said: “No one likes to see litter around our lakes and rivers or spoiling our beaches, least of all anglers who spend more time enjoying our waterways than any other group. Many anglers are also keen birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and the last thing they would want to do is cause harm to the amazing wildlife that we share our sport with. The Angling Trust is keen to work with the RSPCA to help better educate the minority. Anglers are the driving force behind conservation of rivers and oceans and overall make a hugely positive contribution to the protection of habitats for wildlife with rod licence fees, donations and volunteer time. Our members support work by the Angling Trust and Fish Legal to campaign and take legal action to stop pollution and other damage to the water environment.”
Pollock - Obsession
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
PLYMOUTH CLUB SCENE By Scott Smy
I have to admit that I’m not a massive fan of venturing out and fishing during the month of February as its one of those months where the fishing is usually pretty poor and effort certainly outweighs the rewards. You know its’ bad when you put off going out in order to finish those decorating jobs the other half has been nagging you about for the past 12 months. However, having just had a day of wall-to-wall sunshine and light winds it does feel as though the spring is now just around the corner. Whilst most of us going out for the odd session are either blanking or not recording anything of note, Stewart Grey of Castaways SAC has been single-handedly leading the way with a host of impressive captures over the past month which has included Pouting of 2-7 from Chesil and SE Ray to 11-2 from a South Hams rock mark along with good-sized huss and dogs. I understand that special praise should also go Steve Arnold who got more than a boot full of water when attempting to land the big SE for Stewart. At the start of the month I was hearing about some nice huss being landed from the rock marks around the Dartmouth area, with Matt Parry of South West Sea Baits getting two 12lb+ huss in one session to a weight of 12-6. Generally, the huss fishing seems to tail-off during March before improving again in late April and into May when the larger females move inshore to lay their purses. Following a rather disappointing flounder
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PLYMOUTH
season, the focus of many anglers in the South West will now turn to the arrival of the plaice. If the weather stays mild as it is at present then I fully expect to start hearing about the first captures of plaice during early March. Whilst most anglers will journey up to Chesil, Beesands has fished really well over the past few years and we can only hope it’s the same there again this year. The rock ledges at East Portlemouth are also worth a try and these marks often produce less but bigger specimens (neap tides being better than springs). For those that enjoy their plaice fishing, the South West Plaice Championships hosted by Seaview Angling in Plymouth will take place over the weekend of the 13th and 14th April. Entry forms are available from Andy at Seaview. Spotted Rays do continue to feature in catches from Beesands with one of the best caught during the past month being a good fish of 5-9 caught by Leigh ‘Badger’ Battishill which was released after weighing and smashed his previous PB. Nice going Badge. With only a limited number of charter boats operating out of Plymouth at the moment I’m not hearing too much with regard to reports. However, for those venturing offshore there should be plenty of goodsized pollack on the wrecks and it shouldn’t be too long before the first launce turn up on the Eddystone which should kick-off the reef season. That’s it for me this month – Happy Dipping.
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Matt Parry Bullhuss 12-6
Leigh Battishill Spotted Ray 5-9
Stewart Grey SE Ray 11-2
Stewart Grey Pouting 2-7
Rob Hobbs Spurdog 12-14
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
CHESIL BEACH / NEWS
CHESIL BEACH REPORT By Gareth Mayers
It has to be said the fishing along Chesil at the moment has been difficult to say the least. The cod seem to have decreased in numbers aswell as the ray that many anglers have also been targeting recently. The weather took a turn for the worst with heavy snow and ice which resulted in many anglers stuck at home unable to travel. There does seem to be some hope as spring doesn’t appear to be that far away and as we soon go into March there should be some signs of plaice starting to show at the western end of the beach at West Bexington and Cogden. These early fish are normally very thin and skinny but provide great sport as the only species that normally comes into chesil this time of year the that we don’t normally see
are rockling that can prove a nuisance at times. The most popular rigs and baits seem to be a simple flapper rig or something like an up and over or a pulley dropper rig with the most productive baits being ragworm and fresh blacks. Sometimes tipping the worm bait with a slither of squid will add a visual attraction that can produce that bonus fish. Mark Mattews managed an early plaice from west bexington. Although small and skinny its a good sign of things to come. Greg Park caught a species you don’t normally see at chesil, a coalfish which fell to a bluey bait. If you manage to get down to the beach soon good luck and tight lines!
Chesil codling
A cracking coalfish for Greg Park caught on a bluey bait
Stunning ballen wrasse. Inset: Mark Robinson with a Codling
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
EAST SUSSEX
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EAST SUSSEX DIARY By Kevin Morgan
ANDERDA The second match of the year was fished on Monday 21st January, with 18 anglers fishing in Pevensey and Normans Bay. Fishing prove hard with only a few fish caught! The winner Colin Isaacs rockling and whiting for 1lb 3oz. 2nd Ian Hopper with 13oz and 3rd John Cook with 11 ¾ oz. The biggest fish and super pool winner was John Cook with a Flounder of 11 ¾ oz, and the biggest round was a whiting of 9 ¼ oz for Ian Hopper. On Monday 4th February again 18 anglers fished in Pevensey and Normans Bay and this time the winner was Les Glazzard with Flounder dab and whiting for 1lb 3 ½ oz. 2nd Colin Isaacs with 1lb ½ oz and 3rd Paul King with 11oz. The heaviest fish and super winner was a flounder of 11oz for Les Glazzard and the heaviest round was shared between Les Glazzard and Colin Isaacs with a whiting/ rockling of 5oz. SAXONS SEA FISHING CLUB The second match fished on Sunday 20th January was won by Joe Plumstead, 2nd Kevin Merner and 3rd Matt Brown. The 3rd match was fished at Seaford with 16 anglers fishing. Phil Metcalf won with some plaice and a dab. 2nd Steve Merner and 3rd Geoff Honeysett. Over-all after 3 matches Kevin and Steve Merner both have 64 points. 3rd Phil Metcalf with 62 points and joint 4th Peter Fountain and Geoff Honeysett with 46 points. EASTBOURNE NOMADS The second Slater Cup was fished on Sunday 3rd February with a good turnout of 33 anglers fishing at Langney Point. The winner was Philip Lee with 10 fish for 3lb 8oz. Philip caught dabs plaice whiting and flounder. 2nd Sam Samson with 12 fish for 3lb 5oz, 3rd Wes Sargeant with 3lb 3 ½ oz, 4th Vernon Vivian with 3lb 11/2 oz and 5th Scot Brown with 2lb 14oz. Heaviest flat was a plaice of 1lb ½ oz for Mark Underhill and the heaviest round a whiting of 14oz for Scarlett Aghilli.
OVER FIFTIES The second over fifties beach match was fished at White Horses on Wednesday 23rd January, with 24 anglers taking part. The winner was John Ryder with 2lb 9 ½ oz. 2nd Paul Parsons with 2lb 7 ¼ oz, 3rd Gary Banfield with 2lb 2 ¾ oz and 4th Tony Bush with 2lb ½ oz. The Biggest flat was a plaice of 13oz for Kerry Saint and the biggest round a bass of 1lb 5oz (catch and release) for John Ryder. The 3rd match in the series was again fished at White Horses with 32 anglers fishing on the changed date of Monday 11th February. The winner was Kerry Saint with 3lb ¾ oz. 2nd John Ryder with 2lb 7oz, 3rd Mark Underhill 2lb 3oz, 4th Keith Erridge 1lb 7oz and 5th Tony Bush with 1lb 6 ½ oz Biggest flat was a plaice of 12 ¾ oz for Mark Underhill and biggest round a whiting of 9oz for Julian French. Top 5 after 3 matches are 1st John Ryder 37 points, 2nd Kerry Saint 34 points, 3rd Keith Erridge 32 points, 4th Sam Samson 26 points and 5th Gary Banfield 24 points. NEWHAVEN AND SEAFORD SHORE ANGLING CLUB The club at Seaford on 17th January for the president Cup. 1sy Sane Merrick with 4lb 2oz. 2nd Chris Allen 3lb ½ oz and 3rd Brian Henderson with 2lb.
Scarlett Aghilli with the winning whiting
Keeley Moule with a nice dab
Peter Cornwall with a nice plaice
GENERAL The boat fishing is still proving difficult at the moment, with very few days at sea and then not easy to find the fish! Still some plaice and rays but the cod are still proving elusive this season. From the shore the whiting shoals have thinned out and so some nice flatfish are being caught. Some nice plaice at Hastings, Langney Point and Seaford are being caught, although thin at this time of year! Also plenty of dabs around and a few flounders during the day.
Stuart Draper with a nice flounder
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
POOLE / DORSET
POOLE PORT REPORT
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POOLE REPORT by Philip Higgins
Poole February Report 2019 Holes Bay has produced a few good Flounders with Gary Rook landing a 3lb 7ozs fish and Andy Mitchell 3lb 2ozs and 2 lb 10 in one session. PooleTown Angler Dave Colcough landed a Bull Huss 14lb 8ozs followed by a 15lb Blonde Ray, on the same trip poor old Pete Smith fought a big fish for a good 20 minutes gaining very little line in a building tide until his line parted. Traditionally this time of year the inshore fishing takes a dip and the weather plays a big part in what you can do, if you can reach the outer marks some good sport can be found with Spurdogs, Rays and early Tope closer to shore the Plaice have arrived but have not started feeding yet it
needs the water temp to come up a degree or too before they find their appetite. We have a new guest in the Bay an exploratory oil rig which if they follow the plan will be gone at the end of February but I would not be surprized if they ask for an extension to the period. Poole Sea Angling Centre owner Andy Robbins has announced his competition dates Bream comp is 12/5/2019 and the Cod comps are 17/11/2019 and 8/12/2019 for more details please call Andy on 01202676597 The date for the very popular and highly competitive Poole Species Comp 2019 is Friday June 7th 2019 for more info contact Sarah Medley ‘pinkdolphin75@hotmail. co.uk’
Owner/skippers Sam & Andy Cumming Phone 07787 375 386 www.silverspraycharters.com Email: info@silverspraycharters.com
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
POOLE
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SILVER SPRAY REPORT By Sam Cumming
Although it’s usually our quietest period of the year we still manage a few trips out in late January/ early February. The offshore banks are starting to hot up with plenty of spur dogs, nothing monstrous yet, fish up to about 20lb so far, but I’m sure we will get a few bigger ones on the neap tides in March. We have also had a very good start to the year with rays of all different varieties, always welcome to get a good bend in the rod. As February pushes on we will mostly see blonde rays and a few undulates until
the water warms up. We have snuck in our first wreck trip early this year and were rewarded with some fat spring Pollack up to 13lb. As seems to be quite common at this time of year we had a nice visit from a large pod of dolphins half way through the day which really is an amazing sight. The video of this encounter is on our Facebook page. Over the next month we will be mostly wreck fishing with a few days on the banks for spurs here and there.
23lb Blonde Ray - Silver Spray II
SAN COMPETITION WINNERS IF YOU SEE A COX & RAWLE, RED GIL OR DEVON BAITS WINNERS BADGE IN YOUR PICTURE PLEASE CONTACT JAMES WIGGLESWORTH ON 07825 181 694 OR EMAIL
Blonde Ray - Silver Spray II
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Lure caught pollock - Silver Spray II
Tony Lees 13lb pollock silver spray II
Spurdog - Silver Spray II
Spurdog - Silver Spray II
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NEWS
Sea Angling News, March 2019
11th & 12th January 2020
ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 2019
Sea Angling News, March 2019
TRONIX PRO
BACK TO BASICS By Martin Wood When out fishing we often hear about casting to the horizon and the magic 100 + meters whilst many new rods and reels of recent years make this more than possible these days there are those that just can’t manage casting to and beyond this point. If you can cast those ranges it’s a great tool to have, but a lot of the time people also cast over the fish! Say you’re casting onto a featureless plain and yet 30 -50 yards out you have gulley’s or banks… the chances are that you are missing the prime grounds for good fish and casting well over them as they will be feeding in the features, depth of water is not always everything if there is no reason for fish to be there it’s well known that fish come in very close to shore, I’ve personally caught good fish 15 - 30 meters out and how often do we hear of so many holiday makers pulling a nice fish out on rookie gear and a bad cast? Getting that cast down and hitting 100 +
meters like I said it can be and is a very useful tool especially if you’re fishing a new beach and has no features to fish over etc, but I generally fish with a 50 & 20 meters approach on my rods and if no bites then I push them both out 10 yards more each new re bait and cast out until I find the fish if using this then I tend to rebait every 20 mins. When just general fishing you can use this method to find the fish holding areas and it’s rarely let me down plus I have used it to great effect which has seen myself not blank whilst the others next to me do so, I continue to use this method even now unless I am looking for a specific species which may then need a change of tactics or a certain feature fished. So don’t worry about your long range casting ability so much just get out there and give it a try and enjoy your angling, if you’ve not been catching I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results you can get with this! Tight lines!
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Uni /Gallows/Grinner knot: The Uni knot can be used for multiple uses for attaching terminal tackle or fishing line to fishing line or for attaching lures and is good primarily with Mono and Flouro. The knot isn’t as strong as others like the Palomar but is still well over 90%, another benefit is when moving bait over a knot the tag end is at the top with the Uni and allows bait to pass over it a lot easier than a lot of other knots and you can cut it very close to the knot with some nail clippers etc.
1. Run the line through the eye of the hook and double it back parallel to the standing line. Make a loop by laying tag end over the doubled line. 2. Do 6 turns with the tag end around the double line and through the loop that is created. 3. Moisten the lines and pull the tag end to snug up the turns. 4. Slide the knot down to the eye or leave a small loop if desired.
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ILFRACOMBE / NORTH DEVON REPORT
Sea Angling News, March 2019
NORTH DEVON REPORT
By Wayne Thomas
Boat anglers have been enjoying some great sport off Ilfracombe with parties of anglers aboard John Barbeary’s ‘Bluefin’ finding packs of spurdog with many into double figures. The big double figure spurdog have been scarce and there are expectations that bigger fish will show later as spring arrives. Bull huss have also been caught amongst the spurs with the occasional fish into double figures. Conger are also featuring in catches with the occasional better fish to 30lb.
Rob Scoines caught a good rockling of 1lb 10.5oz. These brightly coloured fish are a common catch during the spring and bring a welcome change from small conger and dogfish.
Shore anglers have struggled to find larger fish with small conger and dogfish dominating. The occasional huss has been caught and these fish should become more abundant as spring arrives with March and April often good months to target this species.
Codling have been very scarce from North Devon marks all winter with just the occasional one caught from the open coast and the lower estuary.
Kevin Legge won Combe Martin SAC’s winter Rover with a fine shore specimen spurdog of 12lb 7oz.
12lb bull huss caught on Bluefin off Ilfracombe
Anglers scaling down their tackle have enjoyed success with dabs and whiting. Anglers travelling up channel have succeeded in catching a few good quality ray from North Somerset beaches.
As the days lengthen mullet anglers will be hoping for success. Combe Martin SAC member John Avery targeted the species and was rewarded with a fine thick lipped mullet of 5lb 1oz.
Antony Smith blonde ray 13lb 14ozg
Antony Smith with a small eyed ray of 9lb 12oz
Paul Lorrimore - shore caught bull huss
Pete Gregory - spurdog Bluefin
Pete Gregory spurdog on Bluefin off Ilfracombe
Rob Scoines with a 1lb 10oz rockling
Pete Greogory with bull huss on Bluefin
Graham Snow with good brace of Taw estuary flounder
Ian Hooper with a pleasing shore caught dab
Kevin Legge -shore caught spurdog
Toby Bassett with good huss caught on Bluefin
Keith Armishaw with spurdog from Bluefin off Ilfracombe
Louise Rooke spurdog on Bluefin of Ilfracombe
Toby Bassett- spurdog on Bluefin
Nathan Clements thornback ray 9lb 11oz
Paul Hutchings - codling 4lb
Wayne Thomas spurdog caught on Bluefin
Conger
Sea Angling News, March 2019
NORTH DEVON / NEWS
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 13
SAILING FROM ILFRACOMBE
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14 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
NEWS
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
SPECIMEN SEA FISH AWARDS SCHEME – RELAUNCH
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Catch some angling kudos with the Angling Trust's relaunched Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme!
encouraging participation in sea fishing as well as providing interesting info on fish weight and sizes.
The popular competition allows individual Angling Trust members and members of Angling Trust clubs to be recognised by the sport's national representative body, and their fellow anglers, as top specimen sea fish hunters.
Anglers compete on a regional level and to be the overall National Winner in each category at the end of the year with fish being judged at a percentage over each Region's specimen weight for each species. In addition, the much sought-after "Sea Angling News" trophy is awarded to the club with the most entries.
New for 2019, the scheme now includes a Junior Angler competition and a "Catch & Release" element for fish to be entered into, in addition to the traditional "Shore" and "Boat" categories.
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As well as official Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme certificates, 12 monthly winners will now receive a £20 www.fishingmegastore.com voucher to buy tackle or kit. The overall winner in each category will bag a brilliant £75 www.fishingmegastore.com voucher at the end of the year. www. fishingmegastore.com is recognised to be a great place for beginners or seasoned enthusiasts to find the perfect kit they need to start or continue fishing. The long-running Awards Scheme (...which has been going for over 40 years!), is open from December 1st to November 30th each year, is completely free to enter and has gone from strength-to-strength recently as more and more anglers crave the credit of being crowned a top specimen sea angler. Last year over 900 entries were submitted from 31 clubs! The Scheme has proved to be a fantastic way of
Eric Gerrey, Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme Manager said: "The Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme has been running for over forty years and many good fish have been entered. Lately, entries from Juniors have been dropping so we hope that the introduction of the Junior Scheme will encourage more young people to enter fish, as they'll now have their own sets of specimen weights. The introduction of prizes for the scheme is very welcome and again, we hope this will increase participation." David Mitchell, Angling Trust Head of Marine added: "With great new prizes on offer and both Junior and Catch & Release categories being added we are investing in a scheme for sea anglers which has traditionally had great support, especially in the South West. In 2019 we are hoping members and clubs from all over the country will start to enter and make this our most successful year ever". There's more info about the Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme and how to enter at: www.getfishing.org.uk/specimen-seafish-awards-scheme
Sea Angling News, March 2019
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 15
LANGSTONE
LANGSTONE HARBOUR AREA BOAT FISHING REPORT By Neville Merritt, Southsea Marina Angling Club Featuring Southsea Marina Angling Club 9SMAC), Southsea Marina Disabled Angling Club (SMDAC) and Eastney Cruising Association (ECA). February is one of those months. You could be lucky after a cold winter and still catch a few cod and plenty of whiting. After a warm winter the plaice could be turning up early inshore. Or it could be an in-between month where neither happens and you have the choice of pin whiting, dogfish, roving strap conger or heading to the mid-channel wrecks for pollack. In my experience February is nearly always the latter, which is why many boat anglers and charter skippers use February as the haul-out-andantifoul month, and angling clubs mark the end of the summer-winter seasonal cycle with their awards ceremonies. This February was all of those at once. Boats fishing inshore mostly reported dogfish, small rays, pout and whiting. A few skinny, recently-spawned plaice have appeared and there have been some visits from the herring shoals close inshore. Offshore, Kev Johnson on his boat Reel Lucky drifted wrecks and reefs with Bill Arnold and John Jones with some nice pollack to show for it. John Jones also caught a John Dory, his first but you have to marvel at the ambition of a fish to snatch a lure intended for a pollack at least ten times its size. The ECA Fishing Club had their awards night earlier in the month and Wayne Comben won ECA campion and proved his angling prowess by scooping up a number of other awards. Jake Kelly was top Junior angler too and he must be great fisherman because he also won cups two weeks later at the SMAC and SMDAC awards night. This event was hosted in the Southsea Marina bar, impeccably organised as usual by Steve Kelly and the awards were presented by our local celebrity Rupert Bremer, manager of Southsea Marina and famous for his entertaining costumes at marina events. This time however he came
dressed as a marina manager. This year broke records for the number of specimen fish landed, too many to list in this report but congratulations to all. John Wearn wore a groove in the floor coming up for most of the SMDAC awards but gave way to one of the most senior members George Dominy on occasion. The Mandela Cup is a one-day club event for the largest specimen. After a number of weather cancellations it was eventually held in rather unpleasant conditions in and around the marina. Unfortunately not a single fish was caught which taxed the ingenuity of Steve Kelly when it came to awarding the cup. With a spark of genius he awarded it to the oldest and youngest competitors who braved the day, George Dominy and Mikey Primett as shown here. Well done lads. I have included some archive photos of fish to illustrate some of the awards where possible – Tim Andrews won Pollack, Pairs, Interclub and Cod Open best-placed member. Robert Foster won Champion, Bass and Specimen cups. John Evans won the Plaice cup, Neil Glazier won the Cod cup, Mark Banks the Bream cup and shared the Pairs up. Catch and Release cup went to Heber Crawford and the Cod Pool was won by Pete Churchill. Pete Churchill and Bill Arnold chased each other all season with the species hunt and finished a dead heat, sharing the cup. The Ladies awards were dominated by Hayley Ellis taking both Ladies cup with a good bass and Species cup. For the Juniors, Jake Kelly won species cup and Junior cup for a nice bream. Next month we should be able to report the arrival of the plaice. With the water temperature maintaining a higher than average level we may also see the arrival of the early summer species including bream and smoothhound. But as always with angling, who can tell?
John Evens Plaice 2.13
John Jones John Dory c
Kake Kelly Junior Species Mark Banks Bream Cup 2 Cup
Mandela Cup Mikey Primett and George Dominy
Mark Banks Tim Andrews Pairs Cup
John Wearn 3x winner SMDAC
Kev Johnson Pollack 14.9c
Tim Andrews Pollack Cup
Bill Arnold Pete Churchill Species Cup
George Dominy SMDAC
Hayley Ellis Ladies Cup
Neil Glazier Cod Cup
Jake Kelly ECA Junior Cup
Wayne Comben ECA Champion
Robert Foster Bass Cup
Pete Churchill Cod Pool
16 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
NEWS / WALES / BURNHAM ON SEA
Sea Angling News, March 2019
TELBOY'S TACKLE AMLWCH, ANGLESEY SHAMROCK TACKLE - FULL RANGE NOW AVAILABLE OPEN EARLY 7 DAYS A W EEK TEL: 01407 832 9 6 5 w w w. t e l b o y s t a c k l e . c o . u k
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BURNHAM ON SEA REPORT By Richard Saxby
February started off cold with a fair covering of snow, as I write this temps are starting to rise but who knows how long for. The fishing overall has been slow but numbers of codling have increased with the odd double showing. Whiting numbers still down and I doubt if that will improve much now as spring approaches. Over the next month we may see the first of the bass as they move back up channel. Sunday 3rd February 2 boats with 6 anglers set off for the Fred Peters trophy. Sea conditions were ok but there was an icy wind and the water temp had dropped 2 degrees from a couple of weeks earlier probably due to snow melt. This may have contributed to the lack of fish with only around 8 codling caught with only 4 in size. This is the first comp in the 3+ years I have been running them that only 1 species of fish have
been landed. Winner on the day with a codling of 5lb 6oz was Martin Quinn with his fish also taking the pools. Andy Georgiou took 2nd and 3rd with codling of 3lb 11 and 3lb 10. Fish of the month for January sponsored by Thyers Tackle of Highbridge was won by Chris Lindsey with a lsd of 2lb 7 and 81%. The next club competition is the Wilf Dunstone Trophy on the 3rd March . Our next club meeting is on Thursday 21st March 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.
Andy Georgiou and Martin Quinn
WIN! A FREE FISHING HOLIDAY FOR UP TO 8 PEOPLE FOR 5 DAYS A chance to win a free fishing holiday for up to 8 people for 5 days call 07494351073 to be entered. The caravan is a 15 ft wide 8 berth 3 bedroom gas central heated comprising of 1 Double bedroom 2 single bedrooms with up to 2 beds in each with a pull out double bed in lounge T.V/DVD free wifi on site bars, restaurants and a shop on sight. 2 lakes with carp and other species swimming pool indoor and out activities for all ages and entertainment ever night walking distant of Bristol Channel beaches and the town. From London M4 and M5 and or the A370 to marine drive by train from London straight through train to Weston super mare then first bus service from outside the station straight to haven holiday site rental from £50 per person per week for more info email: Richard Saxby codling
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
WATCHET / MINEHEAD
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 17
MINEHEAD BOAT REPORT By Dave Roberts
RECENT CATCHES ABOARD SEAFIRE II
Nice double shot - AlyKat
Cracking spurdog - AlyKat
Jerry with a blonderay - Seafire II
Richard with a double figure smalleyed ray - Seafire II
Always worth one last cast - AlyKat
Bonio with a good spurdog - Seafire II
Andy Bickle, codling - AlyKat
Nice double shot - AlyKat
18 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
Sea Angling News, March 2019
BRISTOL CHANNEL / MINEHEAD
OSPREY CHARTERS
Smooth hound - Teddie Boy
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Teddie Boy Charters Teddie Boy is a fast stable 9m AMC cat fully licensed and insured, code of practice 60 miles. Equipped with all the latest marine electronics. Tea & coffee, gas hob and flushing toilet. Experienced anglers, beginners and ladies very welcome. 4 hour trip £25 per person, 8 hour trip £40 per person
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For all bookings and enquiries call Mike
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Conger - Teddie Boy
Huss - Teddie Boy
Osprey
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
BRISTOL CHANNEL
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 19
BRISTOL CHANNEL SHORE REPORT By Craig Butler
The past month has continued with some good and consistent sport. Plenty of fine quality plump codling have been caught. The infamous Bristol Channel spring codling fishery this year is alive and well.There are plenty of 2-5lb codling in the channel and long may it continue. The whole local angling communities up and down the channel and the wider community are richer and better off for it. Don’t get me wrong, and think anyone can just rock up anywhere and catch them. They aren’t, and never are wide spread. But target them at many of the well know and spoke about venues with the correct bait on the right tides and there’s a better than average chance of bagging one or two or more. What’s more there’s still big numbers of small codling under a lb. If only half the number of these little tumblings survive and grow on nicely for the autumn run later in the year things will be even better. It’s not all about the codling though. The ray fishing has been positively good with some fine blonde rays to near 20lb, small eyed rays into double figures and thornback rays of all sizes caught. The Minehead and Watchet area has had a
good bit of attention over the past month with good catches reported regularly. The upper channel also has some positive codling potential in the area as local charter boat skipper Chris Buxton has proved with some very nice catches of codling in the upper reaches ( albeit on his boat ) but they are there to be caught off the beach also. The coming month will see the thornback ray numbers increase from the Watchet area to Clevedon. And hopefully, and I’m sure the spring codling will continue for the next couple of months at least. Some of my own personal best catches of codling have come between March and the end of April. I’ve noticed over several years, anglers have been missing out on the spring codling. Either by thinking they are only there in winter or turn there attention to other species. One thing that’s for sure, here in the Bristol Channel we are blessed to have some great all year round fishing potential on offer. Check out below, just a few photos of the fish reported over the past few weeks. Anyway hope the month ahead treats you all well and you find some good fishing for your efforts. Tight lines and happy hunting
Historic Harbour-side Venue ●Newly refurbished iconic pub and hotel with its fantastic Minehead harbour-side setting. ●Fine ales & river cottage style food & traditional hospitality at its best. ●Fishing parties welcome.
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ER L E Y V A W GUEST HOUSE
Proprietor: Ian Daniels 10 Tregonwell Road, Minehead TA24 5DT www.bandbminehead.com Email: idaniels@btconnect.com
ANGLER FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION TEL: 01643 703193
20 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
NEWS
I
S LEY ’ HE R O L E NORTHNEY MARINA II K HAYLING ISLAND
Tel. Ian or Bex on 07795 538933 Email: iandale@kelleys-hero.com
11m South Catamaran with twin 330hp Iveco Turbo Charged Diesel engines. She has a top speed of 26 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots. The boat is fully coded to MCA CAT 2, and is licensed to carry 12 passengers.
RECENT CATCHES ABOARD KELLEY’S HERO WINNER
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Sea Angling News, March 2019
www.lastlaughcharterfishing.co.uk Individuals / Small and Large Groups Catered for Email: johntomkat1@hotmail.com Mob: 07796023881 Owner: John Skeggs. Port: Lymington FREE PARKING! Now taking bookings for winter Cod fishing! A full day targeting Cod / Whiting, or you can split the day for Cod / Bass. Plenty of options!
LAST LAUGH CHARTERS By John Skeggs
Most of the winter fish have now moved on, it’s now time to look forward to the spring and hit the distant wrecks for Pollack and more local marks for Plaice and Dabs. Our first two wrecking trips of the season yielded encouraging results with several quality Pollack to 17lb. Inshore Plaice
marks, we have already seen the first ones arrive along with the odd dabs. With the waters gradually warming catches should get even better in the coming weeks. The 9,10 and 12 mile banks are worth a go on the neap tides, you can expect to catch some quality Spurdogs and Blonde rays.
Sea Angling News, March 2019
WEST WIGHT
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 21
VA LK Y R IE CH A R TE RS PRIVATE VENTURE Skipper Gl Ski Glen C Cair i ns O f f iice: 02392 461717 4 61717 B Boatt : 07831 878669 By Art savage
Valkyrie 6 & 7 are based at Northney Marina with easy access just across Langstone bridge plus FREE secure parking.
We have had a real good spell of weather over the last week and it looks as if it will roll into next week Apart from the usual Rays and Conger, we have had an early run of Plaice down to the West of our area, along with the left over Whiting and the occasional Turbot no really big ďŹ sh but quite special for the middle of February.
Specialising in Wreck, Reef, Pollack, Cod, Bass fishing. All the facilities you would expect onboard a modern catamaran heated cabin, seating, cooking facilities. Licensed for 12 + 2 crew 60 miles fully insured. www.valkyriecharters.co.uk | Email valkyriecharters@hotmail.co.uk
Oshore the Pollock are beginning to turn up over the wrecks which should help to shorten the winter a little
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Blonde Ray - Valkyrie
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Channel Whiting Private Venture
Pollock Private Venture
Conger Private Venture
www.coxandrawle.com Blonde Ray - Valkyrie
22 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
WEYMOUTH
Sea Angling News, March 2019
Port Report February has been decidedly chilly and windy so trips have been few and far between. Reports from the charter fleet do show that the inshore fishing is good with congers, huss, a mix of rays, spurdogs and smoothound coming aboard Luke Pettis’s impressive recent investment, his spacious 42 catamaran, in early February. On a later trip David Pitman reported a nice day at sea in mid February with whiting, the plaice, 12 turbot of which 4 were ‘keepers’ and a very fine 19lb 4oz undulate ray. It is not normally this port’s policy to refer to specific vessels’ catches but as many of the Weymouth Captains disappeared off around the globe on glamorous fishing trips, those few bravehearts who remained to fly the flag deserve a special mention. And as for our travelling skippers, I am assured they didn’t really want to go but thought their tales of exotic species and tenacious battles would brighten the wheelhouse conversations throughout 2019. Such unselfishness!
net in January and February…so maybe there might be a few more arriving this year. Turbot catches have provided an early season bonus on The Shambles in recent years with the February to April period being productive and then the Bank providing a few fish throughout the year with occasional red-letter days. A brill is an early season possibility although they tend to arrive in the August onwards period.
Whiting - Duchess II
Whiting - Duchess II
Whiting - Duchess II
March will see a few whiting still about and an increase in the conger, rays, spurdogs and smoothounds from the mixed ground marks plus a few tope. The Kidney Bank to the west of Portland can often produce its biggest fish this month. This will be a very interesting year with the port’s enthusiastic young skippers trying new approaches and tactics to maintain anglers’ interest. It will be of particular interest to see how the sharking develops after such a very successful 2018.
And now it is March as this report is read. March has traditionally been regarded the best month for pollack in quantities from the wrecks with an outside chance of an early cod. The big question this year after their noticeable absence last year, is will the cod come into the Weymouth/Portland sea area for the wrecking anglers to enjoy.
It has been, as per usual, a difficult start to the year because of the weather. It’s the time of year when most sane people would not want to be a charter skipper but, as the days lengthen and warm up, increasing amounts of anglers inform skippers how fortunate they are to have such a job and declarations of ‘if I won the lottery, I would buy a boat and become a charter skipper’.
March can be an excellent month for ling especially on the last neap tides of the month. Drift fish frozen mackerel/squid baits of one or two hook paternoster rigs is the proven method. A red or orange 6’’ muppet on the paternoster snoods can make all the difference to the catch rate.
Well…here’s hoping there will be many of you winning the lottery but my advice would be to reconsider that temporary outcry of insanity and spend your money on going to sea on charter boats where the Weymouth skippers will everything they can to find you fish aboard their well maintained vessels.
Back in their dizzy heyday, March was the month when the plaice arrived on the Shambles to gorge themselves on the little sandeels. This has not happened for a long time now but we live forever in hope and on this occasion point again to Dave Pitman’s Atlanta that has seen plaice coming to the
Thank you to everyone for supporting the charter fleets around the country and, of course, Weymouth in particular. Your customer is much appreciated.
Undulate ray - Alanta
Plaice - Atlanta
Turbot - Alanta
Turbot - Alanta
Here’s to a mild and productive Spring!
WINNER
TEL: JOSH SIMMONDS 07554434338 OR FACEBOOK.COM/FISHONWEYMOUTH Caroline with a 5lb plus Whiting - Duchess II
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2019
WEYMOUTH / NEWS
Sea Angling News, March 2019
OFFSHORE REBEL CAT, Cop 60 miles, licenced/insured for 12 anglers, Channel Islands, wrecking specialist fishing trips Tel: JAMIE PULLIN Mobile: 07886 931406 Phone for free newsletter & individual list Contact my web site on:
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Wreck, Reef, Shambles & Bank Fishing Individuals, Groups & Novices Welcome 60 Mile COP Licenced & Insured, Operating All Year 4, 6 & 8hr trips Skipper/Owner, Jeff Clarke Tel-01308425494 / 07778315778 fishonduchess2@btinternet.com
Reef, Wreck, Shambles & Kidney Bank fishing. Individuals, Parties, Beginners welcome. 60 mile COP, Licensed & Insured. Tel: DAVE PITMAN 01305 781644 Boat 07721 320352 www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/atlanta
y An n J o l l a S
Skipper Colin Baker Wreck, Reef, Shambles & Bank Fishing 60 Mile COP, Licenced & Insured Tel: 07814301708 www.sallyanncharters.co.uk Offshore Wrecking, Reef, Bank and Alderney Fishing Trips Free Parking
FISHING CHARTERS FROM PORTLAND WEYMOUTH MARINA
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2018
Refreshments Tackle and Rod Hire available Beginners, Experienced and Families All Welcome
SKIPPER - DAN CLARKE (01308) 488515 / 07734383440 WWW.FINSUP-CHARTERS.COM @finsupfishingcharters
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 23
RECENT CATCHES ABOARD FINS-UP
24 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
BRIGHTON / COSTA RICA
Sea Angling News, March 2019
www.oceanwarrior3.com
2 - 4 - 8 HOUR TRIPS
Specialising in offshore wreck and ground fishing. Fish in a spacious twin engined 500hp 38ft Aquastar. Full time owner and skipper Dave Elliott. 60 mile D.T.I, fully licensed and insured. Hot drinks and rod hires available. Ring Dave on boat direct 07966 377145 or evening 01444 230882 Email dave@oceanwarrior3.com
www.coxandrawle.com
COMPETITION BEST LURE CAUGHT FISH PRIZE The Red Gill is for the heaviest lure caught fish. The editors decision is final. The claim will have to be backed by photographic evidence and weighed on accurate scales. Full name and address will be needed plus details of where the capture was made. If you wish to have your photo returned please enclose an S.A.E. Entries to Red Gill competition, Sea Angling News 102 Periton Lane Minehead, Somerset TA24 9BP or email: editor@seaanglingnews.com. Usual competition rules apply
Sea Angling News, March 2019
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 25
NEWS
NORWAY SEA ANGLING TRIP FOR THE AAF ASSOCIATES.
To start 2019 off, a group of AAF Associates flew out to Skarnsundet Boat & Shore Fishing in Norway to take part in the Annual Sea Angling Trip, Guided & All Planned by Stuart Jones. The week at Skarnsundet had been very mild which meant that a good number and good-sized Cod was caught and landed, many from the group had landed double figure fish. The best fish of the week was Stuart Jones’s 27LB Cod Caught at Strauman on the first night. Some say that must be some dedication to land at Trondheim Airport and start fishing a few hours after. Plenty of other locations have bad been producing very well for the group throughout the week, around 18 different species had been caught. Halibut was also caught by some members of the group, as well as the species already mentioned there was also Black Mouth Dogfish, Flounder, Whiting, Ghost sharks, Pollack, Dabs, Coalfish and Haddock. Most of Haddock and Coalfish were caught from the front of The Skarnsundet Fjord centre. Midway throughout the Trip we were delighted to have a huge roast dinner dished up by Flt Scott Rennie. The weather worsened towards the end of the week with Heavy snow, Strong winds and Hailstone stormed. However, this did not stop anyone from fishing, some
members more than others. Stuart Jones Said “Well that’s the end of our trip to Skarnsundet Norway. It’s been an absolute pleasure to guide again for the annual veteran’s trip, the 10 lads had to absolutely dig out in some horrible conditions. We’ve had a good laugh and made some great friends. Big thank you Phil Dale” Gordon Currie Said, “What a great Week away in Norway, Some Challenging Conditions but some decent fish landed, and bigger ones lost but that’s fishing for you.” Liam Bull Said “Had a great introduction to fishing in Norway! Amazing Place and I would like to thank Sgt Jones for putting us on the fish all week and all the rest of the group for making the trip what it was. I may not of caught the biggest species, but I enjoyed catching new species” The group are looking forward to the next trip in 2020 for the 10th Anniversary to appreciate Stuarts continuous effort to organise these trips year after year. The whole Group would like to thank Mr. Phil Dale, the owner of Skarnsundet Fjord centre.
Scotsman Cod
RAF Halibut
With thanks to all that attended; Stuart Jones, Andy Williams, Scott Rennie, Liam Bull, Andy Bone, Allun Harvey, Andy Wilson, John Wilson, Gordon Currie, Steve Billens.
Scotsman Cod
LADIES WITH BREAST CANCER INVITED TO FREE FLY-FISHING THERAPY WEEKEND IN SKIPTON
BIG Halibut
HCMR Halibut
Double Fish
Starfish RE
Ladies who have (or have had) breast cancer are invited to apply to join a free flyfishing retreat at the beautiful The Coniston Hotel Spa and Country Estate in Skipton, North Yorkshire.
for twelve years and has supported hundreds of ladies as they move on from their illness. This will be the programme’s 49th retreat and the first of six to be held during 2019 (see other dates below).
The retreat, to be held from 26-28 April, is being hosted by Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the charitable project run The Countryside Alliance Foundation. Casting for Recovery is a unique outdoor programme specifically designed to help ladies with breast cancer move forward from their illness, make new friends and learn a new skill. It fuses counselling and medical support with fly fishing to offer a balanced and complementary therapy.
Retreat coordinator Sue Shaw said: “Skipton is always a popular retreat as it is such a beautiful location and as residents for two days the ladies have use of the spa facilities and infinity pool at the hotel. They always look after us really well at the Coniston and we are hoping for great weather and good fishing.”
Casting for Recovery has been in operation
Applications for the Skipton retreat are open until 28 February. To apply, go to https://www.castingforrecovery.org.uk/ retreat-dates-venues
RESULTS / NEWS
26 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com LDSFC
th
Flounder Open 6 January 2019. On Sunday 6th January Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club held it’s annual Flounder Open Competition along Lymington Sea Wall. This open competition was once again kindly sponsored by Loni’s Angling centre of New Milton. The weather was cloudy and cold which with a light wind made it feel damp and raw. 62 anglers signed on including 4 juniors. This competition was allot more successful than in previous years as more flounders were caught. Results: 1st Toby White one flounder 1lb 15.2oz which wins him £300 top prize. 2nd Andy Hopkins one flounder 1lb 6.6oz. {Lymington member} 3rd Karl Bates one flounder 1lb 3.4oz. {Lymington member} 4th Gerry Young one flounder 1lb 2.8oz. 5th Chris Ellis one flounder 0lb 8.6oz. {Lymington member}
round fish of the evening was a dogfish of 1lb caught by Chris Ellis. The specimen pool is a rollover to the next competition. Results: 1st Chris Ellis 1lb 13oz, 2nd Malcolm Stote 1lb 7.4oz, 3rd Finley Munden {jnr} 1lb 5.4oz, 4th Paul Watson 0lb 11.2oz, 5th Ed Taylor 0lb 8.6oz, 6th Andy Hopkins 0lb 4.8oz. Only edible fish are retained. All other fish are released straight away.
Finley Munden
Angling Trust Wyvern region presentation evening
Andy Hopkins
Toby white
A great evening was had last night at Exeter with nearly 100 people attending this popular event. The evening started with an intresting talk from Adam Rees on work on going in the lyme bay reserve. Adam gave the history of this project since it started some 10 years ago (4th picture). Following on all our awards where made for the fish of the month awards and major trophy winners from last year. All our awards were kindly given out by Pete Hutchins who is a long serving wyvern committee member. Overall best specimen was Rob Wheaton of the Rodbenders club with a gilthead bream of 12lb 3oz, this won him the castle trophy. (See first picture with Rob on left) The best overall junior boat fish was a red gurnard of 1lb 10oz by lyme regis sac member Willow Herbert (2nd picture). The best junior shore fish was caught by Jack Squance of Honiton SAC who had a cracking smoothound of 10lb 8oz (3rd picture). After the presentation everyone was treated to an amazing free buffet courtesy of the wyvern Region. The grand draw took £245 which will help us pay for the buffet and any further functions. All pictures kindly supplied by Mike Spiller, please share on anything you feel fit to get these results out to all. Full report on the Wyvern website at www.wyvernseaangling.org
RNLI Open report The 12th RNLI Annual Fishing Open, organised by members from Pembroke & District Angling Club, Osprey Sea Angling Club and Saundersfoot Sea Angling Club, was held on Sunday 20th February 2019 on Amroth beach in South Pembrokeshire. This year, the weather was positively balmy for late January and attendance only slightly down on 2018 at 69 cf 73 which included 5 Ladies & 3 Junior boys. However, despite what looked like very flat sea conditions, catches were way better than 2018, with 27 (cf11) Flounder & 3 Lesser Spotted Dogfish weighed in by 24 (cf15) anglers with others caught but not weighed in. The winning angler, who managed to land the 5 Flounder for 1Kg 940gms, was the Air Ambulance winner from a fortnight previously Haydn Cole from Lamphey, netting him the first prize of £200. Second, who had the biggest fish, a Lesser Spotted Dogfish of 835gms, allowing him to pick up the runner’s up prize of £100, was another local, Gwyn Davies from Pembroke Dock. In third place was a regular for these competitions, from Bridgend, Jeff Stephens with 3 Flounder for 960gms, winning him £50. Also, this year both a Lady and a Junior managed to weigh in, a Flounder of 430gms for Finan Williams, netting him the junior prize and two for 670gms netting Alison George the Ladies prize. The Pair’s Competition was won by Haydn and mark Bennett, again as 2 weeks previously, with 6 Flounder for 2KG 265gms. Second were Peter Evans and Kevin Hughes with a Dogfish each for 1Kg 475gms and third were Vince Davies and Phil Thomas with 3 Flounder for 1Kg 180gms. The Steward’s draw was won by a local lad but now living in Aberdeen so had come a long way, was Simon Nicholas who also was one of our sponsors. However, the most important result on the day was that the event raised £687, for the local lifeboats. In gratitude for this sterling effort we must thank our other sponsors (in no particular order):- Ian Wilkinson of the Temple Bar Inn, Shane Tucker, Andrew Skeels, Glamal Engineering of Cardiff, Howells Engineering of Pendine, John O’Connor, Denis Nicholas, Andrew and Leigh Rogers, Pembrokeshire Building Supplies of Milford Haven, Lawson HIS of Southampton, Jason Davies, Mr & Mrs Andrew Evans of St Brides Hotel of Saundersfoot, the Buccaneer and the Harbwr Brewery of Tenby, Roger Harris ex landlord of the Amroth Arms, Mike Rowe, Chris Wynn and the anglers from the organising clubs, you know who you are, together with Ian Wilkinson of the Temple Bar Inn who put his premises and valued support at this event’s disposal, together with a team of Ladies from the Saundersfoot branch of the RNLI, who ran the raffle, thanks. Finally, If anybody feels aggrieved that they have been missed off this list and we hope there isn’t, we are truly sorry, but thank you, most warmly, for your continued support.
LDSFC Shore Competition. On Saturday the 19th January Lymington &District Sea Fishing Club held a shore competition at Sandbanks, Poole Harbour. The weather was definitely not the best with rain at the start and a cold south east wind. 15 club members signed on and 6 weighed in fish consisting of whiting, pouting, dogfish and flounders. 12 fish in total were weighed for a total weight of 7lb 2.4oz. Best flat fish of the evening went to Finley Munden with a flounder of 13.2oz. Best
Some of the winners (left to right), Mark Bennett, Haydn Cole, Andrew Skeels (one of the organisers), Alison George.
Sea Angling News, March 2019 NWASAC Match Report: NWASAC Top 30 Final, Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool, Sunday 13th January 2019 (26 rods). The best scorers from the 2018 Summer League were invited to fish this event on what became a very wet and windy day on the Mersey Estuary. Lancastrian Dave Hutchinson has a good record at Otterspool and took the win with a convincing 679 cms of whiting and codling from downriver Zone B. Wallasey’s Mike Flanagan won Zone A for runner-up place. League champion, John Waugh, also from Wallasey, managed fourth with a bonus of the longest flatfish in his 460 cms catch. Results (scored in continental style from 2 zones): 1. David G. Hutchinson (Lancaster), 679 cms (Zone B). 2. Mike Flanagan (Wallasey), 524 (Zone A). 3. Gordon Thornes (Connah’s Quay), 417. 4. John Waugh (Wallasey), 460. 5. Heather Lindfield (Greasby), 407. 6. Phil Simpson (Pensby), 439. 7. Bill Lindfield (Greasby), 401. 8. Tony Owen (Clitheroe), 387. 9. Dave Shorthouse (Stafford), 391. 10. Stuart Dewhurst (Preston), 341. Roundfish Pool: H. Lindfield, codling, 52 cms. Flatfish Pool: J. Waugh, flounder, 29 cms.
Shirley SAC Here is the result of our 1st shore match of 2019 held at Lee On Solent on Saturday 19th January. 23 members fished but fishing was very slow maybe the couple of Seal's seen feeding before dusk effected it but 8 managed to weigh in 11 fish for 10k 026gms. species were Pout, Dogfish, Rockling, Dab, Whiting & Thornback Ray with the best fish being a Thornback Ray of 4k 564gms caught by David Neil. The weight coming from the Club's Weight to Width Ray Chart with the fish being released at point of capture. SENIORS 1. David Neil 2. Kevin Dunham 3. Paul Dorey 4. Adrian Groves 5. Bob Patterson
2 fish 2 fish 2 fish 1 fish 1 fish
6k 664gms 6k 612gms 160gms 160gms 130gms
LDSFC Shore Competition. On Saturday 2nd February Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club held its 3rd shore competition at Avon Beach, Mudeford. The weather was dry, very cold with a north – westerly wind and 14 club members signed on. 12 weighed in fish consisting of whiting, pouting and 5B rockling. 39 fish were weighed in for a total weight of 8lb 3 3/8 oz. Only edible fish are retained. All others are gently released straight after weighing. Results. 1st Luke Woodford 6 fish 1lb 5 1/8oz, 2nd Chris Ellis 6 fish 1lb 3oz, 3rd Ed Taylor 4 fish 0lb 15oz, 4th Ben Daniel and John Tharme 4 fish 0lb 13oz, 5th Rod Thomas 3 fish 0lb 11 7/8oz, 6th Paul Dibden 4 fish 0lb 11 1/8 oz, 7th Pete Rogers 3 fish 0lb 9 5/8oz, 8th Andy Hopkins 1 fish 0lb 4 1/8oz, 9th Roland Blomfield 1 fish 0lb 3 1/8oz, 10th Keith Panks 1 fish 0lb 2 1/8oz. Specimen pool was not won so there is a rollover. Flat fish pool is also a rollover. These will be carried to the next competition.
Sea Angling News, March 2019
FIXTURES / NEWS
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 27
MATCH PLANNER BOGNOR REGIS AMATEUR ANGLING SOCIETY Open beach competition Sunday 10 march 2019 0930 to 1430 catch and release to be fished at Pagham Beach booking in and draw for pegs from 0830 at pagham yacht club 1 West Front Road PO21 4SY entry cost £ 8 juniors £4 pool flat £1 round £1 Penn points cash prize subject to entry Saturday 29 June 1830 to 2330 catch and release to be fished at west end beach Bognor regis booking in and draw for pegs from 1730 at west end beach opposite waveley pub po21 2qa entry cost £8.00 senior £4.00 junior pool flat £1.00 round £1.00 Christmas pagham open beach competition sunday 15 December 0930 to 1430 catch and release to be fished at pagham beach booking in and draw for pegs from 0830 at pagham yacht club 1 west front road po21 4sy entry cost £8.00 seniors £4.00 junior pool flat £1.00 round £1.00
tel john small 07799 762377 after 5 pm both are penn points competitions and cash prize subject to entry
www.coxandrawle.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL JAMES ON 07825 181694 A member of the fish finder charter group with a cracking double shot of pollock.
28 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
FIPS-M WORLD ANGLING GAMES As we go to print this month many anglers are returning home from the World Angling Games in South Africa. The event covers both fresh and saltwater aspects of our fantastic sport and our boys and girls didn’t let us down.
were representing us in the shore angling pairs had a fantastic games and were rewarded for their efforts with a bronze medal. Three teams were entered for the shore angling and collectively they finished fourth which is a huge achievement in itself.
The boys representing England in the big game sector did an amazing job bagging themselves a silver medal so huge congratulations must go to Jon Patten, Nik Teal, Peter Bailey, Andy Challis and Andy James.
Full results can be found on the Angling Trust website
James Madsen and Stuart Withyman who
Sea Angling News, February 2019
TACKLE SHOPS DIRECTORY
The team here at the Sea Angling News would like to say a massive well done to all those who were involved especially our nations representatives……. Congratulations guys!
TACKLE SHOPS DIRECTORY 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 Email: wac@weymouthangling.com ABBOTSBURY FISHING TACKLE Rodden Row, Abbotsbury Weymouth DT3 4JL Tel 01305 871199. Delivery service to beach available.
JERSEY MORNING WATCH TACKLE St Catherines Breakwater, St Martins Jersey JE3 6DD 01534854359
HAMPSHIRE ALLAN’S MARINE 143 Twyford Ave., Portsmouth Tel 02392 671833 www.allansmarine.co.uk ROVERS FISHING TACKLE 178a West St., Fareham, Hants PO16 0EQ Tel. 01329 220354 Fax 01329 829040 roverstackle@yahoo.co.uk POINGDESTRES Unit 11, Southampton Trade Park, Third Avenue, Southampton, Millbrook SO15 0LE 023 8077 2958 www.poingdestres.co.uk
SOMERSET England big game team
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
SUSSEX 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 SCOTTIES 25 Southwick Square, Southwick, Brighton BN42 4FP Phone:01273 592903 PRIME ANGLING 74 Brighton Rd, Worthing BN11 2EN Phone:01903 821594 www.primeangling. co.uk/
WALES Stuart Withyman & James Madson
TELBOY’S TACKLE Amlwch, Anglesey Tel. 01407 832965 www.telboystackle.co.uk
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PHONE : 07825 181 694 OR EMAIL: EDITOR@SEAANGLINGNEWS.COM John Patten