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Sea Angling News
ISSUE 257 MARCH 2017
NEWS - BOAT & SHORE CATCH REPORTS - TACKLE REVIEWS - ANGLER FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION - COMPETITIONS - FEATURES
Ltd.
TRIUMPHANT TRIO TAKE TOP PRIZES
Prestige sea fishing tackle
www.snowbee.co.uk
BASS RULES CLARIFIED BY WESTMINSTER AND CARDIFF Angling Trust
Angling groups have welcomed clarification by the UK and Welsh Governments over the new rules agreed in December by EU fisheries ministers covering the netting of threatened bass stocks by commercial fishermen. It was decided, in response to a strong campaign by anglers and conservationists which included an 11,000 signature petition, that there would be no more targeted netting for bass in 2017 and that it would become a hook and line and recreational only species. In order to minimise discards, an allowance was made for "unavoidable by-catches of sea bass not exceeding 250 kilograms per month." Unfortunately both administrations incorrectly publicly referred to the new rules as a reduced 'provision' for bass netting rather than a 'by-catch' allowance. Anglers were rightly concerned that this could have led to business as usual for the netsmen and that bass stocks would gain little benefit from the changes.
WINNER Nice lure caught coalie caught aboard Mistress Linda out of Poole.
The Angling Trust wrote to the EU Commission to clarify this point and received confirmation on January 18th that the 250 kg for fixed gill nets is for unavoidable by-catches only. The subsequent publication of Article 9 of the TAC and Quota regulations for 2017 by the Commission reaffirmed that targeted bass netting is now illegal and nothing like the 'provision' claimed in the official response to the public petition on the government website and in press statements from Lesley Griffiths – Cabinet Member in the Welsh Assembly Government. Last month the Angling Trust wrote to fisheries ministers in London and Cardiff to ask that they publicly correct the misleading statements put out by both the UK and Welsh Governments following the Fishing Opportunities meeting in Brussels In the last few days, both Governments have conceded the point and clarifications have been issued accepting that fixed netters cannot target bass and that fixed netters can only land bass if they were 'unavoidable by-catch'. Angling Trust National Campaigns Coordinator Martin Salter welcomed the clarification saying:
WINNER Dave Pope with a 24lb cod caught on Osprey Of Minehead.
WINNER Giuliano Pellecalle Spotted ray 6lb 1oz from the shore.
"The public statements from both Defra and the Welsh Government were simply incorrect and frankly irresponsible. There is now no provision for targeted bass netting whatsoever and we understand the Marine Management Organisation are already drawing up enforcement protocols to clamp down on attempts by the commercials to deliberately target bass with gill nets. There was a real danger that misleading guidance from both Governments would have been used as an excuse to see the deliberate targeting of threatened bass stocks to the detriment of both the fishery and to the thousands of anglers who fish responsibly and sustainably."
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
NEWS
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THIRD YEAR FOR SOUTHSEA MARINA FISHING SHOW
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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.
Now in its third year, Premier Marinas will be hosting a Fishing Show at Southsea Marina on Saturday 6th May 2017 from 10am to 4pm. Over the course of the day, an exciting range of contributors will come together to showcase their services and fishing products, from specialist fishing boats to bait and tackle providers, marine electronics, fish deli providers, marine and engineering companies and suppliers of safety equipment and bespoke fishing kayaks. As well as being able to try and buy from exhibitors, visitors will be able to take partake in a boat jumble and a free life-jacket check clinic run by the RNLI as well as listen to a series of presentations throughout the day from a team of sea angling experts located in the dedicated Q&A marquee. On-site engineering and chandlery business 1 Degree West will be involved on the day as well as sea school, Portsmouth Marine Training. There will be a fantastic local presence from Portsmouth bait supplier, Andy’s Bait, premier angling centre, Allan’s Marine and Solent Tackle who will be selling a selection of bait, tackle and lures. Rupert Bremer, Southsea Marina Manager commented, “Last year our Fishing Show featured a Q&A tent which hosted talks from four sea angling experts and a cooking demonstration by none other than Jack Stein himself. Incredibly popular with visitors, this year we intend on running it again, alongside a boat jumble”. Admission to the show is free with first-come, first-served parking available. Visitors and berth holders can enjoy meeting with exhibitors, watching live demonstrations and exchange fishing tips with like-minded people.
COMPETITION MINEHEAD HARBOUR Sat 8th and Sun 9th July 2017 Cost £150 per angler including boat fees, entry fees and presentation meal/buffet. 2 hook match, permitted baits mackerel, squid and ragworm (not maddies or whites)
Entries open from 1st February
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
THAMES ESTUARY / NEWS
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PLEASE MENTION THE SEA ANGLING NEWS WHEN REPLYING TO ADVERTS
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BRIXHAM / NEWS
Sea Angling News, March 2017
BRIXHAM REPORT
By Kevin Wyatt of Obsession Charters Well chap's not to much to report this month as the weather has not been kind to us,, but we must keep looking forward to what's on our calendar for this coming year... Our cod session will be on us in no time,,, and the big eels will start to get active as well
as the ling,, also the placie and turbot and rays on the banks,,, not too mention our shark fishing adventures,, call kev, obsession on 07964 053347 and Paul, off the hook on 07815867805
OBSESSION - BRIXHAM 'The home of Biguns & Whoppers'
For Bookings call Paul
07815 867805
OFF THE
HOOK
CHARTERS Kevin
07964 053347
www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/obsession-brixham
Large 40ft Procharter COP 60 Miles - 12+2 Persons Rod & Reel Hire Hot Drinks, Oven and Heated Wheelhouse Individuals & Groups Welcome
Wreck - Reef - Skerries - Diving - Sharking - Bespoke Charter
Fast Offshore 32 working out of Brixham. 2-4-8-10-12-24 hour trips multiple day bookings. Offshore and Inshore fishing trips. Individuals and groups welcome. t: 07815867805 | e: offthehookcharter@outlook.com | w: offthehookcharters.co.uk
BRIXHAM SUMMER PLAICE COMPETITION
5th & 6th June 2017 Fishing will take place on the following 3 boats, Spot On, Obsession & Off The Hook. Entry fee of £80 per person for the 2 days boat fishing. (Limited to 30 anglers.) Heaviest 4 fish combined weight over the 2 days £75 cash+ Trophy Highest amount of Plaice caught over the 2 days £70 cash+ Trophy Heaviest single fish on day one £20 cash+ Prize Heaviest single fish on day two £20 cash+ prize Highest amount of Plaice caught on day one £10 cash+ Prize Highest amount of Plaice caught on day two £10 cash+ Prize Lowest number of Plaice caught combined over the two days £5 cash+ Wooden spoon Optional pool of £2pp for the most number of different species over the two days, winner takes the pot
OFF THE HOOK
OBSESSION
SPOT ON
Event rules: 1. Entry fee to be paid in full on or before 20th may 2017. 2. All anglers are to be on the Brixham ferry pontoon at 8am on both days for the boat draw, then departing at 8:30am. 3. All 3 boats will fish until 4pm and travel back to Brixham for the weigh in. 4. The boat draw will consist of the angler picking the boat name out of a box and then you will be on that boat for one day and a repeat draw made the following morning. 5. The angler is responsible for marking or storing their own catch and keeping them safe. 6. If the event is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled then a full refund will be given. 7. If the event is cut short, I,e: one days fishing then a refund of 50% will be given so the angler will only pay for one day, prize results will be made as follows: Heaviest fish combined weight £75+Trophy, Highest amount of plaice caught on the day £70+Trophy, Lowest Number of Plaice caught £5+Wooden Spoon. Optional pool will be paid out in full. 8. Optional pool can only be claimed if you have paid to enter this as it is optional. 9. Only 3 fish per angler, per day may be weighed in with the smallest being excluded as only 2 fish may count each day. 10. A Specimen weight points system will be used with specimen weight being 1lb 10oz for 100% any fish below this weight will not be counted. 11. The maximum number of fish an angler can keep is 10 plaice per day, skippers discretion on this is final, as if they think the fish are too small then they will be set free. (Please use catch and release as much as possible). 12. 1 rod per person and 2 hooks maximum can be used, no pennel rigs allowed. 13. Fish tally will be recorded by each skipper for each angler on their boat. 14. Winners and prizes will be awarded after the final weigh in on day two. 15. Leave the boats clean and tidy and clear away your mess, especially smelly bait! 16. Enjoy the fishing and banter and have a great time. 17. No alcohol allowed on board the boats. Terms and conditions: Entry fee to be paid in full on or before 20th May 2017.(Contact any skipper to arrange payment) Complaints made will be discussed between the 3 skippers with the majority carrying the final verdict to rectify any problems. (Remember it is only a friendly, fun competition). On board the boats the Skippers word is final.
Bookings can be made via any of the 3 skippers: Ross: 07878 668662 Paul: 07815 867805 Kev: 07964 053347
Sea Angling News, March 2017
PLYMOUTH / DEVON BAITS
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 5
PLYMOUTH CLUB SCENE By Scott Smy
Traditionally the month of February is usually a pretty crap month as far as sea fishing is concerned and it has to be said that the fishing over the past month has been pretty dire. With catch reports on forums and Facebook showing very little reward for those venturing out it is little wonder that I don’t have too much to report on this month. However, there is always an exception to the rule and the capture of past month has to be the outstanding gilthead bream of 7lb 2oz from a local estuary mark by Rob Wheaton of Rodbenders SAC. Although a slightly unseasonal capture I know Rob puts in a considerable number of hours in the pursuit of giltheads and this PB was very richly deserved. It also goes to prove the point that gilts rarely venture too far from the estuarine systems even during the depths of winter. Hopefully this bodes well for a good season for the gilthead bream. Can’t wait! For those who have been venturing out onto the open coast there has been the odd good bullhuss being caught. Rob Batten of Castaways SAC landed a good bully of 11lb 3oz which was a new PB and was returned after weighing. Equally impressive was a cracking spotted ray of 6lb 1oz caught by fellow clubman Giuliano Pellecalle which was also a new PB. Good going lads. As we start to move into March we should start seeing the first of the plaice from Beesands and Slapton. Whether the fishing is as exceptional as what was experienced last year remains to be seen but we can but hope. Having just purchased a pair of 15’4 Sonik Gravity Continental Rods I’m itching to get out and try them. In addition to the plaice those fishing after dark should see some good spotted rays.
Whilst I’ve not heard much from the boats, I did hear about the capture of a decent conger of 57lb by Mattie Lavis during an inshore evening trip on Crusader. Well done Mattie, that’s a cracking inshore eel! Well that’s it from me for this month – hopefully I’ll have more to report next month! Happy Dipping.
Rob Batten Bulhuss 11-3
Giuliano Pellecalle Spotted 6-1
FIND US ON FACEBOOK @SeaAnglingNews Rob Wheaton Gilthead 7-2
2017
Prestige sea fishing tackle
www.snowbee.co.uk
THIS MONTHS FEATURED BAITS
SANDEELS
UNWASHED SQUID
BLACK LUG
CUTTLEFISH
6 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
SIZE MATTERS
Sea Angling News, March 2017
SIZE MATTERS
TO SHARK , BLUE 130LB OVER 54 SHARKS AS RNED DAY W BEST D AND RETU 80LB BOATE L OVER NED A R E V RETUR ITH SE 6LB W OATED AND 8 O T R B CONGE Y OVER 60 A DAY A D T S ER 40 V BE O G OATIN ST 4LB, B 3 O 96 MO T S A W LING ST DAY NGE LB, BE TO 8LB RA 8 1 O CK T 6LB POLLA ERE IN THE NG BOATI H Y W A D T E BES ITH TH WITH MANY W B L 7 NG O1 COD T VER 30 ALO R SPECIES. O OTHE MORE
Size Matters is a 45ft Guimond from Canada, it is one of the most famous charter boats on the south coast, it has been owned and skippered by Graham Hannaford from the day he helped build it back in 2001. The boat has a very good reputation with anglers all over the UK for catching big Sharks, Conger, Ling, Cod, Pollack and many more. Back in March 2016 Kevin Mckie a charter skipper from Liverpool and good friend of Grahams for over 20 years bought Size Matters and the business Graham had built up over 40 years, it was time for Graham to retire and enjoy his time more. Kevin had some very big boots to fill if he was going to make it on the south coast as a respected charter skipper. When Kevin took over Graham gave Kevin some very important advice, don't worry about what other boats
About The Skipper Kevin has been fishing all his life he owned his first boat when he was 17, he has traveled and fished all over the world catching Sharks to 1700lb, Tuna to 800lb, Stingray to 300lb, Halibut to 290lb, White Sturgeon to 275lb, Marlin to 260lb, Catfish to 165lb, Grouper to 150lb, Amberjack to 90lb, Oil fish to 80lb Conger to 86lb and Cod to 74lb. He is also a guide for Sportquest holidays, with all this fishing knowledge you know you are in safe hands when fishing with him. On April 1st Size Matters will start its charter season from Plymouth and if last year is anything to go by his anglers are in for some very good fishing.
don't worry about what other boats are catching just let your fishing do the talking!!! Over the next six months Kevin went on to help his anglers catch some cracking fish. He also did five multi day Channel Island trips targeting Turbot and Brill on the banks, best day was 27 to 9lb. Most of Kevin's Wrecking trips are fishing 30 to 60 miles from Plymouth. Sharking, he heads out 25 to 40 miles. Reefing, fishing up to 20 miles out targeting over 30 different species. On October 15th 2016 Kevin steamed Size Matters to Liverpool for the winter season to target Cod, Rays, Whiting and Dabs on the Mersey. Already this year he has had his anglers catching over 50 cod a day to 15lb 8oz and over 50 Rays a day to 13lb 5oz. Not too bad only 400 yards from shore.
On April 1st we will be starting our charter season from Plymouth, if you would like to have a realistic chance at catching big Sharks, Conger, Ling, Cod, Pollack, plus many more. Then Size Matters is the boat for you, here is a full list of individual or small group dates this coming season from Plymouth. All charters are 12 hour trips sailing at 7am to 7pm, from Sutton harbour (post code PL1 2LR) or Mount batten jetty (post code PL9 9SJ free parking). Just let me know where you would like to be picked up from at the time of booking. Wrecking is £750 (whole boat) or £75 pp max 12. Sharking is £600 (whole boat) or £110 pp max 6. Reefing is £600 (whole boat) or £60 per person max 12 All tackle is included and hot drinks, if you lose or damage any tackle you will have to pay for repairs or replacement. Deposits are £50 per person per day for individuals or small groups and whole boat bookings required a £250 deposit per day booked. APRIL, 4th Wrecking £75 pp 8 places. 13th Wrecking £75 pp 4 places. 14th Wrecking £75 pp 8 places. 16th Wrecking £75 pp 2 places. MAY, 1st to 4th Guernsey trip £400 pp 3 places. (8 max). 12th Wrecking £75 pp 1 places. 24th Reefing £60 pp 9 places.
SEPTEMBER, 4th Wrecking £75 pp 9 places. 12th Sharking £110 pp 2 places (Max 6). 13th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 3 places. 14th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 1 place. 15th Sharking £110 pp 2 places (Max 6). 16th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 1 place. 17th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 1 place. 18th Sharking £110 pp 2 places (Max 6). 24th Sharking £110 pp 1 place (Max 6). 25th Sharking £110 pp 1 place (Max 6).
JUNE, 16th Wrecking £75 pp 10 places. 23rd Wrecking £75 pp 9 places. 26th Wrecking £75 pp 1 place. 27th Wrecking £75 pp 2 places. 28th Wrecking £75 pp 2 places
OCTOBER, 5th Wrecking £75 pp 8 places. 6th Wrecking £75 pp 7 places. 13th Wrecking £75 pp 4 places.
JULY, 7th Wrecking £75 pp 3 places. 10th Wrecking £75 pp 10 places. 24th Wrecking £75 pp 3 places.
APRIL, Sunday 9th, Saturday 15th, Bank holiday Monday 17th,
AUGUST, 3rd Wrecking £75 pp 10 places. 4th Wrecking £75 pp 3 places. 11th Wrecking £75 pp 9 places. 18th Sharking £110 pp 1 place (Max 6). 19th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 1 place. 20th Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 1 place. 21st Wrecking/Conger £75 pp 8 places. 22nd Wrecking £75 pp 9 places.
MAY, Saturday 20th, Bank holiday Monday 29th,
Here are the last weekend and bank holiday dates available for whole boat bookings only.
SEPTEMBER, Saturday 9th, Saturday 23rd, OCTOBER, Sunday 1st.
If you would like to book a day onboard Size Matters with Kevin, you can contact him on: Tel: 07999628511 Email: mckiesfishingcharters@hotmail.com Website: www.mckiesfishingcharters.co.uk
Sea Angling News, March 2017
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 7
SUSSEX / NEWS
EAST SUSSEX DIARY By Kevin Morgan PEVENSEY BAY ANGLING CLUB On Sunday 12th February the club held their annual beach competition, in Pevensey Bay. The conditions gradually got worse during the match with a biting Easterly wind increasing as the match went on! The match was sponsored by Lance Brown from Excalibur Charters, with the winner receiving £300. First over-all fishing at Whitehorses, was Paul King with 3lb 8 ¾ oz, Paul caught flounders, whiting and dabs for his mixed bag. Using the continental payout system the remaining money was paid in sections. A section 1st Glenn Arnold with 1lb 10 ¼ oz. 2nd Ralph Crosby with 1lb 10oz. 3rd Peter Vandereide with 14oz and 4th Mark Rogers with 12 ¾ oz. B section 1st Tony Kirrage with 3lb 3 ½ oz. 2nd Mick Snelling with 2lb ¼ oz. 3rd Joe Wales with 1lb 13 ½ oz and 4th Brett Green with 1lb 6 ½ oz. C section 1st Ian Hopper with 3lb 3oz. 2nd Rex Palmer with 2lb 5 ¼ oz. 3rd Sam Samson with 2lb 3 ½ oz and 4th Gerald Sargeant with 1lb 14 oz. The Pairs winners were Tony Kirrage and Keith Erridge with 4lb 12 ½ oz, runners up were Rex Palmer and Mick Snelling with 4lb 5 ½ oz. The heaviest round was a whiting of 9 ½ oz for Sam Samson and the heaviest flatfish was a flounder of 14 ¾ oz for Rex Palmer. ANDERIDA Today's Anderida Beach Fishing Club's Big Fish Bash Comp was a great success with 26 anglers fishing. There were lots of Quality flatfish caught, including Plaice, Flounder and Dab. Anglers are only allowed to bring to the scales, one flatfish and one roundfish ( if you are lucky enough to catch both!) To be in with a chance of winning this comp overall, a catch is required in both categories of flat and round fish. Results: 1st - Gary Banfield - 1lb 1½oz (flounder & ling) Joint 2nd - David Tame - 13oz (flounder & ling) Joint 2nd - Terry Taylor - 13oz (flounder & whiting) Heaviest Flat Fish 1st - Mick Lowe - 1lb 3¼oz plaice 2nd - Harry Spencer- 1lb 2¾oz plaice 3rd - Colin Everest - 1lb ¼oz flounder Heaviest Round Fish 1st - Rod Reynolds - 8¼oz whiting 2nd - Glyn Morgan - 7½oz whiting 3rd - Terry Taylor/ Gary Banfield/Phil Metcalf - 4oz ling and whiting THE OVER FIFTIES The THIRD Over 50s Beach Fishing Competition of the 2017 Season took place on Tuesday 31st January between 11am - 3pm with 21 anglers fishing. Results 1st - Terry Taylor 3lb 10½oz - 15 Points 2nd - Sam Samson 2lb 14¾oz - 14 Points 3rd - Dave Rudland- 2lb 14½oz - 13 Points 4th - Mike Ramsey - 2lb 7½oz - 12 Points Heaviest Round Fish - Ian Hopper - 8¼oz whiting Heaviest Flat Fish - Colin Sargent - 14¼oz flounder The FOURTH Over 50s Beach Fishing Competition of the 2017 Season was fished at White Horses on Tuesday 14th February between 11am - 3pm with 23
anglers fishing. A special mention to Geoff Rooney, who is new to Over 50s Matches and managed to beat all the other old timers - Well Done! Results 1st - Geoff Rooney 1lb 12½oz - 15 Points 2nd - Ian Hopper 1lb 11oz - 14 Points 3rd - Kerry Saint - 1lb 7½oz - 13 Points 4th - Dave Rudland - 1lb 7oz - 12 Points Heaviest Round Fish - Terry Taylor - 9oz whiting Heaviest Flat Fish - Geoff Rooney - 1lb 0¾oz flounder
Darren Chapple with a nice plaice
Darrens biggest plaice 2lb 4oz
Eastbourne Charter with a nice Pollack
NEWHAVEN SEA ANGLING CLUB On the 9th February the club fished at Seaford at the Beachcomber. First was Keith Morley with 2lb 7oz. Second Brian Henderson with 1lb 6oz and third Glyn Hutchinson with 1lb 2oz. THE EASTBOURNE NOMADS On Monday 23rd January the first match was held and fishing was very hard. The winner was Ian Hopper with 13oz. Second Chris Kirrage with 10oz, 3rd Tony Kirrage with 10oz and 4th Trevor Rooney with 6oz 8dr. The heaviest round was a whiting of 7oz for Tony Kirrage and the heaviest flat, a flounder of 8oz 8dr for Ian Hopper. The second match was fished on Monday 30th January, with Steve Frost winning, his weight was 1lb 15oz 8dr. Second was Ian Hopper with 1lb 12oz and third was Chris Kirrage 1lb 1oz 8dr. The heaviest flatfish was a flounder of 5oz 8dr for Phil Chapman. The heaviest round was a whiting of 15oz 8dr for Steve Frost. The third match was fished Monday 6th February with 21 anglers fishing at Langney Point. The winner with 8 fish was Rod Parris with 3lb, 2nd was Richard Newman with 2lb 11oz 8dr, 3rd Trevor Rooney with 2lb 10oz and 4th Paul King with 2lb 6oz. Joint heaviest round were Steve Frost and Arran Aghilli both with a whiting of 12oz 8dr, and the heaviest Flat was a dab od 6oz 8dr for Rod Parris. THE RAILWAY TAVERN On Sunday 12th February the club fished at Seaford and some nice fish were caught! 1st Jeff Honeysett with 7lb 10 ½ oz. 2nd Fred Puttick with 2lb 8oz and 3rd Mark Underhill with 1lb 15oz. Jeff Honeysett caught a codling of 5lb 13 oz, and Gary Windeatt caught a plaice of 1lb 9oz.
Gary Banfield, Rod Reynolds and Mick Lowe all winners in the big fish Bash
Gary Windeatt with 1lb 9oz plaice
Mathew Love with a nice Eastbourne plaice
good double figure Pollock caught on Misty Blue
Mick Lowe winner of the biggest flatfish in big fish bash
GENERAL The charter boats out of Eastbourne Marina although struggling to find many cod are now finding some nice pollock from the off-shore wrecks. Plaice are already showing in numbers all along the Sussex Coast with some nice fish being caught at Hastings, Eastbourne, Seaford and Brighton. The plaice in Eastbourne have mainly been appearing at Langney Point although some nice fish have also appeared at Whitehorses. Dar ren Chapple fished at Langney Point with his children and they caught 15 plaice, with the largest one 2lb 4oz. Plastic Taff Lewis also caught some nice plaice at Langney and John Ryder has being catching nice fish at Seaford. Paul King winner of the PBAC Open
Taff Lewis with a nice plaice
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8 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
POOLE / DORSET
POOLE PORT REPORT
Sea Angling News, March 2017
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.
Available for wreck, reef, banks, evening trips, 4-day Alderney and 3-day Cherbourg trips. **Bass, turbot, cod, plaice, shark specials** Both boats available for charters and individuals.
Now taking bookings for 2017 angling holidays to Cherbourg and Alderney Owner/skippers Sam & Andy Cumming Phone 07787 375 386 www.silverspraycharters.com Email: info@silverspraycharters.com
SILVER SPRAY REPORT By Sam Cumming
Fishing has been a mixed bag over the last month with all of the changes in weather. It seems to have dropped off in the bay with just a few whiting left and a couple of rays here and there. We have been focusing our efforts on the banks off shore. The spurdogs have started steadily with some trips producing up half a dozen or so, I expect these catches to increase well into March as was the case last year. What makes these days so enjoyable is the variety of species that you see. Undulates, thornbacks, blonde rays, pollock,
bull huss, whiting all making regular appearances lately. Dean Cook landed 8 whiting up to 3lb 8oz on large baits meant for spurdog on one day, a piece of luminous green tubing on a flowing trace his secret weapon. This Sunday will be our first trip out to the long distance wrecks to target pollock, with plenty of sprats marking on the sounder already we are hoping to get stuck straight into them. Sam Cumming Silver Spray
Andy Armitage 17lb spur Silver Spray
Andy Cumming 11lb bass Silver Spray II
Design and Manufacture of Power Catamarans from 8m to 13m in length with a choice of layout, power and drive options
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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
Dean cook monster whiting Silver Spray
editor@seaanglingnews.com
Skipper Sam with 13lb pollock Silver Spray
Peter Delahaye 22lb blonde ray Silver Spray
Sea Angling News, March 2017
POOLE & SWANAGE / NEWS
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POOLE REPORT by Philip Higgins After a long period of reasonable weather the last week of January took a turn with Fog encompassing the south not lifting for 3 days then when it cleared the wind and rain arrived, but for those boats braving the elements the fishing remained steady with good mixed bags. The Whiting are starting to thin out and the general size has been smaller as the month progressed. Rays have continued to boost the inshore fishery supported by lots of Congers, this season has been the best winter Conger fishing for years with lots of small straps which bodes well for the future to several in the 60lb to 70lb class putting in appearances. Plaice are being caught along the beaches and off of Southbourne, these are at the moment on the thin side but the signs are very encouraging. On and Albion SAC club boat match Terry Callaway who had never caught a Conger eel before landed 4 to 30lb only to be beaten on points for the day by a Pouting. The best of the boat Flounder fishing over the winter came from the Hole Bay area towards the railway bridges in the shallow water, several Flounders over 3lb have been boated in this area. In the very shallow water off of Shore Road several smaller boats with
little draft have been finding Flounders in small numbers, a mere shadow on last year’s superb fishing. On the 1st wreck fishing trip of this year in near perfect conditions and bright sunshine Poole Specimen Hunters were soon into Pollack of around the 8lb class not massive but full of energy putting up a great fight on light gear, then to our surprize we had our 1st encounter of the year with a small Porbeagle chasing the Pollack on the surface fortunately the angler came out victorious on this occasion. In amongst the Pollack Andy Hunt landed a beautiful 9lb 12ozs Coalfish, as the tide eased we reverted to anchoring and were immediately into Blonde Rays the best weighing in at 25lb 6 ozs for K Slater. Many of the offshore banks have yielded some excellent Ray fishing this season and with spring just around the corner let’s hope this continues and it will not be long before we see the 1st reports of the return of the Black Bream. Poole Species Competition Friday 2nd June 2017 for more details contact Lou or Sarah Medley 07766715893 or email Sara at ‘pinkdolphin75@ hotmail.co.uk’
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NEWS
DEVON BAITS TEAM REPORT
Sea Angling News, March 2017
READERS GALLERY
Carl Mccormack and John Berry took a recent trip to the Bristol channel in search of Thornback rays. After a slow start the boys eventually found a few with Carl having the biggest 2 at 8lb 10 and 1 just short of a
double at 9lb 14oz. All fish fell to a cocktail of Devon baits squid and bluey loaded on 5.0 varivas bmx hooks. All fi sh released after a quick photo.
John Berry - Thornback Ray
Carl Mccormack - Thornback Ray
Geo Stava with a nice thin lipped grey mullet from Ilfracombe Harbour.
Carl Mccormack - Thornback Ray
Carl Mccormack - Thornback Ray
Mystery reader with a nice shore caught bass.
Wayne Hand with a nice brace of flounder from Poole harbour.
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Some nice sized blondes caught aboard Valkyrie
RESULTS
Sea Angling News, March 2017 Shirley SAC Here is the result of our latest match which was a Shore comp held at Eastney & Southsea on Sat 4th February. 18 members fished with 9 weighing in 15 fish for 3k 504gms. Species were Flounder, Dab, Dogfish, Bass & Whiting withe best fish being a Bass of 1k 134gms caught by New member Robert Cooke. (The fish was measured and returned to the water with the weight being taken from the Angling Trust Bass Weight to Length chart). RESULT SENIORS 1. Robert Cooke 2. Bob Patterson 3. Adrian Groves 4. Pasquale Mucci 5. Kevin Dunham
1 fish 5 fish 3 fish 1 fish 2 fish
1k 134gms 800gms 460gms 400gms 300gms
for 1lb 1oz. Penn points on weight will be awarded to Wayne Perrett, Ben Arnold and Nicky Frewin with Darren Stevens and Lee Gatrell receiving points for zone wins. Heaviest round was Ally Harvey 6oz Whiting, nominated fish Rockling was won by Russell Preston at 22cm, Wayne Perrett had heaviest flat with a 1lb 6oz Flounder. PENN POINTS Weight Wayne Perret Southampton Ben arnold Worthing Nicky Frewin Somerset
Points 1-11-0 8 1-8-0 7 1-1-0 6
Zone Darren Stevens Bristol Lee Gatrell Portsmouth
0-14-0 2 0-7-0 2
HF Wayne Perrett 1lb 6oz Flounder £170 HR Ally Harvey 6oz Whiting £170 Nom Russell Paddy Preston 22cm Rockling £85
No Juniors weighed in.
NWASAC Match Report: Mersey Anglers Fund Raising Open (for Clare Mount Specialists Sports College) Otterspool Promenade, Liverpool, Sun 5.2.17 (73 rods) With absolutely perfect fishing conditions on the river Mersey, there was an outstanding response for this fund raising match which was organised to support local youngsters who are to participate in this year’s Special Olympics in Greece. February being a very difficult month for finding fish, we knew it would be hard going for the anglers and those with fresh crab certainly had an advantage in attracting small codling. Colwyn Bay’s Shane Russell’s nine codling from peg 34 gave him a head start before the whiting showed just before high water; he added four whiting and two flounders to take the match win. Carl Edwards capitalised on drawing end peg 80 with five codling, five whiting, a rockling and a flounder for second overall. Joe Perry on peg 13 did exceptionally well from a very difficult zone (A), landing three codling, four whiting and a flounder for third.. Organiser, Ian Griffiths, would like to offer many thanks to all who made this a very special day, raising a healthy sum for a worthy cause.
Results Zone A, Darren Stevens Bristol Malcolm Stote Lymington Ben Bradstock Taunton Tom Bagnalll Christchurch Tony Perkins Danny Woodcock Portland Zone B Ben arnold Worthing Ally Harvey Worthing Nick Hayter Southampton Richard Dorgan Bristol Michael Delaney Fareham
1 A10 2 A01 3 A25 4 A04 5 A07 5 A22
0-14-0 £110 0-13-0 £90 0-8-8 £60 0-8-0 £40 0-7-0 £12.5 0-7-0 £12.5
1 B44 1-8-0 £110 2 B35 0-8-0 £90 3 B36 0-7-0 £60 4 B34 0-4-0 £32.5 4 B47 0-4-0 £32.5
Zone C Lee Gatrell Portsmouth Mike Groves Portsmouth Arthur Norris Becky Adams Weston Dan Mogridge Portsmouth
1 C64 0-7-0 £110 2 C72 0-6-0 £75 2 C74 0-6-0 £75 4 C73 0-5-0 £40 5 C68 0-4-0 £25
Zone D Wayne Perret Southampton Nicky Frewin Somerset Darren Newland IOW John Sloper Bournemouth Darren Cramer,Southampton
1 D86 1-11-0 £110 2 D78 1-1-0 £90 3 D91 0-14-8 £60 4 D83 0-14-0 £40 5 D94 0-12-0 £25
Results: 1st Shane Russell (Old Colwyn), 420cms. 2nd Carl Edwards (Bootle), 287cms. 3rd Joe Perry (Litherland), 254cms. Zone Winners (A) John Pinchin, 145cms (B) Gary Wood (Holyhead),198cms. (C) Dave B. Hutchinson (Blackpool),184cms (D) Gordon Thornes (Connah’s Quay), 241cm. Longest flat fish: John Backland (Netherton), flounder 31cms. Longest round fish: Neil Wilkinson (Cumbria), codling 50cms.
Zone B. 1st Pete Chamberlain 5 fish = 124pts. 2nd Gavin Sloper 4 fish = 117pts. 3rd Chris Ellis 2 fish = 57pts. 4th Glyn Savin 2 fish = 55pts. 5th Colin Saunders 2fish = 45pts. 6th Ollie Hopkins 1 fish = 29pts. 7th Andy Hopkins blanked. Best long round fish was a whiting of 34cm caught by Gavin Sloper. Best long flat fish was a flounder of 22cm caught by Gavin Sloper.
Angling Trust
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 11 4th Adrian Moody 6 fish 6lb 2.6oz. 5th Alan Martin 3 fish 4lb 8oz. Luke Marino 3 fish 4lb 8oz. Jnr Ray Marino 3 fish 4lb 8oz. Robert Miness 3 fish 4lb 8oz. 9th Brian Ansell blanked. Derek Smith blanked. Only edible fish are retained. All others are returned alive.
Wyvern Presentaion Evening A good turn out for the wyvern presentation evening on Saturday evening at the british legion in exeter.
Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme 2016 Specimen Hunters Angling Group, from Sussex, were top club in the Angling Trust’s Specimen Sea Fish Awards Scheme 2016 – which attracted a total of 837 entries from 41 clubs and individuals.
The evening started with an interesting talk on marine biology from paul naylor, this was followed with a quick run down on the new wyvern website and face book page. www.wyvernseaangling.org
The club retained the Sea Angling News trophy, awarded for the most entries, with a total of 170 fish entered into the competition. Second was Castaways SAC with 129, and third was Rodbenders SAC with 94.
The presentation of awards followed this for all awards from 2016. The winner of the castle trophy was nick perring (DOE SAC) with his shore caught gilthead of 8lb 10oz. Best junior shore fish was maitland criddle with a fine huss of 10lb 3oz. Best junior boat went to kyle bavester again with a huss of 11lb 6oz.
The top specimen fish was a Small Eyed Ray of 16lbs 2ozs caught by Chris Blewett of the Specimen Hunters Angling Group, from the shore at Sully, near Barry, South Wales, which was 322.50% for fish caught from that area. The ten top were as follows:
The evening finished as normal with the free buffet and the grand draw.
Small Eyed Ray of 16lbs 2ozs caught by Chris Blewett of Specimen Hunters Angling Group, from the shore at Sully, South Wales – 322.50% Greater Weever of 1lb 8ozs caught by Steve Perry of Specimen Hunters Angling Group, from the boat off Eastbourne – 300.00% Blonde Ray of 29lbs caught by Robert Yorke of Rodbenders SAC, from the shore near Salcombe – 290.00% Gilthead Bream of 8lbs 10ozs caught by Nick Perring of D O E SAC, from the shore on the River Tamar near Cremyll – 246.43% Coalfish of 24lbs caught by Peter Thorpe of East Hastings SAA, from boat out of Yale, Scotland - 240% Grey Mullet of 4lbs 10ozs 8drms caught by Roy Arnold of the Specimen Hunters Angling Group, from the shore at Brighton – 232.81% Cod of 40lbs 12ozs caught by John Povoas of Naylands Boat SAS, from a boat out of Eastbourne – 226.39% Bass of 12lbs 13ozs caught by Steve Middleton of Bognor Regis AAS, from the shore at Bognor Pier – 213.54% Conger Eel of 53lbs 5ozs caught by Michael Hodge of Rodbenders SAC, from the shore on the River Tamar at Plymouth – 213.25% Spur Dog of 20lbs 5ozs caught by Micket Duff of Sefton Sea Anglers, from a boat out of Hollyhead, North Wales – 203.13% The 2016 entries were 10% down on the previous year.
Nick with the castle trophy
If you think that you can catch a specimen fish from either the shore or a boat, the scheme is open to all members of a club which is affiliated to the Angling Trust, or an Individual Member of the Angling Trust. The scheme runs from the 1st December each year. If you require any further information, contact Eric Gerrey at ericgerrey@aol.com or by phone on 02380 490450.
LDSFC SLO R2 Winner
LDSFC Winner Shane Russell - NWASAC
Southern league & Opens Round 2
The SLO had it's second competition of 2017 at Sandbanks Sponsored by Christchurch Angling on Saturday the 11th of Feb from 6pm until 11pm. 87 anglers fished in 4 zones with 74 anglers catching fish. The sizeable fish consisted of 5 flounders, 3 whiting, 2 Pout, 1 sole and 10 Rockling. The Winner of the match was Wayne Perrett with 1lb 11oz from peg 86 consisting of one flounder and 5 topups. Second was Ben Arnold from Worthing on peg 44 with 1lb 8oz consisting of 1 flounder and 7 topups.Third place was Nicky Frewin from peg 78 with 1 flounder and 2 topup
This is the first of Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club’s Adult Win – Sum League 2017 kindly organised by Colin Saunders. The competition was fished at Avon Beach on Wednesday 8th February in which 13 club members took part, and it was fished in 2 zones. Results: Zones A. 1st Arron Bridges 6 fish = 143pts. 2nd Garry Mann 3 fish = 83pts. 3rd Paul Dibden 3 fish = 66pts. 4th Malcolm Stote 2fish = 44pts. 5th Paul Watson 1 fish = 23pts. 6th Jamie Munden blanked.
On Sunday 19th February Lymington & District Sea Fishing Club held a Shallow Boat competition kindly organised by Brian Ansell. The weather on the day was dry, cloudy with a light breeze and the sun came out a couple of times to cheer up the day. 10 anglers fished the competition and fish caught consisted of dogfish, whiting, pout, blonde ray, spotted ray, thornback ray and bull huss. Best specimen brought back to the scales was a whiting of 1lb 6.4oz = 39.28% of specimen caught by Dennis Mapes. Heaviest fish was a bull huss brought back to the scales of 2lb 0.8oz caught by Phil Morgan. Results: 1st Dennis Mapes 8 fish 20lbs 1.6oz. 2nd Phil Morgan 6 fish 16lbs 8.8oz. 3rd Barry Littlefair 4 fish 12lbs 3oz.
Junior Kyle with the watney mann award
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
ILFRACOMBE / NORTH DEVON REPORT
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NORTH DEVON REPORT By Wayne Thomas
February has often been a difficult month for the sea angler in North Devon as winter ends the spring doldrums approach. Shore anglers have been catching plenty of dogfish and small conger with the occasional specimen spurdog making the headlines. Veals Mail Order Managing director Harry Brake has undertaken several trips to North Devon in search of the elusive spurdog and was rewarded with a fine personal best scaling 13lb 10oz. James Atkinson enjoyed success targeting spurdog tempting a specimens on successive trips scaling 10lb 13.5oz, 10lb 7oz and 8lb 4.5oz he used squid, mackerel and herring cocktails. Jon Patten also enjoyed success landing a brace of spurs weighing 11lb 1oz and 12lb 10oz using large mackerel baits. Kevin Pike also got in on the spurdog action with a fine spurdog of 10lb 4oz and Tarrant Wotton set out on a bitterly cold evening to be rewarded with a fine specimen spurdog scaling 10lb 8oz. Late winter is a good time to target specimen ray as Combe Martin SAC member Ali Laird discovered when he hooked a specimen small-eyed ray of 10lb 4oz. Combe Martin SAC members fished their roving match at Clovelly on Saturday 28th January and it was Matt Jeffery who won the mixed brace competition
with a plump dab of 11.5oz and a whiting of 1lb. The hoped for spurdog failed to materialize though Matt confided that something grabbed a whiting on his last cast of the night. Rob Scoines targeted rockling fishing small baits close in to land rockling of 1lb 2oz, 1lb 1oz and 15oz to take the top three places in Combe Martin SAC’s end of winter rover. Bideford And District Angling Club have extended boundaries for their matches so the fish weighed in are not necessarily from North Devon. Winner of their February Rover was Dan Redmore with a flounder weighing 2lb 8.75oz. Runner up was Andy Clements with a Pollock of 3lb 11.75oz. Dogfish took the remaining places.
Tarrant Wotton spurdog 10lb 8oz
Steve Dawe - 50lb conger caught on Bluefin
As temperatures start to rise a few grey mullet have been tempted from harbours along the North Devon coast. These hard fighting fish are now present throughout the year at some locations. John Barbeary runs regular trips out of Ilfracombe on his boat ‘Bluefin’. Spurdog have dominated catches with most trips seeing large numbers of these sharp teethed shark tempted with plenty of double figure specimens. Highlight of February was a fine conger estimated at 50lb to the rod of Holsworthy Sea Angling Club member Steve Dawe. James Atkinson with a specimen spurdog
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
ALDERNEY REPORT By Mark Harding It’s rare to experience the February doldrums here in Alderney as the rest of the UK gets but I am afraid to say that is where we’re at. Its not been great to be honest unless fisher folk keeping it quiet from us! We have had a tremendous run of Squid this year but finally we had the last flourish around the 2nd week of February and to be fair that took anglers away from doing some ‘proper’ fishing. This last few weeks angling has seen Bass re-appear just this week we that are reporting in. Bags of up to a dozen or so fish reported to baits, frenetic fishing but one angler did say it was like catching Dogfish or Pout there were so many! I think he may have regretted that statement because the following night he fished a different venue and caught……………….. yep, you got it – loads of Dogfish!! He said it was like catching Bass and Pout!!! LOL. The Bass weren’t big, schoolies with the best around 1lb 12oz. The odd Black and Couches Bream coming out too but again no size to them. Our demonic angler who is always out, Darren Braby, has been away for a month’s holiday and he is the one person we can rely on to find some decent fish. Mentioning Darren, it was a pleasure to award him his prize from tackle giant Tronixpro Fishing for jointly wining the Angling Trust Species Hunt for 2015/2016. Fantastic considering he was up against guys from the UK who go searching further afield and Darren did 95% of his on Alderney! We did have the annual visit of four Bristol lads, Dale Britton, Dean Morgan and his son Tom plus young Mark too.
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ALDERNEY
This was a month ago now so around the 3rd week of January. Again, the fishing not at its best because prior to this it was ok but they did see a fair few Red Mullet and a few Rays, both Undulates and Small Eyeds. Had some awful weather to contend with and as with every year, whatever the fishing they always come back such is the draw of Alderney. So, the current shore fishing is slow but we are seeing some Gars too, some Pollack have fallen to lures too with the best fish around 4lb. The odd Red Mullet has been reported too and although Thick Lipped Mullet have been sighted they have bene very difficult to catch. Boat wise there is little to report but we did have a very welcome visit from Exmouth based Rose-Ann skippered by the effervescent Mike Baker. Mike, as you may know, is recovering from illness so a real bonus to see him. He only spent one night in Alderney so he never got to the banks to fish but focussed on the terrific Pollack fishing on the wrecks in the Channel. Had a great time both ways in flat calm weather. Hoping soon we will have more boat reports as the season gets kick started. This week, subject to weather, we expect to see Steve Porters new True Blue. This an 11m Cheetah Cat with 2 x 250HP engines on. Looks an awesome craft with plenty of deck space aboard. Can’t wait to see it!
COMMERCIAL WRASSE FISHING CRISIS By John May This is a shocking report on how Scottish salmon farmers are decimating our local wrasse stocks. Special report by our fisheries officer John May. Recently I attended a meeting of the DSIFCA Bye Law review committee, of which I am an elected member. The main purpose of the meeting was to finalise details of the committee’s recommendation to ban all forms of netting within estuaries in our area, excepting sand eel seines with restrictions. Following this there was a brief presentation from the officers regarding the commercial wrasse fishery, that I as a recreational angler found alarming. The wrasse has no commercial minimum size and no protection on quota. I remember in the past seeing piles of good sized wrasse caught by nets, being chopped in half for pot bait at Salcombe. I assume that still happens? The new threat is from Scottish salmon farms, who are looking for huge amounts of live fish to use in the farms to combat disease, assumedly by eating the
parasites? The initial information feedback is mind boggling, but probably conservative. There are 4 main salmon farm companies in Scotland and they have been using wrasse over the past 7 years. One has admitted to an initial requirement of 120,000 fish over the next 2 years from our area. Wrasse ‘imported’ from Norway for the farms in 2010 numbered 12 million! and for 2014….. 14 million! Main size range for any of the 5 species of wrasse is 12 to 22 cm, and the going rate is £1.20 to £1.50 per fish, although one farm is paying much more, presumably for larger fish. There is an admitted mortality rate of 40% in storage and transit. Currently in the DSIFCA we are aware of 3 boats from Brixham, and 3 boats from Plymouth, as well as others in Cornwall and Dorset. All of these are supplying wrasse, and the demand is increasing. The fish are caught using baited (with crab) pots that are supplied by the fish farms, the Wrasse are then held in tanks before being transported.
And can’t wait till next month when hopefully we’ll have a little more to report!!
Bert with a fine Pollack caught aboard Exmouth based Rose Ann on a recent Alderney trip. Inset: Dale Britton 9lb 10oz Small Eyed
ALDERNEY ANGLING
MY OBSERVATIONS FROM THIS ARE: How can this be sustained? previous sources are obviously being exhausted. We have no knowledge of stock level or effect on reefs / marine environment, with removal of such large numbers of the wrasse that obviously benefit their current habitat and food chain. Apart from the transit mortality, the fish must not be living long in the new environment because of the continual need for more. This would not be allowed if livestock. What about transfer of disease? a requirement for transfer of freshwater and migratory fish. What about transfer of alien species? Which is another statutory requirement. Although until now the wrasse was of no value commercially, it is of great importance to recreational sea anglers. My first fish was a wrasse, and I have enjoyed many hours ‘holiday fishing’ with kids, and the not so young, and the thought of this intensity of fishing along our coastline leaves me cold. We cannot stop it unfortunately, but you can voice your views through the IFCA’s in support of their concern, and get some control of what is currently a virtually un regulated fishery with unknown consequences.
www.bcfsa.org.uk
14
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RESULTS
Sea Angling News, March 2017
COMPETITION MINEHEAD HARBOUR Sat 8th and Sun 9th July 2017 Cost ÂŁ150 per angler including boat fees, entry fees and presentation meal/buffet. 2 hook match, permitted baits mackerel, squid and ragworm (not maddies or whites)
Entries open from 1st February
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
DARTMOUTH / INTERNATIONAL
SALCOMBE CHARTERS
FIND US ON FACEBOOK @SeaAnglingNews
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WALES / BURNHAM ON SEA
Sea Angling News, March 2017
Burnham on Sea By Richard Saxby
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Welsh Pictures
Not a lot to report for the the last month as the weather has scuppered most attempts at getting out. The codling seem to have done a disappearing act but there are reports of a decent run of fish further up channel so hopefully they will drop down soon and spread into the bay. Most boats are happy to venture further afield after good fishing but it is nice when you only have to go 4 or 5 miles to find a few plump cod. Thornbacks still around but there is a distinct lack of doggies, not that anyone is comlaining about that! March should see the start of the spring run and the first of the bass, which we have to return until 1st July. Our Presidents cup was cancelled twice so we will try again in May. A couple of members went “poaching” up Portishead for their cod comp on the 5th of Feb and out of 16 boats our chairman John May managed a creditable 5th place. Friday the 17th saw Four Bouys out for a short one over high but found the fishing slow with just 9 thornies to just under 11lb. Fish of the month sponsored by Thyers Tackle of Highbridge for January was won by Andy Georgiou with a whiting of 1lb 13 and 85%. The next competition is the Wilf Dunstone Trophy on Sunday 26th March Our next club meeting is on Thursday 16th 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 Burnham Boat Owners Sea Angling Association and our website www.burnhamboats.co.uk
Richard Saxby with a thornie 10lb 12oz
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Shore caught conger
Nice Huss
J. Hopkins - Spotted ray
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
WATCHET / NEWS
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 17
EASTBOURNE ANGLER WINS FISHING TOURNAMENT IN USA Jim Whippy has won the top prize in a big fishing tournament in America. He won the title ‘Master Angler’, 500 dollars and commemorative plaque that went with it, in the Johnny Kellar inshore fishing tournament. The event was organised by the Old Salt Organisation, and was fished in the inshore waterways out of Treasure Island on Florida’s gulf coast. Well over 142 anglers took part and Jim was
one of only two competitors who caught four of the five designated species. The fishing was difficult due to a front moving through, so Jim took a calculated gamble to go back an hour before the finish time to be first at the weigh in. It proved the right choice as noone found all five species, which left Jim in a winning position. The event raises thousands of dollars for local charities and made over $5,000 on the day.
Jim with a 25” redfish, one of the designated species
Jim collects the plaque and $500 cheque
RECENT CATCHES ABOARD SEAFIRE II
FLY FISHING GURU CHARLES JARDINE TO RUN LONDON MARATHON IN AID OF FISHING 4 SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL fly fisherman, artist, writer and founder of the Countryside Alliance Foundation’s highly successful Fishing 4 Schools (F4S) initiative Charles Jardine is pulling on his trainers to run the London Marathon for a third time. F4S works with schools across the UK, teaching young people about biology, geography, basic geometry and mathematics and much more, through fly and coarse fishing. Taff with a Thornback ray - Seafire II
Woody with a double figure Thornback ray - Seafire II
Bonio with a good Blonde ray Seafire II
The project has proven to be of particular benefit to children who do not respond to conventional forms of teaching and may be at risk of exclusion or leaving school without qualifications. The youngsters work towards the Angling Trust’s Cast Awards and F4S will soon be able to offer a nationally recognised AIM Award. Charles, 64, last ran the London Marathon in 2015 and says the 2017 event, on 23 April, will be his last – but of course that’s what he said last time! He aims to raise at least £1,050 for the cause through his JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Charles-Jardine3 Charles said: “Fishing 4 Schools grew by 100% last year. We now work with schools in Kent, East Anglia,
Rich with a nice conger - Seafire II
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Ardrian with a double figure conger - Seafire II
the South Coast, the South West and Wales and will be spreading into South Yorkshire and Derbyshire in 2017. But this all costs money and as a charity we always need more funding. “Every penny you donate will go towards educating these young people about the great outdoors and introducing them to a pastime that could last a lifetime. “People may say I’m mad attempting another marathon but all I can say is that the kids are worth it. I’ve been in the gym, doing spin, core and aerobics classes, I dragged the dog out for a 10k run the other week and am trying to get in as good condition as I can before the big day.” Fishing 4 Schools would also like to hear from qualified instructors and coaches who would be willing to work with them and help expand F4S to more pupils and more schools. Charles is part of a team of six who will be running the Virgin Money London Marathon for the Countryside Alliance charities – which also include Casting For Recovery and Falconry for Schools. Find out more at http://www.countryside-alliance. org/meet-six-brave-fundraisers-running-londonmarathon-2017/
18 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
BRISTOL CHANNEL / MINEHEAD
MINEHEAD
Sea Angling News, March 2017
BOAT REPORT by James Wigglesworth
It's been a funny month in this part of the channel. "Patchy" is probably the correct term to use but from what I hear it's been a similar story all over. The cod seem to put in the odd appearance with several double figure fish coming to the net and some nice plump codling too but it seems to me that we may have seen the best of it for this year. Wether it's down to the fact we've had a mild winter or other factors involved we will never know but while you're afloat there's always a chance. The smaller tides have seen the local charter fleets heading out to the deeper grounds mid channel
in search of some spurdogs with many trips seeing good numbers boated along with some nice huss and eels. The areas to the west of Minehead should start to pick up soon and I don't expect it'll be long before we start seeing the odd smooth hound. All the ray species are catchable at this time of year and only last week one local angler bagged himself a 20lb + blonde while fishing aboard Minehead based charter boat "osprey". Like I said things will improve as we plug through March so stick with it and Fish Hard!
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Thornie - Teddie Boy
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Cod - AlyKat
Blonde ray - Osprey
Sea Angling News, March 2017
MINEHEAD / BRISTOL CHANNEL
BRISTOL CHANNEL SHORE REPORT By Craig Butler of West Coast Tackle The month of February , on the whole is probably the slowest month of the year for most of the UK. As the winter takes hold with cold and changeable weather patterns it test the enthusiasm of many. But here in the Bristol Channel we are lucky enough to have a few options open for some respectable fishing, if you are prepared to adapt from the general chuck it and chance it mode of things. Spring is definitely shaping up nicely here in the channel. Bull Huss, Rays Spur dogs and the start of the channels infamous spring run of codling, to name a few are all realistic catches from the shore. It's looking positively ok for a 2-4lb stamp of spring codling. As these fresh spring fish mix and add to the few that have been around since the autumn, the numbers and chances of a tidy bag of them increases dramatically and we can expect to see codling feature in catches for the next few months at least. I recently had the pleasure of guiding Cornish Angler Dave Jacobs. Dave was keen to catch a few codling or A decent cod in the Minehead/Watchet area. He wasn't disappointed with the five 2lb -3lb12oz he
caught. And a fortnight later he returned for a weeks family holiday at Minehead and sneaked out with his two young boys , and between them, I think they notched up another dozen codling over a couple of short sessions in the St Audries and Minehead area. The monumental start to the year with the blonde rays from between Minehead and Bossington couldn't last forever. But at least there's still a few around to be targeted along with increasing numbers of the feisty spotted ray. How's the time for a spotted ray if that's on your hit list. The thornback ray fishing in the channel between Watchet and Clevedon is pretty much a 12 month a year affair these days. A welcome fish on many occasions when things are slow going. This coming month we see the Weston outcasts sac present their Cod open match. Fished between Clevedon pier and Portishead steamer pier. With the spring codling run looking fruitful, hopefully it will be a good match. Anyway that all from me this month. Tight lines & happy hunting...
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 19
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Dave Jacobs with a nice brace of codling
Steve Thatcher with a fine 10lb15oz blonde ray from Minehead
Junior anglers Jake aged 10 and younger brother Charlie enjoyed their half term break at Minehead catching a few codling . Well done boys from the SAN team .
Jeff from Minehead is relatively new to sea angling, and was over joyed with his first decent bass of 4lb8oz. Caught from Minehead harbour.
Tom Obeirne fished a tricky low water mark and was rewarded with a thornback ray and codling. Some of the reef marks near to Watchet are notoriously dangerous. Tom sought some sound local knowledge before setting off.
20 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
CLASSIFIED / JERSEY
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
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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
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 21
WEST WIGHT / RESULTS
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WEST WIGHT REPORT By Arthur Savage This month is going to be very interesting with the focus back onto big Rays and Spur dog, however if the season is as late as we thought there could be a real chance that we will still see that 30lb Cod pass through the area, as we are still boating the occasional Cod and some large Tope up to 37lb so the chances are there.
LAST LAUGH REPORT By John Skeggs
Inshore, Cod and Whiting are now thin on the ground,though Congers and Thornebacks are still being caught in good numbers.We might still see a spring run of Codling.
The first Plaice of the season are starting to show, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. My boat annual maintenance is planned for the end of February, re-launch 17th March.
Distant marks,anglers are catching plenty of Spurdogs,Blonde Rays and the occasional Bull huss,
Now looking forward to the new season ahead, lets hope it's going to be a good one.
Spurs have started to show in this area, but no reports of any really big fish yet but i'm sure its just a matter of time. Most of the Skippers, like myself are about to lift their boats out of the water for Survey and a paint job and back in time for the Spur dog window.
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22 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
NEWS / WEYMOUTH
Sea Angling News, March 2017
Port Report February experienced some very calm days as well as double figure temperatures (as in 11 to 13 degrees C!) which allowed mid Channel wrecking to take place as well as inshore fishing. Wrecking has been aimed at pollock with the skippers describing the fishing as ‘steady’. There has been a good showing of double-figure pollack and plenty in the 4lb to 8lb range. As ever, it’s all lure fishing taking place on the drift. Early morning photographs have flooded the Social Media sites showing tranquil seas and mystical sunrises revealing the aesthetic soul that lurks within the rugged frame of your typical sea angler. The conditions have been so good that the first cross Channel trips to Alderney have already taken place and it is particularly heartening to see our fellow skipper and friend, Mike Baker from Exmouth, being one these early arrivals. Mike was extremely ill last year and this has been a massive battle for him to be able to return to the helm of Rose Ann and revisit his beloved Alderney. February was always regarded as a dire month when we first started chartering out of Weymouth in the very early 60’s. I remember that a dogfish would be a very welcome sight along with an isolated ray. Now the inshore fishing is, and has been for some years, very worthwhile during this month. A whole range of species has been recorded including tope, smoothounds, undulate, thornback, spotted and blonde rays, whiting, turbot, pouts an conger as well as the dogfish and the wrasse on the specialist wrasse trips. Different competitions have appeared this year with our forward thinking young skippers Lyle Stantiford (Supanova) and Ryan Casey (Meercat) working together on a monthly species based event with impressive cash and tackle prizes on offer as well as the Species League which kicked off out of Weymouth on Friday. There’s also the new competition running all year, as devised by Weymouth Angling Centre, with good cash prizes on offer for any National or Port Records being broken; anglers may recall the £1000 won from Peace and Plenty, now skippered by Jamie (Jay) Pullin in the October WIBAC event when one of the competitors beat the local WIBAC turbot record. I read of plaice coming in from all sorts of shore and boats marks along the Dorset coastline. Of course, it used to be Weymouth that dominated these catch reports and we are all still hoping that the plaice will return soon. We all know of the destruction of the all important mussel beds which provided such superb plaice (and many other species) fishing virtually all year round but prior to this the plaice fishing took place on The Shambles Bank. It was the sandeels that attracted the plaice in the February to early April period not mussels. The plaice were jammed up with little sandeels and these eels ae still on the same marks….so, in theory, the place should still be attracted to the banks. There’s no doubt great efforts will be made again in the next two months to locate them. In April, Easter Sunday 16th to be precise, EFSA hold its flatfish competition. There will also be other Weymouth charter boats hovering around holding their own inter-boat flatfish competition. We are all convinced the plaice must be there although we are expecting the flatfishing to feature mainly
turbot. Prior to this event, there will surely be a good deal of effort concentrated on The Shambles as March was always reckoned to be THE prime month for plaice with the final big ebb tides of the month noted for the arrival of the turbot. As we all know from the ever changing weather patterns, predictions of what the fish are meant to be doing is more a matter of pot luck. Previous years may hold some hints but it all seems even more of a mystery as to ‘what’s happening’ than it ever was. March’s off shore fishing will be all about the pollack but there is a good chance of ling. The gentle tides towards the end of March were always good for anchoring sessions for ling. With mackerel now so scarce throughout the year and squid so expensive, there has been an upsurge in the purchasing of chest freezers and the building of outhouses to accommodate them. Anglers are now very aware of the need to stock up on mackerel when they do show up. It’s perfectly understandable why cars are now carrying big cool boxes to accommodate the sensible angler’s ‘seizing of the moment’ when the mackerel are about. The sensible offering of coinage to poor charter skippers to stay out for an ‘extra hour’ to stock up on these elusive mackerel is perfectly acceptable. Those thoughtful anglers from last year who took advantage of the week long influx of this increasingly rare species will be well prepared for the forthcoming ling sessions.
Smoothound - Duchess II
Pollack - Amarisa
Spurdog - Duchess II
Undulate ray - Amarisa
Bass - Duchess II
There MAY be a first cod on the wrecks in March along with the pollack and ling. Inshore fishing, as mentioned above, was always about the flatfish in March but now there is a lot more variety to try for. Ray fishing is very good these past few years with marks like the Adamant, The Kidney and indeed the Shambles all producing specimen sized undulates along with what was the more common blonde rays. There is an ever increasing amount of thornbacks and spotted rays plus the free roving congers and hounds.
Pollack - Amarisa
There’s lots to look forward to this year and, from the look of the many angling adventures you chaps and chapesses are experiencing all over the world, there will be lots t talk about. I look forward to my first Alderney trips and having the time to sit together over a nice dinner at the First and Last and listen to your stories. Thank you to everyone for coming to Weymouth and supporting the local charter fleet….don’t forget to invest in your vacuum packers to get the very best out of your fish and to preserve those mackerel in your newly purchased Deep Freezers.
Brill - Duchess II
Thornback ray - Amarisa
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Pollack - Amarisa
Cracking brill - Duchess II
Sea Angling News, March 2017
WEYMOUTH / RESULTS
Offshore Wrecking, Reef, Bank and Alderney Fishing Trips Free Parking Refreshments
FISHING CHARTERS FROM PORTLAND/WEYMOUTH MARINA
Tackle and Rod Hire available Beginners, Experienced and Families All Welcome
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Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 23
OFFSHORE REBEL CAT, Cop 60 miles, licenced/insured for 12 anglers, Channel Islands, wrecking specialist fishing trips Tel: PAUL WHITTALL on 01305-783739 Mobile: 07860-571615 *SAN CHARTER BOAT OF THE YEAR 2000*
Phone for free newsletter & individual list Contact my web site on:
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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
24 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
NEWS / FENIX LIGHTS / RESULTS
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THE PLAICE TO BE
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
CHESIL BEACH / NEWS
Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 25
Chesil Beach Report By Wayne Hand
DID SOMEONE SAY SPRING? We are all aware the fishing has been pretty hard across the UK, not just Chesil. I think I dont just speak for myself when I say since Christmas, the fishing has been woeful, to say the least. My report this month will concentrate on the positives rather than negative, so we will look forward to the month of March. I for one will be looking forward with excitement to the brighter season arriving. I've been lucky enough to have a few sessions east of the big beach for the early Plaice and the numbers have been good. As in previous year's the fish have been alot smaller than Chesil but after the last few months it's been great to target and land a few fish, hopefully we should be in for a bumper spring once the fish move into Chesil. The Plaice will arrive this month mainly at West Bexington and Cogden areas as in as in previous years and its no secret that the Plaice and Sole prefer the shallower venues. Saying that, the magic of Chesil does often chuck up a few fish anywhere along the deeper spots, such as Abbotsbury and the middle areas generally being a better stamp of fish.
This last month hasn't been prolific but a few harden anglers have been putting in the the effort. Lee Byrne & Ben Eastman of Wales, payed the mighty big beach a visit after a recent storm. As you can see of the photos, the boys had a good session. They said " We fished chesil and it was a hard session the swell was massive but we pulled it off and I had a lovely 3.12lb pollock PB and a chunky 4.10 codling with lots of dogfish and whiting. Lee was landing Eels and some top stamp Whiting" Also Nathan Giddy from Looe in Cornwall put the effort in fishing for Cod. To his surprise he managed a lovely Bass while fishing double crab at range, As you can see from his photos he was over the moon and why not! As we have always said it's about the effort but this year has been so difficult it's been a little off putting. The next few weeks should really come alive, well let's hope so! I am really looking forward to getting into the Plaice by day and Sole by night...
This month the Sea Angling News are sponsoring the UK Shore Catch Reports "fish of the month" competition and there are some great prizes up for grabs along with the ultimate privilege of having your mug printed in next months edition. All you have to do is visit their Facebook page and post any notable catches stating you would like it entered into the competition. Thanks to everyone who is getting involved and good luck!
Thanks again for your photos and reports, I take my beanie off to you....
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Ben Eastman with a Cod & Pollack caught from Chesil beach
Nathan Giddy with his lovely Bass
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26 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
TRONIX PRO / RESULTS
Sea Angling News, March 2017
LRF & MINI-SPECIES in association with HTO Richard Salter fished Exmouth recently and had success on scented lures but he had a better day than he expected for this time of year. 5 species added to
the list as well as the lonesome Mackerel he caught on a previous trip.
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Sea Angling News, March 2017
FIXTURES / SNOWBEE
MATCH PLANNER WEYMOUTH ANGLING SOCIETY OPEN COMPETITIONS Weymouth Angling Society shore festival, Dorset rover, 3rd September, 4pm - 10pm. Weymouth & Portland Borough Council shore festival, Dorset Rover, 4th September, 4pm - 10pm Weymouth Angling Society Open, Chesil Centre, October 22nd, 6-11pm , last bag 11.30pm. book on 4-5pm. Weymouth Angling Society heaviest fish week, book on by 2pm 18th Nov, finish 10pm 26th Nov. Dorset coast, fish may be weighed in during the week at tackle shops or in the club during the evenings from 7 - 11pm, Weymouth Angling Society Xmas fayre open, Chesil Centre 10th December, book on 12 - 1pm fishing 2 - 8pm. Weymouth Angling Society Bangers & Beans harbour match, 27th Dec (bank hol) , book on in the club from 12 fishing from 2-7pm, last bag in club 7.30pm. Further details on all of the above, Dave 07977132951
BOGNOR REGIS AMATEUR ANGLING SOCIETY Pagham Open Beach Competition Sunday 9th April 2017 0830 To 1330 To Be Fished At Pagham Beach Booking In And Draw For Pegs From 0730 At Pagham Yacht Club 1 West Front Road PO21 4SY Entry Cost Seniors £ 8.00 Oap / Juniors £ 4.00 Pool Flat £ 1.00 Round £ 1 .00 Penn Points Cash Prize Subject To Entry Tel John Small 07799 762377 After 5 Pm
BOGNOR REGIS AMATEUR ANGLING SOCIETY 53 Rd Bream Festival Sunday 7 May 0700 To 1400 Seniors £11 Juniors £6 Including Pool {Drawn} Booking In On The Day One Hour Before Start Time At Braas Boat Pound Admiralty Gardens Felpham Po22 7 Ad Entries From Littlehampton To Be Arranged With Tony Chant 2 Days Before The Event On 07766078977 T.Chant11@Btinternet.Com Bring Your Own Boat Numerous Prizes Please Contact Tony Chant 07766078977 T.Chant11@Btinternet.Com John Small 07799762377 After 5 Pm Alternative Date If Cancelled Due To Bad Weather Sunday 14Th May 0900 To 1730 PLEASE NOTE IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BOAT SKIPPER TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON BOARD
WYVERN DIVISION Provisional dates for our 2017/2018 opens are :Junior open at mount batten breakwater August 5th 2017. Salcombe open small boat weekend September 16th/17th 2017. Wyvern open at slapton sands 7th January 2018. More details on any of the above from Mike Spiller on Mike Spiller 01404 43397
ROVERS TACKLE 2017 MATCHES 2017 PEGGED THURSDAY EVENING MATCHES Measure & Return Entry Fee £10 Payout For 3 Longest Bags & Longest Fish – 50% 30% & 20% Only One Prize Per Angler Per Section Flat/Round Fish – One-Off £5 Payment Longest Flatfish And Roundfish Of Series – Eels & Garfish Excluded Fishing 8Pm – 11.30Pm - Peg Numbers Drawn In The Shop Pre- Book Only – Latest 5Pm On The Day DATE JANUARY 12 FEBRUARY 9 MARCH 9 APRIL 6 MAY 11 AUGUST 17 SEPTEMBER 7 OCTOBER 19 NOVEMBER 2 DECEMBER 14
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Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com 27
28 Email: editor@seaanglingnews.com
TACKLE SHOPS DIRECTORY / RESULTS
Sea Angling News, March 2017
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 CULM VALLEY ANGLING 11 Alexandria Industrial Estate, Cullompton, EX15 1BW 01884 839273 www.culmvalleyangling.com
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. CHESIL BAIT N TACKLE 77 Portland Road Wyke Regis, Weymouth Dorset DT4 9BE Tel: 01305 766222, www.chesilbaitntackle.co.uk
ESSEX 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 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
KENT 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 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 SQUIRES 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 TELBOY’S TACKLE Amlwch, Anglesey Tel. 01407 832965 www.telboystackle.co.uk
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