I WAS invited to go out for a few hours' fishing aboard private boat Glomar Biscay with my good friends Ashley Clarke and Donald Kyte.

We intended to try for spurdog at a mark two to three miles off the coast.

I set off early on Saturday morning along country lanes, music ringing from the stereo and the pleasure of a few hours' fishing ahead. Does life get any better?

We arrived at our chosen mark as shafts of sunlight broke out from above the Exmoor hills to illuminate the murky waters of the Bristol Channel.

There is always a feeling of excitement as baits are lowered into the deep sea to descend many fathoms beneath the boat.

No one knows what will take the bait for the oceans are still a great mystery and the fish that live within are many and varied.

Reality is, of course, that the humble dogfish is most likely to transmit a rattle to the rod tip and bring a sigh from the angler: "Probably just a doggie."

Then, with luck, there comes a stronger pull as a weighty fish finds the bait and the rod takes on a pleasing curve.

The angler encourages the fish to the surface, the rod absorbing the lunges from far below.

Three anglers peer into the depths awaiting the unveiling of the mystery.

The trip rewarded us with four spurdog. Ashley landing a near specimen of 11lb 8oz, Donald a spur of 10lb 12oz and myself a brace of 10lb 8oz and 8lb.

The previous week had seen a party of Combe Martin SAC members enjoy a trip aboard Steve Webber's boat Osprey off Minehead.

Jason Barrow was rewarded with the best fish of the trip, a stunning cod weighing 17lb 14oz. Chris Martin landed a thornback ray of 12lb 2oz.

I have received a report of a plaice from Ilfracombe Pier weighing about 2lb. There is also the chance of a ray from many clean ground marks along the coast.

Ilfracombe Match Group fished their latest match at Mill Pond, near Berrynarbor, where the 11 anglers enjoyed top silver-fish sport.

Paul Morris topped the field with 30lb 7oz, consisting of four carp and 18lb of bream to the feeder.

Barry Lee took 18lb 1oz of big roach and skimmers for runner-up spot, with Thomas Downing securing third with 16lb 15oz of carp and bream.

Between them the anglers landed over 100lb of fish, which is excellent considering the cold conditions on the day.

Mark Lamude fished a couple of night sessions at Slade Reservoir and was rewarded with five carp, including three fine common carp of 18lb 8oz, 16lb 12oz and 16lb 8oz.

The catch also included two mirror carp of 6lb and 7lb that were probably fish stocked within the last two years to supplement the existing stock of aging fish.

The European eel has suffered an alarming decline over recent years with stocks estimated to have collapsed by up to 95%.

Reasons for the decline are diverse but, it has to be said, most seem man-made — a sad reflection of our neglect of this planet.

To help protect dwindling stocks, new legislation is on its way to promote a recovery in populations.

Increasing power to introduce legislation is all entwined within the recently-introduced Marine and Coastal Access Act.

Management of the waters in which we fish is essential if angling is to thrive. Anglers will need to work with the Environment Agency and other bodies such as Finding Sanctuary to ensure their liberty is not too heavily restricted.

Further information on these issues can be found by visiting websites www.defra.gov.uk, www.environment-agency.gov.uk and www.finding-sanctuary.org.

Diary dates

Saturday and Sunday: Rod 'n' Reelers Rover.

Saturday and Sunday: North Devon League, fishing 6pm to 7.30pm. Weigh in at Rolle Quay, 7.30pm.

February 4: Finding Sanctuary interview with Jennie Reaves and Combe Martin SAC, Braunton Cricket Club, other clubs' representatives welcome. Contact Wayne Thomas on 01271 850586 for details.