ANGLING

Wayne Thomas

NICKY ATKINSON landed a fine silver-flanked bass of 6lb 14oz to win Appledore Shipbuilders' Christmas Competition.

Cameron Atkinson was the runner-up with a flounder of 1lb 14oz and Steven Ford was third with a flounder of 1lb 11¾oz.

Jack Toleman took top spot in Triple Hook Club's junior and ladies open competition, catching a fine flounder of 1lb 13oz.

He also landed a flounder of 1lb 10oz but with only one fish qualifying for each angler it was Yasmin Beer who was runner-up in both the junior and ladies' categories with a flounder of 15¼oz.

Joan Cairns won the ladies' section with a flounder of 1lb 12oz.

The club's Christmas competition on Sunday will see competitors hoping to win one of the ten turkeys on offer as prizes.

Rod 'n' Reelers' monthly rover was won by Julian Stainer with a flounder scaling 1lb 12oz, beating Steve Baker's 2lb 1oz dogfish.

Dick Talbot secured the top two spots in Bideford Angling Club's 24-hour rover, landing thornback ray of 9lb 7¼oz and 9lb 5¾oz. Ricky Eavis took third place with a whiting of 1lb 5oz.

Nathan Clements landed a ling of 2lb 14oz – a rare species along the North Devon coast.

There were no major changes to the committee at Combe Martin Sea Angling Club with myself remaining as chairman and Nick Phillips continuing as secretary.

Next year will see the club celebrate its 50th season with several events planned.

A stormy weather forecast could mean some excellent sport in store for sea anglers. When the rough sea subsides, cod and other species will feast on dislodged food close to the shoreline.

Seventeen keen members of Ilfracombe Match Group fished their latest fixture at Legge Farm.

Despite a chill wind and heavy showers the fish fed well and Nielson Jeffery's 54lb 14oz bag of ten carp, on pole-fished corn, won. Kevin Wilton took second place with five carp, a net of roach and perch for 35lb 7oz. Jim Grogan took third with 26lb 14oz. Simon Hockaday took the silver fish bag with a net of big perch, skimmers and roach for 18lb 15oz.

At Stafford Moor staff have been carrying out stock rotation work on several of the lakes, ensuring the venue maintains its reputation for bumper bags and healthy specimens.

Martin Cox landed a carp of 21lb 8oz while fishing at Furzebray Carp Lake.Work is underway at the complex to provide even more quality fishing next season.

Pike sport has been steady at Simpson Valley with fish to low double figures reported.

Big perch are a worthy target throughout the winter months and will often succumb to a juicy lobworm or small live bait where fishery laws allow.The past year has been an excellent one for these handsome fish with the British record climbing above 6lb. It is very likely a fish in excess of this resides in a North Devon stillwater.

Stillwater trout sport has been excellent at Simpson Valley where rainbows to more than 8lb have been tempted by fly fishers. Green damsels, vivas and montanas are the most productive patterns to try.

Diary Dates

Sunday: Ilfracombe Match Group Christmas match, Harepie.

Sunday: Triple Hook Club Christmas flounder open competition, fishing 8am to 1pm, weigh in Royal British Legion 1.45pm.

Sunday: Wistlandpound Fly-fishing Club Christmas competition, Bratton Water.

Sunday: Bideford Angling Club Christmas open, fishing 9am to 1pm, book in at clubhouse.