ANGLERS can look forward to some top-rate spring sport on North Devon's stillwaters.

While carp is the most popular target for today's coarse angler, there are many opportunities to enjoy encounters with other species.

One of the most exciting residents of our local lakes is the perch, a fish that delights the angler with its stunning appearance — orange-hued, bristling spiky fins and stripy flanks.

Ian Laird targeted the species at Stafford Moor's Joseph's Lake using a small Berkley power bait rubber lure.

He was rewarded with a fine brace of perch scaling 2lb and 3lb seven-and-five-eighths oz.

Ian had fished the lake on the previous day, landing 10 mirror carp to 14lb using Richworth Pineapple boilies.

Stafford Moor's Winter League culminated in victory for the home team which secured their win ahead of favourites Preston.

The final match saw competitors having to break through ice to fish. Despite this, the winning individual bag weighed 120lb and was taken by Dave Muffy of Team Preston on waggler-fished pellet. Runner-up was Mal King with 78lb 6oz of carp to 12lb on pole-fished corn.

Josh Hooper, of Fremington, visited Jennets Reservoir on a cold, crisp day that he was not convinced would be conducive to success.

Josh, 17, used a small PVA bag filled with chopped boilies in conjunction with Mainline boilies. After several hours Josh's bobbin dropped back, signalling a take. He hooked into a hard-fighting fish that tested his tackle in an exciting 20-minute tussle that resulted in a superb common carp of 27lb 1oz, Josh's biggest fish in two years of angling.

Daniel Underwood, 13, visited Highampton Lakes, near Hatherleigh, with his father and a friend.

The lake was frozen over but that failed to deter Daniel and his enthusiasm was rewarded with a fine day's fishing during which he landed a stunning common carp of 9lb 15oz.

Daniel's total bag was 29lb 12oz, while his father and friend landed 33lb 12oz.

Wistlandpound Flyfishing Club's annual presentation night was held in Combe Martin ahead of a new season that casts off on March 14.

David Eldred won the Tony Lovemore Cup for the highest total of points over the year's competitions.

The club's Winter Challenge series culminated at Blakewell the previous week with a heat victory for Alistair Curd, who took a bag of five fish for 19lb 12oz, clinching the overall title with 57lb 8oz. Second was Dave Richards with 55lb 13oz and third Andre Muxworthy with 46lb 1oz.

Blakewell Fishery is providing exciting sport with some excellent trout tempted by flies.

Chris Bee, of Cockwood, and Bideford's Dave Lewis took rainbows of 10lb and 9lb 12oz respectively. Jody Bee, of Exeter, had a trout of 9lb 4oz and Dave Hele, of Minehead, a fine fish of 9lb 3oz.

The fishery has plans to stock quality brown trout regularly from mid-April.

The salmon season started on Monday with both Taw and Torridge at a fishable height.

A big fly fished slowly and deep over proven lies is likely to succeed and bring one of angling's most treasured prizes.

Rod 'n' Reelers' latest sea match saw dogfish dominate the weigh-in. Julian Stainer took top spot with a dogfish of 2lb 5¾oz, while Daniel Redmore had a dog of 2lb 4½oz and Tarrant Wotton a doggie of 2lb 4oz.

April sees the establishment of an Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority that will replace the Sea Fisheries Committees.

This development is a result of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

Members are being recruited and it is essential recreational angling has a strong representation.

For more information, visit www.ifcamembers.co.uk or call 01256 383669. The deadline for applications is April 12.

Diary dates

Tomorrow: Torridge Fishery Association annual meeting, Half Moon Inn, Sheepwash.

Saturday & Sunday: Triple Hook Club Derek Phillips Memorial Rover, fishing Saturday 6pm to Sunday 6pm, weigh in at Royal British Legion, 7.30pm.

Sunday: Combe Martin SAC monthly meet, Braunton Cricket Club, 7pm.

Sunday: Bideford Angling Club Rover.

Sunday: Appledore Shipbuilders Rover.

Wednesday: Finding Sanctuary drop-in day, North Devon Yacht Club, Instow.