ANGLING

Wayne Thomas

SHELTERED from a brisk, cold north-westerly wind, Bratton Water proved an ideal choice for Wistlandpound Flyfishing Club's Christmas competition.

Members had to qualify by fishing a set number of tournaments throughout the year.

A bulging Christmas hamper was the top prize for the competitors who fished a close match, with most taking their four-fish limit.

Dave Richards won the hamper with four rainbows totalling 11lb 9oz.

Alistair Curd, whose four-fish bag included a fine brace of brown trout weighing close to 3lb a apiece, was the runner-up.

Third place was shared by Will Steward and Tom Bird whose bags weighed 10lb.

Several quality brown trout succumbed during the day – the best, to Bird, weighed 3lb 8oz.

Winter trout fishing is generally excellent on stillwaters with rainbows thriving in the cold, clear waters.

The stocking of triploid brown trout has brought a welcome boost with no close season now imposed upon stillwaters.

At Simpson Valley, George Cottle and Malcolm Stone landed four rainbows weighing 10lb 9oz, 7lb 8oz, 7lb 5oz and 4lb 12oz. Bead-headed damsels and vivas have proved effective patterns.

Salmon will now be spawning on their redds high on the upper reaches of our region's rivers.

The Torridge Fishery Association's hatchery is holding close to 27,000 fertilised salmon eggs that will be nurtured to fry stage before being carefully stocked out into tributaries to boost the success of natural spawning.

There are just over two months until the start of another salmon season.

Flounder enthusiasts lined the banks of the Taw and Torridge on Sunday, competing in Christmas open matches.

Ten turkeys were on the prize table for Triple Hook Club's competition on the Taw, which saw 44 keen rods in action.

The winner was Mark Beer with a fine flounder of 2lb 1oz. Ben McGuire was second with a flounder of 2lb, John Passmore third with a flattie of 1lb 16oz, Kevin Goodman fourth with a flounder of 1lb 14oz and M Persons fifth with a flounder of 1lb 13oz.

The remaining prize winners all secured flounder of more than 1lb 9oz.

On the Torridge, Bideford Angling Club's open match saw Des Pert secure top spot with a flounder of 1lb 11½oz, beating Keith Owen's 1lb 11oz flounder and George Found's 1lb 7¾oz flounder. J Parson took top spot in the junior section ahead of Kay Cook.

On the open coast, a strong north-westerly wind has curtailed the activities of anglers eager to cast a line for cod that should be feasting close to the shoreline.

I ventured out with a couple of keen anglers on Saturday night and spent close to six hours watching the rod tips nod rhythmically as waves pounded the shoreline.

Anticipation was high but unrewarded as dogfish after dogfish found the succulent baits on offer.

It is easy to draw on memories of the good old days when cod and codling were abundant. But does the mind just delete those indifferent sessions when the fish do not oblige?

During winter many fishery owners do essential stock transfer and maintenance work.

At Angler's Paradise staff have been restocking the lakes following the netting in November. Some large carp and catfish will be awaiting next season's anglers.

At Furzebray Carp Lakes, near South Molton, a new lake is being constructed.

Diary dates

Wednesday, December 28, and Thursday, December 29: Triple Hook Club Hangover Rover mixed brace, fishing 6pm to 6pm, weigh in Royal British Legion 7.30pm.

Wednesday, December 28: Stafford Moor Christmas Open, call Andy on 01805 804360.