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Search forSalmon await as anglers must weather the storm
Thursday, September 11, 2008, 07:00
ANGLING is intricately linked to the weather — and the exceptionally wet weather has rendered the area's rivers virtually unfishable.
Plenty of salmon will undoubtedly be present, however, and should give great sport if rivers subside before the season's close in just a few weeks.
The coastline has been battered by rough seas which, combined with the influx of floodwater, has resulted in low water clarity, which is not conducive to mackerel fishing and lure fishing for bass.
Anglers venturing out along the coast should be aware of the potential for subsidence from saturated and unstable cliffs. On the plus side, stillwaters are brim full and well oxygenated, which should result in good catches.
Riverton continues its recent top form with John Lisle beating the six-hour match record he had set the previous week. John put together a terrific bag of 131lb 4oz during the venue's latest pairs match, beating his previous total of 116lb 8oz. The two-day match saw John and his team-mate Alec Griffin weigh in a total of 363lb to easily beat Kevin Wilton and Barry Lee, who amassed 195lb 10oz.
South West Lakes Trust is holding a kayak showcase event at Roadford Reservoir.
Sunday, September 28, will see qualified instructors giving advice on safe use of kayaks and fly-casting. There will be a range of kayaks and equipment to try out and a chance to win a kayak worth more than £600.
There will also be a cookery demonstration with top chef Gary Champion and a barbecue. Admission to the event is £10.
Kayaking is a rapidly growing branch of angling that brings the angler closer to their quarry. I have had reports this summer of anglers taking these craft out into coastal waters to land tope and bass. A tope hooked from a kayak sounds a bit risky to me, but then I haven't tried it! It must be an exciting and stunning way to see our spectacular coastline.
Salmon anglers have enjoyed some success from the River Exe, with 17-year-old Jessica Rice landing her first salmon of 5lb on a stoats tail fly. Details of fishing on the Exe can be viewed on the Fish the Exe website, www.fishtheexe.org.
A reminder that top angling author Chris Yates is signing copies of his latest book Out Of The Blue at River Reads Bookshop, Torrington, on Saturday week. I have already dipped into the early chapters and can recommend it as an escape from these gloomy, rain-filled days.
I have received reports of a huge bass scaling 18lb caught by commercial nets men in the lower estuary. What a fish, and a reminder that bass close to the British record are lurking within casting range of local anglers.
September is a month that can provide sea anglers with a wide range of species. Junior Rod 'n' Reelers member Andrew Luxton came within an ounce of the club's record with a red mullet of 13oz.
Appledore Shipbuilders' monthly rover saw Michael Hammett secure victory with a rockling of 1lb 7oz. Sue Babb secured second and third with wrasse of 4lb 1oz and 3lb 15oz. Bideford Angling Club's monthly rover saw Thomas Downing win the junior section with a thornback ray of 6lb 9oz. Damien Babb won the senior section with a fine wrasse scaling 5lb 8oz.
I blanked on my latest excursion to a local harbour with my son James. We put out a couple of mackerel baits to tempt a bass. The sea was calm and the lights of Wales were clearly visible, with Port Talbot's industrial activity blazing brilliantly to create an awesome glow.
James seemed content to catch nothing and watch the waves lap against the shoreline.
He said it was far better than sitting at home in front of the computer or TV — a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly agreed.
Diary Dates
Saturday: Appledore Shipbuilders boat competition.
Saturday and Sunday: Rod 'n' Reelers Monthly Rover.
Sunday: Combe Martin SAC Lyn Fish – Heddon's Mouth to Hurlstone Point. Fishing from 6am to 7.30pm. Weigh in at Bridge Inn, Lynbridge 7.30pm.
Sunday: Triple Hook Club Autumn Shield – Jennett's Res. Maggot only. Fishing 9am to 3pm.
CLOSING IN: The increasingly popular kayak angling allows the angler to get closer to the fish.
