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HOW'S THE FISHING & TOPICAL ITEMS
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"Wayne's World" Wayne Cramp, together with his wife Wendy, (we've collectively nicknamed them "W W dot") own what is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Dartmouth, R & B's Diner in Lower Street, only a few yards up the road from the Lower Ferry.
If you would like to sample Wayne's most enjoyable food and hospitality, you can book your table on 01803 832882. Patsy and I thoroughly recommend it to you. It won't cost you a fortune. The size of your meal and his hand selected wines will tempt you back time and time again.
BBC COASTAL WATERS FORECAST FOR DARTMOUTH FOR NEXT 3 DAYS
Charter Dates - I constantly receive calls from anglers who would like to go "Fishing Dartmouth" so I've asked some of our most popular Skippers to provide some dates when they are happy to take individual anglers. Thanks Dave, Ian and Chris. Your support is greatly appreciated. Just single left click your mouse on the photo of the charter boats below, to see a list of dates and trips when these very helpful Skippers are happy to take individual anglers or larger groups to fish for all sorts of varieties of fish and in various locations. I know you will thoroughly enjoy a day aboard any of these excellent local charter boats.
Monday 8th February - 5 Spaces Available aboard "Outlaw" this Friday 12th February chartering out of Dartmouth to the mid-Channel Wrecks - Call Owen Mallia on 01803 832 897 or 07891 498 023 without delay to book your space. "Gemini" and "Samuel Irvin 3" mid-Channel Pollack Sunday 7th February - Dave Harrison who charters his "Gemini" and Ian Noble, who charters his "Samuel Irvin 3", out of Dartmouth, both popped in home this morning. It was rather like an "Anglers Reunion". They told me they fished the mid-Channel wrecks yesterday. It was not an easy day, with the fish spasmodic to find. Ian told me they had to fish 3 wrecks before they caught a worthwhile Pollack, on the small tide. Ian found the fish feeding away from the close vicinity of the wrecks and those they caught were regurgitating fresh Sandeels. This suggests they are feeding on the open ground and are therefore more difficult to locate. Dave said the fishing was "patchy". Gill Nets - A pair of gill netting boats from Grimsby are presently down here, working our local area, plus local gill netters from Brixham, Plymouth and Mevagissey, which is pretty much normal for this time of the year. Sunday 7th February - Lloyd Saunder's "Saltwind of Dart" Sold - For the past couple of years, Lloyd Saunders has been advertising his Dartmouth charter boat, "Saltwind of Dart" for sale on www.findafishingboat.co.uk . I note that she no longer appears for sale on that site. Word of mouth rumours which are presently circulating, suggest that she has been sold to Dave Riddels, a local pleasure boat operator, who will use her for wild life viewing tours and some fishing, from alongside the Embankment at Dartmouth. Sponsors Support Team England Angling - Press release from the Angling Trust, dated Friday 5th February:
The Angling Trust is delighted to announce a new sponsorship package for Team England Shore Angling with Tronix, the West Sussex based tackle company. George Cunningham from Tronix attended a recent Angling Trust Marine National Team & Competition Group meeting where he met with Mike Heylin, Chairman of the Angling Trust to seal this deal. All of the Angling Trust Marine shore teams will be given product support while the England World Junior Shore Team will get a £1,500 cash injection for the next three years. Without such support it would not be financially possible to send teams to such events. The Angling Trust can also confirm that Fox International is supporting some of the England Teams with product support: those attending the World Junior Shore Championship will each receive a top of the range multi-tip 16ft rod which should prove ideal for the Championships being staged in Portugal. Kamasan UK are once again providing the Home International junior and youth teams with top of the range Kamasan hooks which could well give them the cutting edge during their Championships, which will be staged in Scotland during July. Angling Trust Chairman Mike Heylin said: “The Angling Trust is committed to securing funding to support Team England in game, coarse and sea angling disciplines. This will enable the best participants to represent their country and will raise the profile of competition angling to attract more participants to matches at all levels.” Climate Change Report - An interesting report on changing climate conditions, received via Grahame Garry, my good pal from Australia. Thanks Grahame, much appreciated. I was intrigued by the twist at the end: The climate is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot, according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from Consulafft, at Bergen , Norway . Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone. Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees 29 minutes. Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulfstream still very warm. Great masses of ice have been replaced by moraines of earth and stones, the report continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared. Very few seals and no white fish are found in the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts, which have never before ventured so far north, are being encountered in the old seal fishing grounds. Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coastal cities uninhabitable. More below: I'm sorry! I neglected to mention that this London Telegraph report was from November 2nd,1922, reported by AP and published in The Washington Post. Friday 5th February - Parliamentary Questions & Answers ref Common Fisheries Policy - A verbatim report of questions and answers in the UK Parliament yesterday: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2010-02-04a.439.0&s=speaker%3A11727#g440.0 Common Fisheries Policy - Oral Answers to Questions — Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - House of Commons debates, 4 February 2010, 10:30 amRobert Goodwill (Shadow Minister, Transport; Scarborough & Whitby, Conservative) What his Department's objectives are for reform of the common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement. Huw Irranca-Davies (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Marine and Natural Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Ogmore, Labour) The UK's response to the Commission's Green Paper on the reform of the common fisheries policy sets out our objectives to achieve the prosperous and sustainable exploitation of fish stocks. The response makes it clear that there must be more regionalised decision making, genuine integration of fisheries with other marine policies, longer-term management planning, greater flexibility and certainty in the system and a mechanism to ease the transition to a sustainable and profitable future. Robert Goodwill (Shadow Minister, Transport; Scarborough & Whitby, Conservative) Does the Minister agree that the two key elements are the devolution of day-to-day management to local and regional stakeholders and a land-all policy linked to a secondary market for fish that cannot otherwise be marketed to form a feed stock for the aquaculture industry? Huw Irranca-Davies (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Marine and Natural Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Ogmore, Labour) We are very supportive of that. In fact, we have been playing a leadership role in promoting the idea of a regionalisation of management, which would still involve ministerial accountability and the overarching strategy. The hon. Gentleman is right about the idea of a land-all policy. We need to consider innovative approaches, such as the agreement that we signed last year to look at electronic monitoring on vessels, with the agreement of skippers, to land more and kill less. That relates especially to the abhorrent issue of discards, which skippers, as much as anyone else, abhor. John Robertson (Glasgow North West, Labour) My hon. Friend will be aware that fishing is very important in Scotland, and I am sure that he has heard from fisheries people there on many occasions. However, does he appreciate that they have to have a say in what is happening? It is important in Scotland in particular, which has such a large fishing community, that they have a say in the strategy. Huw Irranca-Davies (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Marine and Natural Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Ogmore, Labour) I agree entirely with my hon. Friend, and we have had a great deal of engagement already in bringing forward our proposals, which I note have a wide sign-up from Scottish fisheries and their leadership and more widely in the UK. However, we will continue that engagement, including through another marine and fisheries stakeholder forum to be held in May and a North sea regional conference on CFP reform in March, where I hope to speak. We will continue the engagement with all parts of the UK. Richard Benyon (- Shadow Minister, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Newbury, Conservative) There is a widespread view around coastal communities that if people disagree with the Minister's Department, they get cut out of negotiations on important issues. I was contacted just today by the Thanet Fishermen's Association, which has been waiting since the beginning of last November for a reply on the transfer of unused quotas. Will the Minister give the fishing community and other organisations interested in CFP reform the firm assurance that they will be involved in negotiations on this important matter, even if they disagree with his Department's stance? Huw Irranca-Davies (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Marine and Natural Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Ogmore, Labour) Yes, absolutely, but that is not to say that we will always agree. In fact, fishermen often accuse me of over-consulting and over-engagement, which can make it difficult for them to get to meetings and to engage with these matters. I guarantee that we will do as the hon. Gentleman asks, but that does not mean that we should walk away from the difficult decisions on moving from where we are now to achieving a long-term sustainable future. I know that, in his heart of hearts, he agrees with that. New Video Editing Software - I bought the latest version of my video editing software suite yesterday. I anticipate shooting some new videos during the coming months for your enjoyment via YouTube and on this web site. Moves to Protect Silver Eel - It is a well known fact, that the Silver Eel population breeds in the Sargasso Sea. It returns to our home waters as a tiny Eel, known as an "Elver", where it grows and breeds, before making its own mammoth return journey to breed in the Sargasso Sea. In recent years the numbers of Eels returning to our shores has declined to somewhere around 1 percent of their former numbers, due to a viral disease, which has adversely affected their numbers. I reported several weeks ago on this web page, that the EEC is in the process of completely protecting the Silver Eel. It will become an offence to take or to kill them. This may ensure that those few Silver Eels, that become resistant to the virus, may in the future breed and multiply. Mike Bailey, Hon. Sec. Emailed yesterday to say that, at the Committee of Brixham SAC, which met on Tuesday 2nd February, 2010, it was decided that in future, the Club will, with immediate effect, bring in a voluntary ban, "i.e: catch and release. Possibly weigh Silver Eels, but always return them to the sea alive." This seems to be the right decision, in view of the incontrovertible scientific evidence. Coincidentally, on Thursday 4th February, a major seafood supplier removed Silver Eels from their product list: M&J Seafood has announced that it will no longer supply European Eel to the catering trade from end of March 2010 due to the species being classified as critically endangered' on the IUCN Red List. The decision to remove all European Eel from its frozen and fresh product portfolio comes as part of M&J’s continued efforts to support sustainable sourcing and champion under-utilised species. The company has also taken the decision to ban all North Atlantic Halibut sourced from ‘target capture fisheries’. Now M&J’s frozen Halibut steaks will be sourced from sustainably certified Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fisheries in the Pacific Ocean and fresh Halibut, will be sourced from Wild Pacific, Canadian and Alaskan MSC certified fisheries (season April –Nov) as well as Farmed Scottish and Norwegian suppliers. M&J Seafood is working closely with suppliers, WWF, Goodcatch and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to ensure its fish supply is not taken from threatened or depleting stocks, and is committed to raising awareness of sustainable sourcing in the foodservice industry. Mike Berthet, group director, fish and seafood at M&J comments: “At M&J we believe the catering industry operators and suppliers have an enormous role to play in supporting the sustainable management of our fish stocks. By refusing to sell endangered species and taking the initiative to help customers understand the issues and the alternatives open to them, suppliers like us can generate real change and help slow down and reverse over-fishing.” Visit Brixham SAC's pages within this web site to learn more. Just left click your mouse on the button:
Thursday 4th February - 2 Spaces Available aboard "Gemini" Chartering out of Dartmouth - Friday 12th March 2010 - I spoke on the telephone this morning to Roger Lovell, who has also booked Dave Harrison's "Gemini" for a mid-Channel charter trip with his club, the Birmingham Hookers SAC, on Friday 12th March. Roger has 2 spare places remaining. If any anglers would like to join his party, I thoroughly recommend it to you. Roger is a good friend of mine and I thoroughly enjoy his company. If you would like to be included, please call Roger on 01216 880 497 or via 07802 957 584. Ciaran Farley and Wyvern Fish of the Month Awards - My good pal Russell Farley Emailed late yesterday, to tell how pleased his Son, Ciaran was to collect his Angling Trust Wyvern Division Certificates and Medal for Fish of the Month. Saturday 30th January - Brixham SAC Juniors dominated the shore prizes and although the boat prizes went almost entirely to commercially caught Pollack, they won't be allowed this coming year, so hopefully we can do better. Graham Dryer won one of the principle prizes with his excellent Black Bream of over 5lbs.
Ciaran Farley is pictured having collected his FOM Medal and certificates.
Following in Dad's Footsteps - Email received late yesterday evening from my good pal Zyg Gregorek, proprietor of Angler's paradise, in North Devon, and a world renowned Big Game angler. Thanks Zyg, you input is always very welcome and much appreciated. Here's what Zyg wrote: Just back from Watamu, Kenya, fishing next door to the home of the Somali pirates and flying the flag of St George. Our party consisted of myself, my wife Rose, my daughter Zenia and her husband Joe and my daughter Anna and her boyfriend Andy. In 6 days fishing, on board “Tega” with Steve, we had a total of 35 Billfish of which 25 were Marlin including 2 Blue Marlin and 2 Black Marlin and 10 Sailfish. At one stage, Anna’s boyfriend Andy, Zenia’s husband Joe and myself, all fought Marlin at the same time and got them in.
My wife Rose and I also had simultaneous Marlin strikes and brought them both in. I'm proud to say that my daughter, Zenia Gregorek, caught her first ever Marlin and ended up qualifying for a "Billfish Grand Slam" in the process, by catching a Black Marlin, Striped Marlin and Sailfish on the same day, a very rare achievement. As far as I know, she could be the first person to have done this when catching her first Marlin.
The whole family caught their first Marlin, except Zenia, who went one stage further and following her Marlin went on to achieve her Grand Slam, which even I have not had the pleasure of achieving, although being close several times.
All the Billfish were tagged and released. An outstanding few days fishing, which prompted Jason Schratweiser of the IGFA to say, "“I can tell you however, that is some of the most incredible Marlin action that I’ve heard of for some time! “ Wednesday 3rd February - Temporary Ban Could See EU Fish Stocks Bounce Back - Authoritative report, kindly forwarded via my good pal Leon Roskilly. Thank you Leon for your well informed input, which is very much appreciated. I guess the typical response from the Scottish fishermen is pretty much to be expected. They have mortgages to meet, which will not go away: Ecologist - 27th January, 2010 Scientists believe a ban on certain catches, including cod and plaice, could allow populations to recover, but their calls have been dismissed by the fishing industryEurope is
set to miss its target of restoring the stocks of more than 90 per cent
of fish species,
according to a report by leading fisheries scientists. They found
that if current trends continue, Europe would miss the deadline by more
than 30 years. Even with a complete ban on fishing, 22 per cent of
stocks are so depleted that they could not be rebuilt by the 2015
deadline. "Gemini" Pollack - Dave Harrison charters his big bright orange hulled Blyth 33 catamaran, "Gemini" out of Dartmouth. Dave Emailed some piccies of his trip to fish the mid-Channel wrecks on Sunday 31st January, which I received yesterday. Thanks Dave, you know how much I appreciate your input and long-time friendship. Here's what Dave wrote: We were angling on the mid-Channel wrecks last Sunday, with some of the guys from Wells SAC, who fish with me whenever they can. We fished well for the first two hours, finding some excellent quality Pollack, of fair size and then the fishing just switched off, with the change of tide, after which only a few more fish were caught. All our fish were caught on "Sidewinder" and "Shad" soft lures.
Tuesday 2nd February - "Samuel Irvin 3" Pollack - Email received this morning from my good friend, Ian Noble, who charters his big white and blue Blyth 33 catamaran "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth. Thanks Ian, as always, your input is very welcome. Here's what Ian wrote: As you know Saturday was called off due to the strong winds. I thought I had made a mistake on Saturday morning, but heard that one of the commercial boats went out to sea, but had to turn back after a couple of miles. He said the swell was horrendous. Sunday was very different day, with calm seas and the sun coming over the horizon, just as we left the river mouth. We fished a couple of mid-Channel wrecks and caught Pollack, mainly on "Sidewinders" and jelly worms. A nice run of clean fish but no monster sizes yet. Local angler Kai Horsburgh had the biggest bag of the day and was well pleased.
Ken Dalton fished steadily all day and was named the 'fishing machine' by the others.
First time wreck fishing for Andy Foxley netted him several Pollack on the day and made the long trip from Staffs worth while.
The weather started to deteriorate by mid afternoon and it was a bumpy ride home, but it didn't seem to keep anybody awake. All in all, a nice day's angling. Monday 1st February - Brixham SAC "Silver Sea" Pollack - I missed out on a trip with the lads from Brixham SAC yesterday, aboard "Silver Sea", chartering out of Brixham, Skippered by local RNLI Torbay Lifeboat Coxswain, Mark Criddle, who is also a member of Brixham SAC. My good pal, Jason Upham, kindly sent a fishy tale and piccies of the day afloat. Thanks Jason. Here's what Jason wrote: We had a Brixham SAC club charter trip, with Mark Criddle, aboard "Silver Sea", to fish the mid-Channel wrecks, despite an absentee. It was a good day with plenty of banter. The best fish was a Pollack of 16-5-1, which fell to Graham Dryer's rod. This takes the 1st specimen of the year from boat trophy in the club.
Also on the boat was Jason Hemmings, who caught several nice Pollack on an orange "Sidewinder" lure. This was a bugger, as I told him on the way out that orange wouldn't work.
"Happy Days" Pollack - Email received late yesterday evening from my pal, Aaron Lidstone, who charters his Starfish "Happy Days", out of Dartmouth. Thanks Aaron, your input is much appreciated. Here's what Aaron said: I've been out to sea with the Saltash Mad Lads, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks today. It was a steady old day really, with a nice few Pollack, although the size was well down on recent trips and the best fish were just about double-figures, to maybe 12 lbs. The fish were not committing suicide today though and we would catch 4 fish one drift then 3 drifts for nothing, strange! Hopefully things will be on the up next trip, with the best fishing still to come. All our fish were caught on "Eddystone jelly" soft lures.
Industrial Fishing Is Doomed - Report received this morning via my good pal, Leon Roskilly, to whom I am most grateful for his informed input. Here's the contents of his Email, which originated from a report of the recent Paris Seafood Summit: http://fish2fork.com/blog/2010/01/industrial-fishing-is-doomed-says-top-academic/ Industrial fishing is doomed, says top academicDaniel Pauly speaks at Paris Seafood Summit - Report by Paul Eccleston - Jan 31st 2010
Dr Daniel Pauly Picture Courtesy of Shermani One of the world’s top fisheries scientists has launched a blistering attack on industrialised fishing, Dr Daniel Pauly said current methods of catching fish on a massive scale were unsustainable, wasteful, inefficient and were doomed to fail. He told the Seafood Summit conference in Paris that subsidised and expensive trawling fleets would vanish within 20 years because of spiralling fuel costs. Dr Pauly of the university of British Columbia and founder of the academic study group The Seas Around Us, said the future lay with small, sustainable and carefully managed coastal fisheries that were capable of supplying everybody’s needs. “Small scale works. Small fisheries are compatible with sustainability whereas industrial fisheries have got us into the mess we are now in with over-capitalised, subsidy-ridden and fuel-guzzling trawlers,” he told 600 delegates at the conference. “The demise of industrialised fishing due to high fuel costs will allow a renaissance of coastal fisheries. They can be sustainable and generate healthy food and we would eat only fish from stocks that have been rebuilt and cared for. “We could pay for the occasional ‘good fish’ imported from developing countries instead of gorging on cheap fish ripped of from the coasts of these developing countries through access agreements.” Dr Pauly said despite ever more sophisticated technology on fishing boats, fish landings had been in decline since 2001 and instead of living off the interest of fish stocks we had instead been using the capital. As stocks declined in their own waters, the big fishing nations had spread their nets further afield so that Spanish boats, for instance, now hunted in the Indian and Pacific oceans. And instead of traditional species such as cod and herring they now fished much deeper searching for other species. The damage to the sea bed caused by shrimp trawlers off the Texan coast in the Gulf of Mexico, could be seen from space. But these methods, so called ‘sustainable trawling’ had in fact been shown to be unsustainable reducing waters once rich in marine life to a “mud soup” which produced only jellyfish. “Trawling depends on cheap oil but the era of cheap oil is over. Fuel is going to be very expensive in the future and we won’t be able to use trawlers in 20 years because they depend on subsidies and use more fuel than they catch in volume of fish,” he said. “If we are going to deal with global warming we will have to pay more for fuel – and that is the Achilles heel of trawling.” Dr Pauly said we were already seeing the consequences of global warming in our oceans with fish on the move from traditional temperate and cold waters towards the Poles. Giant squid once found in the waters off Mexico were now turning up thousands of miles north in British Columbia. Arctic fish would eventually disappear in the same way that the North Sea cod was now locally extinct. He told an audience of marine protection groups, scientists and academics that aquaculture – farming fish for food – would not work because using fish to feed other fish was unsustainable and ethically wrong because it should be used to feed hungry people. One third of all caught fish was used to feed pigs, poultry and fish. Anchovies, the main ingredient of fishmeal, had once been spurned by the people of Peru because it was considered to be fit only for feeding prisoners. But perceptions and attitudes were changing and where once only one per cent of the rich Peruvian anchovy catch was eaten by people it was now between three and four per cent and still rising. Dr Pauly also attacked the idea of fish being a ‘healthy’ food that everybody had to eat and said this just another food ‘fad’ as with spinach in the 1950s and fibre in the 1980s. “The craze for fish as a healthy food will pass. Europe at the moment imports 80 per cent of its fish to meet the demand and this is not sustainable. We already have enough protein from animals and we just don’t need to eat this fish,” he said. Wyvern Presentation Night at Exeter - Mike Spiller, the hard working Hon. Sec. of the Angling Trust WYVERN Division, kindly sent this report of their presentation evening, which was held at the Royal British Legion, Alphington, Exeter, on Saturday 30th January, 2010. Many thanks Mike. Your input is greatly appreciated. Sorry I could not be there, but the recent operation on my hand, during the week, prevented me from driving, and angling too. Here's what Mike said: Wyvern Division was very very disappointed that just under fifty people turned out at the Royal British Legion, at Alphington, Exeter, to see the presentation of our 2009 awards. Normally this night attracts some one hundred plus members from the various clubs in the South West. The evening started with an interesting talk from David Murphy. He was there to give a run down on the 'Finding Sanctuary' project ,currently being undertaken in the area. This was followed by a superb free buffet kindly laid on by the Division. Only three of the main Wyvern award winners collected their awards on the night and these were:- Dave Horrill (Plymouth SAC) who won the Castle Trophy (Best specimen) with a shore caught Blonde Ray of 26-1-0.
The Dennis Smith award (Best junior Shore) went to Paul Grinter (West Bay SAC) who had a Rockling of 1-15-0.
The only other award winner present was Sallie Date (T and B ASA) who won two awards with the same fish. Sally won the best specimen by a lady and also the Conger shield with a boat fish of 74-5-0.
Sunday 31st January - Australian Fishy Bite - My pal, Grahame Garry, who originally hails as an ex-pat "Pom" from Torquay, Emailed. Thanks Grahame. Much appreciated. Here's what Grahame wrote: I read your article about the Ling that bit you few years back,. A mate of mine had a very nasty thing happen to him. He caught several fish one day and one spiked him. No problem really, except the slime, or bacteria, got in the wound and set up a violent reaction, He was in hospital a fair while, as his veins started to crumble like glass. He came out in massive purple areas over his body. He ended up going to the USA for treatment. It turned out that it was a very rare bacteria that occurs in fish slime that had caused his problems. No fishing for 12 months. His eyes went purple. Weak muscles. Weight loss. All caused by a small fish like a Wrasse, so tell all anglers to be extra careful when picking up any fish. He did recover in the end Mike, after 2 years of treatment. MC Commented: I'm still waiting for the weight loss, but my eyes do turn red, particularly after a late night out with the lads. Friday 29th January - IFCA Committee Membership Applications Being Taken Now - Email received this morning via Leon Roskilly, to whom we are all most grateful. If you want to take a place on what were formerly the Local Sea Fisheries Committees, in our case the replacement IFCA which will cover Devon and Dorset, the application details and process are listed below. It is important that recreational sea anglers are properly represented on these new bodies:
The new Inshore Fishery
and Consultation Authorities (IFCAs) will not only regulate both
commercial and recreational sea fisheries and become responsible for the
marine environment within their district, but will also regulate bait
digging and bait collection, so it's important that anglers are well
represented upon the makeup of each district IFCA. Recruitment ProcessApplication ProcessThe recruitment process will be carried out in-line with “Nolan Principles”, which underpin the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice. These principles ensure that fair, open and transparent processes are in place to ensure the correct people are appointed to IFCAs, to guarantee public confidence in the procedure. Further information can be found at: www.publicappointmentscommissioner.org/Code_of_Practice/ef8446f3551.html (link opens in a new window) The recruitment process will be open, transparent, objective and fair for all candidates. The closing date for the receipt of all applications is 12 midnight on Monday 12th April 2010. We cannot guarantee that late applications will be accepted. It would help us if you could quote reference: IFCA0001 in all communications. Should you have any queries regarding these appointments, or require any further information on the application process, please contact us using the phone number 01256 383669 or e-mail verity.holloway@capita.co.uk Selection ProcessOnce the closing date has passed, shortlisting for informal interviews will take place. This will be done regionally by a team of members of the DEFRA / MMO project team and Independent Assessors. Applications will be assessed against the role profile.
If you are successful at
shortlist you will be invited to discuss your application. These
interviews will be held regionally. Final decisions on appointments will
be made upon a combination of the information contained in the
application form and our discussions with you. Successful or not, we promise to let you know the outcome of your application. Feedback is available on request.
Equal OpportunitiesThe MMO is committed to providing real equality of opportunity irrespective of race, nationality, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, gender assignment, work pattern, or membership or non-membership of a Trade Union. You are asked to complete the Equal Opportunities questionnaire but can reassure you that it will be removed before your application is assessed. It is used for monitoring the selection process only. If you do not wish to have these details recorded please return the form uncompleted. If you or someone that you know are interested, visit http://www5.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_capita01.asp?newms=info1 and click on the 'Apply' button on the left (It's a bit long-winded so do it when you have some time. Or you can always come back and complete the application at a later date) Fishy Bites - About 6 years ago, while unhooking a big Ling from my line, as I removed a "Shad" soft lure from its jaws, I cut the back of my right hand on its rows of very sharp teeth. Whether there is an anti-coagulant or simply bacteria on the fish's teeth, I do not know, but whatever the reason, the wound never did heal properly. It left a hard scab which would intermittently peel off revealing another scab below it. Several months ago I had a skin cancer removed from the bridge of my nose. At the subsequent check-up and all clear, the Surgeon remarked on the wound on the back of my hand and offered to cut it out, just to be safe and tidy. Yesterday, I had the job done at Torbay Hospital. It's quite a gash, which has to be kept dry and covered with bandages for several days. I have the dozen or so stitches removed in around 2 weeks time. I shall take far more care in future when handling big fish with rows of sharp teeth. Prevention is far preferable to cure. Wednesday 27th January - "Gemini" Pollack - Dave Harrison, who charters his big orange Blyth 33 catamaran, "Gemini", out of Dartmouth, fished the mid-Channel wrecks over last weekend. Dave Emailed with a fishy tale of his exploits. Thanks Dave, your input is always very welcome. Here's what Dave wrote: We went angling aboard "Gemini", on the mid-Channel wrecks out of Dartmouth, on Saturday and Sunday. Our fish on Sunday were a lot smaller run of Pollack and not as many as on Saturday. I only took one picture today, as our average size of fish was between 5 and 10 lbs. Our best Pollack weighed 17 lbs. on digital scales, for Nicky Malson, of Pontypool sac. All our fish were caught on a varied mixture of lures.
Tuesday 26th January - "Samuel Irvin 3" Pollack - Email received late yesterday from Ian Noble, who charters his big white and blue Blyth 33 catamaran, "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth. Thanks Ian, your input is very much appreciated. Here's what Ian wrote: Saturday was a mid-Channel wreck fishing trip aboard "Samuel Irvin 3", with a mixed group made up of regular individual anglers. The seas were a bit chunky but safe enough for the catamaran and easily fishable. We went to a big favourite wreck well out to sea and fished mainly for Pollack through the day. Most fish came to "Sidewinder" soft lures. However, Rodger Leviston changed to a killer rig when slack water arrived and had several double figure fish, much to the pleasure of the other anglers.
Steve Lawrence, on his first wreck fishing trip was made up with several Pollack, only to find his wife had bought a fish pie from M&S for his dinner that night.
Heaviest fish of the day, which just pipped Rodger Leviston's best Pollack by a very few ounces, was landed by Steve Todd and weighed-in at a tad over 17 lbs.
Here are several more photos of some excellent Pollack caught by other anglers in our party, during the same trip.
Ian Noble was at sea again on Sunday with a party of visiting anglers, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks aboard "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth. Ian wrote: Sundays trip got off to a good start with very gentle seas and even sunshine for a group of anglers down from Wales. We started on a mid-Channel wreck which lies well out from Dartmouth and fished alongside another Dartmouth charter boat.. The fishing was very slow, but with the flood tide starting to run, we felt more confident. But, it just never happened on that wreck, so we ran out another 10 miles to another group of distant wrecks. The change of location brought in the Pollack, but the fishing was not consistent, with a few good drifts on the wreck, then the wreck not producing. We moved around the various wrecks to keep the fish coming in and thought we had hit payday on the last wreck. First drift produced 6 Pollack on board, but it did not last and soon we were down to one fish a drift. A hard days angling but with good company and sunshine. What more could you want.
Sunday 24th January - "Samuel Irvin 3" Pollack - My good pal Steve Howell, telephoned me from his in home in Weston-Super-Mare, early this morning, to tell me all about an excellent day fishing he enjoyed yesterday, on the mid-Channel wrecks, aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth charter boat, "Samuel Irvin 3". Steve said that everyone caught plenty of Pollack, with the best fish weighed-in at a tad over 16 lbs. Steve also said that he was particularly pleased with his brand new Shakespeare Ugly Stik 20 - 30 lb class 8 foot boat rod, which is designed specifically for use with braid lines. Somehow I knew he would be. It would be high on my own list of choices if I was seeking a new rod for this particular style of wreck angling. It is built on a supple well finished blank, of good length, fitted with good quality hard lined guides. It has a decent hard foam fore grip and a decent quality reel seat. The back part of the butt is slim and well balanced. It is reasonably priced. Tasty! I was disappointed that I could not be there myself, as I have spent the past few days in bed, suffering from a nasty bout of bronchitis. It's moving at last, thanks in no small part to a course of antibiotics. I hope to be back next weekend amongst the fish, weather permitting. I understand that Ian took some photos which I'll add to this web page as soon as I receive them. "Gemini" Pollack - Dave Harrison was at sea yesterday, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks with a party of anglers from Blandford SAC, aboard his Dartmouth charter boat, "Gemini". Dave Emailed several photos of the lads, who enjoyed another successful day amongst those Winter Pollack, which were partial to "Sidewinder" and "Shad" style soft lures. Thanks Dave. Your input is much appreciated:
Friday 22nd January - UK MEP Nigel Farage (UKIP), Questions the new EU Maritime & Fisheries Commisioner - Article 47 has generated much indignation amongst UK recreational sea anglers. In this short video, Nigel Farage directly questions Maria Damanaki (Greece), just prior to her appointment, on this relevant issue. Thank you Nigel, and thank you YouTube for making this directly available to every UK RSA:
Thursday 21st January - "Sunset" New Dartmouth Charter Boat - My good pal Jim Davis, who used to own "Outlaw", has bought himself a spectacular new boat, "Sunset", which he intends to charter out of Dartmouth, commencing at Easter 2010. "Sunset" is a very big boat indeed. She is a USA built "Trader 41", fitted with a pair of 420 HP Caterpillar Diesels. When built new, just a couple of years ago, she cost in excess of £280,000. She really is a very special USA built and designed sport angling boat, with plenty of room aboard. Very tasty.
Jim is presently in the process of having her coded for charter use by the Marine & Coastguard Agency. Jim has promised to update us on progress and availability and cost of trips in due course. Trip Cancelled - Regrettably the charter trip organised by Brian Cole aboard Dave Harrison's "Gemini" out of Dartmouth, for Wednesday 20th January, had to be quite sensibly cancelled, due to an unfavourable weather forecast. The rub was that the forecast weather did not materialise and they could have gone after all. It happens ! Better to be safe than sorry. "Gemini" Pollack Photos - Dave Harrison, has Emailed several excellent photos of his charter out of Dartmouth, with a party of anglers aboard "Gemini" last Sunday. Dave accidentally left his camera on the boat, which caused the delay in forwarding them to me. Here's what Dave wrote: We were out on the wrecks on Sunday 17th January, aboard my local charter boat "Gemini", with John Chester's group, from Taunton, who have been fishing with me for about 15 years. We managed to get out again. fishing at last, after several lost trips due to bad weather. The fishing was very good and it was nice to see our Winter Pollack has arrived. We had a very good hour with good fishing. We were joined on the wreck by "Outlaw" and "Samuel Irvin 3". Our fishing started to slow; no ones fault; that’s fishing. After 2 hours fishing, we decided to shorten the distance to home. We picked up a few more Pollack and then moved to our last wreck of the day, which produced some nice Pollack and topped our boxes up nicely. No massive Pollack. Our best was about 15 lbs. All fish caught on "Sidewinders", "Shads" and "Jellyworms".
Thank you lads for a very enjoyable day and see you again in 3 weeks time. Monday 18th January - "Outlaw of Dartmouth" mid-Channel Wreck Pollack - Email received today from Owen Mallia, who charters his Vigilante 33, "Outlaw" out of Dartmouth. Thanks Owen, your input is much appreciated. Here's what Owen wrote: As you are undoubtedly aware as our boats were practically neighbours for the majority of the day, we too were out and about on Sunday 17th January on "Outlaw", trying to catch a good day out angling, in between all of the poor weather of late. Unfortunately three of our original party from the West Midlands called me at 5.am, broken down on the M5, waiting for their fate with the AA, so my best wishes go out to them, hope to see you safely down here soon guys. Although the wind conditions could have been kinder at first, the day improved throughout and the bright sunlight was a welcome reminder that when you do get the sun out at sea, it really makes all the difference and improves everyone’s morale, irrespective of the fishing! Talking of which ...... Today was one of those steady days that never really ‘took off’. Tthe wind and opposite tides were mildly challenging for us to obtain a text book drift, but with a little common sense, we were able to provide a good days sport, for those that were able to join us. We did expect an improvement once the ebb tide started to run harder, but somebody forgot to tell the fish! Thankfully all of our party had their own moment of brilliance and each one of them managed to connect with one or two larger fish, in addition to catching many new ‘Winter’ fish that were in beautiful condition, ranging from 8lbs – 14lbs. Allan Painter and Carl Jones, the two lads who joined us from Caldicot in Wales, were in fine form and upheld a very competitive spirit with one another throughout the day. It’s still undecided whether Carl or Allan took the coveted ‘Pouting King’ trophy back over the bridge, but just to uphold their dignity, I have attached a couple of shots of them with some of the fine Pollack they also hooked up with. Thank you to the anglers who joined us today for an entertaining day out on Outlaw of Dartmouth, can’t wait to go again.
"Gemini" Winter mid-Channel Pollack - I spoke briefly this morning to my good pal Dave Harrison, who charters his big orange Blyth 33 catamaran, Gemini" out of Dartmouth. Dave was at sea yesterday with a group of anglers who return time and time again to fish with him out of Dartmouth. Dave told me that the lads enjoyed a productive day yesterday, angling on the mid-Channel wrecks. They caught plenty of good quality Pollack. Sunday 17th January - "Samuel Irvin 3" mid-Channel Wreck Pollack - Today, I spent a really excellent day afloat, with some great friends whose company I thoroughly enjoy, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks out of Dartmouth, aboard Ian Noble's local charter boat, "Samuel Irvin 3". With the recent weather problems and the trauma of moving house, it was the first time I have been to sea for all of 3 months. I realised today just how much I have missed my angling and the many friendships that it brings. The sea conditions were uncomfortable lumpy, but it really didn't matter. We were perfectly safe. So what's a modicum of discomfort, compared to a day blowing away the cobwebs in the best company any man could ever wish for. We fished a big wreck in 240 feet of water and the lads were straight into good quality fish, Pollack interspersed with an occasional Pout. The preferred lure seemed to be 4 or 6 inch "Sidewinder" soft lures, in blue, white or green. These were not huge fish, but were primarily big silver fresh run Winter Pollack, which gave an excellent account of themselves on reasonably light tackle. John Hernaman, from Saunton, was quickly into fish which typically ranged between 6 lbs and 16 lbs. John caught most of his fish on the 4 inch "Sidewinder."
A new pal, Mike "The Pigeon" Parker, from Maesteg, in South Wales, also soon got into some excellent fish, which included this fine Pollack.
It must have been easy, even though I only managed to fish for two drifts, as I was kept bust taking photos and helping the other guys to net their fish alongside the boat. I did manage to catch a beautiful hard fighting Pollack, which greedily seized my blue coloured 6 inch "Sidewinder" as I was still lowering it towards the wreck. It was not a huge fish, perhaps 12 or 14 pounds in weight, but it certainly gave a rough tough account of itself ,as it made repeated headlong dives towards the wreck which lay rusting on the ocean floor. As the run of the tide slowed towards slack water in late morning, so did the eagerness of the fish to feed, so we moved on to another wreck, where we joined Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat, "Gemini" and Owen Mallia's charter boat, "Outlaw of Dartmouth" who were already fishing the mark. The breeze was against the tide after it turned, which slowed our drift and made it less than simple to present a lure effectively. You guessed it, we were in Pouting City. Fortunately, the tide picked up, the breeze eased a little, and the Pollack began to feed. Dennis Grady, from Maesteg, was quickly into several fine Pollack, including this example. This kept everyone amused and generated lots of good humoured "mickey taking", as Dennis had snoozed up until this point.
Mike "The Pigeon" Parker continued to fish well and caught several more good quality Pollack, including this fine example.
Brian Dean from Torquay fished from the front Port bow position on the boat and caught his fair share of good quality Pollack, including this, his best fish of the day, which was hooked on a white 6 inch "Sidewinder" soft lure.
Geoff Whitmore from Croyde, is another long-time angling pal, whose company I thoroughly enjoy. Geoff normally out-fishes most others on the boat, but today was not his day. His beautiful Penn boat rod snapped as he hooked a Pollack. Geoff was mortified, so I lent him my rod and reel, rather than struggle to get a boat rod out of its storage bay, deep in the hull of Ian's big catamaran on such a sloppy sea. Geoff persevered, despite my tackle, and his very silly hat, he was eventually rewarded with a fine Pollack. It wasn't big, but it was beautiful as it glinted in the late afternoon sunlight, and most importantly, it was his.
All too soon, the light of late afternoon began to fade. Ian called out, "last drift" and everyone reeled in at its conclusion. Tired but very happy, we headed back to Dartmouth, where we disembarked in darkness. I had certainly forgotten what Winter Pollacking involves. My appetite has been re-awakened. I look forward to getting out to sea again before too long, weather permitting, to do it all over again. Thanks Ian for being a great "Skipper" and thank you lads for your excellent company and companionship. Saturday 16th January - BRIXHAM SAC - AGM MINUTES 2010 & PROVISIONAL WINNERS' PRIZE LIST 2009/2010 - Minutes of last Sundays AGM for Brixham SAC & Provisional List of Annual Competition Trophy Winners 2009/2010 - To view just left click your mouse on either of the below buttons:
Wednesday 13th January - Stainless & Steel Fabrication - I had some custom made adjustable brackets fabricated from stainless steel, which were delivered today. They are impeccable. The cost was particularly reasonable. I've placed contact details for the maker RWS Marine Engineering Ltd, Brixham, near the top of this web page, where you can easily get in touch, should you require railings, bow rollers, cleats, or other custom items made for your boat. Monday 11th January - "Anglo Dawn III" Available Charter Dates for Individuals - Chris Roberts has sent me dates when he will be delighted to take individual anglers over the coming months, aboard his Salcombe charter boat, the big golden yellow and white Evolution 38, "Anglo Dawn III".
"Anglo Dawn III" - Chartering out of Salcombe Just left click your mouse on this button to see the full details:
Brixham SAC AGM - I attended the AGM of my home club, Brixham SAC yesterday evening. All went smoothly, no problems. Mike Bailey, Hon. Sec. made a quite substantial Report which raised many points of interest to every thinking recreational sea angler. There is a great deal of change which is already happening. Much of it is simply catching up with best practice in other more enlightened Countries around the world. Many things are happening now, and all at the same time. These will undoubtedly result in massive changes to how the marine environment is protected over the next few years and onwards. It is none too soon. I have reproduced the bulk of the content of Mike's address, for your interest, information and attention: Brixham SAC - Secretary’s Report The Club has had a very successful angling year as reported by other officers of the club, despite the fall in recorded specimen fish.. Please note that insurance for individuals is no longer provided within the club subscription, and we recommend that all members join the formed Angling Trust which has excellent cover for all angling activities and is £20 for Seniors, £5 for juniors. In this way you are also strengthening the voice with which it speaks on the forthcoming Marine Bill and other associated legislature. The Angling Trust has had a very busy first year and although membership did not reach initial targets is now on a much sounder footing. There are changes to the Competition Structure for 2010 and also to the Prizes as we have tried to make the angling section finances more secure. These will be found in the Club handbook which will be with you in February. Doug has already thanked the Committee for their work in helping to run the Club. We are very fortunate in having a large and experienced Committee for a number of years. It should be noted that numbers of the Committee have represented us on other Committees and in other ways. Mike Roberts attended meetings with the Berry Head Country Park and also as Wyvern representative, a number of members represent the club on the Torbay Festival Committee, ( Doug Mosedale, John Heather and Jim Laing), Paul Cottell attended meetings and captained our Torbay Shield team, Graham Dryer arranged the sponsorship for the RLNI competition as well as the Shakespeare Starter Kit competition in August, and Doug Mosedale was appointed to the Devon Forum as RSA representative for the Finding Sanctuary project. Additionally, outside of the Committee, we would wish to acknowledge the support and help of Mike Concannon with his Fishing Dartmouth site, and the publicity he gives us on a web page there, and also to Tim Clyburn, who continues to fine tune the computer programme to enable it to run smoothly. 2009 will be remembered as a year when the “politics” of fishing were never far away. It is important for Club members to understand that there are a large number of significant developments which are all happening at the same time. They have all been discussed at Committee level and you should understand that Brixham has been at the forefront in representing the views of anglers in regional and national forums. This has required a huge amount of time commitment for some of the members. A list of the main issues and developments is appended below. 1. Finding Sanctuary Project The setting up of extensive Marine Protection Zones inshore and offshore in UK waters has started. All political parties are in agreement with the aims and aspirations of these zones. There are 4 regions in the UK and others for Wales and Scotland. The Finding Sanctuary project covers the whole of the south west to a notional 200 miles offshore in some parts. Finding Sanctuary is the furthest on in the process and all sites have to be identified and submitted to DEFRA by June 2011 and then for consultation and ratification for 2012. Brixham Club was the first in the country to have some of its members interviewed as part of the consultation process, ( some 40 members) by Dave Murphy from the Finding Sanctuary team. All the information from different stakeholders is being mapped onto computers to show where the main areas of maximum usage and possible conflict points are likely to be. The purpose of the MPA’s is to provide protection at different levels for some 5,000 identified species that are listed in the criteria. In itself it is NOT there to act as a tool to provide fishery protection, which is the province of the Common Fishing Policy, but clearly, if the zones are effective and managed properly, then it will have this effect too. Anyone who has not been interviewed by Finding Sanctuary can log onto their web site and do it on line. Mike Bailey is one of 3 representatives from the RSA sector appointed to the Steering Committee of 40 and this has involved training days before the difficult challenge of drawing lines on the marine maps starts in February of 2010. 2. Marine Bill This received Royal Assent in November of 2009. As a result it will continue through until, with amendments, it becomes law. MC Commented: It actually became law when it received the Royal Assent in Parliament. This enabling legislation enables the creation of many things including Marine Protected Zones; even licences for RSAs in the fullness of time. Mike Bailey attended a meeting with other RSA representatives in London at DEFRA headquarters at the beginning of the year to state strongly the arguments against including the RSA sector in with commercial fishermen, ( the infamous clause 47). The article has been re-numbered but there are still concerns about the possible treatment of boat anglers. There are proposals to monitor boat catches, ( how?!!!), and possibly to include some stocks that are under pressure with quotas for boats, ( cod is the likely species to be included). Mike Concannon and Mike Bailey were interviewed by BBC south west for the Politics show on this subject. Also, the article clearly states that NO RSA member can SELL any part of their catch, and this includes any boat which they are sailing on at the time. This has resulted in the following; Brixham Club has constantly lobbied the Angling Trust and Wyvern for clarification on this issue. As a result the Angling Trust has made a clear and unambiguous ruling which Brixham Club has adopted in full and which is to be found in the new Handbook. Wyvern also agreed to this from October of 2009. There is at least one local club that has members who strongly oppose the ruling but to do so would be in contravention of the forthcoming Marine Bill and would debar those clubs from being described as Angling Clubs. The Club has responded in full to the detailed consultation on the Marine Bill and will also respond to the amendments which have been made to this 120 page document. 3. Reform of the Common Fishing Policy Brixham Club has responded to various parts of the consultation; the CF Policies own auditors had reported that the CFP had been an unmitigated disaster, with weak regulation and over fishing leading to the collapse of many important stocks. As follows. a) Article 47 and the difficulties in monitoring and enforcing any regulation within it within the RSA sector. b) Proposals to monitor and carry out regulation of the commercial fleet from catch to point of sale. c) Protection of proposed new Marine Protection Areas. d) Issue of discards which all sides agree is a disgraceful waste of a valuable resource. e) Question of angling activity within Marine Protected Areas. 4. Marine Fishing Boundaries As a separate part of this reform the Club supported the creation of Devon/Somerset geographic unit as the best way forward for monitoring and enforcement of the waters of the region. This has now been adopted by DEFRA. 5. Composition of the new Fisheries Committees. Club has responded strongly to support Committees that are NOT self-serving for the commercial fishing sector. We strongly support Committees that have a balance of stake holders and which look at sustainability rather than extraction. 6. Underwater cables; serving new large Wind Farms. DEFRA No wind farms planned in our area as Navy requires large areas for exercises around Plymouth and Lyme Bay. However, concerns are raised about the vibration from the generators of these large units and the reported absence of fish/ dolphins, etc. due to the underwater electro pulses caused. 7. Natural England This body has a specific remit to protect , conserve and enhance the marine environment from the shore to 12 mile limit. Club has responded informally to consultation on proposed areas of reef and sandbanks for consideration. In the south west the area from Watcombe to south of Dartmouth, including the whole of Torbay, and reefs from Prawle to Plymouth, are examples of the extensive areas that are to be considered. Club generally welcomes this initiative with the reservation that there could be significant growth of fixed gear by commercial boats to replace towed gear, ( trawling and scalloping). The formal consultation is currently being addressed by the Club. 8.Marine Conservation Society Proposed areas of total protection: Club has noted that the Sea Caves at Berry Head and Babbacombe Bay, ( sea horse breeding site), are two examples of local areas being considered. 8. Sea Torbay A local group looking at sea users within Torbay. Mike B has attended a number of meetings as the only RSA member from the bay. 9. Ban on any netting for fish within the Exe estuary. This has happened as commercial fishermen have used white fish licences to catch mullet but at the same time to catch and sell bass, ( a protected species in this nursery area). It will be worth exploring the possibilities of extending this to the Teign and Dart where it is legally possible to net mullet whilst catching bass in these nursery areas. Miscellaneous Issues The Club offered to host the British Conger Club Championships in 2010 but there has been no developments despite a number of contacts to them. MC Commented: It transpires that it has since been arranged at Weymouth. Disappointment that no info was forthcoming from the BCC. The list above gives a general feel of the number of important developments that are happening simultaneously and which have required much time and effort to respond to. This as well as a full and varied programme of angling events which the Club provides for its members. There will be much to reflect on in a year’s time, but if just some of these proposed developments happen and can be monitored effectively, then there is the growing possibility of seas starting to make a recovery, particularly in those areas receiving protection. Saturday 9th January - Angling Trust WYVERN Division - FISH OF THE MONTH FROM 1-10-08 to 30-09-09 RESULTS OCTOBER 2008Senior Boat Sallie Date T&B ASA Conger 74-5-0 148.6% Area C Runner-up Dave Wiseman Teignmouth SAS Cod 21-2-8 105.7% Area A Senior Shore Dave Horrill Plymouth SAC Blonde ray 26-1-0 260.6% Area C Runner-up Ashley Cockram Brixham SAC Pouting 2-8-8 168.7% Area C Junior Boat James Eden Rodbenders SAC Black bream 3-5-0 94.6% Area C Runner-up Joseph Caunter Brixham SAC Mackerel 1-7-10 73.8% Area C Second runner-up Joseph Caunter Brixham SAC Whiting 2-2-14 62.2% Area C Junior Shore Conor Kelly Roving Rods SAC Mullet 3-10-0 85.2% Area C Runner-up Ciaran Farley Brixham SAC Wrasse 3-14-8 78.1% Area C Second Runner-up Callum Hardwick Honiton SAC Garfish 0-13-8 67.5% Area D
NOVEMBER 2008 Senior Boat Rob Marshall Brixham SAC Pollack 15-5-10 95.9% Area C Runner-up Rob Marshall Brixham SAC Ling 16-6-10 82.0% Area C Senior Shore Sean Coulson Brixham SAC 3-Bearded rockling 2-3-2 146.3% Area C Runner-up Carl Turnstill Teignmouth SAS Flounder 3-6-6 136.2% Area C Junior Boat L Corbett Paignton SAA Pollack 18-5-9 114.6% Area C Runner-up --- Second runner-up --- Junior Shore Craig Horton West Bay SAC Pouting 1-13-10 (840g) 123.4% Area D Runner-up Rhys Coulson Brixham SAC 3-Bearded rockling 1-6-4 92.7% Area C Second runner-up Ciaran Farley Brixham SAC LS Dogfish 2-1-10 84.0% Area C
DECEMBER 2008 Senior Boat Kevin Tapper Teignmouth SAS Pollack 18-5-6 114.5% Area C Runner-up P Passmore Paignton SAA LS Dogfish 3-1-14 103.9% Area C Senior Shore Mark Bryce Rodbenders SAC Pouting 2-1-8 139.5% Area C Runner-up Darryll Farley Brixham SAC Conger 33-12-0 135.0% Area C Junior Boat L Corbett Paignton SAA Pollack 13-1-1 81.6% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA Flounder 1-14-0 75.0% Area C Second runner-up --- Junior Shore Conor Kelly Roving Rods SAC Flounder 2-8-0 100.0% Area C Runner-up Jake Bagwell Axminster SAC LS Dogfish 1-12-0 70.0% Area D Second runner-up Tom Strong Honiton SAC Pouting 0-8-8 35.4% Area D
JANUARY 2009Senior Boat Mike Barnes Paignton SAA Pouting 3-6-3 112.8% Area CRunner-up Mike Spiller Honiton SAC Pouting 3-2-8 105.2% Area D Senior Shore Mark Bryce Rodbenders SAC Pouting 3-4-0 216.6% Area C Runner-up Andy Copping Brixham SAC Whiting 1-14-8 127.0% Area C Junior Boat L Corbett Paignton SAA Pollack 21-0-0 131.2% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA LS Dogfish 2-1-6 69.5% Area C Second runner-up --- Junior Shore Rhys Coulson Brixham SAC Wrasse 4-14-14 98.5% Area C Runner-up Conor Kelly Roving Rods SAC Flounder 1-11-8 85.9% Area A Second runner-up Rhys Coulson Brixham SAC Wrasse 4-1-8 81.8% Area C
FEBRUARY 2009Senior Boat Kevin Rouse T&B ASA Whiting 4-6-8 125.8% Area C Runner-up Alex Parker DOE SAC Pollack 19-13-0 123,.8% Area C Senior Shore Jason Upham Brixham SAC Thornback ray 13-3-15 132.4% Area C Runner-up Martin Hall Teignmouth SAS Flounder 2-11-9 109.7% Area C Junior Boat L Corbett Paignton SAA Pollack 15-9-1 97.2% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA LS Dogfish 2-6-10 80.4% Area C Second runner-up L Cosgrave Paignton SAA Plaice 2-13-7 63.1% Area C Junior Shore Rhys Coulson Brixham SAC Wrasse 3-4-9 65.7% Area C Runner-up ------ Second runner-up -------
MARCH 2009Senior Boat Nigel Foord T&B ASA Ling 33-3-0 165.9% Area C Runner-up P Passmore Paignton SAA Pollack 20-15-10 131.0% Area C Senior Shore Jason Upham Brixham SAC Thornback ray 13-3-4 132.0% Area C Runner-up Rob Wheaton Rodbenders SAC Thornback ray 13-0-0 130.0% Area C Junior Boat ------ Runner-up ------ Second runner-up ------ Junior Shore Paul Grinter West Bay SAC 3-Bearded rockling 905g 133,0% Area D Runner-up Jake Bagwell Axminser SAC LS Dogfish 1-12-0 70.0% Area D Second runner-up Michael Tapper Teignmouth SAS Wrasse 3-7-0 68.7% Area C
APRIL 2009Senior Boat Chris Date T&B ASA Bull huss 13-6-8 111.7% Area C Runner-up Mike Concannon Brixham SAC Ling 21-11-11 108.6% Area C Senior Shore Jason Upham Brixham SAC Bull huss 16-2-10 161.6% Area C Runner-up Adam Slack Brixham SAC Bull huss 14-11-12 147.3% Area C Junior Boat Joseph Caunter Brixham SAC Pouting 2-6-14 80.9% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA LS Dogfish 2-2-4 71.3% Area C Second runner-up ------ Junior Shore Samson Roberts Honiton SAC Small-eyed ray 9-13-4 122.8% Area D Runner-up Jake Bagwell Axminster SAC LS Dogfish 1-8-4 60.6% Area D Second runner-up ------
MAY 2009 Senior Boat Danny Dagger Teignmouth SAS Bass 11-4-6 125,.4% Area C Runner-up Nick Best T&B ASA Bull huss 13-9-0 113.0% Area C Senior Shore Andy Copping Brixham SAC Small-eyed ray 13-10-14 170.9% Area C Runner-up Steve Fedrick Rodbenders SAC Smoothhound 12-0-0 150.0% Area A Junior Boat William Messenger T&B ASA LS Dogfish 2-4-0 75.0% Area C Runner-up ------ Second runner-up ----- Junior Shore Corey Upham Brixham SAC Garfish 1-11-8 114.5% Area C Runner-up Harvey Bevan-Jones Brixham SAC Garfish 1-3-4 80.2% Area C Second runner-up Ciaran Farley Brixham SAC Thin-lipped mullet 2-9-2 73.4% Area C
JUNE 2009 Senior Boat Mark Loewy T&B ASA Wrasse 7-3-0 143.7% Area C Runner-up Lee Vosper Rodbenders SAC Tope 44-0-0 125.7% Area R Senior Shore Ashley Cockram Teignmouth SAS Small-eyed ray 12-6-8 155.0% Area C Runner-up Richard Banham Rodbenders SAC Small-eyed ray 11-8-0 143.7% Area C Junior Boat Paul Grinter West Bay SAC Conger 45-14-0 114.6% Area D Runner-up Corey Upham Brixham SAC Mullet 3-10-3 85.5% Area C Second runner-up Archie Foord T&B ASA Wrasse 4-1-1 81.3% Area C Junior Shore Archie Foord T&B ASA LS Dogfish 2-5-4 93.1% Area C Runner-up Archie Foord T&B ASA Wrasse 3-13-2 76.4% Area C Second runner-up Ciaran Farley Brixham SAC Thin-lipped mullet 2-10-11 Area C
JULY 2009Senior Boat Doug Mosedale Brixham SAC Bull huss 14-7-0 120.3% Area C Runner-up Mike Spiller Honiton SAC Blonde ray 13-8-0 67.5% Area R Senior Shore Rob Yorke Roving Rods SAC Small-eyed ray 12-4-0 153.1% Area C Runner-up Martin Cockram Teignmouth SAS Thornback ray 14-14-8 149.2% Area C Junior Boat ----- Runner-up ----- Second runner-up ----- Junior Shore Corey Upham Brixham SAC Garfish 0-14-14 61.9% Area C Runner-up Archie Foord T&B ASA Garfish 0-14-6 59.8% Area C Second runner-up Callum Hardwick Honiton SAC Mackerel 0-10-8 37.5% Area D
AUGUST 2009 Senior Boat Mike Spiller Honiton SAC Red gurnard 1-10-0 130.0% Area D Runner-up David Rowe Teignmouth SAS Ling 23-8-0 117.5% Area C Senior Shore David Cornick West Bay SAC Smoothhound 17-6-0 217.1% Area R Runner-up David Cornick West Bay SAC Smoothhound 15-9-0 194.5% Area R Junior Boat Michael Tappper Teignmouth SAS Cuckoo wrasse 1-7-3 116.5% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA Cuckoo wrasse 1-2-0 90.0% Area C Second runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA LS dogfish 2-6-2 79.4% Area C Junior Shore Michael Tapper Teignmouth SAS Golden grey mullet 2-1-0 103.1% Area C Runner-up Conor Kelly Roving Rods SAC Grey mullet 3-12-0 88.2% Area C Second runner-up Shay Upham Brixham SAC Mackerel 1-1-12 63.3% Area C
SEPTEMBER 2009Senior Boat Mark Stevens DOE SAC Red gurnard 2-11-0 215.0% Area C Runner-up Graham Dryer Brixham SAC Black bream 5-3-8 149.1% Area C Senior Shore Sean Coulson Brixham SAC Golden grey mullet 3-1-6 154.2% Area C Runner-up Rob Yorke Roving Rods SAC Conger 34-0-0 136.0% Area C Junior Boat William Messenger T&B ASA Bull huss 10-7-0 86.9% Area C Runner-up William Messenger T&B ASA LS dogfish 2-4-0 75.0% Area C Second runner-up ----- Junior Shore Ciaran Farley Brixham SAC LS dogfish 2-8-1 100.1% Area C Runner-up Corey Upham Brixham SAC Ballan wrasse 4-9-3 91.4% Area C Second runner-up Shay Upham Brixham SAC LS dogfish 2-2-10 86.5% Area C
RECORDS Senior Shore Mark Bryce Rodbenders SAC Pout 3-4-0 Area C caught in January 2009 Senior Shore Nick Goodwright Teignmouth SAS Blonde Ray 26-3-0 Area C caught in October 2009* Senior Shore Dan Bristown West Bay SAC 5 Bearded Rockling 180g Area D caught in February 2009 Senior Boat James Barr West Bay SAC Poor Cod 90g Area D caught in June 2009 Senior Boat James Barr West Bay SAC Corkwing Wrasse 145g Area D caught in May 2009 Senior Boat David Pakes Paignton SAA Pollack 25-2-3 Area C caught in January 2009 Junior Shore Oliver Mears West Bay SAC Sandsmelt 0-1-8 Area D caught in October 2009* Junior Shore Craig Horton West Bay SAC Shanny 62g Area D caught in May 2009 Junior Boat Paul Grinter West Bay SAC Poor Cod 80g Area D caught in June 2009 * Still to be ratified at January 2009 meeting
BEST SPECIMEN BY A LADY Mrs Sallie Date T and B ASA 74-5-0 from Boat (148.6%) caught in October 2008 BEST SPECIMEN FLATFISH Carl Turnstill Teignmouth SAS Flounder 3-6.3 (136.2%) caught in November 08 BEST SPECIMEN BASS Danny Dagger Teignmouth SAS 11-4.6 from Boat (125.4%) caught in May 09 BEST SPECIMEN CONGER Mrs Sallie Date T and B ASA 74-5-0 from Boat (148.6%) caught in October 2008 BEST SPECIMEN BREAM Graham Dryer Brixham SAC 5-3-8 from Boat (149.1%) caught in September 09 DAWLISH TROPHY / WATNEY MANN (BEST JUNIOR BOAT SPECIMEN) Latimer Corbett Paignton SAA with a Pollack of 21-0-0 (131.2%) caught in January 2009 DENNIS SMITH MEMORIAL TROPHY (BEST JUNIOR SHORE SPECIMEN) Paul Grinter West Bay SAC with a 3 Bearded Rockling of 905g (133.0%) caught in March 2009 CASTLE TROPHY (BEST OVERALL SPECIMEN OF THE YEAR (Boat or Shore) Dave Horrill Plymouth SAC shore caught Blonde Ray of 26-1-0 (260.6%) caught in October 2008 Dave also wins the money collected from the entries into the Castle Trophy Competition (12 x £5) which come to £60 and this goes to Dave’s charity. Friday 8th January - BBC Radio Devon - Yesterday morning, I recorded a 5 minute interview about sea angling with Phil Tucker. I understand it will be broadcast on BBC Radio Devon either this Saturday or Sunday evening. I know that on previous occasions, my short chats have been broadcast around 5 pm in the evening. I believe that it's good to bring our sport to the notice of folks other than active anglers. Thanks Phil for giving anglers a local voice, your support is very much appreciated. Thursday 7th January - Comment ref Sales of Fishing Licences Hit New Record in 2009 - There has been much froth, dross and generally highly opinionated, if poorly informed comment in the angling press and on certain Internet Forums, regarding the role of the Angling Trust, particularly since the Environment Agency reported a record number of Fishing Licences have been issued during 2009 to Sport and Coarse anglers. This current debate appears to be generating far more heat than light. MC Commented: Here is an informed reply from Mike Heylin, Chairman of AT, whom I for one believe are doing an excellent job. It's well past the time when serious anglers, whether, sea, game, or sport should pay their £20 per year and join the Angling Trust. It would be even better if all those fishing tackle retailers, manufacturers, journalists and Charter Skippers would also join and give their weight to the only recognised representative body for our wonderful sport here in the UK. Without our unstinting collective support they are powerless. You can do so on line by visiting www.anglingtrust.net Mike Heylin wrote: "Some won't join because they see the AT as the NFSA in another guise, and they don't want anything to do with competitions on that scale - friendlies on a day out is the most they'll accept. Others won't join because they see the Angling Trust as the Sea Angling Conservation Network in another guise, and they don't want anything to do with an organisation that preaches Catch & Release. Others don't want to be associated with an organisation that concerns itself with what they regard as "sport only" fishing - coarse fishing, which for them is pointless if they can't eat what they catch. Game fishermen are more acceptable to them, as trout & salmon are good eating." The problem as I see it is lack of vision amongst anglers. The points made above basically say that anglers won't join AT because at the moment it looks like the organisations which preceded it. Why should that surprise anyone? AT can and will only look different when anglers come on board, get involved and make their voices heard within AT, on its committees, in its regions and in its policy making. That will take time, but I am hearing too many voices saying they won't even give us that time. Is it that their egos are more important to them than the future of angling? Is it that they want cream today but don't wish to pay for it? Is it simply that they totally misunderstand the scale of the problem of managing a major change like that we launched in January 2009? Actually I think most of the points made above are already wrong, but then I am close to the centre and can see change happening now. There has been no statement of policy from AT saying we only support C&R. We support the right of sea anglers to take fish for the table, that is the whole basis of the "sport". It is an area where we are concerned that coarse angling is going wrong and have expressed our concerns to the EA during the process leading up to the current consultation on new byelaws on fish removals in freshwater. They are concerns the EA shares but they are driven by what they perceive as the majority. Some on this loop share the view that no fish should ever be removed from the waters they fish, that does not make it AT policy. AT and its volunteers organise competitions because that is a function of a body recognised by Sport England as a National Governing Body. Competitions are not the be all and end all of AT nor will they ever be, but they are an important part of many anglers enjoyment with a rod in their hands, are important in terms of international team development and help in introducing many new faces to angling as well as supporting club structures and providing a pathway for personal development in one specialised area of angling. On the board of directors of AT, who all do this voluntarily and are not even paid expenses to cover their costs, there are game fishers, sea anglers and coarse fishers. Most of us fish in more than one discipline, would not consider ourselves anything other than anglers, and are doing this because we think it matters for the future, not only of the sport but also to future generations, that they should have at least the opportunities we have all enjoyed to go fishing and catch something, preferable lots and big fish. Aggregated I think the board splits out like this; sea fishers 4, game anglers 6 and coarse anglers 6 - that is amongst a total of eight people, so you can see we nearly all have interests in more than one area of the sport. It seems the world is full of people these days who want their "pound of flesh" before they will part with £20 or those who always say, "They should do something about that!". In this case the "they" is anglers, because if we don't do it, no one else will do it for us. Whether we like it or not, AT is the only game in town. If it fails angling will be left without any representation at national and international level, will be left with no voice to influence future regulation at any level and will within a very short time be a thing of history as a mass participation sport. And have no doubt in the 21st century more and more regulation will be forced on us by governments more concerned with control of increasing populations than with freedoms for those populations. The reaction to the events of 9/11 should show you the way government thinks. In my opinion we lost the war on terrorism when we made the first change to accommodate the threat. That is how government thinks and works. Without a strong voice angling will be blown in the winds of change. AT is not perfect, you see that and so does the board. We are working with what we have to try to make a difference, with very limited resources. We can only make changes as we can afford them, which needs new members, and as new people come forward to volunteer to take on roles at various levels. The bickering which goes on within angling needs to be seen from the outside. That which we share gives us more in common with each other than that which differentiates us. When anglers finally realise that simple fact we will have a voice which government and its agencies will quail at when anglers speak. Unification was never about simply bringing the pre-existing organisations together, that was only the first stage. Unification was always going to be about getting anglers, in spite of their differences, working cooperatively together for the future. If we could convert the passion we all share, and express, in these email loops, on the forums and in the letters to the magazines into cohesive action working together for the common good, how powerful do you think the voice of angling might be? Steve Coppolo writes with a passion. I think we all share, his frustration with AT shows through but he seems to think that those of us within AT do not share that frustration. I have news for him, we do! We cannot change as fast as we want because we do not have the resources in money or people. If I had someone who could write and deliver 800 words a month, with pictures, on AT and what we are doing, to Boat Fishing Monthly and all the other media, regularly, don't you think we would do so. Anyone standing up to volunteer? If we had another 4,000 members we could afford to employ a professional to do that and so much more. Getting from where we are to where we want to be is very difficult, it was always going to be so. Being diverted by squabbling gives us about the same chance as Brown has of being re-elected. Wednesday 6th January - Angling Trust Wyvern Division Shore Open Competition Results - Many thanks to my good pal Mike Spiller, Hon. Sec. of the Angling Trust, Wyvern Division for the results of this competition, which was hosted on Sunday 3rd November at Beesands, just to the West of Dartmouth. Thanks Mike your input is very much appreciated: Angling Trust – Marine -Wyvern Open Shore Beesands/Slapton, South Devon, on 3rd January 2010.
Despite the weather forecast, 95 competitors braved the cold to fish the first Angling Trust event of the new year, The Wyvern Open Festival, held at the popular South Hams beaches of Beesands and Slapton on a day when the easterly winds gradually built to make the fishing very difficult.
The decision to continue to extend the fishing times into the evening was again vindicated with many fish being caught after dark resulting in a good weigh in of whiting in particular.
The competitors were permitted to bring only one fish of each species to the scales and the competition was judged on the best fish of two species.
However only a few anglers were able to find a second species and the well deserved winner was the successful South Devon Angler, Ashley Cockram of the Teignmouth SAS with a combination of a near specimen flounder and a whiting. He was presented with the top prize of £150 and the Brixham Bowl.
The tackle prizes were valued at over £700 and were awarded down to 15th place, these were presented by the main sponsor, Julian Shambrook of the “Anyfish Anywhere”, to whom the Division is very grateful.
Thanks were also extended to the Cricketers Inn, Beesands for their hospitality. All fish brought to the scales were prepared for the table.
The Results were as follows:-
First : £150 Brixham Bowl Ashley Cockram Teignmouth SAS Flounder 2lb- 5.4oz and a Whiting. 0 -14.2oz Total 152.67%
Second Pick of the Prize table & Appledore Cup Ben Bradstock West Bay L.S.Dogfish. 1lb-12.4oz and Whiting. 0 -15.2oz Total 134.33%
Third Pick of the Prize table & Sidmouth Cup Darren Stevens Weston Outcasts L.S.Dogfish. 1lb- 10.8oz, and Whiting. 0 - 13.2oz Total 122%
Fourth Pick of the Prize table & Bideford Cup David Cogger 3’Bs Burnham on Sea, Whiting 1lb-5.2oz Total 88.33%
Fifth Pick of the Prize table Neil Hargreeves Kingsbridge SAC, Devon Whiting 1lb–1.2oz Total 71.67%
Sixth Pick of the Prize table Steven Rathbone West Bay SAC. Whiting 1lb-1oz Total 70.83%
Seventh Pick of the Prize table Marcus Ward Torbay 5 Babbacombe SAC Whiting 14.6oz Total 60.83%
Eighth Pick of the Prize table Steve Parker DOE SAC, Plymouth Whiting 14.4oz Total 60%
Ninth Pick of the Prize table Hugh Rathbone West Bay, Whiting 14.2oz Total 59.17%
Tenth - Equal Pick of the Prize table David Gracie Weston Outcasts, Whiting 14oz Total 58.333%
Tenth - Equal Pick of the Prize table Dave Nicholls, Blackdown SAC, Taunton Whiting 14oz Total 58.333%
Twelfth Equal Pick of the Prize table Stuart Withyman Weston outcasts Whiting 13.6oz Total 56.67%
Twelfth Equal Pick of the Prize table Mark Barnett Kingsbridge SAC Whiting 13.6oz Total 56.67%
Fourteenth Pick of the Prize table Rick Dorgan Bristol Whiting 13.2oz Total 55%
Fifteenth Pick of the Prize table Chris Equal Newport, South Wales Whiting 13oz Total 54.16%
Best Team Team Shield Team” E” Honiton Hookers Terry Hartnell, Ben Bradstock, Barry Codling, Stephan Herbert Total 265.166 %
Team “F” Marcus Ward, Ashley Cockram, Taff Pierce, Nick Goodright Total 244.333 %
Pool (best individual species) 95 entries Ashley Cockram Teignmouth SAS Flounder 2lb - 5.5oz 93.50% £47.50 Dave Cogger 3’Bs Burnham on Sea Whiting 1lb – 5.2oz 88.33% £28.50 Neil Hargreeves Kingsbridge SAC Whiting 1lb – 1.2oz 71.67% £19.00 Monday 4th January - "Samuel Irvin 3" Available Charter Dates for Individuals - Ian Noble has sent me dates when he will be delighted to take individual anglers "Fishing Dartmouth" over the coming months, aboard his Dartmouth charter boat, the big white and blue Blyth 33 catamaran, "Samuel Irvin 3"..
"Samuel Irvin 3" Chartering out of Dartmouth Please left click your mouse on this button to see a detailed list of available dates:
On many such dates, Mike Concannon will also be aboard to help those new to our sport, or to assist more experienced anglers as and when they ask.
If you pre-order and pre-pay for bait and other tackle from Brixham Bait & Tackle, on (01803) 853 390 Mike will be pleased to pick it up and deliver it to the boat for you, if this will help you out. You would of course need also to let Mike know via mike@fishingdartmouth.co.uk when you require bait and tackle to be collected by him on your behalf. Shore Flounder - Email received this morning, from my good pal Alex McDonald, who works for Swift Tackle Ltd, the Exeter based importer of top quality hooks by Sakuma, and lures by "Red Gill", the ever popular and effective artificial fish attractors. Thanks Alex, much appreciated. Here's what Alex wrote: I am sorry that I did not send you many pictures last year. We had problems with cameras and I went back to my old film camera, but I got a new one for Christmas, so will try and send you more. My Brother, Bruce, was down over Christmas and we did a lot of Floundering. My best was this one at 3 lbs 1 oz.
Bruce caught a fine Flounder which weighed 2 lbs 12 ozs.
My pal, Gary Tucker beat us both fairly and squarely when he landed a real specimen Flounder, which tipped the scales to 3 lbs 6 ozs.
Sunday 3rd January - Latimer Corbett Wreck Pollack - Latimer Corbett, who usually fishes off Dartmouth, aboard his Dad's boat, DH3 "Deborah Jane", Emailed this evening. Thanks Lats. Much appreciated. Here's what Latimer wrote: Nice Winter Pollack. Weighed alongside in Dartmouth on Salter scales at 19-5-0 on Saturday 2nd January.
Russell Farley Conger Eel from Shore - Email received this afternoon from my good pal and fellow member of Brixham SAC, Russell Farley. Thanks Russell. Much appreciated. Here's what Russell wrote: Went Conger Fishing New Years Day, from shore at Berry Head, Brixham. My Brother, Darryll, had the first fish, but I took the last and biggest one at 21 lbs 1 oz 11 dr. Conditions were a bit lumpy as the swell from the strong winds was still battering the rocks. Darryll did a good job of gaffing my Eel.
"Outlaw" Pollack - Email received this morning from Owen Mallia, who charter his Vigilante 33, "Outlaw" out of Dartmouth. Thanks Owen. Much appreciated. Here's what Owen wrote: We managed to get out, between inclement weather patterns, on Saturday 2nd January, for a mid-Channel wrecking trip with a super group of guys. As the weather hasn’t been too helpful lately, we decided to leave a little earlier and come home a little later, to ensure everyone had a quality day out there. The fish, initially, didn’t understand our strategy and weren’t really playing ball with our ‘great day out theme’, but after sticking to our guns and adopting an element of patience we all started to see fish regularly come aboard each drift, we even managed one or two fine specimen Pollack as the day wore on, most notably from John Adams, Mike ‘The Conger’ Morgan, Nigel Foord and a very nice fish for David Whitaker on our last drift. John Adams from Braunton, caught the best specimen Pollack of the day, I suspect it weighed in excess of 20 lbs when fresh out of the sea. On return to Port in Dartmouth, we weighed it alongside and it tipped the scales to 19 lbs 12 ozs.
Also of note was Geoff Whitmore, from Croyde, who unfortunately lost out in two battles with very promising fish, and judging by the bend in his rod, I am sure they would have been specimens. Finally it was time to head back to Dartmouth, but judging by the anglers faces, yet again, we all enjoyed another great winter day out on "Outlaw of Dartmouth". "Happy Days" Pollack - Aaron Lidstone, who charters his Starfish, "Happy Days", out of Dartmouth, Emailed late yesterday. Thanks Aaron. Much appreciated. Here's what Aaron wrote: Just to let you know I was out on the mid-Channel wrecks today, shooting a magazine article for Boat Fishing Monthly, with Dave Barham and co. As usual the curse of the camera kicked in and we had an awful day and struggled to catch much of any size, but by the end of the day, we managed 15 Pollack between 3 anglers, with 5 or 6 going into double figures and the best of around mid-doubles. I only took a couple of shots but I'm sure the pros will have some good shots for me, but I won't spoil the article.
Thursday 31st December - Brixham SAC Members' Competition Dates for 2010 - Doug Mosedale kindly send a full list of Brixham SAC Members' Competition dates for 2010. You easily can view them and copy them to your diary. Just left click your mouse on this button to see them all:
Rocky Marshall's Ballan Wrasse from Shore - Email received this afternoon from Doug Mosedale, Fishing Chairman of Brixham SAC. Thanks Doug. Much appreciated. Nice fish and good to know it was returned alive and well to grow, breed and fight again another day. Here's what Doug wrote: Brixham SAC member Rob Marshall's caught this excellent Ballan Wrasse from shore on Monday 28th December. This fish was returned alive ; healthy and kicking.
Record Number Hooked on Fishing as the Recession Bites - Item gleaned by my good pal Leon Roskilly from today's edition of the Daily Mail Newspaper. This should silence the doubters who have recently been musing on the real numbers of anglers in the UK. You have to add to this figure the substantial numbers of sea anglers, who do not require a licence to fish. Thanks Leon and thank you to the Daily Mail for giving these figures an airing to a wider audience. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1239550/Fishing-increase-recession-bites.html 'Cheap and cheerful': A record 1.5m angling licences were sold this year Tens of thousands of people are turning to fishing as the recession bites. A record 1.5million angling licences were sold this year – 12 per cent more than the 1,336,000 in 2008 and a 50 per cent rise from just over one million a decade ago. The Environment Agency puts the rise in popularity down to cleaner rivers with more fish, a boom in commercial fisheries, free angling guides – and the credit crunch. With rod licences costing as little as £26 a year, or 50p a week, the agency's head of fisheries, Mat Crocker, said angling was the perfect 'cheap and cheerful' hobby. Other thrifty pastimes enjoying a resurgence include sewing, camping and hosting dinner parties rather than eating out. "Outlaw of Dartmouth" Available Charter Dates for Individuals - Owen Mallia has sent me available dates for charter trips aboard his Vigilante 33, "Outlaw of Dartmouth". I have published them on a separate dedicated web page, within this web site, for your information and attention.
"Outlaw of Dartmouth" Just left click your mouse on this button to see the full details:
I will of course also display available dates for other top local charter boats including, "Gemini"; "Samuel Irvin 3" and "Anglo Dawn III" All these Skippers will ensure that no matter whether you are an old hand or are completely new to this sport, that you receive all the help you will ever need to assure your success and enjoyment. Our joint aim is to ensure that top quality sea angling is readily accessible to all who may consider participating in our wonderful sport. Monday 28th December - Beneteau Antares 620 For Sale - Are you looking for a boat? Left Click your mouse on this button to view a very well fitted out "Beneteau Antares 620", with a new up-rated engine etc..
Shay Upham's Flounder - Email received from my good pal and fellow member of Brixham SAC, Jason Upham, who took his lads fishing for Flounders from shore at Kingsbridge with great success. Thanks Jason. Much appreciated. Here's what Jason wrote: I went with my lads on Boxing Day, to try for Flounders at Kingsbridge. After several moves due to crab trouble, we found a spot where they weren't feeding and Shay had a couple Flounders at 1-3-0 and 2-7-13. A nice fish to finish his year with.
"Gemini" Charters Available Dates - I have today published an extensive list of dates from now, through to December 2010, when local Skipper, Dave Harrison will take anglers charter fishing out of Dartmouth aboard his local charter boat, "Gemini".
"Gemini" Chartering out of Dartmouth These include mid-week dates when individual anglers will be made most welcome and weekend dates when the whole boat is available for fishing charters to groups of anglers. You can see the dates on this web site if you simply left click your mouse on this button:
Please contact Dave direct on 01803 851 766 or 07968 599 245 or Email dave@geminifishing.co.uk You can visit Dave's web site at www.geminifishing.co.uk to learn more. Thursday 24th December - "Happy Days" Pollack - My good pal Aaron Lidstone, who charters his Starfish, "Happy Days" out of Dartmouth, Emailed this afternoon. Thanks Aaron. Have a great Christmas and an even better New Year. Here's what Aaron wrote: Firstly, may I wish you and yours all the very best for Christmas and the New Year. I hope you have a good one and are settling into your new home. Secondly, please could you could wish my customers the same through your site that would be appreciated. Lastly, sorry for the delay on last Saturday's catch report. I've been bed-bound with a chest infection. MC Commented - Patsy & I also contracted a nasty chest infection which took a couple of weeks to clear. Not good, but all OK now. We fished four wrecks out of Dartmouth with the Hunting Lodge SAC and by dinnertime, we hardly had a fish on board, but as the tide turned, on the last wreck, so the fish woke up and we had a marvellous few hours sport, with everyone on-board catching decent Pollack. The best specimen Pollack weighed 17 lbs12 ozs. All these fish were caught on "Tsunami" Shad soft lures.
Monday 21st December - "Gemini" Pollack - My good friend, Dave Harrison, who charters his "Gemini" out of Dartmouth, popped round to see me at home yesterday afternoon after a good day fishing the mid-Channel wrecks with a group of anglers from Wales, the previous day. Here's what Dave told me: Are you ready for a shock? "Gemini" has been fishing on the mid-Channel wrecks. It was our our first trip for weeks. We had the Penywalin SAC aboard. We fished a total of 3 wrecks. All our fish came on "Sidewinders", "Shads" and "Jellyworm" soft lures. We had a very cold start to the day, clearing the frost of the deck came as a big shock to the system, when you’ve just returned from Grand Canaria with temperatures of 23 to 27 degrees everyday. I get told many times I have the best job as Skipper, although it didn’t feel that way at 6.30 this morning. It's still a great job. Happy Xmas to everyone with a rod in their hand.
Saturday 19th December - "Outlaw" Pollack - Email received this evening from my friend Owen Mallia, who now owns and charters his Vigilante 33, "Outlaw of Dartmouth" out of Dartmouth. Owen was at sea today with a group of my regular angling pals, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks off Dartmouth. Thanks Owen, your input is greatly appreciated. Here's what Owen wrote: Just thought I would update you on the outcome of our outing today on "Outlaw of Dartmouth". Although the weather wasn’t great first thing we headed for the mid-Channel wrecks to see how we would fare. The fishing was a little challenging initially, so after checking out a couple of wrecks, with one or two nice fish coming aboard, we came slightly back towards Dartmouth and got stuck in to a few good quality fish. Everyone on board had a great day and enjoyed the chance of getting out, after such a long span of poor weather over the last few weeks.
"Happy Days" Pollack - My good pal Aaron Lidstone, who charters his Starfish "Happy Days" out of Dartmouth Emailed late yesterday evening. Thanks Aaron. Much appreciated. Here's what Aaron wrote: Had a day out this week in another window of weather and the fishing was superb again. We managed to catch 40 Pollack between three of us and 14 of them were good doubles up to 16 lbs. No monsters like last trip, but a nice short days sport. All fish were on orange "Eddy jellies". The short chap is Barry Littlelegs and chap with the beard is Jon Mitchell. Oh and as you've guessed, I'm the one with the stupid hat.
Hopefully out both days at the weekend, so I will let you know how it goes. Saturday 12th December - "Happy Days" is commercially licensed to land fish caught for sale at Market - MC Commented: The Owner / Skipper of another Dartmouth based commercial fishing boat, which is properly licensed to fish for sale at market, texted me this evening. This correspondent asked me to mention the Arron Lidstone's boat "Happy Days" also displays registration numbers on its hull, showing that it is also licensed to land fish for sale on the commercial market. I have never had a problem with rod and line commercial fishing for market. In my own perception, a problem exists simply where a commercial fisherman, catching fish for sale, also weighs them in at a recreational sea angling club for prizes, in direct competition with amateur recreational sea anglers. That in my view is not a level playing field. Angling is a sport not profit pastime. Commercial fishing is a quite different proposition. The rule change introduced in 2009 by the Angling Trust defined and cleared up this matter decisively, even though it did leave a sour taste in some small boat commercial fishermen's mouths. The rule and guidelines which accompanied it simply state: This matter is apparently quite properly determined according to the wording of the European Angling Alliance (circa 2004), and the Angling Trust’s own rule and guidelines, published on the 24th June 2009, which state: The Marine Committee of
the Angling Trust meeting in June agreed that they would only represent
recreational sea anglers. The meeting confirmed that the EAA definition
of Recreational Sea Angling formulated in 2004 should be their criteria:
Whilst it was agreed that angling can be both commercial and non-commercial, recreational sea angling can only be non-commercial, as recreational sea anglers do not sell, barter or trade their catch. Recreational sea anglers may return or retain their catch, providing it is above legal minimum size, and consume it within the family. It was discussed that recreational sea angling is pursued for many purposes and a multitude of highly diverse motivations. These include challenge, sport, recreation, achievement, relaxation, etc. To help clarify its position, the Marine Committee explained that if a boat sets out and any part of the catch from that trip is sold, then it is a commercial trip and not recreational sea angling. It was agreed that a charter boat derives its income from offering a service to take anglers out to catch fish for an agreed fee and that the income for a trip does not depend upon the amount of fish caught that trip There is no problem with commercial fishermen using their boats for recreational sea angling, providing they comply with the points outlined above. "Chesil Cod from Shore" - My good pal Jamie Hopwood, who is a fellow member of Brixham SAC, Emailed late yesterday. Thanks Jamie, your input is much appreciated. Here's what Jamie wrote: All this waiting to get out fishing is killing me. It should fish it nuts off when we do eventually get out there. Anyway, .I went fishing the the other day with Pete Flavell and Stuart Shorthouse from Brixham SAC. We headed to Abbotsbury, Dorset, where we fished from low water mid-day up until high at midnight. It fished well in the daylight, but then just switched off when the light fell. Strange ! Never the less, at about 8 pm Pete shouted over, "Fish on", so I headed over to give a hand to land it, as it was hairy there; very steep shelves in to the wash, when to my amazement, this "fella" started to dance on the beach holding his whopper of a Cod, which weighed-in at 12 lbs 2 ozs.
Big Pollack aboard "Happy Days" - My good pal Aaron Lidstone, who recently moved his charter boat "Happy Days" from Plymouth, to a local berth, so he can fish out of Dartmouth, Emailed late yesterday. Thanks Aaron. It's good to know that someone has been out fishing and that the big Pollack are apparently starting to run up-Channel. Here's what Aaron wrote: Just to let you know had a last minute trip to fish the mid-Channel wrecks out of Dartmouth aboard my local charter boat "Happy Days", during a recent brief break in the weather, with some nice results. We managed loads of Pollack during the day, but here are the best three. My own best fish was just ounces short of 20 lbs.
Tim Dyer's Pollack was just over 20 lbs.
Matt Ham's Pollack, the biggest of the day was a whopping personal best which weighed-in at 23 lbs 2 ozs.
All were caught on Eddystone "Eddyjelly" soft lures, mounted on leadheads. Wednesday 9th December - Rubbish - My good friend Pat Tucker who fishes commercially out of Dartmouth, in his dark green hulled Cygnus "True Grit", Emailed late yesterday. Thanks Pat. Much appreciated. Well said. Here's what Pat wrote:
I thought you might be interested in these photos I took aboard my boat True Grit earlier this year. They show the rubbish I took out of my spider crab gear in just two days fishing near Start Point. It comprises foreign items from commercial shipping, locally discarded litter, commercial fishing debris and items lost or discarded by anglers. What is notable is the large increase in the number of Sainsbury's carrier bags that have come up in the last year or so, no prizes for guessing the source of these! MC Commented: Sainsbury's opened a new Supermarket in Dartmouth several months ago. Unfortunately too many people find it acceptable to chuck this stuff in the big marine dustbin where it disappears out of sight and out of mind. Needless to say, when it is found in my nets and pots, it all gets bagged up and put in the proper place, in the bin MC Commented: Please do your bit chaps and ladies. Take your litter home and dispose of it properly. If you ever see anglers tossing rubbish over the side of the boat, confront them and point out the error of their ways. Beach anglers, please take home at least 5 items of rubbish you pick up on the beach, in addition to your own bags and wrappers. This way we all will do everything we can to reduce the litter which finds its way into our coastal waters. Wednesday 5th August - Snowbee "Offshore" Sea Angling Clothing Update - Back in mid-April 2008, more than a year ago, I reviewed the range of breathable Snowbee "Offshore" Sea Angling Clothing. I purposely used it for several weeks and wore it hard, interspersed with frequent washing, to keep it looking fresh and new; that was before I reviewed it. You can read my original in-depth review on my web site at www.fishingdartmouth.co.uk/tackle_tips_22.htm
I have worn it every time I have been to sea since then, that's more than another 15 months of hard use in some appalling conditions. This Summer has been one of the wettest on record, with more than three times the average rainfall for this time of year. I have worn the Salopettes every time I have been to sea, which has been often, as I have spent this Summer crewing aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3", plus numerous "Fishing Dartmouth with Mike Concannon" days aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini", and other days aboard numerous different local boats. I didn't realise how much I would love the side holster built into the Salopettes with a "D Ring" where I can attach and access my "Accurate" pliers and cutters, ready for instant use. Snowbee really have thought of everything. I have worn the 5/8th length jacket far more than the blouson jacket. This has been entirely the fault of circumstances. I love the "Bomber Jacket" style blouson top. I anticipated it would be ideal during the Summer months. Indeed, had we enjoyed a normal Summer, that would have undoubtedly been true. Consequently, I have made more use of the 5/8th length jacket, which has an integral hood and storm cuffs. It has afforded the best protection from this Summer's frequent driving rain and high winds. The outside of my suit is a little marked by stains from hard use, but is otherwise completely in-tact and thoroughly waterproof. The seams do not leak. There are no loose threads. It is comfortable in use and does not trap perspiration, quite unlike so many other suits I have owned over the years. It is not a cheap item of clothing, but in my view it has been worth every penny. It's the best weatherproof clothing I have ever owned. I thoroughly commend it to you. You can contact Snowbee (UK) Ltd at Drakes Court, Langage Business Park, Plymouth, PL7 5JY, telephone +44 (0) 1752 334933 or Email flyfish@snowbee.co.uk for details of your nearest retailer. Wednesday 29th July - "Channel Cut Pro" High Tech Dyneema Braid Line - Those of you who fish with me will know that I have for many years been a strong advocate of braid fishing line. It's far thinner than its monofilament equivalent, which reduces the profile against the pressure of the water, particularly at greater depths, where more line is let out. It has virtually no stretch, which means that you can feel every touch and can set a hook at distance with no problem. My only caveat is that you need to use a softer tipped rod to introduce a spring cushioning effect and please set the clutch on your reel properly at between 33% and 70% of the stated breaking strain of your chosen braid line. I was looking for a thinner braid for my preferred 30 lb b.s., for use for general wreck fishing. I chanced upon a new High Tech Dyneema Braid Line, "Channel Cut Pro", which is plain grey in colour, and has a stated diameter for 30 lb bs at just 0.23 mm, (comparable to around 8 lb bs mono in diameter). I compared this with Berkley Fireline Crystal Braid line, which has a stated diameter for the same bs of 0.38 mm, (and is directly comparable in diameter to 12 lb b.s. mono line). Channel Cut Pro Braided Line is advertised as being 4 x thinner than its monofilament equivalent. The supplier is on the Internet at www.rodringsandthings.co.uk Mine arrived within 24 hours via Royal Mail. It is available in b.s. of 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 at a cost of just £19.99 for 300 metres (328 yds). It arrived in a very neat package, on a wide plastic spool.
I loaded it onto my "Accurate" B2-270 2-speed reel, over a couple of layers of 30 lb b.s. monofilament backing and attached 5 metres of monofilament leader to the end. It filled the spool perfectly, without cutting into itself. I looked closely at its construction. As I said, it's colour is a pale grey. It is noticeably very supple and it was easy to attach the leader and backing with my usual "double grinner" knot. I looked closely at its unusual construction. It does not appear to be twisted as is the common practice, but appears to have a woven construction, which is good, as it was noticeable that it does not unravel itself where it is cut. I took a very close look with a magnifying glass to confirm this. My overall first impressions are most favourable. Over the coming weeks I will get my pals to try it out on my rod and reel and seek their opinions. I'll let you know how it goes when we have used it more in all conditions and have given it a very thorough work-out. www.rodringsandthings.co.uk offer a wide range of lines, hooks, guides, whipping threads, reel seats and other assorted goodies. I shall be shopping there myself again.
Monday 22nd June - "Samuel Irvin 3" Divers in Re-Breather Equipment on Mid-Channel Deep Water Wrecks - As a young man I was a keen diver. In those days back in the early 1960s we just used compressed air in aqualungs. Our protective clothing was of a different age too. The modern sport diver has much in common with anglers. I enjoy helping Ian Noble, who was also a keen diver, aboard "Samuel Irvin 3". Ian also takes parties of divers, who use very modern and sophisticated equipment costing several thousand pounds per person, involving gas mixtures such as compressed air with helium or nitrogen and re-breathers which remove the Co2 by scrubbing the air they breathe underwater and allowing them to re-use it. For the past 2 days we have been out with group of visiting divers, who dived some of the larger mid-Channel wrecks at depths of up to 240 feet. I know it isn't fishing, we're back angling again today. Here's some video footage I shot yesterday. Sorry I haven't got an underwater camera, but I can show you just a snippet of what diving involves above the water on a modern charter boat. We do also get to learn a lot in the process about the condition and marine life on many of our local marks in significant detail. Enjoy.
Sunday 17th May - How to Successfully Tie a Braid Line to a Monofilament or Fluorocarbon Line - I am often asked to show fellow anglers a successful way of tying a braid fishing line to a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader line. I recommend and use the "Double Grinner" knot, which works and has never let me down. The "Double Grinner" knot is what is known as a 100% knot, which means that because it does not cut into itself, it is 100% as strong as the breaking strain of your line. Many other knots will weaken the integrity of the lines by as much as 50% of their breaking strain and I do not use them for that reason. Watch this video clip which I have recorded for your information and learn to tie this useful knot in the comfort of your own home, until you can tie it without any problem, particularly when you have to do so on a rocking boat in a rough sea. It lasts around 7¾ minutes and is easy to view on a Broadband connection.
How NOT To Do It - I have also shown you in my next video clip, a superficially similar knot which is NOT a 100% knot, and which I actively discourage you from using. Watch, learn, and understand why. This clip lasts around 4¾ minutes and is easy to watch on a Broadband connection.
I want to see you all catch very big fish, without any tears and troubles. Preparation goes a very long way towards eventual success.
Wreck Website Updated - The particularly informative diving and angling wrecksite database www.wrecksite.eu was again updated towards the end of October 2009 with all 25,600 UKHO wreck reports, with the latest versions from UKHO. Some 75,000 records on positions, history, and wreck today have been updated and a significant number of new wrecks have been added. To avail yourself of lat long GPS references down to the three figure seconds, together with access to the UK Hydrographic Office full colour marine Charts, you will need to pay a fee of 25 Euros per year to access those essential features. I reckon it's worth every penny if you fish or dive from your own boat, or you operate charter boats.
Saturday 14th February - Article 47 - This irreverent but factual video which currently features on YouTube was sent to me late this evening by another good pal. Tongue in cheek but well worth watching so long as your computer is connected to Broadband. Thanks Barry, some may say it is in poor taste and far too close to the truth, but it had me in stitches:
Tuesday 11th March - New Address for PENN & SHAKESPEARE Servicing - Please note the new address and contact details if you have any Penn or Shakespeare reels for servicing, or require spare parts through the official supplier. They have moved, following their amalgamation:
Friday 5th October - Bill Harkness LIght Line Record Attempt aboard "Gemini" out of Dartmouth - Yesterday, my faith was very much restored in sea angling when I thoroughly enjoyed a day afloat aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini". Bill Harkness, who is already the holder of the 20 lb line class record for a Conger Eel which weighed-in at 86 lbs on 20 line attempted to better his own World, European and British records. Unfortunately Bill did not succeed in doing so on this occasion, but we did enjoy an interesting and enlightening day together in great company. I shot some video of our efforts which I have published via YouTube. You can view it here via your Broadband Internet connection, to see what transpired. Just double left click your mouse on the > play button in the bottom left hand corner of the video screen.
 Saturday 28th April - DEFRA "Fishing Focus" Journal - Here's a link where you can read all issues of DEFRA's regular magazine "Fishing Focus" on-line. You can see the current issue, published today, in addition to all the back copies too. We have a good working relationship with Dr. Marilyn Rawson of DEFRA, and if you want to be fully in the picture as to progress and current affairs as reflected by the relevant Government Department, this is your best source. It is well worth keeping up to speed on such matters. Just left click your mouse on the hyperlink:
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