fishing Dartmouth sea angling Devon uk charter boat shore plaice turbot bass river dart

HOW'S THE FISHING AT THE MOMENT?


 

"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.


 

 

Reliable Local Marine Engine Servicing -

Many of you will already know Will Bower.

He is a member of Brixham SA.

Will was a Senior Marine Engineer at Darthaven Marina for a number of past years.

Will has recently set out on his own business in Marine Engineering Services.

I have known Will for many years as a good friend and angling companion.  I would certainly trust him to service my boat engine.

I wish him well in his new venture.

If you need his help you can contact Will via
07831 614542

 .


 

Fuji CWDBSG line guide
whipped on with Royal Blue
"Guidebrod" thread and finished
with "High Build" two pack epoxy
by Mike Concannon

12th January 2008

Marbled finish on 20 lb class boat rod
built by Mike Concannon

Mid Blue, mixed with Cobalt base colour
overlaid with mid blue lightened by a touch
of chromium white plus a touch of pearlescent
pigment, then some swirls of gold and copper
pigments added to finish it off

Call Mike on 01803 834341  or  07970 409938

or Email mike@fishingdartmouth.co.uk
 

"Seiwa Explorer 3" Colour GPS Chart Plotter
with "Neovo" 15 inch flat screen

As new - fully updated by UK agent
to latest specification July 2008

£ 800

Contact:  Dave Harrison direct via 01803 851 766 or 07968 599 245
or Email dave@geminifishing.co.uk 

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Saturday 26th July - "Gemini" Ling - Dave Harrison was out again today fishing the mid-Channel wreck marks with a group of very satisfied anglers aboard his Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini".  Dave Emailed.  Many thanks greatly appreciated:

Adam Morby caught his first ever Ling, aboard "Gemini", while chartering out of Dartmouth.

Adam Morby caught his
first ever Ling aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Saturday 26th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Chris Date, a member of Torbay and Babbacome ASA caught several top quality Ling.

Chris Date, a member of
Torbay & Babbacombe ASA
caught several fine Ling aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Saturday 26th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Rob "Rocky" Marshall, a member of Brixham SAC, caught another beautiful Ling.

Rob "Rocky" Marshall
a member of Brixham SAC,
caught this superb Ling aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Saturday 26th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

 

Corey and Shay Upham Catch Mullet - Jason Upham, a fellow member of Brixham SAC has enjoyed a busy couple of days fishing for Mullet, together with his two Sons, Corey and Shay, around Brixham.  I appreciate Jason's Emails and great tales.  I fondly recall the day my own Son, Simon, first thrashed me on the Golf Course.  Here's what Jason said:

Thursday 24th July - I took my lads mullet fishing today in Brixham Harbour.  We found a few fish and managed to get them feeding.  Both my boys caught two Mullet each, by free-lining small pieces of Mackerel flesh.

Shay had the biggest at 4 lbs14 ozs.  Corey's best was a new personal best for him at 3 lbs13 ozs14 dr.

Corey Upham (left) caught his
personal best Grey Mullet
3 lbs 13 ozs 14 dr while his Brother
Corey caught his own Grey Mullet
4 lbs 14 ozs on free-lined Mackerel
flesh in Brixham Harbour

Thursday 24th July 2007

Photo courtesy of Jason Upham
 

Both of them very happy,.  I'll have to have a go next time.

The following day, Jason was out again with his two lads.  Here's the result:

The boys and I popped out for another quick Mullet session this evening and once again we found a few fish.

This time Corey caught the best Grey Mullet,  which after a good fight came to the net.  We weighed it in at 5 lbs 0 ozs 10dr.

A cracking Mullet for a junior and a new personal best for Corey.

Corey Upham a Junior member of
Brixham SAC proudly holds his
new personal best Grey Mullet
5 lbs 0 ozs 10 dr caught on
free-lined Mackerel flesh in
Brixham Harbour

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Jason Upham

NFSA Progress in 2007/2008 - Email received from Alan Brothers, Honorary Public Relations Officer to the National Federation of Sea Anglers.  Much appreciated:

NFSA faced threats but made “real progress” in 2007

The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) came out on top of a challenging year  in 2007/08 in which “we have faced up to the threats and made some real progress with the opportunities.”

This was the key message from the federation’s chairman, Richard Ferré, at annual general meeting on July 19.

The financial year ended with a small loss of £2,800 on turnover of £182,34 in normal trading activities.

“Our reserves are adequate to cope with this loss,” he said, “but the board are keen to return the NFSA to a break even situation as soon as possible.”

The outcome had been a significant improvement on predictions following the sudden loss in 2007 of £50,000 of Sport England funding which had been the major financial challenge of the year. 

The year’s major success was the government U–turn over licensing sea anglers.

The revenue loss from Sport England arose from its decision to take the funding away from  the NFSA and use it instead to help pay for the new Angling Development Board (ADB).

Mr. Ferré said that while no one doubted the benefits of such an organisation focussed on training and development, “the sudden withdrawal of some £50,000 of funding hit us very hard. “

After full consultation and backing of members, fees were increased to replace the shortfall.  Initial membership renewals exceeded expectations, particularly from individuals.

However, a number of clubs felt the increase excessive and were seeking alternatives for insurance.

“This is unfortunate, but understandable when viewed in simple finance terms,” Mr. Ferré said.

“However, the NFSA is about much more than insurance and we will be talking hard to these clubs to help them understand just what a complete job we do, and must continue to do, on their behalf.”

On the government’s licensing proposals, Mr. Ferré´said while there was some acceptance of the principle of licensing in a well managed fishstock situation, the current state of fishstocks, compounded by the reversal of the bass minimum landing size decision, “generated a real depth of ill-feeling.” 

The NFSA represented this to the government and as a result the legislation which would have allowed licenses, was removed from the draft Marine Bill.  

The NFSA was continuing to carefully consider on behalf of its members possibly merging into a unified organisation (with the working title of Angling Unity) to represent all fresh and salt water anglers in England.

“The theoretical benefits in terms of membership numbers, strength of organisation, economies of scale and strength of its voice to government are significant, so we have given a cautious approval to the process," Mr. Ferré said.

“However, we want to ensure that the detailed plans for such an organisation will provide equal and improved support for sea anglers before we give a final go-ahead. We are working hard alongside  the other members of the Unity project to complete these detailed plans. Meanwhile, we urge members not to delay renewing membership during this time.

The annual meeting voted to authorise the board to approve the merger providing it first passed a resolution that it was in the best interests of the members.

Mr. Ferré said that in the meantime “the benefits of NFSA membership will continue and the job we do representing sea anglers will also continue to be critical to the future of the sport."

Friday 25th July - "Gemini" Cod, Pollack and Ling - Today, I enjoyed a day aboard "Gemini", Dave Harrison's consistently popular and successful local charter boat, fishing the mid-Channel wrecks out of Dartmouth, in company with guests of Watson Electrical, who are based at Abbotskerswell.

We enjoyed a jovial day, and found some excellent fish from two marks.  I was fortunate to catch the first fish of the day, a good Pollack.  I fished an orange and yellow coloured "Sidewinder" soft lure for most of the day, which caught Pollack or Cod on almost every drift.

Jim Helley caught the first Cod of the day.  The Cod were generally not big fish, but they were in excellent condition.

Jim Helley from Paignton
caught the first Cod of the day
from a mid-Channel wreck mark
aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Steve Shelley from Chudleigh was very pleased when he caught another fine Pollack.

Steve Shelley from Chudleigh
caught a top quality Pollack
from a mid-Channel wreck mark
aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

I was very happy when I caught the best Pollack of the day, a fish in excess of 15 lbs.

Mike Concannon caught the
biggest Pollack of the day
from a mid-Channel wreck mark
aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Ray Coppin, from Teignmouth, said he wanted to catch a big fish and he did, when he hooked a good Pollack.

Ray Coppin from Teignmouth
caught a prime quality Pollack
from a mid-Channel wreck mark
aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Russ Harding from Newton Abbot worked hard to pump up a good quality Ling from 240 feet of water.

Russ Harding from Newton Abbot
worked hard to pump up a quality Ling
in 240 feet of water from a
mid-Channel wreck mark aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Paul Eaton, from Dawlish, caught another good quality Cod.

Paul Eaton from Dawlish
caught another good quality Cod
from a mid-Channel wreck mark
aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Paul Burgess enjoyed his Dad's good company, especially when they both caught quality Cod on the same drift.

Paul Burgess (l) from Teignmouth
had a thoroughly enjoyable day out
fishing with his Dad, Jack Burgess,
especially when they both caught
Cod on the same drift from a
mid-Channel wreck mark aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Ray Coppin caught a Cod to accompany his earlier Pollack, which more than compensated him for foregoing a day on the Golf Course.

Ray Coppin from Teignmouth
caught his own Cod from a
mid-Channel wreck mark aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini"

Friday 25th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

And so it continued, until the tide slackened and the fish generally went off the feed during our last hour or so.  What a good day we all had.  Thank you Dave for putting us on the fish and thanks to Ray, Paul and all the lads for inviting me along to enjoy a good day sea angling in such excellent company.

Bass - A Caring Commercial Fisherman's Considered Views - Pat Tucker, who is one of the few local Commercial Fishermen I know,  who as a Shellfish Breeder, puts anything back into the regeneration of our Marine Environment, Emailed.  Thank you Pat, I do appreciate your professional view, as I know will many of the visitors to "Fishing Dartmouth.  Here's what Pat said:

I see in the latest polemic from the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society (9th July) posted on your website that they state the absurd "fact" that even the smallest inshore commercial vessels are now working up to 20 miles of net.

Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of netting practices would know that such a feat would be impossible, in fact if such a vessel were to even attempt to load half that amount of gear on board it would probably sink it.

If it were possible for a small boat to work that amount of gear (which it is not) it would probably need a crew of at least 10 which would be to say the least interesting.

I would love to know who these boats are and where they work but unfortunately that will not happen because they do not exist.

The phrase "never let the truth get in the way of a good story" springs to my mind.

I find it very annoying that such rubbish is put out to be lapped up and believed by a public that unfortunately does not know any better while the real damage to breeding stocks of Bass is being done out of sight offshore, every Winter, by large purse seiners and trawlers.

Thursday 24th July - RNLI LIfeboat Competition - Brixham Breakwater - Wednesday 23rd July 2008 - Results - Mike Bailey, Hon. Sec. of Brixham SAC, the local club who organised this event, kindly Emailed yesterday evening with a report of this well supported and attended event.  Thanks Mike and to all your Committee for their efforts:

Just back from this open comp held on the Breakwater this evening with funds raised to go to the Lifeboat.

 

Conditions were warm and pleasant but a  stiff south easterly wind made things less than easy.  Before the competition the Red Devils parachuted in to a landing spot at the edge of the Inner harbour watched by large crowds.

 

We had a good entry with lots of anglers from local clubs represented.  There were 21 juniors and 55 seniors fishing and in total £206-50 was raised for this good cause.

 

Fish were quite scarce for most but lots of anglers took one or two fish.  We were fishing to NFSA rules and percentages with only one prize to be allocated to each competitor.

 

There was an outstanding prize table co-ordinated by Graham Dryer from Brixham Bait and Tackle with the main tackle manufacturers all generously sponsoring this good cause including many reels and rods.

 

Graham Dryer (left) Chairman of
Brixham SAC and proprietor of
Brixham Bait and Tackle, stands
behind the prize table with
Mark Criddle, Coxswain of the
RNLI Torbay Lifeboat, who is also
a member of Brixham SAC at the
RNLI Shore Competition
organised by Brixham SAC
on the Breakwater

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Photo courtesy of Doug Mosedale

 

The winning fish was a quite exceptional Ballan Wrasse of 5lb 1oz 14drms 102.3% of specimen.  This was taken by Mark Chinnock who took the senior prize and he immediately returned the fish alive after it was weighed.
 

Mark Chinnock was the overall
Winner, with a Ballan Wrasse of
5 lbs 1 oz 14 dr at the
RNLI Shore Competition
organised by Brixham SAC
on the Breakwater

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Photo courtesy of Doug Mosedale

 

Top junior was Harvey Bevan Jones with a Mackerel of 0-15-6.
 

Harvey Bevan-Jones a Member of
Brixham SAC was another
Junior Prize Winner at the
RNLI Shore Competition
organised by Brixham SAC
on the Breakwater

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Photo courtesy of Doug Mosedale

 

Adam Slack came second best in the adult section on percentages with a Mackerel of 1-9-6.


 

Adam Slack a member of Brixham SAC
(holding prize - centre) took second
prize at the RNLI Shore Competition
organised by Brixham SAC
on the Breakwater

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Photo courtesy of Doug Mosedale

 

As well as Mackerel, Garfish, Scad and Ballan wWasse all featured in the prize list, including a Cuckoo Wrasse.  The Wrasse were all returned alive to grow bigger!

 

Altogether 28 prizes were given to the anglers present, these being presented by Mark Criddle, Coxswain of the RNLI Torbay Lifeboat, who is also a member of Brixham SAC.

 

Sid James was another
Junior Prize Winner at the
RNLI Shore Competition
organised by Brixham SAC
on the Breakwater

Wednesday 23rd July 2008

Photo courtesy of Doug Mosedale

Thank you for your publicity for this event, which I am sure helped to ensure a good turn out.

Tuesday 22nd July - "Samuel Irvin 3" Huge Channel Islands Flat Fish - Ian Noble, who charters his "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth runs several very successful trips to the Channel Islands every year.  On a recent adventure, several of his anglers caught some particularly good sized flat fish.  All were taken on Mackerel strip baits.

Turbot from Channel Islands waters
caught on a Mackerel strip bait
aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth
charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3"

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

Steve Saunders holds a top quality
flat fish from Channel Islands waters
caught on a Mackerel strip bait
aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth
charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3"

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

Turbot from Channel Islands waters
caught on a Mackerel strip bait
aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth
charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3"

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

Brill from Channel Islands waters
caught on a Mackerel strip bait
aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth
charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3"

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

 

Turbot from Channel Islands waters
caught on a Mackerel strip bait
aboard Ian Noble's Dartmouth
charter boat "Samuel Irvin 3"

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

There are still places available for individual anglers on a 4 day charter aboard "Samuel Irvin 3" to fish these waters between the 15th and 18th September.

If you would like to be there, you can call Ian Noble direct via 07780 970 803 or 01803 834 598
or Email iannoble@tesco.net   You can visit Ian's web site at www.dartmouthcharters.co.uk to learn more.

"Samuel Irvin 3" Pollack & Cod from Reef off French Coast - Ian Noble took a party of angling pals from the North Devon based Rod & Reelers SAC, for a day trip, to fish a well known reef mark off the French coast.  Ian told me that "Sidewinders" were the most effective lure on the day.

Cod from Reef Mark
off French coastline
caught on a "Sidewinder"
soft lure aboard Ian Noble's
Dartmouth charter boat
"Samuel Irvin 3

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

Pollack from Reef Mark
off French coastline
caught on a "Sidewinder"
soft lure aboard Ian Noble's
Dartmouth charter boat
"Samuel Irvin 3

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

Pollack from Reef Mark
off French coastline
caught on a "Sidewinder"
soft lure aboard Ian Noble's
Dartmouth charter boat
"Samuel Irvin 3

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

 

Cod from Reef Mark
off French coastline
caught on a "Sidewinder"
soft lure aboard Ian Noble's
Dartmouth charter boat
"Samuel Irvin 3

July 2008

Photo courtesy of Ian Noble

There are five spaces still remaining for a day charter to this mark aboard "Samuel Irvin 3" on Wednesday 30th July.  If you would like to be there, you can call Ian Noble direct via 07780 970 803 or 01803 834 598
or Email iannoble@tesco.net   You can visit Ian's web site at www.dartmouthcharters.co.uk to learn more.

Monday 21st July - "Gemini" Skerries Plaice - Today I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day aboard Dave Harrison's local charter boat "Gemini", fishing on the "Skerries" banks, which lie about 4 miles out to sea from Dartmouth.

I was in excellent company with friends from Leicester, Aylesbury, Pangbourne, Blantyre and even Brixham.  We had the best of baits.  The tide was a medium sized 4.4 metres, with slack high water around 12 noon.  Everything looked ideal..

The fish were scarce today.  What a change from just a few days ago, when in less than ideal circumstances, the fish were here in reasonable numbers and feeding.  Yes I know, every Charter Skipper says, "You should have been here last week", only in this case it is true.  I was there and you can see the photos of just a few days ago lower down on this web page.

We did find some Plaice, but they were not keen to feed.  We caught some which generally gave very tentative bites.

Josh Dunn, age 14 years, and Michael Read, age 13 years, showed us old fogies how it should be done, when they landed the first two Plaice of the day.

Michael Read (left) age 13 years
from Blantyre, and Josh Dunn age 14
from Aylesbury, proudly hold their
pair of "Skerries" Plaice caught aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat
"Gemini"

Monday 21st July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

Nicholas Foreman was next to catch a reasonable sized Plaice.

Nicholas Foreman, from Leicester,
proudly holds his "Skerries" Plaice
caught aboard Dave Harrison's
Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini"

Monday 21st July 2008

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

In all we caught around 9 Plaice.  We also caught some reasonable sized Whiting, mainly from the deeper water as we drifted off the outside edge of the banks.  We also caught several Red Gurnards and a lone Tub Gurnard, together with a couple of Mackerel.

We all enjoyed ourselves, even if the fish were not particularly keen today to leap onto our baited hooks.  Thanks Dave for a great day afloat and thank you to one and all for your friendship and bonhomie.

Sunday 20th July - "Gemini" Cod & Pollack - Dave Harrison took a group of anglers from the Rhonda SAC out for a day wreck fishing aboard his Dartmouth charter boat "Gemini"  They fished "Storm Shad" lures on a mid-Channel wreck mark with great success, catching superb Cod and Pollack.

Mike Stelling a member of the Rhonda SAC
proudly holds his top quality Cod caught
from a mid-Channel wreck on a "Storm Shad"
lure aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter
boat "Gemini"

Sunday 20th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Craig Rosser a member of the Rhonda SAC
proudly holds his top quality Cod caught
from a mid-Channel wreck on a "Storm Shad"
lure aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter
boat "Gemini"

Sunday 20th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Huw GRiffiths a member of the Rhonda SAC
proudly holds his top quality Pollack caught
from a mid-Channel wreck on a "Storm Shad"
lure aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter
boat "Gemini"

Sunday 20th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Neil Herbert a member of the Rhonda SAC
proudly holds his top quality Cod caught
from a mid-Channel wreck on a "Storm Shad"
lure aboard Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter
boat "Gemini"

Sunday 20th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

Charlie Sayers 6 lb Bass - My good friend, Charlie Sayers, who keeps his own boat in Dartmouth, Emailed.  Thanks Charlie - nice fish - lovely girl too.  Much appreciated.  Here's what Charlie said:

We caught this lovely 6 pound Bass last night, just outside of Dartmouth, while using a large  white Sidewinder soft lure.

Charlie sayers and his friend Jelena
caught this specimen Bass 6 lbs
from his private boat out of Dartmouth

Saturday 19th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Charlie Sayers

This was the last fish of the day and Jelena as you can see is very happy with herself.  She said after catching it, "It's not interesting unless its over 5 pounds."

Jelena's Pollack - Charlie sent another photo of Jelena with a Pollack, caught out of Dartmouth from a wreck mark.  A beautiful woman who enjoys angling. Charlie, you've definitely got it right this time.

This is my girl friend Jelena with her first Pollack.

Jelena holds her first Pollack
caught from a wreck mark out of
Dartmouth aboard Charlie Sayer's
private boat

Thursday 17th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Charlie Sayers

We went out wrecking last Thursday, and caught two Pollack, before being forced back  by high winds.  Still. it was very enjoyable for those with good stomachs!

Saturday 19th July - Anglers Unite - At the Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Sea Anglers, which was held yesterday at their offices at Buckfastleigh, the members voted overwhelmingly to join the new umbrella organisation "Anglers Unite" which will represent the 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 anglers of all persuasions, salt, game and coarse, in the UK.

This means that by January 2009 the NFSA will cease to exist as we know it.  It will be superseded by "Anglers Unite".  Sea Angling Representatives will sit on the board of "Anglers Unite", together with representatives from the other branches of our sport, which is the largest participation sport in the UK and beyond.

The NFSA Divisions, such as Wyvern, Wessex, and Severn, around the UK, will continue as before, running competitions and award schemes for their respective members.

This is undoubtedly the most far reaching decision that our national representative body has ever made in its more than 100 year history.  It is what the vast majority of us wanted to happen.  a collective vote of 4,000,000 plus anglers is not one that successive Governments or Authorities can afford to ignore.  Thank you to everyone who supported this progressive move for the long-term betterment of our chosen pursuit.

"Gemini" Plaice - Dave Harrison, who charters his "Gemini" out of Dartmouth 'phoned me yesterday afternoon to say that his anglers caught 21 Plaice on the "Skerries".

"Deborah Jane" Ling - My good pal Dean Corbett who fishes from his own boat DH3 "Deborah Jane" sent me a piccie from his mobile 'phone of a big Ling 21 lbs 6 ozs which he had caught from a mid-Channel wreck out of Dartmouth a couple of days ago.  Thanks Deano.  Much appreciated.  Nice fish.

Dean Corbett who fishes from his
own boat DH3 "Deborah Jane"
out of Dartmouth caught this fine
Ling 21 lbs 6 ozs from a mid-Channel
wreck mark

Friday 18th July 2008

Photo courtesy of Dean Corbett

Friday 18th July - Charter Dates - I constantly receive calls from anglers who would like to go "Fishing Dartmouth" so I've asked a couple of our most popular Skippers to give some dates when they are happy to take individual anglers.  Thanks Dave and Ian.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

UPDATED 27th July - Individual Places on Charter Days aboard "Gemini" out of Dartmouth - Dave Harrison who owns and Skippers "Gemini" out of Dartmouth has provided several advance dates when individuals can book places aboard for a day "Fishing Dartmouth".

AUGUST Wed 6th August
Skerries
8 Spaces still
available @ £35 each
Plus Own Bait
  MORE TO COME

These opportunities to enjoy your angling in Dave's good company are as always dependant on the weather, numbers, and the wishes of those who book.

Dave can provide rods and reels if you are new to the sport or require extra help.

If you would like to secure your place on any of the above dates, please contact Dave Harrison direct via 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.

Dave also has several dates available for full charters at weekends.  You can see those dates on his web site

Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Individual Places on Charters  aboard "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth - UPDATED 27th July - Ian Noble, who charter his Blyth 33 catamaran "Samuel Irvin 3" out of Dartmouth has provide advance dates when individuals can book places aboard for a day "Fishing Dartmouth".

This offers the opportunity, dependant on weather, and provided there are sufficient numbers and what is currently being caught, for wreck, Skerries, or inshore fishing trips.

Ian can provide fishing equipment and help if you are new to the sport.  Ian can also offer accommodation in his guest house in the Market Square at Dartmouth.

If you would like to book any of the following dates, please contact Ian Noble direct via 07780 970 803 or 01803 834 598
or Email iannoble@tesco.net   You can visit Ian's web site at www.dartmouthcharters.co.uk to learn more.

If you would like to fish aboard "Samuel Irvin 3" you are advised to call Ian to check.  There are sometimes spaces available at short notice due to individual anglers who are unable to go, for personal reasons.

Numbers & Weather Permitting - of course !
 

JULY Monday 28th July
Angling

10 spaces still available
Wednesday 30th July
Wreck Fishing on "The Patch" for Cod etc.
5 spaces still available
at £60 per angler
due to distance involved
   
AUGUST Mon 11th August
Angling or Diving
5 spaces still available
     
SEPTEMBER Mon 1st September
Angling or Diving

10 spaces still available
Wed 10th September
Torbay Fishing Festival
Whole Boat Booking or individual spaces
still available
Thurs 11th September
Torbay Fishing Festival
5 individual spaces still available
Mon 15th - Thu 18th
Channel Islands
4 day Charter for
Individuals
B&B on Guernsey
fishing for Turbot, Brill,
Bream, Bass,
Pollack & Cod
etc
10 spaces still available
OCTOBER Sun 5th October
Angling or Diving
Boat available for full or part charter
Sun 19th October
Angling or Diving
Boat available for full or part charter
   

Charter Trips to the "Skerries" usually cost £30 while mid-Channel wreck fishing trips usually cost £45 per person.

I suggest that you will need to book early to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday 9th July - Bass Slaughter - Information from the Bass Anglers’ Sportfishing Society (BASS)

Contact:  John Leballeur – BASS Restoration Team Chairman.

Leon Roskilly – Public Relations Officer.

9th July 2008

Bass Slaughter

We are losing our Bass stocks

A combination of unfolding circumstances is leading to the rapid destruction of the country’s inshore bass stocks and a loss of the valuable Recreational Sea Fishery, along with thousands of jobs in the Recreational Sea Fishing sector.

Already under great pressure, and with a legal minimum landing size set far below spawning age, because there is no quota for bass commercial fishermen are free to help themselves to bass stocks almost without restriction.

And with little available quota for other species, many more fishermen are increasingly turning to bass to maintain their profits.

Appallingly, DEFRA simply have no idea of the number of boats now targeting bass, nor the amount of netting that is being deployed (which can be up to 20 miles of net from one small vessel), and so are completely unable to manage the fishery.

The fuel crisis too is playing its part, as fishermen turn from making longer sea journeys and concentrate on exploiting local inshore stocks. 

They are also turning away from fuel-hungry fishing methods such as bottom-trawling to setting static gear such as gill-nets for bass, with a huge increase in the numbers of marine mammals and birds becoming entangled in nets set for bass.

And if this was not enough, illegal fishermen have realised that budget restrictions have severely affected the ability of Sea Fisheries Committees and the Environment Agency to carry out enforcement of the few existing regulations protecting bass, and within protected areas to anything like the extent required, leading to widespread illegal fishing by ‘bass pirates’.

With a recruitment failure evident in bass stocks over the last three years, unless the Government takes rapid and firm action to further protect bass stocks and to ensure adequate enforcement, it is likely that the developing and valuable Recreational Sea Fishery for bass will become another ‘what could have been’ to be laid at the foot of the Government.

In view of these concerns, John Leballeur, chairman of the B.A.S.S. Restoration Team has written to Jonathan Shaw MP, the UK’s Fisheries Minister, demanding urgent action on measures to protect bass stocks, and to ensure that enforcement agencies are properly funded to meet the rapidly growing need for more robust enforcement.

Sunday 6th July - England Teams Scoop Gold Medals - I've just been talking on the 'phone to Norman Berry, who managed the England Senior Men's team in the recent international match which was held at Samfire Hoe, which is between Dover and Folkestone.

The Senior Men's Team won the Gold Medal.  Well done lads.  There were four men from the West Country in the team, including Julian Shambrook, Rob Marshall, Dave Chidzoy, and John Linton.

The England Juniors (Boys) team also took Gold, while the England Youths took the Silver Medal in their category, after tying the winning score but eventually taking second spot, after a count back of the total number of fish caught.

Friday 4th July - Two Mikes Go Mulleting - Several days ago I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day in the company of one of the UK's finest and most enthusiastic Mullet anglers, my good pal, Mike Bailey, Hon. Sec. of Brixham SAC, who I affectionately nick-named the "Mullet Master".

Mike is particularly shy about his achievements, but over the years I have known him, he has written some fascinating insights into this specialist world of fishing for Grey Mullet, which intrigues so many enthusiasts.  I am really grateful to Mike for his good friendship and input to "Fishing Dartmouth" which is much appreciated.

Mike has written his own account of our day fishing together.  I love to read about an adventure through someone's eyes other than my own.  I need to enjoy good angling tales myself too.  Thanks Mike.

You can read Mike's fascinating account of our enjoyable day by left clicking your mouse on this link button:

2 Mikes Go Mulleting

Tuesday 27th May - Specialist Anglers' Alliance news - Angling Unity Update - Received via Norman Berry,  Owner/ Editor of Sea Angling News.  Thank you Norman.  This information is vital if sea anglers are to understand and support the proposed administrational and representative changes:

Angling Unity Update - May 2008

Posted 23rd May 2008 07:16 am

Background

For the past year, the main national membership organisations representing anglers have been planning to unify into one body to represent all coarse, sea and game anglers. This is a move which has been long awaited and tried unsuccessfully in the past. We aim to make it a reality at last. It is widely known that there are millions of anglers in the UK, but they have never had a single professional, high-profile and well-funded organisation to represent their views.

Who is involved?

The organisations participating in unification are:

The Anglers’ Conservation Association (ACA) – uses the law to fight pollution and other damage to rivers, lakes and canals on behalf of its members

The National Federation of Anglers (NFA) – governing body for coarse angling in England, organises regional and national competitions, manages coarse angling development and provides services to its member clubs.

The National Federation of Sea Anglers (NFSA) – governing body for sea angling in England, organises regional and national competitions, manages sea angling development, campaigns on environmental and other issues affecting recreational sea angling.

National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consultatives (NAFAC) – the national representative body for local fisheries and angling consultatives (groups or organisations set up to represent the interests of anglers, angling clubs, and owners in specific catchment or geographical areas)

The Salmon and Trout Association (S&TA) – recently registered as a charity, the body which represents the interests of the UK’s game anglers, fishery owners/managers and affiliated trades, in all issues relevant to angling and fisheries legislation, regulation, management and conservation

The Specialist Anglers Alliance (SAA) – represents the interests of specialist anglers and angling groups ranging from English Carp Heritage Organisation and the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britain to the Tenchfishers and the Eel groups, as well as member clubs and societies and individual angling members.

The process is being co-ordinated by the Fisheries and Angling Conservation Trust (FACT) which is the existing umbrella body representing these and other angling and fishery organisations.

What will the new body do?

The new body will of course continue the work of these organisations, but it will also do much more. It will offer new services to its members, develop new campaigns, lobby government effectively, raise the profile of angling and fisheries conservation and fight to protect angling at a local and national level.

There are many important issues on which action is needed:

· Increased funding for teaching young people how to fish and recognition of the education value of fishing

· Continue and improve fishing competitions and success rates at regional, national and international levels

· Reverse the decline in government funding for fisheries despite increased revenue from rod licences

· Reinstate angling and fisheries to the heart of the Environment Agency’s and DEFRA’s policies and ensure representation on RFERAC and REPAC committees

· Support existing regional networks (e.g. consultatives and fishery associations) with professional staff

· Raise local issues at a national level and report back the results of lobbying and campaigns

· Support angling clubs with legal advice and provide guidance on: e.g. leases, access, constitutions, health & safety, fundraising and fisheries management

· Reverse the damage caused by commercial overfishing at sea

· Control sand and gravel extraction from rivers and the seabed

· Prevent unregulated access by canoes and other craft

· Secure management strategies for predators such as cormorants and goosanders

· Improve regulation of water pollution from industry, agriculture and sewage

· Reduce abstraction of water which has led to rivers and lakes drying up

· Clear up and prevent litter in rivers and on sea shores – there are currently inadequate duties to remove it

· Reverse the destruction of habitat by flood defence, land drainage and damaging trawling methods

· Remove barriers to the movement of marine, coarse and game fish in rivers and estuaries (e.g. Severn Barrage and weirs built in the industrial revolution which serve no purpose)

· Demand better enforcement and legislation to prevent fish theft, illegal sales of fish and poaching

· Protect angling from being banned from rivers, lakes, harbours, shorelines and piers due to health & safety or wildlife protection

· Keep fish disease such as KHV and Gyrodactylus salaris out of the UK

· Campaign to stop commercial fish farming causing pollution, sea lice infestation and escapes of farmed fish into the wild.

· Ensure Sea Fishery Committees have adequate angling representation and have a positive programme to protect and develop angling.

· To use the law to stop damage occurring to aquatic habitats owned or leased by our club, riparian and fishery owner members and to fight for compensation when it does occur.

These are all very important issues which need to be fought at the local, regional and national level with professional staff being employed to deliver programmes of work and to campaign and lobby government. This will only be possible if we can create an organisation which attracts the support of the majority of anglers to provide both the revenue and the political weight to get things done.

Getting the detail right is fundamental to the success of the new body and the next two sections help explain why it’s taking what seems a long time.

Progress so far

News of the plans for unification first broke in November 2007. Since then, all the organisations have been consulting their memberships about whether they should be involved. The response has been overwhelmingly supportive, although there are many members of the existing bodies who have concerns. Angling newspapers and magazines have all been very supportive of the plans, which have also been reported in national newspapers.

Each of the six organisations has now contributed £10,000 to a unification fund and a Transition Board, comprising the Chairmen of the organisations, has been seeking professional advice about the legal and financial implications of unification. It is naturally a very complicated process, given that the organisations are constituted differently (there is one registered charity, several limited companies, some purely voluntary bodies, and an unincorporated association involved). Most of the organisations employ staff and their employment rights will be protected.

All of the parties are currently undertaking due diligence – which means that all the organisations have to provide copies of their accounts and details of all their databases, supplier and staff contracts, office equipment, stock, assets and liabilities etc. Amalgamation of these across six differently constituted bodies is more complex than many business mergers. The Board has also been getting advice about how to ensure that the new organisation should be marketed to ensure that it can achieve its aim of mass membership.

What’s happening next?

The Transition Board is now supervising work in three main areas:

· Business planning – organisation structure, board memberships, charitable status, due diligence, membership rates and projections, costing of activities, developing partnerships with the tackle trade and other organisations to generate income

· Member benefits – developing a package of services and benefits to offer each category of members in return for their subscriptions

· National remit – holding discussions with organisations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to finalise arrangements to reflect devolution whilst continuing to deliver some services throughout the UK. We are also discussing the status of the unified body with Sport England.


When these pieces of work are complete, the organisation will be ready to set out its plans in more detail with regard to its activities, membership benefits, service delivery and organisation structure. When this detail is available, each organisation will need to go through a different process to secure the support of its membership and management to transfer its staff and assets into the new body. The plan is to launch the new organisation in January 2009.

Membership

The new organisation is not yet constituted and so it is not possible for anglers to join up yet. If you want to support the process, the best way is to join (or remain a member of) one of the participant organisations now. This will help them continue their important work while the plans for unification are being finalised. Your membership will be transferred to the new unified body when it is formed in 2009.

More information

This is the first of a series of free monthly e-newsletters about Angling Unity. To sign up to receive future editions, or for more information about unification, please visit www.anglingunity.co.uk

Spread the word

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:

Penn / Shakespeare UK Ltd
Unit 15, Evans Business Centre
68 - 74 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Hillington Industrial Estate
Glasgow, G52 4NQ

Tel: 0141 880 9029

Email: service@pennfishing.com

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:

 www.defra.gov.uk/fish/about/index.htm

NFSA Wyvern Division "Take 5" Initiative 2008 - Email received from Mike Spiller, Hon. Sec. of NFSA Wyvern Division.  It dovetails perfectly with the "Don't be a Tosser" anti-litter campaign introduced 2 years ago by Torbay Sea Angling Festival.  Anglers can make a real impression on this problem:

RIVER DART BASS NURSERY AREA

An Email received from a good pal said:  I spoke to some guys coming ashore in a 12ft dinghy in at Stoke Gabriel on Sunday.  I asked them if they had any luck?  They told me they had caught 8 Bass spinning from a boat in the river by Dittisham.  They said they had returned 3 but kept the rest that were each about 1 1/2 pounds.  I thought that taking Bass from the river was banned?

Here's my reply:  The River Dart is a designated Bass nursery area.  You are not allowed to catch Bass from a boat within the River Dart and outside, to an imaginary line drawn between Inner Froward Point and Coombe Point, about ½ a mile outside the Castles, although you may do so from shore.

I suggest you might like to call Devon Sea Fisheries Office at Brixham on 01803 854648 to report what you saw direct to them. I'm not absolutely certain who has the final jurisdiction over Bass Nursery areas - whether it is the local Devon Sea Fisheries Committee, or whether it falls within the Environment Agency's remit - DSF would be able to tell you for certain - I'd be interested to know.


 

PLEASE KILL FISH HUMANELY

Bob Elley Emailed from Bath today.  Bob is a keen sea angler and regular visitor to the Dartmouth area.

I was down on Slapton Beach last weekend.

Sunday evening the Mackerel were about in numbers and lots of anglers were enjoying catching them, can I ask some of these 'anglers' after catching Mackerel to KILL THEM QUICKLY.

I saw Mackerel being chucked live on to the beach to gasp to death or seemingly worse put live into a plastic bag to die just as slowly.  I wouldn't want to die that way and I suspect neither would they.

I fish and I kill the fish I want to keep quickly.

Break the neck or use a rock on the back of the head to kill it quickly and as humanely as possible.  It's not nice for non anglers to see live fish being chucked into a plastic bag to flap around until they die.

Patsy showed a couple of youngsters on Dartmouth Embankment last Monday how to quickly kill live Mackerel by breaking their necks.  You put your thumb into their mouth and bend their head straight back, thus quickly and cleanly breaking their neck.

We prefer to return fish that are not wanted for the table alive and unharmed, but agree that if a fish is to be retained to eat, then it is only proper to quickly and sympathetically dispatch it with the minimum fuss.

To fail to do so provides ready made ammunition to the anti-fishing lobby.

Thanks Bob for focusing renewed attention on this unpleasant annual phenomenon.


 

CARELESS CASTING - SOUTH EMBANKMENT - DARTMOUTH

Monday 17th January 2005 - Today I met, together with Tim Bird (Paignton SAA); Mervyn Yalland & Dave Drury (Dartmouth Angling & Boating Assoc.); David Pakes (Dart Angling Assoc.); Mike Spiller (NFSA Wyvern Division); a member of Dartmouth Town Council; two representatives of the operators of the River Dart Castle Ferry, (one of whom is Julian Distin, Chairman of Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority); and the new Harbour Master, Captain David White.  No representative appeared from South Hams District Council although their Property Manager had been made fully aware of the meeting in advance.

The meeting had been convened by Julian Distin, Chairman of DHNA at our collective request.

The sole purpose was to discuss the danger to vessels, their crew and passengers, and pedestrians caused by alleged unskilled and indiscriminate casting of feathers and leads by anglers from the South Embankment at Dartmouth.

All parties were unanimous in their view that the problem is not caused by experienced and responsible sea anglers, but in the main, by occasional fishermen, particularly holiday makers with limited skills, during the busy summer months when the Mackerel are in the river and many people vie to catch them.

After much heated and prolonged, sometimes vociferous discussion, we all agreed on common ground.

DHNA will approach South Hams District Council, asking that they will erect notices on the South Embankment with a simple message to all anglers such as "Please Cast with Care."

We agree that leaflets will be prepared and distributed during the height of the Summer via local Schools, Guest Houses, Tourist Information Office, etc. advising on safe sea angling practice.

We all realise that those few irresponsible anglers who cast into the path of boats, or without due regard for pedestrians or vehicles on Dartmouth Embankment could jeopardise future access for the responsible anglers who are the vast majority.

Dart Harbour Navigation Authority staff will also distribute the leaflets to casual holiday anglers and dispense friendly advice where needed.

We all know that those people who cast dangerously, or leave litter and discarded line, or dead and dying fish, do a great disservice to every caring responsible sea angler.  It is up to every one of us to actively discourage such bad practice whenever we see it.  Set a good example to others and please speak to anyone you see doing these unhelpful acts.

In return, we are hopeful that a new permit system may be introduced by DHNA to allow responsible local sea anglers, who can prove they are insured by schemes such as the NFSA automatic £5,000,000 cover against injury or damage to 3rd parties while fishing, to gain access to the Dart Harbour Pontoons where all fishing is presently forbidden.  This would be a great asset for our local Mullet chasers in particular.

Access to pontoons by permit holders would mean that dedicated and responsible anglers would be around the moored boats alongside the pontoons late at night, which would prove a great deterrent to marine crime.  Only last summer several boats on the "walk on" pontoons off Coronation Park had their windows broken by untraced offenders; some on more than one occasion.  The presence of sensible anglers may just help to prevent such destructive behaviour.

If any permit holder was ever found to have acted irresponsibly, then DHNA would be able to withdraw their permit from that person.

We have no desire to see any angler jeopardising boats , pedestrians, or vehicles on the River Frontage at Dartmouth.  We abhor such practice.

It's true that when interested parties can gather around a table for a frank, honest and open discussion about problems which exist, so very much can be achieved towards common understanding and clearly thought out solutions.

The lesson learned for the future is to approach and deal with such issues at a far earlier stage.  It is not beneficial to let such issues ferment.  Neglect generates far more heat than illumination.

My thanks, and those of every thinking sea angler go to all those people concerned in addressing this matter.


 

UNUSUAL FISH REPORTS TO NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM

Wednesday 6th August - Email received from Charles Sayers - thank you Charles - your information is much appreciated:

I had a fantastic day on the Skerries.  Spotted a huge shark 1 mile south east of Dartmouth.  I passed a  local fisherman who was laying his pots when I saw what I thought was a Dolphin off my port bow.

I slowed down and saw two fins gently thrashing ,one being its dorsal, the other its tail.  It then swam right under the boat; that's when I got a good look at it.

IT WAS A SHARK and must have been at least 12 foot long with a wide body and pointed nose.  I'm sure it was a Mako, as I've seen several whilst fishing off the Canaries.  It certainly wasn't a Blue and I've never heard of a Porbeagle on the surface so close inshore.

Ed: This info has been passed to Dr Douglas Herdson at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth.  Coincidentally he Emailed me on the 7th Aug, requesting any info ref. Shark sightings.

Doug has since Emailed me again :

I would be grateful if you could use your website to alert people to the fact that I am interested in any reports of unusual fish; including Sunfish, Triggerfish, Seahorses, Red Band Fish and all the Sea Breams except Black and Gilthead.

Contact details Douglas Herdson, Information Officer,
National Marine Aquarium, Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF.

fishreports@national-aquarium.co.uk : tel 01752 275216 or fax: 01752 275217

Thanks - Doug

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