Unique stingray catch in South Devon waters

A first for South Devon this week, I believe. Ken Skinner, fishing alone on a boat on the banks out of Dartmouth landed a Stingray weighing in at 17lbs 2 oz, many anglers and commercial fishermen have been spoken to and no-one can recall another being caught, well done Ken!

The Torbay Sea Angling Festival is over for another year with the winner of the best Fish overall being Phillip Cocker with a Red Gurnard of 1lb 13oz for 184%, winning the Premier trophy and £750.

Two anglers who regularly feature in this column were also major winners. Dan Hale took the wreck category with a Scad of 1lb 14oz and Jason Upham took the shore category with a Thornback Ray of 11lbs 12os.

The best Lady was Sarah Robinson with a Scad of 1lb 6oz and the best junior also with a Scad of 1lb 12 was Henry Nathan. The dates are yet to be announced for next year, which unfortunately looks as if it will be the last ever, as volunteers are needed to organise and run this great event. If you think you can help, please contact Brixham SAC.

Pleasures anglers have also been amongst the fish this week with Tristan Rowe and Junior Ethan Hammond finding Bull Huss from the shore. Ethan also landed a nice Ballan Wrasse of 3lbs 7oz. Colin Berry fished Budleigh Salterton beach and landed a superb Black bream of 2lbs 1oz.

Plenty of Tuna are being caught from the bays Charter Boats, Our Joe, Silver Halo and Spot On and with the season running until December, there is plenty of time to hook one of these outstanding sport fish.

Newbarn Angling Centre attracted a couple of juniors this week with Ethan Gardner landing a couple of Carp in his session to around 20lbs, including a beautiful fully scaled Mirror Carp.

Spring ponds latest match was fished on a very wet day with Jason Fay the winner on this occasion with a bag weight of 44lbs 8oz, second was Chris Packer with 35lbs 8oz and junior Ethan Gilpin taking third with 31lbs. no specific tactics or bait were outstanding with all methods taking fish.

Entries are still being taken for our Fish of the Month competition kindly sponsored by Newbarn Angling Centre and Sidewinder Lures. Please email your pictures to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com