The winter fish head into Devon waters for a change of the seasons

Anglers fishing local to Torbay and the surrounding areas are finding a good variety of fish with Mackerel still showing around harbours and open beaches.

The first of the Flounders are now being caught in the estuaries, which is boding well for the forthcoming competitions. Tony White of Totnes is still finding plenty of Medium sized bass on his favourite Lures from both open beaches and Rivers.

Rays have been featuring in catches with Adam Squance of Honiton SAC landing a superb Blonde Ray of 15lbs, whilst Steve hone landed a Small Eyed Ray of 10lbs with Brixham SAC’s Ethan Hammond also finding a nice Small Eyed Ray.

In recent years, Cod have become as rare as Unicorns from our area but a surprise small one was landed by Russel Cooper last week.

Tom Stebbens travelled to the Bristol Channel along with Billy Greatrex and had a good session on the Thornback Rays. Lee Dawe had a surprise when a Smoothhound took his bait this far into the winter season.

Conger eels are always worth targeting this time of the year and the best of the week was a fish weighing 21lbs 10oz falling to the rod of Mike Pringuer.

The 50th running of the Chesil Championships was held recently in some awful conditions with a disappointing number of anglers fishing. However, Torquay angler and owner of Anyfish Anywhere, Julian Shambrook, took a very creditable second place, beaten by Ben Bradstock of Honiton SAC.

Travelling anglers have had a great week with boat Patricia Rose and Crusader Charters from Plymouth finding some great fish for their anglers, including double figure Rays, Spurdogs, and some fantastic late season Couches Bream.

Further West, the Emma Kate out of Falmouth has been finding some great Tuna and inshore the reefs are producing plenty of Pollack into double figures, including a good one for Jason Hawke.

Last week saw the Angling Trust Wyvern Division AGM in Exeter. Specimen weights have been changed for next year in some areas for Spurdogs, SMoothhounds, Small Eyed Rays, Gilthead and Couches Bream.

The Angling Centre West Bay remains the sponsor for the Junior photo fish of the month and Southwest Sea Baits have taken over the sponsorship of the senior competition. Thanks to them and the Tackle Box in Lyme Regis for past support. The annual competition will be fished next year on Sunday, January 4 at Slapton Sands with a top prize of £200 and prizes to at least 12 places. Entrance fees are £9 plus a £1 optional pool.

There is still plenty of time to enter our Fish of the Month competition kindly sponsored by Sidewinder Lures and Newbarn Angling Centre. Please email pictures to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com