Record fish, big wins and hope for the future as angling year draws to a close

As we approach the end of 2025, perhaps now is the time to reflect on what our wonderful sport of angling has thrown at us.

The first memorable moment for me was when I received a telephone call from a very excited Mike Johnson telling me that he had caught a Halibut from Salcombe.

Despite being below the qualifying weight for the vacant British record, it was accepted and is now on the record books, making Mike the holder of two British records, a fantastic achievement.

The second being the new British record Bonito landed by David Kiddy of one of our Fish of the Month Sponsors, Sidewinder Lures.

The National Flounder festival threw up more fish this year than in recent years, bringing hope of a rise in numbers of this once prolific species in our rivers and estuaries.

The weather always plays a part in sea angling and many boats spent great periods of time not going to sea, not good for the angler or the skipper’s business. Let’s hope that next year sees calmer weather and more fish.

My best fish of the year was a small Eyed Ray of 11lbs 12oz, which, of course, I am very pleased with but better weather would certainly have helped me in getting more fish.

This last week has seen anglers amongst a few fish. A photo sent in by Tony White shows one of his best Bass of the year, a fish around 7lbs caught on one of his favourite lures. Ethan Hammon of Brixham SAC was, I believe, targeting Flounders when his bait was picked up by a surprise late in the season Golden Grey Mullet and Sonny Butterworth fishing at Dartmouth found a few nice Whiting and a 6lb 6oz Bull Huss.

The ASG Flounder competition fished on the Salcombe Estuary produced some really nice fish, the winner being Carl Campion with a Flounder of 2lbs 13oz, winning him £1000, £255 pool money and a pair of rods and reels. Alan Hobbs took second spot with Ray Bryce third.

The junior winner was Jack Lavis with a fish of 1lb13oz winning him a complete 2rod, reel and tackle bundle. A big thank you goes to the sponsors who made this competition possible.

Kennick Flyfishers are currently having a bit of a winter break but have a busy calendar lined up for 2026 starting with the Roadford Flyfair on February 22. Kennick Reservoir opens on March 1 and then competitions and events right through until their Christmas get together on November 27.

Our other kind sponsor, Newbarn Farm Angling Centre, remains open during the holiday period and if the weather remains mild should see some nice fish brought to the bank.

Our Fish of the Month competition will run throughout 2026, so please email your pictures and catch reports to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com to win either a prize pack from Sidewinder Lures or two day-tickets at Newbarn.

Wishing you all tight lines and a safe 2026, and I hope to see you on the bank sometime.