Ups and downs of angling in the summer

Newbarn Farm Angling Centre continues to produce some good fish for some, whilst others are finding it a bit more difficult.

Craig Gilkes fished a 72-hour session recently and landed seven good fish up to the mid-20lb mark, including the stunning Common Carp.

Their top lake (Lilly Pool) has a good head of Ghost Carp, which can be seen quite often swimming around the surface but are reluctant to take a bait. The bailiffs would love to see some more people trying for these fish and get some good pictures of them.

If you are up to the challenge, then give it a go and send me a picture as well, you might also win the fish of the Month prize of two day-tickets from Newbarn farm. Don’t forget that the tackle shop is open daily (except Sundays until 1.30pm) and they stock a good range of Carp bait, as well as Maggots. For those just starting out there is also a great range of pre-used tackle for sale at excellent prices.

Newton Abbot FA waters are still producing some good Carp and Tench from Island and Dores Ponds and their matches continue. Last weekend saw the second round of the Dave Brailey all night rover series, Mike Hadley winning with 57lbs from Island pond.

Island also saw the next two places, Harvey Kitt second with 35lbs and Chriss Aggett third with 24lbs 8oz. The biggest Tench weighed in at 5lbs 7oz and was landed by Leon Raynor.

The Tackle Trader Wednesday evening league fished on Wheel Pond was won by Jamie Coxall with 47lbs 4oz, Andy Coxall was second with 27lbs 2ox and Mike Hadley third with 26lbs 10oz.

Around the coast, Mackerel are still being found, as well as plenty of good sized Smoothhounds. I still have not seen any pictures of one of my favourite fish to catch on light gear, the Garfish, so there is another challenge for you.

Wrasse have been targeted by a few with the best of the week weighing in at 3lbs14oz to the rod of Steve Fowles aboard Stuart Pikes boat Orca, fishing out of Beer. Although this is not a huge fish, it is a boat record, maybe another challenge here is to book a trip with Stuart and land a bigger one.

Exmouth Sea Anglers’ latest competition was won by Tim Clotworthy with a Ballan Wrasse and a Corkwing Wrasse, whilst other members have been out and about catching Bass, Smoothhounds and Ray, both from local beaches and further afield.

Please email your pictures to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com where you could win a Fish of the Month prize, also sponsored by Sidewinder Lures.