Mixed bags and memorable catches in busy week for South Devon Anglers

South Devon’s anglers have been braving the colder weather, with a series of club events and individual outings producing some eye-catching catches both at sea and on freshwater venues.

Dartmouth Angling Club and Dartmouth Sea Anglers held the second round of their winter league at Beesands, where 14 anglers recorded an impressive 64 fish between them. Dogfish, whiting and pout made up the bulk of the catches, though there were some notable exceptions.

A junior competitor landed a colourful tub gurnard, while Leon De Ville surprised everyone by bringing in a 4lb lobster. With each angler contributing £5 to the biggest-fish pool, it was Dan Cole who took home the pot after landing the largest dogfish of the match.

With winter tightening its grip, hopes are rising for improved fishing across the South Hams, with the prospect of specimen whiting, dabs and even the occasional small-eyed ray over the coming weeks.

In the Torbay area, Dylan Harris enjoyed success at Babbacombe, where he landed a conger eel. The Cooper family also made the most of the calmer spells, fishing a variety of local marks.

Father Russell recorded his first-ever thornback ray and followed it up with a near–double-figure bull huss, while young Oliver landed his personal-best dogfish of 2lb 5oz.

Elsewhere, Chris Hawkes ventured to the River Plym, where obliging flounders were quick to take his bait. In the Dawlish area, Andy Norrish managed a fine bass weighing 6lb.

Recent frosts have slowed down freshwater sport, pushing carp into deeper water and making them more selective. However, the colder months often bring opportunities for anglers targeting larger roach and perch, while pike fishing typically improves as temperatures drop.

Both Newbarn Farm Angling Centre and Spring Ponds continue to offer good prospects for specimen perch, with fish reportedly reaching up to 4lb.

Newton Abbot Fishing Association’s calendar remains busy, with their latest match taking place at Bradley Pond.
Tom Rangecroft secured victory with a bag of 13lb 7oz, followed by Sam Powell on 10lb 6oz. Mike Hadley took third with 6lb 4oz. Rangecroft also recorded the day’s biggest perch at 1lb 8oz.

Despite November being a relatively quiet month, with few entries into the Fish of the Month competition — sponsored by Sidewinder Lures and Newbarn Farm Angling Centre — one catch stood out. This month’s award goes to Dan Hale for his superb 2lb 11oz flounder from the River Teign, a fish that not only impressed locally but also secured him the National Flounder Championship title.

Anglers are encouraged to submit their standout catches — sea or freshwater — by emailing photographs to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com The competition is open to all ages and experience levels.