Take no Bull from a fish that flourishes in the winter conditions

Bull Huss always feature strongly in sea angler catches early in the year as they are easy to target in conditions that are unfavourable for other fish.

They do not mind rough conditions and dirty water close to the shoreline and are usually caught close to or near rocky ground, there is also a chance of catching a big Conger Eel as they inhabit the same ground and feed on the same prey.

Three anglers found decent fish from the shore, the best being a specimen of 13lbs 2oz caught at Babbacombe by Torbay angler Dylan Harris. Russell Cooper of Brixham SAC found a new personal best of 10lbs 6oz, while another of similar size was landed by Exmouth SAC member Driss Rami.

Another member from Exmouth, Grant Morrish, travelled to the North coast and found himself a nice-sized Spotted Ray. Fishing a similar area was Honiton SAC stalwart Terry Hartnell, who landed a fine Small Eyed Ray.

Boat anglers have once again found conditions difficult to get out, with very few windows in the weather. However, John Bovey fished aboard a private boat on the distant wrecks and found himself some prime Pollack into low double figures.

This year, Brixham SAC are holding their Wednesday evening competitions on Brixham Breakwater from June 10 fortnightly until August 19. Sign-on is from 6.30pm with fishing from 7 -9pm. There is a small increase in price this year with Adults £3 and Juniors £1. These are great fun and I hope to see many of you there. I will give details again nearer the time.

Spring Ponds’ latest round of their Silver Fish League was once again fished with all pegs on both lakes full. The victor on this occasion was Ethan Gilpin, who float-fished pinkies all day for a bag weight of 8lbs 8oz of skimmer Bream and Roach. Second was Chris Packer with 7lbs 15oz, including a Perch of 2lbs2oz, all caught on maggots with varying tactics. Third spot was taken by Jason Fay.

Newton Abbot Fishing Association’s latest match was in their Wednesday Rover Sweepstake Series was fished at Bradley Pond with Nigel Jeffrey coming out on top with a weight of 29lbs 8oz, all caught using feeder tactics. Second was Nick Jones with 25lbs 11oz and third was Freddy Holding with 23lbs 8oz, including the biggest Perch at 1lb 14oz.

The Fish of the Month Competition kindly sponsored by Sidewinder Lures and Newbarn Farm Angling Centre continues with entries being taken by email on johnsherlockfish@gmail.com or you can find me on Facebook. Some good fish have been reported this month but there is still plenty to fish for.