Trout, Carp and early-season Smoothhounds take centre stage in the water

South West Lakes Trust have now stocked Rainbow Trout into their waters with the season up and running, with the Brown Trout waters are opening later this week. Various tickets are available, from day to season with the prices from £20.

Kennick Flyfishers took advantage of this early start to the season and held their first match in their Snowbee top rod competition at their home reservoir, Kennick. Twenty anglers arrived on the bank on a damp and foggy morning, greeted by one of their members cooking bacon rolls for all.

I can’t think of a better start to the day.

A total of 56 fish were caught for a combined weight of 106lbs with the best fish weighing 3lbs 10z and falling to the rod of Phil Collins. Nine anglers caught their bag limit with three failing to catch. Top rod on the day was Phil Collins of Bickington with Alan Riddell in second and James Friendshp in third. Their next match is at Hawkridge reservoir on March 29.

Staying with freshwater, I have had some encouraging reports coming in from Newton Abbot Fishing Association with some great Carp being caught over the last week. Andy Short had a Common Carp from Island Pond weighing nearly 29lbs, Steve Burgess had another Common of 30lbs and a Mirror Carp of 20lbs.

Match anglers have once again been out in force at Bradley Pond for their Wednesday Sweepstake Rover with Nigel Jeffrey taking the honours with 31lbs 4oz, Nick Jones in second with 23lbs 5oz and Ethan Gilpin in second with 17lbs 4oz. Mike Mudge landed the biggest Perch at 1lb 1oz. Successful methods on the day were Feeder and Pole tactics.

Sea anglers seem happier this week with the wind dropping back to no more than a light breeze, meaning that charter boats have been able to get out.

Torquay’s Silver Halo, and Spot On from Brixham have both been visiting the distant wrecks in search of prime winter Pollack and have reported fish into double figures with steady, if not spectacular, sport. Plenty of Bass have also been landed but all have been returned in line with current regulations.

Two groups from Honiton SAC made the journey to Minehead on different days this week and report good sport in the channel with plenty of Blonde and Small Eyed Rays coming to the boat with the latter close to specimen size. Some Smoothhounds were landed, although not in any great numbers, but we are still early in the season.

Orca, fishing out of Beer and skippered by Stuart Pike, reported a new boat record, this time a Pout of 2lbs 6oz for Eddie Jarvis. Apologies to those looking for shore reports, these will be covered in detail next week.

Please remember to email your pictures and report to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com for entry into our Fish of the Month Competition kindly sponsored by Sidewinder Lures and Newbarn Angling Centre.