I have been fishing along North Devon’s coast for almost 30 years and for much of that time I have been involved in the Combe Martin Sea Angling Club. As Secretary of the club I have worked on the clubs newsletter which is generally well received with its blend of news views and angling tales.

At a recent club meeting I raised the idea of producing a guide booklet on fishing along the North Devon coast. My idea was to produce an informative and entertaining guide that would promote angling in North Devon. I will concentrate on the section of coast between Foreland Point and Barnstaple as this is the area I have fished most over the years.

The North Devon coast offers some of the best sea fishing in the country and yet it is only lightly fished when compared to other regions. The low density of population is probably the main reason for this though I am amazed at how few visiting anglers cast a line.

There is a wide range of species to target throughout the year over a richly varied and beautiful coastline. Rock marks, Sandy storm beaches, steep shingle beaches, Estuaries and harbours all provide good sport at the right time.

The angler can expect to see an abundance of wildlife all along the coast. Peregrine Falcons, Ravens and Sea birds glide above steep cliffs. Otters, Herons, Kingfishers and a multitude of wildlife hunt the estuary. The sea itself provides regular sighting’s of Dolphins, Porpoises, Basking Sharks and Seals.

Many anglers favorite time to get out onto the rocks. Big cod and conger are often caught throughout this month as they move inshore to feast on whiting and pouting. After winter gales all species move close inshore to feast upon dislodged crustaceans and marine worms, etc.

The first half of the month should continue much as January though by the second half of the month fishing will begin its slide towards the spring doldrums. Dogfish, rockling and the occasional big bull huss provide the bulk of sport.

Is the quietest month of the year. Rockling and dogfish from rock marks with occasional plaice caught over sandy ground. Spotted ray can be caught from some rock marks casting onto sand. The first mullet will move inshore but are almost impossible to tempt in the cold waters.

Dogfish often become very prolific all along the coast during this month. The first small eyed ray can be caught now along with the occasional bass. Grey Mullet will move into the estuaries, both thin lipped and thick lipped varieties. Ballan wrasse start to show from rock marks.

The first of the true summer species move in with mackerel and garfish moving within range of rock fisherman. Bass fishing will start to improve along with ray from the storm beaches. Smoothound provide exciting action at certain marks.

A continuation of the May action with bass falling to lures and fly fishermen in the estuary. Mullet fishing starting to become worthwhile as water temperatures rise. Porbeagle shark will be possible from boats as they chase mackerel and pollock over the rocky reefs offshore.

July

Summer sport reaches its peak. All summer species prolific with the chance of exotics like triggerfish. Wrasse fishing at its best, bass and smoothound move into feed on the spider crabs as they begin the big summer peel.

The mullet fishing for thin-lips is at its peak at this time and each year large numbers fall to baited spinners in the Taw Estuary.

Ray fishing can be good from Scillery, Putsborough and Woolacombe at this time of year. However trips need to coincide with darkness which will mean a sleepless night at this time of the year.

The last true month of the summer season. Bass fishing should be at its peak along with mackerel and the all the fish previously mentioned in July.

Big predators can be caught this month with porbeagle shark prowling the rocky reefs offshore. The tope will move close inshore and can be caught from selected marks in the Lynmouth area.

Often the best month of the year the grey mullet enthusiast with float fished or paternoster bread tempting many of these hard fighting fish. The species are abundant all along the coast in harbours, estuarys and rocky coves.

Flounder fishing will be getting started in the estuary and easy fishing can be had all along the Taw Estuary with proven marks like Ashford Strand, Pottington, Castle Quay, and Fremington Quay all worth a try.

As the days shorten evening sessions become more viable for conger, bass and tope. Flounder caught from the estuary can be used to good effect as tope baits.

Grey Mullet will continue to provide good sport and can be caught right through till December weather permitting. Surprisingly other summer species can be caught with garfish showing into November some seasons.

Codling will be moving into the estuary mouth at Crow Point and can provide good sport along with the occasional bass.

Flounder will start to pile on weight in the estuary and most years will see an abundance of 2lb plus fish come to the scales at numerous competitions held in the estuary at this time of year.

The first of the winter Cod may be caught from rock marks in the Watermouth to Ilfracombe region. Big conger and tope are also a possibility.

Whole squid or sandeel baits cast out onto sand from Watermouth or Capstone stand a good chance of finding a big blonde ray, especially after an autumn storm. There are often large numbers of whiting from Watermouth and Ilfracombe.

Is it really that time again winter cod, conger and whiting from the open sea along with flounders in the estuary at their heaviest as they prepare to leave on their way to spawning.

Seasons vary and overlap. It is impossible to predict what each season will bring. So many factors affect the fish and fishing. My advice is to keep a diary of your results, keep your ear to the grapevine and get out fishing as often as you can. Try different marks from time to time but make sure you get to know some really well.

The long and torturous footpath descends from the A 39 at Countisbury Hill to this steep shelving beach. Pebbles give way to sand at low water. This mark can be well worth the walk and has produced many fine specimen fish over the years, including tope, ray, bass and bull huss. Dogfish can be problem at times as they snaffle the baits intended for more worthy quarry.

The venue tends to fish best over high water. Care needs to taken to avoid getting cut off in the bays that back on to the steep and crumbly cliffs. Do not attempt to fish here in rough conditions. Be aware that what looks a gentle wave from the cliff top is often far more intimidating when on the beach itself.

At first glance Lynmouth fore shore is a mass of boulders that will ensnare the tackle every cast, this is a little misleading however for there is good fishing to be at several marks. Wandering along the shoreline towards Scillery is a mark called Blacklands. This mark is cut off over high water and should only be fished in calm weather. Grey Mullet abound and can be tempted on float-fished bread-flake or floating crust.

Bass can be tempted using plugs or by bottom fishing with peeler crab. Wrasse will also pick up crab baits or king rag.

During the winter codling and dogfish provide good sport weather permitting. Be warned the rocks here are treacherous when wet and are best avoided. I smashed a tooth here a few years ago and tend to avoid it during wet conditions.

Lynmouth Harbour dries out but is a productive mark over the top of the tide. The river mouth is one of the areas top grey mullet venues with fish caught every year in excess of five pounds. Paternostered bread flake is the method generally employed.

Big bass also venture into the mouth of the river and can be caught using free-lined mackerel, squid or trout. This is an extremely exciting way to catch these magnificent silver creatures. A carp rod and 15lb line with a short trace of 40lb b.s line and pennel rig of 5/0 to 6/0 hooks is all you need. Bass can also be tempted from the river channel as the tide floods using the same methods.

The Rhenish tower can produce fish to conventional beach-casting tactics 2 hours either side of high water. Bass, pollock, dogfish and the occasional codling are all caught in the relevant seasons.

The esplanade car park can be fished over high water on a spring tide. An inspection at low water will reveal clear patches amongst the rocks. Dogfish abound here after dark throughout the year. Pollock, pouting, bass and codling are also caught here on occasions. During daylight hours grey mullet and wrasse can be tempted.

The rocks to right of this rocky beach can be fished three hours each side of low water. Tackle losses will be high but some good fish can be caught. Large conger live among the rock and kelp along with wrasse and rockling. Bass and grey mullet also show during the summer months.

Steep spectacular wooded cliffs back this beautiful bay. The old stone jetty on the left of the beach can be fished for an hour and a half each side of low water on spring tides. Great care must be taken here to avoid being cut off. Never fish here during rough conditions as big waves will sweep over this jetty. Several of my angling friends have had near misses here so take care.

The fishing here can be rewarding with big bass, bay and tope caught here most years along with all the regular species.

The seabed here is a mixture of rock and sand. Casting straight out or to the right will generally see tackle losses rare. However during the summer months lobster pots can be problematic.

Few seem to fish here during the winter but conger and whiting will reward those that do. The middle to right hand side of the beach is kindest on tackle. Do not fish this venue after a storm as floating weed is often a problem.

This promontory located between Camels Eye and Wild Pear can only be reached on a low spring tide. Fishing is limited to around 2 hours and is not easy to reach. For those young and able it can be worth the effort. During the late seventies this mark provided great sport with grey mullet. I have also caught wrasse to almost six pounds here along with good conger. Bass also show here on occasions. Being a weedy and rocky mark that is rarely fished it will turn up big rockling.

The rocky platform at the front of Camels Eye is good mark 2 hours either side of Low Water. Big wrasse used to be caught frequently but for some reason are now scarce. Grey mullet respond to groundbaiting and can provide multiple bags. Congers are always present here and can be caught throughout the year even in bright sunlight. Heavy tackle is needed to remove them from the thick kelp and rock that makes this mark unpopular with many anglers.

Several years ago I caught a Pollock of 11lb 7oz whilst spinning over high water. I have also landed Bass of over 9lb here so it has potential to turn up big fish of several species including rockling and bull huss. For some reason dogfish are seldom caught.

Over high water the harbour provides good sport with grey mullet. Try float-fishing from Greenhill’s on the right of the harbour, or leger from the roadside railings opposite. Small peeler crab or worm baits cast out onto the sand may turn up a plaice or flounder.

The high wall beside the telescope at what is called Bottom Deck provides easy fishing over high water. Landing a big fish is difficult though without a foolhardy mountaineer or drop net.

I once lost a Conger here that I estimated at around 30lb. Congers over 20lb have been landed here along with bass over 10lb. Several years ago I fished here on a wild and windy winter evening. A force eight north westerly gale made fishing difficult to say the least. My companion on that night landed a 7lb pollock. I have also heard of wrasse and flounder from this most unlikely of marks. When I was a lad we fished here because it was easy to reach. I have not fished it for years but hold fond memories of the mark.

I think that covers Combe Martin Bay and the waters of my youth.

There are however two notable rock marks accessible from the far end of the beach. Passing through the gulley at the far end of the beach a turn to left will take you onto back rock which offers a fantastic view of Combe Martin bay. This mark is cut off for four hours on spring tides so is generally fished for the first 3½ hours of the flood tide.

Float fishing during the summer months will bring mackerel, pollock, garfish and the occasional bass. Ledgering will bring occasional bass, dogfish, huss and rockling. During the winter months anglers will contact the occasional cod along with whiting and conger.

Outer-stone is reached by clambering out along the rocks to the left of the island that lies at the far end of the beach. A gulley needs to be crossed at the far end that is only passable 1½ hours each side of low water. Great needs to taken not to be cut of here and the mark should only be fished during calm conditions and during spring tides. Most species have been caught here including tope, huss, codling and the inevitable dogfish. Spotted ray are frequently taken from this mark.

This venue can get quite busy during the summer months as it is adjacent to several large campsites. There are several worthwhile rocky promontories that can be fished over the low water period with the marks 1^st and 2^nd Points enabling anglers to cast out onto clean ground where ray, dogfish, and whiting can be caught during the winter months. During the summer mackerel can be taken in large numbers by feathering.

Strictly speaking this is no longer a pier as the old structure was demolished a few years ago to be replaced by boat landing platforms. These are only fishable over the low water period. The loss of the old pier was a major blow to local sea anglers especially the young and disabled. The structure that remains does however produce a wide variety of species. During the summer month’s access can be restricted to allow boats to berth this being the embarkation point for trips too and from Lundy Island.

The venue produces a wide variety of species throughout the year. Springtime sees dogfish, pollock and the occasional plaice. Summer will see mackerel and garfish providing good sport. Grey mullet often feed close in beside the harbour wall. Specimen bass are caught most years and are often tempted with a large mackerel bait close in after dark.

The autumn and winter sees fishing here at its best with whiting, pouting, dogfish and codling providing good sport. Each winter specimen ray both blonde and small eyed varieties. Large conger are also caught with divers reporting sightings of huge eels living within the base of the ancient structure and each year anglers tell tales of large fish that got away.

A section of wall stands at what was the North End of the old pier. This can be fished over high water on big tides and has produced some big conger and cod. A very long handled gaff is an essential piece of equipment here if a good fish is to be landed.

Slivers of mackerel are used to tempt the mackerel, garfish and pollock. Float or paternostered bread flake will tempt the mullet if used in combination with mashed bread ground bait.

Mackerel, squid or pouting are best for tempting conger or large bass. Small worm baits tempt will tempt the occasional flatfish along with pouting, bass and whiting.

Peeler crab or large lug baits are used for tempting large cod during the winter months. Recent seasons have however proved unproductive.

Frozen sandeel is a good bait for dogfish, whiting, ray and codling.

Heavy beach tackle is required for winter cod and conger. Size 6/0 hooks on a pulley rig and a 100lb mono hook length. Size 2/0 to 4/0 are used for general fishing for dogfish, whiting and ray.

A lighter beach outfit can be used during the spring and summer to target flatfish. Size 1 or 2 fine wire hooks being ideal.

Light freshwater tackle can be used to give good sport with mackerel, garfish and mullet.

This is probably North Devon’s most popular rock mark and has a deserved reputation for producing exceptional specimen fish particularly during the winter months. Many cod in excess of twenty pounds have been landed from this mark along with bass over fifteen pounds, pollock over ten pounds, blonde ray to almost twenty pound along with specimens of many other species.

A word of warning is required to anyone fishing Capstone. The rocks here are frequently host to a large and dangerous ground swell. The rocks are also extremely slippery in places for this reason extreme care is needed when fishing this area.

During rough weather many anglers fish from the high wall to the east of the point. This can be productive but landing large fish is difficult and many have been lost at the base of the wall as anglers gaze down upon the fish of dreams in desperation. Later they tell tales of the one that got away whilst visiting local watering holes.

During the summer month’s mackerel, garfish and pollock provide good sport along with the occasional bass.

To the east of Morte Point is Rockham Bay which can yield bass after dark.

These gently shelving surf beaches are popular summer venue that can yield fish throughout the year. The peak months to fish these marks are from April through until September. Small eyed ray are the principle species with specimens topping ten pounds most years. Bass are also landed especially if there is a bit of surf. Large conger can be landed from this venue especially from the Putsborough end during the autumn when they roam away from the nearby rocks of Baggy Point.

Being a popular beach with surfers and tourists fishing is only practical after dark when the fish venture closer into the shoreline. Most anglers fish the venues 2 hours each side of low water with the flood tide producing most sport.

The venue is sheltered from prevailing south westerly winds and is a good alternative if more exposed local beaches are unfishable due to wind or weed.

Fish can be caught all along this beach with areas of undulating sand often considered worth searching out.

The beaches turn up the following species small eyed ray, dogfish, bass, conger, small turbot, whiting and occasional blonde ray.

On the southern side of Baggy is an old sewer outlet that has a rocky platform that produces bass, cod and conger over high water. The venue is sheltered from a north westerly wind and often fished best during rough conditions. I have taken grey mullet from this venue in the past but it is unlikely to be as productive now that the sewer has been cleaned up.

Reached via a lay-by that overlooks Saunton Sands this rock mark allows casting onto clear ground where wide range of species can be tempted. Autumn and winter will give good results with cod, dogfish, whiting and conger especially following rough weather when the water becomes coloured. During the spring and summer smoothound and the occasional bass are landed.

The far end of the point is popular during summer evenings when high water coincides. Mackerel and bass provide good sport on spinners and plugs.

A vast stretch of golden sand stretches from Saunton Rocks and the famous Saunton Sands Hotel to the mouth of the Taw and Torridge Estuaries made famous Henry Williamson in his book Tarka the Otter. The beach has been used for filming several films and rock videos including Pink Floyds “The Wall” and Robbie Williams, “Angels” video.

The venue is also visited by bass which are targeted by anglers fishing after dark on summer nights. The beach fishes best when moderate surf surges onto the shoreline. The best time to fish is probably when a neap tide coincides with midnight. Fish two hours up and one back. See section” Big Bass with Kevin” which describes Kev’s way of fishing this venue.

This estuary mouth mark is reached via the Braunton Burrows Toll road, but please check what time the gate is to be locked.. A walk of around ¾ of a mile will take you onto this venue. Rocky promontories here are useful areas for collecting peeler crabs during the summer months. During autumn and winter good sport can be enjoyed with codling, bass, flounder, dabs and whiting. Fish the sandy area past the rocks previously mentioned. Low water is generally considered prime time allowing casting into what is commonly referred to as cod pit. High water can produce but is not generally so good for codling. Strong tidal flows make fishing mid tide impractical.

During the summer months anglers can enjoy fine sport with school bass as they move into the shallow rocky gullies. Many anglers now use fly-fishing tactics here to good effect with hauls of twenty or more bass up to a couple of pounds common. Please use barbless hooks and return all undersize fish.

I guess that one of the great things about bass is the wide variety of methods that can be used to bring about its capture. There are two main reasons for using a specific method because it is effective or enjoyable, in most cases a combination of the two.

The method we use at a specific venue will be determined by a wide variety of factors. So how do we go about selecting the method to use? First we need to ask a number of questions. Let’s assume that we have chosen a venue that we know bass frequent.

Where will the bass be at each state of the tide?

What will they be feeding on?

What time of day can we fish or should we fish?

What method do we enjoy using the most?

What method will most likely result in the hooking of a bass?

Now to simplify our task lets state the obvious…

We need to put bait, real or artificial in front of a Bass that is willing to feed.

Fishing seems to go in cycles and it seems to have turned round to a cracking Bass year, the last four to five seasons hav`nt lived up to expectations. Take for instance our best Bass weighed in last year. Mario`s Eight pounder! We’ve had five weighed in for the club bigger than that already! With Andy Taylor’s topping the list at a stonking 12lb 5oz!

How we do it!

Right! So how are we going to catch one? There has been so much written on the subject in the past, lets try and sort out Bassing locally or How we do it !

Most of the lunkers caught have normally been caught on fish baits. Look down past lists of catches and 90% have fallen to Mackerel. So that gives you a clue. In the waiting game, Mackerel has to be No 1. We did a trial for a couple of seasons ensuring every time we went we had Fresh Mackerel fishing on one rod with Ammo frozen Mackerel on the other. The scary thing was that the Ammo bait totally out-fished the fresh 8 out of 10 falling to frozen! How many times do we hear this? E.G Sandeels, Frozen better. When using fresh Mackerel the flesh becomes very flaky the frozen does not and seems to hold the natural juices inside longer.

Right Kevs way, Beach fishing for Bass. First it’s a waiting game. So we normally only fish 3- 4 hours either over Low tide or up to high. Unless you can handle staring at your Rods for any longer? Go for it! You will end up looking like Mart Feldman! I personally use standard beach casting gear. Because no power casting is involved (lose your leaders) fish a premium line 20-25lb b.s on a 7000 – SL 30 type reel. Reason .. Being most of our surf beaches are flat and with surf running up to 150 yds out the Bass running along behind the waves and if there is weed about you are going to look pretty stupid with a Bass on the end, your Knot jammed in the top eye. How are you going to control it now!

If you are fishing two rods make sure they are fishing at two different distances. Chest waders are a valuable asset, especially when wading to cast you can walk out to thigh depth then all is needed is a gentle cast thus no strain no leader.

Kevs Tips

Still use heavy! Trace E.g. 40-50lbs (What that heavy!!)*) Yes. Use a light one in the surf and watch it wrap itself up. The stiffer heavier line will stand out.

Bigmouth’s, Big baits, so you will need a big hook. There is nothing better on the market than the Varivas Big Mouth’s from Veal’s in a 5/0 or 6/0. Excellent hook.

Bait

You will catch on most baits. But I put my faith in any of the frozen Ammo Mackerel, Joey fillets or try a Squid /Mackerel cocktail.

Conditions, etc

When watching your rod, keep your lights to a minimum, use your pilot bulb to illuminate the tips. If you can fish the more overcast nights, plenty of cloud cover, even better. With small making tides you are half way there.

Conclusions

That was an insight into how we do it. You can’t please people all the time but it works for us! Yes it’s a boring waiting game but when it comes off you forget all the blanks and the weeded out trips. When that big silver bar is lying at your feet. Oh-Ooh!

By the way I read this myself the other night and thought that makes sense you know and caught a personal best Bass of 11lb 3oz, after weighing and photographing I returned the fish. What a rush to see her swim off! A night I won’t forget in a hurry..

The Bass, with its silver shining flanks, gives a powerful and spirited resistance when hooked which combined with superb eating properties make it the British sea angler’s greatest prize. This prize can also be won using a vast range of methods and techniques. This is what I intend to enlarge upon in this article. The prime aim of angling is to enjoy, success is not measured in fish caught alone. The places we visit and the tackle we use can greatly enhance our pleasure. I will not say too much about traditional bassing, methods because it’s been said many times before.

Much has been written about plugging for Bass and yet it is still not widely practised. I’m no expert, but I have found the method very enjoyable. On its day it can be very successful. The greatest thrill for me is the moment when the bass hits the lure, a savage jolt that is transmitted through the line sending the pulse racing. The fish often hit the lure right at your feet and can often be seen following right up to the shoreline before veering frustratingly away at the last minute.

I suffered plenty of blank outings before I started to catch on a regular basis. So to help cut down your blanks here are a few pointers.

May to October, when Mackerel and Sandeel are abundant.

Try to get out early and late. Bass generally feed best around dawn and dusk. If you go out plugging in the middle of the day blanks will be the norm. The best state of tide is dependent upon the mark you fish.

Try to think like a Bass. Where is the food going to be? Look at the terrain, what features are there? Where could you ambush your prey if you were a Bass? Look at the way the flow is influenced by rocks or structures on the shoreline.

Headlands, promontories, river inlets, reefs weed beds or man-made structures. All these are features worth exploring. The joy of plugging is of course that you are free to wonder along the shoreline sending your lure into every likely spot. I personally feel most confident when fishing plugs over shallow areas with plentiful rock or weed.

Tackle

Many anglers who practice the art of plug fishing recommend a long spinning or carp rod 10` to 12` in length. This is a good tool and combined with fixed spool reel makes an extremely functional outfit. The long rod has the advantage of steering the plug around obstacles and keeping the line clear of abrasive, barnacle encrusted rocks.

I use braided line for most of my lure fishing these days. Its thin diameter, strength and lack of stretch make it perfect. A mistake made by many anglers is to purchase the same breaking strain in braid as they would have used in mono. Double it! I use 30lb b.s. This may sound a little too heavy but you need to take into account the lines lack of stretch and susceptibility to abrasion. Another consideration is the cost of lures. With heavy braid you will often be able to pull free of kelp and weed. I also consider the welfare of the fish; a bass with a mouthful of treble hooks will be condemned to certain death. I strongly disagree with the light line being sporting mentality.

Many anglers will be put of by the apparent high cost of braid. Braid however has a far longer life span than mono. I will happily use braid for a couple of seasons. Mono often becomes suspect after just one season or just a couple of sessions. I have used SUFIX HERCULINE, BERKLEY FIRELINE, BERKELY WHIPLASH, MASON BRAID and NEWTECH POWER CABLE. I have found all to be good quality braids as I would think are the many others that are available.

There are a fast range of plugs and lures available that are suitable for Bass fishing. Each lure will have different characteristics to suit different situations. Deep divers, shallow runners, surface poppers, Jerkbaits and spoons. The list is endless; I suggest you get a catalogue from the Harris Angling company or Veal’s mail order. Here you will find every lure you may need; in fact you will find all the gear you need for plug fishing.

My own favorites are as follows :-

RAPALA JOINTED FLOATING MINNOW

REBEL JOINTED MINNOW J3

YO-ZURI TOBI MINNOW

ABU TOBY

STORM SALTWATER BIG BUG.

Between braid and lure I attach a trace of mono, generally of around 15-20lb b.s. A swivel is used as connector and a snap link to attach the lure and allow quick and easy change of lure.

Your tackle box or pocket should also contain scissors, long nosed pliers for hook removal, hook sharpener, Split rings, and spare hooks for lures {I use Partridge Grey Shadow to replace corroded or damaged lure hooks}. Hook protectors can be used to shield the hook points enabling you to carry your plugs loose in your pocket or lure bag.

I find a pair of polarised glasses a great help. They greatly increase the ability to see into the water and hopefully spot fish as they follow the lure or spot snags or features. A peaked hat will give additional help.

I often wear a pair of chest waders. These enable me to wade out in calm conditions and cover more water. I have pushed my luck a little and with hindsight have sometimes gone within a step of disaster. I have now purchased a buoyancy aid, just in case I fall in. Chest waders and deep water can be very dangerous.

A landing net can be carried but will prove a hindrance when walking and climbing over rugged terrain. I very often leave mine at home and lift my fish out by hand. Watch out for the sharp spikes on the bass’s back and gill covers.

Weather and Conditions

I should probably have covered this topic earlier, as it probably has more bearing on our success than any other factor. The choice of venue will obviously be determined by weather, sea condition and tide. Safety will have a major influence. Some marks may be exceptionally slippery when wet you would avoid such marks after heavy rain. If there are strong winds you may seek shelter or choose to fish were rougher water has dislodged food, which may in turn attract hungry Bass.

If I had to choose ideal conditions they would be a moderate northwest breeze, light surf and clear water. Our time off to fish will not always coincide with our desired conditions so more often you will be forced to adapt to prevailing conditions.

Summary

I hope I will have encouraged you to get out and try a little plugging. Believe me when a silver Bass hits your lure you will be hooked on the art of plugging. I intended to write a little on free lining but I think that will have to wait for another day.

Perhaps I will meet you out there one day wondering the rocky shoreline with a gentle breeze blowing from the west, sending your lure out searching every likely spot with the smell of the sea in the air and the sun sinking at the end of another summer’s day. You may not catch, you should enjoy.

As summer fades, the leaves start to take on their autumn hues, nights grow longer and colder.

The fish of summer start to leave our shores. At this time my thoughts have for the last few years turned to what is perhaps the British shore angler’s greatest challenge. The Tope!

For many years I had remembered tales of big fish hooked along the coast that had emptied reels of line as they tore off towards the horizon. A small band of dedicated anglers targeted these fish and had considerable success. The British record of 58lb 2oz came from Baggy Point in North Devon during 1982. For many years before this anglers had been landing big Tope from this stretch of coast. Most fish were hooked during October and November when they apparently move inshore to breed.

The largest fish are inevitably females. I have been fishing the North Devon coast for over twenty years and tope was a species I had never seriously targeted it had however been at the back of my mind to one day have a go. However I always seemed to be chasing some other species and thought life too short to chase dreams that may never come true.

For some reason this attitude changed in 1995 when rumours started to circulate of big fish attacking Whiting as anglers wound them in. the poor Whiting were often bitten clean in half or the anglers traces were bitten through within seconds. It was obvious that Tope were to blame. Several of my angling companions had hooked and landed Tope from our coastline all had a good tale to tell. It was probably my mate Ashley who actually lit the spark. He had landed specimens to 45lb + and seemed keen to land more. On December 1^st 1994 Ashley and I set out on our first Tope session together.

… It was a calm mild evening with a light breeze blowing from the south. The mark we fished was totally sheltered, as we walked out onto the rocks and glanced into the water with our headlights a huge swirl signaled the presence of our quarry less than five yards off-shore. We hurriedly tackled up, expectation high! Fresh Flounder baits were impaled on razor sharp 7/o hooks and launched out into the calm dark waters. Ashley told me that most runs came on the flood tide so expectations began to grow as Low water passed, Ashley’s tales of past Tope encounters fuelled the fire. I could hardly believe it when my ratchet burst into song, I picked up the rod, the line was pouring from the reel at such a rate that I almost feared connecting with the fish responsible. The rod took on an alarming curve for just a few seconds, then it was gone! I reeled in to find that the hook had twisted and become masked by the bait. That night Ashley and I had five runs all managed to shed the hook within seconds.

This was a baptism of fire. I had never believed I would get a chance on my first trip but I was to learn that Tope fishing isn’t that easy. It was almost twelve months later before the quest resumed.

Six sessions were spent during the autumn of 95. We enjoyed calm frosty nights, marveled at the thousands of twinkling stars in the black night sky, drank cups of hot steaming coffee talked of fish, fishing, life. Many hours pass by but no runs came to our rods.

For some reason 96 saw us give the Tope a miss. But in 97 we spent five sessions, again we had no runs. That first night Tope fishing back in 94 began to annoy even more. How on earth had we blown such a good chance of success? I have learnt since that such nights are not rare, getting a tope to take the bait is only half the battle!

In 98 we started Toping in September after hearing of Tope being lost at a nearby beach. The entry in my diary of 19th September is Typical,.. “Still night, star studded sky. Fished Flounder on one rod, whole launce on second rod. Rods still, reel silent. Maybe next time?”

Success at last.

October 12^th 1998.

Ashley and I set out on yet another trip. I will let Ashley tell his story…

A Tope trip had been organized, Wayne was to pick me up at 6.30pm but when he arrived it was closer to 6.45pm but I won't dwell on that as it is usually me that’s late. Anyway we made our way to the chosen venue not quite sure what the sea state would be like as it had been fairly rough all day, with a stiff Northwest wind. But we were pleasantly surprised to find it calmer than we thought we would.

The tackle was soon dragged out of the much to heavily laden rucksacks, rods were put together and rigs set up with wire traces in anticipation of what we were hoping to catch. It wasn’t long before both baits were in the water; Wayne was also using a second rod in close to tempt a Bass.

Wayne had a bite almost immediately first thought was Tope but the bite came to nothing and when the bait was retrieved in a tangled mess it had obviously been a strap Eel. He was soon baited up and back in the water.

Only about fifteen minutes had passed when the first run of the night came, a very light bite followed by a run I struck to set the hook and the fish took off on a kiting run to the right shaking it’s head franticly. The fish made another run for freedom, the line went slack the hook had been thrown the Tope was gone.

With both lines back in the water it was not long before another bite came to my rod but enthusiasm was damped when a small conger was pulled in, we were both hoping that strap eels were not going to be too prolific.

An hour or so had now passed since the last bite when Wayne's other rod fishing in close bounced into action and then went slack. A short fight took place before landing a Bass of 5lb 6oz in perfect condition.

Another half an hour went by without a nibble, then suddenly the line on my rod went slack with no indication of a bite, not until picking it up and retrieving about fifteen yards of line until it was tight again did I feel the fish. The bite was very small until the fish started to move away and I then decided to set the hook. Now the fun was really going to start the fish took exception to having a 6/0 hook thrust into it’s mouth, and took off on a powerful run up channel taking full advantage of the tide which was by now in full flood. By the time I managed to stop it my reel was looking decidedly empty bearing in mind that I was using an Abu 7000 with 20lb line which was full. I was now looking at a reel with about forty yards left on it and praying that the fish would not go off on another screaming run.

Slowly but surely I began to gain some line on which both Wayne and I were quite sure was a fairly large Tope. The reel was now looking reasonably healthy but the problem was now, that the tide had swung the fish inshore and the main line was dangerously close to the rocks. Wayne ran across with the intention of if necessary to hold the line clear but by the time he got there the fish had moved out sufficiently to alleviate this problem. By now my arms and back were beginning to ache but with the adrenaline flowing this was soon forgotten. The Tope was now quite tired and very close to being landed, Wayne positioned himself in what he thought would be a good place and waited for it to surface as up until now we hadn’t seen it. Suddenly it appeared right at his feet we both now realized that it was a good size, it took him several attempts as it was quite choppy and he wanted to gaff it out through it’s bottom jaw so it could be returned with the minimal damage. He struggled to pull it ashore and we were both relieved when the battle was over.

Pictures were taken as quickly as possible, the fish was measured and found to be 60 inches long with a girth of 26 inches as neither of us had a calculator with us we could not work out it’s weight but I was sure it was 50lb plus. The Tope was soon back in the sea and swam off to fight another day, which is always a big relief.

Wayne soon had his bait back in the water whilst I needed a few minutes to gather my thoughts, after I had cast back out again we both sat reflecting on the fight and hoping that another may be tempted but it was not to be. We eventually packed up around midnight and made our way back to the car, another Tope session had come to a close but we would now look forward to the next one with enthusiasm.

Using the formula girth times girth times length divided by eight hundred I arrived at a weight of 50lb 2oz not very far away from my estimation this being my largest Tope to date I was thrilled to bits.

I would just like to add a vote of thanks to Wayne for the professional way he gaffed it, he could quite as easily lost it as the conditions were far from perfect, or worse still gaffed it badly and ultimately killing the fish. Thanks Wayne hopefully I will be able to do the same for you one day.

Several trips are to follow in 98 but no Tope come my way.

A lot of Tope have been caught out in the boats this year so perhaps it will be a better season?

My first trip of the year is with an angler I have never met before he fancies a Toping trip and has been given my number. He has been Toping once before and witnessed the capture of a 37lb Tope two weeks previous. I get a screaming run, which stops, as I pick up the rod. No more runs that night but hopes are high for the next!

A week later and I meet up with Ashley for another short session. We arrive at our chosen mark to find another local angler already set up. As he is only using one rod and is also after Tope he kindly allows us to join him. We stand chatting, and then at low water a ratchet starts to emit a hopeful screech…. We all look to the three rods, the centre rod is shaking in the rest, mine!

Picking up the rod I put the reel into gear, wait for the line to Zip tight and raise the rod, I am forced to take a step forward as a fish of immense power heads for the horizon. The spool of my large capacity reel starts to look worryingly lacking in line, I pile on the pressure, my arms start to hurt. Eventually I stop and turn the fish pumping it back towards the shoreline gaining line slowly to have it ripped off the reel again as what is obviously a large Tope fights for its freedom. I feel the battle is almost won when I feel that sickening feeling of the line pulling into a snag. All goes solid, If I ease the pressure I feel the fish shakes its head but if I pull all is solid. For twenty minutes I pull, ease off

And wait trying every trick to get the fish free but eventually there is no sign of my dream fish all is solid, lifeless. I pull for a break; I reel in the limp line dejectedly… gutted!

An hour later our friend gets a fast run. He picks up the rod, strikes the line parts within seconds. He reels in to find his 60lb b.s leader cut as if by a knife.

Then just before we are forced off our mark by the rising tide I get another run….

The rod again bends over as a Tope shakes its head angrily, again that sickening feeling is repeated the fish has swallowed the bait past my 30cm wire trace and severed the 80lb b.s nylon, upper trace.

At the end of the month I fly out to Alderney for a ten day fishing trip. At the end of the week I hears tales of Tope from a beach on the island. A couple are landed, one angler tells of ten runs in a night. Probably the result of a spicy Indian} with hindsight I should have tried for tope on this angler’s paradise. Maybe next year?

Back from Alderney, I soon resume my quest for tope. October 15^th. I have been to the estuary on the previous day and caught some fresh flounder. These are cast out from a deep-water rock mark that has produced a Tope a week ago. Ashley’s first run comes in daylight and comes adrift after one long powerful run. It’s my turn next, again I am locked in battle, and the fish is brought to within ten yards of the shore Ashley is ready to attempt to grab it when it shakes its head. I gaze in dismay as I see five feet of fish swim away; the hook has fallen out! Well what do you say? **** It. Ashley gets two more runs that night.

My long time angling buddy Nick Phillips has joined me on a beach mark that has produced tope in the past. We tackle up in the daylight and enjoy the slow descent of darkness.

Soon after dark two anglers trudge towards us having made the long descent to this steep shelving beach. Both are anglers I have known for many years. After a friendly exchange they walk on a further fifty yards. An hour later Martin Turner calls my name; I rush over to witness a beautiful Tope of 43lb 14oz. After photographing the Tope is released and swims gracefully away in the beams of our headlights. Martins first tope trip! Well done! Perhaps I am destined never to land a tope?

Five blank outings follow.

I return to the beach of a month before with Ashley. I have a stinking cold, feel lousy the walk down to the beach is hard going. Bitter Northeast wind is blowing; conditions are not conducive to a high level of confidence.

The tide pushes us further up the beach till high water. A couple of Dogfish have attacked my launce baits and as I unhook them my ratchet emits a couple of clicks, the rod tip nods, a couple more clicks, I pick up the rod, something has the bait but it isn’t charging away. After the fish has moved hesitatingly away I set the hook. Whatever it is starts to come grudgingly inshore. I turn to Ashley,” It’s heavier than a Dogfish, but…” at this moment the rod is pulled over as whatever I have hooked rips line from the reel. “It’s a tope!” Ten minutes later Ashley steps into the sea to tail my first tope. A male of 29lb 8oz, at last I have achieved my dream. I’m glad that it was Ashley who shared my triumph. The long walk up the cliff path is undertaken with a smile.

I’m looking forward to next autumn. I'll be chasing dreams again 'cause dreams do come true.

Lessons

In five years of trying to catch a Tope I have learnt several lessons the hard way.

Persevere

Ensure your hook points are showing and are sharp. ( very sharp)

Check your tackle. Leave no weak link.

.

So there you have my experience of Tope from the shore. I wonder if they are still to be caught off the Pembrokeshire shoreline. Clive Gammon tells of his adventures in the book, A TIDE OF FISH.

If you want to learn more I suggest that you read the following books.

A Tide of fish. By Clive Gammon.

Big Fish . By Trevor Housby

Sea Angling with the Specimen Hunters. By Hugh Stoker.   

 

Landing Fish

A fishing friend asked me to write a bit on gaffing fish. He felt that some advice could be of use in some quarters. Now it is a sad fact that it is often the big fish, the fish of a lifetime that get their freedom. Most big fish are lost as a result of..

I have an old sea angling magazine in my shed on its cover is a picture of Big Porbeagle Sharks landed off the North Devon coast. The Appledore Shark Angling Club made big catches during the mid seventies. I believe the club eventually folded due to the demise of the Shark? Over the years the occasional Shark were caught by anglers prepared to put in the hours. I think it was about four years ago that my friends started out after these Shark in the hope that they had returned after a few years of neglect.

Shark fishing is a waiting game. Hours, sometimes days drifting with wind and tide watching and waiting for a glimpse of a fin or dark shape in the rubby dubby trail. The scream of the ratchet when and if its comes will set the heart racing. Sport with Pollock and Tope to drifted baits helps pass the time. At times of hectic sport the shark rods are almost forgotten. Mackerel are taken fresh from the sea and fried then eaten off the bone. A crispy delicacy to be savoured as one drifts on in hope. The cry of gulls in the air and the monotonous sound as the sea gently caresses the drifting boat.

That Something.....

It’s difficult to explain why I am an angler or how I started on the way to being an angler. I cannot remember a time when I did not fish; I cannot remember that first trip or first fish. I have lots of memories of fishing and perhaps the most vivid are those of childhood. I have read somewhere that angling brings out the boy in men, or something like that.

Much of anglings attraction is in anticipation of what may happen. A child is free of the boundaries that tarnish the adult’s outlook. Every water holds fish of dreams, we have not learnt or been told what is likely or possible. When I recall my early fishing memories they are often visions of places and fish not caught.

I guess it was my father who introduced me. We had a river at the bottom of our garden and it was here that we went one summer’s day. I have a vivid picture in my mind, we had a tobacco tin containing a few hooks and split shot and a spool of nylon on a bright yellow spool. We had no rod, I guess we used a worm as bait that I cannot recall. The water was crystal clear. I remember seeing an Eel gliding snakelike towards the bait, the feeling of anticipation I felt on that day many years ago is still strong. Strangely I cannot recall if we caught the Eel.

That tiny river held many Brown Trout with vivid red spotted sides. Worms, Bread and Cheese caught me hundreds of Trout to over a pound in weight. In places brambles and undergrowth formed impenetrable tunnels. It was here and under bridges that the monsters lived. Out of site lived the rivers biggest Trout in the dark recesses where the fish of dreams. In holes in old walls lived thick black sinister Eels. One day I peered over a wall into the river and saw a mighty fish, vivid black spots along silver flanks. Nobody believed that I had seen a fish of such a size in such a tiny stream, just a childhood fantasy? The memory is still so clear I wonder, was it just a dream or was it a Sea Trout of five or Six pounds.

I went back and a couple of years ago .The River is still there but it seems so tiny, the dark and mystery filled tunnels have gone. The undergrowth has been cut away, I didn’t see a single Trout somehow it was lifeless.

Every year we went on Holiday to Looe in Cornwall. One night we float-fished for pollock from along the estuary wall, I remember my float plunging beneath the surface and me striking hard. The rod bent over as an unseen and powerful fish surged away. My father urgently tried to instruct, but it was in vain, I did not know about giving line, I just held on until the line broke. For the first time I felt that feeling of loss as the line fluttered loosely in the cool night air. I still wonder what that fish was bass, big pollock? I have lost many fish since that day and each time that same feeling of loss that is impossible to explain to the non-angler.

Later as a teenager I went out night fishing with my mates. On summer nights we would fish for bass and conger. I still recall the smell of meth’s as we struggled to light our paraffin Tilley lamps. The comforting hiss as they burnt through the night. Going out at night was a real adventure. We walked back home through dark wooded cliff paths telling ghostly tales and raising our fears of the shadowy night. Places and images of angling trips fill the mind there are fish in there but there is something more to it all than that. I cannot define what that essence is but it would be nice if my son could find it.