Anglers have been listened to at last, Devon and Severn IFCA met last week to discuss and vote on the proposed plan to allow fixed and drift netting in the Salcombe Estuary for six months a year, writes John Sherlock.

All advice was not to allow it and the vote went eleven in favour of maintaining the ban with two abstentions. There will be no netting at Salcombe. A big thank you to all who took the time and made the effort to write or email their objections. A fantastic result.

Exmouth Angling Association held a rover competition over the weekend, Driss Rami once again showed his skill with a 10lbs plus Smalleyed Ray and Dylan Reeve had a nice Bull Huss. Kev Madeley and Adrian Hammon the beach and were rewarded with Dogfish, small Huss and Congers and some surprise Smoothhounds.

Bry Augur decided to try some local rock marks targeting Wrasse, he caught plenty but nothing large. Boats fishing in Lyme Bay are reporting Whiting up to 2lbs 12oz along with Pout, Congers, Dogfish and Scad.

Newton Abbot Fishing association waters at Rackerhayes produced a winter Carp of 25lbs 14oz for Trevor Back and peter Willis fished Island pond for pike and was rewarded with a fish of 13lbs on a deadbait.

The latest Wednesday sweepstake match was fished on Bradley pond and was won by Gary Webber with a bag weight of 19lbs 2oz using a pole, Dave Sugden took second spot using a feeder and third was Mike Hadley with 10lbs also on the feeder. Few Tench showed in this match, which is a good sign that the weather may be warming up a bit.

Newbarn Angling Centre is still producing fish, Kingskerswell angler Paul King fished the recently cleaned up Willow Pool and landed several Carp up to eight and a half pounds. Anthony Andrews fished the specimen pool and had three fish to around twenty pound out on an overnight session, whilst Ian (Rich) Park continues to land fish every time he fishes.

Spring ponds had a group booking for a private match, which was won by venue regular Steve Barrel with a huge bag weight of 105lbs 8oz caught on the pole with pellets as the hookbait. Big perch are still being reported and this is now the prime time to catch them. Adult day ticket prices are £7 with juniors just £3, a really good value day ticket water.

Entries are now being taken for our March fish of the month competition. Please email your pictures and catch reports to johnsherlockfish@gmail.com

Sidmouth Herald: Paul King with a Common Carp from Willow Pool at Newbarn
Sidmouth Herald: Kev Madeley with a Smoothhound
Sidmouth Herald: Steve Barrel with his bag of 15lbs of fish caught at Spring ponds