The final total at The Arundell Arms was 49 salmon to 15lb, with 41 returned to the rivers. A further six fish (all released) were caught by rods fishing the hotel's allocations on the Endsleigh and Lower Tamar clubs' waters.
Sea trout catches were severely hampered by the persistent high summer flows, which meant night fishing was restricted to no more than a few brief windows of opportunity. As such the sea trout catch was well down on numbers, with only 61 fish recorded for the season. 53 of these fish were returned. An additional six fish were caught and released on the hotel's allocations on the Endsleigh and Lower Tamar clubs' waters.
One notable fish was Rob Swan's monster on the Lyd - a 7lb 2oz hen fish (returned) that is the new Arundell Arms record sea trout.
Trout catches were well down - again, due to the high water and unsettled conditions - with 1451 fish landed. Slightly disappointing with the five-year average being 1901, but we can't help the weather!
The fish of the season was landed by newcomer Elisabeth Royle on beat 9A on the Tamar - 1lb 2oz on a black Copper John Nymph. Tony Bostock was, as ever!, worth a mention, with a great catch on the Carey in September which included two fish of around a pound.
With the trout and salmon seasons now closed, we hope for some low water to get out and try for a grayling or two. Days are available (though best to call at short notice because of river levels) at £20 for a private beat. Tinhay Lake is also open throughout the winter for fishing for rainbow trout at £38 for a day (bag limit of four fish, catch and release is also allowed).
