A FAVOURITE HAUNT OF DICK WALKER
ONCE a regular haunt of angling legend Dick Walker, this picturesque water run by Exeter Angling Association is steeped in history and has more than its share of mystery.
Not only are there stories of monster pike, catfish and carp being hooked, seen and lost – there are also ghostly tales of anglers feeling as if they are not quite alone when spending a night on the bank here.
Although it holds many different species of fish, Abbrook is best known for its carp, with many double-figure fish present. Committee member and former water manager Kevin Dobson has spent a lot of time targeting these fish, and ran us through what the sport is like.
He said: “This is a relatively easy water for fish between 10lb and 20lb. I use fishmeal baits for the carp and feed little and often. The second part of the pond, with its island and lily bar, is a real hotspot if you are after them too.
“You need a night permit to fish after dark, which can be a productive bite time. It’s a surreal place to be at night and a couple of experiences have made me wonder if the place is haunted.”
If carp aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other species to get
your fishing fix from at the 2.8-acre water. It holds large stocks of roach, bream, tench, crucians, perch and pike.
Assistant water manager Rich Schölkopf has been catching quality perch on floatfished prawns, with individual fish going over the 2lb mark and
giving a glimpse of the potential of the silver fish sport.
Spend a day on the pole with maggots and your float won’t be still for very long. You also never know when one of the monsters may pay you a visit. LOCATION: Lower Preston, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 3PW CONTACT: Culm Valley Angling, 01884 839273 PRICES: £6 per day, £48 per year, night permit £5 per year RULES: Night fishing restriction, barbless or crushed barbs only, no dogs allowed WEBSITE: www. exeteranglingassociation.co.uk