This years springer has eluded us!

We had a lovely time at the Half Moon Inn and enjoyed the fishing very much but the conditions weren't quite right. The water was at perfect level most of the time but was far too dirty! Today was a complete no no! Gale force winds, rain - just horrible so we didn't bother fishing. We concentrated all our efforts on Beam which is the best beat at this time of year but still the water wouldn't clear enough to bring the salmon on. Although neither of us connected with a salmon there were other highlights that we will remember! We watched a female otter fishing in turbulent waters which was fascinating and most enjoyable. We saw a wide selection of birds including Kingfishers, Herons and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. We had some great crack in the bar in the evenings, especially one certain member of our party getting pissed which was completely out of character of a person who I thought was largely tea-total! Brilliant! Great food, breakfasts that could not be bettered anywhere in my view. The only let down was the wine or lack of it - shame on you HMI!

This morning we all picked up our copies of Torridge Reflections, a book written by Charles Inness, previous owner of the HMI and on initial inspection I think it will be a very entertaining read. The book recalls the Inness family's ownership of the HMI for 40 years and tells many stories of success and failure, the rise and fall of the river Torridge and the many characters who have blessed the rooms of this famous fishing Inn. Charles says that the first print run of 500 is nearly sold out. I can't wait to read it!