The season begins with British bluefin tuna, breeding woodcock in Cornwall and three very different shooting calendars. In the first full episode of Fish & Game, Avian Sandercock, Sam Turner and Jake Woolf set out their plans – and rather smaller personal ambitions – for the months ahead.

Sam wants to tackle Atlantic bluefin tuna off the South West coast, prompting a look at the boats, tackle and controlled fishery behind one of Britain’s most remarkable sporting recoveries. Jake is preparing for the opening of the partridge season at Warter Priory and a walked-up gundog training day, while Avian hopes to investigate reports of woodcock breeding close to his Cornish farm shoot.

There is also the proper place of elevenses in a shoot day, fried partridge and pheasant, forgotten wellies, a prospective 20-bore over-and-under, barefoot boots, beginner fly rods and the hosts’ continuing move towards non-lead ammunition. It is an opening look at the fishing, shooting, dogs, food and field adventures Fish & Game will follow through the season – with several promising rabbit holes already waiting.

In this episode

– Atlantic bluefin tuna fishing in British waters
– The tackle, boats and teamwork involved in targeting tuna
– Early-season shooting plans and Warter Priory
– Looking for breeding woodcock in Cornwall
– Why elevenses matters to the rhythm of a shoot day
– Fried game, venison and improving shoot-day food
– A 20-bore over-and-under and a first fly-fishing outfit
– Experiences with non-lead game cartridges

Links

Bluefin tuna fisheries in 2026 — Marine Management Organisation

Breeding Woodcock Survey — Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Woodcock species information — British Trust for Ornithology

Warter Priory Estate

Bioammo Blue 12-bore cartridges — Just Cartridges

River Lynher

Presented by Avian Sandercock, Sam Turner and Jake Woolf.
Edited by Avian Sandercock.

Produced for SideCountry by Richard Prideaux.

DISCLAIMER
Views are those of individual speakers and do not necessarily represent SideCountry, its presenters, contributors, partners or sponsors. For general information and entertainment only. Laws, seasons, access and guidance change; check official sources, obtain permission and act within your competence.