UK Coarse Fishing Reviews

Roach

2010-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Roach is one of our most popular coarse species and a firm favourite with the nations anglers, be they young children catching them in a local stream or seasoned anglers seeking them on a winter river the sight of those red fins are always warmly greeted.

Roach are common right acrosss the country, they are found in streams and rivers,lakes and ponds,canals and reservoirs. A favourite with match men who can put huge weights together when sat on a large shoal! RRoach are also much sought after by the nations specialist anglers who dream of catching a genuine 3lb monster!

The Roach or Rutilus rutilus in latin is often the first type of coarse fish caught by new anglers. this is due to their being so widespread and the fact that small juvenile roach are easy to catch. The British Roach record stands at 4lb 8 oz but a fish over 1lb is a good fish and any Roach over 2lb can be thought of as a true specimen. it is these larger Roach that most anglers hope to catch as unlike their smaller siblings roach of this size and bigger prove to be a very worthy target and notoriously hard to tempt.

Roach are caught on a wide variety of baits including Maggots,Worms,Casters,Bloodworm,Hemp,Tares and my favourite Bread but they can be caught on baits as unusual as Silkweed and Elderberrys. Their usual diet is on the aquatic insects which live in their environment which is why maggots and worms are a really top bait but it is well known that Roach will investigate any 'White' object which resembles food and i believe that is why Bread has accounted for more specimen Roach than any other bait. Bread punch or a piece of Bread flake is often the best way to tempt a large Roach and it is the bait i always make sure i have with me when targeting Roach. A piece of Bread flake fished in conjunction with a feeder and some mashed up bread to tempt them is a killer method for Roach and has caught me hundreds of specimen Roach over the years.

Roach fishing is I believe best on rivers and a great way of targeting them is by using a stick float, in this picture you can see a fantastic Roach fishing set up, You need a medium to large Stick or Avon type float say around 4 AAA you then attach this to the line using 3 float rubbers, you then place the bulk of your shot about 18 inches from the hook and then add a small dropper shot 6 inches from the hook. On most occasions you would want to fish near to the bottom and if using Breadflake feed the swim with small balls of liquidised bread as groundbait. This is an outstanding method for catching Roach and one of the most exciting and rewarding ways of fishing.

Roach are found in rivers right across the country and rivers like the Wensum and The wye have produced huge Roach in the past but it is the southern chalk streams such as the Dorset Stour, The Test and The Avon which most of us think of when we think of targeting specimen river Roach these days. These rivers still throw up good numbers of specimen Roach over 2lb every year and it is possible to catch a mythical 3lb Roach if you know where to look!

Roach may not have the fighting ability of the Barbel or Carp but when you get into fishing for them and see how much skill is needed to tempt a true specimen the satisfaction of landing one often out weighs that of captures of much bigger fish. Roach fishing is addictive and often becomes a life long passion. I hope you will give it a go and see just how rewarding it can be!.

The Tench (tinca tinca)

2010-08-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Tench was recently voted the nations favourite species in a poll taken by The Angling Times and anyone who has caught one will understand why. The Tench is found in stillwaters and lowland rivers, it is a hard fighting fish that is a favourite spring and summer target for many specialist anglers.

Twenty years ago an 8lb Tench would have been a real specimen that would have graced the pages of any of the weekly angling papers but now you would need to catch a 10lb+ Tench to feature in those. It is hard to say why Tench have grown bigger in recent years. One theory is the warmer climate and better habitat. Another is farming chemicals entering the water system. But what ever the reason Tench have never been bigger!

The current British record stands at a staggering 15lb 3oz caught by Darren Ward in 2001 from the Sheepwalk Lake complex in Shepperton, middlesex.

The image that comes to mind when thinking of fishing for Tench for most of us is that of a warm hazy day sat by a Lilly covered estate lake watching the tip of a float surrounded by tiny fizzing bubbles. This is not surprising as float fishing is probably the most enjoyable method of fishing for Tench, The Tench loves cover and weed as this is where it finds it's natural food of larvae,bloodworm and aquatic insects. This means they are often found in the marginal areas which allows for accurate plumbing and casting which is why the Lift Method is such a fantastic method of float fishing for Tench.

The Lift Method

The Lift Method is really very simple and gives fantastic bite indication. It is really only for fishing close in say up to a 2 rod lenghs out ideally in a swim with a level bottom. You Use a piece of silicone tube to fix the float to the line (Bottom end only) a peacock waggler is the perfect float for this method. You then plumb the chosen spot of your swim ,say next to a Lilly patch or next to marginal reeds. When you have found the exact depth move your float up 4 inches and the attach your shot 4 inches from the hook. This will allow your bait to lie on the bottom and when it is picked up by the Tench the weight will be lifted making your float lift up giving a clear indication of the bite.

Specimen Tench

For many specialist anglers their spring campaign would not be complete without netting a big specimen Tench. From the end of April thoughts turn to the vast gravel pits that are home to some of the biggest Tench in the country. Gravel pits such as Wilstone reservoir, Sywell reservoir and Horseshoe Lake in Gloustershire. It's waters like these that hold the really big Tench! Fish that go into double figures and it's the vast size and rich environment of these gravel pits that allow Certain Tench to grow to record proportions!

One of the best ways to target Tench in these pits is by using scaled down carp tactics such as in-line leads with a boilie on a hair-rig fished in conjunction with a small PVA bag of free offerings fished over an area where you have spodded out a mix of particles such as Hemp,casters and corn.

Another great method is the Method feeder using a couple of fake casters super glued to the hair rig and placed into the method ball. Casters are a real favourite of Tench and should be used in spod mixes and groundbait. using fake casters means that you can be sure that small nuisance fish have not destroyed your bait and give confidence as you wait for that run!

Hot areas to look out for on gravelpits when targeting Tench are ledges and weedbeds, gravel bars and marginal shelves. These are all areas where Tench would find an abundance of natural food so they are great places to target.

Tench are renowned for being morning feeders so it pays to be on the lake at first light, this is also a good time to be watching the lake as Tench often show their position as they roll over the spot in which they are feeding. Also look out for the tiny pinprick bubbles that appear on the service as Tench root around on the bottom looking for food.

Top waters for specimen Tench are Wilstone Reservoir, Sywell Reservoir, Cemex Burghfield Lake, Cemex Wraysbury 1 and Horseshoe Lake to name just a few. Check out http://www.tenchfishers.com/index.html for loads more information on top venues and Tench fishing tips.

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Winter is 'The' time for specimen roach

2009-11-19T03:07:00.000-08:00

As the winter frosts take their effect and the weeds begin to die, the floods caused by the heavy rain gradually clear our rivers. This is the time when Roach form up in huge shoals and is when an angler can expect good sport if they pursue them.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am at my happiest when fishing for 'redfins' along one of our wonderful rivers during the winter months. I am lucky enough to have great rivers like the Dorset Stour, the Hampshire Avon, the river Frome and the River Nadder all on my doorstep. All of these rivers are noted as some of the best in England for roach fishing and all regularly produce specimen roach.

The roach is still one of our best loved coarse species, although they do not grow particularly large. The roach record stands at 4lb 4oz,.caught from an Ulster lake by Keith Berry in 2006. It beat by an ounce the 1990 record, taken by Ray Clarke from the Dorset Stour, which I believe is still officially the largest roach caught from a river in the UK.

The roach is noticeable by its slim silver body, greenish blue back and distinctive red fins, they are one of the UK's most abundant and popular species and a familiar sight to most fishermen. Roach thrive in a wide range of environments, from canals and ponds, to huge reservoirs, and of course the nations many rivers, This makes them readily available to fishermen and a firm favourite with most anglers..

You can catch roach on a number of baits, the best of which are probably maggots, worms and my favourite bread. Roach absolutely love bread! It doesn't matter if its punch, paste, crust or flake as long as it is presented well. Specimen roach (over 2lb) can take up to 15 years to grow to that size and become very wary and a formidable target for any angler. To catch them you must present your bait just right or no matter which bait you use you will only ever tempt the smaller fish in a shoal.

Without doubt my favourite method for fishing for roach on the river is by 'trotting'. This is a method of float fishing where the angler uses a stickfloat and lets it run through the swim, occasionally holding it back so that the bait rises and falls giving it a very natural appearance.

There are two main ways of shotting a stickfloat such as in the image above from Lets-go-fishing.org which is the 'Shirt Button' style, named because the weights are spread out like shirt buttons. This is a good way of presenting a small bait such as maggots, but on the rivers that I fish and for fishing with bread flake, which is my normal bait for big roach, I prefer to baulk shot my weight like in the image below from Fishingmagic.com which shows how you bulk the majority of the weight together, about 18 inches above the hook, although I rarely use the dropper shot, preferring the natural weight of the bread to act as the dropper.

'Trotting' is a great way to fish for roach and a very enjoyable way to pass a day, but, if you are going to target specimen roach then you may be better to use a simple feeder rig. Simply use an open or cage feeder filled with mashed bread, and for bait a lump of flake on a size 12 hook to 3lb line. This is used in conjunction with a light feeder rod or a Avon type ledger rod. You can simply use a running feeder setup, although my favourite is the paternoster feeder rig like the one in this image Nisafeeders.co.uk which works equally as well on lakes and rivers and is very effective for specimen roach.

Feeder fishing is probably the method that catches the most specimen roach and is the specimen hunters first choice. If indeed you are planning to target the bigger roach, it is advisable to do a bit of homework. Although roach are in most rivers and lakes they do not always grow to specimen size. Roach have many predators and need a good environment if they are to reach their maximum size. I am lucky in that I live in an area that is full of fantastic rivers that hold roach, but still not every stretch will hold 'big' roach and I only target them in areas where they are known to exist to specimen size.

It is a well known fact that roach feed best in low light conditions so it is best to go after them on a cloudy day or toward the 'Golden Hour' that is the hour leading up to dusk. It is debatable if it is worth fishing for roach at night, I personally only fish for an hour into darkness, as I have found that it has rarely produced results to fish on after that time. Another good tip that i agree with is to look out for a fair south westerly wind, I don't know why it is but this during the winter can certainly put specimen roach into a feeding frenzy.

Roach may not grow to a huge weight, but for most anglers the satisfaction of catching a beautiful specimen on a cold winters day is equal to any other feat in fishing. Now is the time to go in pursuit of a big 'redfin' give it a go on a water near you.

Fishing DVD

2009-10-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

The Spirit of Carp Fishing DVD - Summer Haze

Whether you enjoy watching the country's favourite sport on television or just enjoy being out there. This new Free Spirit DVD will inspire you.
The Spirit of Carp Fishing ' Summer Haze', filmed in association with Carp City, really does offer the best in carp fishing entertainment. The aim of the anglers and film crew was to encapsulate what it's really like to just go and enjoy fishing for carp in beautiful surroundings and they have certainly done exactly that with this carp fishing masterpiece.

State of the art carp fishing vol 2

FRANK WARWICK: Northern Carp Supremo, best known for innovative rig design and ultra long range casting- Frank's successes on a host of waters in England and Europe make him one of the most experienced anglers in modern day carping. DANNY FAIRBRASS: Founder and head designer of the hugely successful lead manufacturing Korda Developments, Danny's carping career has been spent developing and refining rigs and tactics to the highest degree, and he has caught 30lb carp from five different European countries. Because Danny and Frank have developed their angling expertise in totally different areas of England their respective styles of carping are distinct. These DVD's harness the best of both worlds of experience to bring you countless proven words and tactics for catching carp from any water. PART TWO: FEATURE FINDING AND ACCURATE BAITING- Danny explains the art of feeling the lead. Which will put many extra carp on the bank for you. He also demonstrates the benefits of using a feature finding float and shows how to accurately map the contours of the lake for better bait placement and more runs and includes his hi-tech marker float system. Learn how to bait up accurately at all ranges using a catapult and throwing stick. Frank and Danny cover many of the common mistakes and share invaluable tips, can you hit the same spot every time even in the dark?

Underwater Part 6 DVD

Part 6 of State of the Art Underwater Carp Fishing was filmed back to back with Part 5 and details the ongoing session on the now famous clear patch at Wellington Country Park.

Because the fishing is in full flow and the carp have already been fed on the spot for over a week the action is instant, bites come from the first few minutes and Messrs Fairbrass and Clarke suffer the traditional highs and lows of big carp angling in front of the cameras.

This film is concerned almost exclusively with Boilie Fishing which many followers of the series have been asking for. Many new rigs are used, including, Stiff Rigs, The Long Hair, D Rigs, The Chod Rig and The Drop Off Inline. As such the film boasts new underwater footage which will leave you both inspired to try new things and perplexed at what to try next!

In a totally new twist Danny invites top anglers Nick Helleur and Steve Fantuzzi to survey the scene on the underwater camera's and design a rig to suit. Their respective styles of fishing are distinct from Danny's which adds a whole new dimension to the film.

Danny says...You can see instantly that we are in full swing the moment the film starts, and those big Wellington 30's are hungry and ready to outsmart us or so they think! This film flows more than any other with new rigs, plenty of bites, special guests, stand up rows in the swim and an average weight of 29lbs! So sit back, get your note pad and pen and be prepared to add another dimension to your angling.

On The Bank With Jan Porter - My Way With Carp DVD

Fun on the Float: ~ David Hall catches up with long-time angling pal Jan Porter as he goes float fishing in the margins - with surprising results. Jan passes on plenty of tips and demonstrates that you don't have to cast 100 metres to catch carp. This is fun fishing at its best. ~ Boilies, Pop-Ups and Rigs: ~ In this programme, Jan talks about carp baits - boilies and paste in particular - and discusses why they are so effective. He also looks at other baits and explains why he thinks they work. He talks extensively about which rigs to use and when, then turns his attention to reels and explains how the launch of the Shimano Baitrunner reel and the development of boilies were to change the face of carp fishing forever. ~ Boilies, Baits and Bedlam: ~ PVA sticks...what are they all about? Jan shows us how to get the best out of this devastating method. Questions such as how long to make them, and how much feed to put in - the answers are all there. To finish, he turns his attention back to bait and, along the way, still manages to catch plenty of carp.

Catching Specimen Carp: The Practical Guide DVD

This essential guide to carp fishing is packed with expert advice to guarantee success. Andy joins master anglers Max Cottis and Lee Jackson on a trip to idyllic carp waters near Metz, France. They discuss their meticulous preparations for battle, including bait preparation, rigs, tackle and the most effective way of finding the correct swims. We experience with them the disappointment of the ones that get away and the excitement of the many that do not, one after the other. There are carp of all types in this stunning fishing extravaganza, Commons, Leathers, Mirrors and Koi. Finally, we witness the triumphant capture of the elusive, obstinate Grass Carp. This is the experience serious carp anglers should not miss. Both Lee Jackson and Max Cottis are members of an elite band of specimen carp anglers, both with record-breaking fish to their credit. A thrilling and informative DVD. A must for anyone thinking of entering this prestigious area of coarse angling and a must for those already addicted.

All the DVD's are avaliable at The UKcoarsefishingreviews shop

How to tie Fishing Knots-part 2

2009-10-25T04:32:00.000-07:00

The Grinner Knot

The Grinner knot has about 80 to 90 percent strength and efficiency. It is also usable for almost all line classes, ranging from the lightest to the heaviest and is one of the most useful knots for an angler to know. It can also be used with braided lines. Here are 5 easy steps to show you how to tie this useful knot.

Step One:
Using the eye of the hook, you have to thread the line. Make sure that you have five to six inches of line to work with. Work with the remaining line on the eye’s other side (exit).

Step Two:
You may now twist the shorter line. Coil it four times around the body of the main line. Do not forget to bring the end of the shorter line back to its place of origin. Once the shorter line is back, hold the loop. It is recommended to use the forefinger (left) and the thumb for this task.

Step Three:
Tying the knot can be done through pulling the end of the shorter line.
Do not pull the end of the shorter line so that it's too stiff.
Do the pulling as gentle as possible.
Before you fully tie the knot, dampen the line that will be used for the knot. Dampness will help lessen the heat that will wane the line. The damp line will also help strengthen the grinner knot. The simplest way to damp the knot is by using your saliva.

Step Four:
Drag the grinner knot. Make sure to pull the hook and the end of the shorter line in opposite directions.
Cut the end of the shorter line. Cut the line one centimeter from the knot.
Remember that if you cut the shorter line too close to the knot itself, it will come so loose.

Step Five:
If you want a twin grinner knot, you may combine two threads. Follow the first to fourth steps and you will have your twin grinner knot.

The Grinner Knot

Fishing knots

2009-10-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

There are many different fishing knots and it really depends on what you are using the knot for that will determine which type of knot you use. Here are some images that show how to tie fishing knots and some of the best fishing line knots and Braided fishing line knots to use. Double click the image to inlarge.

Shakespeare Black Pod Accessory Box - Buy One Get One Free

2009-10-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

We all love a bargain and discount fishing tackle so check out this Shakespeare Black Pod Accessory Box deal. Shakespeare tackle is well respected by Coarse anglers and known for their quality fishing tackle here is your chance to get a great deal on one of their fishing tackle boxes.Tacklebargains.co.uk are offering UK Coarse Fishing Reviews readers a real bargain. Order a Shakespeare Black Pod box and choose a second Absolutely FREE! Its a great little fishing tackle box perfect for your hooks,swivels or small leads. Its not everyday were offered free fishing tackle especially Shakespeare Tackle which is without doubt some of the best fishing tackle avaliable so why not grab a bargain!.

The Black Pod Accessory Box is Precision moulded Box from Shakespeare, the box incorporates flip up compartments perfect for small leads, swivels, hooks, crimps, etc.

Waterproof with positive locking clips and supplied with neck strap lanyard.
Dimensions: 11.5cm x 7.8cm x 3.3cm
Tough waterproof case
Silicone sealing 'O' ring
One touch open compartments
Robust hinge mechanism
Neck Lanyard supplied
3 inner types available

Price: £9.50

All you have to do is log on to Tacklebargains.co.uk and order a Shakespeare Black Pod box and choose a second Absolutely FREE

Coarse Fishing > Clothing

2009-10-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

Now that the cold winter months are nearly here it is the time when many fair weather fisherman hang up their tackle until the green leaves of spring are emerging. Thats a real shame because some of the best coarse fishing sport is to be had on our nations rivers in these colder winter months. I am a big fan of winter river fishing but i know how important it is to be comfortable so i have put togeather some of the best warm clobber on the market for you to check out.

Prologic/DD Bait Fleece Hooded Top X Large

A comfortable, warm and stylish hooded top made from 70% cotton and 30% polyester.

•The hoody comes complete with a large front pocket to keep your hands warm.

Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL

Price : £14.99

Fox Evo Coolpass T Shirt

Fox Evo Two-Tone Coolpass shirts

Both of these Two Tone shirts – a round neck T-shirt and a polo shirt – are made from a new CoolPass material that is designed to keep you cool, dry and comfortable in warm weather. It works by wicking sweat away from the body, reducing the chances of your clothing becoming damp with sweat. This material is also super soft, lightweight, breathable and in a Two Tone green colour.

Price: £15.99

DAIWA: Team Daiwa Fleece

Using a combination of materials the main fabric is a fully breathable two-ply rip stop that offers a breathability and waterproof factor of 5000.

Standard Fleece TDF Suitable for all general wear the standard fleece features lined shoulders and interior with two zippered pockets plus one inside.

Price: £22.99

Wychwood: Extremis Jacket

A quilted Carp jacket manufactured using a silent breathable material

Internal phone pocket and insulated pockets

Elasticated waist eliminates draughts

Detachable hood

Price: £27.99

Fox Evo Hooded Sweatshirt

Fox Evo Hooded Sweatshirt

A lightweight hooded sweatshirt to be used as a mid layer in winter, or outer layer in cool conditions. It’s made from 100% cotton with a front hand pocket. It’s in a very ‘carpy’ olive green colour.

Price: £29.99

Shakespeare Two Peice Suit

Bib & Brace features:

Line Bib and brace with elasticated shoulder straps.
Two front pockets.
Full length trouser zip with velcro secured storm flap.
Extra long boot zips and velcro fastenings.

Jacket features:
Heavy duty quilted lining.
Two velcro secured external pockets and one internal pocket.
Double zipped front with velcro secured storm flaps.
Neoprene cuffs.
Detachable peaked hood with drawstring.
Storm collar.
Waist drawstring.

Price: £39.13

MAP: Bagging Boots

Designed for use on commercial fisheries. Hiking boot style, practical for walking and tackle carrying. Warmer and much more comfortable than wellies or waders.

Leather look upper with thick, insulating, molded rubber sole. High grip sole tread.Very supportive,water repellent.

The original Thinsulate "warmth without bulk" lining.

Price: £33

RON THOMPSON: Thermal Boot

Ron Thompson Thermal Boots

Super warm tested down to -45 in Sweden.

Features:

- Made from 100% PVC and rubber.

- Moss green in colour.

Price: £22.99

All of these items are avaliable at Lathams Fishing

Carp fishing Tackle Deals

2009-10-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

For all those that love carp and Carp fishing here are some of the best deals on carp fishing gear and carp fishing tackle.

Korda Flatliner Pear Inline Lead 1.1oz

Again hard bottoms are the place for these designs; the short condensed shape of this lead coupled with the two flat sides makes it the perfect lead for bolt rigs at short to medium range.

By its very nature the flat pear lead lends itself to being fished on marginal slopes, the sides or back or gravel bars and in rivers. But, in fact it is open of the most effective shapes at short to medium range because it holds so well on the lake bed and offers so much resistance to a moving carp.

We have also seen that this type of lead is by far the most like a stone on the lake bed and during the Filming of Parts 1, 3 and 4 this lead blended in better than any other.

Popular misconception 'Flat leads sit on silt'. This does not happen, any lead finds its easiest path through the water so instead of fluttering down to the lake bed, a nose heavy flat lead like this will plummet down side on and nose first.

Making it probably less effective in the silt than say a Swivel Pear lead, having said that it is devastating on gravel and is Danny's first choice in these close range hard-bottomed situations.

Danny noted when filming part 3 of the Underwater Videos 'I tried a Flatliner Pear on the steep gravel slope to see if it really did hook the carp quicker than a swivel lead of the same shape and to my amazement it really did! I had been testing the lead clips for so long I had ignored the inline lead - not any more!'

Best deal on korda leads at Lathams Fishing

Enterprise Tackle: Imitation Mini Pop Up Sweetcorn Pk10

Our mini corn can be used on its own or in conjunction with real corn, either hooked direct or mounted on a hair rig. Ideal for most species, particularly fish that may be wary of larger baits. For best results fish over a bed of particles, pellets etc.

As a general guide:

1 grain pops up a size 18.
2 grains pop up a size 14.
2 grains critically balance a size 12.

Note:- Based on specimen forged hooks, different type hooks will vary in weight. Individual grains may vary in buoyancy.

*Mini Version of our popular buoyant imitation sweetcorn, soft enough to use on the hook, or hair rig if desired.

Ideal for both match and specialist anglers

Use to create a popped up, slow sinking, or critically balanced bait

Available in both Fruity Pineapple Flavour or Un-flavoured

10 pieces per pack

Korda: Rig Toolz Pulla

The Korda Pulla has been specially designed so that the angler can easily pull knots tight or hooklinks and check that they are strong enough

The 2mm stainless steel hook fits perfectly through a Korda size 8 swivel or a Link Loop making tying the rig easier as holding the swivel and tightening up can be fiddly

1 Pulla tool per pack

Order now at Lathams Fishing

Korda: Gravel Brown Sinking Rig Tube

Korda Safe Zone Rig Tube has been specially designed to help create a 'Safe Zone' around the baited area due to the unique colours and heavy material. The subtle colours blend in with the lake bad, helping to disguise your rigs from wary feeding fish

2 meters of 0.75mm tubing

Best 'Total Fishing Gear' rod deals

2009-10-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

TFG Max Power 12ft Carp Rod

The new TFG Max Power 12ft Carp Rods set new standards for rods with a budget price tag.

Built on quality carbon blanks the TFG Max Power 12ft Carp Rods have well balanced fish playing actions that are at home on any commercial carp water.

Available in varying test curves -2.5lband 2.75lb

Best deal £44.99 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

TFG Cutting Edge Jerk Bait XT 6ft Rod ( 40-90gm )

Transmitting every weave, lunge and dive of your jerkbait, this rod has been fine tuned to put you in control, retrieve after retrieve. Whether you fish fast and hard, or slow and delicate you can be sure Cutting edge Jerk will whip pike into a fish munching feeding frenzy.

Length: 6ft
Casting Weight: 40 to 90 grams

Best deal £44.99 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

TFG Cutting Edge Jerk Bait XT 6ft Rod ( 60-150gm

Lightening quick and super strong, this beast handles the biggest dawgs, heavy plastics and the largest crank baits with ease. With a few sweeps and taps the short and powerful Jerk XT brings your lures to life simply demanding a response from a lurking pike.

Length: 6ft
Casting Weight: 60 to 150 grams

Best deal £44.99 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

TFG Matt Hayes Carp Match Rod

The purpose built tool for handling carp on commercial waters. This light weight smooth progressive rod is also the perfect choice for heavy stick work for chub and barbel.

Powerful action with forgiving tip

Light weight guides maintain action

Comfortable power hump reel seat

Suitable lines 4-8lb+

Manufacturer's unconditional original owner's lifetime guarantee

RRP £69.99
Best deal £48.93 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

TFG 'Grunt' 12ft Carp Feeder 5-8lbs

The Grunt Carp Feeder 12ft 5/8lb - the bully in the playground will hurl big feeders at the horizon and yet has superb fish-playing characteristics. Recommended reel lines are 5 to 8 pounds but it will cope with lines above 8 - a perfect method feeder rod. Supplied with four push-in tips.

RRP £129.99
Best deal £58.71 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

TFG Compact Commercial 10ft ( 2.5lb ) Carp Rod

If you are serious about catching larger carp on commercial fisheries then the TFG Compact Commercial 10' 2.5lb Carp Rod is for you.

Increasing the levels of premium carbon gives the Compact Commercial 10' 2.5lb Carp Rod the ability to cast large method feeders, big leads and PVA bags, but not at the expense of a superb playing action. Crisp tapers allow you to put baits against an island margin at range, yet the subtle power curve of the Compact Commercial 10' 2.5lb Carp Rod allows you to bully hard fighting carp from the margins without fear of hook pulls or lines breaking.

Best deal £53.99 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

Fladen Vantage Predator Classic

2009-10-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

The same high specification rod as the Vantage range, but with a foam handle instead of cork. An impressive light weight rod, with a great casting action, twin legged SIC lined guides throughout, screw winch reel seat, and supplied in a quality cloth bag.

11ft (3.3m) / Casting Weight: 20 - 70 grams

12ft (3.6m) / Casting Weight: 30 - 120 grams

13ft (3.9m) / Casting Weight: 50 - 150 grams

Great rods for both Pike and in shore Sea fishing

RRP £49.95 - £59.95
Best deal £29.31 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

JW Youngs Margin Carp Rod

2009-10-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

With its forgiving through action, the Margin Carp is the ideal rod for all close range work and great fun to use.

Whether freelining, legering, fishing floaters or baits under a float close in, the action of the Margin Carp prevents breakages on the strike, while its built in power will turn and hold fish and prevent them ploughing into snags without the risk of the hook pulling out.

Length: 11ft
Construction: 2 piece
Test Curve: 2.25lb
Recommended Reel Lines: 8 to 15lbs

Whilst designed as a Carp Margin rod, these also make a superb Salmon worming rod.

RRP £139.95

Best deal £67.53 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

Rovex John Wilson 11ft Signature Avon System Rod - Save £40

2009-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

For over 15 years the John Wilson Avon Quiver has been the best selling rod in the UK.

Thousands of anglers swear by this rod but now John has improved and revamped the rod to meet the stringent standards of today’s angler.

The new AVON QUIVER SYSTEM is without equal, the most versatile rod ever!

It can be fished as an avon, heavy float, specimen match, carp pool as well as three different tips for ultimate legering and feeder fishing versatility.

Test curve 1.25 lb.
Recommended for mainlines of between 3 - 8 lb.
Supplied with manufacturers 5 Year warranty.
For heavier fishing see also the superb John Wilson Signature Barbel Quiver in our specialist rod section.

RRP £109.95
Best deal £69.95 at Tacklebargains.co.uk

Fox:Trekker 12' 2.75lb Carp Rod

2009-10-22T08:52:00.000-07:00

These superbly versatile multi piece carp rods provide the feel and action of two piece blanks but with the logistical practicality of models that have a packed travel length of just 70cms.

Constructed on strong low diameter lightweight blanks, with 1k carbon jackets, the Trekker offers fantastic performance at an amazing price.

Unique custom Fox line clip - designed to safely grip the mainline above the reel providing greater indicator sensitivity and an increased bolt effect

Unique custom Fox reel seat - super slim size 18 designed to take most Big Pit reels oFull length EVA handle for practical and comfortable fish playing

Both models are supplied in their own protective zipped carry tubes.

•Length: 12ft
•Line Guides: Triple leg Fox Slik guides for strength & durability
•Lines Guide Sizes: 30mm butt guide, 25mm, 20mm, 16mm, 12mm, & 12mm tip ring
•Model: CRD001

Best deal £89.99 at Lathams Fishing

Zebco Carp Pack Special offer

2009-10-22T08:47:00.000-07:00

•2 x ZebcoCarp Rods 3.6m (2.5 Ibs, 3sec T/C)

•2 X ZebcoViper Reels (1BB with Spare Spool, #50)

•3 X ZebcoBait Alarm Set (In carry case)

•1 X ZebcoRod Pod,

•1 X ZebcoEco Carp Chair with 100% polyester cover, legs can be adjusted to required height.

1 X Long Economy Holdall(L: 150cm –W: 15cm –H: 24cm).

•ZebcoNylon Umbrella made from 210 Nylon ,2.2M

•ZebcoJumbo robust Bag.

•Long Holdall(L: 150cm –W: 15cm –H:24cm).

•1 X packet of each Artificial corns & maggots

•1 X Quantum Carp Accessory Pac

£129.99 at Lathams Fishing

Viper Euro Bait Boat

2009-10-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

The 'Euro' Viper is built to the same high standards as the Viper 3 with the following extras:
More powerful cluster spotlight (7 LED's)
Faster top speed
Unique double hopper for more bait
Catamaran hull design to cut through choppier waters
Two x 12 volt batteries positioned one in each hull to give even weight distribution. (Boat works from one battery and can easily be changed over to other battery when required.
Physically larger size to cope with bigger waters, especially overseas.
No priming necessary.
Complete with Solar Panel And Carryall.
Euro dimensions:
800mm x 440mm x 300mm

Best deal £724.99 at Lathams fishing

Maver Storm Rider Shelter With G/Sheet

2009-10-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

This superb new offering from the Storm Rider range raises the standards for Day Shelters.
Designed by Derek ‘The Don’ Ritchie himself, this quality Day Shelter features a groundsheet as standard, and also has extended side panels, which provide additional protection when the direction of the wind or rain changes.
Incredibly lightweight, yet superbly stable, the Storm Rider Day Shelter comes supplied in a quality carry bag that will fit into the majority of quiver holdalls with ease.
Manufactured from the same 420D fabric as all the bivvies in the Storm Rider range, it is waterproof to 5000mm. The slim aluminium frame is fully elasticated and features plastic bushes to protect the elastic from damage.
Featuring double pegging points throughout, means that the Day Shelter can be set up perfectly every time regardless of the terrain.
Already sold in large quantities, the demand for this Day Shelter is going to be huge throughout the whole of 2009.
420 Denier fabric
Waterproof to 5000mm
Supplied with a lightweight groundsheet as standard
High quality carry bag
Supplied with steel pegs
Fully reinforced pegging points
Elasticated poles
Extremely stable
Weight: 4.8kg (exc pegs)

£79.99 at Lathams Fishing

Viper Icon Bait Boat

2009-10-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Made from glossy acrylic capped ABS.

Twin jet pumps that do not need to be primed, just put in the water and off she goes.
Jet pumps also less susceptible to weed and other debris.
All boats have superb maneuverability, allowing precise placement of bait.
Built in battery meter and navigation lights as standard.
Quick change battery system allows batteries to be changed in seconds. Central hopper (capacity 1kg ).
Comes with radio handset with set of 8 AA alkaline batteries. 12 volt 7amp/hr boat battery and fast charger.
Instructions and warranty.
All new Viper boats comply with CE and ROHC regulations.
Dimensions. 590mm x 330mm x 210mm
Now Comes with free Rucksack Boat Holdall

£399 at Lathams Tackle

Shakespeare fishing reel=Special deal!

2009-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

We all love a bargain so check out this dicount fishing reel deal. Shakespeare fishing reels are well respected by Coarse anglers and here is your chance to get a real bargain with the Shakespeare Supreme Magnesium Front Drag Reels - Special Deal for Coarsefishing reviews!

Shakespeare Supreme Magnesium Front Drag Reels - Special Deal
RRPs from £73.50 to £84.50 - Any Size Just £39.95

Front drag reels do not come any better than the Supreme Magnesium. Every detail and component is simply superb. The contemporary design and classy cosmetics combine with engineering excellence for this quality range. All sizes are fitted with 9 ball bearings which provides outstanding smoothness. The lightweight magnesium body and rotor reduce weight by 30% compared to graphite models.

Model Gear Ratio Capacity RRP
Supreme FD 025 6.2:1 109m / 0.20mm diameter RRP-£73.50
Supreme FD 030 6.2:1 145m / 0.25mm diameter RRP-£77.99
Supreme FD 035 6.2:1 180m / 0.27mm diameter RRP-£80.00
Supreme FD 040 6.2:1 225m / 0.30mm diameter RRP-£84.50

Front Drag
9 Ball Bearings
One Way Clutch System
Anti Reverse
Magnesium Body
Magnesium Rotor
Aluminium Spool
Spare Aluminium Spool
Sure Click Bail
Left or Right Hand Wind
Machine Cut Handle
Supplied with Deluxe Reel Case

These are great reels at a great price but for UK Coarse Fishing reviews readers there is an even better deal! You don't have to pay the RRP price of £84.50 or the Tacklebargain price of £49.95! Simply click the link Tacklebargains and enter this code TAKBSN1 at the checkout and you can get the special deal price of £39.95

Big Carp Fishing Secrets

2009-10-16T13:40:00.001-07:00

The title says it all - this article is all about those absolutely crucial big carp secrets that even having the best baits, rigs and tackle cannot beat; so read on right now and find out more!

Part of the hidden factors in successful carp fishing relate to logic. If you see carp like dogs and think of them as being able to be conditioned in many of the same ways you can see that almost anything we anglers do to make carp scared of our baits makes them harder to catch. It is logical to assume that the majority of anglers are obviously making life very difficult for the carp or they would be much easier to catch! The fact is that more often than not the entire approach of the average carp angler means he is conditioning carp to become harder to catch but how does this happen?

Carp are instinctive individuals programmed to survive by associating anything with danger of threats or with opportunities for safety or extra energy in the form of energy-efficient nutrition. There is not a lot in between these 2 extremes. Once a wary carp is alerted to the possibility that a bait or situation or circumstances it experiences in the past in a swim that may be a threat then it will more than likely feed far more cautiously there - if at all!

Unfortunately, many of the rigs and standard baiting and hook bait approaches that worked even a year ago can now not be the edge they once were when originally applied to a water. Carp communicate in many ways between themselves. You might not believe this but just consider the times you see multiple carp jump out of the water literally simultaneously when nothing has shown on the water all day.

Carp communicate many things by various means, be it body postures and methods and rates of swimming, to releasing hormones just in the same way that they do and we do to attract a mate. In fact it is thought that the mode of action of hormone based stimulants used in baits operate on male fish for instance by making them more aggressive so they approach baits much more positively. Similarly, one might well also postulate that some of the success of those carp anglers using the early hair rigs using female hair benefited from female hormones naturally in the hair.

It is not news to many carp anglers nor anglers of other species either to learn that when a hook bait is rejected as suspicious, even for no apparent reason, other fish in an area are somehow able to locate that same bait and totally ignore it without any testing of it first. This means that moving hook baits maybe every 12 hours is perhaps a better idea than simply leaving them in the same spot all the time in case the bait and rig have been marked and ignored so to speak.

This type of behavior is a common phenomenon in very heavily fishing-pressured waters and has been remarked upon by anglers fishing a wide range of waters from Redmire and busy circuit waters and even to local ponds. Carp fishing for wary fish seems to be more like a chess game where you are attempting to make the fish feel as safe as possible by fishing and using tackle and baits as cunningly as possible, also while avoiding the sometimes unhelpful intrusions of competitive fellow anglers fishing activities and baiting and so on.

I used to fish a small carp water where in the summer the average angler blanked over 70 percent of the time. The hidden factor here was that because it was a small water the fish were all too aware of angling activities and knew whenever anglers where present on the banks. But the anglers themselves did not help themselves. On a small very rich water where the fish have been absolutely hammered by anglers for years, they can respond in the easiest way possible and begin avoiding familiar baits and baiting formats and avoid them altogether, choosing to feed on natural food primarily instead.

This lake was where it took me 6 weeks during June and July of the summer of 2003 to land 60 twenties and 10 thirties which was incredible catch for the time. This year that lake had produced to all the anglers fishing that lake precisely 1 thirty all year. So what on earth has happened that enabled me to achieve my catches?

Well going back to 2003 the fish were very spooky and I decided on a medium-term baiting approach with homemade baits the carp had never experienced ever before and I knew this for certain because I made them myself. Vitally I made them and presented them in ways never tried before their.

However, because the fish were so spooky, even after a full 5 days and 4 nights of consistently baiting up and seeing fish rolling over the baits I did not get a single take. Then on the fifth night one of the biggest fish in the lake took the bait at an awesome 36 plus pounds.

Even at the time this fish took the bait it was very obvious from the fish rolling activity that many of the biggest fish in the lake were over the bait and were filter-feeding on the dissolved substances coming off it, but were not willing to actually pick up whole baits. This was due to the fact they had been hooked on whole baits before and knew to avoid them. Again, this is all too familiar a feature of fisheries today.

I was shocked at the extent of the carp instinct for survival as despite baiting all week and fishing the proceeding 5 days and 4 nights not a single bite came again - that is until the fifth night; when another of the biggest fish took a hook bait and weighed in at over 36 pounds too. Sometimes it can take quite a time for carp to treat new sources of food as safe, but once they do it really reap its rewards for applying it, but it does not mean you will necessarily catch all the biggest fish straight away.

Often big fish let the small fish do bait testing. In fact if I recall correctly when pre-baiting for the biggest carp in the Essex Little Grange water, the 2 anglers only caught the smaller fish when they began fishing a new bait (called the Grange) and it was only after a few months they caught the fish they were after.

Going back to the small lake I previously mentioned catching the 36 pound carp from, I caught one of those fish twice in 2 weeks on the new boilies yet it had come out to no-one else all that year. But more interesting than that was that once I started fishing my hook baits some distance away from my regularly baited spots I was able to catch 2 of the other biggest fish in the lake; both around 38 pounds.

What this indicated to me was that in all likelihood the big wary fish were not getting hooked by the average anglers at all because they were fishing using a smaller picture to fish with based on their own ideas on tackle and baits (often influenced by fashions,) but not influenced by knowledge of exactly what the fish were doing to avoid capture.

Frankly I believe that the wary fish were picking baits up in their lips, taking them away from the baited area, dropping them and leaving them until they thought they were safe, then swallowing them. The amount of single bleeps I got on my bite alarms indicated something like this was going on where my hook baits were often getting picked up then dropped like a stone when the fish felt any resistance.

One of the obvious solutions was to fish away from the baited areas plus give the fish enough rope to hang themselves with so to speak by changing to a more refined rig. This worked like magic and the other 7 thirties plus 60 twenties came along while many anglers failed to catch at all.

But this result was just a feedback loop born of being acutely conscious of the hidden factors involving how fish were responding to any threat represented by signs of angler presence on the bank, any obvious lines in the water, crude baiting, use of familiar fishing tactics that were obviously now history, plus the disciplined regular application of a unique new bait, bait format, and baiting technique all new to the water, and so on. The average angler visiting the water thought it was just your average commercial day-ticket water, saw the photographs of fish caught in the past by many anglers and thought they could lazily empty the place with comparatively very little thought and effort.

The fact is that fishing for big wary carp and aiming to catch them very consistently is not for the faint-hearted and demands attention to detail and effort of thought many average anglers are not willing to stretch to. I notice that the biggest fish came out of Elphicks Lake in Kent recently. Again it was caught on a method that defeated its caution and that actually exploited the behaviours it and other fish had developed in order to feed on bait in safety; i.e. on the drop and mid-water binge-feeding.

The secrets of big carp fishing include studying the fish, their senses, their adapting dynamic behaviours in direct and indirect response to everything we do to catch them, and to exploit what we observe. This is how successful army commanders often beat superior forces - with superior intelligence and information.

You see lots in magazines about new tackle, rigs and baits etc, but to truly exploit such wonders, you really need to analyse what your fish in a water are actually doing, how they are doing it and why they are doing it!

The effort doing this will open many doors to your future success again and again and will leave many of your fellow anglers scratching their heads because such things in pressured modern carp fishing are hidden and not obvious! Even if you happen to have 6 grands worth of gear on the bank it will not guarantee you will catch if you do not understand your fish! (For more information see my website and biography right now!)

By Tim Richardson.

Choose the right fishing line

2009-10-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Many anglers neglect the importance of the line they use when fishing. The line you choose can have a huge impact on your performance. It really is one of the most important bits of kit that we use and with so many different types on the market it is worth learning all you can about them so you can choose which line is best for your needs.

Monofilament Line

Monofilament fishing line is made from nylon, a "super polymer" that is stronger and more elastic than natural fibres. This line is made by forcing molten plastic through a die. The resulting product has high tensile strength, excellent abrasion resistance and superior knot strength and is incredibly versatile. All these qualities converge to make "mono" a favourite choice of experienced and novice fishermen alike.

Microfilament Line

Microfilament line is made from aramid and gel-spun fibres of which Kevlar is the most recognisable brand. This type of "superline" is thin and 10 times stronger than steel. Individual strands are joined in a complex braiding process that produces sensitive yet strong line. Microfilament's castability, coloration and strength make it a necessity for both freshwater fishing tackle and sea fishing tackle. Lures tend to dive deeper and because the line is thin, the line is less visible to fish. Also, it doesn't stretch and allows the angler to set the hook more easily. Finally, microfilament line facilitates longer casts. There's a variation of superline that's produced by fusing rather than braiding. In either case, microfilament line is an affordable and versatile choice.

Fluorocarbon Line

Fluorocarbon line is made from a polymer that's nearly invisible in water. This enables an extremely lifelike bait presentation. Fluorocarbon line does not adsorb water, so it won't lose it's strength plus it doesn't stretch as much as nylon line does. Fluorocarbon is very abrasion resistant and its density allows it to sink faster than nylon. fluorocarbon lines are relatively new on the market but have become very popular with anglers due to there excellent performance.

You should remember that no one type of line is perfect for all types of fish and fishing conditions. It's a simple matter to keep several types on hand in your fishing tackle box, so you're prepared for a variety of situations.

Shimano Spinning Reels - Universality and Endurance

2009-10-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

The spinning reels probably are the most popular on the market today, due to their easiness of use and universality. These reels virtually backlash free, come with the different spool sizes. You may find sizes from 1000, which considered being "light" to reels with spool sizes of 20000, which are can be used for game fishing.

The efficiency and use of a fishing reel relies on the design and durability of the materials used. Bearings and bushes are an integral component of reels as they ensure the smooth and noiseless operation of the reel. Shimano fishing reel is manufactured with the highest quality Shimano bearings. In most of the finest reels, the reel cage and frames are manufactured with anodized aluminum or graphite. They help establish the weight and feel of the fishing reel.

After years designing and testing and longstanding market experience, Shimano produced one of the most outstanding spinning reels these days.

Any of the new models of Stella FD, Sustain FE, Stradic MgFB, Stradic FI and Saros F have greatly improved in one or three areas:
1. Gear durability.
2. Casting performance.
3. Line management.

Choosing the appropriate fishing reel depends on conditions of fishing, type - either saltwater or freshwater, and size of the fish. Of course, if you are going saltwater fishing you need to select bigger sizes reels, like Saros SAR3000F/4000F, Stradic ST4000R/5000R/6000R, Sustain SA5000FE/6000FE, Stella STL6000FA/8000FA that allows you to fight bigger and stronger fish. From this range of the fishing reels Stella models are the most expensive, but other models you can buy from $150 to $300. As I mentioned above you may want to invest bit more than $50 in fishing reel, if you want to avoid frustration at the end!

For freshwater you may select reels smaller the size, like Sustain SA2500FE/SA3000FE, Stradic ST1000MGFB/ST2500MGFB/ST2500R, Saros SAR2500F or Symetre SY1500FI/2500FI, because freshwater fish not as strong as saltwater fish and sizes are different as well.

As I said above, spinning reels are good choice for almost any occasion - whether you are fishing from the shore or boat, bait-casting or using lure.

And, of course, to make your reels serve for longer years to come, you need to maintain them accordingly!
For freshwater, you do not need anything special, just lubricate reels, wipe them dry after fishing and bring the reels to workshop for yearly maintenance.

But for saltwater reels, you need to follow special maintenance procedures to keep them in a good shape!
1. If reel was used in harsh conditions - wash it in soapy water.
2. Tighten the drag and rinse the reel in fresh water.
3. Using the cloth - wipe it dry.
4. Spray the reel regularly with anti-corrosion spray.
5. Lubricate the reel. Some of models, like Stradic and Saros have maintenance ports for this purpose.
6. For yearly service bring your reel to the tackle shop.

Sergey is an NLP Practitioner and internet marketer, who's interests include, but not limited by photography, fishing, sport and outdoors, snorkeling.
If you want to learn more about Shimano fishing reel and fishing, please visit my site Shimano Fishing Reel.

Technology Catches Up With Freshwater Fishing Lures

2009-10-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Technology continues to move forward in our world with an ever increasing pace, though it has only been in recent years that the world of freshwater fishing have seen a marked change in the way freshwater fishing lures have been made.

The biggest change in the manufacture in fresh water lures since the good old days, when pretty much all lures were made from wood is the change to plastic and then to more exotic materials such as titanium.

The fishing masters must be turning over in their graves of what once was thought an art form, is now a mega multimillion market in the US alone. Today the latest material technologies produce lures which only just come short of catching the fish for you. Some old time freshwater anglers are hardly shy when saying that today the 'sport' of freshwater fishing is largely gone with the advent of swimbaits which provide an extremely life like baitfish swimming motion, or soft plastics which contain an impregnated fish attractant which almost make them 'taste' better than real bait fish.

With many high end lures the only real obstacle to catching your target fish is locating where they were hiding. Once found, all that is needed is a half descent presentation and the fish is pretty much caught.

Though many may argue that its not the technological advances alone that make today's lures more lethal for freshwater fish. Readily available educational resources for freshwater fishing as well as the increasing popularity of the sport through high profile bass and fly fishing tournaments have also had their part to play in the average fisherman being that 'in the know' and deadly at his art.

All in all its amusing to think that if our pioneers of freshwater fishing lures were still here today, could they out fish our current freshwater tournament pro's even with the latest freshwater lures. Have we become more attuned to our environment and increased our understanding of our quarry or have become lazy and allowed technology do more and more of the work.

The fact is the truth is probably somewhere in between as I'm sure if an elite pro were only allowed to use an antique lure he would obviously still catch fish. But today in our performance driven world there are few things more uncomfortable than going backwards or doing things the hard way to prove a point.

The fact remains that there is no stopping the advance in technology and fresh water anglers will continue to seek that edge in order to become a better fisherman.

John Salamon is a avid product tester of freshwater lures and experienced freshwater fisherman who enjoys writing about his passion.

For more informative articles on the latest freshwater lures available and some great freshwater fishing techniques visit the Freshwater Lures website.

Fishing Equipment is Easy to Find on the Web, Just Make Sure That You Do Some Research Beforehand

2009-10-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have a hobby and one of the most popular hobbies is fishing. There's so much that is involved in this sport and hobby so it's not surprising that so many people enjoy it. If you're looking for equipment in order to take up this hobby then you should buy online. However, when you're shopping online, remember that you'll need to do some research if you want to get a good deal.

Buying online requires a bit of patience and a bit of time. You should probably set aside a few hours so that you can dedicate your time to finding the good deals. However, just remember that you don't always have to buy straight away. You could even take a few days to decide on what you need.

Taking your time is important when you're buying fishing equipment. You don't want to buy things you don't need and you really don't want to waste any money. Don't rush into anything because otherwise you could end up missing out on deals or you could end up buying things that are at a rip off price.

Make sure that you're completely comfortable before you make any big decisions. It's also a good idea to do some research with a pen and paper to hand. Make notes while you browse the web so that you can compare prices and find out exactly where all the best deals are.

Just make sure that you are able to put in the time to save yourself some money. If you're not then go ahead and buy whatever. Just remember that it's much easier to save money if you've done some research and had a good look around on today's market to find out what else is available.

Overall, buying fishing equipment on the web is really easy but it does require some research. If you want to save money and get yourself a good deal then set aside some time so that you can really focus on getting a good deal. Don't rush yourself into anything that you may end up regretting.

Author Keira T Hopkins talks about buying fishing equipment on the web. http://www.anglingcentre.net has a huge range of options and information available, you should easily find what you're looking for

Shimano spinning rods review

2009-10-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Shimano spinning rods are without doubt among the worlds best and are trend setters within the fishing tackle industry. In company with the sports fishermen used as consultants, they are making new and innovative products, for new and exciting fishing forms. Regardless of wishes or thickness of the wallet you will find a shimano spinning rod which suits your needs.

Here is a quick presentation of shimanos 2009 spinning/ casting rods:

Aspire BX Spinning

How to improve a rod which was considered as a mile stone within rod production? It was not easy, but Shimano is accustomed to though challenges. first of all there were used Biofibre in the rod material to provide low weight and extreme strength. Fuji developed new sizes of the Low Rider rod rings, and with a handle of Power Cork and insertion of Fossil Wood in the reel attachment, the series was a masterpiece. A light, strong, beautiful and extreme long casting rod which sport fishermen on any level would put on top of their wish list. Exist in 4 models and is delivered with rod cover and rod tube with leather details.

Antares BX Spinning

Upgraded model of Antares Spinning, now with new materials and elegant cosmetic changes. The carbon material is changed to the ever more exclusive XT-200 Carbon, which in addition to Biofibre has made the clings even more durable and light. also Antares BX Spinning will from now on be equipped with Fossil Wood in the reel attachment and on other details have Power Cork handles and Aero Guide Concept with Fuji rod rings. The series have of course still micro adjustable reel attachment, exclusive rod covers and transport tube. Antares BX Spinning comes in 6 models from 7 to 11 feet, all 2-parted.

Diaflash XT-A Spinning

Diaflash XT-A is a complete and innovative rod series from Shimano, loaded with new details. This is extremely exciting rods, where the Vibralock construction effective moderate unwanted vibrations in the rod materials during casting and working the fish. The construction is of the Shadow Diaflash type with use of XT-200 graphite, biofibre as materials, TI-Lite rings and Fossil Wood reel attachment. Lower handle is covered with leather, Power Leather, and additionally there is weights for individual adaption of the rods balance. The series exist in 11 models, is 3-parted (210ML is 2-parted) and is delivered with rod covers and rod tube.

Diaflash ST-A Spinning

Diaflash ST-A is a price favourably alternative withing the Diaflash-consept. Shimano is here using XT-100 graphite and has made it as a 2-parted construction. The series have TI-lite rings, biofibre, cork handles, Dyne Butt and the possibility to balance the rod with weights(extras). Diaflash ST-A exist in 9 models and is delivered with rod cover.

Aerocast Spinning

Shimano has good tradition for leading the development with changing standards and unwritten laws within design and production of fishing tackle. Here it is, the new developed rod series Aerocast Spinning. None has earlier been able to produce a spinning rod with oval rod materials- until now. The slightly oval rod material gives the possibility for action changes during casting and working the fish, this done by twisting the rod in relation to the pressure direction. One has therefore two different actions in the same rod, something which should be any sport anglers dream.

In this series Shimano employ XT-200 Carbon plus Biofibre that settled elastic actions combined with low weight. The design is in general minimalistic and exclusive, with details as Power Cork, micro adjustable reel attachment with Fossil Wood insertion and Aero Guide Concept with Fuji Alconite rings. The series is 3-parted and suits therefore well to what many sport fishermen feels is optimal (7 footer is 2-parted). Aerocast Spinning is in 7 models from 7 to 10 feet, rod cover and transport tube is of course included.

Speedmaster AX Spinning

New and upgraded version of the bestseller Speedmaster Spinning, still a complete unique series without compromises. This is fast actions combined with raw strength, where the rods specific gravity is held amazingly low. New is TI-lite rings, XT-100 graphite combined with Biofibre, Shadow Diaflash-technology and Fuji IPS reel attachment. Power Cork handles and spigot joints. Speedmaster AX Spinning is 2-parted and is delivered with rod covers/ transport tubes. Exist in 9 models from 6 to 11 feet.

Technium DF BX Spinning

Upgraded model of Technium DF spinning, now with lower weight, new materials and cosmetic improvements. This is still the widest rod series, all with slim clings combined with delicious design. The Df-signature with Technium represents the DIAFLASH-construction. This acknowledged rod production from Shimano is one of the markets strongest and can be used under the most demanding situations.

TechniumDF BX is equipped with Shimanos super light Hardlite rod rings, but is from now on changed to a setup in accordance with the Aero Guide Concept. The material in the core is upgraded to XT-100 Carbon and Biofibre, therefore is lighter weight and even more distinct actions than before. Furthermore, the series have received a new ergonomic reel attachment and Power Cork. The spinning version of Technium DF BX exist in 12 versions from the lightest freshwater fishing to heavy salmon fishing. The series is generally 2-parted, but every salmon rods(SL) are 3-parted.

Beatmaster BX Spinning/Casting

These rods have been on of the most important sales successes in the entire history of Shimano. The BeastMaster concept was sort of a revolution and took the market with storm. One of the limitations of the original material was the weight. It was a bit higher than ordinary graphite, but in rewards much stronger. With the introduction of Biofibre the AX-model overcome this limit,the rods became extreme light and fast, but still with the incredible strength as the former model. In addition was the rod materials slimmer and the action more determined. Now is the 3 generation finally ready; Beastmaster BX.

The most eye catching change is the new Vibra Spot reel attachment, where one achieve direct contact with the rod material. Furthermore, is there a possibility to balance the rod with Shimano Balance Weight. This Shimano spinning rods series have additionally Shimano SIC SS rings, XT-60 graphite with Biofibre and cork handles. It is delivered with rod cover and exist now in totally 14 spinning models and 6 casting models.

Nexave BX Spinning

Rods developed in cooperation with the production section in Elbe Normark. All rods are 3-parted for easy transport, have reinforced joints and actions perfectly suited for trout, sea trout- and lighter salmon fishing. Exist in 7 lengths from 7 to 16 feet, where the 16' is delivered with Slide'n Grip reel attachment.

ForceMaster Spinning

Rods with thin blanks and light rings combined with a delicious design. Lots of cheap rods with poor quality dominates the lower price segments. Shimano have for a long time studied how to produce a relatively cheap rod which has the features as expected of a good fishing rod, without costing too much. The answer has arrived and is called Force Master. We believe it will be hard or near impossible to find better rods on the market in the same price range. The new "Master" technology with the new "Fine Crystal Carbon" fibres makes it possible to produce better rods- without increasing the price. The series characteristics is being light and strong, and who has said that cheap rods necessarily has to be boring ?

Catana BX Spinning

Catana BX consists of 7 models and gives a good selection of rods to many fishing situations, from ultra light freshwater fishing to sea and salmon fishing. The rod material is made of a mixture of XT-30 and XT-40 Carbon. This gives fast and sensitive rods with hidden forces which easily tames wild fish. They are equipped with a new developed Shimano reel attachment which as to say sneaks into you hand during fishing. Ceramic rod rings set up after Shimanos Aero Guide system gives long controlled casts.

Alivio BX Spinning

Upgraded version of the Alivio-series, with a powerful expansion of the model selection. Now Alivio BX is presented as a complete series which range from the lightest freshwater fishery to salmon- and sea trout fishery. Notice that this economy series from now on is equipped with Vibra Spot reel attachment. Other features are XT30/XT40 graphite, Shimano HL SS rod rings and cork handles. Comes in 17 models from 6'to 11'.

X-PTA AX Spinning

Rod series produced in AeroGlass with Power Tip for maximum strength. The usage of AeroGlass in the rod material gives the strength as traditional glass fibre, but with much less weight. This is rods for though and heavy fishing for sea fish, salmon and pike. Delivered in 5 models from 8'to 10'. All rods have cork handles and a very affordable price.

XAX Spinning

Economy series in good Shimano quality. Typical "labour horses" constructed in AeroGlass. Comes in 2 casting versions and for usage of bait casting reels or spin cast reels. Truly a rod series which gives you full credit for your money. 5 models from 7'to 10'.

XFX BX Spinning

XFX is still the cheapest rod alternative from Shimano. The XFX series have many fans with their good casting characteristics and durability to a price that everyone can live with, regardless of the thickness of the wallet. This year the rods comes with a new design, have still EVA handles and is delivered in 5 models from 6'to 9'.

Hope you have got some clues to pick the right shimano spinning rods to your fishing adventures.

Harald Hoel, expert of pike fishing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harald_Hoel

Are you covered?

2009-10-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Have you checked if your fishing tackle is insured?
Theft of fishing tackle is sadly becoming more and more common. That is why it is important to know that you are properly covered by insurance. You may be covered by your home contents insurance but that is not guaranteed and is why it is wise to take out a specific policy. Insurance companies now offer some very good deals on fishing tackle insurance that will cover you for most eventualities.

It is a sad fact that anglers are being targeted more and more often by thieves. With some small tackle items costing hundreds of pounds they know they can walk away with a good haul in moments. It has recently been reported that thieves are now stealing to order by staking out commercial fisheries and following anglers back to their homes where they can then steal the specific items they have spotted.

A friend of mine was unfortunate enough to be the victim of such a theft recently. He was fishing on a private syndicate water and was at the end of a three day session. He had hardly seen anyone during those three days and thought he would be safe to leave his rods unattended while he nipped to the nearby toilets to relieve himself. When he returned not five minutes later he found his rods lying on the ground with all three of his bait-runners missing, they had also removed the bank stick which housed his three delkim alarms. He quickly scanned the area but could not see or hear anyone. The lake in question is quite remote and supposedly private property but this didn't deter the thief, In moments they had walked off with a good haul with no care to the feelings of their victim who unfortunately was never to see his prize delkims or bait-runners again. He reported the theft to the police and was told it was just one of a spate of similar thefts in the area. They took all the details but said there was little chance of making an arrest or retrieving his tackle.

After reporting the theft to the police my friend looked into his insurance and found that he was not covered for this eventuality, infact he was only covered by his home insurance if his fishing tackle had been stolen from his home while stored in a locked shed or garage and then there was a maximum he could claim for any one item. He then looked into his car insurance to see what cover that gave him and found that his insurance only covered a fraction of what his tackle actually cost if his car was to be broken into and his tackle was stolen. This was a real eye opener as he was sure he was totally covered. The good news is that he was covered under the syndicates insurance and through them he did indeed receive the full amount of what the reels and alarms cost to replace, but it was more by luck than design that he was covered for his loss. If you are a member of a syndicate or club you may be covered by their insurance while you are fishing at their waters but then again you may not! That is why it is so important to check if you are insured and what you are actually covered for?

When my friend told me about the theft I also looked into my insurance and found that my tackle was not properly covered. My fishing tackle not only cost me thousands of pounds, it is also my pride and joy. It gives me hours of pleasure and has taken me years to attain. If it was stolen I would be distraught. I know that there is no way that I could just go out and replace it all myself, I just don't have that sort of free cash at my disposal. Being a family man with children to support my hobby has to come after their needs. The only way I could hope to replace all of my tackle if it was stolen would be to claim on insurance. I decided that the only way I could have piece of mind would be to insure my fishing tackle on a separate policy that would cover me for any eventuality. I looked into what insurance is available and found a great deal with a company that specialises in insuring fishing tackle. It costs a small monthly premium to insure my tackle against theft and against accidental damage.

I don't want to go into the various policies that are available. I am not trying to sell you insurance. What I am trying to do is open your eyes to what could happen and advise you to check that you are properly covered in case of the worst! We can reduce the risk of theft by storing our tackle in a securely locked shed or garage and by ensuring that we never leave our gear unattended while its in the car or on the bank. I definitely do all of these but I am glad I have the extra protection of my insurance policy .

Catch Carp in the Autumn-10 Top Tips

2009-10-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Autumn can be one of the most productive times of the year to catch big carp. As the nights draw in and the leaves begin to change from green to brown the nations big carp know that this is the last chance for them to feed heavily to insure they have enough stored fat to see them through the lean winter months.

Many of the countries top anglers choose the autumn months to target some of the harder waters knowing that it is at this time of the year that the big carp really get their heads down, Indeed that is why we often see many of the biggest carp hitting the bank at this time of year.With the abundance of natural food diminishing with the passing of the summer, it is the anglers baits that now become the easiest meal.

Here are ten top tips that will help you to get on the fish.

1.Keep your ear out for any information about recent captures. Carp feed at very distinct times as autumn takes over from summer. Knowing their patterns can help you to predetermine when the most active feeding spells will occur. Not only can this put you in the area where the fish are but it can also help you to be there at the optimum time.

2.As the autumn progresses and the weather begins to be less hospitable you will find less anglers out on the bank, this is also the time when natural food becomes less prolific. That makes it the perfect time to pre-bait the areas you intend to fish. By simply introducing a few freebies over a period of time you will greatly improve your chances of success. Carp are quick to home in on an area where they can find a regular supply of food and will keep returning to the spot improving your chances of intercepting them on your visit.

3.From September onwards particle baits such as hemp, maize and corn come into their own. The small particles can keep big carp feeding for long periods. It is a good idea to make up a mix of particles to spod out during the colder months rather than use heaps of pellets which can quickly fill the fish especially on colder days when they are feeding for shorter periods.

4.Autumn nights can be very cold while the days are still fairly warm, during these warm days you will find Carp basking in areas that receive the sun. They do this to absorb the suns energy which helps speed up their metabolism allowing them to process more food. By locating and targeting these sunny areas you can greatly improve your chances of tempting a bite.

5.During the autumn the lake-bed can be covered with fallen leaves. To avoid your hook bait sinking amongst them never to be seen it can pay to fish with balanced pop-up rig, also with so many dead leaves floating in the lower levels of the water it is also a good idea to protect your hook with a piece of dissolving foam so you can be confident that you don't pick up any rubbish as your rig sinks that would impede your strike.

6.Watch the weather for any periods where the wind is blowing in from the south west, These warmer winds often bring with them low pressure systems that can drive the carp into a feeding frenzy. But whereas a south-westerly wind can be good, a north-easterly wind is usually bad. These cold winds can often mean an early frost and usually cause the fish to switch off. You can save yourself many blanks by avoiding fishing on days when the wind comes from the north east.

7.As water temperatures begin to fall it takes longer for PVA bags to break down. Infact on cold days it can take up to 10 minutes or more for the bag to disintegrate fully, so it is a good idea to switch to a fine PVA mesh that will break down in a fraction of the time and works just as well.

8.As autumn progresses there is less and less weed in the water, this will often enable you to use a lower diameter line which will improve your presentation. It is always a good idea to scale down your terminal tackle to the lowest strength you feel comfortable with.

9.As the weed beds die and breakdown they can provide a banquet of natural food for hungry carp. It is always worth fishing close to these decaying beds in the autumn as they can often prove to be a real hotspots. Keep your eye out for fish activity such as fizzing and tail swirls as these are often caused by large carp digging around amongst the exposed roots looking for an easy meal.

10.The autumn weather is notorious for being unpredictable so it is important to be prepared. When planning your session take into consideration that you may be inactive for many hours and that you want to remain comfortable. The last thing you want is to miss a bite because you were too cold and wet to act fast. Even if the weather is mild when you set out take some warm wet-weather clothing in-case the weather changes for the worst.

The forgotten art of float fishing-part one

2009-10-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

In these days where Carp angling is the most popular branch of the sport, float fishing has become a forgotten art. But for those that care to learn this simple discipline, hours of great sport can be their reward.

Float fishing is one of the simplest and best forms of bite detection. You can use a float to catch all of the species of coarse fish and indeed for some it is the best method to use. Using a float gives you the ability to spot even the most timid bites as soon as they occur and offers you the advantage of stealth by causing very little disturbance as you cast your bait into your chosen swim.It is a simple method to learn but not so easy to master.

To the novice angler the number of different types of float that are available to buy can be both daunting and confusing. Which float should you use? The answer can be simplified by knowing that there are two main types of float that are used in coarse fishing the 'Stickfloat' and the 'Waggler'. Simply by knowing what purpose each of them is used for you can bring you to a better understanding of which float you should use.

The 'Stickfloat' is a float designed specifically for running water. There are many different types and variations but they all come under the description of a Stickfloat so you would know that you only use them on running water such as rivers and canals. The type of Stickfloat that you use would depend on where you are fishing and what the conditions are like. Avons,Chubbers,Pin sticks and Balsa's are a few types of 'Stickfloat and each has its purpose and is suited to use in a certain river environment.

A stickfloat differs from a waggler because the upper body of the float is fatter than its base. It also differs from a waggler by being attached to the line at its top and bottom. This is done by using two or more float rubbers that keep it locked securely in place. The stickfloats fatter upper body allows for more stability in the flow and currents of the river and stops the float from riding up when 'Holding back' which is a technique that raises the bait to tempt bites as the float travels through the swim that is one of the great advantages of using a stickfloat.

Controlling a stickfloat is a skill that can only come with practice but when mastered it is a definite asset to an anglers armoury.

The 'Waggler' is primarily used on stillwaters but can also be used to fish at range on calm medium paced rivers. There are two types of waggler 'straight' and 'bodied', straight wagglers are what they say completely straight whereas bodied wagglers indeed have a fatter body which unlike a stickfloat is always at the floats bottom end, this aids both buoyancy and stability and are primarily used in rougher weather conditions or when fishing at long range.

Wagglers are attatched to the line bottom end only through the floats eye so there is no need to use float rubbers. As with the stickfloat there are many different variations such as Peacocks and insert wagglers. Again the type you choose to use depends on the swim and the conditions in which you are fishing.

The beauty of the waggler is the incredible sensitivity they give and their streamlined shape for distance casting. Some wagglers can take a lot of weight and allow you to fish at a long range but still provide instant bite detection.

Knowing the difference between a stickfloat and a waggler is the first step to mastering the art of float fishing. You can soon learn how to discern between to the two by having a look at a mixture of different floats in your box or the tackle shop. Obviously there is a lot more to know about how to use them successfully and in my next few articles i will be taking a closer look at the various types of each and be explaining how and where it is best to use them.

The Anglers Fishing Bivvy

2009-10-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here is an article by carp angler Steve Baldry that explains all you need to know about that essential bit of fishing equipment 'The Bivvy' If you are into night fishing or carp fishing or indeed anyone who takes their fishing seriously it is likely you are going to need a fishing bivvy at some time so read on.
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The specimen anglers fishing bivvy is now an essential part of the modern day fisherman's armoury. They allow the fisherman to camp out on by lakes or rivers for days or weeks at a time usually while specimen hunting for difficult species such as Catfish or Carp. A Bivvy is actually a nickname for a dome shaped tent which has been specifically designed for the over-night or long session angler in mind. Bivvy comes from the word Bivouac - which means 'to set up or camp in an improvised shelter', sometimes from natural materials. Often the Bivouac shelter consisted of two sheets - one for the groundsheet and one for the roof, which would usually be tied up between two trees. Another version of the Bivouac is the Bivouac sack, which is a thin waterproof outer casing fabric shell designed to go over the top of a sleeping bag. The Bivouac sacks are commonly used by climbers, mountaineers and hikers.
The Fishing Bivvy became commercially available to fisherman in the UK in the 1970's. It was designed as a throw over for a large fishing umbrella and effectively created a dome shaped tent, which was then pegged down for stability. This type of bivvy was also known as a Brolly Camp. These wrap around brolly camps or 'bivvies' are still available today, but also available now are stand-alone versions that do not require an umbrella for the body of the brolly camp. The more modern stand-alone bivvies are designed with a collapsible all-in-one structure that can be 'popped-up' and constructed much quicker than the wrap-over brolly camp styles. In fact manufacturers compete with each other to see whose bivvy can be erected in the quickest time as well as qualities such as waterproofing, stronger, breathable, easier to access and lighter. The latest models of bivvy such as the TFG Force 8 Extreme Bivvy can be apparently erected in less than 15 seconds.

Bivvies were primarily designed for anglers to fish overnight, but some are now designed to give anglers comfort during the day and to shelter from the elements. These bivvies are known as a day session shelter.
Bivvies are also designed for either 1 or 2 man fishing crews. The 2 man bivvies are obviously larger than the 1 man bivvies, but specimen anglers looking for a little more room for the vast amounts of tackle they require may opt for a 2 man bivvy for just themselves. Top tackle manufacturers that supply fishing bivvies and day shelters include Daiwa, Fox, JRC, Korum, Nash, Pro Logic, TFG (TF Gear) and Trakker.

Also available for anglers with bivvies are bivvy accessories such as lights, tables, rig stations etc.. There is one clever device - the Fox Halo Elite Bivvy light for example - that can actually be programmed to switch on when a fish indicates a bite from your electronic bite alarms. According to Nash their TT Rig Station is the carp worlds first dedicated bivvy station, work station and total tackle storage solution. It's an all-in-one solution for storing and organizing the carp anglers essential rigs, baiting needles, foam and other items.

Many bivvy accessories are available from all the top tackle manufacturers including kettles, pans, pots, stoves, tables, plates, torches, towels, headlamps, and many others - everything but the kitchen sink!
For more information and reviews on Bivvys and Shelters goto http://how-to-fish.co.uk/category/bivvys-shelters/

For more advice, tips and articles on How to Fish, Where to Fish and What Fishing Tackle you need see the 'How to Fish' website/blog.http://www.how-to-fish.co.uk/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Baldry

Carp Fishing-How To Make Carp Fishing Baits And Save Money With Homemade Bait

2009-10-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

We fishermen pay lots of money for readymade fishing baits! The fact is that if they were so wonderful, companies would not have to keep on offering new baits all the time! Just the same number of fish or more, can be caught as a result of making your own unique baits and this will save you bags of money too!

In fact when you have made your homemade baits despite any mistakes you might make, well over 80 percent of your recipes will catch fish and equal results on readymades with ease. The fact they will be fresh and new is a giant factor in this too. New baits will arouse far less care and suspicion for most fish as they have never even been hooked on your new bait before. One of the great things about homemade baits is that they can keep you well ahead of the fish and fellow anglers who always follow the crowd using readymades, giving you even better consistent catches and more big fish!

Of course it takes the usual fishing skills and application in order to catch any fish especially those bigger ones which are far less easily caught, but your unique bait is a distinct factor in producing for you consistent big fish catches. One of the most incredible highs is to land new personal best fish on bait you have made from your own recipe and knowing you are the one angler who is ever going to exploit your secret bait. You never have to compete with hundreds of other fishermen on the same bait as you!

Bait only really has a peak of effectiveness when fish feed confidently on it because they know they most likely will not get hooked and risk getting taken home for tea. Sure we put them back, but if you were hooked and dragged out of your safe air environment into a foreign one you would be wary of any bait that has led to you being hooked previously too! Making your own alternative secret bait recipes is such a great advantage over the masses who use readymades without a further thought to their never talked about disadvantages!

Popular baits in many ways do have a shelf life in terms of longevity of effectiveness. Top bait manufacturers will tell you that even in a stock pond which has never been fished, when a new bait has been fished intensively by a number of anglers successfully, their results can slow right up even literally to the point of no more fish being caught on that bait. (This is no exaggeration, for example Gary Bayes of the international bait company Nashbaits told me of his experience of this!) Many baits exploit highly concentrated flavors in order to affect bait pH to stimulate fish. Others use the biological nutritional value approach and call their baits food baits for this reason.

It might sound hard, but making baits that really work effectively is easy, and your baits do not need to be perfect like commercially produced machine rolled round or barrel shaped boilies or pellets shapes etc. There are obviously very many methods of making baits and you do not need to follow conventional steps at all, in fact there are many steps you can leave out completely. This makes things very much easier, saves hours of time and take the least effort possible!

Many fisherman overlook the advantages of not making their baits oval in shape. Remember carp remember, so using angular baits or non oval baits is a definite advantage. Just with a handful of eggs and a pound of semolina and soya flour you can make limitless different baits utilising any of thousands of additives and flavors, sweeteners and appetite stimulators and so on, or just one! Such a bait will form a protective skin if you drops pieces of such baits in water or scald them with steam. Why bother boiling your baits when bait which is merely dried in warm air are frequently more effective than boilies?

Making homemade bait is as hard as finding a bowl a mixing spoon or knife, a few eggs and some flours or other dry ingredients. Many flours about the house will bind to form a bait, from semolina and soya to maize and corn flour, and dried rice flour. For example, crack 5 or 6 eggs into a bowl and whisk them adding any flavouring or liquids additives you might choose, like ketchup or a flavoring from the baking aisle of your local store. Take 8 ounces of semolina and the same of soya flour and slowly add to your eggs until a dough the feel of putty is made. It is very easy and quick and with practice you can do this at lightening speed!

When your dough is ready you can use it immediately, or put it labelled plastic bags for later use. Store baits in the fridge or freeze them. It is best to make a note of the ingredients and levels in each individual bait mix. To make around a kilogram of bait it takes about 6 eggs with your dry powders. But this is a very rough guide and every mix can vary widely depending on ingredients, their solubility etc.

Considering you can easily make very economical baits even with better food nutrition value than just carbohydrate baits like the one described, it is still shocking to work out just how much money you can save. You can produce very effective big fish baits for 2 or 3 pounds or about 6 dollars per kilogram compared to shop prices of 5 or 6 times this cost. The total cost of 10 kilograms of readymade baits can be 80 to 120 pounds, while your homemade bait can cost you just 20 or 30 pounds, saving you 60 to 100 pounds for every 10 kilograms of readymade bait!

The best advantage of all is you can make your baits as different to normal as you like. Remember, being different is what really counts. Most frequently it is the most different and alternative homemade baits which tempt the very biggest and wariest of fish. You can start off with the simple bait here, but you might like to find out more if you really want to get cracking and hit the big-time!

By Tim Richardson.

About the Author=For expert help enhancing and making top fishing baits see: "BIG CATFISH AND CARP BAIT SECRETS!" And: "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" And "FLAVORS, FEEDING TRIGGERS and CHEMORECEPTION SECRETS" SEE: http://www.baitbigfish.com These volumes are by Tim Richardson and even used by members of the British Carp Study Group so visit his site now!

Carp Fishing-That first big carp

2009-10-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Do you remember your first big Carp? That is a memory dear to any Carp angler and one of the highlights for anyone into carp fishing. If your into carp fishing or coarse fishing i am sure you will be able to relate to this article by Steve Kepson.

My first Twenty.....

I started fishing as a small boy around the Birmingham area, mostly on the canals and small lakes in the public parks. It did not take me long to catch my first Carp and of all things it came from the canal just half a mile from where I used to live. I can remember thinking what the hell have I got here as my little 6ft spinning rod doubled over and the line ripped from my reel at the speed of a roaring train. I landed the fish at it was a 10lb 2oz mirror, from that day I was hooked (excuse the pun!) and Carp fishing took over my life, as it does with many of us !.

It was not long before I became obsessed with catching my first 20lb carp and I went everywhere trying, the canal did produce other carp for me but none of them hit the 20lb mark and I spent many lonely nights on the canal bank, sometimes feeling very isolated and scared, fishing the canals in Birmingham can be a scary thing and I would not recommend doing this these days, make sure you have some friends with you!
There were many day fisheries springing up all over the country boasting of 20lb and 30lb fish and I knew they were there but could I catch that twenty, NO I always ended up just short and went home disappointed to fight another day.

So, to cut a very long story short a mate of mine told me about Horseshoe lake which boated big fish and there were lots being caught, I guess part of the answer for me was if I really wanted to catch a twenty I had to fish where they were, and Horseshoe is where they were !.

Armed with every carp bait you could imagine off we went to Horseshoe, we had booked a mid-week session as we were not members and we fished from Monday to Wednesday, we were luck and managed to get the double peg in the winter bay. Horseshoe is exactly what it suggests and lake in the shape of a horseshoe, with a summer bay which is quite shallow and a deeper winter bay where the fish move into when the weather gets colder.

We were fishing in the winter bay on the double peg about half way up the bay. Horseshoe is very weedy and you have to find a gravel spot by casting out and slowly pulling your tackle back, I found my spot about 80 yards out, a clear patch probably no bigger than 3 foot long and 4 foot wide. I clipped up and put two rods out hitting the patch after about 7 or 8 casts!!.

I had read so much about complex rigs and super wonder baits but the truth is if Carp are in the mood they are in the mood and will eat anything, this has always been my experience. So, out went both rods with the same bait on tiger nut flavour boilies, my mate decided to use his tried and trusted Maze.
Having cast out the rods, then came the really hard work, horseshoe is no easy lake, you have to work hard, I know people who have spent a whole week at this lake and never had a run!!, this was my first visit and that was not going to happen to me, or was it!!

I had a spod mix of maze, hemp, corn and shopped boilies and I must have spodded out about 50lb well it seemed like that anyway, and my arm was dropping off after the first night. So, the rods were out, Tiger nut boilies on both of them, the areas was baited up and the wait was on. The first night I had a run at about 02:00, yep she was on and I lost her, the hook pulled out I was devastated, she was a big-un I could tell. No action during the day so we eagerly await the next night, bingo my left hand rod went off like a train and I landed my first carp, was it my first twenty NO, she weighed in at 18lb, dam just two pound short !!.
I was beginning to think it was not going to happen, we were on our last night, this was my last chance was that twenty going to come. I sat up for most of that last night praying for a run, the last thing I remember was looking at the clock 04:00 and I must have fell asleep.

I was woken by my left hand rod screaming off at 06:30, I could not believe it, we were packing up in just two hours and I was in to what felt like a very big fish, no mad dashing around the lake just heavy thumping on the rod top. After about 10 minutes I had the fish in the net and I knew it was a 20lb yippeeee. The fish actually weighed 29lb 4oz so not only did I catch my first 20lb I nearly had my first 30lb !!.
Horseshoe was kind to me, two fish in three days and a 29lb fish to end with.
So what’s the morale of this story, if you want to catch a twenty or thirty go and fish where they are !! Keep it simple and pray...

Steve Kempsonhttp://www.fishingguide4u.com/
email - L.kempson@btinternet.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Kempson

Hooked On Carp Fishing=What is carp fishing all about?

2009-10-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent article by Dave Offan for all those who love to fish for Carp. Just one of the fishing articles that I hope to publish on the subject of Carp Fishing.

Why do people, me included, spend days (and nights) on end on the lakeside, often ending up without having caught a thing?

I've often wondered, when soaked to the skin on the lakeside, "What am I doing here". But I realize that carp fishing is not just about catching a few fish and putting them back.
Carp are special fish. Many are even given names. Some are legendary, like "Mary" the former British record carp that used to grace the occasional landing net from Wraysbury. Of course, part of the lure is that, other than the occasional catfish, no British freshwater fish grows as large as the carp. There are several carp in UK lakes over the magical 50 pound mark, and if you venture across the English Channel to France, carp of this size are almost common place, with 60 and 70lb fish regularly caught - often by British anglers on a carp fishing holiday.

Carp are clever fish too. One of the reasons that we try out so many different rigs and tactics is that we know that the carp have learned to be wary of certain types of baits and presentations. That makes it a battle of wills between you and the fish. I know of guys who have targeted a particular carp and not been satisfied until they have had it on the bank. Often they have spent a whole season (in the old days when there was such a thing) pursuing that one fish.

And of course, when you are lucky enough to hook into a decent sized carp, they fight all the way to the net.
But carp fishing is even more than that. The social side of things can be great fun too. A couple of lads in a bivvy, chatting over a brew. A fry up by the lake on a cold winter morning with a few mates. It all adds up to make carp fishing a great way of making friends for life.

by Dave Offen

For more on carp fishing, including catch reports, rigs, bait talk and more, visit http://www.baggingup.co.uk/blog
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dave_Offen

Carp Fishing tips=Long Distance Casting - Ten Things I've Learned To Cast Further!

2009-10-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent article by Gareth Watkins for those who love to fish for Carp. Just one of the fishing articles that I hope to publish on the subject of Carp Fishing.

In modern carp fishing the ability to cast further is a definite advantage in the anglers armoury. The fact is, that despite what their estimated casting range is, most anglers will struggle to better 100 yards by any great margin.Not all waters allow boats or bait boats, so being able to cast is a real plus, and can make the difference between catching and not catching.

I remember all too well blanking on a lake in France because the fish were at 150 yards and I couldn't reach them. The Dutch guy in the next peg was casting there easily. Needless to say he bagged up... much to my frustration.We can't all afford to go out and buy top of the range gear, which is what you 'll need to compete with the top casters.. that and loads of tuition and a modicum of talent. For us mere mortals a few hints and tips can get us up to the 140-150 yards range. I've done it measured, so as an average caster I can tell you it works. These tips were picked up from Mark Hutchinson and Mehdi Daho, but if you really want to get into the big league. I suggest you take lessons with someone like Mark.Ok so here are 10 tips that will help you cast further with your regular carp gear.

1. Use a Large Spool Big Pit 'Type' Reel: These don't have to cost a fortune, the Shimano AERLEX costs as little as fifty quid. Okuma make excellent value big spool reels too.The top flight reels like the Ultegra's from Shimano and Tournaments from Daiwa will set you back a few bob, but are excellent tools. The advantage of the wide spool on a big pit is that the diameter doesn't drop as quickly as you cast, thus less friction builds up on the spool lip, increasing your distance.

2. Fill Spool to the Rim: Make sure you fill your spool right up to the rim. Modern fixed spool reels used in carp fishing have pretty good line lay, compared to the awful things like Mitchell 300's and Cardinals. To make the most of the casting capacity of your reel fill it right flush to the lip. Don't overfill as you'll get bird's nests, but go as full as you can. Bear in mind that the line will bed down a bit.

3. Fill Your Spool with 10lb Monofilament Line: It stands to reason the finer the line you use the further you'll cast. You can't go mad in carp fishing as the fish are big and fight hard. In most open water 10lb mono is more than adequate. I use Daiwa Sensor 10lb for my long range stuff, but many of the quality monos on the market will do. Some anglers drop line strength even more...it's a trade off really between abrasion resistance and casting needs. A finer diameter line will naturally need far less chaffing to break it than heavy, thicker nylon. A few drops of Kryston Greased Lightening will also make the nylon flow off the reel better.

4. Use a Braided Leader: To get maximum distance with 10lb main line you'll need a shock leader. Here I'd recommend a 50lb braid for a leader material. Braid has no stretch so all your power is put into the blank and not into the stretch of a nylon leader. It will add distance to your casts.

5. Use A Helicopter Rig: The best casting rig is the 'Helicopter' rig. Set up right is is also the only rig that will leave the fish free of the line in the case of a crack off. Now these rigs DO have to be done right. The wrong set up and you have a death rig, as the fish trail line and the lead. There are several companies making either ready to use rigs or selling the various end rig items you need to make a safe set-up. Please pay careful attention to this! The poor set up of the helicopter rigs has seen it banned on my waters, which is stupid, as done correctly it should be the safest rig out there.It lets the lead fly first and the bait follows, giving you a more aerodynamic set up and therefore more distance. Combine this with a short nylon stiff or combi-hooklink and it will go far...

6. Use a Zip Lead: A lead of the Zip type will cast further than any lead out there. Aerodynamic, these leads really come into their own when used with a bait. In most circumstances you may net see a huge difference between dumpy pear leads and zips, that is until you attach your boilie. The zip gives your rig far more stability and lets you get several yards extra distance on your cast. These leads fly straight and true and will be more accurate too.

7. Use a Small Bait: Inertia is one of the main problems you come across when looking to gain those precious extra yards. It stands to reason a large 22mm boilie not only adds weight to the rig, but also adds wind resistance and makes the set up less stable in the air and less aerodynamic. If you drop your bait size down to 14mm or smaller, it won't prevent a carp from finding and eating your offering, but it will certainly help cancel out some of the negative effects of the large bait.

8. Use a Fingerstall: This is primarily a safety issue. Braided leaders are like cheese wire, and will cut your finger down to the bone easily if you don't wear a fingerstall. These need to be leather Reuben Heatons offers a very good one. To my mind the fear of hurting myself and certainly the pain of slicing my finger would prevent me from really leaning into a cast without one. The use of a fingerstall, the safety issue aside, gives me all the confidence to go for the big one and not worry about injury. As I said above, you need strong fine braided shock leader with no stretch to transfer the energy of the lead compressing the blank on the cast. To use braid you MUST protect your casting finger.

9. Make Sure Your Rod Handle is the Right Length: Now here is a point I bet most people don't think about when they buy a rod to cast long range with. The length of the handle. So you can transfer the maximum of your bodyweight into the cast, you need to be able to tuck the handle under your armpit as you follow through. If the handle is too long, you'll need to push it to one side at the end of the cast. You'll almost certainly be losing yourself a few metres like this. You don't need full custom built rods, but you should get a rod builder or a good tackle shop to tailor your rod for your arm length.

10. Cast Off the Deck: You can gain precious yards by laying your lead on the floor and casting off the deck. You'll transfer all the force of the cast almost immediately as you lift the weight, compressing the blank and unleashing the full power of the rod. A couple of points to bear in mind, you might want to uprate your leader strength to 100lb or so, as the casts of this type are brutal to say the least. You also might want to lay the lead and the rig on an unhooking mat of some such thing to avoid catching the rig on the ground or vegetation as you cast. I'd probably protect the hook point with PVA also to avoid it pricking the material.This is not an exhaustive list, but just a few tips and guide lines I've picked up to help you put extra yards on a cast. Don't be afraid of breaking a rod, although its always a possibility, modern carbon fibre is a hugely strong material and in normal fishing the risks are not too great. A fishing rod is a tool so use it to its full...

by Gareth Watkins

For more Carp Fishing News, Posts, Tips and Articles Check out my own Angling Lines Blog at : http://www.anglinglines.com/blog
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gareth_Watkins

Carp Fishing-Surface Fishing for carp

2009-10-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent article by Steve kempson for those who love to fish for Carp. It has some great carp fishing tips on how best to present your carp bait on the surface.Its just one of the fishing articles that I hope to publish on the subject of Carp Fishing.

Carp Fishing-Surface Fishing for carp

If you have not tried surface fishing for Carp you are missing out on a really fantastic and exciting method of Carp fishing There is nothing like seeing the big swirl around your bait and then that slurping sound as your surface bait is taken by what is usually the larger than average Carp.I have tried many methods of surface fishing and can tell you they all work and one of the most interesting facts is that the Carp you catch are usually bigger that what you will take from a bottom bait, I don't know why this is but previous experience has always shown me when I take a Carp from the surface its a nice one and bigger then the average bear !

We can use many different types of baits for surface fishing, dog biscuits, pop-up boilies, ready made floaters specially prepared with delicious flavours, the list is endless all of these works but my favourite is the old trusted bread crust. I have caught more Carp on floating bread than any other method and to set this up is really simple, I will explain this for you in a moment.I see many anglers using what we call the 'controller float' this is simply a float that is heavily weighted for casting distance and we have a 3 to 4ft tail with our bait usually sitting on the surface behind the float. Now, don't get me wrong this is a good method you can cast virtually anywhere but I have always found one major problem with this method the float will not stay in the prime area where you want it, especially if its a windy day, you know the spot by the Lillie pads where you have catapulted those free offerings and those carp are taking them like food is going out of fashion!.

I decided it was time for a change and tried something so simple it just could not work, or could it!, yes you are right it worked and it worked so well I could cast my bait out to the exact spot I wanted and it never moved, perfect!.So, what method did I use, here it is, please do not under estimate this method because its looks to simple I have found this to be very effective whenever I have used it, this is what you do. You setup a simple ledger rig, free running, slide the ledger on to the line, add a ledger stop below the ledger, one side only we need this to be free running and then tie on our hook, for crust fishing I will usually use a size 8 or 6 hook.Now we start with a tail of about 2 to 3 ft add some bread crust and cast out, id the bread does not rise to the surface our tail is to short and the depth of the water is deeper than 2 or 3 ft. We slide the ledger of another foot, re-cast until we can see the bread floating in top of the water. I have used this method in water that is over 10ft deep, so I had a ten foot tail but can still cast this out easily.So, now we have our weight sitting on the bottom and out bread floating on the surface, and yes you guessed, it will stay exactly where you cast it, even if there is a Gail force wind!.Give this method a try, I guarantee you will have great success.

Article written by Steve Kempson, 30 years of fishing experience and a lover of the sport. For more great fishing reviews please visit http://www.fishingguide4u.com/

email - L.kempson@btinternet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Kempson

Carp Fishing Tips - 10 Reasons Why You Should Fish The Margins

2009-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here is an article by Gareth Watkins explaining exactly why we should fish the margins. But this is not only good advice for Carp it good advice for many species of coarse fish.so read on and enjoy these fishing tips.

Over the years I have been carp fishing both in France and the UK I have lost count of the number of carp I have caught fishing the margins. I would go as far as to say it is my number one choice of feature on any water. The less pressured the venue to closer in I would chose to fish. So here are ten of my reasons why, when you turn up at a new venue in France you should not over look the margins.

1. Largest Feature: The margins on any lake are the largest feature. Stretching all around the perimeter and that of any islands they offer a natural barrier where food will accumulate either by wind action or water movement. Food will fall or be thrown in the margins, and aquatic and semi-aquatic life will often lay eggs, hatch larvae or nest in the vegetation lined area of a lake.

2. Fish are Drawn to Feed in the Edge: Pleasure anglers nearly always fish close in, bait close in and throw spare bait in the edge; this in turn attracts fish and conditions them to patrol the margins of a lake. How often have you seen walkers, children etc feed the ducks in the edge? It stands to reason that any food thrown into a lake will also attract and be eaten by the fish. This includes carp, and is all the more true in Spring with flood water entering lakes and the run off from the land being important.

3. The Margins Offer Shelter: The margins of lakes often have overhangs & covering vegetation. Overhangs can on occasions stretch back several feet under the bankside, due to water erosion. Shaun Harrison proved this during a video shoot in December, when he banked a 20lb mirror on inches from the bank. This area, will offer a natural trap for food and shelter for fish species. Most margins are also rich in vegetation such as reedbeds, trees, lilies etc. These plants naturally grow along a margin where they are carried by the wind and currents. They offer a larder for the fish and help reinforce why margins are such a good place to fish.
4. Easy to Bait Up: It is far easier to bait up in the margin. You can do this with a simple catapult for pellets and particles or by hand for boilies. I remember in the 80's when I was fishing all sorts of particles to provide a blanket of bait, that the furthest we could fish was the catapult range of our bait. Fishing close-in increases the variety of baits you can use and avoids the use of baitboats, spods or feeders.

5. Easy to Fish Accurately: The ease of baiting means you can fish more accurately. Accuracy is so important in carp fishing. The margins are far easier to explore with a marker float, and once you have baited an area, to get your rig bang on the money. If weather conditions are against you, you have no worries about reaching your spot. Often a simple under hand swing is all that is needed.

6. Easier to land the fish: Fishing at long range is always more awkward and full of danger. However hooking a carp under the rods top gives you far more control. You are straight away in command. I have on occasions scooped a big lump into the net before it has realised its been hooked. Even if the first rush can be full blooded and brutal, the amount of line in the water and the reduced chance of getting snagged means that fish are more often than not easier to land when hooked close in.

7. Don't need big reels and long cast rods: Fishing the margins precludes the need for stepped up heavy, long distance carp rods. You can use softer more forgiving gear, lighter leads and smaller reels. You don't need big pits to cast 100 yards plus. Some of my friends still fish on the pin...now theres pleasure in fishing!!!

8. Far Margin is often quieter: If you chose to fish the far margin, and how many of us have ignored that sexy overhang on the far bank or the reed bed opposite? Then you will almost certainly be fishing the quieter part of the lake. Probably and area that is less accessible or inaccessible to other anglers or dog walkers. On waters that see a bit of pressure the carp will move away from this and the far margin is often an area they will hold up in.

9. Most people overlook this area of the lake: Curiously enough, despite all the reasons I have evoked above, the simple fact is most people don't fish the margins. I remember a question from and angler once 'Do you have any a long range swims on your lake?- because I've got rods that can cast 120 yards plus'. This type of question amazed me and my reply was that he'd be better off fishing where the fish were.
Equally even if anglers fish a close-in rod it is often at 20 odd yards, to me the margins are just that, inches off the bank.

10. If you're Too Drunk to Cast Out, Chuck it in the Edge: Finally the great Rod Hutchinson once said in 'A Carp Strikes Back', if you are too drunk to cast out, chuck it in the edge!!!

Gareth Watkins
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gareth_Watkins

Carp Fishing-Winter Carp Bait Pop Up Tricks for more Carp

2009-10-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

Many anglers use their conventional tactics and rigs in winter and cold spring conditions without accounting for changes in carp behaviours due to the cold and carp being cold-blooded. So here are some proven tricks to try for more big winter and spring fish...

First off carp metabolism is much reduced which means less movement and feeding and less effective rates of digestion and so on. Carp and cold water is really all about the conservation of energy as this is central to these creatures survival. Although this produces changes in carp behaviours that can make them harder to catch, there are many things you can do to help maximise the opportunities and chances you have in winter fishing.

Probably the major factor in winter fishing in the consistent application of a digestible attractive bait designed specifically for these conditions. Believe me when I say I totally agree that instant attractor baits work very well in winter, but there are far more complex effects on carp that occur with many of these flavour substances than most anglers even imagine.

Many of the best flavours are extremely sophisticated and many are potently bioactive in effect like many top nutritional value baits. And having fished through the period years ago when Richworth Tutti Fruiti baits seemed to be the only winter bait used by the masses, it soon becomes clear that when used enough, such baits can become over-used to the degree they tend to catch predominantly smaller fish and the less wary carp! (This is very different to using a single bait fishing approach where such baits are not introduced en masse as free baits as well.)

Wrapping pop-up baits in paste of a completely different recipe base mix and flavour attractor combination is a well proven trick all year round. The chopping up of baits and trimming of pop-up baits for instance is nothing new and anyone who used luncheon meat and spam 30 years ago will have realised the effect of this on warier fish! (I used to soak mine in aniseed oil for winter.)

Many angler use the now infamous so-called snowman rig basically use of a sinking and buoyant bait on a hook rig so that one counteracts the weight of the other and much more importantly (and often missed,) the weight of the hook itself. Years before snowmen rigs, the use of a hook bait with a high fat content when used with a sinking boilie made rigs more effective especially in winter as being more buoyant, they helped counteract the weight of the hook, and assist baits in flying up into the mouth better among other effects. In fact after years of using tinned meats the incorporation of minced cheap tinned spam and luncheon meats has proven very effective in winter as they are so soluble and act more as attractive paste when used on a conventional boilie rig with boilies or particles etc.

My question is how many carp anglers use half a small pop-up bait to help balance a half a brazil nut or tip a hair full of chopped nuts or hemp in winter? Carp are notorious in winter even more so than usual, for choosing smaller sized food items and baits to satisfy their energy requirements. I find it so ironic that it is popular to use a chopped-down pop-up bait in winter when many of use have done it for decades. I suppose like anything else, eventually if something works the masses will get to hear of it so why not here?
Why not try this: add a liquid food such as Minamino, Nutramino, Liquid liver, liquid yeast or Feedstim XP to a 50 percent proportion of genuine Robin Red. Try this as your pop-up bait soak and apply it to all your free baits for winter (why not boost Robin Red based pellets too?) You might use one of the many Robin Red ground baits available alongside your hook baits.

Ground baits are not purely the domain of small carp as many carp anglers incorrectly assume; far from it! Bread based ground baits are very effective in cold water for wary big carp and you do not have be yet another conventional slave to hemp at all; the diversity of fantastic homemade and readymade winter ground bait and feed options are amazing! (Perhaps try testing your PVA products until you find ones you yourself like the taste and smell of that really do melt effectively without leaving a nasty residue in low temperature water; such little things make all the difference...)

Pop-up baits can include those fake baits too made of plastic and rubber substances etc and these obviously are used by many copy-cat anglers to tip-off there other baits. But like any other popularised method, copying eventually becomes counter-productive and doing things in new and alternative ways will always sustain more consistent success!

Personally I would far prefer to be using a buoyant pop-up bait made with 30 percent de-fatted green-lipped mussel extract (available from Cc moore), plus added squid liver extract powder, mineral salts and fish-digestible vitamin supplements, spirulina powders and European fermented shrimp extract, krill and salmon extracts for example, than a piece of rubber sweetcorn; even if it is trimmed to be different to normal and glows in the dark!

By Tim Richardson.Author: Tim F. Richardson

Article Sourse: http://www.ezinearticles.com/?Winter-Carp-Bait-Pop-Up-Tricks-For-More-Fish!&id=2050609

Do You Make These Water Craft Mistakes?

2009-10-03T16:52:00.001-07:00

Watercraft is I believe something you either have or you haven't! It's a bit like having an eye for taking a photograph, or a talent for driving a car. Some people are naturals and others will always struggle to get by. So it is in carp angling and despite that fact that anyone can now go out and get the proper gear, and get on a lake with big carp, we are not all born equal when it comes down to fishing talent.
As carp fishing seems to get ever more popular, there are a great many anglers coming straight in to the sport, the problem is thus compounded. Many have never fished for any other species. I guess they see their mates getting out on the banks, they see the social side of fishing, the sexy gear and the pictures of big fish. Seen this way it certainly has more to attract new and younger anglers than maggot drowning for ruffe and gudgeon on the Grand Union!

But are these new 'instant' carp anglers not missing out on the essential apprenticeship that most of my generation went through and helped us hone our watercraft?

It is natural that new anglers are seduced by bigger and bigger fish. But are they not missing out too on the gradual build up to 'Specimen hunting' and the ultimate goal of big carp? I have seen guys arrive at my Etangs de la Croix Blanche lakes after six months of carp fishing experience and knock out a 40lb fish. Where to they go from there? They can't possibly get on waters where 40's will crawl up their inexperienced rods back in the UK.
I'm glad I served my apprenticeship of singles, doubles, twenties, thirties and forties... I've yet to bank a 50, but my time will come, I'm in no hurry after 30 years in pursuit of carp.

Watercraft is about the learning process of becoming an angler,(as opposed to a guy who goes carp fishing). The whole approach to fishing is important to learn. The way you dress is important, not so you can impress the crowd with the latest Carp fishing fashions, but to blend in with your environment, to pass by virtually unnoticed. The latest 'Real Tree' coat is fine, but it's not any good with a red branded sweat shirt or a white t-shirt. In fact you don't need 'fishing' clothes at all. I have only recently got a piece of angling clothing, a Free Spirit fleece I was given. Outdoor and military clothing has been fine for as long as I can remember, it is often cheaper, harder wearing and more practical than the fashionable fishing attire. But clothing is only one part of blending in, you can have the best wardrobe available but if you don't move, talk and act in harmony with your environment you'll never be in tune. Your watercraft will suffer in consequence.

General attitude on the bank is all part of this; heavy footfalls and clumsy steps can send the carp scuttling off to the other end of the lake before you even get set up. Part of watercraft is learning to move around the venue, to observe the fish (how many anglers climb trees any more?) with out frightening them away. Even spooking them slightly is enough to make them wary of feeding in your area. The same goes for setting up your pitch, slamming car doors and boots and hammering bivvy pegs into the ground will certainly frighten the fish.

Be aware too what the fish can see from below the surface. Avoid being visible. If you stand up against the skyline you can be sure the carp can see you and will exit the swim. I learned this lesson years ago when I was observing carp on a water. I had been able to walk in amongst them with waders in shallow margin flood water, by moving slowly and quietly. I was amazed that I did not spook them. However when I later climbed the bank and for an instant broke the cover of the trees I became a visible threat, and those same carp erupted in the swim and fled the area not returning for hours, despite the bait I had laid out for them.

Many carpers would then learn a lot by fishing for other species. Stalking or fly fishing are fabulous ways to learn stealth and discretion on the bank. These skills can give you a head start when it comes to using more static techniques of carping. It also gives you the best chance of exploiting the best area of most lakes ... the Margins.

by Gareth Watkins :

For more Carp Fishing News, Posts, Tips and Articles Check out my own Angling Lines Blog at : http://www.anglinglines.com/blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gareth_Watkins

Spod with accuracy

2009-10-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

There is no point spoding out loads of bait all over the lake and then casting your hook baits yards from where you need to be when there is a sure fire way to get your spod bait and hook bait in exactly the same spot every single time.
As a specimen hunter being able to cast to the exact same spot every time is essential if you are going to be successful in catching that big one.

Before you can start to fish you have to find a clear area which you can spod out too and cast your hook baits too. I like to keep this simple, I set up one rod and cast to an area that I like the look of. As I cast I pick a specific feature on the far bank such as a tree or building, anything will do as long as it is easily visible. This will then be my casting line and I will always aim for this line as I cast.
At this point I have no rig attached just my weight. I then retrieve the weight by very slowly pulling the rod towards me. You can easily feel the weight pulling through any weed by the resistance. I reel in the slack line and then pull the rod backwards again. When you find a clear spot you will feel the difference as the weight moves freely across the bottom. This is the weed free area I am looking for so I stop pulling.

Now, I need to be able to cast to this exact spot every time because accuracy is the key to success!

I simply get some electrical tape and wrap a small piece around the line at the end of my rod tip. This gives me a marker on the line so when I recast using the feature on the far bank that I picked earlier I simply reel the line in until I can see that the tape is at the end of the rod tip. Now I know I have my bait in the exact spot that I wanted. I simply repeat this process with my other rods so that I am confident that all my baits are in clear areas that I can hit every time.

To insure that I can now reach the same spot with my Spod to put out my freebies I simply follow these steps.

Take one of the rods with the tape on the line and put your reel on free spin or take the bail arm off and walk up the bank with the end of the line in your hand. When you get to the tape at the end of the rod tip stop. This is the correct distance.
Now simply get the spod rod and do the same, walk up the bank to where you left the other line, when you get there, don't put tape on the spod rod line just go back to the reel and use the line clip to mark the distance.Now you can cast the spod rod out and it will hit the line clip at exactly the right distance.
Now fill your spod and use your casting Line to aim and you will be able to bait your swim with total accuracy.

These are a few simple steps that will insure that you are accurately feeding the areas you are fishing and if followed correctly they will help improve your catch rate.

How to build a Wormery

2009-10-02T06:12:00.001-07:00

I have recently been asked by some younger anglers how to build a wormery so today I am going to walk through the steps.

Worms of all types make a great bait. Nearly every species of coarse fish will readily take a worm if offered in the right way. Therefore it can pay to have a ready supply at your disposal. Obviously you could dig your worms from your garden but this is very labour intensive and you will find that sometimes the worms are down very deep in the earth. This could leave you with little or no bait. You could also buy your Worms from most good tackle shops but that can work out very expensive. The cheapest and simplest way of ensuring you have a good supply of worms at your disposal any time you need them is to build your own wormery.

It is very simple to build a wormery and once you have it set up it needs very little attention. The worms will be happy to do there own thing in their perfect environment until you need them. All you need to do is keep them topped up with food such as vegetable peelings, mashed potato and tea bags. This will keep them quite content and they should breed well giving you a constant supply of quality bait.

Build your own wormery in 7 simple steps.

The first thing you need is a suitable container to house the worms. I use one of the household recycling bins that are supplied by most councils but you could use any similar sized plastic container.

Drill a few small holes into the base of your container to act as drainage. You don't want them to get waterlogged!

Place a layer of wet news paper on the bottom.

Now add a layer of about 4 inches of fine gravel. This is available from any garden centre.

Add another layer of wet newspaper.

Now add a layer of moss and leaf mulch about 2 inches thick and again cover with a layer of wet news paper.

This is the stage that you add your earth. You want to add good garden soil that will already hold lots of the organic food that the worms live on. Try to insure that you remove any large stones. Fill your bin up to within half an inch of the top of your container and there you have it your own wormery.

You now want to place your wormery in a convenient place out of direct sunlight. You want to start off your wormery with at least 100 worms. I think it worth investing in buying your first worms from one of the companies who sell worms in bulk. There are quite a few companies that will send you worms buy mail order. Try wormsdirectuk or one of the others that you can find on the web. You can stock your wormery with Lob worms or Dendrobena worms. Both make fantastic bait for fishing and will breed in a well kept wormery.

The only thing you have to remember is to keep your wormery topped up with suitable food but be careful not to over feed your worms. If you find a lot of rotted food when you go to re-feed you are feeding them too much and that can damage the wormery.
Another tip is to change about half of the soil every few months. This is necessary because keeping the worms in the same soil will eventually poison them.
It is really that simple. Keep to these rules and you will always have a good supply of worms at your disposal in minutes.

How to plumb the depth when float fishing

2009-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that there have been a lot of posts on various fishing forums lately from novice anglers asking, How to plumb the depth when float fishing? To experienced anglers this may seem a simple matter but it is obviously confusing to some so I am going to explain how to do it.

Firstly lets look at what plumbing the depth means?
Plumbing is how we find out how deep the area of the river or lake that we intend to fish is. We do this so that we can set the depth of our float so that our bait is at the level we want it to be. For example if we are fishing a river with a stickfloat we would plumb the depth to ascertain how far the float needs to be from the hook so that our bait is travelling through the swim suspended just off the bottom of the river bed. If we did not do this and had the float set too deep our hook would keep catching the bottom dragging our float under. By plumbing the depth we can set the float so it travels smoothly through the whole swim.

Another reason for plumbing the depth is to get an understanding of what the river or lake bed is like in front of you. The bed of a river/lake can vary greatly. One area in front of you may be 3 foot deep and then drop away to 6 foot. Knowing how it varies can help you choose the best spot to present your bait. Plumbing also allows you to choose exactly where in the water you want your bait. This can vary greatly on what species your fishing for and on how you want to present your bait. If you were fishing for Tench you may want your bait right on the lake bed or just an inch off the bottom. Accurate plumbing will allow you to do this.

How to plumb the depth?
First set up your float and shot it with the correct amount of lead shot. If you are a beginner to float fishing it can help to first place all the shot directly under your float. Once you have the float correctly set with just the tip showing you can move your dropping shot further down the line. When you are happy that you have your tackle set how you want it you attach the Plumb lead to find the depth. A plumb lead is basically a ledger that you attach to the hook while you are checking for the depth. There are various designs but I favour the cork bottomed version as this is easy to attach but more secure than the clip on variety. You are trying to get your float set to the exact depth of the River or lake in the spot you wish to fish so that you know the depth. You attach your plumb lead to the hook and then cast to the desired spot. The heavy lead will sink to the bottom and if your float is set too shallow it will be pulled under. If it is set to deep it will still float. This will tell you if you need to go deeper or shallower. You then reel in and adjust the float as needed and recast. By repeating this action you will be able to ascertain how deep the swim is. You can then work around the swim to get an idea of the layout of what the bottom is like in front of you.

Here is a picture from the excellent Pleasure fishing.com that shows clearly how your float acts as you plumb the depth.

A good tip to remember is to mark the depth by placing the hook in the eye nearest the reel and reeling in until the float is tight against your rod. Count how many eyes it is up to where the float sits then if you get snapped up you can quickly set your tackle at the right depth without having to re=plumb.

How to use the wallis Cast

2009-10-01T02:38:00.001-07:00

How to cast with a centrepin? With the winter fast approaching and the UK rivers coming into their best I thought it may be an idea to explain the Wallis Cast for those who like to fish in a more traditional manner with a trusty centrepin.

I am a big fan of the centrepin. I have found no more satisfying way of fishing than trotting a swollen river on a winters day in the pursuit of specimen roach. And using my trusty centrepin only adds to the thrill. For those of you who have not fished with a centrepin it is hard to explain the attraction. I suppose it is the feeling of total control you have over your float and the knowledge that you are acheiving the best presentation. I think also it is the knowledge that you have mastered a difficult skill to learn as the centrepin is not an easy bit of kit to come to terms with.

It can be daunting to use a centrepin for the first time. It is so different from the normal open faced match reel that are used by most these days that many anglers don't know where to start.

How do I cast?

This is the first question most anglers ask when they are introduced to the centrepin. The centrepin is basically a revolving drum that holds the line which only comes off as the drum spins. This is why you have to master the Wallis Cast. There are other ways to cast, like pulling line from the first three rings of the rod and holding them in your free hand and releasing as you swing or indeed just pulling the desired amount of line from the drum and holding it in your free hand until you swing and release. These can be good ways to start, but both are limiting in the amount of distance your cast will achieve and are very prone to causing tangles.

The Wallis cast can cause you problems too such as over runs but once you have mastered it you will find yourself able to cast across a river with ease.

The Wallis Cast is achieved by pulling on the line to start the drum spinning as you swing and release the float. I would advise using a centrepin without a line guard or one that has a detachable line guard as they can hamper the cast. To achieve a good distance in your cast you want to ensure that the line is coming off of the bottom of the drum. That means you have to turn the handle anti-clockwise to reel in. Then you simply follow these movements to achieve the cast.

You want to stand side on to the river looking down its length with your rod hand on the river side of your body.
Hold your bulk shot in your free hand and keep the line tight to the rod tip. This will ensure a spring effect in the cast.
In your rod hand hold the drum in place with your thumb.
Still holding the shot use your index finger to hook the line just above the reel.
Swing your body around toward the river while at the same time using your index finger to pull the line away from the drum setting it spinning.
At the two o'clock position release the shot from your hand sending the float out into the river.
Finally slow the drum with your thumb.

That in effect is the Wallis Cast. It may still be somewhat confusing to you but if you try out these instructions you will soon understand the principle. The Wallis cast does take a bit of practice to master but once you have gotten the hang of it you will wonder why you hadn't tried it years before.

Try watching this video clip by Glen Smith to better understand the principle,

Hardy Conquest Centrepin Reel

2009-09-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Hardy Conquest Centrepin marks a return to making centrepin reels for quality tackle company Hardy. After a break of many years Hardy have launched their long awaited range of Coarse fishing rods the 'Marksman' range and to compliment them Hardy have launched the Conquest Centrepin.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am happiest on the riverbank trotting for Roach with my trusty Centrepin. So I couldn't wait to get my hands on the Conquest to see how it handles. Hardy have used Aerospace grade aluminium to create two models which are available at 4.5 or 4 inch. Both are available in a silver or black hard anodised finish.

The Conquest has a double ratchet mechanism and is designed around the gyroscopic inertia principle to make in incredibly free running. The perforated design helps keep the weight down and I was amazed at how light it is.

I was given a 4'5 inch Conquest to try for the day by a friend who owns his own tackle shop. He had told me the reel was outstanding and said that I wouldn't want to give it back. I took it along to my local River Stour to put it through it's paces. I used it in conjunction with a Shimano Anteres 13ft floatrod and set up about trotting some of my favourite swims. The Conquest seemed to weigh so much less than my own centrepin and I was amazed at how freely it ran. The river was running quite low but the line just peeled off as my float trotted downstream even in swims with little flow. I was soon catching a few Roach and I was seriously impressed with the Hardy Reel. Some of the countries leading anglers helped with the design of the Conquest and anglers like John Bailey did some vigorous field testing. At the end of my own field test I was smitten. Indeed my friend was right I didn't want to give the Conquest back!

I really enjoyed using Hardy's new centrepin and I give the reel 10/10.

How to use Watercraft

2009-09-24T12:33:00.001-07:00

Watercraft is the skill of knowing when and where to fish for a particular species. It is a skill that takes a lifetime to perfect but just by knowing a bit of watercraft and using it when you set out for the day will see your catch rate improve.

In these days of commercial fisheries it is becoming less important to practice watercraft. Why worry about it when you can sit in any peg and catch 100 lbs of carp? Many young anglers who come into our sport now start on these fisheries where the fish almost hang themselves on the line. Then later when they progress and decide to fish other waters where the fish pose a real challenge they find themselves blanking time and time again and for many that is enough to deter them.

It is a shame because for many of us the joy of fishing is that we can pursue our sport in a variety of settings. Fishing a new venue can be daunting for many anglers but using watercraft will allow you to fish Rivers, Canals and stillwaters with confidence and aid you greatly in your catch rate.

A good example of how we use Watercraft is to look at a stretch of river a mile long. That stretch will hold a wide variety of species and many fish of varying size. Where then do you fish?

It is true that you may catch fish from any swim but what if you want to catch a Perch? It is very likely that only a few swims in that mile actually hold Perch so by fishing the others you would be wasting your time. This is where you use Watercraft. First you need to know a little about the Perch. It is a predator who feeds on fish and insects and it uses stealth to hunt them by hiding in dark or weedy areas where its camouflaged body will keep it hidden. Therefore we look for swims that have overhanging trees and weedrafts or banks of weeds and Lilly's that would be an ideal ambush point for the Perch to wait for their prey. You could try all of these likely haunts or keep using watercraft to reduce the number further.

Perch feed best in low light levels so you can discount any swims in the bright sunshine.
Perch like to hunt fry in the shallows.
Perch like to ambush prey from behind islands and reed banks.

These are just a few more considerations that may point you to a likely swim and a brief explanation of how we use watercraft. Obviously your considerations would vary for each species but it gives you an idea.

Watercraft is also the knowledge of when to fish for each species. For example there is little point in fishing for Eels during the daytime or Tench in the heart of winter. Take a winters day on the same stretch of river. It has been raining for weeks and the river is flooded, brown and dirty. There would be little point in fishing for Perch, Chub or Dace as they are unlikely to feed in such conditions, but Roach and Barbel would feed well and you could have a bumper day if you target them. This is simple watercraft but it would make all the difference to your day.

As I have said Watercraft is a huge subject and can take a lifetime to perfect. Many anglers have already been using watercraft before they have even heard of the term. It is not something that is easy to teach but as your knowledge of the sport grows so will your watercraft skills. You can certainly add to your skills by understanding the fish that you hope to catch and looking at more experienced anglers will also help. The best specimen hunters are all experts at watercraft and it is a good idea to learn all you can from them.

Dace

2009-09-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

Dace are well distributed throughout the rivers of England and Wales but they are not found in Scotland or Ireland except where they were accidentally introduced.

The dace is a slim silvery fish that loves swift flowing water. If you live near a fast flowing river the chances are you have vast shoals of Dace at you disposal. Dace do not grow large, infact the British record is only 1lb 5oz. If you are lucky enough to catch a dace of 1lb then you have caught a very good specimen indeed. Small chub are often confused with Dace but an easy way to identify then is to check the fins. Chub have 'Concave' fins and Dace have 'Convex' fins. A simple way to remember the difference is by using this rhyme "Dented for Dace,Curved for Chub."

Dace feed on water insects. Worms, Flies and Snails are a favourite but they will also feed on silkweed and aquatic plants. A great bait to teapt Dace with are maggots although worms and Bread can work very well too.

Dace can be found in very large shoals especially in the winter months. They can provide great sport on light float tackle with a fish a cast throughout a session. Large Dace are harder to locate. There are a few rivers that are renowned for holding big Dace the Hampshire Avon and the river Kennet have both produced some very good Dace but there are many more that are capable of producing specimens. The River Wye holds vast shoals of Dace and has thrown up some huge match weights in recent years. It is also worth looking at some of the countries smaller rivers as they very often hold shoals of large Dace in their fast flowing gravel glides.

The River Kennet holds some good Dace.

View Larger Map

Dace can be caught on many methods but my favourite is to fish with a stickfloat on a light set-up. Once you have found a suitable swim, steady loose feeding will attract the shoal in very close and using a light balsa float with the shot evenly spaced to let the bait drop slowly through the layers of the water will often produce the goods. A single or double maggot on a size 18 hook and 2lb line is perfect. Dace bites can be lightning fast so you have to be alert and ready to strike at the slightest touch.

I sourced this image from the excellent Discover Fishing website. It shows exactly how to place your tackle when fishing for Dace.

A great time to fish for Dace is in the weeks running up to the close of the season. Dace spawn early and it is during this time that they gather in huge shoals in the shallower glides will they will spawn. The Dace are at their most hardy and heaviest at this time so you could catch a real specimen.

For Tackle suitable for Dace try the
UKCoarseFishingReviews tackle store

Try out the UK coarse Fishing Reviews Tackle Store

2009-09-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am proud to say that there is now a UK Coarse Fishing Reviews online tackle store. The store offers a vast array of quality tackle items that will be delivered right to your door at the click of your mouse.

Check the Tackle store out to see a huge range of great products by all the leading brands. We are stockist of Daiwa, Chub, TF Gear, and Shakespere
products to name just a few.

If you want a top quality seatbox or just a bag of pellets you will find them at the UK Coarse Fishing tackle Store.

Simply click this link to browse the latest quality product range
UK Coarse Fishing Reviews tackle Store

2009-09-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Chub

I thought it is time I gave some basic information on each of the Coarse species that anglers are likely to catch here in the UK.

I am starting with the Chub which is one of the most common species found in our rivers here in the UK. There are also Chub in some of the countries lakes. Infact the record Chub came from a southern stillwater at 9lb 5oz in 2007 . It is believed to have got in from a local river during the winter floods and to have grown extra big on Carpers Pellets and Boilies. It was infact caught by a Carp fisherman after picking up a bait intended for one of the lakes larger inhabitants.

The record chub pictured her with captor Andy Maker is one of many huge chub believed to inhabit the Southern stillwater.

Chub are predominately a river fish and that is where most anglers go to pursue them. Chub in most rivers can grow to 7lb although in some areas a Chub of 5lb would be seen as a very good specimen. Small Chub or Chublets as some anglers call them can be easily mixed up with dace. Many an angler has thought they had just caught a specimen Dace when it was infact a small Chub. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to look at the fins. The Chub has rounded or 'convex' fins whereas the dace has fins that are indented or 'concave' fins. A simple way of remembering the difference is to think of this rhyme "curved for Chub, dented for dace."

Here are a couple of drawings in which you can see the difference between the fins of the Chub and a Dace.

ChubDace

Chub are renowned as being very greedy fish and they can be caught on a wide variety of baits. There are to many to name but Maggots, Corn, Pellets, Bread are probably the most popular baits used. I have also had some success with Boilies fished on a hair rig. Infact Boilies and large Pellets seem to attract the larger specimens.

Natural baits are always worth a try too. a freelined lobworm or slug can work really well in the summer time as can floating crust.

You will find Chub in all sorts of swims along a river but a good place to start looking is under overhanging trees and bushes. Chub love cover. Weed rafts and undercut banks are also good hotspots. Chub seem to like steadier water so look for steady glides although I have often found good Chub in shallower runs amongst the weeds in the summer and also in weirpools.

Chub are very rarely solitary fish and can be found in small shoals especially the smaller year classes. You can catch Chub on almost any method. They can be very predatory so small spinners can work well in the summer as can free lining natural baits such as Slugs or Crayfish. float fishing can work very well in the summer or winter in conjunction with lots of freebies to attract them. You simply simply tailor your float to the conditions and the swim.

One of my favourite methods for chub is a simple link ledger. I like to fish crease swims such as you may find on a river bend. The crease is where the faster water meets slower water and it is a natural larder as any food is washed into the slack. Chub love crease swims and a link ledger is a great way to fish it. All you need is two swan shot 'SSG" tied to a link of line. You attach this to your main line by a swivel and let it run free. I use a 2 foot hooklink and almost always fish with Bread flake on a size 10 hook. You then simply cast into the flow and let it settle in the slack exactly where any natural food would come to rest.

Here is a picture I found on the excellent TackleBargains.co.uk website. All three of the rigs work well for Chub but I favour the top link ledger rig.

Chub can be caught during the summer months and it can be great fun stalking them along the banks of small rivers but it is during the winter months that most anglers pursue them. The Chub is a very hardy fish and it will feed in the coldest of weathers providing great sport for the nations anglers. One word of advice is forget Chub when the rivers are high and dirty during or after a flood. Chub don't feed much in those conditions. But if the river is clear or has a slight tinge of colour they are well worth seeking out and can provide you with great sport.

If you are really interested in finding more out about Chub take a look at the Chub Study Group they have members all over the UK and know everything there is to know about Chub.

There are many great venues to fish for Chub. One of the best is the Dorset Stour. Anywhere from Blandford to Christchurch can produce specimen Chub but Throop and Longham are very popular. Other rivers that are great are the River Wye which has vast shoals of Chub. The Wensum, The Cherwell, The warickshire Avon and the Hampshire Avon also hold good quality fish.

Throop is one of the Chub meccas in the UK and visited by some of the countries top anglers in pursuit of its specimen Chub. The Throop fishery is run by the Ringwood and District Angling Association but you can get day tickets and information from Ringwood tackle

View Larger Map

Fishing Magazines

2009-09-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

There are more and more Fishing magazines on the market these days and One of my favourites is Coarse Fisherman. This magazine is great value for money and full of interesting articles and its one i always look for each month in the shops.

Coarse Fisherman is a leading Coarse fishing magazine in the UK. It is a monthly publication and covers all forms of coarse angling.

It includes articles by some of the countries top anglers including Ex match ace and now Carp Guru Jan Porter and Specimen Hunting ace Duncan Charman amongst others. Each month it covers the newest techniques and reviews the latest tackle and baits explaining how to use them in easy to follow tutorials as well as keeping you up to date with the latest news in UK coarse angling.

You can find out more about Coarse fisherman and subscribe Here

Bream Record Smashed!

2009-09-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Britains Bream record has been smashed this week. The new record Bream weighs a mighty 22lb 9oz and was caught by Baitcraft boss Mike Mckenna during a session at the 160 acre Cambridge gravel pit Ferry Lagoon.

Mark from middlesex is the boss of bait company Baitcraft and caught the massive specimen on one of his own T1 pop-up Boilies. Mark was aiming to catch some of the venues big carp that go in excess of 40lb but instead his bait was picked up by the massive slab. The venue holds only a small head of Bream but some of those fish have grown to massive proportions and in 2005 it hit the headlines when James Rust set a new record at 19lb 10oz. It seems mark has banked the same fish at 22lb 9oz again setting a new record.

A few dedicated specimen hunters have targeted the water in hope of banking a record but due to its size and the small head of fish it is far from easy. Former Drennan cup winner Tony Gibson commented in the Angling Times this week "Ive been on the water for two seasons and not had a bite! I've seen one bream of about 8lb roll in all that time so i know numbers are incredibly low."

The massive Bream was weighed on two sets of scales and witnessed by a bailiff so getting the record excepted should be just a formality. Mark may not have caught the slab by design but it is a fantastic fish and we congratulate him with his new record.

To see an interview with Mark mckenna about his new bream record check out the Go Fishing website

You can find out more about mikes Bait at Baitcrafts main website here Baitcraft

You can follow Baitcraft on Twitter

October signals time for Pike

2009-09-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

For many coarse anglers the start of October is when their thoughts turn from fish associated with the summer such as Tench and Carp to the winter favourite the Pike.

October 1st has long been seen as the official start to the pike fishing year. Although few will ever catch Pike like the 42lb swedish monster pictured here the chance of catching a big Pike is enough to draw us out on a winters day.

There are Pike all over the country which are there to be caught in many waters from farm ponds and Canals to Rivers like the Wye and reservoirs such as the Pike hotspot Chew valley. Pike are fantastic predators and provide great sport to anglers that pursue them. Even a modest Pike of say 8-12lb will give you a great fight and fish of that size are prolific in most waters.

A word of advice to the novice is 'go equipped' I learnt from a young age that removing a treble hook from a large pike is a daunting experience if you are not prepared. A set of large forceps is a must as is a specimen sized landing net. The last thing you want when you have connected with a specimen is to not be able to land it. You should also ensure you have a strong line and reliable end tackle. As I have said, Pike can fight very hard and a wire trace is a must as their teeth will make short work of a nylon line of even 20lbs. Pike on the whole are not tackle shy so a strong line and a trace will not detur runs.

Pike can be caught on spinners,spoons and plugs or by using Live/deadbaits, Please remember that livebaiting is banned on many waters now so please check the fishery or club rules.

You can present your bait in many ways from float fishing to ledgering using a wide variety of rigs. I will not go into them now but there are many descriptions and advice on all on the web.

I will explain one of my autumn favourites which is 'Wobbling' a deadbait. This is a simple and very effectice method for Pike of all sizes. All you need is to tie a snap tackle (a wire trace with two treble hooks) to your mainline, above the trace add 3 ssg weights to help sink the bait. You then hook on your deadbait say a Roach of 4-6" the top treble goes through the top lip and out of the bottom lip with the next treble, place to of the barbs into the flank this will insure a good hold and enable distance casting. When you have cast out you retreive the bait much like you would a spinner but slower, giving the reel three or four turns and then a short break. This will cause the bait to 'Wobble' and then stop which will make the deadbait appear like an injured fish. Bites can be very savage so be prepared and have your clutch set.

The thing I like about Pike fishing is that you never know how big your next fish will be? It could be a small 'Jack'Pike of 3lb or a monster of the deep of 20lb+. I will be preparing my Pike gear for a few trips from the 1st October. I am thinking of a stretch of the Dorset Stour which is rumoured to hold a mammoth pike. It may just be a myth but for me that is part of the joy of Pike Fishing. Winter is soon upon us and pike fishing is a great way to drive away the winter blues.

For more information on Pike fishing try the Pike Anglers club of Great Britain at this link Pike anglers club

Dapping For Dace

2009-08-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

'Dapping for Dace' many of you will not of heard of this term before as it is a forgotten form of angling in this modern age of Carp Fishing. I myself was unaware of it until I read about it in an old Fishing book that i am currently reading.

Dapping or Dibbling as it is called in some parts of the country is a method that was once popular with many of the countries anglers. Dapping is achieved by hooking a fly onto your hook and dropping it onto the service of the stream or river where it will move about creating small vibrations that will attract the service feeding dace. You can use any type of fly although the book suggested Mayflies or the common house fly. You could of course use an artificial fly which would save you the trouble of where to source your bait.

The trick with Dapping is to drop your fly onto the feeding fish. It is important to stay out of site so you would need to fish from some form of cover. I would not say this is a method that will drastically change your catch results but if like me you like a change and a challenge it is worth a try. I was intrigued when i read about Dapping so yesterday I ventured down to the Stour and gave it a go. I was fishing the tail end of a weirpool so I had cover from the bankside trees and the white water. For bait I had caught a few Bluebottles that had been buzzing around the shed and after hooking one onto a size 14 hook and using a BB shot to add weight I lowered it onto the service of the water. After a few uneventful runs through I gently lifted the fly half an inch off of the water and let it drop, instantly i was into a lovely 8 oz Dace. Next cast I repeated the 'dapping' effect by lifting and dropping the fly and again a bite and another cracking 8 oz Dace this was the pattern until my supply of Flies had gone. In all i caught 12 Dace in an hour all of them around 6-8oz. I may not use this method often but it was fun to try and for those who like fly fishing or want to pursue the better than average Dace it is worth a go.

Catching the impossible DVD

2009-08-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

For those that have not seen Martin Bowlers new fishing series Catching the impossible here is a trailer. The series was filmed and produced by top wildlife camera man and keen angler Hugh miles who was behind the angling classic A passion for Angling.

Hugh uses all his years of experience in wildlife photography to show exactly what goes on under the water as he presents the fish in their native habitat. The series follows Martin Bowler as he attempts to catch specimen fish of all species. Martin is well known as one of the countries top specimen anglers and in this series he proves why that is by catching some real monsters. In the first three films we see him catching massive Carp, Rudd, Crucians and a monster Barbel.

The series also boasts the commentary of Bernard Cribbins who also did the voice over for A Passion for Angling. In this series we see Bernard in front of the camera as he talks bankside with Martin and gets in on the action as he lands a fantastic Pike.

Martin is also joined by some of the countries top anglers including Chris Yates and Terry Lampard as he attempts to catch the impossible.

I really enjoyed the first three films and feel disappointed that the series has not yet been picked up by the UK's terrestrial television channels. A passion for Angling was responsible for bringing thousands of people to our sport and Catching the impossible would do as well. Hopefully we will see it on our screens soon but until then the only way to catch this fantastic series is to buy the DVD.

For more information or to buy the series on DVD click this link Catching the impossible DVD

Sturminster & Hinton angling Association

2009-08-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sturminster and Hinton Angling Association is the fishing club that controls the fishing around Sturminster Newton in Dorset.

The Club controls some fantastic stretches of the River Stour that run through the picturesque Blackmore Vale. The main areas are Hinton, Durrant, Colber, Steart and Fiddleford all of which hold good stocks of Coarse fish.

The River in and around Sturminster Newton is around 8-10 foot in depth and offers fantastic float fishing in the winter months. The main species to be caught are Roach, Chub, Bream, Dace and Perch. There are also some nice Tench to be caught as many of the swims are lined with lilly pads in the summer months. Every season a good number of large pike are caught with fish to over 20lb being caught each year.

The club has a very popular series of matches these are fished on the river and at the three lakes that are accessible to its members these are Revels, Lodden Lakes and Stoke wake.

The club also has exchange tickets with other local clubs that are available to its members.

Sturminster & Hinton Angling Club is a very member friendly club that has some very good fishing available to its members. During the winter months it offers some fantastic Roach fishing and well worth a visit.

You can find out more details at the clubs official website

Sturminster Newton Fishing club

Longham, Poole, Dorset Free fishing

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

If your living or holidaying in Dorset this summer try fishing Longham on the Dorset Stour.

Longham is a stretch of the Dorset Stour situated on the outskirts of Poole. It offers around one and half miles free fishing along the single bank, which is great as it borders the famous Throop fishery and like Thrrop it contains a good head of specimen fish.

The area can get very busy as it one of the few areas of free fishing on this part of the Stour but it is well worth a visit.

Longham holds a variety of species such as Roach, Bream, Dace, Perch and Pike but it is the stretches large Chub and Barbel that draw most of the visiting anglers. The largest Barbel reported to be caught this season is 15lb. I am led to believe that the best swims are off of the high bank opposite the pub. The favoured approach is to fish a straight lead with a pva bag of free offerings with a Pellet or mini boilie on the hook. A feeder with maggots or hemp and corn also works well.

Longham is probably better known for its large Chub although it is during the winter months that see the best sport. Longham holds a good head of large Chub in the 4-6lb range with some real specimens up to 8lb being caught each season. Longham is visited each year by some of the UK's top anglers such as Chris Holley and Phil Smith and others who are aware of the stretches potential. Most of the swims hold Chub but it seems to be from the highbank down to the weir that produce the best results. The men in the know say the best method is to fish a stickfloat against the willows on the farbank using maggots on the hook, but to get the best results you will need plenty of free offerings, it is not unusual to get through 4-6 pints of maggots in a session. A good alternative is bread with mashed bread as feed. Bread also works well when fished on a feeder set-up.

Longham also holds big Pike up to 20lb plus which are usually found in the end swims as are the bigger Roach which go to 2lb plus. Longham is a free stretch open to all but please insure you only fish during the River open season and make sure you have a valid Rod licence you can get yours now by clicking this link

Enviroment agency Rod Licence

View Larger Map

Roach revival

2009-08-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Reports in the angling press this week suggest that the countries rivers are seeing a Roach revival with match and pleasure catches being the best for 20 years.

The angling times reports that a match on the River Yare in Norfolk was won with a winning weight of 58lb of Roach with three other 40lb nets of Roach and an average of 18lb of Roach per angler for the rest of the field. Match organiser Keith Ford said it was the best match he has seen in over 20 years and that every peg was now producing good weights of silverfish. This is excellent news after it seemed silverfish sport on our rivers was in a continual decline. And its not just on the River Yare that things are improving. Rivers such as the Thames,Trent and Wye are all showing much improved silverfish form as are many others country wide.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly why there are so many silverfish in our Rivers this year. Many Roach experts talk of good year classes. This is when the conditions allow for a large percentage of the fry to survive and to go on to grow to be adult fish. The fact that we have not had the terrible summer floods of recent years could have a lot to do with the upturn in Sport and the huge numbers of silverfish that now seem to be in our rivers. Whatever the cause it would seem the fish are there this year just waiting to be caught.

Roach fishing can be terrific fun. Although many anglers think of the Roach as a winter target they can also provide great autumn sport August and September being great months to target them with a light float outfit. All you need is a match rod and a waggler set up with a pint of maggots and you too could put together a 50lb bag of pristine Redfins.

For all the tackle you would need to fish for Roach this Autumn click on this link

Benson gone but not forgotten

2009-08-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

Bluebell lakes Famous common Benson has died. Voted Britain's favourite carp she is sure to be missed.

I was somewhat surprised to see a picture of a huge carp on the front page of 'The Times' newspaper this week and was saddened to see that it was to report the death of Benson the countries biggest common carp. It may have been a slow news day that elevated Benson's death to the front page but it is good to see the national press reporting an angling related story all be it a sad one. You can check out the full 'Times article here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/more_sport/article6737929.ece

Benson was resident at Bluebell lakes in Northamptonshire and at 64lbs 2oz she was Britain's largest common carp. The amazing thing about Benson was that she was the monster that anyone could catch. Bluebell lakes is a day ticket venue and in these days of expensive syndicate waters that hold most of the countries giant carp just knowing that you could simply pay your money and fish with the possibility of catching such a record made Bluebell lakes very successful.

And Benson Proved to be very obliging to visiting anglers by visiting the bank 63 times at an average of 4 times a year. Benson became an angling celebrity and her status saw her get voted Britain's favourite carp by readers of the anglers mail. There are many different opinions on naming carp and making them celebrities but it would seem Benson was just that.

Benson may be gone but in the hearts of the nations carp anglers she will never be forgotten.

Think fish safety!

2009-08-14T15:48:00.001-07:00

Any serious angler should insure that they have an adequate unhooking mat.

We all love catching big fish and it is important that we treat the fish we catch well and insure they are returned safely back to the water.

That is why it is important that we have the correct equipment. Anyone that goes fishing for large carp should have an adequate unhooking mat like the Terry Hearn Euro zip mat pictured here. The fish we catch give us a great deal of pleasure and they deserve to be well treated while in our care. A large carp can be very hard to handle when on the bank and can flip and damage themselves which is a needless tragedy that can be easily prevented by ensuring you have a suitable unhooking mat ready on the bank and then by placing your catch there while you remove the hook. That is basic fish safety and all anglers should make that there priority.

Remember many waters will not let you fish without a suitable unhooking mat now. So please ensure you are prepared.

We all need to insure we care for the fish we catch so please make sure you are properly equipped. You can find suitable unhooking mats and other fish care products by clicking this link

Try Feeder fishing

2009-08-14T14:11:00.001-07:00

I recently had one of the most enjoyable nights fishing I have had in years. I was fishing on the Dorset Stour on the Blandford Angling clubs stretch 'The crown meadows' I caught no fewer than 21 Bream all over 6lbs with the biggest slab weighing a hefty 8lb 6oz. The fish came in 8 hours of mad action and were great fun to catch. All caught on a simple feeder set up that any one can use. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Bream can congregate in huge shoals, they are predominantly bottom feeders and a shoal can sweep up a huge amount of bait very quickly. A great way to attract a shoal of Bream and then to hold them in the swim is by using an open end or cage feeder.

For those new to Feeder fishing all you need is a ledger or feeder rod, a fixed spool reel with 4-6lb line, a swivel, a buffer bead and of course your hook.

Here is a drawing of a simple feeder rig sourced from www.pleasurefishing .com that shows how to arrange your end tackle.

As you can see the feeder is free running on this rig which allows the fish to confidently take the bait giving clear bite indication, There are many other rigs that can be used with a feeder such as bolt rigs but for the beginner this rig is easy and adequate for most scenario's.

The beauty of the open end feeder is that it allows you to present a bed of feed to attract and hold the fish. This is done using groundbait. I generally use simple brown crumb groundbait with a good helping of particles such as sweetcorn and maggots. Though this could vary depending on my hookbait. I also add some liquid additives such as scopex to give it an extra kick.

The key to being successful with your feeder is accuracy. Once you have chosen your spot in the swim you must insure that you cast accurately so that the feeder lands in the same area. This is key as it allows you to build up a bed of groundbait and insures your bait is on that bed. The last thing you want is feed all over the swim. A good tip is to pick a tree or bush on the far bank and cast to it, if you are unable to control the range of your cast simply use the line clip on your reel, by doing these simple things you should hit the mark every time.

There are many ways to detect bites when feeder fishing the simplest being by watching the quivertip that is the tip of your feeder/ledger rod. But when fishing for Bream I prefer my Delkim alarms and a fox bobbin this allows you to fish with more than one rod and at night you can be totally confident that you will see the bites.

Feeder fishing is a very simple method to master and can give great rewards. If you have never tried it before give it a go. Here are my top tips

Use a hooklength to avoid losing tackle if you get broken off

At the start of the session cast regularly to build a bed of feed

Accuracy is everything, use a line clip

Let bites develop when fishing for Bream, Don't strike to quickly

Insure you can cast easily to your target area to avoid mistakes

Bream love cocktail baits i.e sweetcorn and worm

Bream feed more confidently at night

Feeder fishing is great fun, click this link to find everything you need and more

Autumn Glory

2009-08-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

I think any fisherman will agree that the autumn is probably the most beautiful time to be out on the bank. As the days turn colder and the nights grow longer the leaves on the trees change to a multitude of colours as nature paints an awesome water colour that lifts the heart to be out in and to be a part of.

It is as autumn approaches that I begin to think of where to go along the river to reaquaint myself with one of our most beautiful coarse fish the Perch.

Most anglers have caught a Perch. Infact the Perch is usually one of the first fish we catch as children as we first try are arm at the sport, The Perch is so greedy that the small ones can prove to be an utter nuicence as they snaffle the baits intended for largr pray. But anyone who has caught a larger Perch can only agree that they are indeed a beautiful fish that always give a good account of themselves in the fight.

I am lucky enough to live in a village alongside the Dorset Stour, Like all of the uk's waterways the Stour was badly affected by the deasease that all but wiped out our larger Perch. Thankfully in recent years they have recovered and it is once again posible to set out in pursuit of a specimen Perch and i believe that there is no better time than early autumn in which to do that. It is then that their fantastic colours are most vibrant and when they are at their fighting best.

I find the most enjoyable way to fish for these autumn treasures is with a float set-up carrying only minimal gear so that I can walk the banks unhindered as I look for my prey in their favourite pools. I am not alone in that as I found out when I read the Book ""How To Fish" by Chris yates.

Chris is a Perch fanatic, he too fishes along the same stretches of the River Stour, I had'nt known this before i read his book but he desribes the river in such a way that i could almost see the pools he writes about fishing. Infact in one chapter he described a bend in the River in such a way hat I felt sure I knew where he had been and on a day that suited Perch fishing I paid that bend a visit, It may or may not have been the same bend but it proved to be a real Perch hotspot! In the hour before dusk that I fished, I caught 8 specimen Perch all of which were over 2lb with the three biggest weighing 3lb 4oz, 3lb 6oz and a new PB for me 3lb 10 0z. It was without doubt one of the best hours fishing I have ever had, the fish were in fantastic condititon and it is hard to describe how impressive a Perch of that size is. I must of coarse give thanks and credit to Chris Yates because I never would have fished the swim if it had'nt been for his book.

"How to Fish" is a great read, it describes the joy of fishing for Perch and with his usual skill Chris brings the scene to life through his descriptive narratives. If you have never fished for Perch then give it a read as I am sure it will ignite an interest, If like me do enjoy hunting autumn Perch on our rivers then reading "How to fish" will help prepare your mind for the coming year and you never know may even prompt you too find the Perch hole of a lifetime!

if you want to read "How to fish" by Chris Yates you can order now by simply clicking this link

Drennan Avon Floats

2009-08-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Drennan Avon is a must for all serious river anglers.

In the winter months I fish almost exclusively for Roach on some of Englands most beautiful Rivers. Primarily the Dorset Stour but also the Frome, Test and the Avon.

I love all types of Coarse fishing. But to me there is something very special about a river in mid -winter. I love nothing more than spending a day walking the banks in pursuit of specimen Roach. And there is no more thrilling way to catch them than trotting.

The Drennan Avon Float is Perfect for this task, The Drennan Avon comes in range of varying sizes carrying from 3AAA to a mighty 7AAA These will suit whatever condition the winter river is in on the day. I generally use breadflake on the hook when targeting Roach and the Drennan Avon copes admirably, giving fantastic presentation.

The float is held in place with 3-4 float rubbers witch makes it easy to adjust the depth as the need rises. I personally tend to bulk the shot around 4 inches above the hooklength with just one smaller dropper shot on the hooklength itself. The Drennan Avon was designed with Rivers like the Stour and Avon in mind and works wonderfully in swims 4-10 feet in depth and ranging from a sedate pace to a river in spate.

When fishing for shy biting species like Roach it pays to use as light a float as you can get away with but still insure good presentation. This is why it pays to insure you have a range of sizes, it takes but a few seconds to swap until you get it right. The Drennan Avon has a large upper body which enables you to hold the float back lifting the bait to entice more bites, it is brilliant in design and does this perfectly without rising up, still giving perfect bite detection.

The Drennan Avon would be a great choice for the novice float angler as it is easy to handle and suits so many winter river conditions, One thing to remember is to shot the float correctly as the body is very buoyant and if not weighted down to the tip could leave you missing shy bites.

It can take many years to master the art of fishing with a stickfloat but once you have mastered it there are few things that will give you as much pleasure. I would advise anyone starting to invest in a range of Drennan Avon floats, they are great for novice or expert.

To order your Drennan Avon floats or other top brand tackle simply click this link

Blandford & District Angling Club

2009-05-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

I myself am a member of the Blandford and District Angling Club and it was through this club that my love for the Sport went from a general interest to a life long Love affair.

Blandford forum is a small Georgian market town set along side the middle reaches of the Dorset Stour.

The Blandford & District Angling Club is the Fishing club that controls the majority of the fishing on the River around the town. The Blandford & District Angling Clubwas founded in 1954. It is a small club that controls only a few miles of the River Stour but for the price of an Annual season ticket at only £32 the quality of the fishing at your disposal really is a bargain.

The club offers some excellent fishing for all coarse species and around the town and at Buggs water their are some very good Brown trout to be had on the fly. Buggs water is one of the Four club owned stretches available to fish as a Blandford & District Angling Club member. Other venues are Nutford, France Farm and my own Personal favourite The Crown Meadows. The Crown Meadows like the other venues has a good head of Coarse fish including Perch, Dace, Roach, Pike,Tench, Grayling and some very large Chub. But i myself look forward each year to targeting the shoals of large Bream. There are some huge shoals of Bream in the stretch known as 'The Populars' My own record from there is a fish of 8lb14 oz but the club record stands at over 9lb and i am sure it will soon fall as many of the fish are now approaching Double figures! I myself caught over 150lb in one night last season with not one fish under 6lb, I also had a 7lb Chub it was one of my best sessions of the year.

Another attraction of The Crown Meadows is the possibility of catching one of the huge River Carp that swim in its waters. The club record for Common Carp stands at 28lb 12oz But i know that bigger fish are present. These fish see little or know pressure due to the club only having around 60 members annually. I won't go into too much detail as i fish the stretch regularly myself and don't need competition.

The Blandford & District Angling Club does not at present hold the rights to any lakes. But it does have a number of swap books with other clubs. This is an agreement that lets Blandford & District Angling Club members swap there book temporarily with other local clubs giving them access to fish that clubs waters. Swap books are available with these clubs Dorchester Fishing Club, Tisbury Angling Club, Wimbourne & District Angling Club and Test Valley Angling Club this gives all members the opportunity to fish a vast amount of different lakes and rivers as well as the clubs own venues all for just £32

Membership costs for The Blandford & District angling Club

Adults £34
Seniors £20
Juniors £10
Day tickets £4
Night Tickets £10 (24 hours)

Membership and Day Tickets are available from the local tackle shop Conyers which is in the town centre.

I personally think that £32 is great value for the fishing on offer. Not only does the Blandford & District Angling club have big Bream the clubs waters also hold Chub to 8lb and 2lb+ Roach there are also Perch to 4lb and Pike well over 20lbs.

If you like the sound of it visit Conyers and get your ticket and I may see you on the bank.

Conyers Tackle and Guns, 3 west Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset

Tel (01258 452307)

H3 Rod Butt illuminator

2009-05-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have now added a H3 Rod Butt illuminator to all of my Carp rods and will soon be adding them to other rods that I use when nightfishing

How many of you have been woken in the early hours by a screaming bite alarm?

And how many of you have lost the fish because you knocked over your rod before you could strike?

Well this is the answer to that scenario! The H3 Rod Butt illuminator is a great idea. This nifty bit of kit fits securely onto the end of your rod. Then as darkness falls it starts to glow just like the isotopes in your hangers or swingers. This means that even on the darkest nights you will know where the darkness ends and your rod begins. It means 'No more lost fish' due to running into the rods as you are rudely awoken in the early hours.

H3 have come up with this clever little device, the H3 Rod Butt illuminator which is 20mm in length and 18mm in width with the diameter of the stem measuring 10mm. It has an isotope integrally fitted into it and it is this that glows in the dark. The casing is made from stainless steel and is very robust. So not only can the isotope be seen clearly from up to 20m away but it also gives added protection to the end of your rod. The H3 Rod Butt illuminator is simple to fit to your rod. You simply slide it onto the butt end.

I not only have the H3 Rod Butt illuminator fitted on my Carp rods. But i have also fitted one onto the end of my landing net handle. So i now know exactly where my landing net is at those critical times even on the darkest of nights.

This bit of kit is a must have for all Carp anglers who fish at night and here at UK Coarse Fishing Reviews we give it 9/10

Find out more about the H3 Rod Butt illuminator or buy yours now by simply clicking the link below

Seperated at Birth? Little cook and Martin Bowler

2009-05-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

Is it just us here at UK Coarse fishing Reviews that have noticed the similarity between Specimen hunting Ace Martin Bowler and CBBC star Little Cook?

We feel the similarity between them is uncanny and that a mistake must have been made at the hospital. Could it be that without knowing they are Brothers and through some error they were seperated at birth?

Could it even be possible that they are the one and the same Man? And that when Martin is not out on the bank 'Catching the Impossible' he is in a studio whipping up a tasty dish or singing the 'Tidy up' song with his pal Big cook.We leave it up to you to decide?

Check out Martins great new book about the series 'Catching the Impossible' at the link below

Catching the Impossible

'Sixty Years a Fisherman' by John Wilson

2009-05-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

'Sixty Years A Fisherman' is John Wilson's new Autobiography.

Published by Green Umbrella Publishing the book charts Johns rise from his modest beginnings in Endfield, North London to the heady heights of being one of Angling's biggest celebrities.

John Wilson is probably Angling's best known personality. With over 30 hardback books and his famed TV series 'Go Fishing' to his name.

But this is just a small part of Johns life and in this Autobiography 'Sixty Years A Fisherman' he tells of all the twists and turns that have made him one of fishing's biggest stars.

In 400 pages John shares his life from his birth in Endfield, North London and his beginnings as an Angler. To his formative years as a hairdresser on a cruise ship where he got to fish all over the globe. He then tells how after a brief stint managing a hair salon in Barbados with his new wife, it was back to England to realise his dream of owning a Tackle shop. John opened 'John's Tackle Den' in Norwich near to his beloved River Wensum. At this time John was also a budding Angling journalist and featured regularly in the national Angling press, He wrote and published the first of his many Angling books. As well as creating and building his own Fishery. These things alone had helped him to become well known amongst Britain's anglers. But it was 'Go Fishing' his first Angling television series that launched him to become a household name. The series 'Go Fishing' was to run for over 17 years with over 100 episodes and was to be followed with other hits like 'John Wilson's, Fishing Safari'. These television programmes and his many books all helped to endear him to the nations Anglers.

'Go fishing' was to become hugely popular and in it John encapsulated the joy of the sport and encouraged a whole new generation to 'Go fishing' Be it River, Lake, Sea or Fly fishing John included it in his wonderful programmes. In later series of the show John started filming abroad and we saw him fishing in fabulous locations for everything from Golden Masheer in India to trolling for Marlin in the tropics. 'John Wilson's Fishing Safari' took this even further and saw him Fishing in countries across the globe.

John Wilson is without doubt one of Angling's Top Stars but he is first and foremost an Angler. John like me is happiest when he is out on a river bank long trotting for Roach but he's also at home fishing for Cod on a Norwegian ford or fishing for Tarpon in the Florida Keys. It is this diversity and exceptional skill and his love for the sport that has made him a firm favourite in the world of angling.

In its 400 pages with all its fantastic colour pictures 'Sixty Years A Fisherman' gives a clear picture of John Wilson's interesting and incredible life. John Wilson has worked hard to secure his place in Angling's accolades and deserves his success.'Sixty Years a Fisherman' is a cracking good read and gives a clear insight into How,When and Why John Wilson became and remains one of the worlds top anglers.

To see more information or order your copy click the link below

'Roach-The Gentle Giants' by John Bailey

2009-05-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

'Roach-The Gentle Giants' by John Bailey was first published by The Crowood press in 1987 and some twenty years later it is still 'The' book for any Roach enthusiast.
The book covers many of the techniques used by today's Roach specialists and although it is true that Fishing tackle has moved on tremendously in the years since the book was written the methods it describes are sound and proven and when encompassed with modern tackle can only improve your results.

John Bailey is without doubt one of the countries best Anglers and a well known Angling author. John is now commonly seen on our TV screens presenting his many fascinating Fishing programmes such as the 'On The fly' series. 'Roach-The Gentle Giants' was Johns first really successful book and is on the topic for which he probably knows best. John Bailey has been famed as a true Roach specialist since the early seventies when he caught a huge amount of gigantic Roach from the once legendary River Wensum. The Wensum was without doubt the best river in England for Specimen Roach from the late sixties to the mid-eighties and it helped launch both John Bailey and John Wilson's angling careers as they featured week in, week out in the national angling press with Staggering catches of specimen Roach from that River.

Bailey wrote this book just as that golden age of Roach angling was coming to an end and he talks about the decline of Roach fishing on the Wensum and across England and tries to surmise what caused it. It is still fair to say that even to date there has not been a river that could even come close to producing the same number of specimen Roach as the Wensum in the seventies.

'Roach-The Gentle Giants' gives an overview of the countries top Roach venues as it looks chapter by chapter at the different areas of the country and encompasses every major Roach venue. Most of the chapters are written by Bailey himself but there are also entries from some of the leading Roach specialists of the time, many of which are now high profile angling specialists such as John Wilson, Tony Miles and Martin James as well as past legends like Archie Braddock, Owen Wentworth and John Cadd. Although there have been huge advancements in fishing tackle, the Roach is one fish that it has little effect on. Specimen Roach are without doubt one of the hardest coarse fish to target and an understanding of the fish and its habits is equally, if not more important than your approach. Bailey explains many of the best techniques from ledgering bread flake to simple trotting patterns that put with a good knowledge of the fishes behaviour will certainly help you catch more Specimen Roach.

The book features many shots of John holding those prized specimens from the seventies including fish over 3lbs! In the book there are also many quality line drawings which show and explain the different rigs.

'Roach-The Gentle Giants' may now be more than twenty years old but the methods it describes are timeless and I feel that it is still the best book available for anyone who is serious about pursuing Specimen Roach. 9/10

If you would like to order a copy of 'Roach-The Gentle Giants' simply click this link to order now

Its time the close season was Abolished!

2009-05-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

I feel without doubt that it is time to Abolish the Close Season. In these days of Commercial fisheries where the lakes are open every day of the year for you to fish for all Coarse species from Carp, Bream and Roach to predators like Pike and Perch it seems both unfair and unnecessary to prevent the countries anglers from also enjoying their sport on the nations rivers.

There was a time when all of the Countries Lakes, Rivers and Canals were subject to the close Season between March 15th-June 15th. But for many years now the majority of lakes and canals have been open to fishing for Coarse species throughout the whole year but the law remains the same on the nations rivers.

Due to the explosion of Commercial fisheries across the country and the economic effect that the close season had on them, a great amount of pressure was put on the government to change the law so that they could allow anglers to fish their lakes all year round. The change in the law not only secured their livelihood but also boosted growth through the hole industry. Carp fishing is now the best participated part of our spot but the flip side is that the countries rivers are now almost deserted.

It is high time the law was changed to give anglers access to the Rivers all year round. It is well known that the best sport on our rivers is to be had during the winter months through to the present seasons end in March. But in recent years the effect of flooding caused by global warming has made many rivers un-fishable throughout a large part of the winter which has had a huge effect. Small clubs who's waters are predominately or solely on rivers are struggling for members as more and more anglers turn to the benefits of year round fishing offered by Commercial fisheries. It is a sad fact that today's young anglers can tie a hair rig but don't know the difference between a stickfloat and a waggler. Infact Float fishing is becoming a forgotten art!

With the recession now being felt throughout the industry a change in the law to abolish the close season would be a real economic boost. Not only creating trade for the tackle industry and the struggling small tackle shops country wide but also by creating a level playing field for small clubs to compete with the commercials.

If you like me feel it is high time the close season went. Please sign this petition
just click on this link http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/river-fishing/ and help put an end to this outdated law.

Hamworthy Lake, Rockley Park, Poole.

2009-05-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Fishing Review for Hamworthy Lake, Rockley Park, Poole, Dorset

Hamworthy lake is a true beauty spot set in Rockley Park, Poole, Dorset. It is immediately adjacent to the shore of Poole harbour and offers great views of not only the Harbour and the RSPB nature reserve Brownsy Island but to the west is the estuary of the River Frome. The Lake itself is an ex-claypit that is some 12 acres in size and home to some real specimen fish. The Lake holds a variety of Coarse fish including Carp, Tench, Pike, Roach and Rudd.

The lake closes for the close season between March 15th-16th June but is free to fish at other times as long as you hold a valid Rod Licence. I have fished the lake a few times in recent years and this year intend to fish a campaign to target its large Tench and specimen Carp. There are many tales as to what the depths of this lake hold but i know of Carp caught to 30lb+ and Tench to over 8lb for certain. The lake is somewhat wild and there are not that many fishable swims considering its size so there is some competition to get on the well known 'Flyer's'.

The lake is very deep for most of its length although there is a shallow Bay at the Poole end. On average i would say it is at least 14 foot and can shelve to more than 20 foot so there is plenty of water for its inhabitants to hide. If you are targeting the Carp and Tench it is not an easy water but it holds some real whackers so your efforts could be richly Rewarded!

The lake also holds a good head of Roach and Rudd, I myself have yet to test its potential for these species but i have it on good authority that there are some real specimens there to be caught and a good stock of smaller fish to keep the resident Pike well fed and the visiting holiday makers happy with sizable catches. I have not heard how big the Pike actually go? But given the size of the water it has the potential to hold some very big fish indeed!

The local Fishing tackle shop is the Wessex Angling Centre, Poole. It is a good shop that stocks all major brands and has a good supply of fresh quality bait. They can be contacted on 01202 668244 and i am sure that if you pay them a visit they will be happy to give you any help and up to date catch reports from the Lake.

Wessex angling

Hamworthy Lake is set in The Rockley Holiday Park and is accessible to all visiting holiday makers although its size and level of difficulty is usually off putting to beginners although there are other lakes near by that offer good sport for the small price of a day ticket. The Rockley Holiday Park is a good place for visiting anglers to stay offering cheap accommodation in its many comfortable caravans at a very reasonable price. It has good facilities and is not only close to all the attractions of Poole and Bournemouth but is close to renowned Fisheries like The Royalty and Throop as well as miles and miles of the Dorset Stour, The Frome and the River Avon.

Rockley park

For those who have Sat Nav who want to visit the lake the postcode is BH15 4LZ. As i say i intend to fish a campaign on the lake in the coming season so maybe i will see you on the bank.

Check out other fishing websites and blogs at this link Fishing Directory

Fox stratos FS10000

2009-05-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

I have been using the Fox Stratos 10000 for some time now. It is one of the smaller reels in its class yet it has 16 ball bearings that make it incredibly smooth. Its a free spool reel and of course has the patented multi-disk front drag system. The large spool is designed to aid with distance casting and has a range casting clip to help with accuracy. The reel was designed for the Carp Angler and is perfect for the job.

Although when i first used the reel it took some time to adjust to its weight i can now say that it has met all challenges well. The best thing about the FS 10000 is the way it lays line across the large spool which enables distance casting effortlessly. The front drag system is easy to adjust and very precise which really helps when you have got a real lump screaming across the lake! You can now pick up a new FS 10000 for around £90 which is great value for money. The Fox brand is known for its quality products and after sales service and after using two of these reels for over a year i have no complaints. Like the front drag the Free spool mechanism is easy to adjust. I have total confidence in these reels when playing big fish and confidence in your tackle is a must if you are to be a successful angler. The large Carp in the UK see an enormous amount of pressure on some waters and anything that gives you an edge is a must The FS10000 does that. All in all its a lovely bit of kit and i give it 9/10.

You can check the full details here on this page of theFoxwebsite Fox Tackle

Have you got your Rod licence?

2009-05-08T03:23:00.000-07:00

It is the law in England that any angler over the age of 12 fishing for Salmon, Trout or freshwater fish including Eels MUST have a valid Environment Agency Rod licence.

Having a valid Rod licence is a necessity!

Although some Anglers may resent having to pay a small annual fee to enjoy their sport the majority realise it is the only way to ensure that our Rivers, lakes and other waterways are cared for and maintained!

Although there is some debate as to how much of the licence fee reaches the sport, there is no doubt that it does. The Environment Agency Care for and Maintain our waterways and ensure the survival of our sport. So if you care about your Sport please insure you have a licence.

This year the Environment Agency launched the new look licence. Gone are the old Paper licences that when you carried you were lucky lasted more than a month, to be replaced by a convenient Credit Card licence that fits nicely into your wallet and is totally waterproof. Another bonus of the new Licence is that you can you use the same card each year by just repaying your annual fee. Also the 1-8 day temporary licences now involve just getting a reference number that is all you need to go fishing. The new licence also shows less of your personal details which helps with security in times when identity theft is an ever increasing problem!It Means more money goes into our sport! The main bonus about the new style licence is that means more value for money. by saving on costs by reusing your licence annually the Environment Agency can use the money saved to directly help our sport. That means more fish being stocked,better pollution controls, new Trailways and development projects and many other things we thank the Environment Agency for.

You can buy your new licence in the same way from your local Post office or direct over the phone by ringing 0844 800 5386. A full season Adult licence is only £26.00 which i feel is great value but even better news is that a junior full season licence is only £5. There are temporary licences available and concessions. For full information on both Coarse and Game Rod licences or to purchase yours now go to this link Enviroment agency Rod licence

Remember it is an offence to fish without a valid Rod Licence and when caught you can be fined as much as £2,500. Don't risk it, buy yours now!

So what's this blog all about?

2009-05-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Its simple! It is exactly what it says!

A review of all things related to Course fishing in the UK. I myself am a well respected life long Coarse angler here in the UK. So i feel i am justified to give an honest opinion on the things that effect my sport. Over time this blog will become one of the best resources for information on British Coarse fishing.

The main topics of the blog will be?

Tackle reviews
Venue reviews and reports
Bait reviews
Advice, tuition and tips
Book and DVD reviews
Coarse fishing News
Carp fishing Rigs and tips
Fishing events
Species spotlight

And much much more!

Obviously this blog will cover all the news about what is happening in the world of Course Fishing here in the UK and with your help i hope to bring you accurate and honest catch reports to help put you on the fish!

This blog will basically cover everything to do with Coarse Fishing in the UK. So if you have any News, Reviews, requests or just want to share details of a great catch. Then please get in touch.

The Main UK Coarse Fishing Website is still under construction but we intend to keep you up to speed with this blog. If you have any suggestions or requests that you feel would improve the main website please contact us. We really want to here from you so that we can bring you everything you want and need from our fishing website.

If you would like to advertise on this page or the main website please contact: http://ukcoarsefishingreviews@googlemail.com or simply leave your comments below.