This is not only because I have never caught a really big one, but also because I am fishing for them on a rather special venue, where I can hope my dreams will be realised. A big gravel pit, with a not inconsiderable stock of tench, little fished for many years, are the reasons I…

It’s been a disappointing week for me this week as my team, West Brom finally saw their season come to an end at Bolton on Thursday night. I went to the match and I have to say our supporters were magnificent on the night. 5,100 packed the away end and roared the lads on. You…

I had read a lot about the place and its various lakes that contain a variety of carp to different sizes. When I arrived the sun was already was well up and several people were already fishing. I had a stroll around the whole complex that contains seven different lakes and only one holding no…

So it was that in hot sunshine the gate once more creaked open to the car park. The difference this week was that it was my last week on the water before moving on. There were a few people already there fishing, a contrast to March and April where I had the lake to myself….

I was there on a feature for the Match Angling Plus magazine and after a discussion with fishery owner Eddie Turner I settled in on peg seven on the Beech Pool. There were carp swimming around on the top all over the pool but after a very slow first hour it was fairly obvious the…

Different species of fish react in different ways to the weather, but I can think of few species which like a Northerly, or Easterly wind. Whilst you may catch fish, you are unlikely to really bag up when the wind is blowing cold. Give me a nice strong Southerly, with just a hint of Westerly…

Okay, so we have four or five waters on the short list of where we want to fish. We will have some information about the stock of fish from literature we have obtained or from talking to people in tackle shops or wherever. However the worst thing we can do is take other peoples word…

The close season has been a frustrating one. The continuing Foot and Mouth crisis has kept most rivers out of bounds denying access for my traditional reconnaissance trips. I love to stomp the banks of the Kennet in the spring looking out for new swims and seeing the changes the winter floods have wrought on…

Directions: From Wareham take the A351 towards Swanage. Turn left at Corfe Castle down the road sign posted for Studland and follow the road under the disused railway bridge. About 300 yards on your left you will see a sign saying “Arfleet Mill Lake Coarse Fishing”. Go through the gate and travel down the dirt…

Now that I am retired from teaching, I produce most of my own floats. This not only saves money but is also a hobby within a hobby. Personally, I get a lot of satisfaction out of making my own floats and catching fish using them.The pole float that I am going to make this month…