Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 3675 i Angling Times

ANOTHER PB FOR McMANUS! Lee McManus – 12lb 14oz tench LEICESTER angler Lee McManus has continued his blistering start to spring with the capture of this 12lb 14oz tench – the biggest reported so far this season. It beats his previous best for the species by over 2lb, and follows hot on the heels of an 18lb 10oz bream he banked in April. It was caught from a large Midlands pit, where Lee decided to try for tench after the bream had spawned. Having found a clear spot at range on a weedy gravel bar, he used a bait boat to deploy a handful of chopped worm and caster over his fake caster hookbait. This was fished on a size 8 Gardner Barbel hook and a coated braid hooklink on…

TARGETING early-season barbel with maggots can be a devastating tactic. Get it right and multiple fish catches are common. The aim is to get them competing for small food items, turning over stones in search of every morsel. Using a bait dropper ensures the maggots are fed in a tight area and, at the business end, an inline lead or feeder will both work well. Big-fish ace Andy Dodd once showed me a superb way of mounting maggots on his ‘pin rig’. To make it, open out a size 14 fine wire hook and, once it’s straight, this is your ‘pin’. Next, tie a length of fluorocarbon to the straightened hook. Tie on a size 8 wide gape hook with a knotless knot using that fluorocarbon, so that the eye…

THE EDGE Join top match anglers Lee Kerry and Rob Wootton each week as they unveil the tactics and techniques that really make a difference THE POPULARITY of large stillwaters has risen in recent years, and I believe there is a good reason for this. Anglers have realised that getting plenty of bites on them isn’t any more difficult than doing so on a smaller commercial if you follow one golden rule – pile in the bait! You’re obviously drawing fish to your target zone from a wider area, and that additional bait is what is going to get them where you want them. Over the last few years I have been using what I call the ‘double chuck’ tactic when fishing for carp on big venues such as Barston…

How do I continue to put fish in the net during the middle part of a match when the carp traditionally switch off?MICHAEL WILKINS, HORNCASTLE THE SIMPLE answer to a question that a lot of anglers have asked me over the years is this – target silverfish! Unless you are drawn on a flyer, the carp will only feed properly early and late in the match, while the middle stages will prove somewhat tricky. Every match angler has fallen agonisingly short of a win by a few pounds on more than one occasion, but had they fished for silvers at the right time, they’d have been the right side of the verdict. The key is to find quality silvers, because shipping in 1oz roach or rudd is unlikely to make…

SOUTH Farm holiday cottages and fishery is on the edge of Devon’s Blackdown Hills, where you can fish three lakes and stay in top-class, dog-friendly accommodation. Fishing is free for guests, with the choice of eight cottages, from a farmhouse that sleeps 10 to Swallow Cottage sleeping two. Prices start at just £260 for a weekend break in Swallow Cottage. All the self-catering cottages are close to Home Lake – approximate distances are Lake Cottage 30m, Carp 50m, Oaktree 70m, Coshes Garden 80m, Cinders Cottage 90m, Stables Cottage 95m and the Farm House 50m. Add 250m to get to Lower Ram and Upper Ram. The lakes are spring-fed and hold a fine stock of carp up to 20lb, specimen roach, tench, bream, perch and crucians to 3lb 8oz. Home Lake is…

BROOM Fisheries is home to Scotland’s premier coarse fisheries, nestled away in a quiet, picturesque corner of South West Scotland, 20 minutes from Carlisle. Our caravan and campsite is situated on a 200-acre private estate with beach access, making it a perfect base for exploring. We have a wide range of accommodation options, from holiday homes, pods to rent, touring camping & caravanning on-site, aswell as an extensive tackle & bait shop. We also host a range of competitions and events which attract some of the country’s top competitive anglers. Whether you’re seeking solitude or a bonding experience with friends and family, our fishery with accommodation promises an unforgettable getaway. On the shores of the Solway Firth. Book your stay now. Pitch up on our touring camping & caravanning site,…

BURTON Springs Holidays and Fishing is perfect for a family get away and you can even bring your furry friends, as we are animal friendly. With a children’s playpark and games room on-site, you can keep the little ones entertained. There is also an on-site honesty shop, selling snacks, drinks and homemade pre cooked frozen meals. We also stock a small amount of frozen baits, tackle and shelf baits. Fire pits are available to hire, they come with a BBQ grill. Bags of firewood are for sale in the honesty shop. Our mixed coarse lake Alder Pool is perfect for some pleasure day fishing. We also offer overnight fishing on our specimen carp lake, carp up to 35lbs and on Kingfisher lake, catfish up to 85lbs & grass carp up…

WESTWOOD LAKES is located in Boston and offers a peaceful holiday experience with 31 luxury lodges ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, including hot tub and pet-friendly options. The complex is situated in an idyllic location, neighbouring 60 acres of stunning woodlands, such as Westgate Woods, it’s a great place to go for walks and take part in some bird watching. Guest can enjoy delicious homemade, locally sourced meals at the on-site café and relax and unwind at The Mallard bar and lounge. For fishing enthusiasts, there are seven well-stocked fishing lakes with day tickets available to purchase 7 days a week. The on-site bait and tackle shop stocks a wide range of equipment from all major fishing brands. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, dates…

Hannah Hanrahan 6lb 9oz common carp, Hordle Lakes, Hampshire William Riddell Perch, local club lake, Hampshire, maggots Oliver Fry Rudd, Seaview Holiday Park, Skegness, bread Alfie Koral Tench, local lake, Hampshire, bread Lila Hanrahan 7lb 4oz common carp, Hordle Lakes, Hampshire Hollie Bradbury 21lb 8oz grass carp, local syndicate, Blackpool Libby Gilbert 11lb mirror carp, Dog Lane Fishery, Warwickshire, pellets Harry Koral Common carp, local lake, Hampshire, bread Niall Simpson Rainbow trout, Barnsfold Trout Fishery, Lancashire, fly John Pedro Paton 12lb common carp, Vivinatura, Italy Ben Bradley 3lb 1oz trout, River Hynburn, Lancashire, lure Aneirin Davies 2lb 6oz tench, Shrewsbury Town Fisheries, maggots Riley Hughes 7lb 13oz bream, Farnham Fisheries, Hampshire Mason Adamson 10lb mirror carp, Willowgarth Fishery, Doncaster Mila Tofski 9lb mirror carp, local lake, worm SEND IN YOUR…

IMPROVED ACCESS FOR ALL ON THE RIVER ARROW ANGLING Times ran a feature on our fishing club – Alcester Trades and Labour AC – last December. Since then we have raised more than £2,500 to build two new disabled access platforms with hard concrete bases and safety rails. Disabled anglers love to coarse fish but often can't, due to the terrain along many river banks. We've had masses of interest in our platforms, and intend to create many more as funding comes in. We have also been awarded a grant from the Fisheries Improvement Fund to clear an unused mill arm which will create a breeding area for fish. We have the permit from the EA to start the work in August this year and we've introduced roach boards for…

ANGLING – LICENSED TO CONFUSE US ALL... THERE are some really weird rules and regulations in and around angling. We all know the need for a rod licence, and the fact that you can’t fish rivers from March 15 to June 15, but there are some other truly odd ones that you may not be aware of. For example, did you know that it is illegal under section 32 of The Salmon Act 1986 to ‘look suspicious’ while holding a salmon? Quite what suspicious looks like, I’m not sure, but I can wager that the majority of carp and pike anglers these days look a little suspicious at times, just by their very presence. Camo and woolly hats rule, of course! You can fish the Thames on a standard rod…

STEVE RINGER World Feeder champ and a constantly successful matchman SAM EDMONDS Predator-fishing ace who specialises in lure tactics PAUL GARNER Regular Angling Times columnist and bait expert ADAM PENNING Big-carp angler, now running a tutorial and guiding business DAI GRIBBLE Two-time Drennan Cup champion and ace all-rounder ADAM FISHER Angling Dreams owner, fishing guide, tackle shop proprietor DARRAN GOULDER Youngest-ever Drennan Cup winner and all-round angler SURFACE CARP RIG Can one of your experts show me a surface fishing set-up that casts well? I’m struggling to get beyond about 20 yards! Dave Knight, Devon A There are a number of different rigs you can use to present a floating bait to carp on hot, sunny days, when the fish are highly active in the upper layers and often disinterested…

Honest advice to help you to catch more fish on every trip, without breaking the bank. A WHOLE host of seeds, beans, nuts, and peas have been used by enterprising carp anglers – but many are just as effective for other species, too. Some, like hemp and tares, have been used for decades, while others, like chia seeds, are only recently finding a place in our bait boxes. Let’s now take a look at these fascinating baits, and how to prepare and use them. HEMP AND SEED BAITS Who would have thought this tiny seed would be so attractive to carp, barbel, roach, and other fish? You can buy prepared hemp in your local tackle shop, but it’s easy to prepare at home, and the method can be applied to…

HIDDEN deep in the beautiful Devonshire countryside, Kingslakes is the perfect getaway for resident-only coarse fishing. The whole family can enjoy year-round breaks and enjoy seven fully-stocked lakes, luxury accommodation and on site facilities, including children’s play area, shop, fully licensed bar and restaurant serving high quality meals and snacks. There’s a wide range of self-catering accommodation on offer to suit every need. Facility-packed characterful cottages, lakeside lodges and luxury hot tub lodges offer something for everyone. In terms of the fishing, you’re spoiled for choice. It’s for residents only, which means you’ve got the freedom of the complex. It’s just £25 for a whole week’s fishing, or £6 a night for two rods - great value in anyone’s book. You can target anything from big carp in Blackbird and…

SET in gently rolling countryside on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire is the family-run Waterloo Farm Leisure – the perfect angling getaway for the countryside lover. Established in 2006, the team here pride themselves on offering the best of care to their guests, and love nothing more than sharing their slice of green belt countryside. It’s a picturesque resort, offering the angler a host of options. The large Waterloo Lake is the original and biggest on site and is ideally suited to pleasure anglers. Here, you’ll find carp to over 25lb, plus crucians, tench, bream and silverfish. There’s exclusive fishing for guests on Wellington Lake, reserved for those staying in the lakeside caravan pitches adjacent to the water’s edge. This is the perfect choice for those wanting a long…

IN THE heart of Devon is a hidden gem, where superb fishing can be enjoyed amid an abundance of wildlife. Springfield Meadows, set in 14 acres of beautiful countryside, is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Three of the lakes on site that are reserved exclusively for guests and are home to some stunning carp to 30lb. Night fishing can be arranged, and those who prefer a mix of species will find plenty of variety. Crucians, tench, bream, perch and roach are all present, many of them growing to specimen size. We now have three brand new 3 bed lodges as well as our three 2 bed lodges, which are all fitted to a very high standard. We now also have a large indoor games room. On arrival, you’ll find a…

THE well-established Reepham Fishery is incredibly popular with holidaymakers, match and pleasure anglers alike. You’ll find four healthily stocked spring-fed lakes on site, filled with all types of carp, plus roach, rudd, tench, and F1s. Match-style tactics score, with the pole, waggler and feeder all working on their day, meaning you can fish in a way you enjoy and always be sure of a few bites. There’s a range of accommodation on offer here, with quality lodges overlooking the fishing lakes that’ll sleep up to four people. These are equipped with all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Static homes are an alternative option, and these overlook the lakes, with private parking for each unit. Finally, there are touring caravan pitches, all with electric and water hook-ups provided.…

(* indicates an anagram) ACROSS 1 How dead fish float (5,2)5 Yorks reservoir near Skipton for trout and perch (*my base) (6)8 Middle name of champion angler Ivan Marks (4)9 Usual shape of boilies (5)10/5dn. Three-lake fishery with 100-plus pegs near Doncaster (*Ken and B) (4,3)11 Gloucestershire village with England's oldest trout farm (*buy rib) (6)12 ____ Lode, 3½ mile Fenland drain (*LBW rule) (7)15 Marine fish: includes red, grey and tub ____ (7)17 ____ Pools, six-water fishery near Oswestry (*now set) (6)18 As a hook is heated and hammered for strength (*red fog) (6)20 Town near Twin Lakes fishery by Great Ouse (7)22 ___ shot: tell-tale small weight used in bulk shotting (7)23 First name of anglers Marsden and West (6)24 Ben ___, White Acres festival winner 2024... some…

BBRITAIN’S longest-standing record for a coarse species was beaten last week following the capture of a remarkable 11lb 3oz eel. It was landed from a southern gravel pit by species fanatic Steve Ricketts, who said he was ‘close to finding religion’ when he saw the incredible fish surface. It measured 47 inches long , with a staggering 12-inch girth. If his scales check out, the eel will pip the old record of 11lb 2oz, caught way back in 1978 by Steve Terry while he was carp fishing on Kingfisher Lake, in Hampshire. Although he was targeting eels by design, Steve tempted the huge eel using a bait more usually associated with carp fishing – a pellet! “The pits I usually fish for eels in the Colne Valley were ruined by…

PEG No1 CHOCO MOCHA GROUNDBAITS & TRANSFORMER LIQUID WHAT THEY SAY: This super-sweet commercial groundbait mix has a powerful chocolate aroma combined with an intense food signal to draw fish into your swim. It has a milk chocolate colour and, once mixed, a textured soft feel. It contains plenty of small particles and minute pieces of ground pellet to keep the fish grubbing around. It’s ideal for use with both pole and feeder tactics. The matching Choco Mocha Transformer liquid is super-powerful in its ability to colour-change and flavour a variety of hook and feed baits. WHAT WE SAY: Peg No1 continues to launch cutting-edge match bait products that really work. Choco Mocha groundbait has a really pleasant, sweet aroma that would work well in coloured water, and also offers…

IT’S BEEN a busy week that started with a day of underwater filming with the team at Matrix. To say it was an eye-opener was an understatement, and the one big thing I learned after watching the footage was the importance of stand-out hookbaits when fishing in the margins. Keep an eye out on Matrix’s social media channels for a lot more on this in the coming weeks. Next up was a live match for Winning Ways. We are doing a head-to-head at venues from our childhood, and Andy took me to a Lymm AC-controlled water called Sparrow Grove. We’d prebaited to make sure we had plenty of action for the cameras but, after two hours, we were biteless! We unclipped, launched our feeders away from the bait to the…

ARE YOU looking for a bit of exclusive fishing in one of the UK’s most attractive regions? Then check out Luccombes Coarse Fishery in Devon, where those staying on site can enjoy day and night fishing in idyllic surroundings. The five fishing lakes are suited to anglers of all abilities. A favourite of many is Larch Pond, offering a wide range of species, including carp to 14lb. For fans of silverfish, Birch Pond is a great bet, holding tench and crucians plus plenty of silvers. For those looking for extra tranquillity, the feature-filled Oak Pond allows you to target quality carp in the shade of mature willow and pine trees. You’ll find self-catering static caravans not far from the ponds, with all the facilities you need for a great stay.…

Riverside Caravan Park has a lake and fishing rights for a mile on both sides of the River Wenning. The river is annually stocked each spring with all sizes of brown trout and boasts a good run of salmon and sea trout from the end of July to the season end. The well-stocked lake features a variety of carp, rudd, roach and perch with 12 equally spaced pegs and an abundance of natural foliage. From this one base you can explore the Yorkshire Dales, The Lake District and the Forest of Bowland - perfect for lovers of walking, cycling, caving and climbing. Bentham Golf Course is nearby for challenging golf. The picturesque independent family run caravan park has a first-class reputation with pristine facilities for tourers plus self-catering holiday cottages…

WE’RE all in need of a bit of peace and quiet, and at Blackthorn Gate you can have it in abundance. Located on the North Yorkshire Moors, this family farm has been converted to the perfect rural retreat, ideal for anglers. There are seven ponds on the estate, four of these reserved for wildlife, while the other three are filled with carp to 15lb, chub, bream, tench, roach and crucians. The best thing of all is that these are reserved for guests only, so you can look forward to some blissful peace and quiet, which is hard to come by these days when most fisheries are busier than ever! And when you’ve finished your fishing, you can retreat to a light, airy pine cabin and gaze over a backdrop of…

SITUATED in a secluded rural area of Cambridgeshire, Rookery Waters is a family-run seven-lake fishery with an on-site tackle shop, café and self-catering holiday lodges. Residents who stay in one of the open-plan lodges get to fish from their own exclusive fishing platform on Rook Lake – a luxury that’s fully included in the price! This lake is well stocked with carp to 28lb, as well as tench, bream, perch and rudd. Once you’ve discovered what Rook has to offer, why not give one of the four other lakes a try, including the 30-peg Raven Lake? This one is 13m wide, and perfect for anglers who love pole fishing and sacking up with carp. Jackdaw is also ideal for kids or beginners looking to enjoy plenty of bites from silverfish. As…

OUR MAN ON THE BANK MY NECK and shoulders are sore after spending four hours yesterday improving my Spey casting on the River Severn near my home. On the end was a little piece of wool – no hooks, as this was just a practice. A couple of days before that I had a lesson from an old mate of mine, Julian Strutt, who loves catching salmon on the fly, and come the weekend I’m having yet another lesson from that excellent salmon angler, James Robbins. In July I’ll be in Iceland, putting all my hard work into practice, and I’m like a kid waiting for Christmas Eve, I’m that excited! On the same trip I’ll be fishing a smaller river for wild browns and char on more normal game…

LAST CAST WITH DOM IS IT just me, or has the modern carp fishing world become incredibly technical and impersonal? A vast industry has been spawned around shifting specialised kit, from bivvies to bite alarms. But the highest cost of all is our personal connection with this fascinating species. In place of clear, weedy water, we get snag-free pea soup. In place of inviting craggy swims, we get gravel pitches. Rather than the joy of scouting lakes on foot, we get hotel-style booking apps. And where old-school anglers once watched the actual fish with bated breath, today’s lot await bleeps while fish cynically inspect complicated rigs. And yet it doesn’t have to be this way. Many carp anglers are crying out for some of the romance the sport once held.…