Innholdsfortegnelse for 3249 i Angling Times

LOBWORMS were key to one man’s capture of two huge perch with a combined weight of almost 10lb – from different venues. Simon Brough set his sights on two popular Midlands waterways and struck gold twice in one week. The larger of the two perch, at 4lb 14oz, took a lobworm hookbait fished with a simple feeder rig made from 6lb mainline and a size 10 Drennan Wide Gape hook. Two days later the river fishing fanatic from Matlock, in Derbyshire, used the same tactics and this time a fish weighing 4lb 11oz was his reward. “I’ve fished these venues for 30 years. Catching perch like this is all about doing your homework and finding out where they are going to be, depending on the conditions,” Simon told Angling Times.…

HOPES are running high that England can bag gold in this year’s World Championships after team bosses announced the star-studded squad that will represent our nation. Team managers Mark Downes and Mark Addy have set their sights on walking away from this summer’s tournament in Bulgaria with a raft of medals, and have placed their faith in a number of familiar faces. Alan Scotthorne, Will Raison and Des Shipp retain their places, with one of the country’s hottest prospects set to be given another chance to shine on the big stage. For full details on the announcement turn to page 64 of this week’s issue.…

ESTHWAITE water has been in good form for pike this winter as David Black discovered when he banked this 28lb 4oz specimen. The Barrow-in-Furness angler visited the Lake District venue, where he fished a static lamprey section on two treble hooks from a spot near the dam wall. David had to wait until darkness when the giant predator was hooked. The venue is open to pike anglers until March 31. Call the fishery on 015394 36541.…

A NEW tackle shop is aiming to get more kids into the sport by offering them free fishing. The Tacklemill shop, in Leigh, Manchester, is set to open next month and owner Peter Tatlock is offering under-16s the use of his pond at the back of the shop. Pete is building several platforms and carrying out a restocking after receiving funding from St Helens firm NC Fisheries. Anyone interested in volunteering or helping in any other way can visit the shop from March 1 or email Peter at jwgrub@live.co.uk…

A BAIT-and wait campaign has accounted for the capture of one of the River Trent’s biggest ever barbel topping the scales at 17lb 9oz. The popular venue was almost bursting its banks, but that didn’t stop Adrian Garside from beating his personal best with this stunning specimen. The Stoke rod embarked on an overnighter slightly upstream of a likely-looking area of slack water. While many anglers would cast out a rig from the off, Adrian remained patient and began to feed his swim with a bed of crushed pellets to draw the barbel into his swim. “The Trent was up to its peak and flowing steady, but I still had confidence,” Adrian said. “My swim was around 8ft deep, so I had to use a heavy feeder to ensure the…

THE boss of a popular commercial fishery has stocked vast numbers of huge perch in order to turn his venue into a stripeys superwater. Ed Brown, who runs Furnace Mill Fishery, near Kidderminster has stocked more than 60 fish to 4lb 12oz to cater for the UK’s growing number of predator fishing fans. The prolific complex already boasts a thriving stock of perch to over 4lb, and the new fish have an average size of 3lb. They have been introduced into two of the four lakes at the Worcestershire hotspot. With further introductions planned for the future, the move comes as an increasing number of commercial fisheries have started allowing lure fishing on their waters in a bid to attract more visitors during the colder months – a trend that…

ONE reason I enjoy catching crucians is the degree of difficulty. If fishing was based on the same kind of rules as diving, for example, carp and perch would have a ‘degree of difficulty’ slightly above ‘belly-flop’, while crucians would be 9.9, or triple back somersault with several twists… through a hoop! Their close relatives, goldfish, are similarly challenging and it would appear that the horrendously named F1s are close, even though there is a bit of ‘stupid’ there from the carp gene, as they are often the only fish to feed in the very worst conditions. Steve Ringer fishes plenty of F1 venues and at Tunnel Barn, where they probably come under most pressure due to the quality fields that fish there, he has seen a marked change in…

RIVERS & CANALS STAINFORTH & KEADBY CANAL, THORNE, SOUTH YORKSHIRE STANILANDS Marina is the place to fish on this cut at the moment, with plenty of roach being caught on caster. Contact: Stainforth Angling Centre, 01302 846623 Prices: £4 on the bank, Thorne DAA LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL, RODLEY, W YORKS Perch to 2lb to bait and lures. Silvers are harder to catch at the moment. Contact: Otley Sports, 01943 462770 Prices: £2 a day, Listerhills AA LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL, SKIPTON, N YORKS A big lobworm will take perch to 2lb-plus. Contact: Total Fisherman, 01756 228030 Prices: £6 a day from local tackle outlets, Skipton AA RIVER ANCHOLME, BRIGG, N LINCS Double-figure nets of bream to over 7lb from the Springs length to pole and worm tactics. Contact: Brigg…

IT IS probably the most commonly caught species in Britain but there is still something uniquely alluring about the humble roach. Considered to be the nation’s favourite fish, roach are targeted by matchmen and specimen anglers alike, with specimens over 2lb seen as the holy grail of angling. As part of our Roach Special, Angling Times has put together the UK’s top redfin venues for you to try. So whether you’re a big-fish angler or someone who just likes to see the float going under there is something here for you. RIVERS & CANALS AIRE & CALDER CANAL, ALTOFTS, W YORKS This section is fished regularly by match anglers for its quality roach sport. Bags to over 20lb are often caught on pole, waggler or small feeder tactics. Contact: Chris…

THERE is a soft spot in every angler’s heart for the roach. Even the most ardent carper or matchman wouldn’t turn their nose up at a catch of pristine redfins. Prolific, obliging and lovely to look at, the roach probably represents the first fish that most of us caught. This is because, when small, they’ll readily take a badly-presented maggot in rivers, canals and lakes – you name the venue and you can be sure to find some roach present. Catching a big roach, however, is an entirely different game. It’s fair to day that 2lb is still the recognised benchmark for a specimen, and with waters holding fish of that size becoming scarce, any angler who can say that they’ve landed a ‘two’ sits in rarefied company. Roach can…

FISH eat and need much less food in winter than they do in summer, and this should affect how much bait we use. In summer, food can pass through the gut of a carp in a matter of a few hours, whereas in winter this period may extend to several days. Straight away you can see how fish can eat only a fraction of the food in winter that they can in summer before becoming full up. I think there is another misconception, which is that fish struggle to find enough natural food in winter compared to the summer. In fact, the invertebrates that fish eat are still numerous, so there is no reason why they will be more reliant on anglers’ bait in the cold weather. Apart from fish…

TO cover every eventuality, you need to think carefully about the venues you intend to fish, as depth and flow will dictate line length, float choice and size and also how you feed the swim. To keep things simple, I make up all my rigs to the full length of the whip at 8m, minus the flick-tip section. I can then shorten them on the bank to suit the swim and the day. On the venues that I fish, I’ve found 7m and 8m lengths to be the best over the past few seasons. I also carry two extensions, which take the whip up to 9m and 10m respectively. These can be used to lengthen the line still further or just added to give you more control in difficult conditions.…

STILLWATER MATCHSTIX COMMERCIAL FISHERY ROD COMBO RRP: £129.98 READER OFFER PRICE: £45 THE PAIR PLUS £7.99 P&P GET kitted out for a hectic spring and summer of bagging on commercial fisheries with this brilliant rod combo from Chapmans Angling, featuring the company’s best-selling Stillwater Matchstix 11ft Carp Feeder and 11ft Mini Float rod for just £45 – a saving of £25 off the RRP. Based on the top-of-the-range competitors in their classes, both rods are designed to be lighter, stiffer, more responsive and more powerful. They are made from high modulus carbon blanks with quality SiC lined guides throughout and comfort grip, non-slip handles and reel seats. The action is perfect and entirely free from flat spots, and both rods come with a five-year guarantee. The Carp Feeder is the…

TRI-CAST JOHN ALLERTON PREMIER MATCH THIS super-light silverfish rod has stood the test of time and is just about the best that money can buy, cut from the finest aero-space carbon cloth. An ultra-light spliced-in tip gives a fabulous tippy but progressive action, with rapid line pick-up and bags of sensitivity. It can be used with ultra-fine end tackle, and boasts the highest quality fittings. Price: £259.99 MAVER ELITE MATCH I LIKED this new rod the moment I saw it, and saw it as an all-rounder for nearly all floatfishing situations. It can handle whatever bites next, and so is nicely suited to mixed fisheries. The light, pencil-slim blank belies its inner strength and the hollow carbon tip helps towards a flat spot-free through action that inspires confidence whenever bigger…

CARP fishing sessions in February aren’t usually associated with multiple bites – but Adam Smith certainly bucked that trend when he landed no fewer than 18 fish during a stint at Christchurch Lake on the Linch Hill complex in Oxfordshire. The Sticky consultant’s impressive haul included eight thirties to over 38lb and one of the lake’s biggest residents – a fish known as Scar – at a weight of 45lb 13oz. “I have never experienced a session quite like it,” the fishery bailiff told Angling Times. “To catch 20 fish in one trip is crazy. I think the lake did one bite in three months last winter, and I am sure the weather has played a big part in this year’s catch rate.” All Adam’s carp fell to new Manilla…

1 In order to tie Gav’s hook section you’ll need some size 6 Longshank-X hooks, 1.6mm shrink tube, and some 15lb N-Trap semi-stiff. 2 Start by forming the hook section – it’s pretty simple but very effective. 3 The next step is to create a five-inch leadcore boom section with a size 11 swivel on the end, and attach this to your lead clip system. 4 The four-inch hook section is then tied directly to the swivel. 5 The rig is now complete and ready for use – a really aggressive hooker of carp!…

I WAS fishing the Winter League round at Garbolino Lindholme Lakes and had drawn well on peg 69 on Bonsai Lake. It was a windy day, so I set up a couple of rods to fish the bomb. I’d had a few F1s and carp and, going into the second half of the match, I cast out again just off the island. The tip went round and I had what felt like a half-decent carp. It swam to the left then, all of a sudden, I could feel the line grating over something before everything went solid. The fish was kicking, but I couldn’t move whatever it was snagged on. I changed the angle and held the rod high. All of a sudden it was dislodged. I played the fish,…

River Monsters Tuesday, February 16, 9pm Jeremy Wade lands in Argentina to delve into the mystery of what locals to the Parana River call the River Tiger. What is the identity of this fearsome fish? Fishing Gurus Wednesday, February 17, 6.30pm Former Olympic decathlete Dean Macey dishes out plenty of top tips in the latest programme in this hit series. John Wilson’s Fishing World Wednesday, February 17, 9am John jets off to Thailand on his latest adventure. The Cha-Am Fish Park is packed to the rafters with big fish, but will he bank an elusive Siamese carp? Extreme Fishing with Robson Green Saturday February 20, 7am Black piranhas have a grizzly reputation but Robson shows he isn’t scared of these toothy critters as he wets a line in Brazil. Total…

Alliance & Leicester Liverpool, Chapel Pool: 1 C Smith, 40-0-0, pellet, carp; 2 M Kershaw, 36-0-0; 3 N Gaskill, 28-12-0. Alvis AC, Mayne’s Lakes: 1 D Edwards, 9-2-0, maggot, carp; 2 A Nettleton, 7-2-0; 3 B Badderley, 4-8-0. Birmingham Thursday Club, Tunnel Barn Farm, Club Pool: 1 G Young, 42-0-0, maggot, carp/F1s; 2 D Crozier, 29-1-0; 3 T Robertson, 18-12-0. BTIRA AS, Lakeside Fishery: 1 S Kiddle, 22-2-0, maggot, carp/roach; 2 A Bayman, 16-14-0; 3 T Delew, 6-5-0. Bulkington WMC, Hollyhurst Lake: 1 T McEnroe, 13-3-0, worm, mixed; 2 M Cowley, 12-3-0; 3 C Bunt, 7-8-0. Cheam Social, Hartleylands Farm: 1 T Jones, 34-0-0, meat/corn, carp; 2 G Whitcombe, 29-0-0; 3 P Jones, 22-4-0. Department for Education, Chestnut Pool Fishery: 1 T Oliver, 105-8-0, pellet, carp; 2 K Miller, 76-8-0;…

Erewash Valley Winter League (rnd 5) Trent & Mersey Canal, Shardlow (48 pegs) THE canal suffered from a strong easterly wind and bites were hard to come by for the majority – although a few pockets of feeding fish in sheltered areas did give the frame some respectability. Shakespeare’s Tony Barker was in a sheltered spot two pegs up from the navigation traffic lights. Using bloodworm and joker, he had bites throughout the match from tiny roach, finishing with more than 160 fish for a winning weight of 3-12-0. Rob Parker used the same approach on a peg opposite Dobson’s Boatyard, but included six hand-sized skimmers which, together with some small roach, gave him the runner-up spot with 3-6-0. Matchman Supplies took the team honours with their 18 points on…

Solihull Angling Centre (Weds) Packington Somers, Molands Mere Pool (22 pegs) SOMETIMES it pays to try something a little different – as the winner of this midweek match proved. Ignoring the option of fishing the feeder, Frenzee man Mick Bull went instead for waggler and pellet tactics at peg 43. That decision saw him pick off carp to 5lb to win with 65-8-0. Meanwhile, the maggot feeder cast to the island at peg 12 gave Solihull Angling Centre’s Ian Keywood second with 54-7-0 of carp and F1s. Result: 1 M Bull, Frenzee, 65-8-0; 2 I Keywood, Solihull Angling Centre, 54-7-0; 3 J Roberts, Drennan/Sensas, 52-6-0; 4 J Rafferty, Packington, 44-10-0.…

Thornhill AC Pairs (rnd 5) Calder & Hebble Canal, Dewsbury (24 pegs) AFTER a few nights of frost the canal fished hard, just 4-3-0 securing victory for Maver NW’s Steve Crossley. He was at peg 1a, where he took roach to 6oz on breadpunch at 6m and bloodworm at 12m. Next up was Simon Walton, who followed him home in second place with 2-7-0 of roach on bloodworm at 12m from peg 8. Simon and Steve not surprisingly topped the pairs on the day with a perfect 12 points although overall, Keith Marshall and John Needham lead with 37 points. Result: 1 S Crossley, Maver NW, 4-3-0; 2 S Walton, Matrix Halifax, 2-7-0; 3 J Needham, Pudsey Angling Centre, 2-5-0; 4 C Storey, Matrix Halifax, 2-2-8; 5 B Davies, Tri-Cast…

HOW DOES IT ALL WORK? ALL ties will see teams fishing against other clubs relatively local to them, although in some cases, owing to small numbers of teams in a large geographical area, some travelling may be involved. The home team will have the choice of venue for the first round match but everything else must be agreed by all parties concerned. Please consult the rules on these pages for clarification on any issues that you may have. MATCH DEADLINES MATCH dates for all first round ties to be fished are over the weekend of Saturday/ Sunday April 9 and 10, 2016. Each home-drawn side will receive a Clubman report card in the post shortly, enabling them to send in the result to Angling Times for publication along with contact…

Join us online at www.gofishing.co.uk Twitter @Angling_Times @AnglingTimesEd www.facebook.com/anglingtimes Editor-in-Chief Steve Fitzpatrick – 01733 395097 steve.fitzpatrick@bauermedia.co.uk Deputy Editor Kevin Wilmot – 01733 395098 kevin.wilmot@bauermedia.co.uk Deputy Editor James Furness – 01733 395104 james.furness@bauermedia.co.uk Editorial Secretary Mary-Ann Payne – 01733 395105 mary-ann.payne@bauermedia.co.uk Tackle Editor Mark Sawyer – 01733 395107 mark.sawyer@bauermedia.co.uk Features Editor Richard Grange – 01733 395109 richard.grange@bauermedia.co.uk Features Editor Mark Parker – 01733 395140 mark.parker@bauermedia.co.uk Senior Feature Writer Ben Fisk – 01733 395101 ben.fisk@bauermedia.co.uk News Editor Ben Miles – 01733 395102 ben.miles@bauermedia.co.uk Senior Reporter Thom Airs – 01733 395106 thom.airs@bauermedia.co.uk Senior Reporter Tony Grigorjevs – 01733 395100 tony.grigorjevs@bauermedia.co.uk Senior Reporter Mark Peck – 01733 395103 mark.peck@bauermedia.co.uk News Reporter Ian Jones – 01733 395111 ian.jones@bauermedia.co.uk Digital Media Manager Rose Lloyd – 01733 395108 rose.lloyd@bauermedia.co.uk Head of photography Mick Rouse mick.rouse@bauermedia.co.uk Staff photographer…

YOU will soon be able to play the most advanced fishing game on one of the world’s most popular games consoles. The already incredibly popular Euro Fishing by Dovetail Games will be available on Xbox 1 from May 2016. Angling gamers with an Xbox 1 will be able to catch a new personal best, compete against friends and take part in multi-player tournaments on one of the most realistic and advanced angling simulators on the market. To find out more visit dtgfishing.com JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK/ANGLINGTIMES…

ANGLING Times has teamed up with the organiser of a major outdoor event to give away £350 worth of tickets. The East Anglian Game & Country Fair is set to be staged at the Norfolk Showground on April 23 and 24, with angling demonstrations as part of the line-up. To be in with a chance of winning one of 10 family tickets for either day, write to Angling Times Country Fair comp, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA. The first 10 postcards received will be sent a ticket.…

FRIENDS Andy Hutson and Martin Ford enjoyed a pike fishing session to remember, boating eight specimens topped by this 20lb 4oz fish (right). Fishing on Toft Newton Trout Fishery in Lincolnshire, the pair snared all their fish on large rubber shads by targeting numerous spots on the 40-acre reservoir. The biggest of the haul, which was caught by Andy, sets a new venue record which was then nearly matched by Martin, who landed an 18lb 15oz esox shortly afterwards. The fishery is planning more pike trials for next winter. Anyone interested should call 01673 878453.…

1 Alderwood Ponds, Steyning, West Sussex 01903 816377, Postcode: BN44 3AA 2 Athersley Memorial Lake, Barnsley, South Yorks 07402 682899, Postcode: S71 3JU 3 Eye Kettleby Lakes, Melton Mowbray, Leics 01664 565900, Postcode: LE14 2TN 4 Golden Pond Fishery, Andover, Hants 07734 669738, Postcode: SP11 7LA 5 Makins Fishery, Wolvey, Warkwickshire 01455 220877, Postcode: CV11 6QJ 6 Tricklebrook Fishery, Five Oak Green, Kent 07743 955812, Postcode: TN12 6SH 7 Viaduct Fisheries, Somerton, Somerset 01458 274022, Postcode: TA11 6LJ 8 Wansford Fishery, Driffield, East Yorks 07887 662796, Postcode: YO25 8JJ 9 White Springs Fishery, Swansea, South Wales 01792 885699, Postcode: SA4 8QG 10 Whitmore Fisheries, Preston, Lancs 01253 836224, Postcode: PR4 3HQ…

MANY ‘open’ match anglers these days are content to fish with the same group of competitors on the same venues week-in, week-out. Nothing wrong with that, of course, and anglers can become real venue experts. On many commercial fisheries these days, upwards of £20 is the open match entry fee, from which an amount is taken for pegs and the remainder paid out. Paying over £20 for what is really their pleasure is too much for a number of anglers, however, and so club matches appear to be thriving. A couple of the clubs I belong to have approaching 30 turning up on some weekends and are having to look for larger venues, or book more than one lake. Some are even going back to natural venues, including canals, especially…

IT’S interesting to read Dave Harrell’s piece on how effective ‘long-whip’ fishing can be (pages 30 and 31). Being based in the South, I saw whips winning matches on the River Lea in my formative years... with bleak. When the early carbon whips arrived in the early 1980s they were perfect for breadpunch fishing on the canals at 3m or 4m, but once the ‘system’ whips were introduced by Daiwa in the late 1980s, where 4m was telescopic and the remainder take-apart, there was enough backbone for swinging dace and roach to 6oz, a real bonus on the tidal Thames, for example. I got so into it that in the 1990s I was even using a special Amorphous pole, with put-in sections rather than put-over, at up to 11m on…

RIVERS AND CANALS GRAND UNION CANAL, MILTON KEYNES, BUCKS THE cut at Bradwell is worth a visit for perch to nearly 2lb and plenty of small chub on worm baits. Contact: Gone Fishin MK, 01908 313158 Prices: £5 on the bank, Milton Keynes AA BASINGSTOKE CANAL, BASINGSTOKE, HANTS Pondtail Bridge is seeing skimmers and roach on bread and good perch on chopped worm. Contact: The Creel Aldershot, 01252 320871 Prices: £4 on the bank or £3 from local tackle shops, Basingstoke Canal AA BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON CANAL, CREECH ST MICHAEL, SOMERSET Good roach on breadpunch while worm down the track is taking some chunky perch. Contact: Enterprise Angling, 01823 282623 Prices: £7 a day from local tackle shops, Taunton AA KENNET & AVON CANAL, PADWORTH, BERKS Light lure tactics have…

THE unseasonably warm winter of 2015/2016 has seen fish continue to be caught in traditional summer venues. Some of the UK’s bigger rivers have been producing plenty of roach and bream since the turn of the year whenever water levels have been favourable. But with these wide, often powerful venues comes the need for a more specialised approach, and Norfolk’s River Yare is a fine example. Tidal and exposed to the elements, it’s no place for the faint-hearted, or indeed for light tackle and negative tactics! Just ask the locals who live and breathe the challenge of the Yare every week of the season – anglers such as Kevin Humphrey and Andy Sutter. One of the prime spots is the popular stretch below the Beauchamp Arms pub, which the pair…

THE Tunnel Barn Farm Winter League came to an end last week and it was a very successful one for my Team Guru, as we managed to retain the title against a very classy field. Myles Levy, Paul Holland, Pemb Wrighting and I have worked really well together and by constantly comparing notes I feel we have been able to stay one step ahead of the rest. This winter has certainly been another interesting one – at times I have had to rip up the rulebook because what I learned in the past just hadn’t worked this year. For instance, ‘big-potting’ maggots at Tunnel always used to be the kiss of death, yet this winter this feeding technique has caught me loads of big F1s at both Tunnel and Packington.…

IF YOU find yourself on a lot of fish in deep and pacey water situations it’s possible to put together a really good weight if you do things right. And there’s no better way to maximise your day’s potential than with a long, elasticated whip. My introduction to long line fishing came when we used to fish with strong poles in Ireland for huge nets of roach and bream. My best roach weight was 166lb, and that experience has helped me on the Wye and Severn, albeit in a scaled-down kind of way. I realised that there was potential to do big weights on these rivers just over a decade ago and my best weight to date fishing in this way was 114lb of dace. I’ve also had roach weights…

RIVER anglers fall rather neatly into two camps – those who have fished the Kennet and those who would like to. The real glory days may be past, but along its 45 miles of waterway there are still plenty of opportunities to get to grips with powerful fish. Each winter I have half-a-dozen preset Kennet locations in my Sat Nav to call on when conditions are right. Little wonder, then, that with the river carrying a touch of colour, and mild air and water temperatures, I was heading up the M4 for a late -afternoon barbel session. Winter had stripped the colour from the countryside down to a uniform beige that mirrored the complexion of the river. The flood had peaked and was on the turn, but still I could…

WITH only a month of the river season left, pike anglers are champing at the bit to get on to their nearest running waters. And with many rivers now fining down after weeks of floods, these fish can finally start to find some prey. Ben Humber is one man who is always looking for these opportunities, and as the winter suns lifts over the horizon the Fox Rage angler, silhouetted against the dawn, makes his way along a deserted river. With minimal tackle he picks his way easily across the part-flooded water meadows. “This is what I love about river pike fishing,” he says. “Most days I don’t see a soul. There is some great fishing to be enjoyed, and it all comes down to one simple thing – location.”…

OVER the years, the zander has been persecuted, labelled an indiscriminate killer of small fish and generally ostracised. However, to many anglers the capture of a big zander is the pinnacle of piscatorial excellence. So what is the real history behind this enigmatic predator? Most attribute the initial stocking of 97 fingerling zander into Norfolk’s Relief Channel as the start of England’s zander population, and while most zander in our waterways can be traced back to this stocking, they were not the first to be freed into our waters. The Duke of Bedford had a voracious thirst for unusual beasts and fish, and alongside the wels catfish, the then Duke introduced 23 ‘zeds’ up to 2lb into the lakes at Bedfordshire’s Woburn Abbey on February 3, 1878. In 1951 around…

TACKLE POUCH – LARGE Preferred by many to a standard tackle box, this pouch keeps essential kit close to hand. It will fit neatly into either Tuned carryall, and is stackable with numerous other Tuned accessory bags or Avid Carp bait & bits tubs. Removable internal dividers offer flexible storage options. Price: £14.99 CHOD RIG BAG This purpose-built tackle pouch is perfect for keeping your chod rig essentials neat and tidy. Foam spools store made-up rigs, and there’s an elastic storage area for chod rig tools, two small internal pockets, and a double divider to tailor the bag to your requirements. Price: £11.99 LARGE CARRYALL Avid Tuned carryalls are designed to be shallow so it is easy to get all your gear in and out. All the Tuned pouches, accessory…

A HEAVY baiting approach paid off for Ash Bailey, who enjoyed a 10 fish haul during a session at southern stillwater – the highlight being a couple of forties. Arriving in the pouring rain on a Friday evening, the Dorset-based rod headed to one of the few remaining swims on the deeper side of the lake where he had a hunch the fish would be held up. He proceeded to bait up with two buckets of bait comprising hemp, maize, 3kg of CC Moore Live System boilies and half-a-gallon of maggots. He fished all three rods over the top, each with a different coloured Northern Special pop-up tipped with maggots. The first bite came the next morning in the form of a lovely 26lb mirror. “After that the carp were…

1 DRAYTON RESERVOIR This Daventry, Northamptonshire, water was first stocked with 50,000 carp. In the early days match weights reached almost 400lb. Now keepnets cannot be used due to the size of the carp. In a specimen carp pairs match in 2014, two anglers landed 277 carp in 48 hours for a staggering 3,123lb 11oz! 2 GREAT OUSE, ADAMS MILL Perhaps the most iconic stretch of river for barbel, the Adam’s Mill syndicate still holds the British record at 21lb 1oz set in 2006 with The Traveller, one of several oversized barbel. As the otters arrived, the chance of another record was gone. 3 LOCHNAW CASTLE LOCH After the occasional capture of 2lb roach by fly anglers at this Scottish gem, it was decided to allow limited coarse fishing in…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Bait-Tech Viaduct Fishery Silverfish Only (Weds) Spring & Middle Lakes (22 pegs) The Spring Lake provided first and second with peg 10 seeing Adrian Bishop win thanks to 34-1-0 of big skimmers and perch taken on caster over groundbait at 13m. Result: 1 A Bishop, Summerhayes, 34-1-0; 2 D Shipp, Preston Innovations, 31-8-0; 3 J Slowinski, Garbolino, 27-5-0; 4 S Diment, Shaftesbury AC, 25-9-0. Bait-Tech Viaduct Fishery (Thurs) Campbell & Lodge Lakes (24 pegs) Corner peg 66 on the Lodge Lake came good once again as Mark Poppleton bagged 120-6-0 of carp to 8lb fishing corn and bread long on the pole right under the overhanging trees down the side. Result: 1 M Poppleton, MFS, 120-6-0; 2 L Wherrett, Middy/Bait-Tech, 89-8-0; 3 E Drysdale, Bait-Tech Viaduct, 70-11-0;…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Coleman’s Cottage Fishery (Tues) Wood Lake (19 pegs) Result: 1 C Adams, Browning Wickford Angling, 47-12-0; 2 G Bridge, Browning Wickford Angling, 47-4-0; 3 F Thomas, Browning Wickford Angling, 45-0-0. Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery (Weds) Red Kite Lake (17 pegs) Result: 1 R Young, Dynamite Oakfield, 54-0-0; 2 S Wroe, Maver Milton Keynes, 47-0-0; 3 R Wall, Dynamite Oakfield, 45-1-0. Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery Red Kite Lake (13 pegs) Result: 1 S Eeles, Oakfield, 78-9-0; 2 S Page, Drennan Oxford, 37-9-0; 3 C Davis, Dynamite Oakfield, 35-13-0. Magic Lakes (Thurs) Main Lake (13 pegs) Result: 1 A Hume, Magic Lakes, 64-11-0; 2 T Stanley, Magic Lakes, 48-3-0; 3 H Pringle, Magic Lakes, 42-0-0. MFS/Garbolino Champion’s League (Tues) Slough House Lake (15 pegs) Result: 1 M Vincent, MFS,…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Alvechurch Fishery (Thurs) Horseshoe Lake (18 pegs) A close finish saw Tony Taylor just out in front from peg 30. He fished the straight lead with maggot and corn over to the rushes and took carp to 6lb for 58-4-0. Result: 1 T Taylor, Alvechurch, 58-4-0; 2 P Gartshore, Alvechurch, 53-4-0; 3 W Beech, Alvechurch, 38-7-0; 4 G Clarke, Alvechurch, 34-6-0; 5 R Street, Alvechurch, 33-11-0; 6 L Ayres, Alvechurch, 25-10-0. Alvechurch Fishery Horseshoe Lake (18 pegs) Considering the bitterly cold wind whipping across the fishery, weights held up well with Danny Tresigne taking the honours from peg 36. The Alvechurch fishery-backed rod fished the straight lead with maggot before switching to the pole, fishing shallow in the last hour, which saw him finish with 72-1-0 of…

Decoy Lakes Beastie, Six Islands, Horseshoe & Willows Lakes (68 pegs) A HUGE 68-strong field at the Cambridgeshire water saw Graham West out in front, the Preston Innovations Black Horse angler drawing on Six Islands Lake peg 11 and putting 104-12-0 on the scales to win. Most of the match saw him fishing at 16m with maggot, although he did have a few carp to double figures taken from the margins later on in the match. Runner-up from peg 19 on the Horseshoe Lake was the in-form Richard Bond. The Maver Image matchman fished long pole with soft pellet on the deck, although he did have a few carp and F1s at half depth in the last hour to finish with 103-13-0. Result: 1 G West, Preston Innovations Black Horse,…

Partridge Lakes Teams of Four Covey Canal Lakes (40 pegs) THERE was a shock at the top of the leader board on the team front with the strong Guru side slipping down the table. They will now have a job on their hands to beat league leaders Garbolino Elton with just one match to go. Team winners on the day were Tri-Cast with an excellent 13 point score card. It turned out to be a good day for Garbolino Elton as their man Colin Scott took the individual honours from hot peg 1 on Canal 1. He fished the long pole down to the bridge and, for most of the day, he caught steadily on maggot. Later on in the match he made a switch to fishing the deep water…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Blundell’s Fishery Rover (Weds) All lakes (15 pegs) Result: 1 C Attenbourgh, Blundell’s, 65-4-0; 2 M Rawlinson, Fishing Republic, 55-2-0; 3 M Thompson, Trafford Tackle, 47-8-0. Brookside Fisheries Snake Lake (18 pegs) Result: 1 M Pleavin, Lionel’s Tackle, 45-0-0; 2 C Ruscoe, Parkfield Angling, 30-2-0; 3 S Knowles, Ted Carter Southport, 25-0-0. BSR Services Winter League Kippax Park Fishery, Lapwing Lake (18 pegs) Result: 1 S Rodgers, Leeds, 89-11-0; 2 B Rymer, Leeds, 66-5-0; 3 N Rymer, Leeds, 44-14-0. Climax Wold View Fishery (Weds) Gold Lake (15 pegs) Result: 1 R Skelton, Wold View, 64-4-0; 2 G Garrod, Wold View, 57-0-0; 3 D Croft, Wold View, 43-8-0. Cudmore Fisheries Arena Pool (12 pegs) Result: 1 J Glover Jnr, Whitmore Leisure, 32-10-0; 2 D Potts, Whitmore Leisure, 21-4-0;…

CARL Garrett has joined an elite band of pike anglers by landing his second fish over 40lb – as yet again Chew Valley Lake confirmed its dominance of the UK’s predator scene. The pike, weighing 41lb, was boated by the highly-respected big-fish angler from Somerset during a session on the incredible South West reservoir, enabling Carl to join the very select group who can lay claim to two pike over the 40lb mark. His first was taken back in 1988 from the legendary Welsh water Llandegfedd Reservoir, and tipped the scales at 44lb 8oz. Twenty eight years later Carl made it an historic double at Bristol Water-controlled Chew when, just minutes after he switched his mackerel hookbait for a smelt, the pike struck. “John, the fishery manager, came around doing…

A WOMAN who was dumped by a man she met on the internet took revenge on him by filling his hot tub with deadbaits. Gerard Brogan, 46, from North Yorkshire, came home to find hundreds of mackerel in his hot tub after he ended his three-month relationship with his partner. Ironically the couple met on the dating website, Plenty of Fish. Gerard said: “I was hit by the most horrific stink. “All I could see was a lot of floating fish heads and eyes which must have been bubbling away at 400C for two days. “I was almost sick.”…

A BREAK from his winter piking campaign proved more than worthwhile for big-fish man Iain McDonald, when he slipped the net under this 15lb 5oz barbel. The Canterbury angler paid a visit to his local river, which was in a low, clear condition. Iain fed an area on the crease line with small pieces of paste and liquidised bread before setting up a light link leger rig with 4lb line and a size 10 hook. After banking a 4lb chub early on, his rod tip then flew around and the giant specimen took off with his paste hookbait.…

A MAJOR overhaul at some of the nation’s most popular stillwaters is set to go ahead, Angling Times can reveal. Fishery bosses will invest over £1m in a number of groundbreaking projects designed to reinvigorate their waters. The popularity of commercial fisheries continues to grow and officials have signalled their intention to repay visitors by spending huge sums raised from day-ticket fees on major upgrades. Work has already got under way to create new lakes, pegs and facilities, with venue owners setting their sights on completing the improvements in the coming months. Devon’s Stafford Moor is among those that are currently working on the biggest transformation in their history. “We have completely redesigned Pines Lake to give anglers something different and improved access across the fishery,” said owner Jo Coombes.…

THIS year’s Pike Champs Final will take place on Whittlesey waters on Saturday, November 12 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20 Ramsey 40ft Drain, B1096, Ramsey Forty Foot, Cambs. Keith Rayment: 07551 840409 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21 Hydneye Lake. Chris Tingley: 07876 185249 Smeatons Lakes, Newark, Notts. W. A. Stevenson: 07505 792484 Stainforth & Keadby Canal (PAIRS). George Martindale: 01405 815939 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27 Causeway Lake, Baylham, Suffolk. Bill Davies: 07725 910065 SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28 Bellwater, Midville, Boston, Lincs. Brian Hunn: 07769 9587775 Beverley Beck, East Riding of Yorkshire. Dave Hancock: 07811 065835 or John Jenkinson: 07803 983635 Hydneye Lake, Chris Tingley: 07876 185249 Longtown West Pond, Carlisle. Chris Bowman: 07714 168939…

A TOP tackle dealership has come up with an idea to help raise thousands of pounds to attract new juniors into the sport. Angling Direct bosses say that all profits raised from selling their 5p carrier bags will be used to support National Fishing Month. The project brings thousands of youngsters into angling each year, and NFM coordinator Naidre Werner said: “I am very grateful – there is no doubt that this contribution will make a huge difference to our efforts.” This year’s NFM will run between July 22 and August 29.…

PATIENCE is a virtue when seeking out big river fish – but what of those who need an instant fix? For some, the ‘joys’ of sitting in a bivvy for hours on end are over-rated – having the tip go round every chuck is a far more appealing prospect. Newark Dyke is a fine example of a waterway on a roll, and it’s not just tiddlers that are going into the net. Huge shoals of bream maraud up and down the fishery – which is an arm of the River Trent – and the chilly conditions certainly haven’t put them off their grub. Matchman Supplies-backed angler Andrew Paton was one of the first to latch on to the incredible potential of the place, but the secret was out only too…

RIVERS AND CANALS GRAND UNION CANAL, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICS THE canal through the town centre has been producing good nets of roach and perch, along with bonus chub, to typical canal tactics. Contact: Smiths Angling Supplies, 01509 239136 Prices: £5 on the bank, Quorn AS CUT OFF CHANNEL, KING’S LYNN, NORFOLK A 50lb tench, bream and roach net was taken on the feeder in coloured water last week. Contact: Shipshape Tackle, 01553 764058 Prices: £5 on the bank King’s Lynn AA DROITWICH CANAL, DROITWICH SPA, WORCS Pound 1 at Porters Mill is seeing roach and skimmers being taken on maggots. Contact: Droitwich Angling Centre, 01905 779300 Prices: £3 on the bank, Droitwich Spa AC GRAND UNION CANAL, NORTHAMPTON, NORTHANTS Nether Heyford Marina is producing perch and zander to lure anglers. Contact:…

WITH the chill of winter still very much on our doorsteps, there’s no better time to get out and sample some of Somerset’s finest silverfish sport. The Plantations Lakes complex is a popular destination for hundreds of anglers – not to mention Preston Innovations matchman Des Shipp, who regularly attends the venue. With three feature-clad lakes available to fish for the price of a day ticket, there are also plenty of options for you if silverfish aren’t the score for the day. To the left is our breakdown of what this complex has to offer visitors... VENUE FACTFILE PLANTATIONS LAKES, KINGSTON SEYMOUR, SOMERSET PRICES: £8 for adults, £6 concessions, £2 for an extra rod CONTACT: 01934 832325 or 07990 543600 LOCATION: Plantations Lakes, Middle Lane, Kingston Seymour, North Somerset, BS21…

WHETHER you’re a pleasure angler or hardened big-fish man, there’s a good chance that you’ll have an affinity for the roach, still the UK angler’s favourite fish and the most obliging of all the species that swim in our waters. It doesn’t matter where you fish – heavily-stocked commercial fishery or gin-clear stream that you can leap across – there are sure to be roach present. Winter, in particular, strikes a chord with anglers when they think of slipping the net under a big redfin on a cold and frosty morning. The great John Wilson once described roach fishing as ‘a disease, but of the pleasant kind given the sheer variety of waters to fish and tactics to use to catch the species’ – and he wasn’t far wrong. Every…

HOW DO I IMPROVE MY FEEDER ACCURACY? Q I’ve been having a nightmare casting my feeder rigs accurately in the recent high winds. Any tips on how I can improve my accuracy? A You’re not on your own – everyone has been struggling to cope with the extreme conditions! My advice would be to use heavier feeders in conjunction with the line clip on the reel. Cast out to the distance you want to fish, let the feeder sink to the bottom with the bail-arm open then put the line into the line clip. Next, use a heavy enough feeder to ensure distance and accuracy and you will always land it in the same place. MASTER THE BACKWIND Q I’ve been trying your technique of ‘backwinding’ a float down the…

FISH NEAR STRUCTURE Apex predators such as zander lay up in and around structure from where they can launch an ambush. Bridges, lock gates and moored boats also attract prey fish and predators are often close by. FAR-BANK VEGETATION Areas around reedbeds, snags, brambles and overhanging trees are often full of natural food that will attract both predators and prey. Target far-bank zones that are well away from towpath disturbance. DOWN THE TRACK The central boat track is usually the deepest part on canals where zander will often hug the bottom, waiting for shoals of prey fish to pass overhead. LET’S be honest – zander are here, and here to stay, so let’s make the most of them! I love zeds, and now is the time to catch one. Why?…

THERE was a time not so long ago when a three-piece 13ft float rod was standard issue for all match anglers. Sheffield, Leeds, Rotherham and Birmingham all boasted legions of matchmen whose angling clubs were linked to massive national industries and working men’s clubs. Every weekend would see charabanc outings to the banks of the Witham, Welland, Trent or Severn, where floatfishing was still king and legering came a very poor second. The best float rods of the day were mainly built on a Golden Jubilee blank, reappearing as WB Clarke’s All-England, Milbro Enterprise or Billy Lane Match rods. The first carbon rods weren’t far away, though, and when Fothergill and Harvey’s carbon blank appeared in 1975 they cost a king’s ransom at £133. The early carbon rods, nowhere as…

SPECIALIST big-fish brand Chub has just launched a superb new clothing collection under its Vantage marque. The full range, which looks ideal for the specialist angler, features everything you could ever need from bankside wear – from a multi-functional three-piece all-weather suit through to a knitted peaked beanie. Shown here is just a small selection... VANTAGE HYBRID JACKET THIS Vantage jacket combines insulation with a flexible four-way stretch and wind-blocking properties. The lightweight jacket is ideal for sessions when you need protection from the chill of the wind without sacrificing mobility. Special features include heavy-duty zips, chin protector and compact packaway design. In Medium to XXX Large. Price: £69.99 VANTAGE QUILTED BODYWARMER BODYWARMERS are currently very much in vogue. This two-tone quilted Vantage model uses Thermatex 300 insulation to keep…

IT’S been a weird winter – one day temperatures are in the mid-teens, and then, just a couple of days later, the lakes are covered by a sheet of ice. Unfortunately, it was those freezing weather conditions that greeted Gav Cain and me for our latest trip out and it took most of the morning for us to find an ice-free venue. Eventually, though, Gav struck gold. Although most of the lake still had an icy lid on it, a small section had melted. In this situation it gave us our best chance of seeing a fish on the bank. After a long walk round to the other side of the lake we eventually arrived and Gav wasted no time in getting the rods ready for action. “The margins look…

Roach win in my eyes every time… THERE’S currently an online vote to discover what should be our National Fish Species of 2016, and I’ve already made my mark on the ballot sheet. Although we tend to catch more carp than ever, I’m sure that roach will feature highly, and it’s the species I’ve voted for. Why? Well there’s a reason they’re known as the ‘angler’s friend’ as even when the going gets tough, they’re always willing to have a go and, for me, that’s worth recognising. In addition to them being banker fish, there’s also a bit of rose tinted-ness with this species too. Along with a suicidal perch, a small roach is often one of the first fish we all catch, and I fall into that category as…

FINALLY a little sun, and the days are drawing out. I love this time of year because there are now clear signs of spring. You can fish till 5.30pm before it gets dark, and very often at this time of year this can be when you get a take or two on rivers and stillwaters. Here’s how my week panned out… TUESDAY Down Oxford way, and finally I cracked this pit I’ve been fishing. I’d had a few problems trying to nail one of the bigger pike in there – every time I went I caught double-figure fish but the 20lb-plus predators eluded me. As soon as I arrived I knew I was going to catch. Conditions were perfect, with a waning half moon, high air pressure and a lovely…

Super-coach Ian has his work recognised ANGLING Trust Licensed Level 2 coach Ian Wilks has been formally recognised for his efforts in introducing more young people to angling. Ian was named the Community Coach of the Year at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards, beating coaches from across the county to the accolade. As part of Nottingham Anglers’ Association, Ian has been instrumental in organising and delivering a series of coaching programmes and events to not only introduce young people to angling but also to provide regular sessions where anglers can develop and improve their skills. Accessing funding through initiatives such as Sportivate, and working with organisations including Sport Nottinghamshire, has helped Ian shape the sessions to ensure that they are not only enjoyable but tailored to the participants’ needs. Ian said:…

IN ASSOCIATION WITH PHIL STONEER,FROM EVESHAM, ASKS: Q Can you recommend a good all-round groundbait mix for a river containing roach, dace, chub and barbel? With plenty of colour in the river from recent rain, I’m told that groundbait is vital but am not sure which type to use. A There’s a lot to consider when getting the right mix for a river session but as a starting point I will always use Bait-Tech’s Pro Natural as a base. It’s the conditions you are faced with that may affect what you add to the mix and hopefully the river will have a nice steady pace and a straight groundbait attack will be ideal, but beware of the pace and depth of the river. If it’s flowing fast or the swim…

Tuesday, February 17 Acorn Fishery Tuesday Tenner, Kingston Seymour - Mike 01179 497310 Alders Farm, Affordable Open, Great Brickhill – Trevor 07860 235655 Aston Park Fisheries, Sheffield - Alex 07743 845737 Coleman’s Cottage Fishery, Witham – Gerry 01376 516383 Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery, Retford – Nick 01777 710448 Decoy, Eastrea – Di 01733 202230 Garbolino Lindholme Lakes, Epworth – Neil 01427 872905 Heronbrook Over 55s – Neil 07879 441288 Janson’s, Elton - 07976 317864 Kobra, Dynamite Baits Makin’s Fishery, Wolvey – John 07749 284823 Little John Lakes, Ollerton - Steve 07715 096738 Meadow View Fisheries OAP & Dis, Warrington – Brian 01925 757985 New Moorlands Farm, Kidderminster - Dave 07772 297462 Oaks, Sessay - Chris 07885 553323 Old Hough Fishery, Middlewich – Doug 07976 381996 Partridge Lakes, Culceth - Mel/Nel 07950…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Barford Lakes Railway & Willow Lakes (18 pegs) Result: 1 D Jarvis, Angling Direct Suffolk Suffolk, 53-1-0; 2 I Shipp, 999 Pest, 52-0-0; 3 D Hart, Mildenhall AC, 39-12-0. Decoy Lakes Over 55s (Fri) Six Islands Lake (16 pegs) Result: 1 T Wilson, Decoy, 122-5-0; 2 B McBeath, Rutlanders, 88-0-0; 3 S Dow, Decoy, 85-7-0. Float Fish Farm Fishery Two Islands Lake (12 pegs) Result: 1 V Hull, Decoy, 67-0-0; 2 H Murphy, Float Fish Farm, 29-0-0; 3 S Dow, Decoy, 23-0-0. Janson’s Fishery (Tues) Match Pool (11 pegs) Result: 1 F Belshaw, Janson’s, 94-6-0; 2 P Sisson, Janson’s, 77-3-0; 3 B Sandom, Janson’s, 64-13-0. Lakeview Fishery Middy Xtreme Winter Series Canal Pool (10 pegs) Result: 1 M Hall, Sensas, 67-13-0; 2 D White, Coalville, 47-5-0; 3…

IAN Barrow, a key member of the mighty Starlets match team throughout the 1990s and 2000s, passed away last week at the age of 54 following a short illness. The Warwick angler was a key member of the all-conquering Starlets team and in recent years had devoted his fishing time to bream waters around the Midlands. “Ian played a major part in the Starlets team for more than 25 years, beginning his matchfishing around the Leamington Spa and Warwick areas. He then progressed to fishing the canal circuit and in the last decade, bream fishing at venues such as Earlswood Lake,” Starlets captain Mark Downes said. “He fished many a Winter League Final and National for us and was a great angler and a great lad to have around. I’ve…

MONDAY TO SATURDAY Blundell’s Fishery Rover All lakes (30 pegs) Mark Hassell enjoyed a comfortable Saturday win as he recorded 105-2-0 of carp to 8lb off peg 45 on the Ash Lake fishing breadpunch at 17m. Second went to Andy Musgrove with 71-14-0 of carp and F1s on corn fished at 13m to the sunken bar at peg 5 on the Trio Pool. Result: 1 M Hassell, Stalybridge Angling Supplies, 105-2-0; 2 A Musgrove, Edgeley Sports, 71-14-0; 3 A Clancy, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 67-0-0; 4 D Swain, Garbolino/Dynamite Baits, 60-0-0; 5 F Cooke, Ray’s Tackle, 59-14-0; 6 A Bruce, Ray’s Tackle, 57-14-0. Climax Wold View Fishery Veterans (Tues) Ultimate Lake (20 pegs) Weights were well down in the cold weather, Trevor Brewitt needing just 13-0-0 to win at peg…

CALLING all club anglers! The long wait is finally over – the Angling Times/Bait-Tech Clubman Supercup 2016 first round draw is done and dusted. Teams from far and wide have applied to play their part, and this week each and every one of them will know who stands in their way in the opening round and the task they face to make it into round two. As the Supercup enters its 16th year, the competition remains hugely popular. Reigning champs Dersingham AC begin their defence of the title with an away tie against Mulbarton DAA, with previous winners Ridgemere AC up against Wyre Forest AC. A host of former champions are also fishing, including Alvechurch Fisheries A, at home to the Black Country Misfits, and Ringwood DAA, with a home…

1 – HOW TO ENTER Each Clubman member club must enter a squad of anglers into the event. Along with an entry form and the £30 entrance fee, each club secretary or captain must supply a squad list of anglers (minimum 10 anglers, maximum 20 anglers) that will be used to fish the competition. 2 – SQUADS Squad names can be changed only with the permission of Angling Times. Should any club wish to make a change at any point in the competition, they must submit written notification to Angling Times BY POST ONLY – NOT BY TELEPHONE. Please note that clubs will be allowed to request their opposition’s team sheets before the match. Should the team on the day not match that on the submitted teamsheet AND Angling Times…

THE day that club sides up and down the country have been waiting for has finally arrived – the draw for the first round of the 2016 Angling Times Bait-Tech Supercup. Current champs Dersingham AC are back to defend their title, along with more than 150 clubs who will going all out to reach the final which will again be held at Barston Lakes in the West Midlands. For the full draw, see pages 62 & 63…

DRENNAN Team England have named two very different squads for this year’s European and World Championships. Joint managers Mark Downes and Mark Addy have stuck to the same six for the world champs who finished third last year, while four of the country’s rising stars have been added to the Euro squad. The World Champs team head to Bulgaria in mid-September to the Plovdiv rowing course, scene of Tommy Pickering’s gold medal way back in 1989. This time the fishing is expected to be somewhat different, with draining and restocking of the lake a possibility. With a star-studded England line-up, and little chance of severe weather upsetting the fishing as it did last year, the team will be expecting better than the bronze they secured in Slovenia. For the match…