lutra

show us how its done Martin. I did a quick google and drew a blank.

Take a flask, a hat and watch out for the bogeyman.

Maybe but I would say its the wrong way to think of it. Much better (easier) to think of feeding a set spot and moving the float around.

Nice one Ian, keep it coming. I've not been trotting for yonks. Been busy flicking bits of fluff about of late.

I think at the start it will be Alonso as there is talk of Hamilton taking even more engine parts, but if they manage not to fall over each other it will soon be the other way around. Should be a good race, I'm hoping.

Just saying Dave that it seems to be a golden age for perch where ever you live in the UK and what ever kind of water (river, canal, pond or lake) and pike free or not that you fish. I've even heard of donkey perch to 5lb coming from some very large and cold pike waters up north. I can also see the south is doing very well for record perch and that its a golden age for the number of pike free commercial fisheries that are stiff with bait fish. I'm just not so sure pike would be that effective on these waters that the bait fish wouldn't be so prolific and the perch wouldn't be so record rocking. Its just a golden age for perch in my view.

Lovely summer barbel Rick and a really cracking brace of perch for the ribble. Well done.

"Loads of fisheries" as in way more than a small hand full. "Donkey sized" being from a couple of pounds and up to what ever you can dream of. Six pounds if you like. Still not sure why you think its "without doubt" not having pike in your waters the reason the perch are getting larger. I'm no perch angler Dave, it just seems strange as most waters I hear big perch are coming from also have a healthy head of pike.

There are loads of fisheries with donkey sized perch (and other species) in them as well as a good head of pike. Why do you think its an important factor on the waters you fish?

No carp in there and the trout and char season will be closed come November. So looks like pike and perch are your best bet but won't be easy when it gets colder up there.

I think its possible and with chub, but Ide are quite early spawners so isn't known to happen much if at all in the UK, from what I just read.....

No sign of them taking over then John? Do they get to a good size in the river?

Can't say I know a lot about them, but some of the mates used to fish on the swedish rivers and catch a lot of them, so they will probably be quite happy to stay here and be with us for good.

Last winters bad floods I think. Most anglers I've spoke to that target the smaller stuff or trot seem to have had one or two this summer. Seems like they are quite widespread.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkxERqas7Sc

Even less protein in these, but they can work well and chub on the river love them too. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-Bumble-Bee-BLACK-YELLOW-Dog-Biscuit-Deer-Hair-Flies-size-8-10-Salmoflies-/331489507657?var=&hash=item4d2e507949:m:mO-VlXSRp0z-810YjddCxQw

Yes but you might just have to catching loads of nice fish, on beautiful picturesque rivers, with a pleasing way to fish and be happy you may never be a divvy champ.

These days I use the ones kappa posted. Before that most of my tip rods had two float rubbers that lived between the top eye and the next eye down and were there when i wanted them.

I think we need to remember that we are blessed with good pacey rivers around here for long trotting Ian, where a pin really maximizes control and its easy to keep things moving at the speed you want. Not sure I would be quite the same pinhead if I was surrounded by big slow unwadeable rivers.

I think you can make your luck a bit by how where and when you fish Ian. My summer float fishing or day time small bait feeder fishing doesn't show a very good doubles to fish caught return either. About 10 years ago when I was into barbel fishing, I started in September and had 17 doubles by the end of the season from probably not many more than a hundred fish.

Maybe no world records Dave, but still a nice week. How could it not be with good company, mums cooking, glasses of vino and fishing at your door. For the record Dave, There was only three spinners. I didn't cast one all week. Ps. where next year? The Trent looks like a maybe.

Nice one Rick.

Nice one Ian.

Yep looks like a dace Rick. I've never done much good with the maggot feeder on the ribble. Hemp and caster has worked well for me over the years.

Not a lot you can do about it Vas, Bream don't like (feed well in) bright sun. Days when the river is up and has some colour and days when its cloudy and windy will always be better. Or you could try night Fishing.