ShaunW

You misunderstand what i mean, of course the Otter population was larger during the industrial revolution, thats why conservationist have had to re-introduce it, I'm saying that the modern river system is more fertile now than during our modern history to aid the breeding of these re-introduced Otters to epidemic proportions (has early studies show). I also point out that the Otters usual food source is in decline and they will have to move onto new prey, another factor is the Otter has no natural predator, its on top off its food chain. http://www.mdc.mo.gov/conmag/1999/11/40.htm The above link is what is happening in the US now, and what will probably happen over here.

Conservationist in North America are years ahead of their European brethren with the reintroduction of the Otter, states in America have now had to lift the Otters protective status because it has breed so rapidly and has moved out of its natural habitat. Don't forget Otters in the UK used to mainly predate on Eels which themselves are in decline so the Otter has had to find a new food source. Also British rivers are cleaner now than any time since the industrial revolution and chemical farming making a fertile breeding environment, we have time bomb waiting to explode.

Light rain showers, 7mph South Westerly wind, pressure 1000mb, poor visibility & fairly humid.

I hope Alan's unfortunate ill health does not mean the end of his NUBA dream, time for Keith to step forward, has a motivator for the rest of us members to get organised.

My girlfriend said a meal :-(

I find different weather conditions effect venues in different ways, I would not dwell on rain forecasts, I believe wind direction and air pressure could be more important factors. Unfortunately I have not the knowledge to tell you what air pressure is best.

So they where English then ?, some forums would have us believe 'all' poachers are immigrants.

Try this site http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?...imatedknots.com I use the snell knot.

I wish more top angler's would take Keith's lead in defending angling to the hilt in this day and age when broadcasters ignore us and anti's are beginning to aggressively target our sport. I don't agree with everything he says but I admire his guts.

Here is a great website on knots; http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?...imatedknots.com

Superb tip mate.

I think John Wilson did a great service to angling, he made fishing viewable paving the way for other TV celebrities. Remember it is not just being able to fish that makes a TV star but also their personalities, some of the best anglers in the UK would not make good viewing because their personality would not carry it off. Matt Hayes and Mick Brown managed to make a program (Record Breaking Fish- Perch) where they blanked good TV due to their personalities. Hats off to Keith Arthur for managing to promote Tightlines to SKY, in such a way that they have taken over production and are airing the show 52 weeks a year. In the age where broadcaster's are pandering the PC brigade and Discovery have pulled the plug on all new angling shows, we need someone like Keith to promote our sport.

Maybe its just me, but reading in the press the EA seems to be getting its act together the last few months, I've even had my license checked for the first time ever.

The lite line comment and the huffing and puffing "my rods bent double" scenario is probably just to make exciting TV viewing. A lot of his fishing seems to be 'roaming' along a river, with minimal tackle so a large net and mat is not feasible, he does comment on finding soft ground to lay the fish whilst unhooking.

If your fishing on a budget their tackle is OK, but I have read on other forums that people have had quality issues such as bale arms falling off reels. I myself bought an umbrella off them the spike bent 45% on a windy day. You get what you pay for.

I use Plumrose, it as less fat content than most other brands (and is just as cheap), how are you planning to fish it ?, I use a pole so I use a meat punch and dust the meat in tandoori powder or turmeric or sweeten it with strawberry icing flavoring.

The only license I resent paying is the television license, I for one feel the EA offers me better value than the BBC. As for fines when a magistrate decides what fine to impose don't they do a means test or as they put it background reports ?.

If I remember correctly it was in a magazine article (IYCF) when he was fishing for Chub on a weir last summer.

When I go to the 'edit avater' option in the settings menu, I dont appear to have an option to use an uploaded picture. Is this because I am a 'junior member' or am I missing something ?. I am given three existing data bases to choose from.

I'd give VDE Predator plus a try, at one time they used say pigs blood was a must in ground bait for Tench, Predator plus is an easier option.

I am experimenting at the moment, yesterday I used turmeric had a good day with plenty Carp, Chub and Crucians. I've also used VDE liquid pellet or Scopex. Matt Hayes says flavoring maggots is useless because it quickly washes out, I swear it gives me an edge.

Dead maggots offer the angler a bait with a totally different texture than a live maggot, being a lot softer, I'm sure this maybe the reason some fish are attracted to them.

Pole fishing up against an island, Fav fish an humble Gudgeon.

I think it is because once the fish is in your net there is no tension on your line pulling the hook.

I have caught plenty fish where he hook as fell out in the landing net because I presume the line tension has been reduced. Last Monday whilst pole fishing with lite gear I hooked a monster carp that resides in the pond, after a short while my line snapped under the connector for an our or two my pole float was popping up around the pond as if taunting me, then it disappeared I hope because the beast had shed the hook. I have caught fish with hooks in bedded in them I think this is when the hook is set in more muscular tissue at the side of the mouth or the more bony part.