Jolanta Zofia Nowak

Anyone ever fished the main Cumbria Lakes - and able to give any advice as to where, which clubs, what baits etc?

After a season of catching non-stop very modest stuff, I'm beginning to wonder where the big'uns have got to...

What would people suggest as a general bait for where flounders are as likely as roach. Still maggots?

I believe the South Cerney Club own some of the rights around Castle Eaton but am not aware of any free stretches. Your best bet might be to contact a Swindon tackle shop.

Can anyone who's bought a reel in the last year and had the chance to assess performance make any recommendations from their personal experience? These things aren't cheap any more and I don't want to misspend.

Can anyone recommend a really good quality telescopic rod for taking on holiday abroad? I'm looking for a real multi-purpose job, suitable even for coarse fishing.... ... but it has to fit in a suitcase!!

I've always been told that it's no fun and not sporting to use over-heavy tackle. I saw a guy the other day fishing on the Thames using stuff which would have dealt with congers from a sea boat. On the other hand, it could be said that the whole point of 'general' fishing on a river or lake is that you could find yourself stuck into just about anything. Any thoughts?

And he doesn't even sound Polish...

Does anyone here fish regularly for these? I'm wondering whether there are any to be had off the North Devon coast and if so whereabouts. Oh yes - and are they good eating, does anyone know?

I would trust Ebay and Paypal about as far as I could throw 'em.

Since some have asked, I live just south of Swindon and, yes, the nearer to me the better!

Ok, here's a toughie for you. Yes, this is a crossover species between coarse and fly fishing, I know. Yes, it tends to be confined to ridiculously priced/syndicated fly fishing chalk streams. BUT Has anyone caught one elsewhere? Are there anyrecognised spots where they can be had by your average angler? It's my aim next season to catch as wide a variety of species as possible and I'd love to have this one on the list.

Anyone achieving very much in the current conditions? Rivers near me are well nigh impossible. Some still waters are fishable but not seeming to produce much. Any better near you?

Not much support for bread then? I've heard they go for floated bread quite well, much like carp or roach.

This year I'm going to try to catch the widest variety of species. This one's missing from my list for the last few years. What's your tip for best chances?