bayponds

I completed the ADB Level 1 coaching course last Summer, and eagerly applied for a place on the Level 2 course to follow - only it didn't. The management and administration of the course was at best a shambles. It was also extremely expensive! Since completing the L1, I have had zero contact from anybody to do with the ADB, coaching or anything else, other than a second request to attend the still badly-organised L2 course and part with a load of cash. Has anybody else come up against this problem, and is there a way around teaching people to fish (both voluntarily and paid) without being severely fleeced by the ADB for a piece of paper that definitely comes with no guarantees?

it's all 'horses for courses' - if you want to spend a fortune on salmon fishing, its easy to do so. You can also spend the same amount on coarse fishing if you want - just go and buy one of those supa-dupa poles you see every week in AT. Articles like the one mentioned are talking about the overall cost-benefit to the local economy, and not how much one angler will pay to catch one, two or any number of salmon. These articles appear regularly in the salmon monthly mags. If money is tight, and you want to catch salmon on a budget, then there's nothing to stop you, but you must do the homework first. Its sometimes hard, but its not impossible.

Hi welly and puzzled - just had my day's fishing at Clifton Reynes. Thanks for the info - it was spot on. Fished a spot just upstream of the old railway embankment. No huge hauls, but some nice bream around 6lbs and a few tench up to 5lbs made for an enjoyable day. Judging by the bankside jungle, we were the first anglers to fish this side since the start of the season! Looking forward to a return visit in the Autumn. tight lines!

thanks for the info - I've checked the Olney website, and got some useful info from there, too. Puzzled - does the CSAS stretch start east bank just adjacent to Beanfield and down to Talbot's? I dont think I will be fishing Olney Mill, but it does look good - isn't this where Matt Hayes fished in his 'Mainstream' series?

Hi all - I've got an invite to fish a 1.75mile stretch of the Ouse just above Olney. I believe the stretch is called Clifton Reynes, and is controlled by the CSAS - does anybody have any info/advice on the water, and best methods to use? many thanks.

thanks for that - guessed as much, as it just doesn't get mentioned as a worthwhile venue in our area. (Felix Farm's another one that I get varying reports on - some of my angling buddys say its OK, some say it certainly isn't, especially ref the coarse fish in the lake.) Loopy - just saw your report on Lechlade, Yep, that can be a tough one, especially if the water's warm and/or coloured by algae. I used to fish it frequently, but I've switched to Bushy now, simply to avoid the fish 'stalkers' and the even-worse parties of hotspot-hoggin' 'fishmongers' (block the swim off, chaps - we must ALL get our 4 fish out at ANY price!) - some of them have such an inconsiderate attitude towards other anglers that they really do get on my t*ts! If you're going to fish Lechlade again, then its always worth calling Tim Small for an update. He might be running a business, but I've found him to be honest with you, and tell you when the fishing's not so good on Lechlade - and then sell you a ticket for Bushy!!

I've never fished Sheephouse Farm before - surprising, considering how close to home it is. Unable to find any useful info/reports about it, so its over to the experts! Has anybody got any hands-on info/tips for this venue?

same as before - do the homework via the internet, but just add flyfishing into the search criteria. Plenty of spots to indulge in flyfishing for tarpon and permit, for example, although the further south you are, the more options are available. Try searching out the charter captains who specialise in this type of fishing, and match one to a location you wish to visit. As for taking your own gear, something around WF8/9 will do, but big tarpon or permit will test you even on WF10+ and strong leaders. See what size of fish you are likely to encounter at your destination before deciding what gear to take, if any. as for the licence issue, I have always found the licence to be included when booking a charter, or if fishing from a pier, such as the one at Clearwater. However, if you choose to wander about and fish where the mood takes you, then a Florida State Fishing Licence will be required. Last visit to Pass-a-Grille, it was $9 for 7days, and you can get them from most fishing shops (or outfitters, as some are called). and yes, the local Sheriff does check them!

wherever you go its not going to be cheap. Virtually every coastal town or resort has a fishing dock where you can charter a boat for a day either on your own or as a share. I have fished out of Clearwater a few times, both private and shareboat. There's plenty of choice! Check out the local websites for the resorts of your choice and see whats on offer. Having some idea of your target species will also help narrow the search. Prices can be as low as $60 for a 4-hour shareboat ride (and they clean your catch for you) up to around $800 for a private chater going after big game species. The shareboats dont seem to go far offshore, so the big game species dont figure much in their returns. BTW, the shareboats in Clearwater have gear on board as part of the rental. Its rather OTT for most fish you latch into, but a cheaper option than taking your own. If you are taking your own gear, then stand-up 30lb class, plus a good multiplier loaded with 30lb mono works well. Dont forget the traces if you fancy tackling any of the toothy critters (wahoo etc). The wonders of the Internet bring all this information straight to your home, so you can do the homework long before you go. Keep a close eye on the weather predictions, especially with regards to cancellation policies if you're booking before you leave the UK. It gets stormy in Florida April-September, so be prepared for cancellations and rebookings at short notice. Irrespective of wherever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a good time.

Hi Matty Looks like a lot of kit for the money. My son and I also wanted to do some carping without breaking the bank, so, I've got 2 Wychwood Rogue mk2's 2.75lb, and my boy has 2 Fox Warriors 2.75lb. Nothing to choose between them, except the price - £30 each for the Wychwoods and £50 each for the Fox's. Very happy with the Wychwoods, and well worth £30 each.

Hi Matty Looks like a lot of kit for the money. My son and I also wanted to do some carping without breaking the bank, so, I've got 2 Wychwood Rogue mk2's 2.75lb, and my boy has 2 Fox Warriors 2.75lb. Nothing to choose between them, except the price - £30 each for the Wychwoods and £50 each for the Fox's. Very happy with the Wychwoods, and well worth £30 each.

Hi all Being a stillwater angler, I haven't fished the Thames for years. As its on our doorstep, my son is keen to get out and wet a line come 16th June, and he wants to target barbel and chub. Anybody have any info about the river between Runnymede and Chertsey Bridge, and what's our chances with the target species? Thanks.

How about using fake (plastic) bread? maybe this would stay on a hair better than the real thing, and wouldn't be whittled away by small fish - it also absorbs flavours when glugged, apparently.

I have also thought about paying a visit to Hampton Loade. The Kinver Freeliners website advises that there are 60 pegs, and day tickets available. Does anybody here have any experience of fishing this particular stretch, and how busy does it get in July/Aug?

I have also thought about paying a visit to Hampton Loade. The Kinver Freeliners website advises that there are 60 pegs, and day tickets available. Does anybody here have any experience of fishing this particular stretch, and how busy does it get in July/Aug?