Deedbait

River - Partridge & Orange (size 14) Stillwater - Black buzzer Salmon - Willie Gunn Sea trout - Silver stoats tail

Yep I can relate to that! Whilst fishing the MOG at a very good mark for them I was joined by a guy wearing a Kirkubrieght angling club top (not sure if that spelling is right or not but you get the drift) who proceeded to yank strings of 6 out and toss them on to the flat rock behind, stating that he needed around 60-80 as he intended to put them through the blender to make ground bait for mullet! Now I have no issue with taking fish for bait as I use some myself for winter pike fishing, but only in moderation and dealt with in an appropriate manner not with total disregard. As for the rubbish some people should know better as it takes only a second or two to put your unwanted items in your bag not left foe the wombles to pick up! Anyway I'm getting off me soap box now.

I am trying to obtain contact details for NERTAC, can anyone help?

Only my own imagination coz once you start thinking about whats out there its the start of slippery slope to heading back to the car! I do a lot of solo night fishing on rivers, lochs and shore, however here is one of a few true tales. Whilst fishing sea trout on the river Tyne with a pal, we arrived just before dusk and after setting up we decided to wait for the cover of darkness before venturing in. Billy who is around late 50's and a definite contender for the Abraham Lincon lookalike contest opted to start a couple of hundred yards upstream from where I was. After taking an age to wade out to the respective marks trying not to make a ripple on the water we flicked out our flies. Not a breath of wind was there that night with only the moon for any sort of light reflecting off the water. After about an hour I felt a 'bump' to my rod tip on the back cast which was strange as I was in the middle of the river, however upon looking upstream I could see something quivering towards me on the top of the water. I struggled to focus on what it was as I watched small shape all the way to where it eventually settled 'on my gye net trailing in the water'. I lifted the net up to silhouette it only to find it was a bat! Now billy was a avid nature enthusiast, therefore after whispering loudly in to the blackness, he responded requesting that I keep it until he could take a look at it. Billy found his way through the undergrowth to where I was still in the river, from which he waded out at a snails pace as not to cause any ripples. After inspecting every inch of the thing he decided to take it back to the bank side and place it in the bushes. I watched him disappear in to the darkness without a sound before the rustle of leaves indicated that he was on the bank. After a minute or two I glanced towards where he had headed, from which the faint glow of his cigarette gave his position away among the branches. ' I wonder what kind it was he muttered' to which i replied 'ask that bloke standing behind you with the black cape and top hat on'. The next thing I knew was the sound of a large splash and a bow wave coming off each of his legs as he steamed towards me through the water, cursing every step of the way! Needless to say that was the end of the fishing on that beat for the night.

Hi All, Just waxed the old Barbour jacket and noticed that it's showing its age now and may have to use it for the warmer not so wet days going forward! This leaves me with a dilemma as I fancy some camo gear for the winter, however not having had any before I'm unsure on which is best. I looked through the mags and net, however there is more than I thought, what with hunting clothing thrown in to the mix. Anyone got any that they recommend or can give any clues..........must be 100% waterproof / windproof and if possible silent. Any links to decent deals would be appreciated. Thanks

Fantastic photos of beautifully marked fish Shaun!

Cracking brownie mate.............not many places up this neck of the woods that hold good browns like that. Plenty of pellet stuffed ugly mutants, however this is a welcome sight. Fishery owners up north take heed..........its not just size that counts!

Dear me..................Sorry about the spelling on the previous post guys, I must of had my sausage fingers on! Or a can too many!

Peter, Kielder can be a daunting place if your unsure of which areas to fish, therefore your best bet may be a boat which can be hired on site as this will allow you explore and also get out of the wind if need be and belive me it can get a tad wild up there! The area to the left of the dam wall as your looking up the water is popular with the worm anglers from the bank, hopwever there are countless bays to try. Get a map from the leaplish visitor centre as this will give you an idea of the layout of the water. Plachets burn (I think thats how you spell it, but could be wrong)is a decent area for brownies from the bank and worth a try for starters. Not sure what your after species wise, however there is some great salmon fishing to be had directly below the dam on the north tyne, which has given me some execellent sport during October. day tickets can be obtained from the Black Cock in in Falstone village at reasonable prices.

Just a quick update for you. Ordered a pair of Dave Lumbs rods today Bait Blaster 1 3.5lb & a P1 2.75lb, which are due in 5 weeks. I'll let you know how they get on once tested...................

Thanks for the info guys..............I'll let you know how I get on!

Majority of the work will be done on the west coast lochs (scotland) and the lake district area. Cost wise I don't belive in false economy, therefore if the gear is worth the money then its money well spent. Not that money is no object cos it certainly is, however past errors have lead to lessons learned Peter, I do a lot of plugging anyway for various species and yes it can be an a great method on its day, however it's the bait rods I need to replace. Thanks in advance for your info

Hi All, I'm considering purchasing a new deadbait rod (or two, you know how it is guys), however before delving in to the never ending world of reviews, I thought I would enquire if you had any recommendations to consider or even ones that don't live up to the hype! Thanks

I fully endorse your comments relating to rubbish left on the bank and often end up imitating a womble by bimbling around the site clearing up unwanted items left by others! Why people don't take this away and leave the mark for other to enjoy is beyond me! Never mind about the venues guys, maybe when I get the 16th post we can swap some locations via PMs.

Hi All, I'm considering a weeks break in the west of scotland in October in search of big pike, however recent trips to Ken etc have proven disapointing as only fish to 10lb have been taken. I'm fishing alone so don't worry about hoards of rods on a favorite marks if given. I have fished the boat house on the east side and various places on the woodhall side of Ken, however nothing to write home about taken...............any better marks? The goal for this year is a 20lb+ fish as the big pike is one which still eludes me (18lb is the nearest) Feel free to send PM if required Thanks