Houghton

Sadly, I can see the day when coarse fishing is banned. I believe that one day the only fishing allowed will be 'fishing for the pot' and at a high price too.

Tigger, who now owns the stretch at Appley bridge? I know Wigan AA has a stretch at Gathurst. I fished at Appley bridge a few times years ago and had some nice Chub and monster Perch. I'd like to give it a go again (when the weather comes better) if I can. Can I get a day ticket?

Tigger, you've replied to messages before so you are probaby aware I'm from Wigan too. The wife bought me a loads of fishing gear for Christmas and as yet I have not hardly had chance to use any of it. I've managed just one session, during the Christmas holidays, spinning on the canal at Seven Stars. I got absolutely drowned and ended up fishing under the bridge. Wet and misrable I'd made my mind up it was time to head off home when last cast I actually caught a Jack. I did go home wet but fairly chuffed. By the way have you seen the flood defences being but up on the Dougie near Asda? All very well but they are only being put up on one side, the water has to go somewhere. I fear they are protecting Asda by sending the floodwater back, up smithy brook and towards my estate (Worsley Mesnes)!

39.56 METRES

Perch put up a shite fight? so what! Is that what fishing is all about, in my opinion ....NO. Anyway Perch I have caught have fought pretty well, or it it just me being very weak?

Anybody into Perch fishing should have a look at the 'DEAN THE DIVING DECORATOR' thread. Very interesting.

My mum tells me that before I was born she had her finger sharply 'nipped' by something underwater whilst on a rowing boat on Windermere with my Dad.

I recently returned to fishing after about 12 years absence (due to lack of time, work, and girls - which in turn led to marriage then kids) but on returning I have noticed that the popularity of the Perch seems to have increased massively amongst anglers. (I may be wrong but I am sure people saw the Perch as more of a nuisence back then). It actually struck me straight away, whether I just missed the chat back then, or possibly due to the fact the internet hadn't kicked off properly and sites like this were non-existant I dont know. But in any case it is very pleasing because in my opinion the Perch is one of the most beautiful fish in our waters and holds a special place in my heart - as along with 99% of anglers a little perch was my first ever catch. Also, it is very noticable that the Perch seems to be getting bigger. Back then I was in awe of seeing a picture of a 3 and a half pounder but now, although I'd bloody love to catch one, it seems a Perch of that size is nothing to write home about. 5 pounders seem to be getting more and more common, please correct me if I am wrong. Who knows, in the next five years maybe a 7lb Perch?

Yes it is - DOH! In that case are there any decent stillwaters in the area including commercials that offer good fishing? I am only there for the weekend so a productive venue is a must.

I've just booked a short holiday over the Easter weekend in Oswestry hoping to do some fishing in that area or roundabouts. Whats the River Severn like in this area and is it worth fishing? Are there any good, cheap day ticket stretches in the area? I don't mind doing a bit of traveling to the lower Severn stretches or to the Wye. Any decent stillwaters would be nice to hear of too but I really do want to catch my first Barbel. Thanks in advance

Thanks rourke7719, I don't know why I put The Waddicars on my query list as I am actually pretty familiar with it, but didn't realise it held Carp? Crucian Carp do you mean? I've had them out. It also holds some beautiful big Rudd and the odd Chub. I have also been told that years ago about 6 unwanted pet Catfish were dumped into it! As for the brook, I used to fish it regular with some success (about 12 years ago when I was still at school). Back then I didn't really care if I was allowed to fish it or not I just made sure I had my rod license with me (How can you find out information on places like this, can you assume if there is no information or no 'no fishing' signs that its okay to fish?). Pain in the backside them bloody Chub were, I'd try my best to seek up on them or move upstream of them but they always spotted me or simply didn't bother taking the bait. Only a few times I got lucky free lining bread or black slugs. I had a walk over there last summer and my God them Chub have grown and multiplied! The downside is the steep bank is far more overgrown and access upstream of the Chub is almost impossible unless you wade in!

Thanks Newt. I was actually rambling a bit and trying to get around to asking for advice on river fishing when suddenly my message posted. It might have been something to do with the wine I was supping at the time though!

When float fishing on a river (trotting) you obviously have to plumb the depth beforehand, but because the float will move down your swim the depth could vary. Am I right? Does this mean that the only way to trot on a river is to find a swim where the depth is roughly the same along the length of your 'trot'. I am new to river fishing so please forgive me and please help!

Not one member of my close family or friends is 'into' fishing but I absolutely love it. Everything I have learned about fishing is from a book or from my own experience.

In a couple of weeks I'm going fishing on a commercial water (Charity Farm in Wigan). The water has a mixture of fish from Gudgeon to 21LB Carp. I am not targeting a particular species (I just want to catch fish) but I would like advice on a mainline and hooklength strength to be cover me for all eventualites, ie catching many small fish but being covered just in case a 'biggy' comes along. Also how should I feed my swim given that it is winter. I am just getting back into fishing and need a few reminders, any advice would be much appreciated.

I returned to fishing last sunday (2nd December) after a 5 year absence. I fished the River Weaver, the weather was atrocious, gale force winds and rain, impossible to see a bite - I'd have been better surfing than fishing. My trusty brolley turned inside out and broke and I caught nowt, apart from a cold. Anyway, somehow enjoyed it and can't wait for my next trip but I would appreciate some advice on the different feeder/leger rigs, ie advantages and disadvantages of each rig. Most of my fishing has been float fishing, in fact I have only been 'legering' about 5 times, with some success though. On sunday I fished using a rig which I believe is called the Paternoster rig but I can't help thinking when the fish swims off with the bait ,in a certain direction, it will feel the weight of the feeder and eject the bait.

Next sunday (02/12/2007) I make a long awaited return to fishing (12 years). Back then was even more young and stupid (15 yrs). Anyway, I am going to make my debut on the River Weaver at a stretch what I have been told is called the Vale Royal. I am led to believe here it is 25 feet deep and has a very slow run. I intend to feeder fish it , but can anybody give me any tips, ie. what the best baits are, methods and what fish I can expect to catch. (if any) Please, no replies telling me to try a commercial fishery instead after such a long break. Don't get me wrong, I have tried commercials and they are great every now and again but I love a challenge and they simple do not offer me that.

Thanks for the advice chaps. Tigger , I know the dougie is fairly weedy in most areas but I do intend to fish other rivers fairly locally such as the Ribble and Dane. Tigger, you ask what part of the dougie I am fishing, well actually I am hoping to return to fishing after a 12 year absence, but I did used to fish at Appley Bridge and near where I live at Parson Meadow. If you know of any other areas that are any good please let me know. Cheers

Could anybody recommended me a good, cheap centrepin reel. They have always fasinated me. Ive been looking around and they seem extremely expensive. I have seem some cheaper ones, £30-£50, but this is a lot of money to pay for something that may not function as I want it to. I live in Wigan and with the river douglas improving unbelievably over the last 10 - 15 years, and practically being on my front doorstep, I think a centrepin could be a worthwhile purchase.

Could somebody please tell me the following regarding Wigan Flashes not on the Wigan AA card(Scotsmans, Westwood, Pearsons, Ochre and Waddicars): 1. Who controls them and how much to fish them? 2. I have not heard of anybody fishing Ochre Flash, is fishing allowed here? 3. What species of fish are in them and how big? 4. Are they worth fishing? 5. Is fishing allowed on Poolstock Brook as it is packed full of decent sized Chub? 6. I know this is not one of the Wigan Flashes but I used to fish a lake near the JJB called 'Limey'. Is fishing still allowed here?