Pescador Pablo

Until 2003 I was in a syndicate with about 4 miles of both banks around Downton, just upstream of Fordingbridge. There were many lovely chub in those days, with my best at 6lb 10oz. I think I've heard the roach are making a comeback, but I'm not up to date as I moved up to the Midlands.

River Trent 0.5 metres up and going through like Ex-Lax on speed! For health reasons I can only fish in the next 10-14 days, then next opportunity will be Aug/Sept.. So frustrating!

4 bob each, I think you'll find!

I've taken a bit of a break from fishing over the last 2 years, only getting out a couple of times each season. This year I hope to be able to get down to the Trent for the opening day, on a rather nice trotting stretch near Trent Lock. The club used to have matches down there fairly frequently and the pegs were cut back a bit. Last year I had to do my own careful trimming, and I would imagine it'll be the same this year. Looks like we've got some showers from now till the 16th with fairly steady daytime temperatures in the high teens and minimums around 11/12 degrees. Could be great conditions for the opening day/weekend!

Try the Derby Railway Angling Club. I'm sure they've got some stretches on the Dove and plenty of lovely water on the Trent.

Cleared access to a couple of swims and noted 2 more as alternatives. Maggots and casters in cold-box. Sausages cooked, sandwiches made, in fridge. Rods selected and packed. Camera battery (optimistically) charged. Haven't been this excited for quite a few years!!

River Trent at Trent Lock. There's a lovely stretch that's controlled by the Soldiers and Sailors Club, so I've just joined-up for a year. I haven't fished for the last 2 years as I seemed to loose my mojo; now I want to know if I've got it back! Maggots and casters are on order for collection this pm, tackle box is sorted, and I'm off down the bank to do a little bit of swim/access clearance. Wish me luck!

Trev, Have you looked at derby Railway Angling Club? They've got some good still waters and miles of the Trent where it's still not a big river.

Thanks everyone for the very helpful replies, looks very promising. I've also found some good looking allotment sites, so now I just need a house and job! Minor details really. Off to theTrent now to start the season. Best wishes to you all

I may have the opportunity to move to the Cardiff area. Does anyone know of good river coarse fishing within 1 hours travel. Many thanks for any thoughs. Paul

More unnecessary bits of plastic being added to our waters?

Luke, you are quite correct, due to the different denities of air and water. If you try to lift a 6lb weight using a 6lb line on dry land, you should be just about OK, depending on the quality of the line. However, if you put a12lb weight on the same line and place it in a bucket of water, then the 6lb line should still lift it, as the density of the water will help support the weight. Another way of thinking about it.... if you dangle a 2 oz weight from your rod and have it suspended in the water, Look at the bend in your rod tip. Now reel-in until the weight is clear of the water; the bend in the rod tip should be greater, as the water is not supporting the weight. That's just the straight physics with no rods or reels envolved. Once you add balanced tackle, shock absorbing properties of you rod tip, reel clutches etc, it swings even further in the anglers favour.

I'll just have to be patient, and hope I don't miss the next batch!

Does anyone know if they're still available? Can't find them on the Dragoncarp site, which is a bit worrying?

Thank God that was in the Express! Guarantees it's wrong!!

Steve, The only thing I disagree with was that, when you're a kid there is no such thing as a Small gudgeon roach or perch. they are all enormous!! Until captive fishing came along

Plenty of pike in the Trent, along with day ticket availability. Just try a small dead bait along the margins, and you'll be in the action.

Three main thing to remember 1. Don't believe any of those ghost stories you hear fishermen tell. 2. Always put camo netting over the front of your torch. 3. Take lots of garlic, and a polo-necked sweater. Sorry, couldn't resist! However, seriously Take a fully charged mobile phone with you, and put the ring on silent. Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. If there are no toilets around, make sure you've got loo roll and a trowel. Enjoy and tight lines

Windrush, I've started fishing the Trent again after a gap of 6 years or so. The same thing appears to have happened here, there would always be loads of minnows attacking maggots or bits of ground bait, but since I re-started in March I've hardly seen any! I wouldn't have thought it was down to otters or mink. Possibly and ironically, maybe the cleaning up of the rivers is the cause! Less organic waste going into the rivers seem to have reduced the algal growth, on which a lot of fry feed in their early months. Any other thoughts anyone? Don't think we can blame this one on the eastern Europeans.

Benacre, Yeh I'll sell you one. You take on my identity, mortgage and overedraught, it'll be in the post in the morning

I've now received three! Only paid for one, but they've obviously still got a lot of Gremlins in the system

I've also received 2, with different numbers and in separate envelopes. Will check bank account.

42 years of buying a licence and only checked 6 times. Sellers of day tickets should not be allowed to sell if the angler doesn't have a licence. Q.E.D.

I've had to buy a licence for the last 42 years, and hve been checked 6 times. Colin, quite right!! No licence..... No day ticket

I thought carp were reincarnated carrier bags full of water, therefore have no relevance to this discussion