Matt Shaw

Jeepster Thanks for the reply. What stretches do you fish? Could you send me some info? Your photo disturbs me!

Ooohh its been a while since i posted a topic, it's nice to be back. I am currently concentrating my efforts on a carp pond near Sheffield, but feel the need for a change. I read an article in "Coarse Fisherman" mag about barbel in the River Trent. I am planning a fact finding trip in the Newark area, looking for day ticket stretches for the beginner. Has anyone got any tips, or better still does anyone fancy showing me around?

I finally got the chance to try out my recently purchased rubber frog lures last night. I visited Ulley Country Park (South yorks). I found a peg that was surrouded with lillies in about 1ft of gin clear water, there was about five jacks present. I cast out the frog onto the lillies and the nearest fish took notice straight away. I plopped the frog over the lillies and as it hit the open water, the pike hit it like a rocket. I was actually scared for a second by the speed and ferocity. It gave a good account of itself. 5lb 10oz, returned to fight another day, my frog on the other hand has gone into retirment with only two legs! Have you witnessed a take before? Tell us about it. Matt

I must agree with the Bradford Angler. I bought a Shimano hyperloop 13ft two months ago. It is fantastic, well balanced (with a shimano catana reel), fast action and lots of power. I use it on commercial waters with the waggler and have landed fish (carp) up to 9lb. It cost £34.99. Bargian Matt

Nice one Colin I have been wondering about trying prawn for the first time for some time now. This week is the time!. Matt

Beef, potatoe, onion and gravy in pastry. Much like any other pasty actually, but it was the size that impressed me. I think it was probably a pasty pb for me! Oh, and it was raining and i was freezing cold so it warmed me cockles. ahh bisto

Wow. Thanks for all the advice guys. I had a really good chat with a guy at Climax tackle today too who repeated a lot of what you have all said. I am currently using a fixed spool reel for lure fishing with lures up to 50g. I really fancy trying out some of the big jerks and dawgs, so i think i might take the plunge and by a bait caster combo. Thanks for all your help and signposts. Later dudes Matt

Nice one dude. I have lost count of the number of carp i have caught. But i still have'nt got a twenty. Ah well!

What are the advantages of using multiplier reels for lure fishing? And can you recommend a good starter reel (budget of up to £40.00).

I went in the rain on Sunday. Really enjoyed it. I picked up a few bits and bobs and sat through some interesting displays. i must agree about the quality of the new Matt hayes rods they look fantastic (it was nice to see him there flogging them too). The best stall? it had to be the dude flogging the hot welsh pasties, i think they were called oggies!

Thanks Monkeyboy It seems a bit expensive for me at the moment, but thanks for the info. Matt

I have been fishing in and around Sheffield for three years now. I tend to focus on commercial ponds and the Sheffield canal. Are there any clubs that you know of that i could join to find some like minded anglers? I am not into fishing matches. Carping, piking and day sessions is my thing. Let me know what you think. Cheers dudes

Nice one. Lets look to the next five years.

Think about what you actually want to do with the tackle. By this I mean will you be able to use the tackle for any thing else. Good tackle isn't cheap. You get what you pay for, so don't buy the first thing you see. I bought a twin set of rod and reels that i use for carping and piking. I always try to buy tackle that is compatable too, two identical reels means four spools, this can give you an advantage in choice of line/braid when you get to the bank. The artcile in this weeks Anglers Mail is really good. Finally don't think you have to have all the new gear on the bank. I still sit on my eight year old shakespeare box under a brolly! Bivvies and beds are great for long night sessions but they are not essential. Let us know how you get on. Later dude

I have just recieved some Renosky Super Soft Frog lures from Harris Angling (excelent internet service, next day delivery). I thought they might be fun for a bit of evening piking this summer. Has any one out there tried them, or anything simillar? Can you offer me any advice, top tips etc. Bye for now Hop you can help! Grebbit!