Retiarius

I suspect that the prominence given to carp, rather than other species, when it comes to the discussion of fish thefts is driven more by commercial concerns than any other. As Mr Salter says: "...Carp is worth millions to the economy because of the livelihoods it sustains in the fishing tackle industry and the fisheries, and the diversity from which farmers have been able to generate additional income." I also feel that the Eastern European/Polish argument gets far too much press. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen, but I have spent a lot of time in various fisheries all over the country and have never seen evidence of fish theft by people from this background. On the contrary, I have spoken to, and fished alongside (most recently last Wednesday) Polish/Eastern European people and have never, personally, seen or heard anything untoward. Furthermore, most of what I have have read concerning the theft of fish by them seems to take the form of anecdotal evidence without supporting evidence. Some elements withing the angling press appear very keen to magnify this kind of thing in a particularly irresponsible way. I was appalled by the story which appeared on page 2 of the AT (14th July) about the tackle shop owner who said his customers wanted him to stop serving Eastern Europeans (which would be illegal, surely, on grounds of racial discrimination?). Blatant moral panic mongering. What I have seen far too often is inappropriate treatment of fish by people of all kinds on commercial puddles. I include in this the keeping of carp in keepnets during carp matches on commercials, which are a real money spinner for them. This bad/lack of management of (some) commercials probably results in as much, if not more, mortality in carp stocks than the other problems. Why are these issues not analysed to the same extent? Carp are far more expensive to buy than trout. A quick search on Google revealed some prices: Carp at 10" (3lb) £4.50 per pound (Sport & Leisure Fisheries) Rainbows 2-3lb £2.16 per lb Browns 12-14" £3.00 each. (both Vicars Mill trout farm, Pembrokeshire). Carp in the 9-14lb bracket are £12.50 per pound (Sport & Leisure Fisheries) So a 10lb carp would cost £125 to replace. I agree that it distorts the general picture if carp are used as a yardstick for all species in the debate. But I do feel it's driven by commercial pressure from interested businesses, rather than the concern for the welfare of the typical angler. I also agree with other posters that available resources should be focused on the EA, and others, doing more to enforce existing laws rather than bringing in a further raft of regulations without ensuring that the means, and the will, to enforce them are put in place. Regards, Retiarius http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Hello All, I was having a bankside chinwag with a fellow angler the other day. He said he'd been fishing the Lugg on the BAA Dinmore/Marden stretch a couple of days previously. He blanked - mind you, in my experience it blows hot and cold at this time of year. He'd got chatting to the farmer who's land it flows through there. The farmer told him "all" the fish had been eaten by mink and that there were none left. Does anyone know anything about this - is it true? was the farmer trying to deter anglers? is it another urban myth? I haven't been to the Lugg since last season, but I caught then - trout and chub (plus the inevitable signal crayfish). Also, quite a few fish were visible. Personally, I've never seen mink there. Anyone know more? Regards, Retiarius. http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Second that Janet - small and easy to use.

Some of you might be interested in this rant I was provoked to write last week... http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/2009...h-and-rant.html

Thanks, Vagabond, for your reply. Yes, I've tried the usual search routes. I've also contacted the curator of the John Moore Museum in Tewkesbury. Moore co-wrote/edited H.T.'s last book, The Book of the Fly Rod in 1930. So far, no reply has been forthcoming. I know of 8 angling books written by H. T. I don't own any 'in the flesh' as it were, but have read them online, as scanned facsimilies, here: http://openlibrary.org/ Just put H T Sheringham in the search field and away you go. Other classics from angling's literary canon are available too. Regards, Retiarius. http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

I have found this a very interesting topic - and thanks should go to Gozzer for bringing the consultation to light on the forum. I, for one, will respond to this EA consultation, as well as to the one specifically covering eel fishing and elvering. I have to say, however, that describing the way the EA does these things as 'bringing them in by the back door' reminds me of peoples' annoyance at 'stealth taxes', you know, those unknown taxes of which we are all, miraculously, aware. To be aware of these, and other consultations, one simply has to visit the EA website regularly and navigate to the area covering open consultations, register, and follow the instructions. It's really not that difficult. Doing this is, surely, a responsibility we should all undertake as anglers who wish, presumably, for our sport/hobby, or whatever you want to call it, be administered by some kind of central body (and while I admit that some anglers may, for various reasons, be unable to do this, the majority will). I can get annoyed as much as the next man/woman about the EA , but let's be honest - how better could it be done? The cost implications of administering an e-mail/mail shot have already been highlighted by others in this thread. Yesterday I bought a membership for a club in Gloucestershire with water on the Avon and Severn. I have been a member of this club on and off for nearly 40 years and believe me when I say that its ethos could hardly be described as radically progressive. However, on the front cover of this association's licence it states "All Coarse Fish Must be Returned to Water"; it was not ever thus. The BAA, to which I also belong, has rules which severely limit the taking of coarse fish. These bylaws, too, have changed over the years. It's not just the EA that is concerned about anglers taking fish. In the end we, as anglers, have two options: respond to the EA, stating any problems we have with the process, or don't respond and go unheard. It seems to me, as they say, a bit of a no-brainer. Having said all that I agree with what BUDGIE has to say: "I no longer care what rules or bans etc they bring in.I will see my days out fishing as I always have done and spread the word as well!" Just don't get caught... Regards, Retiarius. http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Hello All, I was wondering if anyone knows where I might find some biographical information on the great Hugh Tempest Sheringham, one of my favourite fishing writers. The only information I can find is the brief biography on the Medlar Press authors' page. I am particularly interested in any information concerning his birth and boyhood in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. I myself grew up in the town and learned to fish there as a boy. Any help, or general comments concerning H. T. Sheringham would be appreciated. regards, Samson P.S. By the way, I've posted this request on some other forums. http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

I've caught 2 Signal Crayfish this year on trotted red maggot - one from the Lugg and one from the Windrush. This surprised me - I'd expect them to have a go at a static bait, but to grab a small, fast-moving bait in coloured water speaks volumes for their temerity and efficiency as a species. Comparisons between Signal/Native Crayfish and Grey/Red Squirrels are obvious. I agree that the EA must do more if we're to be rid of them, but I fear it's too late. Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Thank,s everyone, for the advice. As I've only got to paint about 15 float tops - and I have it already - I'm going to go the Humbrol route. I think I'll get some of the Fascinating Finishes stuff for next time though - nice find Chavender. Regards, Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Hello All, Does anyone have any advice on a suitable paint for re-painting the tips on some old porcupine quills? I was going to use good old Humbroll Enamel and then varnish over the top. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Regards, Retiarius. http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

I agree entirely - I'm teetering on the edge of ordering one myself (a Chris Lythe, that is). And what, in this instance, does 'handmade' mean exactly!? Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

I think it was relatively common in the 'old times' - as was the use of, for example, treble and double hooks for carp fishing. If you read some of the literature of the 40s & 50s, like 'BB', Dick Walker etc. there is discussion of the practice. Having said that people often also gaffed carp in those days too and taking/ killing carp for setting up - or just for accurate weighing at home was regarded as ok. Thankfully, nowadays, we treat our fish as humanely as possible - I imagine the practice of using two hooks would be frowned upon by most clubs &societies. Having said that - it's common practice in fly fishing to fish a team of 3 or 4 flies, and multiple fish are regularly caught. Regards, Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Thanks John - I'll have a look at the td-r. Retiarius

Thanks, John, for your input. What I'm after is a reel to use when fishing smallish rivers where I need to get a legered or freelined bait under far bank shrubbery etc. This often involves a low trajectory flat cast. For years I've been using an ancient Mitchell 300 for this purpose, but, much as I love it, it's coming to the end of its useful life. I've considered rebuilding it with spares form the excellent Mitchell Parts website - or even buying one of their built-from-new-spares reels. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind shelling out on something modern and reliable, as long as it's not too blingy, with a good clutch. I'd probably rarely use it for float fishing. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Cheers, Retiarius

Thanks, John, for your input. What I'm after is a reel to use when fishing smallish rivers where I need to get a legered or freelined bait under far bank shrubbery etc. This often involves a low trajectory flat cast. For years I've been using an ancient Mitchell 300 for this purpose, but, much as I love it, it's coming to the end of its useful life. I've considered rebuilding it with spares form the excellent Mitchell Parts website - or even buying one of their built-from-new-spares reels. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind shelling out on something modern and reliable, as long as it's not too blingy, with a good clutch. I'd probably rarely use it for float fishing. Does anyone else have any recommendations? Cheers, Retiarius

Hello there, I was wondering if anyone uses a Daiwa Caldia X 2500 reel. I'm thinking of getting one for certain situations - mainly involving light legering, and wondered if anyone had an opinion. Thanks in advance, Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the welcome and thanks, Janet, for the kind comments re. my blog

Chaps, For those interested in angling literature, but who cannot afford - or who are not prepared to pay! - the prices asked for some of the older classics, I heartily recommend the following website: http://openlibrary.org/ It is a Beta site, run by the Boston (US) Library, which makes books available, in scanned form, free of charge. I was able to read Coarse Fishing, by H.T. Sheringham, and North Country Flies, by T.E. Pritt in their entirety. Just use the search function on the homepage. Regards, Samson http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/ P.S. I've also posted this on Fly Fishing Forums

Hello all, I've been looking at the forum for ages but only signed up recently. Actually, I've posted a couple of things in the Coarse Fishing Forum - didn't know about the this bit - apologies for that! I live in Gloucestershire, but get around a bit. I enjoy pleasure fishing - coarse plus a bit of fly - and write about some of it in my blog - http://www.retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/. Regards, Retiarius

Jaybird, It depends what you mean by 'West Country'. The Severn contains chub a-plenty along its entire length. When Fishing the Teme (Tributary of Severn), just north of Worcester, for Barbel I have often caught Chub larger than 5lb. In fact, I don't think I've caught one there less than 4 1/2lb in weight. It's a shame really as I've been using beefy tackle to cope with the possibility of double figure Barbel so, much of the time it's not much of a contest - but the bait/tactics used attract both species. Regards, Retiarius http://retiarius-angling.blogspot.com/