Guerilla

If they're available still, I'll have: Rapala Countdown Perch Storm Wildeye ProCurltail Pike your original post said the countdown had gone, though?

Good spot, thanks Leon. Make way for even more pikers on the Thurne! According to my father, there were wooden stagings along the stretch at Upton for years. Having walked the length of the dyke on several occasions only to find anglers in the few pegs at the end, it's a LONG walk to the next available bank fishing, opposite Oby mill. So he decided to phone the fisheries manager only a few years ago, nice bloke, who told him there was no chance of ever getting them back. Looks like we will soon though! The EA like to state how much free fishing they have along the Bure (page 9), between South Walsham and Acle, but in reality, there is hardly any (on the river itself) unless you want fish in between two nice walks. Who's betting they put a load of disabled platforms in!?

Unless you're specifically going for 30lb+ fish or casting heavy spods, method feeders or PVA bags full of boilies, a twin-tip Avon style 'barbel' rod will be far more versatile and enjoyable. It'll be much slimmer and therefore lighter to hold and cast as well as being able to accommodate the smaller reel you're likely to already be using. We've only recently been discussing the merits of such rods further here amongst various other threads. Twin-tip rods come in varying test curves, from 1.25lb typically to 1.75lb but look around and you'll probably find one up to 2lb or 2.25lb. The so-called specialist carp rods tend to start at 2.5lb. Have a feel of the ones in your local tackle shop, see what I mean by the thickness of the blanks and weight and see if you really want to hold a 2.75lb carp rod whilst stalking in the margins. Mention to the tackle dealer the type of fishing you want to try and they'll help.

Hi Daniel and welcome, you're in the right place for great information and support. I agree with the others, a twin-tip Avon style rod that has both the standard 'Avon' tip generally used for float fishing, and an additional feeder top with push-in quiver tips will be very versatile indeed, although at the distance you're currently talking about, I'd definitely be float fishing and practicing accurate casting which will pay dividends for later. As others have recommended, the John Wilson rods are great and to invest in one at the start of your fishing 'career' would undoubtedly prove a great decision; you'll still use it ten years down the line like everyone else who has one and looks after it as it will still be a great, multi-functional rod. If the John Wilson one seems a tad expensive, how about a similar Ron Thompson one? Ron Thompson Warlord Avon Rod. Again, it has a 1.5lb test curve 'Avon' top (watch that bend with one of those 18lbers on!) and an additional feeder top. Seems a bargain at Trevs Tackle for £30, as everyone else wants £40 or £50 for it! Gives you some left over pennies to buy some other essentials such as a fishing license, landing net, unhooking mat, discorgers and forceps to name just a few. EDIT: another worthy investment is John Wilson's Coarse Fishing Method Manual book. Tight lines.

Despite only making a brief 1-day appearance at the recent Zander/Pike-in, more than one person recommended that I try and get down to Wingham, (particularly Anderoo) it is that recommended. Admittedly, reading Steves initial comments about the specimens held within, I was solely tempted but I'm limiting my close-season fishing to concentrate all my efforts and enthusiasm come the new season. Good luck to all those who are attending, and thank you Steve for such a welcoming, open invitation to all. Fantastic efforts for all those who go to make this event possible, and so keenly anticipated. I can't wait to read the reports and see the pics.

Congratulations! Happy 10th Birthday! Well done for all your efforts Elton, and for everyone elses wonderful contributions in making this a fantastic site.

I'm guessing that by asking for his age, Chavender is thinking about the length of rod that'd best suit him. I started out with a 10ft match rod!

I haven't read the whole article but just wanted to put my oar in: Live Anderoo, I've noticed a massive reduction in eels from the tidal reaches of the Norfolk Bure and Yare rivers. Even fishing corn and bread would get regular takes in previous years. I returned to fishing this year and fishing maggot and worm only landed one eel all summer. I expect all the otters have eaten them on the other river, the Waveney?

Wow, sounds like some session. Some of these must go 10+ already? We need pics! EDIT: I should think so, one year on!

Not sure, the JRC one is still work in progress too: JRC under Pure Fishing A local tackle dealer is having problems with Shakespeare, he told me. His £300 order keeps coming in bit by bit.

Thank you very much, Rich. I received this book ages ago and forgot about it amidst all the other books I've accumulated recently. Antmac, if you still want it, PM me your details. Otherwise if anyone else wants a look at it, please let it be known.

Great stuff and excellent write-up, as always. Have you got some polarised glasses to help spotting those carp whilst stalking? I couldn't believe the difference upon using mine for the first time last week!

It's strange as those rods that err on the side of 'stalker' rods tend to specify test curves whilst stating that are adept at casting lures, whereas those entitled 'spinning' rods state their respective casting weights and usually finish up detailing that they're "also excellent for stalking carp". I guess I want something 1.75-2lb test curve for the carp but what kind of casting weight would that equate to? 'Spose for the sort of money I'll be spending on one, it really doesn't make much difference! Get something lighter and it'll be more fun taking those margin carp, eh!

Yup, was going to tag it onto Andy M's 'Spinning Rods - Noddy tool' thread as I'm a Noddy wanting a spinning rod. I used my 8ft spinning rod stalking Carp a few days ago and landed a 13lber but realised just how fast the taper is before the rod locked up. I'm now wanting something a touch longer at 9ft (I always bank fish, and usually over large patches of bank weed) but wanted something a touch lighter, probably 10g-35g. I had a look at a few of these in my price range today and found several that seemed to fit the bill just fine. My only concern is whether this is as versatile as I'd like; I know it's probably a bit overkill for Chub and Perch but I'd still like to use it for these species in swims where Pike are present. And in addition, would it have enough backbone for stalking Carp? I presume the rods are primarily aimed at the Pike market?

I've been checked 3 times in around 10 years of fishing, two most memorable. The first time, my dad and me were fishing a tiny farm pond, less than an acre in size. It was our first outing of the season and only intended to fish for a few hours one Sunday evening. My dad finally talked himself into getting a license "just in case" and it certainly proved to be a good idea. The second time was at Horsey Mill on New Years Day, over ten years ago. A chap approached my friend and rambled on about fishing with him for some 5 minutes or so before then asking him to produce his license. Of course should he have carried on up the dyke and seen those fishing the Mere from a boat who shouldn't have been there... A few years back when licenses were £20ish, I was advised by an employer who was a keen fisherman, "what other sports can you do for a whole year for £20?" which on reflection was a fair question. I think license fees are very reasonable and if by keeping them lower means there are fewer bailiffs, I'd rather pay less. I don't fish commercials, I fish the Broads and rivers.

I'd read a few people recommend this book on here so I got it out of my local library for a look first. It's a great book, detailing 32 different fishing methods for a variety of species and conditions. The most appealing aspect of the book for me is the clear illustrations. It's really is well presented. I've no idea if this version is different but it's the one I got, and it's cheap 2nd hand at Amazon: John Wilson's Course Fishing Method Manual The one Budgie recommended is even cheaper: John Wilson's Course Fishing I've only looked at the sections of interest to me so I don't know whether there's the likes of Method fishing or stuff like that in it? EDIT: What about the Fox Modern Guide to Carp Fishing? Probably no good for Roach or skimmers but I'm sure the techniques can be adopted and scaled-down for Tench and large Bream, too. Anyone able to offer an opinion on this book or would it be better asking in the Carp forum?

Good find Ken. Cheap baits for pre-baiting has got to be considered. I found an old episode of Carp Crew on my V+ box last week. It was all entitled "weird bait challenge" where Martin Bowler took on the usual presenter on an Oxfordshire lake spending only £10 each at supermarkets and shops; no specialist tackle shops. Kev, or whatever the other chap is called put all his efforts into cat food, but Martin Bowler tried nuts, chick peas and dog food. The large sausage-shaped pre-packed dog meat was less than 50p at the time of recording! Bargain bait which they even stated proved a good, cheaper alternative to luncheon meat. Oh, Martin Bowler won by the way. If I remember correctly, he had most of his success on peanuts which I think he salted himself!?

Elton, looking at the Mitchell reels again, I think your mate was talking about the Premium reels, or the more expensive Avorunners. The ones I linked to look a bit like those cheapy Leeda ones we got from Tescos recently! It seems most people still prefer the old skool Shimanos! I think I'll opt for the Okumas with the warranty and extra spool. If he's interested in a smaller Okuma, Amazon have the 50 sized Interceptors at £25 each delivered. Otherwise, the larger Travertine look well specced for the money, although I don't know where you'd stand warranty-wise if bought from ebay, anyone? BTW, I'm sure there is there a post somewhere on how to add affiliates to links such as ebay, or does it do it automatically?

Uncanny. I just logged on to ask this exact same question myself! Now I'm gonna hijack your thread I want mine to double-up to do some piking with next winter also, if that makes any difference? What size reel/capacity would you recommend to fish at 50m range tops? Personally I like Aluminium spools, and I like at least one spare per reel so I have to take this into consideration. I've looked at the Daiwa Regals and wasn't a fan; it seemed too cheaply made and I managed to get the freespool locked up several times when playing with them in the shop. It's a shame as I had such high expectations of them, heard great reports and they were within my budget. Maybe the Regal Plus models are worth the little extra? The Shimanos have a great reputation but the lack of a spare spool, or the additional cost of one worries me although a good second-hand one could be an option. The vast range of models confuses me no end, though. Which ones should we be looking for? I have a smaller Okuma Interceptor and whilst I think it's a great reel for the money, I think the Epix might be worth spending the extra money on. An extra spool and bearings would be great. I wonder if they have any extra cranking power? Don't forget all new Okumas come with 5 year guarantees. These are my current fave choice. Don't think there is an affiliate link, but CheshireFishing have 20% off if you buy 2 or more Okumas at present. I haven't had the opportunity to check out any Mitchells yet. If these are the 5500s you were talking about, Cheshire have them at 2 for £30. The Fox Stratos 7000/10000E could also be worth a look. Come on guys, educate us!

Good stuff Rich. It was my first season back fishing after a few years lay off for no particular reason. I bought lots of new gear, landed some good, tremendously hard-fighting river bream, took up pike fishing with a new fishing buddy, tried plenty of new venues and joined the forum. I've had a really poor return since the turn of the year, however so I was ready to pack the gear away for 3 months. I'll use the close season to clean it all up and get the OS map out. Worryingly, I was disappointed with the number of roach I managed this year compared to others. It was great to get more bream than usual, but not at the expense of the roach so that's something I'll be keeping an eye on next year.

Firstly, I feel the need to offer my congratulations to such a fabulous capture. I certainly didn't believe the Broads would throw up a specimen that size but pleased to see myself and all the doubters wrong. Interesting to see such positive comments from the renowned pike anglers on the forum. Living in the vicinity, I've heard a lot of negative reports regarding the captor, which upon reading the AT article, these have been thoroughly rubbished, pleasing me no end. As Peter mentioned, he's clearly a very decent and dedicated angler. It appears that those in the know heard whispers of the catch a while ago, so it was only going to be a matter of time before the masses heard of it and proceeded to descend upon the Thurne! As said before, we can only hope the area can sustain all those trophy hunters. Incidentally, what is the motivation for all flocking to that spot? The belief that there must be other whoppers, the hope of a re-capture, or the possibility that it will be bigger now and thus be bordering on a new record? I don't see the appeal...

Avorunners were discussed a short while ago here.

Bump My local Lidl had all the stuff in yesterday. Got me some cheapo nightlights! Link

A big shame. At least it kept everyone off Horsey. According to PAC it was caught in February, though. Still haven't seen a pic of this behemoth. Any links? Some of us are stuck in the office today...

We'll have to wait until tomorrow to read it, unless someone knows a little about it? Here