Phone

All, Dropped "Eight grand" during one stop in a tackle shop. That boy may need a barrow after a couple more trips. Not even close to becoming a "tart" yet - do you think? Phone

Vagabond, When I stopped coming to AN regularly it was about ought 4 or maybe early 2005. You were planning a trip to TX. Did you come? Phone

All, The two tales (tails) hardly seem to be reporting the same event. Personally, I believe the dasterdly carp version(?). Either way, you hate to see results that end in tragedy - swimming or fishing. Is quicksand common in the UK. In all my years I've only seen what I think might be "quicksand" maybe once in North America. Don't even remember where that was. We have some swamps without bottoms and gumbo mud that takes a tractor to pull you out - but not much quicksand (I don't think?). What are the temperature variations in these large pits at the thermocline? Anyone know? Phone

Newt, I agreed with him (at the time). It was the hottest March ever in AR. The state congress of AR in 2007 was liberal. And, I thought to myself, the article is only mildly tounge in cheek. Since the beginning of "time" we have recorded history using time of various artifical increments. For example, the first seven days must have been doozies. Milking three cows by hand is kind of like waiting for a run in a long slow session. You have plenty of "time" to conger up a new "cause" for about anything. I sort of liked the extra hour of sleep until 4 am rolled around to 4 am. The one that is really a stuicky wicket is when they start indiscrimanately adding nano seconds to the year. Then you are messing with a whole year and is easily noticed in my cow's milk production. I mean that's not just sliding an hour up and down - that's jacking with real time. Bugs, carp and milk cows know these things and their life cycles are often disrupted. Phone Edit: (ohh, in AR Connie and Martha are "he" names) The thread title should have been is HE serious.

dean, Some years ago (1970's) I was in the same boat with flavorings (I refuse to waste perfectly good "u's" on words such as flavourings since I'm across the pond). Finally I found a "list" would suffice. My list is now 67,943 (it includes commercial bait products) and growing. Maybe you should just start a list? Phone

Ken, EA is pretty clear on the subject. They don't address "when" you may trap crayfish. Logic dictates you could do it whilst fishing - but that is often absent in the regulations. Equally because Abingdon and Oxford Anglers Alliance is not the actual owner of adjacent (ripirian) land I'm not sure if your membership covers crayfish. For sure, I'd start with the EA. I have copied and pasted from them the following: "Crayfish Trap Guidelines As you need our written consent to use a crayfish trap, it’s sensible to get permission from us before you buy. Make sure that the trap you buy is legal for crayfish trapping. There are strict rules about the size and design. This is to protect other wildlife such as otters. The entrance to the trap must be no more than 9.5 cm across If the entrance is more than 9.5 cm across, there must be an otter guard or restriction on the funnel leading into the trap The holes in the mesh must not be more than 3 cm across The trap itself must not be more than 60 cm long or 35 cm wide If you want to use a trap that does not comply with these rules, you will need written permission from us. Phone our National Customer Call Centre on 0370 8506506 and ask to speak to your local Fisheries Officer. We refuse many applications because of the risks to otters and water voles. These are protected species. Don’t break the law." (highlight by Phone)

All, Not the best I've ever played - but - the best ever played on me. I pride myself (and impress others) with my viglance to watercraft. I was "set-up" with what was assured to be the absoulte BEST swim on a large but unfamiliar lake. I took for granted I was being treated with royal consideration since I was the oldest and this swim was closest to my truck - very considerate - don't you think?. After about 2 hours of non-stop grins and giggles from the rest of the anglers (half dozen "pals") in this "friendly" gathering I began to suspect something was UP. Since it is an artifical impoundment of about 1000 acres or more with no real features I had no idea they had me fishing on an 18 inch shelf of water. I reviewed the circumstances, dabbled a little, and realized pretty much where I was fishing. Wat the 'ell am I supposed to do now - OHH great white carp fishermen of England? I was lunch. Phone

All, So, where is Steve B.? I'm Not a perch expert so I am on REAL thin footing. I'd say, just from experience with fish in general, it is likely both examples in the extreme will parish. Not a problem - if you've tried - either method - and you are comfortable with what you attempted - then remember they are just fish. IMO it's like the "paper or plastic" question at the grocery. You want to cut a tree or choke a fish is a more likely question. Phone

paul93, I just love learning "new stuff". Thanks for sharing. It's a gulper though. Reminds me - - that that's the way we used to "display" carp for the photo. Phone

All, I might add, fouling a swim with road kill is only marginally affective/effective. Crayfish are the "last" to check out new offerings. Fish are far more mobile. A good way to blank is to use road kill one swim away whilst fishing for any carnivores or omnivores. Once established, one can catch fish along the margins of the area where the road kill is located. I have even stopped using road kill for our very aggresive catfish fry (blue and channel) and turtles. It just seems to throw everything out of kilter and off balance. For years I thought "it worked" - then realized it worked to keep the unwanted critters away but also kept the quality "wanted" critter away. Phone

Dales, You're probably right. The thread subject "Crayfish Resistant Baits" won't work. Crayfish eat exactly what fish eat. You might try "Crayfish Resistant PRESENTATIONS". Phone

Leon, This question may be fundamentally to stupid to answer. That's OK if it is. I'll never know without asking. Why are the fish dead when returned to the sea? Phone

davecg, Missed your first post earlier - sorry. Well, yep - - - and - - - were there any experienced anglers close by who would/will get you off on the right foot? We all started somewhere but from the above post you're starting further from the ladder than most - much less climbing the ladder. A "12 ft carp rod" would imply you were carp fishing? You'll no doubt need a LOT more weight situated in the right spot. Do you have any idea what the "tip weight (TC) of your new rod is? Your bait's fine. What size hook? line weight? reel? Do you know about "method mix"? In the US we sometimes (mostly) use packbait. Packbait is like method mix except it is easier - do you know how to make a packbait? We will help but really I am at a loss as to where to begin. Give us some more scoop. Phone

gozzer, In the midst of a froth of political comments how did you notice that one? I know that girl, she's blind and deaf - her dad's in the liquior business. Phone

Andy, Ha ha! did so - did so Yep, that's what I use. Not sure how much 5.99 is in $$ though. (how do you make those funny little "L"s?) A high quality Zebco 33 and an 6' UglyStik run you about $22.00 plus tax in the plastic "blister pack"). All owned by Berkley (Pure Fishing) now. The line is fine. (Stren 10 lb) I confess I usually step up to 17 lb and use the brightest fluroscent I can find. I'm old line watcher and freeline. Used to be Berkley Big Game Inshore and I still have a 1000 yards or so. Reel only holds 60 yards - TOPS. That line is 10 - 15 years old and just might not be any good anymore. I do keep in in the dark. Guess I better test some before I "load up". It's just that line technology has passed me by in a gallup. No idea what's "good" anymore. I like a real stretchy mono and no braid. PB is 45+ - 47+ lbs (carp and buffalo). Don't get me wrong, I have some fancy stuff for "showing off" (or coming to England). As for the 4 lb record weight for carp. I believe - not sure - it may be approaching 40 lbs - - you're right. I think that's IFGA (or is it IGFA?) That's what I last heard in "bankside banter" couple years ago so take it for what it's worth. A guy in NJ is supposed to hold it. He uses a float tube. Within the last 5 years we held "Snoopy" tournaments. Had to use one of those kids set-ups. It was always fun. Don't do it anymore because it is "politically incorrect" although only a very few fish were ever lost. Lastly, one of the differences between angling in UK/Europe and the US is that in the US fishermen are SUPPOSED to lie until they are pinned down to their pucker string. I like to lie - although this post is cross my heart true as best I know. Phone

Anderoo, You must'nt leave. You need to take a deep breath and Phone's famous de-sensitivity class. Of course, above all, I am ALWAYS right - that should be a given. I belong to a number of groups of likeminded guys that have coffee in the morning; tea in the afternoon and a beer in the evening (although I don't drink the nasty tasting stuff). I'm retired, that's what we do. Here's the deal. Without a little sandpaper there is no friction to move forward. A static condition is actually a step backwards. Here's a new beginning for you to approach AN from. First - they are just fish. Second, if ever there is a "right way" it is time to take up bowling. Third, it is far more "fun" on AN that a cell phone "tweet". I hate tweets and your ultimate goal, unless you have a "professional interest in fishing" is to have FUN. Some people cannot express themselves well in two dimentions. I bet they are actually a lot of fun as companions on the bank. Always give the benefit of the doubt. Even Chesters1 (I like him). Let me give you and example. BREAM SPOD MIX is the subject of this thread. Frankly, I don't believe it is fair in any way to lay down a bed of groundbait for any species if you are in persute of a quary on a "sporting" level playing field. Would I say that in this thread? Probably not, it would be inappropriate. Phone

Worms, How is it I can agree with you? Just as a matter of taste based, I suppose, on my historical background I am not a fan of "guppy shaped mirror carp". I know, even the more natural fish of the Leney lineage are your prized captures. For some reason, I prefer the long slinder fully scaled commons. For me, they are a more attractive fish. I would not like to be associated with a 92 lb carp - just isn't me. That doesn't make them a "bad" thing. It just means someone has encouraged a fish to it's genetic potential slightly beyond what nature intended. They are still just fish. Reminds me of the TV news story about the 60 stone guy that was trapped in his own house and died. Actually Dales, I prefer the "everymans" British carp puddle. The "uppity" lakes made me nervous for fear I'd do something as the "ugly American". I wouldn't like for one minute to "look down" on the overall and everyday passion for carp angling in England. Certainly, the "outside 1%" can be goofballs but I sincerely love to fish with them also. And, don't sell them short. They read and understand the fishwraps and every new idea presented. They can usually be sussed out by their watercraft skills. What they don't understand is why I like a 2 hour session freelining a kernel of corn. Phone

All, With a proper section of DEAD tree still attached those "gizzmos" are highly prized in the artist community. A friend who is "crossover" to both communities, fishing and art, put me onto them. I got $100 for three just for picking them up a couple years back. Phone

All, While the subject is a serious matter I do believe Elton picked out a story of someone commiting a serious offence. I agree with Chesters1. Fishing line rubbish as an overall issue can be pinned on our community 99+%. It is one area we probably could be better stewards. Manufacturers have offered all sort of incentives but nothing as yet has caught on very well. In the spring I watch birds "dumpster diving" for a nice wad of fishing line for nesting. Unfortunately, they usually bite off more than they can chew. I do take execption to Andy laying it off on my cheap kit. Most drunks, regardless of the quality of their kit are an obnoxious and annoying nuisances who usually leave their behaviour on the bank. Expensive kit is for arrogant fishermen not for fishing. Equally, I cringe at the "experts" who insist they alone can catch 45 lb carp on 4 lb test line. My favorite "fishing hole" has lost line, lead, and lure problems of every ilk. Without going into detail it is a magnet for 100 yd snippets of line. Every two years the Department of Natural Resources "mine" several tons off the bottom with a huge rotating broom looking gizzmo. Phone

davedave, A bit of humor. A pal has a 7 - 10 acre pond in SFO area. Much like the one you are talking about for natural beauty This guy has e-mailed me a hundred times trying and trying to catch one of only a few speicmen carp from this pond. Can't be done. Tench (they are the green ones aren't they?). Anyway, he is indundated with 5 - 7 lb tench. The pesky little rascals won't stay off his bait. In the US we have NO population(s) of tench to speak of. I have no idea how to tell him not to catch a tench. His kids catch them on a bobber (float) using bread and kernels of sweet corn until the bordom of one fish after another sets in. All the while he is carp fishing. Phone

All, Maybe the person who should be prosecuted would be the purchasers. To say "they didn't know" should double the fine. They "should have known" if they are familiar with local food products. Phone Maybe prosecute them in the press. Lots of tree huggers go to fancy hotels.

All, Similar "demands" on our West coast were met. Turns out only 31 "jobs" (out of about 300 sailors) in the commercial fleet were Indians. Simply a political ruse. Phone

All, Is there a "the rest of the story" to this story? I mean from British angling's point of view. Phone

Dales, While the "thread subject" has long ago been lost I have a comment. No carp angler is "complete" in my judgment without fishing in England (maybe more than once). Perhaps not for the fish but certainly for the fishermen and the "how to". If you ever need your battery "re-charged" for carp fishing GO TO ENGLAND. You, England, more that compete, you set the standard by which all but the Asian Rim adhear. Many of "those standards" I disagree with and yet without England defining "carp sportfishing" we are just fishing for "catch anything" and the occasional damned old carp. Phone

All, As you may realize I am a list maker. When I used to fish seriously I had a list of "excuses" that I would review and "cross them off" before I went fishing. Now days it's say la vi (sp). I really no longer care to "catch". I just want to "be there"... Does it count that I still kiss the first catch of the day???? SQUARE ON THE LIPS! Phone