raqman

Hi Chaps, I am actually reading these posts, as actually my first post had two points to cover: Where to Fish near Northolt, and indeed I have received good info on this. The second point was: Where can I go fishing and take them home (as the lakes I checked out where either like Lizards where you cannot take them home, or trout fisheries, where you can only do fly fishing)./ So the legal not legal issue came up and that was indeed an eye opener and I feel much more informed then when I first started. Naturally I am sorry that this has also caused a debate about fishing killing. I am no Vegan and would not have issues catching a good sized fish to eat, otherwise I would not eat Poultry, Meat or the many fishes I purchase from Tescos. For the record, I am now concerned about pollution in the fish I may catch in the Thames etc... so my friends and I have deiced to fish in those places for "sport" catch and release and Fish for "hunting" down in Brighton etc....... What has definetely caught me by surprise is this concern of killing fish and thus why I am reading this thread, as I had personally started this thread, it is of interest to see why there is this culture in my new found sport of catch and release and why one would have issues of killing the fish (my question is genuine and not to stir up fights) as unless someone told me they were Vegan, what would be the difference of buying dead fish at Tescos and eating that, or catching fresh fish from a clean lake and eating that? So indeed, what has caught m

Hi Hermes, For the record, I did not take it personally at all your reaction, if anything, you raise valid points regarding trophy fish and like newt says, a big one would be full of toxins. I am getting a picture that there is "over fishing in the UK" and am going to try lizards to just pass the time away. Personally I do not see a problem of taking the fish you catch if within a reasonable size, as in my opinion, one would not eat fish from the supermarket either if this was an issue, however I am now terrified of toxins etc... that some people have given me the idea that it is best to take home fish when one goes Sea Fishing, which I believe is not an issue for anyone?

Hi Guys, I do not want to get into a debate about taking fish home or not, different cultures and nations have different habits and as I am a guest "new" fisherman here, I will respect the view that the UK sees this more as a sport than a hunting hobby. I read better after posting that you can actually take fish hom over 30cm etc.... (so apologies my previous post came did not make that clear, still it is quite confusing, other fisherman tell me it is illeagal, even my local postman who is a localsaid that same). Just some feedback for any other newbies here: Staines Thames. Not bad fishing, seen others catch large Carp and a nice venue till 10am, when suddenly everyone that has a huge boat for a tiny river kills it all. Great for spinning. Epping Forest. Nice location, relaxing, but seems to me from what I have tried, quite shallow waters. Canals. No luck there, bad for spinning due to the width. Ruislip Lido. No luck, shallow, quite dirty. My other friends went to Lizards and caught fish easily, so I am going to try out that spot. What I have noticed is that even tackleshops seem to not want to give advice, all about cloak and dagger about good venues in the area. I just hope I can remain interested in this sport with all these rules and regulations and it being only a sport, rather than a hunt. Saying that, I have yet to have a famous battle with a catch, so that all may change when I try Lizard and finally catch something. Again all the above my own views and experience and I have gone along with another friend who is a more experienced fisherman from the continent.

this is all really great info guys, glad I found this website!! I originally fished as a kid when I was living in Italy and now have taken up the activity. It is true in Italy we also fished to catch the "lunch of the day", as it also serves as a good excuse to tell the Missus why you have been out on a Sunday with your mates rather than coming home empty handed (or with a Tesco receipt hidden) and I understand the concerns of over fishing and taking home, as if uncontrolled, leaves the fish population decimated. Living near Lake Garda, we did not have this problem, then we would also find private paid for lakes where you could do all sorts of fishing. So from what I understand from all your valuable input, I cannot take home fish for two reasons: It is illeagal. I will be jailed for manslaughter for poisoning the family. I will go to all these canals to pick up my fishing skills and for the odd two hour stint, but where would you all recommend I go to fish and take home where it is not a Fly fishing venue. Thanks to all and for the advice on the pollution issue!! (This should be made more public as a major health issue).

Wow thanks for the answers guys, yes I noticed people parked on the A40 near Uxbridge (would not want to leave my car parked on that stretch though) I did not realise it is illegal to take fish you catch on the Thames or canals home, but now that you say about the toxic levels, I would not want to at this stage!!! (guess I have been lucky not to catch anything to date) I did look into Trout fishing, but it seems to be available for Fly Fishers (I enjoy looking at my float and sitting and taking in nature) so would be great to know where I can do that. Regarding the Grand Union Canal, do you mean the Marina in Yeading, behind the Tesco's? Sorry for not responding earlier, I did not get the email advising of a response.

Hi All fellow Anglers, a newbie here. I have started fishing for about a month now, Staines, Colne Canal, Epping ( no luck yet lol) but wanted advice where the best place to fish is. From what I am reading in the forums, it may seem savage for me to ask, but where can I fish and be lucky enough to catch something edible to take home proudly to the wife to cook for us all. It seems that unless one goes fly fishing for £15 for 4 hours, it is illegal to catch big enough fish to take home. Any advice will be apprieciated, thanks