Now there's a right un.

Firstly, check the eyes of your Rod and try to soften with inserts. I recommend, from personnal experience, Maxima Chamealion 3lb for trotting.

If you do not mind travelling only 26 miles further. The Devon Mouth, where it meets the Trent in Newark, is practically fishing its' head off. Barbel upto 10lb and Chub upto 6lb. Throw in the usual rareities, like Perch , Roach and even Bleak, you should have a great day. Baits to use, Red Maggot, Lobworm and Luncheon Meat. If you want Nottingham specifically, then I recommend the Nottingham Canal near the Trent entrance.

By the sounds of it you are not doing anything wrong. Many Tench waters have a healthy population of smaller fish. You could try to increase the amount of bait on the hook. I have caught on 5 pieces of corn on a size 12 hook. I also always carry some Pinkies with me when specifically targeting Tench and try to draw away the smaller fish to other locations...But there is always the danger that the Tench will follow too...

I think the only thing that frightens me when night fishing is losing my balance and plunging headlong into the water. Rats only bother me insofar as they have a tendancy to try to steal my baits. Snakes, well they stink when you pick them up and it is hard to wash off the smell. I have heard a rumour, however, that the Rabbit from the Monty Python Holy Grail film prowls my area...

Just an introduction from the latest in a long line of coarse fishing addicts. Well greetings to you all. I am a 30, cough, cough, something year old coarse Angler who has enjoyed his sport since I can remember. My first fishing expedition involved a trip into my Fathers Garden Pond at the age of 2. I caught my first fish, by hand, his prize Carp. However, the carp survived and I became intrigued. My first actual hands on fishing trip started at the age of 6 years old. With an old 6 foot fibreglass rod and an even older centrepin reel I landed an enormous, now bear in mind I was small at 6, Eel and TommyRough. From there I have progressed through the years fishing at any and all opportunities. My best ever fish was a 42lb Common Carp fished from a stretch of the River Trent in Newark, Nott's in 1995. The fish took the bait so gently that it almost did not register the bite. I did however ruin my chances of a prize for best catch by double loading my 35mm camera and so superimposing over previous shots. I love all types of coarse fishing from the Canal Hunt to Large lakes and Ponds. I enjoy nightfishing and have recently topped my Barbel PB @ 14lb 2oz, from a local stretch of the River Trent. I have at my Home a Pond which I use to test new baits and have had much success in my river or pond ventures. On one of my new baits I hooked a staggering 34 Carp in one days fishing alone weighing from 4lb - 21lb. Needless to say my arms were thoroughly tested by the evening. All of my 3 Sons are totally hooked on fishing too and my eldest son landed a 12lb 4oz Barbel, his first, only last weekend. The smile on his face in the picture I took was priceless. Oh and I have a few tips. 1. Morrisons Luncheon Meat from their cooked meat counter "Floats" or Pops Up if you first freeze it. Buy it in a block. Do not cut before freezing. 2. Using a large bait punch for luncheon half cut through the end to create a lid. Push your baiting needle only as far as the cut and put on your stop. The lid helps keep larger baits on the hook through your first cast and hides the bait stops inside the meat portion. Anyway thats a little about me.