Fours

Ha ha.10 mins,eh?Well I suppose the pages were difficult to prise apart.Was it frogs porn?

Sorry?? On my thread 'Carp in distress' you very clearly suggested that I should have knocked it on the head for the plate!

A nuclear fishile? Just need to be careful of collateral line damage!

I'm off to the bank tomorrow to do a spot of piking. I've got a variety of frozen deadbaits to try, but just wondered how I should thaw them once there. I saw an old dvd with Mick Brown who suggested throwing them into the margins while setting up. Anyone else do this?Will they hook anyway whilst frozen?

Maybe stingray specs for the saltwater boys?

Ha ha.Then of course the ground forces may get involved.With all their camo gear on......hey, hang on!!

Jib the pole and get yourself some appropriate gear, then fish for them legitimately! Sounds like you had fun, so imagine a 10, 15, 20 pounder!

Yeah, but the boat boys would then develop depth charges to counter them. Could get messy.

Why they go through the arduous development process is beyond me!! I'm currently working on a compound involving feathers and Helium. Can't say too much more at present, but watch this space.(Or don't).

I'd wear a Batman outfit if it was going to keep me toasty! I tend to periodically sit in the car to thaw out if I can park next to the swim.Always reeling in beforehand may I add! I'd like to take the missus, but not a fishing fan, unfortunately, so I'd just end up with a cold shoulder anyway.

Yes, I asked a similar question a week or so ago and received some good advice. The best of which was to take a 'buddy' with you initially. I shall be doing just that on Friday. Scary! Can't wait!!

I'm sure this is probably updated or revised on a regular basis, but does anyone know the current guide to what constitutes a 'Specimen' for each (or any!) course fish? I have my own personal view on what constitutes a specimen, because in my opinion it depends on the water one is fishing. What I mean by that is that I have caught a 6lb 12oz Bream from a river that usually throws up an average of 3lbs.Therefore, in my opinion, this is a 'specimen' for this particular venue. However, in terms of definitive specimen weight probably falls well short! Just wondered what the bench marks are.Very subjective I would have thought? I'm not one to necessarily place great importance on this as a rule, just curious.

On the subject of Otters and livebaiting......(ha ha).

Do you mind?! Auntie is well on the way to recovery now, if still limping badly, bless her. Please report accurately....it was her foot!

An incredible feat of engineering... an incredible feat of human endurance. Warms the cockles.

I share similar sentiments. I suppose I was always going to stir up a hornets nest a little with this one. I do respect the views of others, and if you get pleasure from this arm of the sport, then good for you. I just wanted an insight into what that 'buzz' was. Personally I would rather spend a day on the bank waiting for a 6lb Tench, for example, than catch the equivalent weight in 'tiddlers' to win my section. We all tick to a different rhythm, mine just out of kilter with that side of the sport's 'metronome'. Incidently, how many matchmen actually go against the grain and fish for the biggies to make the weight?

Can of worms indeed! Not sure I'm comfortable with that. Really appreciate your help though.

Ummm. No enjoyment in terms of just 'being there' then? Pole, i'm presuming?

I've had some cracking action on the 'tip' in the past catching some good bags of Bream with redworm.I've also blanked woefully with them! Never used them for Carp though. I usually put a Lob on the hook if choosing worm at all to be honest.Just a confidence thing, as have had some very nice fish of most species with these.

My intention is not to be contentious, but.....please explain to me the attraction of match fishing. It is unquestionably a huge part of the sport, but I'd like to get an idea of whether you get the same experience from it as a non-match angler. Maybe I should quantify that.I fish for pleasure.The pleasure comes from a multitude of elements. For example: Fishing for a specific species;Relishing the tranquility;Using a rod and reel! The list is endless and I'm sure they cross over for the match fisherman to an extent. I have total respect for all on here, just want to know what I'm missing out on! Case for the defence please.

An AI licence perhaps?

Yes, Fenland drain. It is a bit of a sensitive issue to use Eels, so I'll challenge my conscience beforehand! Many thanks for your help.My brain has stopped throbbing slightly.

Very clear, but a little weedy. I'll have all day! There's about a mile or so of bank.