Neil Smart

The upper reaches of the Bristol Avon, around Malmesbury used to be an excellent Roach venue, I think we have had this conversation before regarding big Roach John, and I would say without a shadow of doubt the best method for big Roach in the winter had to be feeder with crumb/mash with flake on the hook. However I have had some cracking Roach fishing this summer, whilst targeting Barbel, on the Lower Severn, with a feeder full of groundbait and 8mm hallibut pellet, they went crazy for it. On the middle Severn they get caught on 14mm pellets, I have had them, big clonking things, hardly Mr Crabtree esq though. Don't neglect the Canals the K&A is stuffed with quality Roach, so much to go at your way....

Dudmaston Hall Ken, the Big Pool is an excellent water for Tench. I too am a long standing BAA member, and I certainly miss the Tench fishing, I guess I was spoilt with living in the Cotswold Water Park a few years back, and that was rammed with Tench, South Cerney AC do offer DT's if you fancy a bit of a drive. BAA have a few pools as you know, and the lesser fished Apperley Pools are hard, but very nice and secluded, there are two pools, the smaller one does have a reasonable head of Tench,but the River Severn runs along side, so if you fail on the Tench there's always the huge Bream shoals. Nice Pub nearby to wet your whistle, the Coal House.

Kinver Freeliners have probably the best Tench Fishing in the Midlands. Also the best Barbel Waters too. Contact Steve Williams.

This place is soooooo sloowwwwww, well John what do you think....anyone?

Hemp does not have a high food content and could still be used in winter. In colder water as you know fish will become less active, so they weigh up effort vs reward scenario, and with that very often a large bait works better, and no better I reckon then a large piece of bread flake.

The Severn is full of the things John, do you have any/many in your neck of the woods?

The real skill in float fishing comes into it's own, in my opinion when trotting, Oh! Dear here we go again, that is running a float down a stream or River, and presenting the bait to the fish in a manner that seems quite natural. You might have to 'mend' the line and feed in a manner that is not too much, but enough to keep the fish competing. Of course if we are to present the hook bait in a natural manner then the hook bait will sink as though it is just a free offering, amongst the 'loose feed', this is where shotting patterns are important. We could talk of shirt buttons and more but I fear it might be just a bit much to take in. Suffice to say Phone BB is right, in that you lot do the lure thing far better, and let's face it Preds are pretty stupid, whilst we apply the Issac Walton finesse to our sport to catch the more wary and deserving quarry, but whatever it is fishing, just that we do it a whole lot better

It's what sets us apart in the skills department, you have the 'bobber' whatever that is , we have the hand crafted crow quill Avon and many more beautiful creations that actually do a fine job, and look amazing, especially alongside an Autumn Roach or better still a Perch. I'll send you a copy of Passion For Angling, or Mr Crabtree if you need convincing. You won't see either in your Bass Pro stores....than God

How did you get on Chris? Good to get some feedback.

Well as it is the main reason for being there, could be cheaper than a bunch of DT's, just trying to help... Just checked ST is £70, DT's £8, 7day ticket £45.

OP what have you started? No stopping them now... 'pins have their place, in a cabinet...only joking, well sort of, but a fixed spool is a much better all round tool, not much good when you need to cast 40 yards on the Severn is it? They are brilliant for trotting a float, or maybe margin fishing for Carp and Barbel, but by and large there is just too much sentiment over them and little sense. Tin hat....

As said you might consider a bait runner reel for this method John, and setting the reel on free spool will give you the warning. But I would only employ this method if after bigger fish such as Barbel or Carp, a a heavier lead will prick the fish and then the fish will run setting off the 'runner', so no need to worry about drag settings.

Hi, used to live in South Cerney which is in the Park. Dave Savage is the tackle dealer and has a shop in Cirencester and also one on the Water Park. It's very much a carp venue now, something that I didn't do back then, but I did fish for Tench, and very good it was too. Tench feed well in bright sunshine in gravel pits, so no need to worry if the sun is shining. Check out Ham Pool where South Cerney Angling Club have a club house (licensed) where you can relax with the family and fish too if you want. You might consider joining the club, they have some good lakes in the park Also Keynes Park, local authority controlled, day tickets, and a family venue You won't be disappointed.

Would have smashed your own p.b a fish of that size I reckon.

I have cut it down to a minimum, if I need a chair it a small fold up, tucked inside the mat, a quiver is handy to transport the rod(s) and banksticks, a rucksack takes all the other gear. Hate packing up loads of gear, let alone lumping it around everywhere.

Always thought you were an experienced knowledgeable angler personally, who offers up some great tips John, keep 'em coming.

I have started to use the Korum Anti Tangle kits that do work very well, I prefer to keep my feeder rigs as simple as possible, and to be able to quick change the feeder or hook lengths. However quick change swivels can add to the snagging problem, with the Korum system that is not an issue. I don't use any fixed or semi fixed methods, although I see some advantages with semi-fixed. It's a real confidence booster knowing you rig is at least not twisted around the feeder. Never considered the helicopter rig for feeders, but can see the advantages.

He is feeder fishing Rudd.

John I get the same problem, for a easy non tangle set up look at the Korum anti tangle set ups, but my advice would be not to secure the rig but have it free running.

It's a stunning stretch of River there, and a lovely place to trot a float or two, not sure of the rules that refer to wading, so you need to check. Assuming you can your Drennan 14 ft will be just fine. it's what I use, 6lb line straight through. Of course this time of year will see a huge amount of small fish, so I would not use maggots, caster possibly as it can get you the better fish. There are still a few Roach, and Chub, but the Barbel are fewer in numbers compared with previous years, but the are still in the Redds and gravels so always expect to catch one. The streamer weed will be prolific, but with care should be no problem, and for me enhances the fishing. Been fishing for over 30 years, but as stupid as it sounds - I've never fished a proper river before. Consider feeding pellet, and on the hook, I use a low oil pellet, that is for Carp, it does attract the better fish, just use a band on the hook, this pellet swells so should stay on fine. Punched meat also and corn...and maybe Bread. Don't forget the Royalty stretch at Christchuch too, you can get a DT but possibly you need to pre book, the Mecca for Big Barbel, and of course the Harbour in xchurch where some Roach Rudd Mullet, etc abound...lucky man, Oh! and this River fishing lark will be the end of stillwater bashing for you I bet.

Barbel have consumed all my angling time the last few years, so this season will be no different, but I must make the effort with the float gear, is there anything better than trotting a float on a river? Wye, Warks Avon,Teme, and the mighty Severn, so much choice.

On Barbel Fishing World there are a number of these reels for sale all in good condition for £45 delivered. Look up classifieds they are at the top of the page, from a trusted seller. Chesters1 maybe?

Bit early for the White Lightening Old Boy

This is true, they are great sort 'off the top'' , and even better when not spawning, most carp are in the process of spawning at the moment, many decide not to target them.