Neil Smart

The damned hard work to, normally associated with catching a 2lb Roach is well understood, let alone a 3lb specimen, the big ones have seen it all before, that's why they are a challenge, Oh! and the sheer beauty of a 'Redfin' that fills the hand is for me no better image in Angling. My best Roach is 2lb 12 ounces, if I ever was to surpass that I would be a happy bunny, but alas the chances are slim due to predation, I am talking river of course. It's the 16th May, so just one calendar month to go, this season I really must give the float rod an airing.

It does seem the 'norm' to fish with two or three rods, especially for Barbel, personally I don't like it, I would rather try and fish well with one rod. Of course double hooks up's can be a problem, and very often happen when the Barbel are feeding well.

I get the barbel gear scenario when catching such prime roach, it really feels like cheating. I love catching barbel but big roach for me are the tops. I always refer to Bob James's huge roach haul in Passion for Angling, on the 'tip' far bank, a couple of 3lb fish in the mix, and the rest all over 2lb. That would do nicely

Twelve Roach around the 2lb mark, incredible.

Thing is the one's without a valid rod licence are more inclined to do other illegal actions whilst fishing, such as stealing fish stocks or even gear. As a bailiff it might be worthwhile to consider that, I know Birmingham AA bailiffs now have the EA 'power' to check both. Personally I am only to pleased to be asked, knowing the thieving scrotes are being knocked back.

Explain please.

I shell out for my license, and AT although I only use one rod, it's a small fee to pay to be part of a fishing 'club' that may not be perfect but does represent the angler. A club bailiff really should have a view that although the angler has a club card, he should also have a rod license, like the majority of law abiding folk. A recent case of 'poaching' on the Severn was recently heard in court, and the Polish angler was fined £600, he was also guilty of 'stealing' from the fishery, that's my club water, so good on the EA, and good on me and others that ask for a valid license, and, very much not a bailiff like your good self.

There are still some proper tackle shops out there, there is one in Evesham that is full to the rafters with stuff, and a lot of it not priced so you have to engage. Always a laugh and a chat to be had, and carp anglers are very much the minority. Nice.

I actually enjoy watching these Urban Anglers video's catching Carp in Docks rubbish strewn Rivers, Park Ponds and the like, it reminds me of my youth fishing such places around Bristol and Bath, to far more rewarding than the commercials or syndicate waters. A clip I saw recently by 'The London Angler' targeted Barbel in London, walking past the crack heads, rubbish and everything else, his mate contacted a good double figure Barbel that looked 'mint'. Note to self... I must give the Severn in Gloucester a go, apparently this tidal stretch hold a good few Barbel and Carp. Also the River Severn hold some cracking Carp, fit things that are a real treat to catch, that's the sort of fishing I find inspiring, but each to their own.

Thanks for putting that up, interesting video, depressing that that lovely looking Rivers suffers from pollution, it's apparent that Barbel on the continent don't seem to achieve the size they do over here. Not sure why that is, could be a different genetic strain?

Been an Angler since I was old enough to hold a rod, or as it was when I was six a crab line that I tried to catch sea trout or even better a Salmon from the River Dee that ran aside my Grandparents Pub or as she called it 'Hotel'. Of course I never did, but as said there was still 'Anticipation' and that is the fire I still have in my belly, the route has been wide and varied, from sea fishing in the Gulf to fishing streams you can jump across, makes no difference the pure joy of catching and returning is what I still get a buzz from. I guess I am a bit single minded single species at the moment, and have been for the last few years, the Barbel has completely taken over my fishing life, the thrill of that wrap round is like nothing else. However I am still happy catching roach and the like from a pond, and seeing that red tip dip is the very essence of why many of us still do it, the kid in us all is alive and well.

Yep a big improvement on the old system, invaluable information for the Severn.

Hi John, sorry to hear your eye sight is a bit less than 20/20. Did you know that bit of Wye we fished is now £40 a day? You may like to know that the same stretch (opposite bank) is now under control of Birmingham AA , and all for a season ticket costing just £30 (concession), it really is for me a special place, and who could forget that day? Of course if you would ever like to give it a go again let me know, no day tickets but superb value, would be great to meet up again. Another option is a day ticket stretch Nr Ross that is just £7, with parking near the river so would be ideal.

If you haven't already, look up Urban Banks Fishing on U Tube, lots of inspiration regarding fishing the Urban Scene.

I agree with Mark regarding the waggler approach for Roach, I fish a pond that everyone seems to fish the feeder, fine if you enjoy the skimmers, but nothing beats the float IMO. keep the feed going in every cast, just a few particles at a time, and that will keep the competing without over feeding. Get those eyes sorted John, that would be my dread not being able to see a float.

Of course, can't believe anyone can dispute this, well I can actually.

Near the la Vienne River nice very nice.