Stewart_Bloor

My very first fish was a gudgeon - from the Bratch at Wombourne on the Staffs?Worcs canal in Staffordshire. Just started a winter roach campaign and had a few so far when fishing with maggot while exploring waters. Once I locate some roach I will switch to bread and pastes and bigger baits, so it will be au revoir gudgeon.

I love grayling fishing. No matter how cold it gets it is one fish that you are guaranteed to catch. I had them from the Teme last winter when the water temp was 3 degress.

Thanks Andrew, although I must say that it is just my signature that you read. I wouldn't want you to think I was specifically targeting you with my ramblings.

I think it is vital at this time of the year - particularly if you want to maximise your chances of catching - to choose target species and even venues very carefully.

If you are referring to the BAA stretch, you can get day tickets, but these have to be bought in advance. There is a stretch known as The Unicorn stretch, I 'think' you can get day tickets from the pub, but not really sure. Perhaps someone else may have more accurate information.

Oohh, you are awful, but I like you.

One of the best things I've done though was go to Carrot Road on my 4oth birthday to see Wolves win 3-0 clinching a play-off place for us.

Living as I do smack bang in the centre of England, most of my sea fishing is done as an opportunist. Hence, a family holiday to Pembrokeshire saw me dusting down the sea rods. Had a great time, with pb's for bass, flounder and plaice. Although bear in mind we are talking about a once-a-year angler here, so no monsters. How do you guys get on with surfers by the way? I found that most were OK, but one or two came right across me. I was right at the end of the beach, the only angler, and they did have a mile of beach to play on. So I though that was unreasonable.

I've done too mnay to mention.

Forgive me for sounding cynical, but if you live in his constituencey, e-mail him a couple of months before the election. I guarantee he'll reply then.

Yes, but of course it all depends on species, venue etc. But that is balanced enough so any negative answer woudl be to do with other factors.

I do take tins on certain trips, usually food for longer sessions though. But then again I always take my trash home with me.

What if you haven't got any dollars? Can you pay in Euros instead?

Anywhere.

Most of my angling tends to include an overnighter so top of the list for me is the facility to brew a fresh cup of tea. Flasks are fine for a short session but the taste of luke warm, stewed tea is not a nice thought first thing in the morning. Apart from that sandwiches and fruit as I am on a weight loss programme.

Go down Sandwell, plenty of Peduncles there. Particularly around the Poorthorns at 3.00 pm on a Saturday afternoon.

Use sprat deadbait for the tench. Well that's what I caught a 5lb'er on a week or so ago. But seriously, as has been said, it's getting late now for tench. Although you can catch them, there are definitely other species that will be more obliging.

Paul, thanks. Mind the weather on the Lower Severn last night took some beating. It's been a long time since I was in a storm like that.

Peter, that's a good point - that some of the programmes are a few years old. I saw one of John Wilson last week and he looked about 30. I still think the Henry Gilbey thing looked bad though, holding up fish with the hook on the scales through the gills, and then releasing the fish back into the water.

Having recently come into the 21st Century, and moved beyond the five basic channels, I've been watching the fishing programmes on Home and Leisure. I've seen Matt Hayes catch quite a few barbel but I've never seen an unhooking mat. I always take one, perhaps those of us who see one as an integral part of our angling kit are being severe? I don't think so, and whilst I can see probably Matt's argument as to why he doesn't use one (If he has an argument that is) in the interest of general fish welfare I'd have thought that using one on TV was a good idea. I can see anglers saying that their fish is on wet grass etc, but all that some will see is the fish on the ground. Therefore they will put their barbel on rocks, grit or whatever. They won't differentiate. This morning I saw a sea programme and Henry Gilbey actually weighed two Bull Huss (both doubles, so good fish) by putting the scales in the gills. He then released the fish. I couldn't believe that. I do hope some sea angler can tell me that it's OK and doesn't hurt the fish, I am thinking surely there must be a reason why he weighed it like that? I just can't believe that a TV angler would go ahead and make such a cardinal error. But even if it is OK, and I can't for the life of me think that it is, surely it's not a good image to have on TV. People will be thinking it's OK to weigh any fish that way.

Gobio, funnily enough there were plans within the BAA tom develop a commercial style fishery on the banks of the Avon. Not sure what happened to that though, I did remember reading about planning permission so maybe that was an issue.

A BAA card is excellent value, particularly if you are a pleasure angler. It's quite limiting though if you want to do a lot of night fishing - and stay within the rules. They did start limited night fishing on some stretches a while back but you have to get your tickets in advance and direct from HQ in Birmingham.

He has got strong wrists, that's for sure.

For most anglers, our discussions usually revolve around whether we fish with one rod or two. Sometimes we debate three or four in certain circumstances. However, on Home and Leisure this morning there was a fly angler casting fifty rods at the same time, twenty five in each hand.

No such thing as a silly question. Sorry can't help you but wanted to say hello and welcome.