[Perfect Chub]

Baits (Depending on methods used): Peeled Prawns, Garden slugs, Spicey Luncheonmeat, Bread Flake or Red Maggots.

 

 

The trusty old Lobworm is always worth a try as is some cheese paste made out of the smelliest cheese you can find (danish blue) or similar is usually the best.

 

But as BoldBear says rigs are very specific to the type of water you're fishing, but they certainly shouldn't be complicated.

 

Good luck

 

SteveMerlin

[Pike exam]

I totally agree with that. The number of times i've had to unhook Pike for people when they've landed one but don't have a clue what to do with it is unbeleivable.

 

Regards

Steve Merlin

[What's your favourite type of venue?]

It's got to be the tidal reaches of the River Trent for me, it's where I was taught to fish as a young lad and where i've caught most of my personal bests.

 

Although last season I did quite a bit on the Derbyshire Derwent and really enjoyed having to learn a new river and walk the banks spotting fish.

 

Cheers

SM

[Quiver tips - how flexible?]

Saying that , i now use a 'sidewinder' in a lot of circumstances and find these even more sensitive than a quiver tip , with the advantage that you can use a 'non-quivertip' rod to fish the same way .

 

i've got to agree with you there. I started using a sidewinder about three years ago and i've got to say it's the best change i've made in my angling in quite some time, especially when used in conjuction with a braided mainline.

 

Cheers

SM.

[Maggots]

As i've worked in a tackle shop for a few years I can tell you that the best temperature to keep maggots at is 2-3 degrees centigrade any colder and the maggots will die.

 

Cheers

Steve Merlin.

[Favourite method and fish?]

Trotting a lobworm or piece of breadflake for winter chub.

 

Cheers

Steve Merlin.

[Crayfish and crabs...]

If you catch crabs, then I think you need something from your GP, a powder or a lotion.

When they are dead I don't recommend that you eat them.

And just be more careful where you dangle your worm in future.

John.

 

excellent.

[Cleaning out the pond]

The ultimate answer, of course, is a gravity-fed filter via a bottom drain. When we had one of those, the bottom of the pond was always pristine. That's what I'll be doing when I put the ponds in at the new house.

 

I've got to agree, i've currently got a 3 thousand gallon koi pond with two bottom drains in it, it makes life a lot easier and the fishes environment a lot cleaner.

 

Another point to mention about refilling the pond is to make sure that you do use a "tapwater conditioner" when refilling as a lot of the water companies now use Chloramine instead of Chlorine when treating tapwater and this is far more toxic to fish. If anybody wnats to know what exactly is in there tapwater your local water companies will be only to pleased to provide you with a full list.

 

Cheers

Steve Merlin.