Hugh Middleton

Haven't fished it but had a look round a couple of weeks ago. Has some good fish in but is supposed to be a hard water. Thought I might have been able to fish it on my Barnsley book seeing as they have the water BUT it is £7 for 12 hours. Not quite as far north as you but seems a tad steep for a tough water with no facilities. My advice seeing as you are close is to have a wander up and chat with some of the chaps there.

Thanks chaps. Glad I'm not alone in using them. Have been prospecting a few day ticket waters and everyone is geared up with heavy rods and big pit reels even on the smallest of lakes. In fact few if any companies seem to offer anything under 2-5 t/c. Such a pity as I tend to get few hook pulls and enjoy the fight of ALL carp. Guess it's just another example of the market leading. Just pleased I am not alone. Cheers.

When I started carping years ago this was the standard test curve. Does anyone still use them?

Hi folks. I'm hoping to be in Mousehole sometime in July/early August. Would like to do some lure fishing for bass and perhaps a bit of float fishing. Anyone know what the prospects are like in the area and any marks worth exploring? Thanks for reading and for any advice. Hugh

Shaun is a seriously nice guy. Often shop at Walkers and he was always most helpful. Writes a pretty good article too. Wishing him all the very best, Hugh

Thanks chaps,really appreciate your help. Rather fancy a bit of lure fishing for the pollack and throwing a float out when I tire. Will make a bit of a change from blanking on the Trent! Regards, Hugh

Nice posts. Hope to be up for a few days in the last two weeks of August. Supposed to be a family holiday so will probably only pack a lure rod. Any tips,advice would be much appreciated esp as to species and lures and GENERAL areas to try - not wanting to pinch your swims!! Thanks in anticipation, Hugh

Yes,the Trent is your best bet. There are plenty of DT stretches all of which produce barbel to double figures. If you want specific locations then drop me a mail. There are barbel in the Witham but life is just too short! Especially with a few extra miles you can enjoy the fantastic fishing on the Trent. Regards, Hugh

Chris and Mat,thanks for the informative replies. Paul,looking forward to hearing the results. Hugh

Chris, I had posted on float fishing with braid on TFW and Andy T. said you were the man! Would you mind elaborating on end tackle etc. As you say you wouldn't go back to mono what are the advantages and disadvantages? Thanks, Hugh

Brilliant book by a brilliant man!

Budgie, Have been using braid on the pin for ledgering for ages and for drifter fishing for pike. Now I intend to use it for float fishing. What BS braid do you use? What attachnent/trace do you use? Some ledger anglers use it straight through but there are probems if you get snagged unless you can pull to bend the hook.I experienced this when lure fishing. What do others use? Hugh

Thanks for that.Will try and get over soon.Did you buy it for tench fishing?What line rating is it?I have a light match rod which I enjoy using but it is no good for chub,barbel and tench in weedy waters. My old glass fibre rod is getting a bit heavy for my arthritic hands so that seems a good buy.Thanks again.

Could I ask what rod you are suggesting from Used Tackle? May be interested in having a trip there as i may be in the market for a cheap but good float rod. Regards, Hugh

Phil, I've got the 330H. Anyone know what test curve it might be? I reckon about 2lb. Bought it for Spain the other year and a good bit of gear. Hugh