3DoorsDown

In that case, I'll take the opportunity to publicly state my plan not to catch anything, but simply enjoy Wingham and the company !

Vagabond, I'd be interested in the Mitchell reels for at least £30 .......let's see how high I need to go ? Nic

This year, rather than specifically try and target one species, I'm taking a general approach to simply catching fish, whatever may turn up from silver fish to monster Carp. I'm also keen to float fish (circumstances allowing) as much as possible. (Of course, that's what I'm saying in public. Secretly I'm desperate to bag up on some monster Tench, but don't tell them, as I want to catch them unawares !)

Lots of useful tips and tactics shared as I start to think about this years assualt on Wingham. What thoughts does anyone have about what should be in my PVA stocking ? Pellets or groundbait or other ? What flavours would be suggested ?

Ooops ! I've been so busy I nearly forgot about the Fish-In. I've emailed Steve, so, fingers crossed not too late .........

Rudd Out of curiosity, being local in Grundisburgh and currently "between jobs" with extra spare time on my hands to fill, is it a day ticket or syndicate waters you fish ? Where abouts is it ? Nic

You definitely said the right thing Steve as you have yourself one in a million there. I'm going to wait and see the response others receive before I'll be brave enough to print a copy. Out of interest, is Peggy available to employee for coaching sessions of less enlightened wives ? Nic

I've been reading with interest, so in an attempt to get back on topic, when using worm/ maggot hook bait, what would be your preferred pellet/ groundbait flavour ? Nic

I've put my name down, fingers crossed for a place !

Thinking about my own fishing over the years and particularly a work enforced break from coarse fishing, I'm not so sure it isn't a question of time on the bank and confidence. for the last 2 years, I've been "fluff chucking", so now I have the opportunity to get back in the groove, I find myself nervous about using techniques I had refined for targeting specific species. Right now, I'm going to be happy to "catch the lot" or anything at all, then I'm sure it will all come flooding back. So, if you had less time or experience, would you be so "single minded" ? Nic

Having had to shelve Coarse fishing a year ago due to the demands on my time of work and family, I decided to return to my childhood passion of fly fishing. I joined the Suffolk Fly Fishing Club and have enjoyed a fantastic year, but at times wish I had some variety of tackle for different weather conditions. I've been really pleased with the combination of my Fulling Mill World Class Silver 5 weight and Airflo Ridgeline floater, but I also have a 5 weight Normark, with a real soft all through action, which has taken me ages ( and plenty of money) to find a line that balances with it, ending up with an Airflo 40 plus. To save me a load of time, trouble and money, could anyone suggest a combination of rod and line, preferably a 7 or 8 weight that would compliment each other for around £100 ? Any suggestions/ advice from others experiences welcomed. Nic

Thanks Rich Is the 3" intended to achieve the "prick" without a fish moving ? Nic

Thanks to all the contributors to this fascinating, informative and thought provoking thread, even though it has taken me a week to catch up ! It has certainly helped me decide a strategy for this weekend at Wingham, even though ( like Den ) it may mean I blank, especially if Den is in the next swim bagging up again One question to all, as it has been mentioned, but no detail : What length and material of hook length would you recommend ? Nic

Steve I'll do pay pal this evening. From an earlier post it sounds like you've allocated swims ( although understand this can change ), any chance of knowing in advance ? so I can have a look on google and familiarise myself with what's out in front ? Nic

I'm now toying with the idea of removing all tubing and using a flying back lead to take the mono down and pin it. Can anyone give me a heads up on issues to be aware of when using flying back leads ? Nic

Terry I used a Vitalin groundbait layer balled in at Wingham 3 years ago, funnily enough off the point you fished last year, and did ok. If you mix it using just boiled water, whatever is in it leaks and binds it quite nicely. So much that you can use it as a method mix. Nic

I've tied every rig under the sun, just because I enjoy it, and have tried most, but without a comparison it's hard to know if a simpler rig would have worked anyway. Fortunately, Elton and I quite regularly fish the same place/ time/ bait for Tench. Elton has always used a straightforward knotless knot hair rig and he doesn't catch any fewer fish, if anything, for some reason I seem to pick up nuisance bream more often. So, I like you have gone back to basics on the rigs and decided to make sure it's the right bait, in the right place, at the right time !

Great fish Bonzo, well done, but, isn't it a pain when "nuisance" fish stop you catching what you're after !

Woo Hoo ! Thanks Steve. I've had every bit of tackle out today, just to see what I need. See you all there. Nic

Happy Birthday and Congratulations ! Over the years I've picked up many useful tips and learn't new things from the site and Elton. None more useful this morning than Carlsberg at breakfast time is a valid substitute for bacon and eggs ! So, cheers ! Thanks to everyone and long may it continue. Nic

Steve I initially received a spam filter undelivered reply, when using "reply" to your mail : **Message you sent blocked by our bulk email filter**‏ From: Barracuda Spam Firewall (postmaster@uk2.net) Sent: 30 April 2009 12:31:30 To: nic.horne@hotmail.co.uk 2 attachments Delivery erro (0.3 KB), Undelivered-m (0.7 KB) If you're having problems downloading attachments, please sign in again and select "Remember me on this computer". Sign in again Your message to: fishingbooks@uk2.netwas blocked by our Spam Firewall. The email you sent with the following subject has NOT BEEN DELIVERED: Subject: RE: Message from the Wingham Fisheries contact page It seemed to go through ok when I sent a fresh email with the attachment to your email address. Nic

Hi C'Em Q Elton did mention this to me, but, forgot until I was fishing the river around the pit a few weeks ago. As Anderoo says, you've put the hard work in ( more than I have ) and I'd agree with you're intentions. I found myself down there last summer, after heading to Alderson Lake for Tench, without checking that a match was on ! In order to get away from the masses, I headed on down the river side, ending up at what I think must be peg 34 or 35, a small spit of land through an arch of trees. In the summer, a large "cabbage" growth comes up on the end of the spit (lots of perch here), however, the best bit is looking back up the lake, there is a wide flat topped, fairly shallow bar, running between lily pads at each end ( this runs perpendicular to the bank, just to the right of peg 33 or 34), not only is this bar broad enough to fish on top of, it shelves down nicely each side to a serious depth. Fishing it for the first time, in an early morning 3 hour stint, I had 2 x tench to 5.5 lb and an 18lb common carp. Hope this helps, and I'd be keen to learn from your experiences as I might go a mission at Barham this year. Nic

Lyn Having been to Manor Farm last summer, Elton and I are planning a return visit, but, count me in for this when it comes together. It was my first taste of Barbel fishing with a great result of fish to double figures. I'll grab any chance to fish there ! Nic

Andy Welcome to Suffolk ! Depending on how often you go on a day ticket, it would be worth it to look at a GAPS ( Gipping Angling Preservation Society ) membership www.gippingaps.co.uk. This will give you plenty of water to go at, of varying styles, for good value over a season. In addition, there is Sink Pit at Kesgrave which is owned by Markhams Tackle on the Woodbridge Rd. Out at Melton, nr Woodbridge, you've got 2 other day ticket waters. Let us know how you get on. Nic

I suggest you visit or phone The Bait Box on the High Street in Evesham, they are open on Sundays aswell ( for bait mainly ), very helpful and knowledgeable about the local area from my experience. Nic