cettis

Having recently introduced my son to fishing I went out on the BA on the AA waters and visited some of my old stretches of the river. The river turned up a couple of surprises. Being rusty I wasn't expecting a lot but was surprised by what turned up and was ill equiped. Although focusing on Barbel we ended with a nice Roach and a half a dozen good sized Chub. I assume it was a Roach but the size gave me doubts. I didn't have any scales and apologise also for not having an unhooking mat. The Roach appears about 14 inches and appeared pretty bloated and the biggest Chub 18-19 inches - I am intrigued as to what their potential weights are and would be interested in an estimation based on average size to weight ratios. I sort of assumed the Roach was over 2lb and the Chub about 4lb. This was probably one of most succesful days river fishing I have had and I feel my son (aged 6) has a jaded view on my aptitude for catching decent fish. Mike

That shot looks not far downstream of the bridge. I have had some small barbs not far away and chub to 3lb under the willows. I started spinning for pike and perch and ended up with a chub! Wonderful spot and you can take your pick on downstream with some lovely fast runs and pools on the bends. It's hard to believe there are double figure fish in there but getting them to feed is the problem. Mike

The Weirpool on the Brass Mill side is Jarretts. Keep on the road to Willsbridge turn right at roundabout to Bitton. Before reaching the railway bridge they are on the right. Unfortunately the section is not managed that well and rubbish abounds but the fishing can be good. Everything in there. The free stretch downstream on the same bank used to produce but the pegs are now overgrown with difficult access. PM me if you want specific details. Fry's stretch can be good if you are in the right pegs near the outflows. The whole section downstream of the weir has Chub, Tench, Carp and Barbs plus all the usual silver fish. In the past I have had eels to over 2lb. Not had much luck on the Chew although there are some big Chub by the bridge in Chewton Keynsham. If anyone makes a visit I'd be ineterested in any feedback. Mike

Andrew - I fish regularly around Bristol. Most on the Bristol Avon - Amalgamated Anglers tabs. I like to fish unfished areas as well as the usual Lacock/Limpley Stoke barbel hotspots. Recently been fishing Swineford - excellent for variety if not huge fish - trot for roach, chub, dace and good perch. Excellent area for Pike aswell. Jarretts do day tickets for Keynsham weir pool behind pub - this is great spot if you ignore the litter. Do remember boats can be a pain in the arse below Bath. Recent evenings due to convenience and lacking light fished the Bristol Frome. I like to roam up and down travelling light - had some nice roach, chub and dace with added bonus of the odd trout around a pound. Seen the odd Chub in the deeper pools behind weirs up to the 4lb mark. I have to say the interest in commercial fisheries has left the banks deserted and its great. I remember when it was difficult to get a swim between Swineford and Hanham on the BA not anymore. Take a few hours travelling light moving downstream through this stretch you might have to cut through a few nettles but it can produce some interesting results. Mike