MatNewman

Buy a pole!

When you try sweetcorn, do you believe you can catch? I remember when I first tried and found that because I didnt believe it would work I quickly swapped the bait over! You have to be confident in what you have on the end of your hook like when I tried maccaroni cheese for tench

I was fishing a lot of different baits. The reason I used such big luncheon meat was to prove to myself that these fish really didnt care what they eat i.e. As we all know fish are clever and will learn what bait to take and what to avoid hence the need to change the presentation etc. However on this pond regardless of what I put in these fish would just grab it which was IMO not normal Yes there were barbel in this pond

Ah that makes sense. I remember going to a commercial last year and they had big pumps flowing in the morning

Hi there Gerald You deffo need a rod licence! As you can see below, you can get a 1 day, 8 day or season. As the 8 day is £21 you may aswell get a full season Category Non-Migratory Trout and Coarse Salmon and Sea Trout* Full Season (expire on 31st March 2008) £24.50 £66.50 Junior £5.00 £33.25 8 Day £8.75 £21.00 1 Day £3.25 £7.00 Please go to http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subje...n=1&lang=_e to buy your licence

Well spotted! I do know how old she is. I know that kids do get bored easily hence why I would take her to this place where your float spends more time under the water than anywhere else! I reckon she will have her hands full with these little carp as there were fighting way above there weight!

I know what you mean John. My only reason for ever using this fishery again is to finally get my little girl hooked. She has been with me a few times but bores easily I have a baby boy due in December so there is still a chance of passing on the passion for angling

I reckon its a bit of both

My PB is a 12lb Common caught on Baby Bell cheese

If you buy "Improve your coarse fishing" there is a section at the back with peoples catches. There are badges on there for differnt weight/species of the fish. There are badges for specimen fish. I suppose this is a national mag so I guess the weight are pretty fair for a specimen

Hi John, I respect your opinion that commercials are not good for beginners. My opinion is that this particular fishery would be good for a 5 year old child. The reason for this is it has good access, secure parking, toilets and purpose built pegs. Because of the design of the peg it means that I can setup my seatbox and a little chair and be right next to her. I remember the first time I took her fishing to a natural un stocked pond with no pegs - the result was me tripping over a branch and nearly falling in the water I know with this commercial that I can take her and that she will catch and be able to learn how to set depths etc very easily (as the pond is 3-4 foot consistently)

Hello everyone! I went to a commercial fishery at the weekend. I have to say it was a very monotonous experience The first few carp and Barbel were welcome however between my mate and me we managed in excess of 100 fish. All were between 1 and 2lbs. Although the fishery would be perfect for a beginner I dont hink I would go back in a hurry (I will probably be taking my 5 year old daughter there soon to try and ignite a passion in her for fishing......again!) I was putting luncheon meat the size of a walnut on a size 16 hook and catching easily. These carp and barbel were taking baits that they really shouldnt for their size Anyway my question............Why are carp pudles brown?

Thanks to all who replied. I took Chris's advice and went along to my local shop. I will never look elswhere again unless in extreme circumstances! I spoke to the guy on the Phone first off and he advised that that he had two pole that met my requirements. I popped into the shop in the afternoon adn opted for the cheaper of the two. The pole is an 11m Garbolino "Mystery" Carp. I figured that as I am still a novice when it comes to pole fishing it was better to opt for a cheaper pole. The tackle shop guy then took me out the back with the pole and set it up for me and asked how I liked it. I decided that it was relatively light at 11m and was slightly lighter than my previous pole. We went back inside and I asked if he could elasticate the pole for me. The pole cost 124.99 and he elasticated both power tops and charged 130. The guy probably spent 20 minutes doing this so I was really chuffed with the results knowing that the pole had been elasticated by someone who knew what they were doing as opposed to me reading a how to guide. In conclusion - IMO you will not this kind of service anywhere else. If I had ordered online I may have got the pole cheaper (I spent 1/2 hour looking before I went and couldnt find it cheaper) but would have had to buy the elastic, bungs, bush, ptfe etc. Aswell as good service, a friendly smile and a warm welcome you also get the odd hint and tip thrown in! Support local tackle shops!

Thanks for the offer Chris, I will be sure to call your friend if I have no joy at my local tackle shop. It is my birthday tomorrow so my mrs is taking me to the tackle shop to try and strike a bargain! I know that many people try to encourage the use of a local tackle shop however just out of interest can anyone recomend any good sites on the net for bargain kit. The best thing about an office job is being able to browse for tackle online!

Hi All, I have a budget of £200 and would like a decent pole at 11m+ Any ideas

Hello all - Glad to be back! I went fishing for the first time this season yesterday. I managed to catch my first double figure carp on my pole! This is my biggest fish ever and weighed in at 12lb After 20 mins my mate managed to get the net under - As I went to lift the net out the fish jumped back in the water and went on a crazy run again nearly resulting in the loss of my top 3. 10 minutes later I had him in the net again and safely got him on land to weigh! Unfortunately in all the excitement I stepped back and snapped my No 4 section Adding to this the fact that my daughter snapped my No6 last season I now need a new pole! I need one for less than £150 and if possible 11m + Any ideas?