Fair Weather Fisherman

When I was a young man me and a mate went to Ireland on a fishing holiday, everything was organised by the company (PH angling of Wigan). All we had to do was pay and then turn up at the pick-up point with our gear. Now what I want to know is if there are any companies left that do the same as PH did, and would you recommend them? Cheers.

They maybe so, but the young lad I dealt with had a 'can't be bothered' attitude, one which is evident in a 'bosses' son' scenario. I have no idea if he was the bosses son, but all I can say is if it was my shop he'd be out on his ear.

Yeah, thats what I mean. For instance, the beads in the fishing shop for £2 for 10 or 20 (can't remember) (what a rip off either-way) were green, the beads in my wife's floristry kit are pearly in colour, the same size and has a hole through them just like the green ones and cost a quid for about 50.

Thanks for that John, it is simple like the gent said. I think I've a lot to learn.

Makes sense Colin. I need a new tackle box and I know a tool shop that sells stuff that will do more than surfice, if I find the ones in the fishing tackle shops too expensive. Is this a "use the search function" type website or can I ask without being flamed, WTF is a helicopter rig???

Sure, I understand and agree, I just wont be taken for a mug by paying stupid money for bits of cast plastic. Like I said, a bit of engineering and substance to the product then I'm happy to part with my hard earned. But bits of plastic that can be sourced in other shops for a fraction of the price, I am not prepared to part with my cash for the fishing branded plastic. I also understand this. As a beginner and a non regular to Carters of Preston I was disgusted with the 'can't be bothered' attitude from some of their staff when I asked for assistance. He was a young lad so I'd guess bosses son, as he had that attitude typical of bosses son smacked arseyness, if you understand what I mean.

It's berry season; good natural and free baits just waiting to be picked. The trouble is storing them without turning them into mush, and I've found freezing them does just that. Does anyone know of an effective ways of storing elderberries and the like? And who else uses berries for bait and which berries are good for which fish?

Some interesting comments. Maybe we should create a database of 'alternative' products that do the exact same job as the over priced 'fishing tackle', such as the examples made in this thread about the beads and the electrical heat shrink sleaving. A mention of where you can source such things would be good too. Baiting needle, goto a knitting supplier and get it much cheaper I bet there's loads of stuff that could make the 'list'.

Quality Pete, I'm scared at what it's going to cost me to get upto standard on a waters edge, all my tackle is 10 years old or older and hasn't been looked after (my fault). I wont be taken for a ride though by paying stupid prices for something that has absolutely no engineering put into it. An expensive reel, fine. An expensive cast of plastic, ripp off!

Having browsed a couple of fishing tackle shops, all I can say is what a complete ripp off tackle manufacturers are. You pay large amounts of money for what is really just a piece of plastic, for example, beads at the tackle shop were £2, while a pack of the same shape bead at a florist or craft shop is less than half of that. Bait, why was there tins of sweetcorn in a tackle shop priced at £3? These funny boily and pellet things are priced more than a finest food fit for humans. Will dry cat or dog food not get the same results at a fraction of the price? Taken for a ride springs to mind..

Elston it was and we got one small eel. Not a good place for a novice (me) to take a novice 11 year old, but I suppose it was more about the camping. Still looking for a spot to night fish that won't cost me £20 odd quid for the two of us.

I see why the cold response regarding camp fires.. Saying that, you might as well frown upon fishing tackle packaging too, as there was loads of that strewn all over the place. Why are people so SCUMMY that they can't take their crap with them? There was beer cans, barbie trays, empty hook pouches, you name it it was there left on the banks of this beautiful spot we went to. Disgarded fire (not ours, we didn't make one) Some more pics HERE

OK thanks all. So lets forget the fire requirements and just seek a good cheap place to night fish that will allow a 2 man tent, and has lots of small fish to give us a bigger chance of catching? Anyone recommend anywhere please?

You're right they do, Lutra. I'd only ever contemplate building a fire if I had permission first. The boy wanted a camp fire feel to his night fishing. I told him to expect a big NO, but what better place than here to ask if there is such a place that allows them.

Like I said, I wasn't holding my breath. However, if you can't see what the attraction would be for a boy in having a camp fire, then I'm lost for words. Your points about crap being left are valid, it's akin to the remains of BBQs at camp sites, bloody annoying. But some campers know how to have BBQs without leaving a scorched mess on the grass. I've fished at places that have had suitable areas for small fires, mainly farm ponds and with the blessing of the farmers. albeit some 15 years ago or so.

Hi, I've promised my son that I'll take him night fishing during the summer hols. I really could do with a place that won't mind us building a small fire (purely for the experience for his benefit), so I guess a farm pond would suit, but I'm not holding my breath. So, do you know of a course fishing venue that allows night fishing near Preston, Lancs? The cheaper the better.

I ended up going to a farm pond that we used to goto over 12 years ago, it was full of silver fish and the kids loved being able to catch, unhook and return unaided. There used to be a monster pike in that pit, my mate almost had it when the pike latched on to a perch he had just hooked, I wonder if it's still there, how old do pike live to? P.S When will my posts no longer need pre-viewing?

Done, also, do you do kids course fishing rods? P.S, how do I pay?

Cheers guys, I used to go to Hudsons many years ago and I can't remember seeing small fish coming out, small as in tiddlers. Still enjoyed myself there though, good call Melvin. P.S are you Butty van Melv by any chance?

Hello, could anyone recommend a good water for children to catch lots of small manageable (spike-less ) fish, please? Ideally the water would be near to Preston Lancashire and free to fish, but that is not too important. I took my kids the other day and we drew a blank, but like myself, they enjoyed it. A chap across the pond lost what seemed a good fish on the poll, but he caught a few smaller stuff. So, I know there is stuff in this pond, but I would prefer a more prolific place, just to get the kids off to a good start, you understand?

It's a video game and yes, it is legal. I do live near Brig, do you know it, or someone from there?

Any of you play BF2 on PC? and if so, do you use a voice comms programme to speak with your mates whilst playing?

Anychance of the answer please?

Cheers, you can see some of my pics at http://www.flickr.com/photos/99585382@N00/ Can't wait for the nice weather, fishing will give me great opportunities to get some nice nature photography.

It's a fascinating program, I can spend ages messing about with it.