rarepleasures

I went out Friday, which turned out to be much nicer day than forecast. Managed to pick up a few Roach. Lost two carp - wasn't geared up to cope with them - got to see the first - a mirror but couldn't net it, the second just rocketed off and the 1lb hooklength just pinged. A couple of swims up from me had a much better day - 2 carp, a large Perch and a Tench ! He was legering maggot and casting out to a deep gully in the middle of the lake.

I was told that dogs were a significant factor in the number of cygnet deaths. There have been swan deaths due to tackle - whether these were caused by the set lines which we're continuing to find on some of the heath ponds I don't know. I think our 'response' is going to be regular work parties clearing the Heath of rubbish. Our actions will speak louder than his words.

I can use up/down ? to No10 but anything smaller I just can't manage. Is there a secret ?

How about a roach pole or a whip instead ? Easy to use and great fun for big kids and little un's alike.

Its because the group has become synonymous with a type of fisherman who looks down their nose at course fishing and is only interesting in catching bigger and bigger fish for less and less effort. My mother-in-law prefers carp fishing but is reciprocally enthusiastic about the 2lb perch I catch as I am about her 23lb common, this doesn't go for the other dozen or so carp anglers on the bank who pour scorn on my efforts and interrupt me to boast about how they've just landed a 30lb mirror.

or know the difference bwetween fishing and catching. I love the fact the next fish out could be a bream, a roach, a perch, a tench, a rudd, a carp or even gudeon.

Is there a significant difference between a whip and a margin pole ? Most whips seen to come with an elasticated top section and rating of anywhere from 10 - 20. I've had small carp and large perch out on a Middy Power Whip Kit that comes with 2 top sections. Whats interesting about White Knuckle to me is that its take-a-part rather that telescopic.

Fancy ones of these to carry your gear to your swim ? Giant Robot Dog

Let me know if you do. I was planning to order one this weekend.

Oooh I've seen those in the catalogue they looked tasty. I've got my Shimano Antares 390L out from the cupboard today - thinking about debuting it at Jacks this Thursday before their sign up night. I can't find what reel line it takes so if anyone knows ....

Its available at http://www.hhasoc.org

Looks like the fishing at Jacks just got even better : HAPS News: Restocking with Bream

Both legering and float fishing ?

I think the clue was when I said it was new for 2008. What I thought waas unusual about it was that it was take-a-part rather than telescopic.

Middy have new whip for 2008 that I'm tempted to buy :The White Knuckle looks like a nice step from the Ready to fish Middy Whip Kit

Thats a top idea. I was struggling to think of a way to measure out rig length without getting all tangled up. So obvious when its pointed out to you. :-)

I've got an Exage travel on order but I was wondering about the John Wilson Avon Quiver Travel Rod or similar. Are they any good ? Similar situation to David - need a general course float/leger set up that I can put in a Taxi

I've found this article on Tench fishing gravle pits quite useful. Now I'm wondering which 2 rods to take: my Grauvell Avon, my Shimano Match Rod or my Leeda 15ft Assasin II Float rod. My thinking was the Leeda would allow me to float slider fishing if I had to.

I spoke to Oakwood Angling this morning. I have a couple of days holiday to use up before April and may as well go fishiing. Jacks Lake in Hadley is fishing well Boxers Lake around the corner from Oakwood is ok but not as well stocked as Jacks. You can fish Trent Country Park for free though its not easy at this time of year. If targeting the River Lea best to try up near Broxborne. Other recommended places : Waltham Abbey

I'm still relatively new to fishing and I've been using a telescopic whip more and more these days. Up till now I've been buying ready make rigs and cutting them down to suit the depth of the water. I thought it was about time I tried to make my own. I was thinking of starting simply with some pretied hooklinks that I would loop to loop on a mainline rig. Is this the best way to get started ? What sort of line is suitalbe for the rig length ? Any other tips ?

The main lake has Roach, Perch, Bream and Double Carp. Pineapple or The Source Boiles have done well. Mornings and evenings are the best times. The square lake at the back holds Bream, Rudd and small carp which you can catch on just about anything. I've seen people Piking with deadbaits but never seen one come out. The deluxe lodges are the ones closest to reception on the short side of the main lake. I hope to be there end of July.

All I have to go on is this:

I'm off to The Old Gravel Pit Lodges , Allerthorpe, York at the end of March and I was hoping for some advice on what approach to take. I spoke to the owner on the phone, they told me there has been much coming out so far due to the fish shoaling up in the deeper water due to the cold. They said the gravel pits have been left as they were dug and so theres no map of the bottom or the depths of the water. Any ideas where to start ?

I'm on the look out for one too. At the moment I'm settled for a Shakespeare fold out stool. In my search I've been dismayed that no one seems to know how to make a good light weight chair, that folds up nice and compact.

and I've caught one on a Leeda Assasin II float rod teamed with 4lb line on a centre pin. Most thrilling catch of my life to date.