http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/ en Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:38:40 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/ http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/markthespark/1590-well-done-mark.html Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:19:16 GMT The bailiff on my local stretch of the Nene is always a top bloke, but this afternoon I was particularly impressed. The four walls were closing in... The bailiff on my local stretch of the Nene is always a top bloke, but this afternoon I was particularly impressed.
The four walls were closing in come lunchtime so I set off for a recce on the river, with the thought of barbel in my mind.
When I got down there, I soon encountered Mark, fishing, but as I passed, helping another angler get a picture of a lovely five-pound barbel. I did think of calling to him but I could see he was busy. I heard him say to the angler: "There you are. You'll never forget your first barbel."
Upstream, where the river tumbles over a long gravel bed - which was much improved by a joint club/EA project last year - the barbel were really busy. There was some colour in the water, but could see some good fish engaged in tail shuddering, spawning, and causing the water to quake a little.
Mark had spotted them before me. In all the swims next to the gravels, he'd put up a sign saying those swims were closed while the fish were spawning.
On the way back, Mark was back behind his rod and I stopped for a chat: "Yes," he said. "Those barbel got a real hammering last year so I thought we'd close the swims."
I didn't tell him that was where I wanted to fish tonight. He'd made the right decision... ]]> MarkTheSpark http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/markthespark/1590-well-done-mark.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1589-opening-day-16th-june-2013.html Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:47:01 GMT I'm not quite exactly when it was that Opening Day stopped being the mid-year Christmas. I guess it was the all year round fisheries that first diminished then finally killed off its delights.

Apart from a 15lb 6oz pike whilst trotting for Thames roach in 2000, it hadn't meant much but, for reasons I can't fully explain, I decided this year that I wanted to try and restore its joys just a little.

I wasn't on the bank at midnight waiting to go over the top but I did decide I'd be there and that I'd amend my previous behaviour and walk further down the Frome and try new areas.

Gear safely stowed in a small bergen, with just my 14ft Drennan Ultralight and a landing net handle in my right hand, net head stapped to the bergen I set out and truly admit having left the safety-blanket of Wareham Quayside behind me, I actually began to really enjoy the walk and the birdlife on offer.

After about half a mile, I settled on a swim that just looked inviting. There had been a big accidental discharge of carp into the river a couple of years previously and I wondered if any would show up today as I hauled my DAM coffee grinder out and finished off with a small Drake stick float, its 2 x no 4 capacity dotted with 8s and 9s.

Running parallel with a boat anchored mid river, the float dived emphatically after just about 15 feet or so and a dace of maybe 3/4 of an ounce was soon smiled at and returned to its watery home. Loose feeding soon kicked up some interest and a stack of dace soon followed, punctuated by a couple of minnows. Then two roach followed, both about an ounce but nice to see - good news for the future hopefully.

Then it was back to the dace. I lost count if I'm honest - or maybe I just didn't want to count.

Four hours of just pleasant time, with the sun's warmth for company periodically and the odd dog walker and tourist to boot.

Fish wise, the biggest dace was about 5oz. So, the kind of day Remarque described as "all quiet on the Western Front".

During the walk back along the bank, the mind started to wander as it is wont to do and I thought about the Duke of Wellington's old adage - "they came at us in the same old way and we fought them off in the same old way" but that would not be to do the day justice.

On the drive home, it occurred to me that it hadn't been anything special but I'd enjoyed it and that, if I put some hours in this season, once of those big old, battle scarred roach might just be waiting at some point.

But, as the song says "You Just Haven't Earned it Yet, Baby"....

Tight Lines ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1589-opening-day-16th-june-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1588-perry-st-spring-league-7-16th-june-2013.html Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:39:46 GMT See how the latest match went http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/perry-st-pond-spring-league-7-16th-june.html See how the latest match went

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...16th-june.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1588-perry-st-spring-league-7-16th-june-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1587-summerhayes-open-9th-june-2013.html Sun, 09 Jun 2013 21:37:15 GMT See how today went http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/summerhayes-open-9th-june-2013.html See how today went

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...june-2013.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1587-summerhayes-open-9th-june-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/george-virgin-van-man/1586-starting-over-again.html Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:23:14 GMT so here I am june 5 2013 and I am starting over again it was march 2012 when im getting ready to move to Northampton. my car is loaded with the most... so here I am june 5 2013 and I am starting over again it was march 2012 when im getting ready to move to Northampton. my car is loaded with the most important stuff to move yes you guessed it my fishing gear only to find that the locals in Croydon don't want me to move well at least they want my tackle to stay. yes that is right the night before I go the car gets robbed and they manage to get away with 4 carp rods 2 baitrunners and rod bag with my diawa mission brollie and my baitboat with spares. so I make my move but money is tighter up there than down in Croydon so I don't get to renew my tackle but spend the whole year in Northampton wanting to be on the bank catching but never get round to it. so im back in Croydon now and starting over having just moved back again with the start of the season just round the corner so I have started to buy rods and I bought the cheapest I could find on ebay 30 quid for three carp rods made of carbon( so it says on the package) . I know you thinking these rods must be rubbish and properly will prove to be in the fullness of time but not having much cash spare after moving back at the start of may and a lot of tackle to get I thought it would be best to be on the bank first and upgrade as I went along so I wait for payday again to get the reels and a big landing net and renew my isfield and district membership...and I cant wait


SO A FINAL MESSAGE TO THE GUYS THAT STOLE MY GEAR YOU CAN TAKE THE FISHING GEAR FROM THE ANGLER BUT YOU CANT TAKE THE ANGLER FROM THE MAN ]]> george virgin van man http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/george-virgin-van-man/1586-starting-over-again.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1585-perry-st-spring-league-6-2nd-june-2013.html Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:33:16 GMT Another bad day http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/perry-st-pond-spring-league-6-2nd-june.html Another bad day

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...-2nd-june.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1585-perry-st-spring-league-6-2nd-june-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1584-anglings-ultimate-oh-beggar-moment.html Thu, 16 May 2013 11:25:12 GMT Wednesday 15th May 2013 Tim and I met up for another social, bit of sunshine, bait experimentation and putting the world to rights, in general.... Wednesday 15th May 2013


Tim and I met up for another social, bit of sunshine, bait experimentation and putting the world to rights, in general.

Out came the Drennan Tench Float and baitrunner and on went a cube of garlic Spam. The theory sounded solid enough, big bait equals big mouth equals big fish but, as per usual, the lake held water - the theory, less so.

Tim started off with a nice bream, somewhere near 3lbs. I didn't - not with anything.

Tim hit into a succession of roach and perch. I didn't.

So, the blank had to be saved. Out came the pole. Opted for a number four elastic, 2.6lb main to 2lb bottom and double maggot on a 16.

You might guess what's coming next however the viciousness will need description - trust me.

Dropped the float right at my feet and found myself attached to something which felt like a fully laden industrial refrigerator hurled off a cliff top.

Before I knew it, Monsieur Carpio was amongst the lillies and I was wishing that, rather than a number 4 elastic, I had the Kalashnikov and bag of grenades needed for jungle fighting on this scale.

In all honesty though, I was quietly impressed with the time I kept in contact with the fish but it was only ever going to finish one way.

So that was it. Change of rig and the blank saving team of roach, perch and a solitary rudd.

Still, a nice day in good company. I'm definitely getting too old or lumping a Preston On-Box across lumpy ground.

Here's to next time.....:) ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1584-anglings-ultimate-oh-beggar-moment.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/blanked-again/1583-ross-wye.html Sun, 12 May 2013 12:44:14 GMT looking to go and fish on the town waters at ross on the opening day, does anybody have any info about the water. i believe that you can get your... looking to go and fish on the town waters at ross on the opening day, does anybody have any info about the water. i believe that you can get your ticket from the bailif on the bank. ]]> blanked again http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/blanked-again/1583-ross-wye.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1582-perry-st-spring-league-3-5th-may-2013.html Sun, 05 May 2013 22:17:17 GMT Not a great day today http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/perry-st-pond-spring-league-3-5th-may.html Not a great day today

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...3-5th-may.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1582-perry-st-spring-league-3-5th-may-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1581-first-trip-out.html Sat, 04 May 2013 15:07:50 GMT Friday 3rd May 2013


My first trip out since licence renewal. I'm definitely getting old for lugging half a ton of kit any sort of distance. Made myself a solemn promise to clear the car out on Sunday and put the pellets and tinned baits in a separate cardboard box. A really nice, sunny day with good company discussing barbel fishing and I'm now waivering towards a Daiwa Infinity rod. Today, I was shaking the rust off and had a handful of carp (biggest around 3lb) and a handful of roach. Friend had a golden tench so that was probably the highlight of the day. Baits today were banded pellet and sweetcorn. Especially with regard to barbel, I hope I turned a corner today. Time will tell, I guess.... ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1581-first-trip-out.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1580-gone-west-not-so-fast.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:07:52 GMT Monday 29th April 2013

Insurers tell me my excess is only 75 squid so I CAN have my Trefor West rod as well!! Result!!

I'm nearly 47 and getting excited over a new rod. Is that normal? Course, it's hand built innit??

Laters (and thanks for reading) :) ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1580-gone-west-not-so-fast.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1579-favourite-plaything-gods-misfortune.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:19:38 GMT Sunday 28th April 2013 Dear Reader (if there are any), writing this is probably therapy for me if nothing else!! My bank holiday pay and a... Sunday 28th April 2013


Dear Reader (if there are any), writing this is probably therapy for me if nothing else!!

My bank holiday pay and a day's overtime were going on a Trefor West barbel rod, a real treat but, as an ad says, I'm worth it.

That was....until today. After a quiet day at work, got back to the Land Rover to find a large crack in the windscreen (cause unknown).

Call to Autoglass. Cost of repair: One Trefor West barbel rod plus £31.60.

Wrote a single word in my diary.....bug.... ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1579-favourite-plaything-gods-misfortune.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1578-summerhayes-open-28th-april-2013.html Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:14:42 GMT See how I got on today http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/summerhayes-open-28th-april-2013.html See how I got on today

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...pril-2013.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1578-summerhayes-open-28th-april-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1577-perry-st-pond-spring-league-21st-apr-2013.html Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:22:55 GMT Report and results from round two http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/perry-st-pond-spring-league-2-21st.html Report and results from round two

http://againstmenandfish.blogspot.co...ue-2-21st.html ]]> James Rich http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/james-rich/1577-perry-st-pond-spring-league-21st-apr-2013.html http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1576-turning-into-victor-meldrew.html Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:11:02 GMT Dear Reader,


To set the scene (April 21st, 2013). I'm working nights at the minute (last one tonight, woo hoo!!) and yesterday's warm weather brought the neighbourhood lawn mowers out for their first exercise of the year. Even with earplugs in, I could feel my fillings bounce so that was it.

A large coffee and angling maintenance set in. I started off at the lighter end of the scale, pulling the price labels off two dozen wire stemmed stick floats I'd purchased several months back. The labels had had time to semi-solidify. Celebrate, I did not.

The next was to transfer several open bags of pellets into a sandwich type box. Only a diving catch fit enough to win The Ashes stopped the cat knocking the box off the sofa armrest. The cat mooched away, nonchalantly, having stolen the one custard cream I'd allowed myself. My mood was not improved.

Some months previously, I'd sent off via Angling Times for a free method feeder reel from Dragon. Given that it was free and from Dragon, I did expect to get burned but, to be fair, the reel isn't too bad but let down a little by the spools. Still, attached to the first section of a rod, spools of 6lb and 8lb were soon loaded.

Next came the Humbrol and several stick floats had their tops retouched. Several seasons of being cast up against bride walls - need I say more?

The Liverpool-Chelsea game then took my attention and Luis Suarez provided the only bite I was going to see this weekend.

Still, we live in hope and my next weekend off might coincide with a degree or two more of warmth and, hopefully, some hungry carp.

I also looked at the lone angler website and convinced myself the world could only be saved by the purchase of a Trefor West barbel rod and that my significant other would, in time, could to comprehend this.

I stopped short of the buy now button but it can only be time. The voices in my head will see to that!!! :)

And that was it, time to get ready for work. My mood only scraped from rock bottom by it being my last night shift.

My significant then threw in an ace card. A triumphant look what I found was accompanied, Neville Chamberlain - like, by something paperish being waved.

It had been found at the back of a book, long since unread and it transpired to be a photograph of me aged 17, on the back it read "Me, chub 4lb 7oz, River Dane - stick, maggots"

So many memories. Even my significant other's direct insults on my thirty years ago haircut couldn't wipe the smile.

Then the phone rang. It was my boss. Great work on the Dynamic Risk Assessment template. Can you roll it out to everybody next week?

Well, if I can't be happy in my work, I can at least think even harder about a Trefor West barbel rod. As I pull out into the quietish weekend traffic, I begin to build a case for the defence. "It's hand built, babes.....it'll catch me the fish of a lifetime....yes, love, I agree, we really DO need a holiday in Rhodes....overtime it is then..."

I drive over the River Frome bridge and cast an eye over the river. I snarl my lip and threaten it, I'll be back.....on June 16.

It's flowing waters laugh at me and bet me I buy the holiday but not the rod.

They might be right, they usually are..... ]]> dorsetandchub http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/blogs/dorsetandchub/1576-turning-into-victor-meldrew.html