THIS WEEK’S MISSION
Heavy rain caused the River Wye, near Hereford, to flood, but I was still determined to fish it, no matter what was thrown at it. Not only was I keen to go fishing, I was eager to pop in to Woody’s Angling Centre, to get the latest information on its home river and find out what’s happening. You can’t beat a river venue’s tackle shop, and Woody’s knowledge is always bob-on.
VENUE: Herefordshire’s wonderful River Wye has several stretches available to fish on a day ticket, and Paul ‘Woody’ Woodward, in Hereford, will always put you on fish and supply you with top bait for the day. Tel: 01432 344644.
WEATHER: the cold weather and muddy conditions have really taken a hold now, but the recent floodwater was relatively warm, so the fish should still be feeding. It’s just a matter of finding them. Temperature: 8 degrees Celsius. Wind: 10-15 mph north-westerly. Air pressure: 993.9 mbar and falling.
INSPIRATION to go fishing comes in many forms these days. Some of you might get the urge to wet a line after watching a video on YouTube, seeing a big fish on ‘Faceache Book’ or maybe even after reading one of my musings.
Nothing, in my opinion, is as inspiring as reading old books. I love looking through the most vintage books in my collection, remembering snippets of them while I’m on the bank. I love the bookplates and the well-thumbed pages, and I always wonder if the previous owner did the same as me – go fishing after reading them.
This week I referred to one of my favourites, a 1922 edition of The Book of the All Round Angler, by John Bickerdyke.
This story is from the November 12, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 12, 2019 edition of Angler's Mail.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
