The longest of winters

One of the few recent captures

Another river season has come and gone and the lack of activity on these pages tell its own story. Since Christmas there have been few opportunities to capture some large winter fish. Since my previous post where I enjoyed some nice chub fishing in January, it has been a tale of woe. The changeable weather conditions have been most unhelpful. We have had to endure long periods of freezing weather which saw the Warks Avon dip to below 2°C at one point then we've had to contend with the inevitable snow melts that saw the river rage and spill its banks. A couple of small pike managed to put a bend in the rod but a string of blanks appeared to be the norm for me.

Mother nature flexes her muscles

Despite the lack of fish, the countryside can be at its most striking at this time of year. From the beautiful snow covered landscape to witnessing the power of mother nature when a river is in full flood. I had the pleasure of witnessing a starling murmuration for several weeks through the colder months. Quite why starlings do this prior to roosting is a mystery but it certainly makes for an interesting spectacle on a cold, winter's afternoon.

The final weekend saw the river rise dramatically. Had it not been the last chance to fish the river then I'd have probably given it a miss since I have found the Avon rarely produces when on a rapid rise. Despite reasonable water temperatures, a winter barbel could not be tempted. I even gave the river a final chance on the 12th but again she was on another quick rise following a day of heavy rain. I struggled to place a bait even in the slacker swims and was forced to retire early.

There are few better sights than the countryside shrouded in a blanket of snow

The PB chub

As I write this, I have awoken to find we are once again greeted by snow. It's certainly been an interesting start to what is supposed to be spring. Looking back, it's been a reasonable season full of highs and lows. The barbel fishing through the summer and autumn was some of the best I've enjoyed on the Avon in recent years and my first Wye double was a stand out memory. A personal best chub brightened up my winter before the weather took its grip. With March upon us it affords time to regroup and explore new challenges and I for one hope that the close season remains although that's a debate for another day. The next few weeks will see me switch to big perch and hopefully some better times to come.

Is a 10lb Barbel still a big deal?

For years, a 10lb barbel has represented a specimen fish and catching a 'double' is an undoubted sign of success. Rivers such as the Hampshire Avon and Dorset Stour are steeped in barbel history dating back to a world where Aylmer Tryon's record 14lb 6oz barbel from the Royalty in 1934 stood for the following 60 years.

The long standing record from the Royalty

Times have now changed however. A combination of high protein baits, climate change and many other factors have resulted in barbel of huge proportions. The late 90s saw the Great Ouse phenomena explode culminating in the current barbel record of 21lb 1oz. Add to this that the current list of river records shows us that almost half of the rivers listed have fish weighing in excess of 15lb. The Internet is awash with pictures of doubles on an almost daily basis so is it really that difficult? Should the benchmark be moved to reflect how barbel angling has evolved in recent decades?

Let's be honest with ourselves - barbel are not a difficult fish to catch. Finding a stretch of river with a population is probably the hardest part as once they are found they are not the most tackle aware of species. Of course, they have days when they refuse to play ball but we are kidding ourselves if we believe there's a high level of skill required, especially when compared with catching other, more finicky species. For most people, casting a likely hookbait over a bed of shop bought pellet or boilies is all it takes to get amongst some fish. Mix in the fact we live in a world where barbel are larger than they ever have been then catching a double is merely a percentage game. Rivers like the Trent afford anglers the privilege of camping on the bank for a few days pretty safe in the knowledge that their perseverance is likely to result in a hefty fish sooner or later. If you don't believe me then a look on Facebook will display an almost endless conveyor belt of fish over 10lb. So with all this in mind is 10lb really the symbolic figure it once was or is it time for a dose of reality?

Lower Severn Barbel: Short Session Success

Sunday saw the moon and stars align to finally give me an opportunity to get back to the water's edge. I arrived on a stretch of the lower Severn and made my first cast at about 4.30pm. A boilie was presented with a PVA bag of mixed offerings midriver. My other rod was a float fished dead roach aimed at the sizeable population of Zander.

A nice way to start the session

With the clear water conditions showing no signs of abating it was always going to be a struggle especially in the fine late afternoon sunshine, which at least made for a pleasant evening. Unsurprisingly, the zander were not keen to feed in such weather. But as the sun began to drop, my boilie rod suddenly sprang into life. I was into a barbel. Nothing huge but always welcome. The fish was somewhere approaching 7lb and was safely returned. Another PVA bag was attached and my bait was cast back to the midriver spot. I decided to abandon the zander plan in favour of a second barbel rod. Whilst I realised the fading light would improve my zander chances, I has no desire to be unhooking a toothy predator in darkness. However,

8lb exactly

before I could dismantle the rod another barbel had picked up the boilie bait. This fish was a  much more livelier customer that had my clutch screaming on several occasions. After one more final bid for freedom, I managed to slide the net under a barbel that turned out to be perfectly formed 8lb specimen. With darkness still yet to arrive, I was hopeful of a bumper session. As it turned out, the barbel disappeared as quickly as the light and only a chub of about 3lb and a skimmer bream troubled the scorers thereafter. I was packed away and back in my car just after 8.30 feeling pretty pleased with my efforts after what turned out to be a successful short session.

Lower Severn: Getting Better

After last Sunday's session, which produced a lovely Barbel that just fell short of the magical 10lb figure, I was again on the lower Severn looking for more of the same. With the extra rain this week and two days of unseasonably mild weather, I arrived on the bank with high hopes. Conditions were textbook. Temperatures had been as high as 17°C throughout the day and the river itself had risen from last week to just over 12°C. With it carrying some extra water and colour I couldn't have asked for better conditions.

Both baits were in place at 6pm with meat on the downstream rod and a boilie on the upstream one. The only modification I made from my previous sessions was to use a small open end feeder on the downstream rod packed with scalded pellets. The idea was that with conditions seemingly perfect, it would give off an attractive scent trail and draw some fish to my waiting bait.

A nice lower Severn double

As dusk approached both rods showed some signs that fish were present and a Barbel porpoised right in front of me. However, nothing happened until about 8pm when out of the blue the downstream rod twitched before the tip wrapped round violently. Unlike the fish from the previous session, this fish set off on a blistering run. I then managed to draw it upriver and get the fish below the rod tip. It then burst into life again with more surging runs, one of which almost ripped the rod from my grasp such was its power. The fish was in superb condition with the scales showing 10lb 5oz.

Another bite about a hour later saw me connected to another good fish but disaster struck as I suffered a break. It was frustrating since it's such a rare occurrence but I guess fishing in the dark means weaknesses are harder to spot. By now it was pouring down and I started to think about my exit from the fishery. With the banks starting to get waterlogged and the track out undoubtedly following suit, I did the right thing in escaping whist I could at about 10pm. I have no doubts that more fish would have come my way as they were feeding but sometimes you have to be sensible. Conditions are fantastic at the moment after months of low clear water so get out if you can and make the most of it.

Remember to like my Facebook page and leave any comments below. Make sure you have a look around the other pages before you leave. Thanks for looking.

Fishing at last

The lack of activity on this site is indicative of how hectic the last few weeks have been. I won't bore you with the details but last week's sunshine finally provided me with the opportunity to visit a local fishery in the hope of some surface caught carp.

Whenever there's some prolonged sunny weather, carp will be seen just under the surface taking advantage of the warm rays. For a cold-blooded animal, it's the perfect way to warm up quickly. By offering them loose fed, floating baits such as dog biscuits or bread crust they can usually be tempted into feeding off the surface.

My setup for this method is pretty simple. Mainline of 10lb, connected to a similar breaking strain of fluorocarbon to form a hooklength of around 4ft long. Using fluorocarbon means that the line immediately above the hook is pretty much invisible and as a result fish are less cautious when approaching the bait.  A size 10 hook and an imitation dog biscuit complete the setup. I also smear a little Vaseline along the hooklength in order to keep it on the surface. Often I will freeline, using the weighted bait to cast since most of my fishing is within a couple of rod lengths. However, a small controller can be added if I wish to fish a little further out.

A pretty mirror around 8-9lb

The key to this method is loose feeding using the 'little and often' approach. The idea is to get fish taking the baits and increasing with confidence. Once this is achieved, you can introduce your hookbait. Takes can be pretty instant and it's great fun (and frustrating) watching fish approach your bait only to turn away at the last second. However, a fish will eventually be fooled as you capture the moment it engulfs the bait or notice your line straighten as a fish moves off. This is the moment to strike!

After a slow start, I eventually found some fish that were cruising the upper layers of the lake. After a few false starts I managed to hook a reasonable fish just shy of double figures.
This went on to to be the largest fish of the session. Four more carp followed averaging about 5-6lb. Although none of the fish were large by carp fishing standards they provided great entertainment on a warm May evening, especially to an angler starved of fishing for the last month. Hopefully I will be able to get a few more times before my attentions turn back to rivers.

Tench campaign underway

Today saw my first proper fishing session since the end of the river season. It's been a busy few weeks for me and to be honest the break has done me good. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

It was my intention to kick start my spring tench campaign and with that in mind I set off enthusiastically to a Warwickshire reservoir. The venue reputedly has a decent head of tench but it is far from easy. On it's day, great catches can be had but more often than not it leaves you scratching your head in puzzlement and questioning if it contains any fish at all. Three visits last April saw three blanks! However, this year's weather has been a lot warmer and I was confident the deep cold water would have seen some increase in temperature and got the old tench on the munch. Conditions also looked favourable with thick cloud and a tinge of colour to the usually crystal clear water.

My main tactic would be a simple waggler float with maggots mounted on a size 16 hook to 4lb bottom and 6lb mainline. I also had a sleeper rod set up with some fake corn and loose offerings hoping this might pick up a tench or even one of the reservoir's elusive carp. After about 45 minutes of loose feeding 'little and often', the float buried. A spirited fight saw a lovely looking roach, well on its way to a pound, make its way to the bank. Almost immediately, a perch of similar size followed. I then bumped two fish which prompted me to change the hook. This seemed to work as another perch was netted. I ended up with eight perch with the best around the pound mark. Although I was enjoying more bites than I had mustered during my last fives visits combined, it was the venue's tench I had courted. I fed a little heavier, adding some groundbait and pellets to the swim. I then struck too early as the float dipped slightly, which made me think it could have been a tench. Tench are famous for playing infuriatingly with your bait before they finally take the plunge. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice and the next cast saw the float slip from sight and a good fish was hooked. It gave great sport on my through actioned match rod but I maintained control and before long a fine looking tench was lying in the folds of the landing net. It was a plump fish that went easily over 4lbs.

The first tench of 2014

The steady rain of last hour had now become heavy and bites began to dry up which couldn't be said about me or my belongings. The rain slowed for ten minutes and I made my getaway before the heavens opened up again for my drive home.

I really enjoyed the session even though it was limited to about 4 hours. Not only did I get my tench campaign up and running but I managed to add some cracking perch and lovely roach. It's also made me eagerly anticipate my next visit although the fickleness of the venue could well see me struggle next time.

Not bad for a few hours

A super roach

Floodwater Barbel

It seems ages since I last caught a barbel. I must admit to being side tracked over the last few months and I haven't really had the motivation to make my time on the bank all about one species. However, this week had me itching to get a decent bend in the rod so a barbel trip was planned on the Warwickshire Avon.

With the river rising over night into Saturday morning and a couple of frosts earlier in the week, I knew fishing would be anything but easy. The plan was to stay mobile and thus stay warm and hopefully stumble upon a feeding fish. I knew I would be fishing for one bite if I was lucky. I arrived to a very wet looking car park and an Avon not far from the top of the bank.

I started at the top of the stretch with the intention of dropping into any likely looking spots before moving on after thirty minutes or so. I spent the first hour fishing two slack areas away from the raging torrent. Without any indications, confidence had begun to wane. I continued in a few other

A nice looking slack

spots and eventually arrived back at the car park without anything to show for my efforts. I knew if I could present a bait in the right spot I'd been in with a good chance of something materialising. So I wandered downstream with the first spot again resulting in nothing. Finally, a walk 50 yards or so downstream at last yielded what I was looking for: a long, smooth glide that looked to be a swim worth concentrating my efforts for the remainder of my trip. A cast was made with a piece of Spam and a 2oz weight moulded with my homemade paste. All I could do now was admire the countryside and wait for a bite.

A welcome fish for January

About half an hour had passed when the rod tip hooped round and a fish was hooked. Obviously the cold water had taken effect since there were no blistering runs with the fish staying deep and plodding its way closer to the bank. Finally it awoke making a run which had the clutch screaming before the fish was drawn over the waiting net. The barbel was no monster at around 7lb but it had been feeding well and looked in great condition. A quick photo and it swam away strongly to fight another day. A few negotiations with the wife allowed me to stay on for another hour in the hope another fish would show but with a huge cloud approaching I curtailed the session at about 2.30pm. As the first few spots of rain started to fall I arrived back at the car satisfied to have managed a January floodwater barbel. The subsequent twenty minute drive home was then spent travelling through torrential rain and strong winds justifying my decision to return to a warm living room.

In search of perch

Sunday was a fine day. Bright and sunny weather meant it was rather pleasant at times although the conditions were not textbook as far as my quarry, perch, were concerned. I had decided to fish a pool in Warwickshire with a reputation for large perch and despite the unfavourable conditions, I stuck to the plan knowing opportunities are thin on the ground these days.

Having never fished the water before, I spent the first twenty minutes or so having a chat in an attempt to glean some useful information. I decided to opt for a spot in the shade, which I felt was important, with a large, snaggy tree to my right and around 4-5ft of water. Waggler fished worm would hopefully winkle out some perch while the loosefed maggots would pull a range of species to the area.

The clear conditions made for some cracking reflections

After about thirty minutes, a lack of action saw me change tactics. I had packed a 4m whip and decided to fish maggots to hand. Immediately, I encountered bites and the next hour was pretty busy with small perch, a string

A decent stamp of roach followed

 of nice roach to just over half a pound and a silver bream (of which there are a good head in the pool) of around 10oz, which I'm guessing is a PB having not caught many of them in the past.

Soon after however, disaster struck! My only rig tangled beyond repair and I found myself cursing my own laziness for not being more prepared. It was around 3pm so I decided to turn back to the worm approach and hope to pick up some perch as the light started to lose its intensity. A few perch did put in an appearance but nothing of the size I had hoped for.

Although the session had drawn a blank as far as a 2lb plus perch was concerned, it had been an enjoyable first visit to the pool on a beautiful January day. I will certainly look to return when conditions are more perch like and ensure I am better prepared.

What I think was a PB Silver Bream

A net of three species cut short by the tangle

Angling - Is there a future? (Part 2)

This is the second part of my series looking into the threats to angling. The first part [here] focussed on hydro power turbines but this chapter will look in to the impact of Eastern European anglers.

The last decade or so has seen large numbers of immigrant workers entering the UK along with their families. Angling, like in the UK, is a popular pastime across many European nations so it was no surprise that a percentage of immigrants have chosen to fish in this country. Of course, this is not a problem however there have been many accusations laid at the feet of eastern European's relating to illegal fishing practices. These accusations can be broadly grouped into fishing illegally without the necessary permits, using illegal methods and taking fish for dinner table.

Fishing without permits

Fishing without the necessary documents is not a new problem. Unfortunately, thousands of people are discovered each year to be fishing without an Environment Agency license (required to fish anywhere in the UK) and/or without a permit to fish a given venue. There is no doubt that immigrant anglers have fallen foul to this. However, language barriers and a lack of signage and bailiffing does not help this situation. One could argue that an immigrant angler could be more proactive and seek the necessary information before fishing. I stated earlier that this is not a new problem with many UK nationals also flouting the law in this area. We've all seen anglers on rivers during the closed season and a quick look at the Environment Agency's (EA) convictions will show most incidents involve UK residents.

I contacted Radoslaw Papiewski who has a lead role in the AT's Building Bridges programme. He commented, "Fisheries enforcement is intelligence-led, meaning that the process relies completely on information reported. Unfortunately because anglers still do not report all incidents and information to the Environment Agency, the actual picture regarding the true impact on fish stocks by migrant anglers is, in fact, unknown. However, during Operation CLAMP DOWN, an initiative by our Voluntary Bailiff Service and the Environment Agency in South East England throughout the last coarse close season, we do know that none of the fourteen anglers found fishing illegally were migrants. It is absolutely imperative, therefore, that anglers report incidents in progress and information to the Agency. Only then can appropriate action be taken and an accurate picture collated."

I don't believe nationality is the issue here. It doesn't matter if you're English, French or Polish, fishing without the required permits is ILLEGAL and should be reported. End of really.

Illegal methods

Fishing for the purposes of clarification uses rod and line. This is the accepted method in the UK. This, however doesn't stop some from using illegal methods to gain advantage. A common method involves gill nets being stretched out across the river to catch whatever swims through them. Obviously, this method does not discriminate and many fish will die in vain. Another method used is set lines for pike. This usually takes the guise of a strong piece of line tethered to the the bank or tree. From this mainline are a number of strong, baited hooks. A pike will pick up the bait, swallow the hook and become tethered until it is is recovered or dies. This method is pretty barbaric hence why it is frowned upon. Although this method is not a new idea, it does appear to have become more common place in the last decade and has become associated as a favoured method among eastern Europeans. Fortunately, I have never witnessed any evidence of this method myself but I am not naive enough to believe it doesn't go on. Both methods are designed to catch lots of fish, which are most probably sold on for profit at the expense of our native stocks.

Illegal netting

Environmental Officer Roger Ferguson said, "The vast majority of anglers in the UK fish for sport, and have great respect for wildlife and their welfare. Unfortunately, there are still some people who try to take fish away to eat using this illegal fishing method." He added, "Increasingly we are finding these methods used in both urban and rural areas. We would urge anyone who sees a set line in use or being set up to contact us immediately so we can come and remove it."

The Environment Agency said they would prosecute anyone caught using set lines, and anyone found guilty could be fined up to £2,500 making it imperative that any such cases are reported immediately. In addition, the Angling Trust have created a partnership with Crimestoppers and commenced Project Ghillie. It is aimed at combating illegal methods and poaching and incidents can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers. More information on the operation can be found here but it is well worth carrying the telephone number with you whilst on the bank.

Taking fish for the pot

Taking fish for the dinner table is not a new idea, indeed that was why fishing was invented. It was also common in the UK during the last century before it became unfashionable. The EA have strict bylaws on the amount of fish that can be taken legally [here]. I believe that for the majority of anglers, taking fish is not on the agenda. However, there are a minority that do and that they fall into two groups: the lone angler taking a fish or two for dinner and then more organised groups that are using methods to catch large numbers of fish for the black market. Eastern Europeans have been labelled as the main protagonists but again, scouring the news section of the EA website [here] seemed to show a different picture. I checked the news reports of each month during 2013 and could not find a single story that named a foreign angler. Indeed, of the dozen or more incidents making the news, it appeared that UK nationals were involved in illegal methods, taking fish and fishing without the necessary paperwork.

Catches of this magnitude would damage any fishery

It is my view that it is the methods aimed at catching numbers of fish obviously do the most harm to the fish populations of our waterways. Either that or your local Polish angler knows more about fishing than you do and is emptying the river using a spinning rod from Aldi. Using gill nets or set lines will cause damage at an alarming rate but poaching doesn't appear to be solely an eastern European problem.

So what next?

Looking into this area in more detail has shown that eastern Europeans may be guilty of fishing unlawful methods and/or contravening license laws and club rules but they are not alone. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that it is not only foreign nationals that are to blame for breaking the rules and damaging our sport. Whatever your views on who is responsible there is no doubt that something has to be done to prevent our fish stocks being damage further.

Firstly, anglers themselves have to help. It is not point moaning if you then take an apathetic view when you see something wrong. The EA offer the following advice should you see something suspicious on a waterway near you:

Call the EA on 0800 80 70 60 and tell them:

• exactly where the alleged offence is happening 
• what is happening
• how many people are involved and a description of them the methods used 
• a description and the registration numbers of any vehicles 
• whether it is happening at that moment 
• whether this happens regularly at this location

I have already mentioned the Angling Trust have formed a partnership with Crimestoppers and they can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

The Police are also supposedly there to support angling related crime. However, I have major doubts that they take the issue seriously or are familiar with the the law in this area. This was somewhat confirmed when I contacted West Mercia Police to seek their views on this matter. Despite guaranteeing a response with 48 hours I still find myself waiting suggesting it's not on their agenda. There are also accusations that the EA and Police force are unaware of the roles each has to play meaning matters are left unattended. It certainly doesn't give me confidence. I personally think the AT are being the most proactive in attempting to improve matters. 

Reporting incidents can catch offenders red handed

Secondly, education also has a major part to play. The Angling Trust (AT) has at least tried to make inroads in this area by initiating programmes and producing posters in many languages detailing rules and regulations. These can be downloaded from their website and displayed at fisheries meaning no angler has the excuse of the language barrier.

I am aware of a 'Respect the River' event that was run in Evesham during 2010 involving local tackle shops, anglers, EA representatives and other interested parties that invited foreign and local anglers to attend to learn more about the rules and angling culture that exists in the UK.

Coordinator, Tomasz Piotrowski said, "Both the first event and this one are very much about fishing, but are also about building bridges between the police and local authorities and European migrant workers and helping them achieve a better understanding of the many facets of British life. 

It is not always just about rules, but often about culture, which is not as clear-cut. The atmosphere at the first meeting left us hopeful that some friendships and mutual understanding will develop even further."

Having met a Polish angler myself in the summer I found he was keen to learn and understand where permits could be obtained and why we returned fish and I think this should always be the initial approach. If you then find rules being abused then we, as guardians of our sport, have to report incidents rather than moan. There are many threats to angling and our waterways, particularly rivers, are declining. It is unlikely to improve in the near future so everyone has to take responsibility and help in anyway possible or else the future of fishing could well be stocked ponds. Obviously, this is a sensitive issue but I would be interested to hear stories or opinions on this matter so please feel free to comment. 

A Lesson Learned

With a few hours spare on Sunday morning I decided to spend them on the banks of the Warwickshire Avon. I had seen a weather forecast predicting a cloudy, mild day but reality brought a bright and clear day with a stiff breeze gathering pace by late morning. With no significant rain for a few weeks and some cold nights, the river had cleared meaning I could see the bottom in 3-4ft of water. With this in mind I had decided to take a quivertip rod for chub and my deadbait rod for pike, I also packed in my lure rod at the last minute.

My chub setup was 6lb line straight through to a size 6 hook baited with cheese paste whilst I used a ledgered paternoster rig to present a half mackerel for the pike. The first swim was given about 40 minutes before I upped sticks and moved downstream. My target was a good chub peg that has produced in the past. My rationale was that if I couldn't snare a chub there then it would probably mean they weren't in the mood. I passed a few anglers float fishing maggots with little to shout about and then met another pike angler who had managed a fish earlier that morning.

A short chat later and I arrived in my spot and cast the cheese paste under the overhanging tree protruding from the near bank. I decided to leave the pike set up at the top of the bank, as for the time being it was do or die as far as the chub were concerned. Twenty minutes later and with not so much as a twitch I reeled in and packed the chub rod away. As far as I was concerned I was flogging as dead horse and it would be pike that would get my full attention for the next 90 minutes or so that I had remaining. I moved a peg or two upstream. I decided to remove the trebles and replace it with a trace sporting a single hook baited with a smelt. This was cast into the river ready to intercept any pike in the vicinity. The pike angler I had passed earlier came walking by for another chat and reported he'd had no further interest since his fish at first light.

By now it had past 11am and my bait was also lying undisturbed. It was obvious deadbaits weren't interesting the pike so out came the lure rod that I almost didn't pack. I connected the spinner that had been successful on my previous session and had attracted lots of perch interest. Fifteen minutes later and it was time for another change and out came one of my new spinnerbaits. I opted for

Spinnerbaits did the trick

a white and silver pattern using the old mantra that natural colours work best in clear water. Within five minutes or so the rod hooped over and I was into a pike. The 7ft, light actioned lure rod I was using meant that the pike, although not huge, gave a good account of itself. It was a plump looking fish that had obviously been feeding well for the impending winter. I estimated the weight at about 5lb, took a quick snap whilst it lay on the unhooking mat before watching it slope in the margins before it disappeared from view.

A chunky looking 'Jack' pike

With confidence renewed, I soon moved into a new spot a little upstream. This almost resulted in pike number two. As the lure made its way back to the bank a pike appeared from nowhere and grabbed the lure. I could feel the pike pulling aggressively as it thought it had found any easy meal. I struck! Unbelievably, it resulted in thin air and I watched the pike vanish almost as quickly as it appeared. I couldn't comprehend how I missed that one and despite persevering for another ten minutes or so hoping it would return, I saw time run out and my session ended.

Although it would have been nice to have caught the second pike it did remind me of some valuable lessons. The first was not to discount lures whatever the month and secondly, if one method isn't working then do something proactive. It would have been easy to sit behind a deadbait for the the session but I am pretty sure it would have resulted in a blank. On another day it might be the best method but on this day the pike seemed more inclined to chase a moving bait. To finish, I must say I've got a bit of the pike bug at the moment. After concentrating on barbel for several years it has been quite refreshing to catch a few different species this season, especially since the barbel fishing has been so indifferent. That means I am already plotting my next predator session.

Angling - Is there a future? (Part 1)

Like many, this season has been hit and miss on the angling front. In fact, as far as barbel are concerned it's been a near disaster. Only one double and fewer barbel than this time last year got me thinking. Granted, the summer's weather conditions were far from ideal with low, clear rivers the order of the day. However, with the rivers looking more ideal following our recent wet and mild conditions, the barbels' presence is still proving to be elusive. Therefore, are there other influences at work? Over the coming weeks I am going to discuss some of the main dangers to the fish population on our natural waterways and see if this season's form is a sign of things to come.

Hydro Power

Pershore's weir: a distant memory?

For those that are not aware, hydro power is a method of generating electricity using the water's flow. Of course, this is not a new idea with small water mills providing power in various guises all over the UK for many years. However, with the government applying pressure to source power from renewable sources, larger schemes are being planned and implemented on our rivers. There are number of issues that anglers and indeed any conservationist should be wary of. There is such a scheme being constructed a few miles away from me at Pershore, a small market town on the banks of the Warwickshire Avon. With this in mind I am going to highlight the key issues.

The plan has been proposed by the landowner, Mr C Hudson, and appears to have got the full backing of the Wychavon District Council. Indeed the development is now under construction. From an angling perspective there have been many concerns with regard to how the development will affect the flow and in turn how this will alter fish spawning grounds.  

Indeed, the Angling Trust's Alan Butterworth said, “I have commented on over 70 schemes on behalf of the Trust in the past year and this is by far the worse I’ve seen. The way that the EA has dealt with the proposal and acceptance of this scheme is nothing short of shocking.” 

In reply, the Environment Agency defended its stance by issuing the following statement: “In summer 2010 we issued an abstraction licence in Pershore with strict terms and conditions to protect fish, their migratory passage and the wider environment. These include ensuring a certain flow of water over the weir, especially during the fish spawning period, and a screening requirement to stop fish entering the turbine.”

The landowner's initial application to Wychavon District council is available online [here]. As part of the plan, a fisheries assessment was requested [here] and Fishtek Consulting carried out a detailed analysis together with computer aided models to predict and compare the effect of the hydro power scheme on the river's flow and its likely effect on the existing spawning grounds.

An aerial image of Pershore weir showing the location of the hydro turbines

You may recall I mentioned that the Angling Trust commented that this was poorly thought out scheme. Interestingly, Fishtek based their report on fisheries data dating back to the 1990s. This was because no surveys had been carried out since and the Environment Agency did not see fit to commission one. The table below shows the species present in various locations along the Warwickshire Avon but you will notice one notable omission: Pershore, the site of the scheme. This was because Pershore was not included in the 1990s survey. It was concluded that Evesham is a similar site and with it being only a few miles upstream then it would surely be the same. Quite a lot of assumptions here!

The 1990s survey used in the planning process

There is also another huge anomaly as far as fishing is concerned. That is the lack of a barbel population. During the 90s, barbel were beginning to show in some areas of the Avon. These days they are present in most areas of the river and are probably one of the main target species for anglers. They of course enjoy pacier, oxygenated river stretches typical of habitat found below weirs. This means assumptions have been made without considering one of the river's major species using data that is almost 20 years old. 'Poorly thought out,' perhaps the AT had a point.

Before works commenced, Pershore weir obviously contributed to increased flow of the river Avon in this area. This in turn resulted in increased oxygenated water and clean gravel areas which provide excellent spawning grounds and habitat for juvenile fish. The following diagrams show the current depths and flow speeds.

The weir's current flows

Projected depths following the turbine installation

With the weirpool's hydro turbines installed the river's flow was again analysed and predicted as follows:

Projected flows below the weir after turbine installation

Obviously, one of the biggest concerns amongst anglers is the effect on flow rates. Comparing the two images you can see that the effect is not as big as one might have imagined and the tail of the weir, important for spawning, remains largely unaffected. This leads nicely onto spawning. The increased flow and oxygenated water below any weir makes it an obvious spawning site on a river for many species that take advantage of the shallower water, clean gravel and plant growth. The diagrams below show the current spawning situation below the weir and what the effect of the turbines will be.

The current spawning situation at Pershore Weir

Projected spawning areas following works

The brown areas below the weir itself do not represent good spawning sites due to their depth and an unsuitable layer of fine substrates. This remains unchanged by the proposed hyrdo power turbines. You will notice that the tail of the weir provides some of the best spawning sites due to shallower, gravelly areas. Again, the proposed changes should not alter the effectiveness of these locations.

Fishtek Consulting (2012) offered the following key recommendations:

The turbine discharge is sited as close to the toe of the weir as possible maintaining the maximum distance from the region of spawning habitat identified.

The turbine discharges into the area of deep water in the left hand corner of the weir (looking downstream), forming an effective stilling basin to dissipate velocities.

The spawning habitat is mapped annually post installation to ensure that there is no  reduction. In the unlikely scenario of a reduction occurring, mitigation in the form of gravel addition or altering the flow should be considered.

The fish pass entrance should be located 1-2 m downstream from the turbine discharge point in order to reduce the potential masking effect that the turbulent outflow may have.

Compressible bumpers should be fitted to the turbine leading edges to eliminate fish damage.

It remains to be seen if Fishtek's recommendations have been implemented in full. However according to the study, negative damage as a result of the installation of hydro power turbines is negligible. Although it is worth noting that there were assumptions made on the species inhabiting the river following the use of old data that is not reflective of today's Warwickshire Avon. Therefore, the Angling Trust do have a point when they say a thorough study was not carried out. It does beg the question as to why a new survey was not carried out in the immediate area especially when the Environment Agency are supposedly the guardians of our waterways. Despite the fisheries analysis suggesting it's not all doom and gloom, only time will tell. The Birmingham Anglers Association (BAA) who lease the fishing rights from the landowner were not notified of the scheme. Since planning was granted, they are still waiting for any communication. As for how this will alter the access to the club's fishing rights, BAA's John Williams stated, "We will not know anything until the scheme is complete. Access to the fishing will be determined by the landowner's wishes." Not great news when the landowner has already demonstrated a lack of consideration for river users by failing to take part in any meaningful consultation. Basically, a landowner can do what they like regardless of what lease agreements have been previously put in place, or at least that's what is being suggested. It is a pity, in my opinion, that the landowner, the council or the Environment Agency could not have had a discussion with interested parties such as the BAA and the Angling Trust.  The BAA have seemingly lost fishing access to one of their prime spots without consultation and only future studies will determine whether the area's fish friendly habitat and attractive spawning grounds remain unharmed. I must admit there is something fishy (pardon the pun) with the ease in which this scheme found favour. Could it be that since the scheme will provide electricity for the nearby leisure centre, run by Wychavon District Council, it assisted in gaining full support? After all, this could cut the council's electricity bills so there is a slight conflict of interest. Did government incentives for green energy ensure this scheme was always going to be given the green light? There have been alleged accusations of money changing hands given the EA's lackadaisical attitude but of course this will only ever be rumour and conjecture. However remember, hydro power could be coming to a weir near you and you'll probably be the last to know!

Pershore's locals have an online petition which you may wish to support [here].

What is your opinion on such schemes? Would you be happy with the assurances made in the fisheries assessment? Would you welcome a scheme on a river near you?

It's not funny anymore

I left for work this morning to be met with the all too familiar sight of the Warks Avon spread across the outskirts of my village and flood signs being erected. It really has been a hopeless winter as far as river fishing has been concerned. With the river carrying extra water for the last three months it takes very little to burst the banks so a weekend of constant rain, topped off with a blanket of snow and the subsequent thaw means the river has risen about 2 metres since Saturday.

I've never been overly concerned with extra water, after all if coupled with the right temperature it can provide some pretty good fishing, especially for Barbel. However, apart from a mild influx around New Year all the extra water has been cold rain and snow melt resulting in the Avon's contents resembling a cup of cold coffee. With the conditions being so unsettled it's been almost impossible to plan a session with any degree of success since the river has been neither one thing or the other. I mean, mild and coloured can be perfect for Barbel, cold and clear can produce Chub, Pike and maybe Roach but cold, coloured and seemingly getting worse is a recipe for disaster.

With only a month left of the season it would be nice to be able to put a few decent fish in the net to rival what was a decent winter, probably my best, last year. But I'm a long way off from matching those achievements so instead I find my mind wandering away to lily fringed lakes, with mist rising as the sunrise brings in a new day. Perhaps this spring can make up for the missed opportunities of winter.

A trip into the unknown

With the rivers full of snow melt water I decided that this week’s fishing fix would have to be found elsewhere. I only had a few hours spare this weekend so decided on a trip to the Birmingham-Worcester Canal. With that decision made, my next dilemma was what to target. My options consisted of either pole fishing pinkies for small fish with perhaps a bonus or be a pioneer.

Of course, I went for the most difficult option and decided to go predator hunting armed with a lure rod and a deadbait set up. Now, the reason I call this a pioneering trip is because I've never caught a Pike from this canal, or indeed even heard of one being caught on the Birmingham-Worcester. I have no reason to disbelieve their existence since they manage to inhabit most waters and the canal joins the Severn meaning a population could form easily enough. I've also caught plenty of small Perch in the past and I guess they have plenty of small prey fish to grow fat on so there could be some specimen Perch present too. I left knowing the odds were stacked heavily against me and my heart sank upon arrival at my chosen stretch as I was greeted by a cocoa coloured canal, hardly the best conditions for predators. Unperturbed, I decided to give it a bash. The boat yard, which was the main reason I had chosen this stretch, was crammed with barges making fishing impossible so I walked on. I did find a turning bay and gave this a go but it resulted in no action. After trying another area I decided I was wasting my time on this stretch and with time a premium I decided to pack the car and drive a mile or so to another stretch of the canal.

My spirits were briefly lifted as the water was a much friendlier colour. Again I stayed mobile, mostly concentrating with the lure approach. I hadn't fished a canal for about a year and a game of ‘Dodge the dog poo’ kept me on my toes as I experienced a fruitless couple of hours. A sharp shower started and with that I decided to call it quits. I hadn't had a run, hit or even a follow. I have no idea whether the target fish were even present so if anyone reading can shed any light on it I’d really appreciate that. So although I blanked, I didn't feel too despondent. After all, you don’t catch sitting in your living room and the bigger the risk, the bigger the rewards. That said, perhaps I'll be reaching for the pinkies next time.

Rivers on the rise

We seem to have some milder weather on the way but this of course has triggered the snow melt. As a result the last 24 hours have seen the Warks Avon rise by over a metre and it appears it's a similar story on the Severn. Of course, this new influx of water will also play havoc with the temperatures so with cold, coloured water the order of day I think the rivers are probably best left alone for a week or so.

It's Snow Joke

Picture the scene; the countryside covered in fluffy, white snow, a Robin perched on a fence post and hardly a soul to be seen. I've always hankered after catching a Pike in the snow and having that photo of me holding a fine fish surrounded by the white stuff.

So with most of the country blessed with snow I chanced my arm on Saturday. With many places inaccessible, I chose my local stretch which meant a 2 minute drive to the banks of the Warwickshire Avon. My wife and mother-in-law, who happened to be visiting, thought I was barking mad and I must admit part of me agreed. However, if I wanted that photo I was not going to achieve it sitting in front of the log burner so I off I went.

Unfortunately, there was no Pike so I will have to wait a little longer for that photo. I fished two rods, one ledger and one float in several swims. Since I know the stretch pretty well, I was confident I was placing dead baits in good areas but that's the second consecutive Piking session that's resulted in nothing so perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree. I was briefly heartened when one of the spots had some small Chub topping and I felt a Pike would be near and although it felt right the fish would not oblige.

With the temperature dropping considerably during the last hour and with it the feeling in my fingers, I decided the log burner was more attractive idea after all and called it a day.

Do we need a river close season? (edited)

I note that Dave Harrell has penned an article in this week’s Angling Times calling for a lift on the river close season. After all, it’s the only type of UK waterway that still has an obligation to close on March 15^th.

Now I’m fully aware of the pros and cons depending on which side of the fence you sit on. Those in favour of a close season claim it protects the banks and associated wildlife and spawning fish. To be fair, given that many of the country’s rivers are suffering from predation, abstraction and many other problems it could be deemed this argument is as pertinent as ever.

On the flip side, those wanting a change to the rules offer the idea that it could boost the economy, offer more choice to anglers, and that stillwaters and canals haven’t suffered so why would rivers?

Personally, I would like to leave things as they are and that comes from someone who lives a few hundred metres from the Warwickshire Avon and would benefit more than most from a rule change. You’re probably wondering why? Well, for me the 16^th June is still a special date in the angling calendar. The week preceding the 16th will have me getting tackle ready, preparing bait and thinking through my approach for the big day with great anticipation. A rule change would see this lost forever. Perhaps that’s a bit old fashioned but it’s what I look forward to. Since most of my angling is carried out on the river, the close season also gives me an opportunity to fish elsewhere and have a bash at other species. My observations also show that most canals are under fished and to add so are many stillwaters, commercials excepted. Therefore, the argument that they are fine doesn’t actually paint the full picture. If commercial fisheries suffer fatalities due to angling pressure then they simply buy new stock. This of course cannot happen on a natural fishery.

As I mentioned earlier, some rivers have really suffered in recent years due to cormorants, otters and poachers for the pot. These fish haven’t been replaced and some areas are hardly worth fishing. Ask anglers on the Windrush or Bristol Avon what the Barbel fishing is like these days and you wouldn’t get much of a response.  On my local Warks Avon, I know that weirs in particular get lots of angling pressure throughout the season yet these are the main sites, due to the oxygenated water, where many fish spawn. Would anglers really be happy fishing over gravel runs used for spawning? Perhaps, with some years seeing fish spawning outside the close season a change to the dates would be more appropriate than a lift.

I’ve not managed to read the article yet on the Angling Times but I can see why match anglers may want a lift since it increases the chances of river fishing and if you’re a river expert in those circles like Dave Harrell then that equates to extra income. Now although Dave won’t remember me, I do have memories of him giving chats and advice when I was a youngster with the Birmingham based, Junior Starlets and he always seemed a decent bloke. However, it would be interesting if his main points for a change actually benefit the angler or the river. Any views would of course be welcome from anyone reading so thanks in advance.

As always, feel free to follow my site or add a link to your own site if you’re a fellow blogger. Thanks for reading. 

P.S. - it appears Mr Harrell's main argument is that the current close season should be used to compensate for poor weather during the winter months. I personally don't think it's argument enough to warrant a change, but that's my opinion. Our rivers need all the help they can get at the moment and I'm not sure lifting the close season would aid the current issues they face.

Mr Crabtree comes to our screens

It's been announced that Freeview channel, Quest will be airing a TV version of the famous 'Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing' towards the end of the month. Their site [here] has all the details so set your Sky+ box.

I'm lucky enough to own a copy of the original book courtesy of my father who bought it back in the 1950s when he was child. I remember reading the book avidly as a 10 year old when I first became interested in fishing and marveling at some of the beasts he seemed to catch so effortlessly. I also recall he had copies of the comic strips printed in the Daily Mirror newspaper that he kept in a tin. I'll have to ask him about those next time we meet. I'm sure that I'm not alone in saying the book inspired many of us anglers and it will be interesting to see how the presenter, John Bailey, transfers the book into a television series.

Also, since I'm always trying to increase my audience please click 'Follow' further down on the right or add my site to your blog if you have one. Many thanks, Lee. 

A blank and another winter Barbel

Since my last post I’ve had two trips: a Piking session on the Gloucester Canal and an afternoon on the Warks Avon hoping for Barbel.

If you read my previous post you will know that my wife’s brother-in-law was visiting and I promised him a fishing trip. Since he’d never caught a Pike before the aim was to put that right. With the rivers high and coloured I was forced to look for an alternative venue to snare a predator. With a lack of stillwaters containing Pike in the immediate area a bit of spade work identified the Gloucester Canal as a viable venue. Investigations showed that if you could find the prey fish then the Pike and Zander would not be far away so off we went with high hopes, especially given the mild conditions. We arrived late morning, and having not fished the venue before walked the towpath looking for signs or fishy spots. Within 50 yards we came across a dead arm that had dozens of small fish dimpling the surface. Bingo, surely a good spot for a predator? Well, despite fishing ledgered and float fished deadbaits and lure fishing we didn’t get a sniff, neither did the local who was fishing three rods 30 yards away. With five baits in the water between us I’d like to say the fish weren’t there or simply not interested rather than us fishing like plonkers. Even a move resulted in nothing and I must admit it was rather disappointing.

A nice winter Warks Avon Barbel

Looking to put things right, today saw me back on the Warks Avon. With me back at work tomorrow I was determined to get one last trip in and with the Barbel conditions seemingly perfect surely a fish would grace the net? With my homemade paste doing the business on the last few trips it made sense to start with that as bait. The river had dropped considerably although it had that ‘milky’ colour to it. It had also risen by 1°C so was around 7°C; perfect! However, sport was slow despite half an hour in another swim where I was too hasty with a Chub bite and missed out. I returned to my main swim but after about 10 minutes I just had a nagging feeling that I should change to meat. I did, and within 5 minutes I was playing a Barbel, which gave a ponderous fight preferring to stay deep and rarely taking line until the net. I didn’t weigh it accurately preferring to just hook the scales on to the landing net for a rough check. After a few calculations to deduct the net, it meant  7 ½lb. Although an average fish, it was in pristine winter condition as have all the Barbel I have caught recently.

As I said earlier, work beckons tomorrow which will no doubt curtail my angling activities. It’s a shame since the Avon is well worth a Barbel or two in its current state. However, with no rain the river will continue to drop and clear so things may get tougher on the Barbel front. That said, Chub and Pike prospects should improve. Happy angling!

First session and fish of 2013

I’ve actually have two trips on the Warwickshire Avon to report. The first was on New Year’s Eve and I found the river, unsurprisingly, just about in its banks. I had mulled about whether to go all day and in the end thought I’d have a better chance on the bank than sat at home wondering. A quick temperature check found the river at 5°C, a bit cooler than I had hoped but there was a chance and I’d caught a Barbel at this temperature a couple of weeks previous. Anyway, to cut a long story short there were no fireworks for me and I left just after dark had set in without so much as a sniff to report.

Today, was a new month and a new year and I arrived on the same stretch with renewed hope. The river had dropped some 3 foot although the temperature was still stuck on 5°C. Given the last two nights had been chilly I was thankful this hadn’t changed. The air temperature on the other hand was a mild feeling 9°C so it was pretty pleasant sitting out there with the river to myself.

Tactics were identical to my previous failed session. Two rods, one cast downstream and baited with meat while the other rigged up with a boilie wrapped in my own paste. I moulded the same paste around the weights of each rig as an added attractor and cast out with anticipation. Just over an hour passed with nothing to report and my earlier enthusiasm had started to wane. I decided to go on a wander with the paste rod and gave another swim about 30 minutes, but again without success. By now it was 3.45pm so I returned to my original spot and recast both rods. Almost immediately, the paste rod indicated a bite and my strike was met with solid resistance. However, the fish didn’t bomb off in typical style with perhaps the chilly water accounting for its lethargy. It had me thinking I’d hooked a Chub at first, but as the battle continued I knew a Barbel was attached to the other end and this was confirmed as I drew the fish over the net. This act triggered a mad splashing fit as the Barbel finally found some energy. The scales registered 8lb 12oz so it was a reasonable result given the conditions. I decided to fish on into dark and just before 6pm another bite resulted in another Barbel, albeit much smaller at around 4lb. I carried on for another 45 minutes and despite a few rattles that failed to materialise there were no more fish.

8lb 12oz - More than welcome in January

This 4 pounder likes my paste too

So my first session of 2013 resulted in two mid-winter Barbel, both on my paste bait, which is fast becoming the most productive Barbel bait for me during the cooler months. I have the brother-in-law visiting tomorrow so I’m planning a predator session for us both, which will give me a chance to change tactics and venue. Wish me luck!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

As another year edges towards its conclusion we often see ourselves reflecting on what has gone and fishing evokes memories, some good and some not so. Like most anglers, 2012 has had its fair share of ups and downs for me.

This PB got 2012 off to a flyer

The year got off to a cracking start with a personal best Pike off the Warks Avon going 18lb 3oz. However, apart from a few modest Barbel the season tailed away and the river season slammed shut. That had been my first season fishing the Warks Avon seriously following my move and I’d found it trickier than I thought it would be. That said, I’m a firm believer that you learn from your experiences and I was determined to put things right when June 16^th finally arrived. Becoming a father for the first time in April meant that there was little time for stillwater or canal fishing whilst I counted down to the season opener.

June finally arrived but the opening day was also greeted by heavy rain and an out of sorts river failed to produce. Although the ‘glorious 16^th’is still savoured by river anglers I have to admit it is often a disappointment when it comes to fishing but the excitement of being on the river again never diminishes and I’m sure it’ll be just the same in 2013.

The Lower Double

Much of the summer and autumn was spent targeting Barbel. This was to be my second season on the new stretch and I was determined to find fish on a more consistent basis and sort out a few bigger specimens. Looking back at my records shows the river was often high as we experienced one of the wettest summers in recent history. I managed to find one reliable swim that seemed to produce in swollen conditions but none of the fish were above average. Further explorations saw me manage my biggest Barbel from the stretch to date at 9lb 10oz after the river had returned to normal conditions and another of 9lb 6oz in autumn which makes me believe a double is not far away on this stretch of river. Autumn also saw me look for a change of scenery and saw me put a few hours in on the lower Severn. Much has been written about the tricky nature of this water and in the sessions I fished it became apparent you were fishing for one bite. In actual fact I managed to blank 4 times in 5 visits. Two of those blanks saw a Barbel lost to pulls, one of which felt a very good fish. The session I managed to put a fish in the net resulted in a Barbel of 11lb so the rewards are there if you don’t mind putting the work in.

Fishing however is not always about highlights and there’s been some lows too. In angling a low usually equates to blanking and I’ve had my fair share this season including a recent run of three consecutive blanks. It’s part of the game of course but despite all the clichés of being on the bank is enough we all know that is not entirely true.

As this post is all about memories I thought I’d share a slightly amusing one that actually happened a few years ago. It was one of those sessions where nothing goes to plan, in fact it was something of a disaster from start to finish. I was fishing at Trimpley on the middle Severn and had managed to drop into my preferred swim and was confident of catching. After building up my swim using a groundbait feeder the bites finally started to arrive. A Barbel on then subsequently lost. This happened three more times and had me getting more and more frustrated. Then unbelievably the last three inches of my quiver tip snapped off which had me improvising so that I could fish on. But the final nail in the coffin was yet to come. Without warning, the button on my trousers decided to pop off leaving me in a very tricky predicament. Time to improvise yet again. By pulling my zip up fully I could jam the aforementioned trousers into position to allow to me to fish on but it was far from ideal. I did manage a few fish that night but decided to put an end to my misery and call it a day. However, as any visitors to Trimpley will know, it’s an awfully long walk back to the car park so off I trudged, fishing tackle in one hand while the other did its best to keep my trousers up. Fortunately, no one had the misfortune to pass me by on that awkward walk and I was able to make to the car without further embarrassment. And with that I wish you all a ‘Happy New Year’ and hope 2013 is good to you all.