Wow what a year 2014 was; full of personal along with angling highs and lows. Unfortunately I didn't manage the time to write detailed blogs on this website, however visit www.facebook.com/ManchesterAngler and you will find loads of photos from my 2014 angling season.
JANUARY 2014
The first blow of the New Year came with the change of rules by the organizers of the Hobie backed Kayak Wars competition. This involved the reallocation of points regarding the fish sizes to score points in the competition. To cut a long story short they were engineered so that it made it impossible for me to compete as a freshwater kayak angler living in the North West of England. The majority of my points were acquired by catching Trophy Roach along with point scoring Roach & Perch. The size limits were raised making it very difficult to record any trophy Roach. I had spent many fishing hours perfecting a sliding float technique in order to catch these trophy point scoring Roach. No other kayak angler in the UK was able to replicate my catches therefore the organizers simple moved the goal posts. I decided not to defend my No 1 UK kayak wars ranking during 2015; instead redirecting my energy towards developing my angling coaching skills. I had to decide which direction to take; I was at that metaphorical junction in my angling career. Would it be along the freshwater kayak angling route that I am so passionate about or more mainstream bank angling coaching. Read on to find out which route I took!
The first blow of the New Year came with the change of rules by the organizers of the Hobie backed Kayak Wars competition. This involved the reallocation of points regarding the fish sizes to score points in the competition. To cut a long story short they were engineered so that it made it impossible for me to compete as a freshwater kayak angler living in the North West of England. The majority of my points were acquired by catching Trophy Roach along with point scoring Roach & Perch. The size limits were raised making it very difficult to record any trophy Roach. I had spent many fishing hours perfecting a sliding float technique in order to catch these trophy point scoring Roach. No other kayak angler in the UK was able to replicate my catches therefore the organizers simple moved the goal posts. I decided not to defend my No 1 UK kayak wars ranking during 2015; instead redirecting my energy towards developing my angling coaching skills. I had to decide which direction to take; I was at that metaphorical junction in my angling career. Would it be along the freshwater kayak angling route that I am so passionate about or more mainstream bank angling coaching. Read on to find out which route I took!
My first opportunity to launch a kayak and go fishing in 2014. The sport was slow with dormant fish just not wanting to feed!
The English Lake District had like most of the UK been battered with heavy rain and winds during the festive period creating high water levels on all of its glacial still waters. The influx of cold water running off the fells into the lakes makes for indifferent fishing. Therefore with lowered expectations I peddled off on my freshwater angling platform in search of a Roach school to plunder from the beautiful Esthwaite Water. Here are a few photos from a blog I'm in the progress of writing, new cap and new fishing tackle - call me mister bling :) LOL.
The English Lake District had like most of the UK been battered with heavy rain and winds during the festive period creating high water levels on all of its glacial still waters. The influx of cold water running off the fells into the lakes makes for indifferent fishing. Therefore with lowered expectations I peddled off on my freshwater angling platform in search of a Roach school to plunder from the beautiful Esthwaite Water. Here are a few photos from a blog I'm in the progress of writing, new cap and new fishing tackle - call me mister bling :) LOL.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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FEBRUARY 2014
Fishing isn't all about catching fish; enjoying the countryside is a vital element of that feel good feeling.
A few photos from a two day mini break walking along the River Bure and Upper Thurne - 18.5 miles rambling! A simply stunning location; up there with 'The Lake District' - two awesome national parks :).
Fishing isn't all about catching fish; enjoying the countryside is a vital element of that feel good feeling.
A few photos from a two day mini break walking along the River Bure and Upper Thurne - 18.5 miles rambling! A simply stunning location; up there with 'The Lake District' - two awesome national parks :).
This time spent with my best friend and wife helped me arrive at some life changing decisions.......
MARCH 2014
Most of this month was spent taking the first steps into implementing the plan that I had chatted through with my wife.
Most of this month was spent taking the first steps into implementing the plan that I had chatted through with my wife.
- Our house was put up for sale so that we could move to a new area within Greater Manchester, closer to my wife's work but crucially close to the North West of England's premier commercial coarse fisheries!
- I felt I needed to go back to grass roots and take time to understand anglers. Let me explain; I had been kayak angling since 2008. This had removed me from mainstream angling due it being such a niche fishing technique in the UK. If I was going to successfully coach angling from the bank; then it was back to basics for me and I needed to submerge myself totally in the angling industry. Therefore I applied for two jobs within the fishing tackle industry; lets see what fate decides!
I still managed two very different fishing sessions during March.
Below are a few photos from a blustery North West canal, this was the only safe venue to fish upon a kayak and I made the most of what was available. I never compromise safety for the sake of catching fish; there is always another day!
Below are a few photos from a blustery North West canal, this was the only safe venue to fish upon a kayak and I made the most of what was available. I never compromise safety for the sake of catching fish; there is always another day!
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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The second fishing blog marked the start of the Brown Trout fishing season and a trip up to the simple exquisite Lake District.
Ghost Buster - Lakeland Brown Trout
The start of the UK Brown Trout season, only one place for me to be - chasing ghosts on Esthwaite Water.
Let me explain. Last season (2013) I struggled with the challenge of catching Esthwaite's Brown Trout. She flattered me with an early new PB fish of 5lb 6oz before treating me mean; I was falling out of love with her. The chocolate box Lakeland views were beginning to wear thin, after all good looks are not everything. A season of lost fish, desperate bite-less lows and a show stopper 5lb 11oz brand new PB Brown Trout. The roller coaster journey continued and I nicknamed my Brown Trout fishing sessions to Esthwaite as chasing ghosts; hence the title name.
What would the new season of 2014 bring for me?
Something totally awesome; a fish of a life time!
Ghost Buster - Lakeland Brown Trout
The start of the UK Brown Trout season, only one place for me to be - chasing ghosts on Esthwaite Water.
Let me explain. Last season (2013) I struggled with the challenge of catching Esthwaite's Brown Trout. She flattered me with an early new PB fish of 5lb 6oz before treating me mean; I was falling out of love with her. The chocolate box Lakeland views were beginning to wear thin, after all good looks are not everything. A season of lost fish, desperate bite-less lows and a show stopper 5lb 11oz brand new PB Brown Trout. The roller coaster journey continued and I nicknamed my Brown Trout fishing sessions to Esthwaite as chasing ghosts; hence the title name.
What would the new season of 2014 bring for me?
Something totally awesome; a fish of a life time!
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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APRIL 2014
I'd promised to take my wife fishing for her first wild Brown Trout. Where better to go than the simply awesome English Lake District venue of Ullswater. Karen is no stranger to Ullswater, our honeymoon venue and full of fond memories. However, today was no early summer drop shot, boat fishing session. The eager Perch that rattle an anglers rod and provide such hectic sport are no match to the challenge of catching wild Brown Trout from the shore. How did Karen deal with a new technique in gusty, cold North Westerly winds?
I'd promised to take my wife fishing for her first wild Brown Trout. Where better to go than the simply awesome English Lake District venue of Ullswater. Karen is no stranger to Ullswater, our honeymoon venue and full of fond memories. However, today was no early summer drop shot, boat fishing session. The eager Perch that rattle an anglers rod and provide such hectic sport are no match to the challenge of catching wild Brown Trout from the shore. How did Karen deal with a new technique in gusty, cold North Westerly winds?
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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At the end of the month I was offered a job working within the Fishing Republic shop in Swinton, Greater Manchester. This was it; do or for ever wonder if I could make it work! The very first step towards my end goal of establishing a coaching career in angling. Bye bye to the voice & data cabling industry that I had been working in for over twenty five years. A scary but also exciting moment in my life whereby I forfeit financial reward to follow my passion - angling! The journey begins.......
May 2014
Once upon a time there lived a freshwater kayak angler. He worked 8:30 to 17:00, five days a week in the Republic of Mancunia. The weekends could not come quick enough, then he would escape to the spectacular land of crystal clear lakes, clean air and breath taking fells that lay within the English Lake District. Many lunch breaks of our intrepid kayak angler were spent day dreaming; recounting past angling trips and planning towards the weekend's fishing.
This is where we begin the Brown Trout fairy tale. A fisherman's aspirations of a days fishing in the right place at the right time as mother nature delivers the perfect fishing conditions for an angling red letter day! Join me as I share a days fishing for wild Brown Trout as the angling gods grant me a trip of a life time.
Once upon a time there lived a freshwater kayak angler. He worked 8:30 to 17:00, five days a week in the Republic of Mancunia. The weekends could not come quick enough, then he would escape to the spectacular land of crystal clear lakes, clean air and breath taking fells that lay within the English Lake District. Many lunch breaks of our intrepid kayak angler were spent day dreaming; recounting past angling trips and planning towards the weekend's fishing.
This is where we begin the Brown Trout fairy tale. A fisherman's aspirations of a days fishing in the right place at the right time as mother nature delivers the perfect fishing conditions for an angling red letter day! Join me as I share a days fishing for wild Brown Trout as the angling gods grant me a trip of a life time.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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Within two weeks of commencing work at the fishing tackle shop it became's blatantly obvious to me that the only way forward with my coaching would be to operate from a commercial fishery. The type of angling that I've enjoyed for a number of years; namely kayak angling with lures was just not going to be a viable coaching option. There was no way I would be able to even think about coaching until I developed new commercial fishery skills; catching Carp the angling public's favorite species of fish. For me I had now traveled a full circle in a diverse angling career. It was back to my grass root angling fishing with pole floats and finesse tackle. My heart hoped that I would be able to introduce people to kayak angling and the art of lure fishing. However my head always knew that the superb facilities and the intense stocking provided at commercial fisheries would be the way forward.
JUNE 2014
It was with sincere regret that I had to part company with Quantum Specialist (a Zebco company) who had kindly sponsored me at the start of the year. I was changing my angling genre to an area away from the core business of Quantum fishing tackle. I lost many hours sleep before making this decision. To move on and develop my skills I invested in a fishing pole and focusing my energy towards learning all about the fishing techniques used at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Culcheth.
JUNE 2014
It was with sincere regret that I had to part company with Quantum Specialist (a Zebco company) who had kindly sponsored me at the start of the year. I was changing my angling genre to an area away from the core business of Quantum fishing tackle. I lost many hours sleep before making this decision. To move on and develop my skills I invested in a fishing pole and focusing my energy towards learning all about the fishing techniques used at Partridge Lakes Fishery in Culcheth.
Here are a few photos from my first pole fishing pleasure session on Marsh Lake, peg 10.
A superb, five hour action packed session producing the following catch returns;
22 x F1 Carp to 3lb 8oz
1 x Mirror Carp @ 3lb 12oz
2 x Rudd up to 6oz
5 x Golden Tench up to 12oz
1 x Barbel @ 10oz.
6 x Ide up to 12oz
Six different species, who said commercial fisheries are all about Carp?
A superb, five hour action packed session producing the following catch returns;
22 x F1 Carp to 3lb 8oz
1 x Mirror Carp @ 3lb 12oz
2 x Rudd up to 6oz
5 x Golden Tench up to 12oz
1 x Barbel @ 10oz.
6 x Ide up to 12oz
Six different species, who said commercial fisheries are all about Carp?
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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JULY 2014
A few photos from my latest pole fishing session on Peg 4, Ribbon at Partridge Fisheries.
A slow session as I struggled to suss out how the F1 Carp were feeding on the far bank island margin swim. My other swim at the bottom of the nearside shelf also proved to be very frustrating during the opening two hours of the session.
To cut a long story I picked up odd F1 Carp, Rudd & Ide from the 11 metre far bank swim and eventually connected with some Bream upon the 4 metre near shelf line.
The fishing gradually improved during the 6 1/2 hour session, leading to a frantic last two hours as I bagged up on F1 Carp on the 11 metre swim and Ide upon my 4 metre line.
Whilst fishing, I write down an estimated weight of every fish I catch on a note book, this enables me to compile a reasonably accurate total of all the fish caught during a session.
Unbelievably, a poor start evolved into a frantic finish producing my largest ever catch of fish; including ten different species of fish!
Below are my catch returns from this exceptional pole fishing session caught on just under £10 worth of bait.
49 x F1 Carp - largest fish 4lb 8oz
3 x Mirror carp - largest fish 5lb
2 x Golden Tench - largest fish 1lb 12oz
24 x Ide - largest fish 2lb
5 x Bream - largest fish 3lb
4 x Barbel - largest fish 2lb
2 x Chub - largest fish 1lb
9 x Rudd - largest fish 2oz
5 x Roach - largest fish 8oz
1 x Perch @ 1oz
Silver fish estimated bag weight = 45lb 6oz
Carp estimated bag weight = 84lb 4oz
TOTAL ESTIMATED BAG WEIGHT = 129lb 10oz
A few photos from my latest pole fishing session on Peg 4, Ribbon at Partridge Fisheries.
A slow session as I struggled to suss out how the F1 Carp were feeding on the far bank island margin swim. My other swim at the bottom of the nearside shelf also proved to be very frustrating during the opening two hours of the session.
To cut a long story I picked up odd F1 Carp, Rudd & Ide from the 11 metre far bank swim and eventually connected with some Bream upon the 4 metre near shelf line.
The fishing gradually improved during the 6 1/2 hour session, leading to a frantic last two hours as I bagged up on F1 Carp on the 11 metre swim and Ide upon my 4 metre line.
Whilst fishing, I write down an estimated weight of every fish I catch on a note book, this enables me to compile a reasonably accurate total of all the fish caught during a session.
Unbelievably, a poor start evolved into a frantic finish producing my largest ever catch of fish; including ten different species of fish!
Below are my catch returns from this exceptional pole fishing session caught on just under £10 worth of bait.
49 x F1 Carp - largest fish 4lb 8oz
3 x Mirror carp - largest fish 5lb
2 x Golden Tench - largest fish 1lb 12oz
24 x Ide - largest fish 2lb
5 x Bream - largest fish 3lb
4 x Barbel - largest fish 2lb
2 x Chub - largest fish 1lb
9 x Rudd - largest fish 2oz
5 x Roach - largest fish 8oz
1 x Perch @ 1oz
Silver fish estimated bag weight = 45lb 6oz
Carp estimated bag weight = 84lb 4oz
TOTAL ESTIMATED BAG WEIGHT = 129lb 10oz
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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I was experiencing some sensational fishing using pole fishing techniques. A method that enables an angler to present a bait almost perfectly up to 13 metre's from the bank. HOWEVER; it just wasn't feeling like angling for me!
Match Angling; love it or loath it, an integral part of coarse fishing and the development of new techniques and tackle. I've spent over fifteen of the thirty five years of my angling life match fishing. Up until May this year I had never spent any time at all fishing on commercial fisheries; insisting that they were the devil's work. My time instead was spent immersing myself in the many varied disciplines of our wonderful sport of angling. Now having rediscovered pole fishing, learnt new techniques and turned to the dark side of commercial fisheries; only joking! I decided it was time to see how I would perform whilst pleasure fishing in match fishing mode.
First port of call was to seek advice from Partridge Lakes head bailiff Nellie. After explaining what I was trying to achieve from the session he told me which pegs to fish and a target weight for me to try and catch.
The venue was to be Covey 6, pegs 135 or 133.
A target weight of 100lb in five hours.
There was an angler already on peg 133 so my swim for the day was Covey 6, peg 135. I know I was only pleasure fishing and it is a world away from an open match, however my mind set was in match mode and catching as many fish as possible whilst noting down an estimated weight of every fish caught to establish my total catch returns.
First port of call was to seek advice from Partridge Lakes head bailiff Nellie. After explaining what I was trying to achieve from the session he told me which pegs to fish and a target weight for me to try and catch.
The venue was to be Covey 6, pegs 135 or 133.
A target weight of 100lb in five hours.
There was an angler already on peg 133 so my swim for the day was Covey 6, peg 135. I know I was only pleasure fishing and it is a world away from an open match, however my mind set was in match mode and catching as many fish as possible whilst noting down an estimated weight of every fish caught to establish my total catch returns.
Below is a breakdown of my catch in my mock practice match from 12 noon to 5pm ( five hours fishing).
24 x F1's @ 1/2 lb
34 x F1's @ 3/4 lb
33 x F1's @ 1lb
7 x F1's @ 1 1/2 lb
7 x F1's @ 2lb.
2 x F1's @ 2 1/2 lb.
8 x F1's @ 3 lb
2 x Common Carp @ 3/4 lb.
1 x Common Carp @ 1lb.
If my maths are correct I caught 118 x fish for an estimated catch return of 126lb 8oz.
I have to say that I was both physically and mentally tired after the session and you have got to respect the match anglers who are capable of amassing weights of 180lb plus of these fish in five hours.
24 x F1's @ 1/2 lb
34 x F1's @ 3/4 lb
33 x F1's @ 1lb
7 x F1's @ 1 1/2 lb
7 x F1's @ 2lb.
2 x F1's @ 2 1/2 lb.
8 x F1's @ 3 lb
2 x Common Carp @ 3/4 lb.
1 x Common Carp @ 1lb.
If my maths are correct I caught 118 x fish for an estimated catch return of 126lb 8oz.
I have to say that I was both physically and mentally tired after the session and you have got to respect the match anglers who are capable of amassing weights of 180lb plus of these fish in five hours.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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AUGUST 2014
Pole or Rod & Reel?
I simply love all forms of angling from lure to pole fishing. With this in mind I structured my latest pleasure fishing session on Holbar at the Partridge Lakes complex upon fishing several techniques. I was hoping to enjoy catching fish using both rod / reel and pole. The million dollar question would be which one made my fishing more enjoyable?
Pole or Rod & Reel?
I simply love all forms of angling from lure to pole fishing. With this in mind I structured my latest pleasure fishing session on Holbar at the Partridge Lakes complex upon fishing several techniques. I was hoping to enjoy catching fish using both rod / reel and pole. The million dollar question would be which one made my fishing more enjoyable?
There is simply no competition in my mind; fishing with a rod and line is far more enjoyable than pole fishing. It may not be as effective or efficient at catching fish. However, there is nothing like a rod bent double and the sound of a clutch on a reel as a powerful fish forces it to concede line.
Another memorable days fishing at the Partridge Lakes Fishery; this time on Holbar Lake. Here are a few photos from the day.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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Nearly eight months into 2014 and progress seems painfully slow in my efforts to establish myself as an angling coach. Working full time was severely restricting progress; therefore more difficult decisions would have to be made in the next few weeks....
DEBUT COACHING SESSION
This is what I have been working towards throughout 2014, my first booked coaching session. I was a little nervous and apprehensive to how I would perform as a coach. It doesn't matter how good an angler you are if you have not got the right skills to educate and enthuse a newcomer to the sport of angling.
I feel the need to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Nellie, head bailiff at the Partridge Lakes complex for your hospitality.
Before this coaching session Dave had never caught anything larger than a three or four inch Roach. Fishing by its very nature is unpredictable, so there was no guarantee on what we might catch. Fortunately the fishing gods were kind and we enjoyed a wonderful days fishing. Here are a few photos from a memorable coaching session on Gold Lake.
This is what I have been working towards throughout 2014, my first booked coaching session. I was a little nervous and apprehensive to how I would perform as a coach. It doesn't matter how good an angler you are if you have not got the right skills to educate and enthuse a newcomer to the sport of angling.
I feel the need to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU to Nellie, head bailiff at the Partridge Lakes complex for your hospitality.
Before this coaching session Dave had never caught anything larger than a three or four inch Roach. Fishing by its very nature is unpredictable, so there was no guarantee on what we might catch. Fortunately the fishing gods were kind and we enjoyed a wonderful days fishing. Here are a few photos from a memorable coaching session on Gold Lake.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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A Summer holiday to the Norfolk Broads provided a perfect opportunity to reflect upon my coaching aspirations. Plenty of time to enjoy natural fishing for native species upon my ten foot wooden fishing boat and spend some quality time with my wife.
It didn't quite work out this way. We were informed that our house move had been rescheduled for the weekend after arriving home from holiday. Then I received a part time job offer. So much for a stress free holiday!!
Decisions and plans had to be made....... in the meantime take a look at a few fishy photos :).
It didn't quite work out this way. We were informed that our house move had been rescheduled for the weekend after arriving home from holiday. Then I received a part time job offer. So much for a stress free holiday!!
Decisions and plans had to be made....... in the meantime take a look at a few fishy photos :).
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
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House move arrangements were now complete. All I had to do was decide how committed I was to establishing myself as an angling coach at Partridge Lakes. I took the brave step of submitting my written notice to Fishing Republic; effectively cutting my salary in half! Surely a part time job would enable me focus on my goal now?
This is how you look when you have just enjoyed a superb day afloat fishing for Bream on the Norfolk Broads.
This is how you look when you have just enjoyed a superb day afloat fishing for Bream on the Norfolk Broads.
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SEPTEMBER 2014
A new month, a new home and a new job. Combine this with some firm decisions in relation to my coaching and you have a very positive month.
I'd decided that I would only coach rod and reel techniques at Partridge Lakes as I have no passion for pole fishing. I would be doing both myself and the people I coach a serious injustice if i was to coach pole fishing.
This inspired me to use simple techniques that were not to difficult to implement, ideal for newcomers to angling.
A new month, a new home and a new job. Combine this with some firm decisions in relation to my coaching and you have a very positive month.
I'd decided that I would only coach rod and reel techniques at Partridge Lakes as I have no passion for pole fishing. I would be doing both myself and the people I coach a serious injustice if i was to coach pole fishing.
This inspired me to use simple techniques that were not to difficult to implement, ideal for newcomers to angling.
Welcome to the Covey 5 match fishing water at the Partridge Lakes complex. It's heavily stocked with F1 Carp; these fish totally dominate catches so therefore they are the only species worth targeting during this session. Recent lake winning match weights have been 60lb to 100lb; consisting of pole caught F1 Carp varying in size from 8oz to 2lb 8oz!
So why should a pleasure angler like me choose to fish a water clearly designed for pole fishing match anglers?
Why not is my reply and today I'm going to show what can be caught using nothing but Rod N Reel set ups!
I'm not a conventional angler and I like to do things my own way; sometimes beneficial to my fishing, improving catches but always enhancing my enjoyment of angling. I am of the opinion that hooking and playing a fish, feeling every lunge and twist that is transmitted via a quality carbon rod through to your hand is far more enjoyable than the dulled sensation provided by high specification pole elastic! Yes, the method of pole fishing is far more effective offering unrivalled bait presentation and accuracy.
So how am I going to present my bait to the incredibly finicky F1 Carp who like a bait to be presented at a specific depth and with vertical movement?
I'm going 'Back to the Future' my friends; using an old style of reel called a Centre Pin fused with a long match fishing rod and ultra modern pole fishing rigs!
So why should a pleasure angler like me choose to fish a water clearly designed for pole fishing match anglers?
Why not is my reply and today I'm going to show what can be caught using nothing but Rod N Reel set ups!
I'm not a conventional angler and I like to do things my own way; sometimes beneficial to my fishing, improving catches but always enhancing my enjoyment of angling. I am of the opinion that hooking and playing a fish, feeling every lunge and twist that is transmitted via a quality carbon rod through to your hand is far more enjoyable than the dulled sensation provided by high specification pole elastic! Yes, the method of pole fishing is far more effective offering unrivalled bait presentation and accuracy.
So how am I going to present my bait to the incredibly finicky F1 Carp who like a bait to be presented at a specific depth and with vertical movement?
I'm going 'Back to the Future' my friends; using an old style of reel called a Centre Pin fused with a long match fishing rod and ultra modern pole fishing rigs!
Click on the link below and flick through the photos to see how I got on implementing uncomplicated feeding techniques and rigs whilst enjoying superb F1 Carp sport.
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A return to a natural venue catching wild fish!
This week a trip down memory lane; something we all used to do be it on a canal, river, large lake or small pond - ROACH FISHING!
Some may call it proper fishing with sensitive floats, small hooks, maggots, and groundbait.
I've got to be honest this is my natural angling environment, fishing afloat upon wild venues for native fish such as Roach, Perch, Pike & Brown Trout. Due to new life style choices my angling has to be more local within the Greater Manchester area. I will still have odd trips up to Ullswater in the Lake District, a venue I simple adore. Otherwise all of my boat angling has to be on a tight budget and Hollingworth Lake; a council operated water just over twenty miles from home fits the bill perfectly!
Hollingworth Lake; like ALL large reservoirs and lakes within the Greater Manchester area have issues with predation from Cormorants. On many lakes with large shallow areas (under ten foot deep) they have suffered badly losing so many fish that anglers have abandoned them long ago.
Fortunately Hollingworth Lake has large areas with depths that vary from 14 foot to 22 foot depending on water levels. The Bream population don't seem to have come up with a defensive strategy against the Cormorants, therefore their numbers are almost nonexistent now on the lake. However, the Roach for the moment seem to have found a way to evade the Cormorants and their population is quite healthy. They appear to shoal in very tight balls between one foot and ten foot off the bottom. The key to catching them is location, finding the depth that they comfortable feeding at and establishing what is best to feed; groundbait, loosefeed or a mixture of both! Sort these out and the rest is usually quite easy.
I'm an opportunist angler who likes to react to situations that might occur whilst fishing afloat, therefore I always take Pike fishing gear when targeting Roach.
Roach and Pike fishing go hand in hand in my mind; one of mother nature's oldest relationships; prey and predator! A finely tuned balance that she has nurtured over thousands of years, as an angler it pays to respected it and try to understand how both species interact with each other. I know I will never fully understand the fishy movements but on the occasions when I get it half right; boy what satisfaction it gives
My angling thoughts are as deep and confusing as Ullswater's mysteries depths so I won't ramble on too much. So without further due lets go to the fishing action offered by Hollingworth Lake.
Wild thing, you make my heart sing! LOL :)
This week a trip down memory lane; something we all used to do be it on a canal, river, large lake or small pond - ROACH FISHING!
Some may call it proper fishing with sensitive floats, small hooks, maggots, and groundbait.
I've got to be honest this is my natural angling environment, fishing afloat upon wild venues for native fish such as Roach, Perch, Pike & Brown Trout. Due to new life style choices my angling has to be more local within the Greater Manchester area. I will still have odd trips up to Ullswater in the Lake District, a venue I simple adore. Otherwise all of my boat angling has to be on a tight budget and Hollingworth Lake; a council operated water just over twenty miles from home fits the bill perfectly!
Hollingworth Lake; like ALL large reservoirs and lakes within the Greater Manchester area have issues with predation from Cormorants. On many lakes with large shallow areas (under ten foot deep) they have suffered badly losing so many fish that anglers have abandoned them long ago.
Fortunately Hollingworth Lake has large areas with depths that vary from 14 foot to 22 foot depending on water levels. The Bream population don't seem to have come up with a defensive strategy against the Cormorants, therefore their numbers are almost nonexistent now on the lake. However, the Roach for the moment seem to have found a way to evade the Cormorants and their population is quite healthy. They appear to shoal in very tight balls between one foot and ten foot off the bottom. The key to catching them is location, finding the depth that they comfortable feeding at and establishing what is best to feed; groundbait, loosefeed or a mixture of both! Sort these out and the rest is usually quite easy.
I'm an opportunist angler who likes to react to situations that might occur whilst fishing afloat, therefore I always take Pike fishing gear when targeting Roach.
Roach and Pike fishing go hand in hand in my mind; one of mother nature's oldest relationships; prey and predator! A finely tuned balance that she has nurtured over thousands of years, as an angler it pays to respected it and try to understand how both species interact with each other. I know I will never fully understand the fishy movements but on the occasions when I get it half right; boy what satisfaction it gives
My angling thoughts are as deep and confusing as Ullswater's mysteries depths so I won't ramble on too much. So without further due lets go to the fishing action offered by Hollingworth Lake.
Wild thing, you make my heart sing! LOL :)
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.968115656538059.1073741879.195799023769730&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.968115656538059.1073741879.195799023769730&type=3
OCTOBER 2014
The cooler Autumn temperatures have arrived; this requires an angler to change their tactic as fish change their feeding habits. This is the time of year to start using maggots on smaller hooks.
All creatures great and small encompasses the very joy of angling. It's not all about catching monster fish but instead enjoying every element of angling.
float tip slowly dips underneath the surface. Like a coiled spring an angler reacts by quickly lifting into the fishes bite. As in life; sometimes your efforts are rewarded other times despite the best laid plans the opportunity is missed. Yes angling has it's frustrating moments that help build character and help push an individual to strive to From the anticipation of a float trembling with fish activity; creating ripples on the lakes flat surface like earth tremors to an anglers senses. The tension builds as the improve their own personal skills. When that moment happens and everything gels; the fish bite is hooked as the line pulls tight and creates a satisfying bend in your fishing rod. At this very moment you feel so alive; your senses are at a heightened level as your body pumps adrenaline through your veins.
The difference between successfully landing your prize and the fish slipping your hook can be a decision made in a fraction of a second.
Then comes the respect and admiration of the fine creature that you have had the good fortune to catch. Combine this with a healthy dose of fresh air and the feel good factor of enjoying the great outdoors; angling is a pleasure I have never tired of throughout my thirty six year journey!
The cooler Autumn temperatures have arrived; this requires an angler to change their tactic as fish change their feeding habits. This is the time of year to start using maggots on smaller hooks.
All creatures great and small encompasses the very joy of angling. It's not all about catching monster fish but instead enjoying every element of angling.
float tip slowly dips underneath the surface. Like a coiled spring an angler reacts by quickly lifting into the fishes bite. As in life; sometimes your efforts are rewarded other times despite the best laid plans the opportunity is missed. Yes angling has it's frustrating moments that help build character and help push an individual to strive to From the anticipation of a float trembling with fish activity; creating ripples on the lakes flat surface like earth tremors to an anglers senses. The tension builds as the improve their own personal skills. When that moment happens and everything gels; the fish bite is hooked as the line pulls tight and creates a satisfying bend in your fishing rod. At this very moment you feel so alive; your senses are at a heightened level as your body pumps adrenaline through your veins.
The difference between successfully landing your prize and the fish slipping your hook can be a decision made in a fraction of a second.
Then comes the respect and admiration of the fine creature that you have had the good fortune to catch. Combine this with a healthy dose of fresh air and the feel good factor of enjoying the great outdoors; angling is a pleasure I have never tired of throughout my thirty six year journey!
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.998140353535589.1073741882.195799023769730&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.998140353535589.1073741882.195799023769730&type=3
NOVEMBER 2014
A massive month for me personally; deciding to quit my job at Scewfix and totally commit to establishing a fishing coach / experience day business. A Scary time with no income other than infrequent sub contract data cabling installation work sourced from agency outlets.
In the world of angling at Partridge Lakes, the F1 Carp sport had taken a significant twist as water temperatures lowered and fish became more lethargic. This provided challenging but rewarding fishing and inspired me to create the following blog.
The F1 challenge; what's all that about then?
A massive month for me personally; deciding to quit my job at Scewfix and totally commit to establishing a fishing coach / experience day business. A Scary time with no income other than infrequent sub contract data cabling installation work sourced from agency outlets.
In the world of angling at Partridge Lakes, the F1 Carp sport had taken a significant twist as water temperatures lowered and fish became more lethargic. This provided challenging but rewarding fishing and inspired me to create the following blog.
The F1 challenge; what's all that about then?
I'm a pleasure angler who enjoys creating little goals before every session. The F1 challenge is something that I do in an effort to develop angling skills and measure my learning curve.
The venues I usually use for this are normally Covey 5, Covey 6, Marsh Canal or Spey Canal. These lakes are all match fished regular and the results are usually dominated by F1 Carp catches. All of the open match results are usually displayed in either the fishing lodge or upon the Partridge Lake Fishery website.
In the morning I will enjoy a brew and or butty at the fishing lodge and have a chat with the bailiffs whilst casting an eye towards the match results board. It is not until this point that I decide which venue to fish. I choose one of the top six pegs from matches the previous week. The anglers who compete in the open matches at the Partridge lakes complex are amongst the most talented in the country. Therefore I can assure you that the top six weights are probably the maximum catch returns possible from the pegs; worth bearing in mind when you set your own personal session goals!
The F1 challenge works for anglers of all abilities; the key to its success is not to set the bar to high at first and then gradually raise it with the skills developed after each fishing session.
In a previous session I selected peg 11 on Marsh Canal; a peg that came 2nd in a recent match with a weight of 46lb 13oz.
I have never fished on Marsh during the Winter and I have the handicap of not fishing with a pole; taking all of this into consideration I set myself a target weight of 30lb.
Unfortunately I had a disaster of a day; losing far too many 2lb plus F1 Carp in a snag, possibly a large tree branch lodged in the bottom silt. Combine this with being unable to work out a successful feeding pattern to tempt F1 Carp from the far bank shelf and you have all the ingredients for a frustrating fishing session. I struggled to catch 6 x F1 Carp , 1 x Mirror Carp, 27 x Roach and 7 x Gudgeon; total approximate weight of 17lb 3oz. Had I set the bar to high? possibly! Or was it just one of those days? More importantly, had I learnt anything from the session? Yes, I believe so and I was looking forward to using these new skills on my next F1 challenge!
I didn't have to wait long as I had another opportunity to fish the day after; Covey 5 was the venue selected for my next challenge. Peg 117 had produced a winning weight of 36lb 3oz in a recent open match.
My target weight for the session reported in this blog was 30lb. I had set it high because I've fished on Covey 5 quite a few time this Autumn; catching well and it needed to be at that level to stretch my personal angling skills to their limits.
At the end of the day it's all down to you; cheat on your approximated weights and your only cheating on yourself. Set your target goals to low and you fail to test your angling skills fully!
Please enjoy this blog; I've shown a few rigs in the photo gallery and wrote a little about my tactics. I'm definitely no expert at catching F1 carp in Winter, this being my first! Therefore any good tips that anybody wants to comment with under any captions I have written; please feel free to do so.
The whole essence of my blogs is to hopefully enthuse anglers to go out fishing and think a little about their fishing.
The venues I usually use for this are normally Covey 5, Covey 6, Marsh Canal or Spey Canal. These lakes are all match fished regular and the results are usually dominated by F1 Carp catches. All of the open match results are usually displayed in either the fishing lodge or upon the Partridge Lake Fishery website.
In the morning I will enjoy a brew and or butty at the fishing lodge and have a chat with the bailiffs whilst casting an eye towards the match results board. It is not until this point that I decide which venue to fish. I choose one of the top six pegs from matches the previous week. The anglers who compete in the open matches at the Partridge lakes complex are amongst the most talented in the country. Therefore I can assure you that the top six weights are probably the maximum catch returns possible from the pegs; worth bearing in mind when you set your own personal session goals!
The F1 challenge works for anglers of all abilities; the key to its success is not to set the bar to high at first and then gradually raise it with the skills developed after each fishing session.
In a previous session I selected peg 11 on Marsh Canal; a peg that came 2nd in a recent match with a weight of 46lb 13oz.
I have never fished on Marsh during the Winter and I have the handicap of not fishing with a pole; taking all of this into consideration I set myself a target weight of 30lb.
Unfortunately I had a disaster of a day; losing far too many 2lb plus F1 Carp in a snag, possibly a large tree branch lodged in the bottom silt. Combine this with being unable to work out a successful feeding pattern to tempt F1 Carp from the far bank shelf and you have all the ingredients for a frustrating fishing session. I struggled to catch 6 x F1 Carp , 1 x Mirror Carp, 27 x Roach and 7 x Gudgeon; total approximate weight of 17lb 3oz. Had I set the bar to high? possibly! Or was it just one of those days? More importantly, had I learnt anything from the session? Yes, I believe so and I was looking forward to using these new skills on my next F1 challenge!
I didn't have to wait long as I had another opportunity to fish the day after; Covey 5 was the venue selected for my next challenge. Peg 117 had produced a winning weight of 36lb 3oz in a recent open match.
My target weight for the session reported in this blog was 30lb. I had set it high because I've fished on Covey 5 quite a few time this Autumn; catching well and it needed to be at that level to stretch my personal angling skills to their limits.
At the end of the day it's all down to you; cheat on your approximated weights and your only cheating on yourself. Set your target goals to low and you fail to test your angling skills fully!
Please enjoy this blog; I've shown a few rigs in the photo gallery and wrote a little about my tactics. I'm definitely no expert at catching F1 carp in Winter, this being my first! Therefore any good tips that anybody wants to comment with under any captions I have written; please feel free to do so.
The whole essence of my blogs is to hopefully enthuse anglers to go out fishing and think a little about their fishing.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1005062039510087.1073741883.195799023769730&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1005062039510087.1073741883.195799023769730&type=3
DECEMBER 2014
This next blog is the second part of the F1 Carp Challenge, an interesting comparison of two anglers of differing skill levels and their shared personal fishing challenge.
This next blog is the second part of the F1 Carp Challenge, an interesting comparison of two anglers of differing skill levels and their shared personal fishing challenge.
Two anglers; their own F1 Challenge
A great opportunity to demonstrate how two anglers of differing skill levels can enjoy their own personal F1 Carp challenge.
For those who have not read F1 Challenge - Part 1 then it's probably a good idea to do so before continuing to read this blog.
The first thing I had to do is look at the recent match results that can be found displayed on the results board in the fishing lodge or alternatively on the Partridge Fishery website.
For this challenge I am are using the 29th November's results from an open match fished on Covey 5 & 6. All of the top five anglers came off Covey 6; Peg 141 = 36lb 15oz, Peg 133 = 36lb 13oz, Peg 151 = 31lb 14oz, Peg 165 = 30lb 13oz & Peg 143 = 29lb. Covey 5 water produced the 6th place angler off peg 117 = 28lb 13oz.
This was to be an F1 Challenge of two parts. I fished a four hour session on Monday whilst Dave, a gentleman I was coaching on Tuesday completed a second three and a half hour session.
I selected peg 136 on Covey 6, a comfortable swim with a South East wind blowing from behind my back. I'm a pleasure angler, therefore I don't understand why some pleasure anglers might fish in an uncomfortable cold wind during Winter just too fish on a particular form peg! It's my belief that a comfortable angler performs better, catches more fish and more importantly gains far more enjoyment from their session.
My peg is now selected; next I had to set myself a session goal / target weight that would test my angling ability. I have been fishing regularly throughout November on both Covey 5 & 6 with a degree of success. With this in mind I decided to set the bar very high with a 36lb target weight. I've never managed to equal any of the top three match weights in previous challenges. As for a session goal; I really need to improve my catch rate in the first two hours. This session was to be my stiffest test to date and an excellent opportunity to gauge the progress I had made since first wetting a line at the Partridge Lakes complex in May this year!
On Tuesday I met up with a retired gentleman called Dave, he is a newcomer to angling and this was to be his third coaching session with me but his first trying to catch F1 Carp. After completing the necessary health & safety briefing and catching up with each other's life over a cup of tea in the fishing lodge, there is a lot more to angling than catching fish. I outlined my initial coaching plan to Dave; together we set session goals and skills to practice and enhance.
Before any fishing equipment was removed from the cars we wrapped up by layering clothing to combat the biting cold Northerly wind. Our hands were already starting to turn blue in the exposed car park location. It was essential to get the blood circulating and also very important to select a swim in a sheltered location. We walked around both Covey 5 & 6 familiarising ourselves with the top six winning pegs from the open match; stopping at each swim and talking about each peg and the reasons why they might be better than others on the water at this time of year. Our bodies were now acclimatized to the very cold wind; the blood circulating around our bodies after some light exercise leaving us feeling warm, comfortable and ready to fish. A perfect swim had been selected on Covey 5 with the wind blowing from behind and the Winter sun shining in our faces all day; working with the conditions instead of battling with them! Fishing tackle now assembled at Peg 101, a swim at the opposite end of the lake to where the winning weight on Covey 5 came from at weekend. Dave was enthused by the F1 challenge and was happy for me to set a session goal / target weight. Our fishing time had been shortened due to the walk around, therefore taking into consideration the following criteria.
1) First time fishing for F1 Carp.
2) Learning new skills fishing with a 14 foot rod and centre pin.
3) Fishing a swim in an area with no previous match form.
4) A three and a half hour fishing session.
Dave's F1 challenge was to catch eight fish / target weight of 8lb.
His session goal was to gain a fundamental understanding of Winter F1 carp fishing and to learn new skills using a 14 foot rod / centre pin reel combo.
The stage is set; click through the photos and read the captions to discover how we both fared with our respective 'F1 Challenge'.
A great opportunity to demonstrate how two anglers of differing skill levels can enjoy their own personal F1 Carp challenge.
For those who have not read F1 Challenge - Part 1 then it's probably a good idea to do so before continuing to read this blog.
The first thing I had to do is look at the recent match results that can be found displayed on the results board in the fishing lodge or alternatively on the Partridge Fishery website.
For this challenge I am are using the 29th November's results from an open match fished on Covey 5 & 6. All of the top five anglers came off Covey 6; Peg 141 = 36lb 15oz, Peg 133 = 36lb 13oz, Peg 151 = 31lb 14oz, Peg 165 = 30lb 13oz & Peg 143 = 29lb. Covey 5 water produced the 6th place angler off peg 117 = 28lb 13oz.
This was to be an F1 Challenge of two parts. I fished a four hour session on Monday whilst Dave, a gentleman I was coaching on Tuesday completed a second three and a half hour session.
I selected peg 136 on Covey 6, a comfortable swim with a South East wind blowing from behind my back. I'm a pleasure angler, therefore I don't understand why some pleasure anglers might fish in an uncomfortable cold wind during Winter just too fish on a particular form peg! It's my belief that a comfortable angler performs better, catches more fish and more importantly gains far more enjoyment from their session.
My peg is now selected; next I had to set myself a session goal / target weight that would test my angling ability. I have been fishing regularly throughout November on both Covey 5 & 6 with a degree of success. With this in mind I decided to set the bar very high with a 36lb target weight. I've never managed to equal any of the top three match weights in previous challenges. As for a session goal; I really need to improve my catch rate in the first two hours. This session was to be my stiffest test to date and an excellent opportunity to gauge the progress I had made since first wetting a line at the Partridge Lakes complex in May this year!
On Tuesday I met up with a retired gentleman called Dave, he is a newcomer to angling and this was to be his third coaching session with me but his first trying to catch F1 Carp. After completing the necessary health & safety briefing and catching up with each other's life over a cup of tea in the fishing lodge, there is a lot more to angling than catching fish. I outlined my initial coaching plan to Dave; together we set session goals and skills to practice and enhance.
Before any fishing equipment was removed from the cars we wrapped up by layering clothing to combat the biting cold Northerly wind. Our hands were already starting to turn blue in the exposed car park location. It was essential to get the blood circulating and also very important to select a swim in a sheltered location. We walked around both Covey 5 & 6 familiarising ourselves with the top six winning pegs from the open match; stopping at each swim and talking about each peg and the reasons why they might be better than others on the water at this time of year. Our bodies were now acclimatized to the very cold wind; the blood circulating around our bodies after some light exercise leaving us feeling warm, comfortable and ready to fish. A perfect swim had been selected on Covey 5 with the wind blowing from behind and the Winter sun shining in our faces all day; working with the conditions instead of battling with them! Fishing tackle now assembled at Peg 101, a swim at the opposite end of the lake to where the winning weight on Covey 5 came from at weekend. Dave was enthused by the F1 challenge and was happy for me to set a session goal / target weight. Our fishing time had been shortened due to the walk around, therefore taking into consideration the following criteria.
1) First time fishing for F1 Carp.
2) Learning new skills fishing with a 14 foot rod and centre pin.
3) Fishing a swim in an area with no previous match form.
4) A three and a half hour fishing session.
Dave's F1 challenge was to catch eight fish / target weight of 8lb.
His session goal was to gain a fundamental understanding of Winter F1 carp fishing and to learn new skills using a 14 foot rod / centre pin reel combo.
The stage is set; click through the photos and read the captions to discover how we both fared with our respective 'F1 Challenge'.
To see more photos with written captions please click on this link below.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1006659366017021.1073741884.195799023769730&type=3
There you have it in a nut shell, an account of my 2014 season!
A full year with stressful personal decisions, the capture of a fish of a life time and precious shared angling memories. What will 2015 have in store for me?
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1006659366017021.1073741884.195799023769730&type=3
There you have it in a nut shell, an account of my 2014 season!
A full year with stressful personal decisions, the capture of a fish of a life time and precious shared angling memories. What will 2015 have in store for me?