'How angling saved my life'
Almost a year ago to the day, highly respected match and specimen angler Andy Renton was on a life support machine and wasn’t expected to live to see the next day – but he’s now being billed as ‘The Miracle Man’, after staging a remarkable return to winning ways.
The Daiwa Goldthorpe team member had collapsed after suffering septicaemia, pneumonia, a ruptured spleen, kidney failure and a cardiac arrest in a matter of hours, and was also diagnosed with leukaemia. But in an incredible turn of events, described as nothing short of a ‘miracle’ by the doctors who treated him, he has made virtually a full recovery.
Doncaster-based Andy, who is also part of the Don Valley Specimen Group, has put a lot of that recovery down to fishing, plus reading Angling Times every week in hospital!
He celebrated his return to health by competing in the White Acres Winter Festival last week, winning a match there in the process. He has now spoken about the day his world was turned upside down – December 18 2012.
“I felt like I had a bit of cold and I passed out that night, then I woke up six days later in intensive care. One of my first thoughts was that I would miss my next winter league matches!” he told Angling Times. “All my family were there because the hospital didn’t think I’d still be alive the next day. But I was and on January 1 I was moved to Sheffield to start chemo and I spent a total of four months in and out of hospital.
“Fishing kept me going. When I was well enough to look at my tackle again I cleaned it and tied some hooks, and the doctor said I looked visibly healthier. I was getting up in a morning because I had the motivation to do things. I just tried to get on with it because life goes on and the support from everybody has been unbelievable. Now I’m here for a good time rather than a long time!” added Andy.
Milestone River Po catfish is one of the biggest ever landed in Europe at 235lb
This is the awesome picture of one of Europe’s biggest ever catfish that weighed in at just over 235lb.
The specimen was landed by Peter Neubacher, who was guided by catfishing expert Stefan Seus of the famous Black Cat Guiding Tours during a session on Italy’s mighty River Po.
The colossal eight-foot predator took a bream hookbait at midnight and took over 40 minutes, plus all of the strength and skill of the duo, to finally get the better of the fish that’s estimated to be over 30-years of age.
“This monster literally took my breath away as I’ve never seen a fish like this up close,” said Stefan.
“We were both totally speechless and had to release the tension by letting out a huge whoop of delight as we’d defeated a big, and very old, warrior.
“This is without doubt one of the biggest cats landed in Europe and fish like this have accumulated so much experience over time that it is almost impossible to even hook one of these giants.”
For more information about Black Cat Guiding Tours visit: www.team-black-cat.com
Big Loddon chub coaxed from undercut bank
Mark Erdwin had every reason to smile after banking this 6lb 10oz chub during a session on the River Loddon.
The Reading-based all-rounder visited a tricky stretch of the waterway that he knew held a small head of big fish and rigged up a simple low-resistance link-leger rig with two SSG shot.
Several spots were baited with a mixture of liquidised bread, maggots, casters and some freshly crushed garlic for added attraction.
After rotating the swims he started to receive a few light plucks from one which featured an undercut bank. He had to sit on his hands for an hour, though, until his tip finally thumped round as the chub fell for his lobworm and maggot cocktail.
“By keeping the rod low and by applying steady pressure I finally coaxed it out from the undercut bank. As it slipped into the net I could see the width of the fish - broad with a double chin – it looked huge,” said Mark.
Sunday match results - 22nd December 2013
NORTH
Blundell’s Fishery Rover
All lakes (33 pegs)
Result: 1 A Musgrove, Edgeley Sports, 35-13-0; 2 K Rich, Daiwa, 32-12-0; 3 M Lucas, Mosella, 30-11-0; 4 J Rodgers, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 28-13-0; 5 A Howarth, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 28-3-0; jt6 P Burton, Hilton Hotels and G Moore, Tackle Saver, both 25-14-0.
Bob-Co
Yorkshire Ouse, Aldwark – Widdington (50 pegs)
Result: 1 D Topham, Bradford, 3-12-0; 2 C Turbitt, Tackle 2U, 3-5-0; 3 D Armitage, Cleckheaton, 3-1-0; 4 T Hewitt, Bradford, 2-7-0; 5 A Benstead, Pontefract, 2-2-0; 6 D Pollitt, Mirfield AC, 2-1-0.
Brighouse AA
Calder & Hebble Canal, Elland - Brookfoot (27 pegs)
Result: 1 C Ellis, Tri-Cast Calder, 6-9-0; 2 J Mead, Tri-Cast Calder, 4-0-0; 3 P Duffy, Tri-Cast Calder, 2-9-0; 4 N Burland, Tri-Cast Calder, 1-15-0; 5 S Hydes, Brighouse AA, 1-13-0; 6 S Mitchell, Matrix Halifax, 1-11-8.
Brookside Fisheries
Snake Lake (22 pegs)
Result: 1 M Pleavin, Deggy’s Tackle, 55-12-0; 2 Steve Conroy, Drennan NW, 31-4-0; 3 N Butterworth, Cheshire Angling, 30-14-0; 4 Stu Conroy, Kamasan/Sensas, 30-0-0; 5 J Lindsay, Lowhills AC, 26-4-0; 6 J Battersby, Garbolino Elton, 21-0-0.
Carpvale Pools Winter Series (round eight)
Match Pool (16 pegs)
Result: Jt1 D Wright, Leeds DASA and S Sharples, Bob-Co, both 26-0-0; 3 S Pearson, Leeds Angling Centre, 25-1-0; 4 A Gallant, Bob-Co, 21-4-0; 5 M Green, Green’s Fisheries, 20-14-0.
Garbolino Lindholme Lakes
Bonsai & Willows Lakes (31 pegs)
Result: 1 B Fisk, Middy, 64-12-0; 2 J Allerton, Tri-Cast, 58-12-0; 3 G Barbie, Hull, 49-5-0; 4 P Christie, Garbolino Lindholme, 42-11-0; 5 D Shepherd, Maver, 39-1-0; 6 M Holmes, Lindholme, 38-4-0.
Heronbrook Fisheries
All lakes (57 pegs)
Result: 1 M Lloyd, Telford, 88-8-0; 2 P Williamson, Cudmore, 73-2-0; 3 P Gibson, Maver Pickering’s, 66-14-0; 4 T Ebbrell, Connect Tackle, 66-12-0; 5 P Holmes, Stoke, 55-14-0; 6 M Fox, Matrix Dynamite Baits Trentmen, 50-3-0.
Meadow View Fisheries
Lark Pool (22 pegs)
Result: 1 P Ledgerton, Meadow View, 52-12-0; 2 D Williams, Meadow View, 49-9-0; 3 P Marsden, Tin Pots, 47-10-0; 4 S Woodward, Danny’s Tackle, 37-10-0.
Mirfield AC River & Canals League (final round)
Mirfield Canals (35 pegs)
Result: 1 D Taylor, Saints, 16-10-0; 2 D Armitage, Cleckheaton, 15-12-0; 3 P Hughes, Saints, 14-12-0; 4 D Pollitt, Mirfield AC, 13-8-0; 5 G Binns, Tackle 2U, 11-10-0; 6 A Bradley, Mirfield AC, 10-14-0.
Final league: 1 D Armitage, Cleckheaton, 67pts; 2 P Bennett, Tackle 2U, 63; 3 D White, Maver/Ultimate Barnsley Blacks, 62.
Oaks Lakes
Ash, Beech & Sycamore Lakes (11 pegs)
Result: 1 J Clarke, The Oaks, 34-8-0; 2 R Singh, Garbolino Elton, 27-15-0; 3 S Medd, Daiwa Cleveland Angling Centre, 27-7-0; 5 B Poole, The Oaks, 24-10-0; 4 T Watson, Browning Quaker, 23-14-0; 6 R Sowerby, Knaresborough, 19-8-0.
Partridge Lakes
Covey Canal Lakes (63 pegs)
Result: 1 A Bennett, Daiwa/Guru/Bait-Tech, 71-4-0; 2 M Rogerson, Drennan NW, 66-8-0; 3 P Coyle, Preston Innovations, 47-10-0; 4 P Tickle, Leigh Tackle & Bait, 44-3-0; 5 R Smith, Bolton, 40-0-0; 6 D Rigby, St Helen’s, 35-13-0.
Woodland Lakes
Curlew & Wagtail Lakes (18 pegs)
Result: 1 A Norfolk, Woodland Tackle, 47-9-0; 2 V O’Connor, Woodland Tackle, 37-9-0; 3 P Fletcher, Team Woodland Whites, 36-15-0; 4 P Close, Browning Quaker, 36-12-0; 5 C Taylor, Woodland Tackle, 36-3-0; 6 A Dowell, Woodland Tackle, 29-2-0.
MIDLANDS
Angling Trust Warwickshire Winter League (final round)
Birmingham/Fazeley Canal, Erdington (40 pegs)
Result: 1 P Bostock, Browning Central, 12-2-7; 2 D Lewis, Shakespeare, 9-8-14; 3 J South, Browning Central, 8-13-0; 4 M Hall, Shakespeare, 8-8-0; 5 J Johnson, Measham, 8-7-11; 6 P Madeley, Dams & Lock, 8-4-4.
Teams: 1 Shakespeare, 20pts; 2 Measham, 21 (weight); 3 Browning Central, 21; 4 Dams & Lock, 24; 5 Burton Shop, 35.
Final league: 1 Shakespeare, 8pts; 2 Dams & Lock, 13; 3 Browning Central, 20; 4 Measham, 22; 5 Burton Shop, 25.
Barford AA Winter League (final round)
Warks Avon, Barford (50 pegs)
Result: 1 T Marshall, Shakespeare, 30-3-0; 2 D Harris, Barford AA, 14-6-0; 3 P Millard, Bailey’s of Warwick, 14-6-0; 4 B Rigby, Shakespeare, 11-6-0; 5 T Hitchman, Lane’s Bait, 11-5-0; 6 I Winter, Sensas WB Clarke, 11-1-0.
Teams: 1 Sensas Portway, 22pts; 2 Sensas WB Clarke, 23; 3 Bailey’s Porto, 24; jt4 Lane’s Bait & Shakespeare, both 26; 6 Attleborough Sports, 29.
Final league: 1 Sensas WB Clarke, 137pts; 2 Sensas Portway, 139 (section countback); 3 Shakespeare, 139; 4 Attleborough Sports, 150; 5 Bailey’s of Warwick, 168; 6 Lane’s Bait, 174.
Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery Teams of Four Silverfish League
Moat & Bridge Pools (32 pegs)
Result: 1 A Oldham, Frenzee, 20-4-0; 2 K Baxter, Daiwa Drawbags, 18-10-0; 3 S Twigg, MAP Leegem, 15-12-0; 4 I Donaldson, Veterans, 15-3-0; 5 R Walker, Rotherham, 14-8-0.
Daiwa Hallcroft Fishery
Croft Pool (12 pegs)
Result: 1 S Robbins, MAP Leegem, 45-12-0; 2 W Lomas, MAP Leegem, 44-6-0; 3 M Edgecombe, MAP Leegem, 42-6-0; 4 J Skipper, Gainsborough, 34-8-0.
Froggatt’s Pool
Lodge & Marlpit Pools (16 pegs)
Result: 1 K Woodfield, Tubertini Ludlow, 63-6-0; 2 I Tetsel, Water’s Edge, 61-7-0; 3 K Hayes, Decca AC, 30-10-0.
Manor Farm Leisure
Island & Boundary Pools (23 pegs)
Result: 1 S Rich, Cotswold Angling Centre, 94-8-0; 2 N McKinnon, Preston Innovations, 70-8-0; 3 A Mansfield, Shakespeare, 43-8-0; 4 R Ellis, Smithy’s Angling, 36-0-0; 5 T Shepherd, Banbury Gunsmiths, 35-12-0; 6 J Cambridge, Manor Farm Leisure, 32-8-0.
March DAA
Old River Nene, March (78 pegs)
Result: 1 M Pollard, Shimano/Stanjay Sports, 18-0-0; 2 J Roberts, Sensas/Kamasan Starlets, 17-9-0; 3 D Mason, Bill’s Tackle, 17-8-0; 4 C Sale, Bill’s Tackle, 16-9-0; 5 J Whitehouse, Bait-Tech Suffolk Water Park, 16-4-0; 6 P Chesterton, Maver Bait-Tech, 14-3-0.
Maver Larford Lakes Fur & Feather
All lakes (60 pegs)
Result: 1 R Lamb, Maver, 130-10-0; 2 A Kinder, Maver/Marukyu, 113-8-0; 3 M Churchill, Maver, 110-8-0; 4 W Jennings, Larford, 78-2-0; 5 J Clegg, Bag ‘Em Baits, 72-10-0; 6 C Bradney, Maver, 68-2-0.
Moorlands Farm
Meadow, Middle, Moors & Island Pools (36 pegs)
Result: 1 M Watson, Daiwa Gordon League, 61-15-0; 2 C Hill, Mosella, 59-4-0; 3 C Munslow, Moorlands, 55-3-0; 4 L Richards, Packington, 53-10-0; 5 I Mills, Robin’s Timber, 46-10-0; 6 R kings, Colin Pace Academy, 35-0-0.
Packington Somers
Molands Mere Pool (25 pegs)
Result: 1 B James, Packington, 31-6-0; 2 J Adamson, Packington, 27-11-0; 3 J Newton, Smithy’s Angling, 27-1-0; 4 R Quinney, Packington, 25-8-0; 5 C O’Brian, Fast Feeders, 24-13-0; 6 J Wyatt, Packington, 24-12-0.
Preston Innovations Boldings Pools
Oak & Beech Lakes (24 pegs)
Result: 1 A Kyte, Maver Midlands, 73-5-0; 2 N Clarke, Mosella, 60-14-0; 3 P Taylor, Dams & Lock, 55-12-0; 4 D White, Maver Midlands, 52-4-0.
Sherwood Forest Fishery
Holmedale Lake (20 pegs)
Result: 1 L Parker, Phil’s Bait & Tackle, 90-10-0; 2 P Hodgetts, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 47-10-0; 3 M Langton, Sherwood Forest Fishery, 43-15-0; 4 A Birkin, Phil’s Bait & Tackle, 37-15-0; 5 P Carline, Sub Fish, 30-0-0; 6 J Mills, Nathan’s of Derby, 28-11-0.
Tunnel Barn Farm
Canal & Club Pools (32 pegs)
Result: 1 A Ainsworth, Mid City, 73-11-0; 2 M Barwell, Maver Gold/Bag ‘Em Baits, 65-3-0; 3 P Hughes, Arden Fishery, 62-12-0; 4 W Sweetman, Tunnel Barn Farm, 54-7-0; 5 S Cantwell, Atomic, 46-10-0; 6 P Caton, Drennan Banbury Gunsmiths, 45-8-0.
Westwood Lakes
Osprey Lake (18 pegs)
Result: 1 M Stamp, Preston Innovations, 48-8-0; 2 P Harsley, Dave’s Peg, 43-10-0; 3 S Lane, Maruyku/Westwood Lakes, 42-5-0; 4 P Rayner, Westwood Lakes, 32-8-0; 5 D Abbott, Westwood Lakes, 31-9-0.
SOUTH
Bridgwater AA Christmas
Bridgwater & Taunton Canal (38 pegs)
Result: 1 S Garbutt, Taunton AA, 81-0-0; 2 S King, Bridgwater AA, 34-11-0; 3 S Weston, Bridgwater AA, 23-1-0.
Dynamite Baits Oakfield Fishery
Red Kite & Swallow Lakes (12 pegs)
Result: 1 A Foulkes, Dynamite Oakfield, 22-0-0; 2 N Bryan, The Bull, 20-12-0; 3 C Davies, Dynamite Oakfield, 18-8-0; 4 S Nicholls, Banbury Gunsmiths, 18-5-0; 5 R Wall, Dynamite Oakfield, 17-4-0; 6 D Stratful, Dynamite Oakfield, 13-0-0.
Gold Valley Lakes
Gold, Middle & Bungalow Lakes (32 pegs)
Result: 1 M Goddard, Daiwa Dorking/Old Ghost, 54-8-0; 2 I Harper, Monk Lakes, 46-4-0; 3 S Sanders, Preston Innovations, 44-4-0; 4 P Hiller, Daiwa Dorking, 41-0-0; 5 P Stone, SPRO/Yorkshire Baits, 27-8-0; 6 M Page, Springlakes, 25-0-0.
Lake John/Angling Direct Winter League (round two)
Top Lake (26 pegs)
Result: 1 M Johnson, Lake John, 39-0-0; 2 S Bracey, Shimano/Dynamite Baits, 32-8-0; 3 R Grimes, Drennan Bordon Angling, 27-8-0; 4 T Cassidy, Maver Image, 24-4-0; 5 G Miller, Maver Image, 24-0-0; 6 M Amos, Angling Direct, 23-12-0.
Pairs: 1 R Grimes and P Solen, 78pts; 2 C Clark and P Hyde, 75; 3 S Clark and M Johnson, 66.
Medway Tackle Christmas
Frant Lakes, Car Park & Waterfall Lakes (18 pegs)
Result: 1 K Pack, Drennan Bordon Angling, 26-10-0; 2 S Hill, Medway Tackle, 25-1-0; 3 K Tong, Apollo Angling, 25-1-0; 4 F Brown, Sensas SE, 17-8-0; 5 M Oakley, Advanced Pole Repairs, 17-6-0; 6 J Pantry, Sensas SE, 16-2-0.
Ockendon Bait & Tackle
Puddledock Farm, Snake Lake (53 pegs)
Result: 1 A Szekeres, Oakwood Angling, 145-0-0; 2 G Ford, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 128-0-0; 3 R Harold, Angling Direct, 82-14-0; 4 A Hulme, Ockendon Bait & Tackle, 63-0-0; 5 S Wheeler, Daiwa/Dynamite Baits, 58-8-0; 6 D Swift, Matrix/Sonu Baits, 35-0-0.
Redbridge Lakes
Lake Cuthbert (14 pegs)
Result: 1 G Bullock, Redbridge, 15-4-0; 2 S Crawley, Bowler’s, 10-10-0; 3 T Harmes, Redbridge 9-6-0; 4 M Scanlon, Oakwood Angling, 9-5-0; 5 D Cruse, Redbridge, 9-2-0; 6 B Everitt, Redbridge, 8-14-0.
Todber Manor Fisheries Christmas
Park Lake (27 pegs)
Result: 1 D Shipp, Preston Innovations, 53-15-0; 2 B Bentley, Browning Andover MG, 48-3-0; 3 M Harper, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 46-3-0; 4 D Faletto, Todber, 44-12-0; 5 A Damon, Todber, 44-4-0.
Wiltshire Angling Christmas Pairs
Kennet & Avon Canal, Seend Park & King’s Arms (38 pegs)
Result: 1 M Barratt, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 10-4-0; 2 K Rowles, Devizes MG, 10-3-0; 3 M Martin, Wiltshire Angling, 8-12-0; 4 S White, Premier Angling, 8-8-0; 5 M Skyme, Wiltshire Angling, 7-11-0; 6 T Gilbert, Preston Innovations Thatcher’s, 7-0-0.
Pairs: 1 M Martin and V Abbott, 3pts (14-0-0); 2 R Guy and S White, 3 (13-14-0).
Lakes in top form for perch with 4lb 1oz fish topping bumper week
The capability of commercial fisheries to produce huge perch was highlighted once again this week with a series of fish to over 4lb being landed at venues across the UK.
The pick of the bunch was a 4lb 1oz specimen which fell to the rods of Richard Holmes-Moorhouse while targeting a popular northern carp water.
The Yorkshire-based rod had endured numerous unsuccessful trips at several different venues across the region, but he finally struck gold when he hooked in to his new personal best after it fell for a legered prawn mounted on a size 8 hook.
“As soon as I struck in to the bite I could feel the substantial weight of the fish – at first I thought it was a carp because it was so powerful,” Richard told Angling Times. “It was determined to get in the snags but I stayed calm and managed to keep it away from danger before slipping the net under it.
“I’ve heard rumours of similar venues holding perch of record proportions and while it might sound far-fetched to some, I think a fish of such size could be landed from a commercial in the near future,” he added.
Further south, Angling Direct’s Nathan Green relied on livebaiting tactics at a Kent commercial and managed to take his best perch of the season at 3lb 8oz.
The venue regular enjoyed success by constantly feeding maggots over the top of his paternostered roach offering.
Worcestershire’s Woodside Fishery has built up a reputation for its shoals of big perch, and Tenbury rod Nick Goode took advantage, landing a fish of 3lb 6oz during a lure fishing session on Island Pool. The all-important take came on his third cast of the day, with a small Onex spinner doing the trick.
Venue boss Ben Hughes has been inundated with similar reports this winter and said: “We are fast getting a reputation for being a reliable and consistent perch water. There are countless fish to 4lb and it wouldn’t surprise me if there were even big specimens waiting to be caught.”
Various theories as to why the species have thrived in commercials have arisen and highly regarded fishery management expert Bruno Broughton believes he may have the answer. He said: “The key factor is certainly the availability of lots of food. In many commercials, conditions favour the successful spawning of stocked fish, especially silverfish. Any perch present have an almost unlimited supply of small fish.”
**Five big perch commercials to try**
1. Tricklebrook Fishery, Five Oak Green, Kent – Perch over 5lb can be caught on the Main Lake with worms or small livebaits. Contact: 07743 955812.
2. Whitmore Fisheries, Kirkham, Lancs – A number of the lakes are home to fish to 4lb although Island Pond and The Basin are the most prolific. Contact: 07891 397086.
3. Viaduct Fishery, Somerton, Somerset – Match water Campbell Lake is opened to perch anglers in winter and is home to fish over 4lb. Contact: 01458 274022.
4. Lake John, Waltham Abbey, Essex – The Top Lake has produced fish nudging 4lb, with worms and dead maggots in the margins producing the goods. Contact: 07958 938153.
5. Rycroft Fisheries, Hemmington, Derbs – Use worm and caster on the pole or in a small feeder on the Main Lake for specimens over 3lb. Contact: 07816 052235.
Two pike for 55lb from River Wye
The River Wye proved yet again why it’s regarded as one of the UK’s best rivers when it produced two stunning pike - this 30lb specimen the highlight.
Ben Humber hooked in to the impressive predator, which he at first thought was a ‘good double’, after casting out a legered herring hookbait.
The fish, which is one of the biggest reported Wye specimens in 2013, left the Somerset rod with his heart in his mouth when it tail-walked across the width of the river and following a spirited scrap he beat his third 30lb-plus pike of the year with the help of a rig made with 45lb braid, a size 1 single hook and a size 4 treble.
“I really thought it was a good double, but then there was a mighty explosion beneath my feet and it tail walked across the river,” Ben told Angling Times. “It was a sight and the feeling that I will take to the grave with me.”
Incredibly, he came close to making it four thirties just an hour later but unfortunately he his hooks pulled out of the jaws of a predator that he estimated to be even bigger than his first fish.
“I’d moved to another spot and cast my bait right under an overhanging tree and it wasn’t long before an even bigger pike was thrashing and shaking it’s head on the surface, but unfortunately the hooks came out. It obviously wasn’t meant to be.”
Also getting in on the action was predator fishing expert Dilip Sarkar who banked a mint-conditioned 25lb pike from the Herefordshire waterway.
Lowering half a legered sardine in to five feet of water just off his rod tip he beat his prize with a rig comprising 66lb braid, 30lb wire trace and size 4 Owner trebles.
It marks a productive spell for Worcester-based angler as the specimen came just a week after he banked another 20lb-plus pike from the River Severn.
Huge 8lb 2oz eel from Grand Union Canal
Further proof of the surprises which are swimming around in our canals came this week when a netting operation on the Grand Union produced this massive 8lb 2oz eel.
The Canal & River Trust was in the process of relocating fish into the water below a section of canal at Watford Flight so that it could be drained for engineering works when the specimen was discovered.
James Kirk of MEM Fisheries, which was carrying out work for the Trust, said it was the biggest he had seen in 20 years in the job.
“What a monster! It’s rare to find an eel of this size on the canal network, it must be around 50-years-old and goes to show that you never know what you’ll find. We are helping the Canal & River Trust to carry out its annual winter programme of repair and restoration on its waterways,” he said.
It’s part of a five month, £45m programme of work to repair and restore hundreds of historic waterway structures and will see the Trust work with MEM Fisheries and local angling clubs to perform more fish rescues on venues. These include sections of the Kennet and Avon, Leeds and Liverpool, Staffordshire and Worcester, Shropshire Union, Rochdale, Monmouth and Brecon, Huddersfield Narrow and Grand Union Canals.
Anglers Can Get A Bite A Chuck On The Trent At Burton
Many sections of the River Trent are renowned for their big fish prospects but not everyone wants to sit all day waiting for one bite and thankfully there are some areas where running down a stick float and catching a nice net of silvers is the order of the day.
The section of river at Burton on Trent offers exactly that.
A good year of catches and with the stocking of around 7000 fish by the EA into the river around Burton means there is a lot for anglers to be positive about when it comes to this area of the Trent. The Coors Angling Club stretches have always been popular for hot silverfish sport with nets over 10lb consistently recorded, even in the depths of winter.
One of the best sections is the Broadholme Island Stretch off the Bridge Street road bridge. The pegs are actually located on a small island, set between the backwater and the main river. The Stapenhill Road pegs are level bottomed with a nice flow and are excellent for roach and dace and a bag of them can easily be amassed by fishing a light stick, waggler or running pole rig and loose-feeding maggot or casters over the top.
There are also bonus chub and barbel in here and these can be targeted using a more patient approach on the feeder or bomb but the odd one can often turn up when fishing for the silvers. Upstream of this near the point of the island, swims 17 to 19 are noted bream pegs and are worth targeting using the groundbait feeder.
TIP: The bridge buttresses are excellent fish holding features here. Cast close to them on the downstream side for roach and chub.
Prices: £20 reduced membership until March, Coors AC,
Location: River Trent, Meadow Road, Burton on Trent, Staffs, DE14 1TD
Contact: Coors AC, 01283 512711
Rules: Speed limit of 5 mph when driving on access roads/fields, no fires, keep to pegged swims, zander and signal crayfish to be removed upon catching
33lb milestone Rutland pike
Rutland Water has produced its biggest pike in many years following the capture of this impressive 33lb 4oz predator.
The specimen, which measure 114cm in length, was boated by Artur Brzozowski who was fishing for zander at the time with a 15cm shad lure in an area of deep water on the 1,000-acre Anglian Water controlled venue.
The 35-year-old owner of online shop, www.lure-world.com, had already caught several zander with his boat partner when he hooked in to the surprise specimen.
“My friend had caught pike from the spot in the past so I knew there was a few there, but I didn’t expect anything of this size,” Artur told Angling Times. “Because the water was so deep I didn’t see just how big it was until I got it alongside the boat.”
New personal-best after six years with 7lb 3oz chub
A six year wait for a new chub personal best came to a welcome end for Darran Goulder when he banked this 7lb 3oz chub from the River Lea.
Targeting the Fishers Green stretch of the Herts waterway, the Shimano backed all-rounder proved that the best things come to those who wait after banking the specimen from a swim he baited for three weeks before fishing it.
He said: “I was excited about fishing it, and was glad to see it was free when I arrived. I cast out a short bolt rig onto a gravel run and had the take soon after. I thought it would be a good ‘six’ but it beat my old pb – a fish I caught on the float six years ago - by an ounce.”
Darran beat his prize with a Dynamite Crave boilie on a size 9 Drennan Barbel hook and a 6ins ESP Two Tone hooklink.
Huge grayling for Adam Perna
Trotted maggots gave Adam Perna a haul of five grayling including three two-pounders to 2lb 9oz.
The Oxfordshire rod adopted a roving approach on a southern river and took fish throughout the day before connecting with his new personal best an hour before dusk.
He said: “In the 2lb 9oz fish's case I had caught a few brown trout that had disturbed the swim so I fed for 20 minutes, spraying maggots, and then ran my float through again and the grayling took the bait after the float being in the water for a couple of seconds.
“It looked huge being a male fish, and put up quite a scrap. The difficulty was drawing the fish close enough to net with only a 1lb 4oz bottom on.”
Adam used a five-AAA chubber float, a size 22 hook and 4lb mainline.
3lb 9oz personal best perch on worm
This 3lb 9oz personal best perch was the highlight of an early morning session on a Lincolnshire river for Philip Taylor.
The Skegness-based security guard offered dendrobaena worms mid-river and landed a total of 10 fish including four over 2lb to 2lb 4oz.
“I was planning on fishing two rods but I got one out and started catching straightaway, and then never had time to set up my second,” said the 39-year-old. “The 3lb 9oz fish came on the last cast and straight away I could tell it was going to be much bigger than anything else I’d caught.”
Philip used 5lb Drennan Double Strength straight through to a size 12 Wide Gape Specialist hook.
14lb barbel from the River Trent
Rik Johnson was on the verge of calling it a day and heading home – but was glad he didn’t when he hooked in to this cracking 14lb 12oz Tidal Trent barbel.
The manager of Chapmans Angling had arrived at the Nottinghamshire waterway to be greeted by a river carrying an extra 3ft of water.
Using 8oz of lead to hold bottom he cast around large open end feeders for five hours to no avail.
He said: “I’d just started to tidy my things away when I saw a slight pull on my downstream rod which quickly developed in to an aggressive take. I eventually landed the ‘14’ and decided to stay on for a few more hours.”
It proved to be a wise decision as Rik went on to land a further six barbel to 12lb.
4lb perch at dusk from River Great Ouse
Ashley Bugden is no stranger when it comes to big perch – he has caught numerous fish over 3lb this year and recently broke his pb for the species with this 4lb 1oz specimen.
The Stevenage-based 31-year-old targeted a tributary of the River Great Ouse and found success using a jig on a day where bites were at a premium.
“I was fishing with a friend, roving the banks of the river and neither of us had a bite all day so I returned to my favourite spot at dusk and, bang, I had a fish which at first I thought was a pike,” he said.
Ashley used a new Tronix Rockfish Light rod with 11lb Power Pro line and a 6lb flourocarbon leader attached to a Fox Rage Warrior Mini Fry soft plastic jig.
Silverfish Keeping Up Anglers Spirits At Hampton Springs
Hampton Springs has experienced a bit of a resurgence this year thanks to some excellent silverfish sport which has provided the venue with a new attraction to local anglers.
Recently the management have been running a number of silverfish only matches and these have proven popular thanks to some huge nets over 30lb being recorded, made up of mainly roach and skimmers. The matches have been held over three lakes, Alice Springs, Rock Pool and Poplars, all of which have seen excellent catches now that the carp have somewhat switched off. The lakes have plenty of features from marginal trees and plants to islands further out, all of which provide anglers with catching hotspots. If you cant reach them on the pole, fish a small maggot feeder, a method which has been used to good success in the matches, especially now the lakes are beginning to clear in the margins. Typically though, the pole is your best bet, fished in conjunction with a light pole rig and loose-fed caster or maggot. Try feeding two lines to maximise your chance of keeping fish coming every cast.
With seven lakes to choose from you are guaranteed a good days fishing at Hampton and if you cant resist the carp, try meadows pool which contains plenty averaging around 9lb along with some nice barbel.
Alices Springs: Silverfish nets to 40lb, carp nets to 50lb
Rock Pool: Silverfish nets to 30lb, carp nets to 50lb on the bomb and maggot
Poplars Pool: Carp averaging 5lb, silverfish nets to 40lb
Oasis: Smaller fish including silvers and barbel to 5lb and carp to 8lb
Meadows: Carp and barbel to 8lb in nets over 50lb,
Long Island: Carp to 15lb, tench to 4lb and chub. Try the Method or pellet feeder
Willows: A good head of carp to 5lb. Fish the pole to the islands
Folly: 3 acre specimen carp lake with fish to 26lb to be had. Try maggots in winter
TIP: In milder or warmer weather, try coming off the bottom when loose-feeding for roach
Prices: £7 for two rods
Contact: 01948 820789
Location: Hampton Springs, Shay Lane., Hampton Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8AD
Facilities: Toilets
Rules: Fishery own pellets, no keepnets, no groundbait, no boilies
New personal best perch from Grand Union Canal
Midland based predator enthusiast Rob Smith took advantage of the recent hot streak of perch form across the country to bag this 3lb 14oz pb specimen from the Grand Union Canal.
Rob fooled the impressive fish using 8lb braid connected to a 6lb fluorocarbon leader. His winning lure was a Lure Fanatics, Da Bomb, 1-inch soft bait, accompanied by a 1-gram jig head.
Rob said: “I’d been fishing for over an hour with no indications but a change of lure and lighter conditions suddenly sent the perch on the hunt. I had fish of 1lb 14oz, 1lb 6oz and then the biggie arrived.
“As soon as it hit the lure I could tell it was a good fish, it gave a really good account of itself and I was very relieved when she finally went into the net!”
Match star's fishery plan for silverfish heaven
A top England international has revealed plans to turn a commercial complex into one of the nation’s best fisheries after he signed a deal to buy the site.
Matrix-backed star Grant Albutt has built up a solid reputation on the match circuit and aims to use his vast knowledge of the sport to turn Shatterford Lakes into the country’s most prolific venue.
Blueprints have been drawn up to make big changes at the Worcestershire complex – which is home to carp to 42lb and catfish over 70lb - in a bid to take it to the next level.
One of the first objectives of the England feeder team member is to enhance the silverfish potential of several lakes by adding extra shoals of roach and bream, with a full stock assessment of the specimen waters set to be undertaken in the coming weeks.
“When I was given the opportunity to buy the fishery I just couldn’t turn it down. It’s a fantastic complex with so much potential and I want to push it to its limit and bring even more people here,” explained Grant.
“The café and the tackle shop are going to get a major revamp, while moving lots of silverfish from the big fish waters to lakes where they will be targeted will help provide even better catches,” he added.
Plans are also in place to offer professional coaching onsite, with Grant intending to use the facility to help pass on his skills. He told Angling Times: “I’ve worked hard to make a name of myself in this sport and I’ve always wanted to pass on what I know to others. This is the perfect opportunity to do just that and with so many waters onsite I’ll be able to teach people exactly what they want to know.”
For more details visit www.shatterford.com or call 01299 861597.
**Fishery factfile**
- Shatterford Lakes was first opened in 1972 and was also run as a country park.
- Five fishable lakes are onsite, catering for match, specimen and specimen anglers.
- A recent match was won with 84lb of silverfish – hopes are high that a 100lb-plus catch can be taken in the coming months.
- The fishery is well known for its specimen catfish which have been caught to 70lb.
Chris Tarrant straight on the pike at Chew Valley
Chris Tarrant enjoys fishing for a whole host of species and he showed off his predator skills when he boated this impressive lure-caught pike on his very first cast of the day.
He was fishing alongside England international fly fisherman, John Horsey, who also co-starred in his recent hit television series - ‘Chris Tarrant Goes Fishing’ - during the final week of this year’s predator fishing trials at the famous Chew Valley Reservoir in Somerset.
The fish was just shy of the 20lb-mark and was caught with an Abu 40gram silver spoon.
Monster 36lb pike from city stream
A tiny stretch of river that’s free to fish and not much more than a rod length wide has produced this huge 36lb 3oz pike.
The shock specimen was caught by predator fishing fanatic Stefan Catalin while targeting a small backwater of the River Thames known as Castle Mill Stream.
The London-based 29-year-old, specialises in catching both pike and perch on artificial lures and it proved to be a Savage Gear Real Eel edged along the bottom of the West Oxfordshire waterway that induced the take from the fish that smashed his previous personal best by 6lb 3oz.
The catch came as a complete shock to the captor, who battled with the fish for 20 minutes before sliding its huge frame over his waiting net, and will also erase any doubts that many people have of the capabilities of such a tiny waterway to support a predator of such proportions.
“I was fishing off the bridge and working the bait along the bottom when I got the take and I had to give the rod to a passer-by as I quickly got off the bridge and into position by the water’s edge,” Stefan told Angling Times.
“When I saw the fish for the first time I was stunned, and a little scared, because I never thought such a massive fish would be in such a small, narrow piece of water - it really took me by surprise.
“I’ve seen loads of pike anglers down here that use deadbaits and only catch small fish, but I’ve had loads of success with these artificial eels as they seem to pick out the bigger fish.
“This catch just goes to show that you can’t ignore these small streams and backwaters because they are clearly full of big surprises.”
Drennan International employee Stewart Moss has fished the River Thames and its tributaries for 30 years and says that this further proves the potential of small venues.
“It’s an unbelievable reward for fishing uncompromising urban waterways that are shunned by most specimen anglers,” said Stewart.
“Venues like this are often full of species like bream which are perfect food and this, combined with neglect, creates a water that’s capable of throwing up a real giant.”
Big chub bonus in Hampshire Avon catch
A session on the Hampshire Avon produced this 22lb bag of dace and roach, plus a bonus 5lb 7oz chub, for Stuart Walker.
Targeting the river near Salisbury in Wiltshire, a long way from his home in Yorkshire, the 38-year-old used a light stickfloat in 4ft of water, feeding maggots, hemp and brown crumb. The Caught In The Act DVD star said: “The weather was bright so all the action came in the morning and the last few hours before dark. When the light was fading it was a bite a chuck. I fished 3lb mainline, a 2lb 12oz hooklink and a size 16 Drennan Wide Gape Specialist hook, under an alloy stick.”
