River Great Ouse chub record smashed with monster 8lb 8oz specimen
The River Great Ouse chub record has been broken with the capture of a colossal 8lb 8oz specimen.
The monster fish, which is believed to have beaten the former waterway record by a mere 4oz, was landed by specimen angler Gary Hickling from a Vauxhall Angling Club stretch of the waterway near Bedford.
Gary Hickling with his huge 8lb 8oz River Great Ouse Chub
Gary tempted the fish, which was witnessed and weighed by a club official, using a hair-rigged spicy crab flavoured boilie wrapped in halibut paste. The catch beat the former Vauxhall AC record for the species which he held himself with a 7lb 10oz fish he caught earlier in the season.
The London angler arrived at the venue to find an extra few foot of water on the river and with this in mind, decided to target some slack water created by an overhanging tree using a 2oz lead rig with a 8lb Drennan Sinklink hooklength and size 6 Drennan Super Specialist hook. Around half an hour after introducing a few broken boilies into his swim, the tip arched round as the huge beast took off with his hookbait.
As well as Gary's fish, the waterway has been producing some monster chub this season and we could see a national record for the species at some point in the future. Chub Study Group secretary Iain Nairn told AT: "The fish in the Ouse seem to be getting bigger every season thanks to anglers baits and the huge population of crayfish making them fatter. I wouldnt be surprised if it produced a new record in the coming seasons."
Monster 5lb River Thames perch is caught while lure fishing
This is one of the biggest Thames perch ever at 5lb 5oz.
Justin Beale described the fight that the huge fish put up as ‘the most ferocious that he’s ever experienced’ when he fished a snaggy area.
Justin Beale's huge 5lb 5oz Thames perch was caught on a lure.
The experienced specialist certainly knows exactly where the venues big predators hang out when it’s carrying extra water and milder winter sparks fish into feeding.
After searching around areas among the sunken trees in his swim, he decided to cast his lure into open water and this is when he set his hook into the specimen.
“Big perch don’t spend all of their time around snags as they venture into open water to hunt and that’s where this fish was when it smashed into my lure,” said Justin.
“It was on my fifth cast on a really slow retrieve when I got the take and it came straight to the surface, shook its head and then I didn’t see it again for around 10 minutes. The fight was incredible.
It’s a capture that further proves Justin’s intimate knowledge of the vast waterway as this is the third perch over 5lb he’s banked as he’s previously landed fish weighing 5lb 9oz and 5lb 1oz.
The winning bait was a Keitech Swing Impact that was coupled with a light rod, 4lb braid and a fluorocarbon leader.
“Some anglers spend way too long on the bank,” Justin continued.
“I watched the weather charts and saw the warmer weather coincided with the influx of extra water and I knew exactly where the big perch would be. You only need to be in the right place at the right time and for me this is usually for an hour or two after work and this was the case on this occasion.
Big Wye pike capture witnessed by Passion for Angling star
THE capture of a personal best 27lb River Wye pike was made that little bit more sweeter for big fish fan Robert Hall when he had the honour of having angling TV celebrity, Bob James help him land it.
The ‘Passion for Angling’ star watched on as the huge predator took the 30-year-old, Dudley rod’s float-fished roach deadbait just half an hour after starting his session on an unknown stretch of the River Wye in Herefordshire.
Bob James (left) helped Robert Hall land this stunning 27lb Wye pike
“At first I thought it might just beat my previous best of 16lb but once close to the net I realised it was much bigger” said Robert.
“Its not everday you get a result like that and to have my hero witness it at the same time is just a dream come true” he added.
Angler lands huge haul of chub from the River Lea
CHUB hauls don’t come much better than the one taken by Tony Spencer who managed to catch three fish over 5lb including a giant 6lb 2oz specimen while fishing on the middle reaches of the River Lea.
Tony's huge River Lea chub haul included three fish over 5lb.
The amazing catch, which was made using wag and mag tactics, saw the London angler set a new personal best for the species no fewer than three times during a hectic session on the Hertfordshire venue.
Tony netted specimens weighing 5lb 8oz and 5lb 10oz, and followed them up withthe biggest fish to cap what he called 'a session of dreams'.
Tony, who is a regular to the waterway, picked a swim with a nice glide and plenty of cover and began by feeding hemp and white maggots, baiting his hook with two maggots to land severalsmaller fish, including two over 4lb. He said: “The session got better as it went on. In the end I was extremely hectic, but I loved every minute of it” he added.
Biggest ever rod-caught stingray is landed in Thailand
An incredible fight just 20 minutes short of six hours ended with the capture of what is believed to be world’s biggest stingray on rod and line by a UK angler fishing in Thailand.
Luke Benson caught the giant, estimated to have weighed 550lb, when he visited Thailand’s Bang Pakong River under the expert tuition of the professional guides of Fishing Adventures Thailand.
Being in the military, Luke certainly held his own in the early stages of the fight, but when the team realised what he’d hooked extra manpower was soon at hand to help subdue the huge fish.
Locals in the area had to bring out a stronger rod and eventually help Luke net this monster after he hung on behind the rod for nearly six hours.
“It was the size of a barn door, and our experienced team estimated the weight as being close to 250 kilos, which is 550lb.
For more information visit: www.anglingthailand.com
Monster 36lb pike banked from reservoir
IMAGINE spotting a 36lb 4oz pike in clear water and then catching it on your very first cast – that’s exactly what Ben Farley did during a short session at a trout reservoir.
The 27-year-old, who is an on-site fishery manager at Oxfordshire’s Farmoor Reservoir, was giving tuition to a fly angler on the banks of the 400-acre complex when a stroll during his lunch break revealed two large, dark, fish-shaped shadows just below the surface.
Ben rushed back to the car to fetch his lure gear, and it wasn’t long before he was casting a swimbait in hope of a potential hook-up.
“The water is gin-clear to around 15ft down and I could still clearly see two distinctive outlines that could only have been pike,” he said.
“I cast the bait around 3ft-4ft behind what looked like the bigger fish, and within a split second it had turned and snatched it. At this point the pike went absolutely nuts. It must’ve taken 80 yards of line from the reel. What an incredible feeling!”
After 10 minutes the colossal fish managed to wrap itself around his braided mainline – creating a heart-stopping moment for Ben.
“Every now and then it would come up to the surface and then dive straight back down again – and it was at this point that I knew I’d hooked something truly special,” he continued.
“I managed to draw the pike to within 20 yards from the bank, and that’s when I noticed the line was wrapped around one of its fins. The fish rolled and the line went slack, but as I reeled back down I was met with resistance, and was thankfully reassured!”
The pike finally came to the net and on the scales it went 36lb on the nose – a new personal best for Ben as well as a new record for the reservoir.
To find out more about Farmoor Reservoir visit:
www.thameswater.co.uk
Ben Farley Spotted this huge 36lb 4oz pike in the water before he hooked it.
River Nene chub record smashed
The biggest chub ever caught from the River Nene has been banked.
The giant 7lb 8oz specimen was caught by Peterborough & District AA bailiff Andy Bell when he fished a tiny feeder with a piece of breadflake nicked on to the hook.
It’s believed to be more than 1lb heavier than any chub previously reported from the waterway, and comes hot on the heels of the HGV driver’s capture of a 29lb 12oz pike from the same river.
“I’ve fished this river for more than 35 years and the quality of the specimen angling has never been better,” said Andy.
“This chub is incredible and is the biggest I’ve ever heard of from the Nene. It beats my personal best that stood at 6lb 8oz.”
Andy’s rig was made from 6lb line tied straight through to a
size 8 hook, and it fooled three other chub to 4lb 8oz on the day.
The only bait that he constantly introduced into his swim was via his feeder.
“It’s vital not to overfeed when the water temperatures are low, so I used a tiny feeder about the same size as my thumbnail and packed it with liquidised bread,” Andy continued.
“This, coupled with the huge pike I caught recently, has made for an incredible tail end to the season so far.
“It proves once again what astonishing potential the Nene has as a big-fish venue.”
Andy Bell's River Nene record chub was tempted on a piece of breadflake.
Robson Green - The Interview
Angling TV star Robson Green talks to the Angling Times about his life in fishing and his new series 'Grand Slam Fishing'....
AT: What can we expect from Grand Slam Fishing?
“An incredible adventure that has everything... breathtaking venues, some of the world’s most
hard-fighting fish, lots of laughs and some truly beautiful production.
“It’s the best series I’ve done. I still have to pinch myself that I get to do what is every angler’s dream. I never take it for granted.”
Grand Slam Fishing sees Robson travel to some of the world's most exotic places
AT: What was your favourite fish/catch during ‘Grand Slam’?
“We’d been fly fishing for tarpon for eight hours straight when I decided to really try and make something happen.
“I wanted to get a bait really deep so I opted for a super heavy sinking line which felt like I was casting with washing line, but I felt it was right.
“I made a perfect cast right next to a structure where we thought the tarpon would be and started stripping the line back… then wham! The fish took.
“This 30lb bar of pure silver gave me one hell of a fight, and it felt as if 10 years of filming and becoming a better all-round angler had come together in this moment.
AT: In 10 years of making fishing shows what have you learned?
“I did my first in 2007, and in the early days I thought I was awful. I was trying so hard to be windswept and interesting! To be honest I thought it might harm my career.
“But with every series I’ve become more relaxed, a better presenter, and really honed my skills. Ultimately I’m a happier person and I have fishing to thank for this. Acting is a stressful game and fishing helps me relax.”
You’ve travelled the world and caught many different fish over the years. What’s left?
“In the episode in the Florida Keys we did some scuba diving to have a look around the structures for some underwater sequences.
“Suddenly I saw what I thought was a huge rock and started making my way over to it until this particular rock started to move. It was a giant grouper! On reviewing the footage I was told that this was a ‘baby’ of around 250lb! I so want to catch one of these now… preferably that one’s mum or dad.
“Making shows like this has allowed me to cast a line in over 130 different countries and I feel lucky and honoured to have been able to do so, but there are still so many beautiful places to visit. Easter Island, the Galapagos Islands and venues in the Caribbean are just a few.”
AT: Do you still go fishing in your spare time?
“I can’t get enough of it, and there’s nothing like fishing the rivers back home because this is where it all started when I was seven. The last two years have been the busiest in my professional career but I get out there every chance I get and savour every minute.”
AT: What do you hope anglers will take from the series?
“I just hope this hammers home the fact that there’s so much more to fishing than numbers.
“Yes, there’s nothing better than catching big hard-fighting fish or getting a bite on days when you just feel like giving up, but it’s about being in the now and sharing all this with others.
“I’ve been an actor for 32 years and you’ve got to be good at being someone else… portraying false sincerity.
“This isn’t the case when I’m fishing, as I can just be me. I’m happiest when I’m fishing and I hope people get that.”
More details of his new series can be found at www.travelchannel.co.uk
Famous Redmire Fishery Up For Sale
Redmire - the most Iconic carp fishery in the UK is going up for sale.
The legendary pool and its famous stocks of carp will be sold in 2017.
The two-acre lake is tucked away in the rolling hills of Herefordshire. It is most famous for producing British best carp for angling heroes Dick Walker and Chris Yates, and will be put on the market within months.
Chris Yates' 51lb 8oz record carp caught at Redmire Pool in 1980
Details of the asking price of the estate have not yet been released, but the Richardson family, who have maintained the estate on which Redmire is situated for over 28 years, have revealed that the sale will include a large house, more than 100 acres of land, outhouses and barns and the meadows in which the lake is situated.
“The Richardson family have done an incredible job at this amazing venue and have decided that it’s time to pass the historic water and the surrounding estate on to someone new. This will begin the next chapter for this enchanting plot of land and all that comes with it,” said fishery manager Les Bamford.
“I’m in limbo in a way, because
I really hope that whoever buys the estate appreciates the importance of Redmire’s place in angling history.
“The dream scenario is that the new owners will have the venue’s best interests at heart and will carry on in the same vein as the Richardsons.
“I’d like to be able to continue making this historic venue open to anglers wanting to fish for carp at one of the world’s most famous fisheries.”
Thousands of anglers will without a doubt be sharing the hopes and sentiments of Les regarding the future of a venue that many see as the birthplace of modern carp fishing.
Angling legend Chris Yates is not only synonymous with the water for his capture of a 51lb 8oz British record mirror carp in 1980, but he also starred in the iconic TV series A Passion For Angling, which featured an episode called ‘Monster Myths’ which was filmed at Redmire Pool and inspired generations of fishermen.
“This beautiful estate that’s situated in such a stunning setting must be worth several millions,” he said. “I can’t imagine that the person or persons that buy it won’t be sensitive and continue to preserve Redmire.
“It might sound a bit selfish, but I’d love to see the lake given a rest and return to how it was back in the day, when it wasn’t extensively fished.
“Then it was all about mystery and the unknown.
“I know it’s great that many more anglers can now fish Redmire, but it would be almost poetic if the new owners maintained the lake, protected the original stocks and just let people occasionally fish there, or even just opened it for anglers to visit.
“The worse-case scenario would be that the new owner turns it into the angling equivalent of a really expensive pheasant shoot. I would hate that because it would then be almost completely inaccessible to the average angler.
“The most important thing is that the lake and its carp remain, and that Redmire is given the love and attention it deserves.”
For more information on
the venue and bookings visit: www.redmirepool.biz
A BRIEF HISTORY OF REDMIRE
Redmire’s life started in March, 1934 when the then owners of the estate instructed fish supplier Donald Leney to stock the pool with 50 5.5ins-8ins carp to try and combat excessive weed growth.
These fish, along with other Redmire stockings and introductions carried out by Leney, mainly in southern England, have produced many of the known big carp in the UK today.
In 1951 a local angler, Bob Richards, got permission to fish the pool and on October 3 he caught a mirror carp of 31lb 4oz – a huge fish back then.
The following year saw Richard Walker on Redmire, and on September 13 he caught Clarissa at a new record weight of 44lb. She spent the rest of her days at London Zoo.
This record stayed intact until Chris Yates upped it with a
51lb 8oz mirror in 1980. In those days Redmire was very much a closed shop and the fishing was kept very private and secretive but now, thanks to the present owners, the magic and mystery of Redmire is available to all.
Dick Walker's record carp Clarissa was caught at Redmire in 1952 at a weight of 44lb.
2017 British Pike Championship qualifier dates revealed
If you fancy your chances of becoming the next Angling Trust British Pike Fishing Champion then how about taking part in this year's event? Firstly you need to qualify for the Grand Final in November and to do this you need to fish and be placed in one of the qualifiers.
The following round of qualifiers are open to all and can be seen below. Use the contact numbers provided for each qualifier to book on to the event... good luck
Sunday January 22
Englefield Lagoon. Steve Parker: 07918 025472.
Smeatons Lakes, Newark. W A Stevenson: 0115 9638658.
Saturday January 28
Barham Pits, Suffolk. Bill Davies: 07725 910065
Sunday January 29
Holloways Bridge PAIRS, Whittlesey. Stewart Leonard: 07748 437166
Swanton Morley Fishery, Dereham, Norfolk. David Appleby: 01362 637591.
Sunday February 5
Osborns Pond, Shipley Country Park, Heanor, Derbys. W A Stevenson: 0115 9638658.
Ramsey 40ft Narrows, Cambs. Keith Rayment: 07551 840409.
Sherington Pits, Bucks. Chris Rayner: 07952 812527.
Sunday February 12
Dinton Pastures Country Park. Martin Earl: 07979 038074
Saturday February 18
Old Nene, Cambs. Keith Rayment: 07551 840409
Sunday February 19
Clough Bridge, Parson Drove, Nr Wisbech, Cambs. Michael Mumby: 01406 363779.
Smeatons Lakes, Newark. W A Stevenson: 0115 9638658.
Saturday February 25
Barham Pits, Suffolk. Bill Davies: 07725 910065
Sunday February 26
Englefield Lagoon. Steve Parker: 07918 025472.
Swanton Morley Fishery, Dereham, Norfolk. David Appleby: 01362 637591.
Sunday March 12
Mapperley Reservoir, Main Bank, Nr Ilkeston, Derbys. W A Stevenson: 0115 9638658.
Tuesday March 14
Old Nene, Cambs. Keith Rayment: 07551 840409
Andrew Muirhead was crowned British Pike Champion in 2016 with this 18lb 1oz specimen
Molehill Soil Tames Huge River Perch
MOLEHILL soil has helped tempt the biggest perch of the year so far, a stunning 4lb 10oz specimen.
The huge fish was caught on float tackle by former match fishing ace Tony Hopley during a day on the Derbyshire Derwent.
After suffering countless blanks on the tough river, the angler from North Wingfield, near Chesterfield, drew from his match fishing background to turn his fortunes around.
Using molehill soil as one of the main ingredients in his dark groundbait mix, the Perchfishers member introduced four balls laced with casters into the crease of the current.
“I’d been fishing with static rods during most of my 20-odd sessions on the river without success, so I decided to change to more of a match fishing approach,” said Tony, who won the 2003 Division 1 National on the Stainforth & Keadby Canal while fishing for Matlock.
“My mix was half molehill soil and half Sensas PV1. This is really just an attractor, and my groundbait has no food content apart from the casters. I also loosefed a few red maggots over the top to keep the swim active.”
After laying his trap, Tony expertly edged his Dave Harrell Avon-style float through his swim with a dendrobaena hookbait fished an inch off the bottom.
The presentation was too good for the huge fish to resist, as his only bite of the session saw him smash his 3lb 8oz pb from the same venue last September.
“I wish the perch hadn’t come straight to the surface because it didn’t do my heart any good at all!” Tony continued.
“It did its best to get buried in the snags, but I got the better of it.
“Winning the Division 1 National was the highlight of my angling career, but this comes very close.”
Tony Hopley caught this 4lb 10oz using molehill soil
2017 Rod Licence Changes - What Are They?
Children will fish for free and carp anglers will save money as part of a massive shake-up in the rod licensing system for 2017.
These are just two changes in a raft of new measures announced by Environment Agency bosses in a bid to offer anglers more value for money and encourage more youngsters to fish.
The changes, which come into force this March, include a special price for those using three rods, and scrapping the current £5 fee for under-16s. They will also see 365-day rolling licences from day of purchase. In other words, if you buy a full rod licence in June 2017 it wont expire until June 2018.
The move comes in response to a recent Angling Trust survey in which the nation’s anglers criticised the current licensing system. Big-fish hunters claimed they were being overcharged for fishing three rods by having to buy two full annual licences.
The EA Head of Fisheries Sarah Chare believes the changes reflect feedback from anglers nationwide: “We hope that a 365-day licence, a three-rod licence and a free junior licence will all play a part in getting more young people fishing and securing the sport’s future,” she said.
“All money raised from rod licence sales is ploughed back into England’s fisheries, and is used to fund a wide range of projects to improve facilities for anglers.”
Here's the details........
The new rod licence changes will effect everyone
Biggest Grayling Of The Season Caught
A FOUR-year quest to catch a grayling of over 3lb ended in style for big-fish ace Adam Perna when he landed this 3lb 2oz specimen.
Fishing an unnamed waterway, the Oxfordshire angler also netted fish of 2lb 12oz and 2lb 8oz during two action-packed sessions spent on the float.
The fish is thought to be the biggest of the species caught by a coarse angler this season. Adam tempted his catch from a shallow, pacey swim using long trotting tactics with a rig made up of 4lb mainline, a Loafer float and a size 18 hook baited with single red maggot hookbait.
“This comes as a bit of a relief after fishing for a large grayling on and off for around four years,” said the 33-year-old.
“I only fished for a few hours on the day so to beat my previous best by 5oz is fantastic,” he added. To find out where you can catch grayling for yourself scroll down...
Adam's grayling was caught on trotted maggot tactics
5 TOP GRAYLING VENUES
- Cod Beck, Thirsk Town Centre, N. Yorks: A classic Yorkshire Dale stream where wading in and trotting maggots or worms can account for some good catches of roach, grayling and trout. Contact: Northallerton Angling Centre 01609 779140. Prices: £5 a day from Northallerton Angling Centre, Thirsk AC
River Derwent, Matlock Bath, Derbys: The Lovers Walk stretch in the town is great for a bit of wading and trotting. The standard approach is via a wire-stem stick or Avon float, with the bulk well down, cast across to the far bank. Contact: Alfreton Angling Centre 01773 832611. Prices: £45 a year, Matlock AC
River Itchen, Winchester, Hants: A classic clear and shallow chalk stream where stick and maggot tactics accounting for multiple catches of small grayling to over 2lb. Contact: Poingdestres Angling Centre 02380 772958. Prices: Free fishing
River Dove, Ellastone, Ashbourne, Derbys: The main river here holds a good head of grayling – some of specimen size, there are deep pools and steady glides with riffles toward the upper boundary. Contact: Derby Railway AC, 01332 792807. Prices: £50 a season.
River Irfon, Builth Wells, Powys: This scenic, mountain fed stream is popular amongst fly anglers but the club allow guest coarse anglers to target its large head of grayling in winter too. Contact: 01597 823119. Prices: £8 a day in advance from Nibletts Newsagents, Groe Park and Irfon AC
Chub catch topped by a 7lb 15oz giant
All of Gary's chub topped 6lb!
One of the year’s most impressive hauls of big chub has been taken... on the waggler!
Carp angler Gary Norton proved he’s no one-trick pony with a five- fish catch topped by a 7lb 15oz specimen.
Targeting a stretch of the Lea Navigation in Hertfordshire, the local 42-year-old fed two pints of casters to back up the giant with a number of other chub to 6lb.
Gary, who has racked up more than 100 carp over 30lb and eight 40-pounders from the adjoining Lee Valley gravel pits, told Angling Times: “Most of my angling mates look at me as someone who sits behind buzzers, but I would like to consider myself as a bit more of an all-rounder, as I enjoy targeting anything with fins.
“The conditions were crying out for a chub session, and so rather than sitting there blanking away on the pits I decided to have a bash.
“It proved a decent call, as I am led to believe this is one of the best hauls of chub from the Lee Navigation in 10 or so years.”
Gary kept the bites coming by continually loosefeeding casters, and he fished the same bait on a size 18 Drennan Super Specialist hook to a 2.6lb hooklink to take all his chub.
Now, flushed with his success on running water, Gary has vowed to turn his attentions to roach.
“I’ve had my eye on a big redfin for a long time now,” said Gary.
“With a result like this under my belt I’m really confident, so watch this space.”