Dream dace falls from Hampshire stream
WINCHESTER-based angler Aidan Bordiuk was left shaking with excitement when he netted this dream 1lb 1oz dace during a trip to a Hampshire chalk stream.
After spotting a shoal of silverfish in clear water Aidan fed his chosen swim for half an hour to gain their confidence and received a strong take on the very first cast.
He said: “Amazingly a pike lunged as I brought it to the surface, so it was a lucky escape for this very special dace.
“Once I got it in and realised its size the feeling was great – it was something I’ve not had for a long time whilst fishing.”
Aidan’s dream dace fell to maggots fished on a size 18 hook, 3lb line and an Avon style float.
Anglers unite to keep veteran fishing brothers on the bank
A FACEBOOK fundraiser has collected more than £1,000 to help buy winter clothing for two elderly brothers struggling to get out fishing in the cold weather.
The money-making campaign was organised by matchman Steve Jackson, who fishes regular club matches with Albert and Bill Pearce, but noticed they had started missing events since temperatures dropped.
Steve said: “I’ve fished with Albert and Bill for the last 15 years and they’ve never missed a fishing match until now.
“All anglers who participate in our matches wear full Gortex clothing which keeps them warm at this time of year, so I’d thought I’d create a fundraiser to raise money for two full Gortex suits and matching wellies – just to ensure Albert and Bill can keep fishing throughout the winter.”
Steve’s Facebook was soon embraced by warm-hearted anglers, and most of the £1,400 target has already been raised.
But it’s not just cash that has been donated, as Steve revealed:
“The response has been incredible and it’s really restored my faith in people,” Steve added.
“Since it’s been live, £300 has been deposited a day with donations spanning from £1 to £100.
“Some people in the industry have even donated hoodies, joggers, beany hats and snoods.”
“Albert and Bill have been fishing three times a week in the Tamworth and Bonehill over 50’s matches for years.
“Despite both being in their 80s, come rain, wind, sleet or snow they are there at the draw.
“They’re both widowers and they live for each other and fishing – it’s inspirational to see that they both still want to attend these fishing matches and hopefully their new clothing will ensure they keep going for years to come.”
Albert (Left) and Bill Pierce
If you would like to donate to Albert and Bill’s cause please visit www.facebook.com/donate/742029686273999/
"I WANT TO CATCH 60 FISH IN 60 DAYS FOR CHARITY!"
A PLEASURE angler is set to embark upon the fishing challenge of his life in attempt to catch 60 species of fish in 60 days to raise vital funds for angling charities.
The ambitious conquest is the brainchild of 59-year-old Hugh Arnott who decided he wanted to celebrate his sixtieth birthday a little differently in 2020…
With a planned date of September, Hugh will take to the road to travel the length and breadth of the UK to slip his net under as many species as possible – and all in a drive to raise money for Get Hooked on Fishing, the English Disabled Fly Fishers and Fishing for Forces charities.
Hugh Arnott with a giant pike he caught during a trip to a Hungarian lake
Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Hugh said: “As I turn 60 in July next year I thought I would try to catch 60 different fish from both salt and freshwater in just 60 days.
“At heart I’m a pleasure angler and will be looking to use a cross section of methods to catch these species – including fly, lure, bait, shore and boat.
“Right now I’m not sure whether it is even possible, but I most certainly will be having plenty of fun trying!”
During the 60 days Hugh plans to fish locations both inland and off-shore but admitted that help from the angling community would significantly aid his progression.
“I think I will need all the support I can get,” he added.
“A fishery holding plenty of species is a superb starting point to tick some names off the list, and if venue owners could offer a free day ticket that would help tremendously.
“Perhaps brand or sport ambassadors could provide their tips and knowledge of venues, or maybe even join me for a session?
“If manufacturers wanted to provide tackle that would be great too – at the end of the challenge they will all be donated to the charities who really need them.
“My main objective is to raise as much money as possible so the more support the better – please feel free to contact me if you’re keen to help.”
The news has already been welcomed with open arms by the proposed charities in Hugh’s challenge, and none more so than the officials behind Get Hooked on Fishing.
Their CEO Sarah Collins said: “it was a pleasant surprise to hear from Hugh and I we were very impressed with his ambition in what will be a very tough ordeal.
“The idea is very refreshing and something that a lot of people can potentially get involved in – including the young anglers we work with daily.
“As a charity every little helps so we are delighted that Hugh has thought of us, and we will support him where we can.”
CAN YOU HELP HUGH?
Panel: How you can help Hugh achieve his challenge
If you’re a fishery owner, charter skipper or tackle manufacturer wanting to help Hugh along his journey, you can contact him via email at 60fishin60days@gmail.com
You can also donate to Hugh’s cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/60fishin60days
Is this the new British Record dace?
A RIVER angler thought he’d hit the jackpot when he slipped his net under a suspected 1lb 10oz British Record dace, but EA scientists have now confirmed his catch is in fact…an ide.
The pristine silverfish fell to the rod of 47-year-old John Stembridge who hooked into something entirely different whilst trotting maggots for roach on a stretch of the River Itchen.
He said: “I thought it was one of the big roach but when I netted it I instantly thought it was a record dace!
“It had all the characteristics although I must admit the head looked unusual.”
After John reported his catch to Angling Times a picture of the fish was sent to Nigel Hewlett and Alan Henshaw of the Environment Agency for confirmation.
Alan said: “Unfortunately the lateral line scale count of this fish is between 60 and 61, which puts it firmly in the ide camp. Dace typically have between 48 and 51 (Bagenal system) or between 45 and 55 scales (Maitland and Campbell system), depending on your source.”
John Stenbridge’s giant ‘dace’ sadly turned out to be an ide
"Is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year?" - Keith Arthur
Once again I see it’s time for the Angling Times awards… and there are some interesting decisions to make.
River of the year? While the Hampshire Avon will surely be in the running to usurp the Thames as River of the Year - and both have produced some stunning catches - both the Trent and Wye must also be in with a good shout. Even the Severn, described as ‘dead’ by some top names last season, has been excellent much of the time.
As for the champion Stillwater, Tamar Lakes must be right up there especially as some challengers, such as Ferry Meadows, Southfields and Bough Beech seem to have peaked and are now falling away, although I’m sure it’s temporary and probably conditions-related.
There is one decision though on which there can surely be no debate: is it possible anyone other than Jamie Hughes can be Match Angler of the Year? Lee Kerry and Andy Bennett would be shoo-ins in other years but not this year, surely!
I’m looking forward to reading the results in next week’s issue…
(Winners will be revealed in our December 10th Christmas special)
35lb pike breaks angler's reel!
A 450-mile round-trip from Bristol to the Norfolk Broads paid off in style for Richard Earl, who landed this stunning 35lb pike.
Richard spent two days angling for the monster fish that obliterated his previous personal best of 24lb which he caught from Wroxham, Norfolk, nearly 45 years ago.
He said: “With just a 12lb pike to show for my efforts by 5pm on the second day I’d thought I’d be facing a blank, but on the way back to the car I heard a big fish crash 80 yards downstream.
“I got my rod and landing net in position and cast my 25cm Savage Gear 3D shallow burbot lure, when on the second cast it was hit hard by a very big fish.
“A few minutes into the fight my reel broke so I had to hand line the fish for the remainder of the fight – and if that wasn’t enough, it took me three attempts to get the fish into my 30” round net!
“A massive thank you to the local angler who assisted with photographing and weighing the pike, which at 35lb was certainly the fish of a lifetime.”
The fine esox obliterated Richard’s previous personal best of 24lb which he caught from Wroxham, Norfolk nearly 45 years ago.
Monster perch results in lost phone
DESPITE dropping his phone overboard Charlie Coppolo fished through the despair to boat this immaculate 4lb 8oz perch.
The lure-fanatic’s session on an Essex reservoir was certainly a tale of two halves, as he explained:
“The day started fantastically with my first bite producing a new PB of 4lb 10oz!
“I was buzzing but whilst sitting back staring at the photos on my phone I somehow managed to juggle it in to the air and over the side of the boat.
“With no back up or anything, I could do nothing but just watch the only photo I have of my PB just slowly sink to the depths.”
Undeterred the 32-year-old fished on and whilst drop-shotting a purple dropshot Molix SV Crawfish he managed to land the 4lb 8oz specimen alongside another fine stripey of 3lb 8oz.
3lb 3oz roach with a taste for fruit!
A MAGGOT hookbait dipped in a strawberry liquid proved too irresistible for this sublime 3lb 3oz roach for all-round angler Kevin Sanders.
The 42-year-old from Cambridge was in the middle of packing away his kit when his rod signaled a take just as dusk fell.
Kevin told Angling Times: “I had enjoyed a day of catching small perch and roach to over a pound on a Norfolk Lake when this beauty took the bait.
“I was fishing a maggot feeder helicopter style which I part-filled with Dynamite Baits XL liquid strawberry for high attraction.”
To try and winkle-out a bigger fish Kevin switched his hook pattern to a size 10 wide gape feeder, which proved effective move late on in the session.
“I threaded a buoyant maggot on the shank and two lives on the hook,” he added.
“I also dipped my hookbait in the strawberry liquid for even more attraction and it seemed to work.
“I could tell it was a good fish from the off but only saw how good when I netted it and turned on my head torch.
“At 3lb 3oz it was a new pb – I’m still smiling now!”
BIG ROACH VENUES TO TARGET RIGHT NOW
Linch Hill Fishery, Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire
Contact: 01865 882215
Springwater Fishery, Dalrymple, Ayrshire
Contact: 01292 560343
Bury Hill Fishery, Dorking, Surrey
Contact: 01306 883621
Boddington Reservoir, Byfield, Northants
Contact: 07740 534891
Sion Farm Fishery, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Contact: 01562 730386
Big perch feed off the scale
RIVERS might be written-off due to intense flooding but anglers who have been targeting reservoirs and Stillwaters have been enjoying multiple hits of specimen perch.
Here is a selection of some of the best catches we’ve recieved…
Joe Atkinson 4lb 4oz perch
Two weeks after boating 27 perch to 4lb 7oz from farmoor Reservoir, Oxon, Joe Atkinson was back to bag this 4lb 4oz stripey.
The fine specimen was part of a 14-perch haul for the carp angler which included nine others over the 4lb barrier, and all were taken on drop shot tactics with 2-4ins rubber shads or grubs.
He said: “Up until a couple of weeks ago I was still searching for my first four pounder – in three trips I've now managed 17 of them.
“I'm still in shock now and will be for quite some time, but this truly is the fishing of dreams for me.”
David Tudor 4lb 2oz perch
Graffham water has been producing 3lb perch for fun this autumn but David Tudor has arguably caught the pick of the bunch with this 4lb 2oz effort.
Utilising dropshot tactics with a Savage Gear dying minnow in clear colour, David drifted his boat over shoals of baitfish to take more than 20 3lb-plus perch, although the four pounder was by far the highlight of the day.
Ryan Thomas 3lb 10oz perch
Finally, Ryan Thomas proved the effectiveness of fishing livebaits over groundbait for big perch when he landed this stunning 3lb 10oz fish.
Targeting a deep area on an undisclosed southern Stillwater, the specimen ace started the session by waggler fishing maggots over a bed Dynamite Baits Silver X groundbait before switching to a float-fished livebait later on.
He said: “On only my second cast with this outfit the float sunk and after a spirited battle I managed to land a gorgeous 3lb 10oz female.
“The same lake produced my personal best in March with a giant fish of 4lb 1oz.”
Angling Trust Talent Pathway is back!
A HOST of top anglers have thrown their weight behind the latest initiative to help find the matchfishing stars of the future.
In 2020 the Angling Trust Talent Pathway scheme is running nationwide to help anglers between the ages of 12-17 get a taste of performing in a match environment, and all under the guidance of some of the greatest names in the sport – including Matt Godfrey, Des Shipp and Frankie Gianoncelli.
In a double delight Guru and Mainline Match are also sponsoring the scheme and will be providing bait and tackle provisions to ensure anglers are well equipped during each coaching session.
Matt Godfrey with young anglers on the Talent Pathway scheme
Matt Godfrey, who will be managing the Midland’s coaching sessions, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for young and progressing anglers to learn from some brilliant names, win super prizes and have the chance to fish for England if you’re under 15-years-of-age.”
Having incentives for young people in fishing is something that 2018 Guru Match Academy Winner Brandon George thinks is extremely important.
The 18-year-old said: “The Talent Pathway is an incredible opportunity for any young angler – whether you’re new to fishing and just want to learn more about the sport and catch a few fish, or if you’re an experienced young angler and aspire to fish at an international level.
“If you’re looking to better your feeding and rig making, or simply improving your general set up, the Pathway crew are there to ensure you go home a better angler after every session.”
GET INVOLVED!
The Talent Pathway consists of three regional coaching sessions held in the North, Midlands and South, concluding with an inter-regional final held later in the year where anglers from each region will battle it out and put all their lessons and skills to the test.
For a full list of the planned coaching sessions and to find out how you can sign up, visit www.anglingtrustevents.net/coarse
Have your say on cormorant control
The consultation could see a tighter control of cormorants implemented
THERE is still time to participate in a public consultation which could see stricter control of cormorants and other fish-eating birds.
The in-depth survey has been created by the government’s Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) who are reviewing the country’s current general licence for bird control.
To fill out the consultation please visit www.consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/wild-birds-general-licence-survey/
Your views and evidence are needed to help decide how general licences for wild birds should be used to kill or take wild birds to conserve certain criteria – including fisheries and inland waters.
The consultation will close on Thursday 5 December 2019.
Skill, not brute force, is required to land big fish - Keith Arthur
Catching a fish over 80lb on carp tackle is a brilliant feat.
No matter how strong the tackle, exerting pressure on a fish using a long rod is not easy.
I once challenged a good carp angler to make a drag set at exactly the test curve of the rod work. It was an original Daiwa Emblem and a 2.75lb Kevin Nash Amorphous 12ft. He couldn’t do it without putting the butt on the floor, bracing it against his knee and pulling with both hands.
I was only holding the reel, not walking away – that would have flat-rodded him and set the drag off, as a fish would do.
Anyway, hats off to Jacqueline Horvath, who landed an 86lb carp from monster carp water Euro Aqua. There’s a degree of skill in getting the fish to take the bait, but that is nothing like the skill (strength barely comes into it, by the way) required to put a fish of that size over a landing net.
TO READ THE FULL STORY ON JACQUELINE’S CATCH VISIT: https://www.carpfeed.com/fishing-news/article/is-this-the-first-90-pounder-banked-by-a-woman-video
FOR MORE FROM FISHING’S TOP COMMENTATOR PICK UP ANGLING TIMES THIS TUESDAY!
16lb 12oz zander from the Severn!
A TWO-hour fishing trip was all Graham Mann needed to bank one of the season’s largest zander in the shape of this 16lb 12oz beauty.
Between 2pm and 4pm the Worcester-based angler and a friend lure-fished a stretch of their local River Severn but conditons were far from ideal, as Graham explained:
“My mate Mark had finished work early and rang to see if I wanted to fish for a couple of hours before it got dark, but we knew the river would be up and coloured after the recent rain.
“Despite this setback we headed to the river but found a big area of slack water which we thought perhaps could have held some fish.”
Any doubts the pair had were quickly quashed as some thirty minutes into the session Mark hooked and landed an 8lb zander, although it was Graham’s next cast which yielded something entirely different.
“After letting the lure hit the bottom I jigged it up a couple of times and then there was a huge bang – followed by some very strong headshakes,” Graham added.
“After a short, powerful fight I was able to draw it to the surface, where Mark waited nervously with the net before he shouted: “Good god, I can hardly lift it out of the water!”
“It was such a mint-conditioned zander that I knew was a new personal best, and it was a pleasure to see it swim off strongly.”
Graham’s zed was his fourth over the 15lb barrier and took a Fox Rage Zander Pro shad in bottle green colour.
South West canal hits top perch form
AN angler fishing for silvers on a Somerset canal recorded one of his best ever sessions recently when he encountered a shoal of large perch - including a monster 4lb-plus specimen.
Mark Affleck was fishing the pole on the Taunton and Bridgewater Canal, when after putting together a nice bag of roach on casters, he decided to switch to his worm line, with tremendous results.
“What a great fight on light pole gear, unfortunately the pictures didn’t do it’s size justice”, he said.
Taunton Angling Association’s Dan Baldwin told Angling Times previously of the canals potential for large perch, he said: “The perch are spread throughout the canal but there are some noted hotspots. Bathpool Boat Docks, Chalton Orchard and upstream of Maunsel Lock, all hold lots of perch ranging from 1-3lb.”
It certainly looks like now is a great time to try and catch these fish. If you fancy a go yourself head to www.tauntonanglingassociation.co.uk for tickets.
Middle Severn on fire for double figure barbel
WHILST some anglers may have been put off by the high coloured water and cold conditions this past week, Robert Mitchell headed out to his local River Severn and was rewarded with a fine brace of double figure barbel.
Fishing with 15mm Catalyst boilies on a middle section of the Midlands river, Robert banked specimens of 10lb 6oz and 11lb 1oz - not bad for November!
He told Angling Times: “The river is very fishable at the moment and in a couple days will be perfect for chub, which are a popular target for Severn anglers in the colder months.
“With the water temperature at 9.3 degrees, the barbel are still worth trying for too.”
Rob fished his rigs over a bed of 2mm/4mm pellets and presented his boilie hookbait on a simple running rig made up of Bank Tackle components.
Over 600lb in catfish trio
Spain’s River Ebro is famed for its immense catfish but few anglers have enjoyed trips like Gary and Lucas Carter have, where they banked three cats over the 200lb mark.
Fishing over a six day period the biggest moggie the father and son landed between them pulled the scales round to a colossal 218lb – and they even added other moggies to over 150lb, alongside carp to 38lb!
Lucas said: “We were guided by Catfish Tours, with our guide being Edd Brett, who year after year has provided us with five-star service and always puts us on big fish.”
Have you seen this spooky ghost carp?
A VIDEO of a ghost carp with a ‘human face’ on its head has gone viral – leaving thousands of people unsettled by its spooky appearance.
The short clip was taken by tourists in Kunming, China who were shocked when the carp emerged from a local lake and ‘looked at them’ with what appeared to be human eyes.
Confused viewers took to Twitter to portray their thoughts of the sighting, with one person stating: “Are You Serious? This Fish Is Demonic!”
To watch the video please visit www.digg.com/video/fish-with-human-face
Three double figure bream and a giant hybrid!
Ian Hannaby trio of Double Figure Bream and 7lb 5oz hybrid
A hectic 15 minute spell resulted in three double figure bream landed by specimen angler Ian Hannaby, the biggest of which was 11lb 4oz.
Fishing three rods on three different spots around 20 yards apart, Ian had the quick hit of bream just after dark on a 10mm Ringers Chocolate Orange Wafters.
Amazingly, no other bream followed, however did land this immense 7lb 5oz hybrid!
It's official - Fishing is good for you! - Marina Gibson
The power of angling has been promoted by record-breaking fly angler Marina Gibson at an event for National Stress Awareness Week, where she revealed the positive impact that fishing has on mental health.
Marina, who is a lifelong angler and qualified fishing coach, became truly aware of the power of angling whilst working in the busy capital city.
“When I was living in London and found the stresses of everyday life all too much, fly fishing at Syon Park offered me an escape.
“Fly-fishing has long been heralded as a great source of therapy and it demonstrates how fishing and being outdoors allows you to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“It clears your mind by focusing on the beautiful surroundings as well as the art and technique of exercise, as well as keeping your mind busy with an art form.”
Since the event Marina has continued to spread her message on the positives of fishing by appearing in an article by The Times newspaper and in an interview on Sky News.
Holland the place to be for massive perch
A PERCH equalling the current British Record best of 6lb 3oz has been boated from a river in Holland.
The massive stripey fell to the rod of 50-year-old Mark Edwards who alongside friend Keith Elliot had embarked on a guided trip on a waterway near Rotterdam in search of a huge perch.
Keith told Angling Times: “We were drifting across likely-looking areas and fishing little plastic paddle tails close to the bottom when Mark’s rod hooped over, and straight away our guide recognised the take to be from a huge perch.
“We couldn’t believe our eyes when this huge, round fish surfaced moments later.
“It was a new PB for Mark who was over the moon with such a giant fish.
“Come February I’m sure it’ll be close to the 7lb mark.”
