A Northamptonshire fishery has introduced a new rule banning anglers from using their own hand towels on site, after its owner said previous requests for clean, dry towels were being ignored.

Wold Farm Fisheries now supplies towels for anglers to use during their sessions, adding them to a long-standing list of fishery-managed equipment that already includes keepnets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and cradles.

At first glance, a hand towel might seem like a small thing to build a rule around. For Wold Farm owner Dax Miller, it sits within a much wider approach to protecting valuable fish stocks.

"I put in place over a year ago that anglers must have clean dry hand towels, but this was not being done by them," he told us.

"That's why I introduced this at Wold Farm, to help stop the spread of disease."

The concern is straightforward. Anglers often fish several venues in a week, use the same towel to wipe their hands after handling fish, then put it back into a bag or seatbox while still damp. Used again at another fishery, it becomes another piece of wet kit moving between waters.

Most anglers are now used to biosecurity rules around nets, mats and slings because those items clearly come into contact with fish and water. Towels are easier to overlook as they feel more like a personal item than part of a fishery's risk management.

The towel rule is not a standalone measure. It is another layer in a system Wold Farm has followed for many years.

"It's another precaution," Dax said. "I have for the last 25 years always provided our own keepnets, unhooking mats, weigh slings, cradles, and now cloths to wipe their hands on."

The rule has split opinion online, largely because a towel is an indirect risk rather than the obvious threat posed by moving live fish, wet nets or contaminated water. From a fishery owner's perspective, the calculation is different. Stock is expensive, disease issues can be devastating, and prevention is often the only option.

"We manage the lakes to a high level," Dax said. "This is my family home, my business and my passion."

That is the part some anglers miss. Rules like this are rarely about making fishing harder. They are about owners removing avoidable risks before they become serious problems.

Whether other fisheries follow Wold Farm's lead remains to be seen. But the decision has opened up a useful conversation. If anglers are moving between venues with damp kit, biosecurity may need to look beyond the obvious items.

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Although once prolific, eel numbers have been steadily declining due to various factors, and a big eel is now one of the rarer fish you can target in the UK. However hard the target, it isn't impossible and if you dedicate some time you, have the chance of catching one of these illusive specimens.

Eels have a tendency to swallow anglers’ baits, and it’s because of this that the 'Twig Rig' was born. The rig features a length of solid plastic tubing to help prevent eels from taking the bait too far down, resulting in more lip-hooked fish. If you're targeting eels, especially as a novice, we highly recommend giving this rig a try to help ensure these magnificent fish are returned unharmed.

EELS CAN BE NOCTURNAL FEEDERS, HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL NIGHT FISHING SESSION.

While it may look quite mechanical, the rig is very easy to tie. We recommend using a strong coated braid or monofilament (15–20lb), though you can use a soft braid if you prefer, just be aware that it tends to tangle more easily.

Depending on your preference, you can thread a float stop onto the hooklink, followed by the tubing, and then add another float stop to trap it in place. Alternatively, you can use two pieces of float silicone on the hooklink to secure the plastic tubing if it isn't hollow, much like attaching a stick float. Both methods work equally well and allow you to adjust the 'twig' up or down to suit the bait and how the eels are feeding. Most anglers agree a 'twig' around 8-10cm in length is best, with a diameter between 3-5mm.

The length of the hooklink will depend on the type of lakebed you're fishing over, just as it would in any other style of angling. In most situations, a hooklink between 13–17 cm is generally sufficient, leaving a gap of around 1-2cm between the hook and the start of the twig. For hooks, opt for a size 6-10. A barbless is always wise but barbed are fine too, depending on venue rules.

And that’s the rig tied, it couldn’t be simpler. One other important note, the lead arrangement must be free-running, as eels are very sensitive to resistance and will often drop a bait if it feels unnatural. Usually, a larger lead or feeder of 3-5oz fished directly on the mainline or in a paternoster style is most effective, attached to a large running ring where possible to help reduce friction.

THE BEST BITE ALARMS WILL ALERT YOU AS SOON AS THE EEL PICKS UP YOUR BAIT...

There’s never been a better time to grab your gear and head to one of Britain’s top day-ticket carp venues. From high action runs waters where your alarms barely get a rest, to exclusive specimen lakes where every bite could be your next PB, there’s something here for every angler.

Some of these carp fisheries operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require booking in advance - but all share one thing in common: the chance to catch something truly special without the commitment of a season ticket or a long waiting list.

Whether you’re after non-stop action or the opportunity to battle a genuine giant, this guide showcases the very best UK day-ticket carp fishing venues. Each offers its own mix of atmosphere, challenge, and the potential to make your next trip one to remember.

Linear Fisheries, Oxfordshire

The Oxfordshire mecca for day-ticket carpers has 10 well stocked lakes. St John’s, Oxlease and the Brasenose pair all hold stacks of fish over 30lb, with several topping 40. Expect busy banks but constant action. Pellet and boilie tactics score well, using solid bags. Zigs can work well in summer when the fish are cruising.

Contact: 07885 327708 Web: www.linear-fisheries.co.uk

CARP FISHING ON A BUDGET? HERE WE HAVE PICKED THE BEST CARP RODS UNDER £100.

Orchid Lakes, Oxfordshire

Orchid Lakes, better known as 'Home of the Thirties' is an excellent day ticket venue for anglers serious about their big carp fishing. The fishing here isn't easy, but if you can sneak a few runs, chances are it will be over 30lbs, with the lakes boasting around 70 different fish over that mark, upto 48lbs.

Orchid Lake has the bigger fish and is around 17 acres, with Club Lake a lot smaller but easier fishing, with both having great winter form too.

Web: https://swimbooker.com/fishery/10362

Bluebell Lakes, Northamptonshire

Home to some of Britain’s most sought after carp. Swan and Kingfisher Lakes both produce 40s and 50s, while Mallard offers great sport for upper doubles and 20s. Solid bags, sweetcorn or boilie crumb over hemp are a safe bet. The fish respond to regular baiting and are oftenfound tight to features.

Contact: 01832 226042 Web: www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk

Berners Hall, Essex

One of the best Day ticket venues to catch huge carp. The complex features a 24-acre pit and two smaller, more intimate lakes nestled into the beautiful surroundings, all three lakes hold carp in excess of 30lb with the main reservoir housing carp to over 52lb! Being home to no less than 150 different 30lb+ Carp and 25+ 40lb Carp! Big beds of bait at range usually scores well, with swims around the island usually productive.

Web: www.gocatch.fish

Farlows Lake, Buckinghamshire

A long-established day-ticket favourite packed with wily, old carp. Farlows rewards anglers who keep things accurate. Fish to showing fish or the gravel bars with wafters or snowman rigs. Spombing small beds of pellet and crumb is a proven approach. Expect average weights around the mid-20s. Day tickets are on a first come first served basis no bookings.

Contact: 01753 630302 Web: www.farlowslake.co.uk

RH Fisheries Monument 1 & 2, Shropshire

Monument’s fish are hard-fighting, and often big, really big - Monument 1’s biggest resident “The Kraken” recorded at 65lb 04oz. The key here is to keep you presentation tidy, find the features, use short hooklinks and balanced wafters over house pellet. Keep your rigs tidy and be ready, as bites can come fast once they switch on. Only RHF bait is allowed on this venue, and bookings must be in advance in 36-hour sessions.

Contact: 01952 463141 Web: www.rhfisheries.com

YOU WILL NEED THE BEST BITE ALARMS ON A RUNS WATER.

Cromwell Lake, Nottinghamshire

A picturesque, well-run 18-acre pit in the Trent Valley. The lake is stocked with stunning carp to over 40lb. Zigs score well in spring, while balanced flouro bottom baits over a light bed of pellet and crumb do the business through summer and autumn. Ideal for anglers who like a bit of a technical challenge, and ringing the changes can really pay dividends.

Contact: 07816 243023 Web: www.cromwelllake.com

Norton Disney, Lincolnshire

Embryo Angling’s flagship venue is fast becoming one of the UK’s best all-round day-ticket complexes. Six lakes, each well stocked with fish to 30lb+, with the venue record currently standing at 52lb, make it a great choice for steady action. Simple rigs and regular baiting with pellet and boilie crumb are all that’s needed. Excellent on-site facilities, note this is a cashless venue.

Contact: 01268 285987 Web: www.embryoangling.org

Drayton Reservoir, Northamptonshire

The ultimate runs water. If you want plenty of bites and hard-fighting fish up to 30lb, this is the place. Feed regular with spod or spomb of pellet and fish short hooklinks with wafters or banded pellets. Perfect for honing your carp-fishing skills and keeping the bites coming.

Contact: 07889 532563 Web: www.facebook.com/DraytonUpdate

STAY SHELTERED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES.

Naseby Reservoir, Northamptonshire

Naseby is a vast 98-acre, open expanse of water known for its strong head of hard-fighting carp rather than monsters. Most fish fall in the mid- to upper-double range, with the odd 30 possible. Heavy baiting tactics work well here - spodding pellet and sweetcorn into open water and fishing solid bags or method feeders over the top. Zigs can also produce on bright, still days when fish are high in the water.

Contact: 07784 032517 Web: www.gocatch.fish

East Delph Lakes, Peterborough

East Delph Lakes is a cracking intimate complex that’s home to some stunning carp exceeding 40lb. The lakes are available for exclusive whole-lake bookings or for individual anglers. All sessions must be booked online, as angler numbers are strictly limited to maintain the peaceful, uncrowded experience East Delph is known for. Usual tactics score well and if you can get on the fish, some great fishing can be on the cards.

Contact: 07473 154208 Web: www.eastdelphlakes.com

Todber Manor Fisheries, Dorset

A top Southwest venue known for huge match weights, but also where big hits of big carp are always on the cards. Big Hayes and Little Hayes both offer excellent sport with carp averaging mid-20s, and if you prefer lots of bites with slightly smaller fish, head over to Wadmill. Method feeders, PVA bags and regular baiting with pellet keep the bites coming. Ideal for both serious carpers and social/pleasure anglers.

Contact: 01258 820 384 Web: www.todbermanor.co.uk

Walthamstow Reservoirs, London

Urban carp fishing doesn’t get much better. Big, old carp inhabit these clear reservoirs, with some topping 40lb. Long-range casting and zig fishing often outscore heavy baiting. Use bright pop-ups or trimmed wafters over small amounts of bait, setting small traps. You need to be stealthy in your approach - these fish have seen it all. Tickets are available from the rangers lodge upon arrival.

Contact: 07747 641179 Web: www.thameswater.co.uk

SOME OF THESE VENUES WILL ALLOW THE USE OF BAIT BOATS.

If you use boilies straight from the bag then you might well be missing out on some significant edges that can make a pretty big difference to your results.

Shop-bought boilies are a brilliant time-saver, but with most fisheries getting a huge influx of these baits, especially at this time of the year, we need to make our baits stand out.

With a little bit of preparation this is easy to achieve, and can make a bag of bait go further, too.

Let the flavour out

As part of the preservation process, most shelf-life boilies are dehydrated. Removing some of the moisture inhibits the growth of harmful moulds and bacteria, giving a longer use-by date.

Out in the lake the reverse takes place, and baits will (over a couple of hours) start to reabsorb water and soften up. Until this happens, very little of the attraction locked inside the bait will be released. On longer sessions this might not be an issue, but if you want maximum flavour release immediately, then soaking your boilies before use is a good idea.

We can take this idea further by adding water-soluble liquid foods when soaking baits, allowing them to be drawn into the surface of the bait. Out they are out in the lake this attraction will be released quickly, giving a massive boost.

There is also an argument that softer baits are easier for carp to eat, and that they prefer baits that have been in water for some time. I think the jury is out on this one, but it certainly won’t do any harm.

I like to soak baits for a minimum of two hours, but overnight can be even better.

Remember, though, that this will effectively turn your shelf-life boilies into fresh baits, so use them within 24 hours of soaking.

NEED SOME ADVICE? CHECK OUT THE BEST CARP RODS HERE...

Crumbled baits

One of my favourite tactics is to crumble up some boilies, feeding them either in PVA sticks or slightly dampened through a spod. For maximum attraction this approach takes some beating but, more than that, we are giving the carp something to browse on, which will keep them feeding harder for longer.

Rather than being able to focus on individual baits, the fish will be hoovering up crumb, and a wafter hookbait is likely to find its way into the mouth almost by accident.

Most boilies are soft enough to be easily crumbled up by hand, but if you are doing this regularly then a Korda Krusha is a wise investment. Aim for a mix that contains bits of all different shapes and sizes, as these will behave differently, the larger pieces staying in position better.

Of course, we can combine crumbling baits with adding both liquid and powdered attractors. The large surface area of the crumb is perfect for dowsing with a small amount of diluted liquid food and the result is a lovely soaked bait that creates a massive flavour cloud.

CHECK OUT THIS GUIDE TO HELP YOU FLAVOUR YOUR BOILIES...

Stray from the norm

Virtually all anglers use boilies in the 15mm to 18mm size range. By crumbling these up we can go smaller, but what about using bigger baits to offer the fish something different? Most bait companies will offer boilies in 20mm or 24mm sizes, and getting away from standard-sized baits can be a useful tactic, especially on busy venues.

I really like to make the hookbait stand out by using two baits on the hair. This could be two bottom baits, or perhaps a combination of a bottom bait and a small pop-up to make a slow-sinking hookbait.

This is an especially good tactic if you find your are losing the odd fish during the battle to hook-pulls. These wafter-style hookbaits often lead to much better hookholds.

Anything that you can do to draw attention to the hookbait, but especially appealing to the greed-factor by making the bait larger than the freebies, will often lead to quicker bites.

Halves and quarters

One more easy tactic to try is using halved and quartered baits. When a carp tries to suck up these irregular shaped baits they behave very differently to round boilies, and this makes it much more difficult for the carp to distinguish between free offerings and the hookbait.

IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE BANK, CONSIDER ONE OF THE BEST FISHING BEDCHAIRS...

Top sports teams and businesses spend millions every year to develop and coach the mentality of their teams, knowing full well that it’s a significant factor in enhancing performance.

Match fishing has become more ‘professionalised’, but the psychology of angling performance has never been thoroughly studied and understood – until now.

Psychologist and match angler Col Mercer recently partnered with Tom Scholey at Catch More Media to undertake a groundbreaking study into the psychology of elite-level match anglers, during which he sat down with modern-day greats and explored their angling mentalities.

The aim was simple: to find out what distinguishes the very best anglers from the rest. Is it preparation? Decision-making? Or are there other factors at work?

After interviewing Steve Ringer, Jamie Hughes, Andy Bennett, Alan Scotthorne MBE, Lee Kerry and Matt Godfrey, Col gained a unique insight into the minds of these elite matchmen.

This week, he reveals five key findings from the groundbreaking research and shares practical tips you can apply the next time you are on the bank.

Post-match analysis

“The best anglers undertake a rigorous review after every outing,” Col revealed.

“They ask themselves: What did I get right, and wrong? What specifically should I do differently next time? They invest time reviewing and looking for patterns. In your own fishing, after a match or session, I’d advise setting aside half-an-hour to reflect on what you learned. Be honest: was that the best you could have done from that peg? Try and identify at least one thing to do differently next time and make notes.”

Awareness and adaptability

“Each angler I interviewed was extremely vigilant concerning any indications of fish movement, along with wind, temperature or any other change in the prevailing conditions. In short, they are observant – highly attuned to the environment.

“So, to implement this in your own fishing, rather than setting up straight away when you get to your peg, take a few minutes to look at the water.

“Observe its colour and indications of activity, note any bankside cover, and think about the amount of space in the peg.

“What is the wind direction and speed, and what is the weather forecast?

“Think about what this means for how you want to fish, and how you need to adapt the plan you came up with last night.”

Decision-making

“The best anglers experiment, testing and rejecting different theories throughout the day. They are always looking to stack the odds in their favour.

“Timing is a crucial factor in deciding when to fish a certain line.

“I’d advise doing your homework and determining your likely approach, usually with a couple of different options.

“But, once the match has started, observe other anglers to try to understand how the fish are feeding.

“Will the method you are on be able to deliver the target weight now required?

“Adjust accordingly and trust your instincts. As Steve Ringer says, ‘If you think it, do it.’”

Partnership

“It is extremely difficult to get to the top – and stay there – on your own. All the anglers gave examples of how they learned from, and indeed continue to learn from, close angling friends and peers.

“So, I’d advise joining an angling club or match team. Travel together and debrief on the way home. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the better anglers. Listen carefully. Kick around ideas and options. Try things that work for others.”

Self-belief

“While the anglers all demonstrated a huge appetite for learning, they don’t simply apply this information slavishly. They extract the key points and integrate this into their own way of fishing.

“In your own fishing, give some real thought to how you like to fish. When are you at your best? Which methods are you most confident in? Find out how the angler caught on your peg yesterday – but then target those same fish in your own way. In the end, you must fish your own match.”

Just the beginning

Other important factors that surfaced in the research included dedication and discipline, particularly in relation to ensuring that rigs and feeding are the absolute best they can be.

Top anglers are fully engaged right across the session, watching, thinking, adapting and trying to figure out the ideal approach on that particular day.

Col concluded: “They also emphasise the importance of not getting ‘locked-in’ – you may think you have the place sussed, but it may not work the following day, even on the same peg.”

“Hopefully, we have started to lay out the landscape of what it takes to perform at the very top level in match fishing.

There are some common themes, but also some points of difference across these elite anglers.

We plan further work to deepen our understanding of the winners’ mentality, outlook and ways of thinking.”

For more information on the study, and to watch Col’s interviews with the anglers, visit fishtowin.co.uk

The tackle trade is entering one of its biggest periods of change in decades. As more brands explore direct-to-consumer sales and increasingly seek to own the relationship with the angler, difficult questions are beginning to emerge about where that leaves the independent tackle shop and the dealer networks that helped build many of those brands in the first place.

Leeda’s new model raises bigger questions

Leeda and its brands MAP and Wychwood have become the latest names to push the conversation forward through what they describe as a “Shop Local, Online” strategy, combining digital retail with retailer participation through Click & Collect and commission-based fulfilment.

Under the system, anglers can buy online and either receive home delivery or nominate a local tackle shop for collection, with participating retailers receiving a percentage commission on the sale. According to Leeda, commission levels vary depending on product category, while the wider aim is to keep independent dealers involved and encourage additional footfall and purchases.

For Leeda, the strategy isn’t about bypassing the trade but responding to changing buying habits.

"As more anglers research and buy products digitally – we wanted to create a model that ensures independent tackle retailers benefit from that shift rather than lose out to it," explained Leeda Marketing Manager Pat Macinnes.

The company describes its new websites as complete brand hubs, offering product information, guides, specifications, FAQs and spare parts support while directing customers towards participating retailers.

"The websites are being built to support retailers, not replace them," Macinnes said.

Leeda argue that inconsistent stockholding and brand representation have often limited the in-store experience despite strong engagement with anglers through open days, social and digital channels.

"We’re looking to create a network of truly committed, supportive retailers who invest in our brands and feel supported by us," he added. "Our strategy is about creating stronger brands with more stable pricing so supporting the brands becomes commercially worthwhile for retailers."

The company has also introduced blackout periods on selected launches, meaning some new products are available exclusively through retailers before appearing online.

"The future of angling retail isn’t online versus local tackle shops," Macinnes said. "It’s using online platforms to help local tackle shops grow."

I recognise some of the commercial logic behind that thinking. MAP and Wychwood gradually lost floor space in my own shop, not through any deliberate decision or falling out with the brands, but through the natural economics of retail. Other manufacturers turned stock over quicker, delivered stable margins and generated bigger demand, and investment followed accordingly. That is simply how retail works. Floor space is earned, not guaranteed, and if that experience was repeated across enough dealers, it becomes easier to understand why a direct route to market might look attractive from Leeda’s side of the conversation.

Retailers have commercial pressures, but so do brands. When stockholding becomes inconsistent and products lose visibility in-store, manufacturers inevitably begin looking for alternative routes to market and closer relationships with the end user.

But does the relationship begin to change?

A retailer nominated for commission has a financial incentive to support products they may not have stocked or invested in themselves, which begins to resemble an affiliate-style relationship more than a traditional wholesale retail one.

That doesn’t automatically undermine the retailer or the advice being given, but it does introduce a different dynamic.

Imagine the conversation.

"If you buy the MAP G60 direct through MAP, nominate us as the collection retailer and we’ll knock 10% off elastic."

That is a very different retail relationship to the one many dealers have historically operated under.

The shop is no longer necessarily selling stock it has invested in and chosen to support. Instead, it becomes incentivised to facilitate a direct transaction in return for commission and potentially offer something back to the customer to secure that nomination.

Whether that is viewed as partnership, pragmatism or something closer to affiliate retailing will depend largely on perspective.

Leeda aren’t the first to explore this territory and they are unlikely to be the last. During Covid, Fox and Matrix trialled dealer-supported fulfilment models, while brands such as Korda and Tackle Guru have already built direct relationships with anglers through clothing, merchandise and spare parts sold through their own websites.

This is about more than selling tackle

The real shift taking place is not simply that brands are trying to sell more products directly. Increasingly, they are seeking to own the customer relationship in its entirety.

Traditionally, brands sold to distributors and retailers, who in turn sold to anglers. That model gave shops enormous influence because they often knew far more about the end user than the manufacturer did. They understood local demand, recognised repeat customers and played a major role in deciding which products gained traction and which failed to connect.

Direct-to-consumer changes that dynamic completely.

When anglers buy through a brand-owned platform, manufacturers gain access to purchase history, browsing habits, email marketing data, product interests and future buying behaviour. In modern retail, that information is powerful because it allows brands to market with greater precision, promote complementary or associated products, advertise spare parts and launch new tackle directly to anglers already invested in the brand.

Owning the customer relationship

A lost transaction is one thing, but losing ownership of the customer relationship is something else entirely.

Pat Macinnes openly acknowledges that Leeda already engages directly with anglers through social media and digital platforms, and the company sees its websites as a way of converting that engagement into a retail opportunity that still involves local dealers.

This reflects a broader shift taking place across the industry.

For years, brands have invested heavily in social media, video content, consultants and digital marketing designed to build direct loyalty with anglers. Increasingly, some retailers have realised they must do the same, building e-commerce platforms, YouTube channels and social followings of their own simply to remain competitive.

The difference now is that engagement is no longer just about awareness. Increasingly, it is becoming the transaction itself.

Across retail, brands are seeking to gather first-party customer data, strengthen their digital presence and reduce reliance on third-party sellers, and angling may simply be following the same commercial direction as many other industries.

That raises a more uncomfortable long-term question. If brands own the audience, control the marketing and increasingly facilitate the sale, where does that ultimately leave the retailer?

For now, Leeda insists the dealer remains central to the process, but some may still wonder whether retailers risk gradually being viewed less as essential partners and more as a margin within the supply chain that can be continually refined and squeezed.

Tackle shops still offer what websites can’t

The difference is that tackle retail has traditionally provided something far more valuable than floor space.

For all the convenience of e-commerce, there are still parts of the tackle shop experience that remain difficult to replicate online.

Live bait can’t be delivered at five on a Friday afternoon when you have forgotten the maggots. Neither can the local knowledge that points you towards the right peg, explains why the canal is fishing well using bread or that tiny snippet of advice that saves a wasted session.

A website can recommend a feeder rod based on browsing history, but it can’t replace the trust built through years of face-to-face conversations and genuine experience.

Independent tackle shops have rarely competed on price alone. Their value has always been tied to immediacy, expertise and community, which is why many anglers still rely on them despite the rise of online retail.

Partnership or slow erosion?

Brands have understandable reasons for wanting greater control over the customer relationships and marketing data, particularly in a marketplace where digital engagement increasingly drives sales. Equally, Leeda’s model demonstrates that some companies are actively trying to keep retailers involved rather than bypassing them altogether.

The question is whether those partnerships remain commercially meaningful over the long term.

For independent dealers, the concern is rarely a single lost sale. Most have been competing with online pricing for years and understand the realities of the market. The bigger fear is gradual marginalisation, where the retailer remains involved in the transaction but steadily loses control of the sale, the customer data and the long-term relationship that once gave the shop value beyond the till.

If the retailer becomes little more than a collection point receiving commission while the brand owns the transaction and future marketing relationship, some dealers may understandably question where that leaves them.

The future is unlikely to be entirely dealer-led or purely direct-to-consumer. More realistically, the trade may be moving towards a hybrid model where brands increasingly sell through their own channels while retailers lean harder into bait, expertise, service and community.

Whether that becomes a genuine partnership or the slow erosion of the independent tackle shop may ultimately depend on the choices made by brands, retailers and anglers alike.

Once the tackle shop disappears, anglers may discover that replacing decades of knowledge, service and community is considerably harder than replacing a packet of hooks.

While fishing a syndicate water in Worcester, 14-year-old Zak Kendrick caught this fine female pike weighing 31lb 4oz.

He was using a roach deadbait, under- armed into the reedy margins, when he had a screaming take and connected with a fish that he immediately knew to be pretty big!

It powered away from the bank before splashing about on the surface, at which point Zak was in no doubts as to its impressive size.

Eventually, he had it in the net, and once it was weighed, Zak gazed in awe at the mighty predator, which is the best catch he’s made to date in his young fishing career.

HERE IS A GUIDE TO HELP YOU HANDLE PIKE CORRECTLY...

Let’s be honest, getting started in fishing can be a proper minefield. Rod or pole? Whip or waggler? Not to mention how to set them up. There’s a stack of gear out there and it’s easy to tie yourself in knots before you’ve even wet a line. But here’s the good news, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. These days, loads of brands offer beginner-friendly kits that take all the guesswork out of it, and get you started on your journey. Just turn up, put some bait on, and start catching, helping remove all the fuss, while not breaking the bank.

The smart move is to think about where you’re going and what you want to catch. Fancy just catching “a few bits” at a local commercial? A float rod setup is bang on, light, fun, and perfect for silvers or small carp. However, if your sights are set on something a bit more serious, say specimen carp, then you’ll want gear that can handle their power, like a stronger rod and a decent-sized reel.

Fishing doesn’t need to be intimidating. Pick the right venue, grab a setup that suits what you're after, and you’ll be off the mark in no time.

Below, we take a look at some of the best starter kits on the market, including some real bargains. With some you won't need to buy anything else as everything you need is included, whilst others may require you to buy a few extra items like a landing net, unhooking mat, a chair to sit on, and a fishing license if your over 13.

How we test the best fishing starter kits

These starter kits have been tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. The kits in this guide are the best in their category, and they will make it as easy as possible to get you onto the bank and catching fish!

Team members, Tony Grigorjevs and James Furness have been testing a variety of starter kits, on venues across the country for almost every species imaginable, so whatever your target, whether you want to catch big carp, tench on the float, bream on a feeder or barbel from big rivers, this guide has you covered!

Our decision process of what makes the best fishing starter kit takes into account various factors including price point, build quality, overall package and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, and catch you more fish!

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a starter kit

Starter kits, by their very nature, are usually built with a specific job in mind, be it match style float fishing, or feeder fishing, or tackling a river or specimen carp fishing. So, the trick is making sure you’re picking one that suits the kind of fishing you want to do. Turn up at a big carp water with a dainty float rod and you’ll soon find yourself outgunned. Likewise, rock up to a silver’s lake with a broom handle carp rod and you’ll take all the fun out of the fight.

The key here isn’t to overthink it, just match the tool to the task. You’re not locking yourself into one style of fishing forever. Gear can always be added, tweaked, improved. In fact, half the fun of angling is trying your hand at different methods, chasing different species, and learning what suits you. Whether it’s tiny roach on a stick float or a ten-pounder tearing off on a method feeder, it’s all fishing. And it’s all brilliant.

Glossary

Whip: A telescopic fishing rod that doesn’t require a reel to use.

Reel: A fishing reel is a hand-cranked object used in angling to wind and store fishing line, typically mounted onto a fishing rod.

Feeder rod: A rod with a sensitive tip section (quiver tip), which allows you to see bites when using a leger rig. These rods tend to be a bit more powerful to help cast heavier end tackle.

Float rod: A rod that is used for float fishing, it is generally light and well balanced with a fast line pick up so you can strike into bites.

Legering: The use of a weight/bomb/lead to get the bait to the bottom but no float is used on the rig.

Hooklength: A piece of line, generally around 15cm in length that has a hook tied onto it. It is recommended to have the breaking strain less than the mainline so this breaks first.

Feeder: A plastic or metal item that can have groundbait moulded into or onto it. It is used to get bait down to the bottom and attract fish to the area.

Test curve: Usually measured in pounds, it's the weight that needs to be applied to the end of the rod to make it bend over 90 degrees. The greater the test curve, the more powerful the rod.

Landing net: A net used to safely net and lift large fish from the water, they come in various shapes and sizes depending on the size of fish you’re targeting.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.

Having witnessed first-hand the benefits fishing can bring, one man decided to share the sport’s therapeutic qualities with local youngsters and has been overwhelmed by the response.

Until recently Bradley Storey had worked in construction all of his adult life, in a stressful side of the industry. Fishing was his release and, having reached a point where he wanted to do something more, Bradley decided to try to utilise angling’s positive benefits to greater effect.

With the support of his mother, who works in social care, and his wife, who works at a mental health charity in Essex, Bradley created Reel Impact Angling. This early intervention programme uses fishing to support people struggling with mental health, special education needs and disabilities, behavioural challenges, and school engagement.

“After getting my Level 2 coaching licence, passing DBS checks, doing safeguarding training and getting insurance, we put it out there and received a phenomenal level of interest, so much so that I recently left my construction job to take the programme full-time,” Bradley told us.

Reel Impact Angling operates at Oak Lakes, Essex, and although it has only been going for a few months, it has already witnessed some amazing success stories.

“One little lad who has autism and anxiety issues came along – he wasn’t even talking to his own family. But, when fishing, he opened up and spoke to me. His dad was almost in tears.

“There’s a 16-year-old girl who comes along too, who always says how much she wants to return because of how positive being in nature is for her.”

“The parents of the participants are seeing huge benefits in their children. I tell them I’m not a therapist or a councillor – I’m a 6ft 1in builder – but I can have a laugh with people and let them enjoy being children.

“Fishing allows kids to be kids, and these sessions are helping me too.”

“We hope to expand things over the next few months, so if anyone has any interest in our work, please get in touch.”

For more info, visit: www.reelimpactangling.co.uk

Nine years ago, Greg Lane caught his first 3lb rudd, but with a young family to bring up since then, his fishing time has been limited to say the least.

However, he recently managed to get back out and over two short sessions in the space of a week he landed a trio of ‘threes’!

Fishing a Norfolk gravel pit with Method feeder tactics and 10mm pop-ups, Greg caught a fish of 3lb 2oz on his first session.

He returned a few days later, arriving at 4:30am, and targeted a shallow plateau that he’d prebaited the evening before with 10mm Cell boilies and corn.

Between 5:30am and 6am, Greg banked a pair of three-pounders weighing 3lb 2oz 8dr and 3lb 1oz. He then packed up and headed off to work, delighted with his result!

HEAD TO ONE OF THESE VENUES TO CATCH A BIG RUDD FOR YOURSELF...

Feeder fishing has exploded in popularity, and with it, the feeder fishing rods and tactics required to catch fish have changed too, with the "short line" when fishing for silvers or big carp becoming the go-to place for many anglers and a short feeder rod is ideal for this. Shorter chucks to islands around 20-30m away with method or hybrid feeders is a staple on commercials, accounting for numerous fish over the course of a season and to do it efficiently and maximise the potential of these methods you need a rod designed for the job.

Short feeder rods ranging between 7ft and 10ft have been developed to aid casting accuracy at these shorter distances, where a longer rod is just too cumbersome. The rods generally feature a softer action, so they can cushion the fight of strong carp or provide the finesse to see silverfish bites and retrieve the fish without suffering hookpulls.

The best short feeder rods by their nature are far easier to control and use. They are great for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, and they provide a dynamic for shorter range feeder work that other rods just can't match. A shorter rod, when casting up to around 30m, is unrivalled in terms of the casting accuracy and power it can generate, it is much easier to be precise at these distances with a rod of around 10ft than it is with a longer feeder rod. Short feeder rods are easier to compress, so they don't need a lot of force to generate a powerful, accurate cast. Here is a guide to some of the best available right now.

How we tested the best short feeder rods

These short feeder rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing rods and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Team members, Mark Sawyer and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of short rods on some of the UK's premier commercials fisheries, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing from big carp and silverfish!

Our decision process of what makes the best short feeder takes into account various factors including price point, rod action, build quality and versatility to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for commercial carp and silverfish feeder fishing to help find a reliable rod for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a short feeder rod

When looking to buy a short feeder rod, it's worth considering what type of angling that you enjoy or do the most throughout the year. If you mostly fish snake lakes or small commercials that are carp and F1 dominated, then a rod of around 7-9ft with a bit of power in the blank would be the most suitable choice, as you won't be casting far and the fish will be pulling back.

If your fishing is more tailored towards silverfish on wilder waters or commercials then a rod between 9 and 10ft would be an ideal choice. If the water requires a cast over 30m then we suggest a rod of 10ft, as the slightly longer length will aid you in reaching the extra distances, whilst maintaining accuracy, especially if it is windy.

In terms of the power in the rod, most shorter rods will be slightly softer to cushion the fish on the way in, its more about striking a balance between a rod that can cast the size of feeder you want, the distance you want, whilst giving you the confidence you can land the fish you are fishing for.

Glossary

Casting weight: Depending on the manufacturer, it is either the best suited or maximum total weight in grams that you should cast with your rod. You will normally find your rod will perform best at around half its total casting weight. For example, a 120g feeder rod best suits a 60g feeder.

Quiver tip: The very top (often brightly coloured) section of a feeder rod, used to identify bites, which bends and 'quivers' when a fish moves off with the bait. Like the test curve of a rod, quiver tips are often rated in test curves measured in ounces.

Blank: The hollow carbon fibre tube that the rod is made from, attached to which are the guides and handle.

Reel seat: The part of the handle that your reel attaches to. Almost all UK coarse rods have screw-down reel seats, where the fore-grip on the handle rotates and closes the seat to hold the reel in place.

Guides: The rings that line the length of the rod that the line passes through.

Fish playing action: A way of describing how good a rod performs when reeling in a fish. A rod with a good fish-playing action will provide plenty of cushion to a thrashing fish, preventing hookpulls (lost fish) and line breakages.

Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.

As an experienced angler and tackle retailer, I've spent countless hours testing and recommending the best carp feeder rods on the market. Whether you're a experienced angler or someone just starting out, choosing the right feeder rod can significantly impact your success. In this guide, I'll share my expert insights and help you find the perfect rod to match your fishing style and preferences.

Carp feeder rods are specifically designed for targeting carp in the 3-15lb range. They can be found all over the UK and are a popular species to be stocked into commercial fisheries. Carp feeder rods, are typically 9ft to 11ft with the most popular length being 10ft, as it is a great all-round size capable of handling most angling scenarios.

With venues containing carp varying drastically, it is important you choose the right carp feeder rod. If you are going to fisheries like Boddingtons that can require a long cast, that same rod would be really unsuitable for casting a small feeder to an island 20m away, so look through our guide to find the best rod for you...

How we test the best carp feeder rods

These carp feeder rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing rods and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Team members, Mark Sawyer, Jonathan Longden and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of feeder rods on some of the UK's premier commercials, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing from big powerful carp!

Our decision process of what makes the best carp feeder takes into account various factors including price point, rod action, build quality and versatility to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for commercial carp feeder fishing to help find a reliable rod for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a carp feeder rod

When selecting the best carp feeder rod, consider factors such as your preferred casting distance, the size of the carp you want to target, and your personal fishing style. The Method feeder is a hugely popular tactic on commercial fisheries and a carp feeder rod is perfectly suited to using it, but they is also more than capable fishing a straight lead or open ended feeder too

A longer, stiffer rod around 12-13ft is generally better suited for targeting larger carp at longer distances, while a shorter, softer rod is generally more suitable for targeting smaller carp at closer distances, most rod ranges have options within them to suit all styles.

You should also consider the casting weight of the rod and the desired fish-playing action. A rod that is too long and powerful for the distances you typically fish may be difficult to cast accurately and may not provide the best performance when playing fish.

Glossary

Casting weight: The maximum total weight in grams that you should cast with your feeder rod. While the manufacturer may specify the best-suited casting weight, it's often recommended to cast at around half this weight for optimal performance.

Quiver tip: The brightly colored top section of a feeder rod used to identify bites. It bends and "quivers" when a fish moves off with the bait. Quiver tips are typically rated in test curves measured in ounces.

Blank: The hollow carbon fiber tube that forms the main structure of the rod. The guides and handle are attached to the blank.

Reel seat: The part of the handle where the reel attaches. Most UK coarse rods use screw-down reel seats, which rotate the fore-grip to secure the reel in place.

Guides: The rings along the length of the rod through which the line passes.

Fish-playing action: A term describing a rod's performance when reeling in a fish. A good fish-playing action provides plenty of cushion to absorb a thrashing fish, reducing the risk of hookpulls and line breakages.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.

A pole is among the most expensive tackle items you’re likely to own, so protecting it from damage has to be a key concern.

The overwhelming majority of anglers are aware that owning a pair of pole rollers is a vital part of providing this ‘duty of care’ when out on the bank, yet many fail to utilise them properly.

Erecting or positioning the rollers incorrectly can lead to that sickening sound of a section snapping in half, and the realisation that a hefty bill will be coming your way.

Taking a little time to get them set up properly at the start will greatly reduce the chance of that happening, and will help you to fish altogether more fluidly.

IF YOU NEED A NEW POLE ROLLER, CHECK OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE TO THE BEST AVAILABLE!

One roller or two?

For distances up to 11m, one roller is enough. Use two when fishing further out unless you have a bush behind you to act as a makeshift roller! They make shipping much smoother, and prevent any stress to the pole due to lack of balance.

FISHING FROM ONE OF THE BEST SEATBOXES ALLOWS YOU TO MOVE FREELY WHEN SHIPPING BACK.

Position them properly

Rollers must be positioned so that the sections aren’t put under excess pressure, with no long lengths left hanging off the end. If you’re fishing at 13m and have shipped back, the end of your fifth section should be on the first roller behind you. This is usually 4m-5m away, with the second roller positioned around the same distance beyond that.

Get the right angle

I try to set my rollers so that the pole slopes slightly down towards the water. The back roller should be a few inches higher than the front, creating a slight angle which allows you to keep your top kit low while shipping back. This speeds up unshipping, and when playing a fish and pushing the pole back, the fish won’t be brought up to the surface too quickly, risking a hook-pull.

THE BEST MARGIN POLES ARE MUCH STRONGER THAN OTHERS, MAKING THEM GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!

Pick the right roller

There are lots of different pole rollers, but a flatbed version with a divider in the middle is the best type. If there’s limited space behind the peg, it allows you to break your pole down twice without both parts rattling against each other on the roller.

Blockers on each end that fold in will also prevent sections from flying off in windy conditions.

Put a sock in it

It will only take the slightest gradient for the pole to slide towards the water when it’s resting on the rollers. A pole sock that sits on the right-hand leg of your seatbox footplate will prevent this. Position it at approximately knee height, and on the outside of the footplate, so that it doesn’t get in the way when you are trying to net fish.

CUSTOMISE YOUR BOX WITH THE BEST SEATBOX ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE!

While some anglers think our canals are full of small fish or completely devoid of aquatic life, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Britain’s canals hold an incredible variety of fish, and for those willing to give it a try, the results can be incredible, and you just never know what might come along, which adds to the excitement.

Jack Ashmead encountered one of the canal monsters in the shape of this cracking ghost carp, which was certainly not in the mood to have its picture taken.

“After a five-day session on my Bedfordshire carp syndicate, I fancied one more night on the bank, so headed to a Buckinghamshire canal.

“I dropped my chod rig over a clear spot and fed a light scattering of sweetcorn, pellets and a few chopped boilies.

“In the early hours of the next morning, my alarm let out a ‘one-toner’, and after a 20-minute battle, during which the fish buried its head in heavy weed, I slipped the net under this lovely ghost carp.”

THESE CANAL CARPING TIPS WILL HELP YOU GET MORE BITES!

A bivvy is a great way to stay comfortable and protected while fishing, especially for longer sessions, but with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start and how much to spend. This guide will help you find a suitable budget-friendly bivvy, so you can enjoy your fishing experience without having to break the bank.

Whether you’re just starting out in carp fishing, planning overnight sessions for species like barbel, or simply need a reliable shelter for occasional trips with your kids, there are plenty of great bivvy options available—without the need for a premium price tag. There is nothing quite like setting up your home from home when on the bank, it is your own area of peace in what can be busy surroundings.

When it comes to bivvies, you can spend as much or as little as you like. However, with the rising cost of everything, it’s reassuring to know that you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get an excellent fishing bivvy. In this article, I’ll highlight the key features of various shelters and explain how they can benefit you, helping you make an informed choice and ensuring you get the best bivvy for your budget.

What to look for in a budget fishing bivvy

The best fishing bivvy for you largely depends on your angling style. If you’re a mobile angler, opt for a lightweight bivvy that you can set up quickly, enabling you to take advantage of any opportunities that arise. On the other hand, if you often fish abroad or prefer longer sessions, a larger bivvy that can accommodate more tackle and people may be more suitable, flat back options allow you to push your bedchair to the rear to make the most of the internal space.

For anglers who fish seasonally, prioritising waterproof features is essential. Focus on the hydrostatic head value of the material, as staying dry is typically the main priority for shelters, the higher the number, the more waterproof the material is. While options like an overwrap can help reduce condensation and enhance warmth, keep in mind that with budget bivvies, this may be an optional add-on. These considerations will make your fishing experience much more enjoyable during the colder months.

Glossary

Bivvy: A small, tent-like shelter used by anglers for overnight fishing trips.

Hydrostatic head: A measure of how waterproof a fabric is. The higher the hydrostatic head, the more waterproof the fabric.

Groundsheet: A sheet of material that is placed on the ground under the bivvy to protect it from moisture and dirt.

Mozzy mesh: A fine mesh that is used to keep mosquitoes and other insects out of the bivvy.

Overwrap: An extra layer of fabric that is placed over the bivvy to provide additional insulation and protection from the elements.

Pram hood: A type of bivvy design that features a large peak at the front to provide extra protection from the rain and sun.

Rib: A support pole that is used to give the bivvy its shape.

Storm pole: An extra support pole that is used to strengthen the bivvy in windy conditions.

Tension strap: A strap that is used to tighten the fabric of the bivvy and make it more stable.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

It’s not always necessary to have a two or three-piece rod and a holdall to enjoy a day’s fishing. Sometimes, all it takes is a compact rod stashed in the boot or tucked into a suitcase to turn an ordinary day into a decent little session.

Travel rods have come a long way. Whether it’s a telescopic setup that collapses in seconds or a multi-piece rod that breaks down small enough to fit in your hand luggage, there’s now a rod for almost every style of fishing, and plenty of them are better than you might expect.

From flicking out a waggler on a pond to dropping a bait into a coastal harbour or casting a spinner into a stream, these rods are about taking any opportunity to catch a fish. They’re built for the angler who’s always ready, whether you’re killing time on a short break, squeezing in a cast after work, or just don’t fancy lugging the full kit around.

In this guide, we’ll take a proper look at the best travel rods out there, what they’re good at, how they pack down, and why they might just become your favourite bit of kit.

How we test the best travel rods

These travel rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling Times team. We have been using and abusing rods like these for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Our tackle has been testing a variety of travel rods in varying scenarios to ensure they perform how they are supposed to! Whether it be short sessions at home or rods to take abroad on holiday, the rods have been thoroughly tested on rivers and lakes so we can give a rounded review!

Our decision process of what makes the best travel rods takes into account various factors including pack-down size, weight, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of angling you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a travel rod

When you’re picking a travel rod, the most important question to ask is, what are you going to use it for? There’s no point buying a light 15g, 6ft rod if you’re planning to chuck 40g shads off the rocks, and equally no sense lugging a heavy 55g rod to a lake when all you’re doing is flicking a float ten yards out. Length and casting weight are the big two but also think about the rods action, a more progressive rod will suit mixed use, while fast action gives you the backbone if you hook something big. Look for quality guides, and, ideally, a robust carry case. These rods are designed to go places, make sure they survive the journey.

The whole point of a travel rod is convenience. Whether you’re packing light for a flight, heading out on a family holiday and plan on squeezing some fishing in, or you just like the thought of always having a rod in the car ready for action. Packed down, they’re short enough to fit in rucksacks, suitcases, or even tucked down the side of your car seat. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality though, as many modern travel rods are surprisingly refined, with actions that feel near identical to two- or three-piece rods. Some even come in four or five pieces and still manage to perform and feel responsive when you’re playing fish.

The big choice is between telescopic and multi-piece. Telescopic rods collapse into themselves and are usually quicker to set up. They’re great for short sessions, grabbing a quick cast when time is tight and ideally suited to beginners. But the telescopic nature can impact the rods action, and they’re harder to keep clean and maintain. Multi-piece rods, on the other hand, break down into several short sections, often four or more, and have similar action for casting and playing fish that you’re usually accustomed to. They take a little longer to put together, but the trade-off is worth it as it behaves like a fishing rod should. Pick the right one, and you’ll forget it’s a travel rod at all.

Glossary of terms

Action**:** How the rod bends when pressure is applied.

Blank: usually made from carbon, fibreglass, or a composite.

Casting weight: The ideal weight range (in grams) that the rod is designed to cast effectively. Important to match with your lures or rigs to get the best performance.

Compact length: The size of the rod when packed down. Usually between 40cm and 60cm so they fit in bags, suitcases, or car boots.

Flick tip: A soft, flexible tip found on whips or pole-style rods. .

Guides:  The rings along the rod blank that the fishing line runs through.

Multi-piece rod: A rod made of separate sections (usually 3 to 5) that slot together.

Reel seat: The part of the rod where your reel is secured.

Telescopic rod: A rod that collapses into itself.

Travel tube / case: A protective storage case or tube that comes with some travel rods.

Whip: A simple rod, usually telescopic, used without a reel for close-range float fishing.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.

Tributes have poured in from all corners of the angling community for Zyg Gregorek, founder of Anglers Paradise Fishery, who passed away earlier this month.

One of the sport’s great characters, he was known for his wicked sense of humour and eccentric nature – not to mention his homemade wine – and left a mark on all those who met him.

He founded the Devon complex in 1985 and turned it into one of nation’s premier fisheries over the next 40 years. Today, it has over 30 lakes, stocked with some weird and wonderful species – which are a true reflection of Zyg’s colourful character!

His daughter Zenia and her family will continue to run the fishery, as they revealed in a social media post that received over 1,000 heartfelt comments in memory of Zyg:

“We will continue his legacy and do him proud. There will only ever be one Zyg. He lived his life to the full, and his glass was always full!”

Fishing overnight in pursuit of specimen fish requires you to have somewhere to sleep, and means you need to one-up your fishing chair to one of the best fishing bedchairs. Fishing bedchairs offer great levels of comfort whilst on the bank to ensure you can fish to the best of your abilities. As anglers, we all dream of sleepless nights due to our high-tech bite alarms singing constantly, but in reality, this seldom happens, so having somewhere to rest whilst waiting for bites is essential.

The demand for fishing longer sessions has led to the evolution of fishing bedchairs, and as such, you can get some incredibly versatile options, with most offering fully adjustable leg systems, allowing you to position yourself in your bivvy or shelter whichever way you find to be the most comfortable. Improved lumbar support systems have been introduced to prevent people developing or worsening back problems when sleeping outdoors, as well as preventing the bedchair sagging overtime so you can get much better longevity out of them too.

Whatever your criteria, there are some great fishing bedchairs available, and they are a much better standard than they used to be. Whether you need a six or eight leg version, a light frame for carrying or a deluxe sleep system, there is a bedchair for you. Below we check out some of the best available to suit all budgets...

How we test the best fishing bedchairs

These bedchairs were tested by experienced members of the Angling Times team. We have been using and abusing all types of bedchairs during our sessions on the bank, and believe us, a good bedchair will make a massive difference to your angling.

Team members, Mark Sawyer, James Furness and Aidan Bordiuk have been testing a variety of fishing bedchairs, to see how they perform and give them a thorough workout.

Our decision process of what makes the best fishing bedchairs takes into account various factors including price point, overall strength, weight and comfort to ensure we can give you the best advice, so you don't have to worry about making the wrong decision.

The following list includes a mixture of the best available for all types of night fishing to help find a comfortable option for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a fishing bedchair

Bedchairs are one of the most important items of tackle you will own if you are looking to fish effectively overnight, they provide a comfortable place to sleep and ensure your stay is as pleasurable as it can be. All bedchairs differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, some are longer, some lighter and some are waterproof, but we would say the most important thing is how comfortable you find them. Regardless of all the other factors, if you can't get to sleep on it, then it is useless to you as an angler.

A good lumbar support system is a great option to have, especially if you spend prolonged periods fishing or suffer from a back issue. The lumbar support will keep you in a comfortable position and allow you to adjust the bed to get it to suit your requirements, it also reduces any chance of areas sinking causing a pressure point as well as making the mattress last longer. A good thick mattress is also a nice luxury if you enjoy a softer, warmer bed. The thicker the mattress, the better it will retain heat. If you are an angler that gets too hot or prefers a firmer mattress, look for a bedchair with less padding.

Adjustable legs are an absolute must if you are to get your bedchair level and stable. Banks are rarely flat, so the adjustable legs allow you to alter the bedchair to suit any terrain you are faced with. A good quality set of mud feet will also stop the bed sinking into the ground, making sure it stays wherever you positioned it for the duration of your stay. If you want a really stable bedchair, look for an eight-leg option, although six legs are very stable but the eight just gives that extra level of support.

Glossary

Bedchair: Foam mattress attached to a metal frame that is raised off the ground via legs. Provides somewhere to sleep when outdoors.

Mudfeet: A flat plastic cap that sits at the bottom of a leg to increase the surface area and prevent the leg sinking into the ground. Usually cylindrical or square in design.

Lumbar support: Lumbar support prevents back pain because it properly aligns your muscles and spine. Overall, it reduces the tension in your lower back. Lumbar support drastically improves your posture.

Sleep system: An all-in-one system that includes the bedchair, mattress and sleeping bag in one, the bag is usually zipped into the mattress to create a secure sleeping arrangement.

Extendable legs: Telescopic legs attached to the frame of the bedchair that can be manipulated to make sure they touch the ground.

Double hinge: A hinge that has two separate pivot points, creating a gap in between to accommodate a sleeping bag. When closed, it doesn't create pressure on the hinge like a single hinge can, reducing the chance of failure.

Memory foam: A polyurethane material that is sensitive to pressure and temperature, used especially in mattresses, where it moulds to the shape of an individual's body.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

To keep up with the demands of modern carp angling, quality fishing reel technology and development has been accelerating at an incredibly fast rate, the best carp reels need to cope with the increasing size and number of fish available to catch. Reliability and cranking power have had to improve vastly, along with their aesthetics, as all carp anglers know a bad looking setup results in less fish!

Today’s best carp reels need to be able to hold a significant amount of high-diameter line, and release it in a friction-free manner. It is also important that the reel provides a superior line lay onto the spool as this will further reduce the friction and the chance or crack offs when casting a long way. With many anglers discovering the action that can be had metres from the bank, there has been a surge in smaller reels that still have all the power and performance, but can be used on shorter rods or in tighter swims.

Reliable freespool facilities are essential, as line needs to be released seamlessly from the reel on powerful takes to help prevent the set-up flying into the lake! Of course, a smooth and reliable clutch is another ‘must have’ to negate hook-pulls or line breakages during the fight. When starting carp fishing it can be a bit confusing what reels to choose so here is a look at some of the best available...

How we test the best carp reels

These carp fishing reels were tested by experienced members of the Angling Times team. We have been using and abusing reels for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Team members, Mark Sawyer and Aidan Bordiuk have been testing a variety of fishing reels, under both match and pleasure fishing scenarios, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing.

Our decision process of what makes the best carp reels takes into account various factors including price point, cranking power, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make a 'reel' different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all styles of carp fishing to help find a reliable reel for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a carp reel

When buying a new set of reels for carp fishing, there are so many options available to the modern angler it can be hard to decide which to choose, the best carp reel for one discipline, won't perform as well in another. It is always best to ask yourself what type of fishing you do the most, if you do a lot of long range casting, then a compact reel will be of no use as it will hinder your performance. Look for a reel that has a long spool and superior line lay as this will allow the line to flow off the reel much more smoothly, helping you cast further. Your long-range angling will also benefit from a reel with a high retrieve rate as reeling your rigs in from distance will be much more efficient.

Similarly, if you are often fishing at short range or in the margins with a smaller rod, a big pit reel unbalance the rods and make them cumbersome to use. A more compact reel or baitrunner would be far more suitable as they would sit far better on the rods whilst still having the cranking power for large fish. The baitrunner setting would also allow the line to be taken easily by the often, ferocious runs you experience when fishing in the margins, preventing your tackle being dragged into the lake.

If boat work is regular in your angling, you will need a reel with a good line capacity to ensure you can get the rigs out the distance you require, as a compact reel that can only hold 100m of your favoured line will limit your options. Thankfully there are lots of great reels in all categories now, so be realistic about your fishing and there will be a reel to suit you and your budget.

Glossary

Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.

Freespool: Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions, the Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.

Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.

Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.

Frap up: A tangle during a cast where a ball of line catches in the guides of the rod, typically causing a crack off.

Crack off: Named after the loud cracking sound made as line breaks during a cast.

Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.

Line twist: Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.

Baitrunner: A type of reel that has the option to put the reel into freespool mode with a switch mechanism. The reel can't be turned until the mechanism is disengaged.

Quickdrag: The ability on Daiwa reels to change from 'locked up' to freespool with half a turn on the drag knob.

Locked up: This is when the drag is set to its maximum so no line can be pulled from the reel.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

Mussels have long been regarded as one of the most effective natural baits in fishing, but until recently they were more commonly viewed as a specimen bait and weren’t widely used on commercial and match fisheries.

Now, their growing popularity is causing controversy, with more venues banning them over concerns about water quality as increasing numbers of anglers adopt them.

The move has sparked debate among anglers and fisheries, with some supporting tighter rules to protect waters, while others argue mussels remain a safe and highly effective bait when used responsibly. As more venues take different approaches, the growing divide has quickly become known among some anglers as ‘Musselgate’.

Popular fisheries such as Weston Pools Fishery in Shropshire and Woodside Fisheries have taken the decision to ban the use of mussels completely, both citing fish welfare and water quality concerns. Meanwhile, major match venues like Hallcroft have had the ban in place for several years.

In posts on Facebook, leading fisheries have stated that mussels spoil very quickly, especially in warm conditions, which can rapidly foul the water and negatively impact oxygen levels, particularly during hot weather, when dissolved oxygen levels are naturally lower anyway.

Other venues, such as Partridge Lakes, have adopted a different strategy, actively encouraging the use of mussels on their lakes to the extent that they have started selling them in their tackle shop for anglers to buy and use.

With more venues expected to decide whether to allow or ban them in the coming months, ‘Musselgate’ looks set to remain a controversial topic among anglers and fisheries alike.

Regardless of anglers’ opinions, the final decision lies with the fishery, as it is their stock they are seeking to protect, and that must be respected.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT BAIT, TRY ONE OF THESE...

Fishing reels come in all manner of shapes, colours and sizes, which can make deciding which is best for your budget a very difficult task indeed. The reel market has a lot of confusing terms and numbers. However, once you understand the basics, your choice depends mainly on the type of fishing you want to do.

The size of a reel is usually identified by a number, the higher the number, the bigger the reel. This is useful to know, as although a 10,000-sized carp fishing reel may be good for fishing on smaller lakes, it likely won't have the spool size and therefore casting capability of a 'big pit' carp fishing reel, for example.

The best float fishing reel or the best feeder fishing reel isn't just dictated by size, however. A good, powerful and reliable drag is essential in the best reels for barbel fishing or carp angling and the smoothness of a reel is also important, as is how the line lays onto the spool. If these crucial elements are flawed, the casting process can be severely impacted. Be sure to pick wisely to avoid buying twice. In this article, we have constructed a shortlist which hopefully has something for all angler's needs.

How we test the best fishing reels

These coarse fishing reels were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing reels for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Team members, Mark Sawyer, Jonathan Longden and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of fishing reels, under both match and pleasure fishing scenarios, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing.

Our decision process of what makes the best fishing reels takes into account various factors including price point, cranking power, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make a 'reel' different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all match and coarse fishing to help find a reliable reel for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

Best fishing reels under £50

Best fishing reels under £75

Best fishing reels under £100

Best fishing reels under £150

Best fishing reels under £300

Best centrepin reels

Still a firm favourite with the traditionalist, and with no bail-arm or gearing to complicate things, buy a centrepin, and you'll have direct control over line release and retrieval. A smooth-running mechanism is needed to release line at a steady speed for trotting.

What to look for in a fishing reel

If you are fishing with multiple rods, then a freespool switch or dial is a must. This temporarily loosens the drag right off, but most commonly, it automatically switches back off when you turn the reel handle.

Big pit reels hold loads of line for long-distance casts, while mini big pit reels are great for general carp or long-range feeder fishing. If you want to use your reel for multiple tasks, a spare spool is a must.

Tiny 1000 sizes are perfect for small lure fishing and spinning reels. But if big predators are your main focus, you will need to look for something a lot larger to chuck heavy lures or deadbaits for pike. It's not always the case, but it is likely, the bigger the fish or venue, the bigger the reel required.

The more you spend on a reel, the lighter it will be and the smoother the drag you will get. You will also expect better line lay, which aids casting range.

Glossary

Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull an additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.

Freespool: Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions, the Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.

Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.

Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.

Frap up: A tangle during a cast where a ball of line catches in the guides of the rod, typically causing a crack off.

Crack off: Named after the loud cracking sound made as line breaks during a cast.

Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.

Line Twist: Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.

Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.

The best feeder fishing reels all have the same thing in common, they are strong, durable and built with power in abundance to help with the demanding nature of feeder fishing. Often larger than a standard coarse fishing reel, they are designed to aid casting and constantly retrieving heavier end tackle and powerful fish.

Whether your chosen discipline is casting a method feeder upto an island at 20m, fishing wild, natural venues for lots of silverfish or casting a hybrid to the horizon, the best feeder fishing reels will help make the whole process so much more efficient and far less stressful on your wrist.

There are lots of options out there to cover every budget and thankfully no matter what you have to spend, you can get a great quality reel. In this guide we look at some of the best feeder fishing reels that are currently available...

How we test the best feeder reels

These feeder fishing reels were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing reels for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Team members, Mark Sawyer, Jonathan Longden and Dan Webb have been testing a variety of feeder reels, under both match and pleasure fishing scenarios, to ensure they perform and get a thorough testing.

Our decision process of what makes the best feeder fishing reels takes into account various factors including price point, cranking power, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for long-range, commercial carp and silverfish feeder fishing to help find a reliable reel for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a feeder fishing reel

When trying to choose the best fishing reel it can be quite confusing with so many different designs and sizes out there. To keep it simple, any reel that is size 400/4000 or above will be ideal for feeder fishing. If you need to cast a long way for big fish go for a larger reel, but for most UK angling a 4000 or 5000 size reel would be perfect.

The best feeder fishing reels need some serious cranking power, capable of retrieving and delivering heavy feeder loads at long-range. The better the cranking power the easier the reel will be to turn, which will help reduce the fatigue and stress on your wrist, which is paramount when a busy day of casting and reeling is required.

A high loading capacity for mono or braided mainlines is also essential if big distances are required. Smoothness is highly desirable too, as any friction on the reel will significantly reduce casting range and even cause unwanted crack-offs or breakages.

Glossary

Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.

Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.

Frap up: A tangle during a cast where a ball of line catches in the guides of the rod, typically causing a crack off.

Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.

Cranking power: The ability of the reel to wind against pressure, the better the cranking power, the easier the reel will be to turn under pressure.

Drag system: This is a setting adjusted by a knob at the front of the spool or at the rear which allows the fish to take line. Depending how tight the drag is will dictate how much line can be taken and what amount of force is needed to remove line from the spool. Its purpose is to prevent the line breaking by giving the fish line when nearing its breaking point.

Feeder fishing: A discipline that involves using a feeder to catch fish. A feeder is constructed using plastic, metal or combination of the two to create somewhere for bait to be packed in, which will release when on the lakebed. It is designed to get bait into the lake accurately and attract fish to the area.

_Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry._

When going carp fishing getting your tackle to the bank safely can be a battle. Good luggage isn’t just about storage - it’s about protection, organisation, and making sure you have everything you need at hand ready to go when needed. Whether it’s a hardcase holdall for your prized rods, a rugged rucksack for your essentials, or a carryall big enough for a long session, the right setup can make a huge difference to how smoothly a trip runs.

Today’s carp luggage has evolved far beyond the old canvas bag. The best holdalls now handle fully made-up rods with big pit reels, sleeves give quick access and solid protection, and modular carryalls and rucksacks help keep everything neatly in order. In this guide, we’ve picked out some of the best carp fishing luggage options to help you find the right gear for your style of carp fishing.

Rod holdalls and sleeves

Rucksacks

Carryalls

What to look for in carp fishing luggage

When it comes to choosing carp fishing luggage, the first thing to consider is capacity - how much gear you need to carry. Short, mobile sessions call for lighter, compact options like small carryalls or rucksacks that hold just the essentials: tackle box, rigs, bait, and a few accessories.

For longer sessions or overnight trips, you’ll need larger modular luggage that can store cooking gear, clothing, and multiple tackle boxes. The key is to match the size of your luggage to the type of fishing you do most often,  too big and you’ll overpack, too small and you’ll spend the day rummaging.

The next important factor is protection and practicality. Rod holdalls and sleeves are among the most important bits of kit you’ll own, as they safeguard some of the most expensive items you take to the bank. Look for models that can hold rods made up with reels attached, feature padded dividers, and have reinforced waterproof bases. For carryalls and rucksacks, durability matters just as much as quality materials like 600D polyester or EVA that will keep your kit dry and resist the wear and tear that comes with muddy banks and barrow journeys.

Finally, think about access and organisation. The best carp fishing luggage helps you fish more efficiently by keeping everything in its place and easy to reach. Multiple pockets, rigid frames, and modular compartments make life easier when you’re setting up or packing away.  Some designs even double up as workstations or bivvy tables, saving valuable space in your bivvy. Whether you prefer a minimalist setup or carry half your tackle shed with you, investing in the right luggage system means less faffing, fewer lost items, and more time spent doing what really matters - catching carp.

Glossary

Holdall: A long, padded case made to transport rods safely. Carp holdalls usually fit made-up rods with reels attached and include additional pockets for brollies, landing net handles, and banksticks.

Carryall: A large, soft fishing bag designed to hold bait, tackle boxes, clothing, and accessories. Often used as the main storage bag for carp anglers during sessions of any length.

Rod Sleeve: A single or multi-rod case designed to protect rods and reels during transport. Sleeves can be linked or carried together to form a lightweight, modular rod transport system.

Rucksack: A backpack-style bag used for mobile carp fishing or shorter sessions. Ideal for anglers who like to travel light and keep their hands free while walking the banks.

Modular System: A luggage setup where pouches, carryalls, and cases fit together neatly, allowing anglers to customise their storage depending on the type or length of session.

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A tough, waterproof material used in modern fishing luggage. It’s easy to wipe clean and resistant to damage from moisture or mud.

500D / 600D Polyester: Heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric used for high-quality luggage. The “D” stands for denier, a measure of fibre strength and durability.

Big Pit Reels: Large-capacity reels used in carp fishing, often paired with 12ft or 13ft rods. Holdalls and sleeves designed for carp gear usually specify if they can accommodate these reels.

Reinforced Base: The strengthened lower section of a bag that prevents wear from rough ground and keeps water from seeping in when placed on damp grass or mud.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.

There’s more to fishing luggage than meets the eye. The right setup isn’t just about looking organised or showing off your favourite brand’s colours on the bank, it’s about making every trip run smoothly and efficiently. Whether you’re loading the van for a big match or heading out for a few quiet hours on the canal, good luggage keeps your gear protected, accessible, and ready to go.

From rod cases that shield your prized setups to Tardis-like carryalls and pole cases built to swallow a mountain of carbon, today’s coarse fishing luggage is designed for real-world use. We’ve tested and compared the best options for durability, practicality, and on-the-bank comfort, so you can choose gear that works hard, lasts well, and won’t let you down.

Rod cases and holdalls

Pole and top kit cases

Carryalls

Net bags

What to look for in coarse fishing luggage

When it comes to coarse fishing luggage, practicality and protection matter most. The best setups don’t just look tidy on the bank, they save you time by keeping everything organised and ready to go. A solid rod holdall is a must-have, especially if you like to arrive with your rods already made up. Being able to pull a rod straight from its sleeve and start fishing cuts down on wasted time and effort, which is crucial in a match. Go for one with good padding to protect fragile rod tips and reels, plus extra pockets for brollies, banksticks, and landing net handles.

Pole cases and top kit cases have become essential for modern anglers. With poles costing upwards of £5,000, keeping them secure is non-negotiable. These cases are a big improvement on the old system of loose plastic tubes and oversized holdalls. Today’s designs are lighter, more compact, and purpose-built to store poles and top kits safely in one place. For anyone using expensive carbon, the extra protection and tidy layout are well worth it.

Carryalls form the backbone of most setups, keeping all your accessories neat, tidy, and within easy reach. Whether it’s spare reels, bait tubs, or rig boxes, a well-designed carryall keeps everything together and ready for action. Look for one with a reinforced base, quality zips, and comfortable handles - you’ll be grateful when you’re hauling it across a car park or along muddy banks.

Finally, a good net bag is invaluable once the day’s over. Waterproof construction typically EVA or PVC keeps your car clean by sealing in water, smells, and slime from used nets. Many now use welded seams and reinforced bases to make sure nothing leaks. It’s a simple bit of kit that prevents that unmistakable wet-net smell from lingering in your vehicle - and that alone makes it worth every penny.

Glossary

Hardcase: Luggage with a hard plastic inner that keeps it rigid and protects from internal damage.

Carryall: A large bag designed to hold accessories such as bait tubs, rig boxes, spare reels, and other loose items of tackle. Usually has a reinforced base and strong zips to handle weight and regular use.

Made up rods: A term given to a fishing rod that has the reel attached, line threaded and end tackle attached so it is ready to fish with.

Holdall: An item of luggage that allows you to store rods and/or poles, landing nets and other items such as net handles.

Divider: A padded length of material that is used to operate the rods and stop them knocking together when stored.

Pole Case: A hard or semi-rigid case designed to protect expensive carbon poles during transport. Often holds full-length sections securely in place without needing individual tubes.

Top Kit Case: A smaller version of a pole case used to carry top kits (the first few sections of a pole used for different setups). Keeps them organised and safe from damage.

Net Bag: A typically waterproof bag used to carry wet keepnets and landing nets after fishing. It prevents leaks and odours inside your vehicle.

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate): A durable, waterproof, wipe-clean material commonly used in modern fishing luggage. Offers structure, flexibility, and resistance to the elements.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A strong, waterproof plastic material widely used in fishing luggage and net bags. PVC is tough, easy to clean, and completely watertight when welded at the seams.

Neoprene Handles: Soft, padded handles that make heavy bags more comfortable to carry over distance.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.

When the temperatures rise there isn’t a more effective or exciting method than catching carp off the surface. Very often on those still, humid days, carp are very unwilling to feed on the bottom and fishing for them on the surface is the only way to spark any activity, improving your chance of a bite.

Whilst it can be challenging at times with birdlife and wary fish, if you persevere there can be some explosive action to be had. Nothing is more rewarding than building a swim and seeing fish slowly become more and more confident before making a cast and seeing those lips slurp down your hookbait.

If you have never fished on the surface before you could be missing out on some fantastic sport, many times it will turn a fruitless session into one to remember. Here are a few essentials every floater angler should carry to make the most of this type of fishing…

THE BEST FLOATER FISHING RODS WILL HELP YOU CATCH MORE CARP!

Summary

That’s a quick guide on everything you need to get out and enjoy one of the most exciting aspects of carp fishing. Seeing a fish approach your hook bait and engulf it really does take some beating.

As most surface fishing can be mesmerising and is usually during the hottest parts of the day we cannot emphasise enough to take precautions. A good hat, plenty of fluids and lots of sun cream is a must, better yet a long sleeve t-shirt will provide even more protection from the sun. A quality pair of polaroids and taking breaks in the shade is also recommended. Not only will this advice help save you becoming burnt or ill, but it will also make you more comfortable in the heat and will make you fish better for longer which should result in more fish in your net!

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

Darren Massey is one of the nation’s leading canal anglers, and if you fancy catching something that pulls back a bit, he’s got the perfect tonic for you.

Tench are becoming more common in our canal network, and if you do some homework to find out where they are holding up, you can have a fantastic day on the bank.

TARGET TENCH ON CANALS WITH ONE OF THE BEST FISHING POLES.

Feed your lines differently

Where possible, you should aim to have three lines, but they must all have the same depth so that you can use the same rig and make a quick switch.

Fishing close to cover is best, Darren has two lines separated by a couple of metres. One is against a far-bank bush and the other is in open water, close to where he can see lilies growing up from the bottom.

It’s impossible to guess what the fish will want to eat on the day, and each area should be fed in a different way to increase your chances.

Your swim in open water can receive three balls of groundbait laced with maggots and casters at the start, while the other two lines can get around half a big pole pot of reasonably finely-chopped worms, casters and maggots.

One of those lines can also be loosefed quite frequently with a few casters via a catapult to keep something falling through the water.

If a certain style of feeding is clearly dominating, you can change one other line to the same approach, allowing you to rotate them while still having a back-up option if the mood of the fish suddenly changes.

When it comes to hookbaits, rotating the loosefed items is the best way forward.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST WORMS FOR FISHING.

Grab their attention

The venue is only a short canal, and it is rarely bothered by boat traffic. That leads to the water remaining clear once the weather warms up.

This allows the fish to hunt food mainly by sight, and Darren has lost count of the number of bites he has had within seconds of the hookbait hitting the deck.

The tench are likely seeing it falling and then pouncing, so you should make every effort to slow that fall down a little as the hookbait gets into the bottom layers.

Lay the rig in and then hold the float a foot or so above the surface, very slowly lowering it down once the rig is straight.

You should also lift and drop the float on a regular basis, trying to generate a response from any fish that missed it when the rig first went in.

HERE ARE THE 5 MUST HAVE SILVERFISH POLE RIGS TO IMPROVE YOUR FISHING.

Balance the tension

A strong elastic that allows you to haul fish away from the cover immediately is important, and Darren uses a grade 14-16 Edge Tackle Latex Hybrid. He runs a bead to trap the elastic that comes out of the top kit’s side puller, allowing the tension to be adjusted according to the angling situation you’re faced with.

It must be set with enough power to beat the powerful initial runs of the tench, which can be pretty fast, while also making sure that there’s enough give that the hook isn’t pulled out of their mouth.

A little trial and error may be required, and the snaggier the swim is, the tighter the elastic will need to be to give you the upper hand.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A TENCH, HEAD TO ONE OF THESE AWESOME VENUES!

Remove weak spots

Where possible, fish your mainline straight through to the hook so that there are fewer knots and weak points in your rig where a big fish may break you.

You don’t need to fish too over-gunned for tench, and you can be more than confident of putting fish to over 5lb in the net using 0.15mm mono, even in swims that are weedy.

Darren uses a 4x14 long-bodied dibber-style float that is shotted with five No8s, strung throughout the rig to aid the slow fall of the hookbait. Your hook can be something like a size 13 Kamasan B711.

If the water is really clear and you are struggling, you can put on a hooklength of 0.13mm fluorocarbon. This is because it is almost invisible underwater, potentially improving your chances of getting a few more bites.

CHECK OUT THESE SUPERB TENCH RODS AND REELS TO MATCH!

Stand up for battle

Venues with clear water can be easily penetrated by sunlight, and that leads to rapid weed growth.

You may be able to see lilies below the surface all around you, and when you land a tench, the rig can be covered in a green, stringy weed.

If a fish is allowed to plough straight through these features, there’s a good chance you’ll get broken and lose it. To help combat this, you need to instantly pile pressure on to the fish to get it away from any visible snags.

Once that’s achieved, stand up and hold your pole high to pull the fish closer to the surface and away from the deck.

Before doing this, of course, make sure that you’re using a pole that can handle the strain.

THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES ARE STRONG AND STABLE ENOUGH TO STAND ON.

Bait boats, some love them others hate them, regardless they are here to stay! But just like in all aspects of life, technology is increasingly making its mark with the goal of simplifying our tasks. When used correctly, a bait boat undeniably gives you a significant advantage in your fishing.

Whether it’s about placing your rigs quietly and accurately with minimal disruption, getting bait under that pesky overhang, or fishing in vast inland seas without the hassle of constantly boating out, a bait boat can greatly simplify these tasks. While they used to be predominantly used in carp fishing, more pike anglers and general coarse anglers are reaping the benefits of using them in their angling.

However, with the wide variety of boats available today, selecting the right one is crucial. You'll need to consider factors such as lead acid versus lithium batteries, carrying capacity, stability size, sonars, GPS, and autopilot systems. Bait boats come in numerous shapes, sizes, and specifications and they aren't cheap, so getting it right first time is paramount!

In the following article, you will find my favourite bait boats for carp and specimen fishing, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end boats filled with the best tech and features.

How we test the best bait boats

These bait boats were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing tech like this for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Tackle testers, Mark Sawyer and James Furness have been testing a variety of bait boats in varying scenarios to ensure they perform how they are supposed to for the given method they were designed! Whether it be carp fishing at range or using to catch bream and tench or shipping deadbaits out for pike, these boats have been thoroughly tested on so we can give a rounded review!

Our decision process of what makes the best bait boats takes into account various factors including price point, weight, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of specimen fishing you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a bait boat

When considering a bait boat there are several factors you should consider when choosing the right bait boat to suit your needs. These include size, range, battery life, bait capacity, features, and price.

Bait boats come in various sizes, from small, compact models to larger, more robust vessels. Consider the size of the water you'll be fishing regularly and the amount of bait you'll need to carry when choosing a size. The size of the water you will be fishing will also dictate the range the bait boat needs so always pay attention to this, the range refers to how far it can travel from the remote control. Fishing larger waters? You'll need a boat with a longer range.

Another important consideration is battery life, the battery life of a bait boat determines how long you can use it before recharging. Consider how long you typically fish and choose a boat with a battery life that meets your needs and won’t constantly need recharging, boats with relatively low battery capacity (mAh) are better suited to short sessions.

The bait capacity of a bait boat is probably something that can be overlooked but if you need to be taking a boat back and forth just to get enough bait on the spot will soon drain the batteries so hving a boat that can carry sufficient amount of bait is paramount. If you plan on using a lot of bait, you'll need a boat with a large bait capacity.

Bait boats come with various features, such as GPS, fish finders, and lights. Consider which features are important to you and choose a boat that has them. With bait boats ranging in price from a few hundred to several thousand pounds it's important to consider what features and functions will suit your angling the best.

Glossary

Bait hopper: The compartment on the boat where you load your bait.

Range: How far the boat can travel from the remote control.

Receiver: The part of the remote control that picks up signals from the transmitter.

Remote control: The handheld device used to control the boat.

Run time: How long the boat can operate on a single battery charge.

Battery capacity: The amount of power the batteries can hold given in milliamp hours (mAh), the more power the battery can hold the longer it will typically run for and it's capability to power features

Transmitter: The part of the remote control that sends signals to the receiver.

Choosing your first fishing rod can be overwhelming. With countless options available, it's essential to select a rod that suits your fishing style and therefore the best fishing rod for you will vary to the next angler. This guide is designed to help you understand the basics of rod selection and introduce you to several popular options.

Whether you're eager to catch carp, explore rivers for barbel, or enjoy the finesse of waggler fishing, we'll break down the key features to look for and recommend the best fishing rods to kickstart your angling adventure.

Fishing can be as specialised as you want it to be. As a beginner, the excitement often comes from catching a variety of species until you find the one you enjoy the most. One of the other great things about fishing is that it can be as affordable or as expensive as you choose. Whether you're using a £20 rod or a £2000 setup, you can have an excellent day on the bank. Here's a guide to the best beginner fishing rods..

How we test fishing rods for beginners

These fishing rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing rods like these for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Tackle testers, Dan Webb and Tony Grigorjevs have been testing a variety of rods that we believe are suitable for beginners in varying scenarios to ensure they will help you start fishing effectively! Whether it be float fishing on a local pond, feeder fishing for carp or river fishing, the rods have been thoroughly tested on rivers and lakes so we can give a rounded review!

Our decision process of what makes the best beginner fishing rods takes into account various factors including price point, weight, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of fishing you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a beginner fishing rod

Choosing your first fishing rod can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. As a beginner, focus on finding a rod that's comfortable to handle and suitable for the type of fish you want to catch.

It is best to choose a rod made from durable materials like carbon fibre or fibreglass, as these are less likely to break if you're a bit heavy-handed as a beginner. You can buy rods that have the ability to fish on the float as well as the feeder, but we would recommend finding a rod for each discipline as they perform much better!

If you enjoy taking in nature and prefer a more laid-back approach to angling, a feeder rod is an ideal choice as it allows you to keep both hands free while the rod rests, waiting for a bite. On the other hand, if you prefer a more proactive approach, float fishing might be more suited to you, as it requires more focus and a hands-on technique.

Consider the rod's action, which determines how it bends when a fish bites. A medium-action rod is often a good starting point, offering a balance of sensitivity and power. Ultimately, the best rod for you is one that inspires you to spend more time enjoying the outdoors. You

Glossary

Blank: The hollow carbon fibre tube that forms the main body of the rod. Attached to the blank are the guides and handle.

Action: How the rod bends when pressure is applied.

Through-action: The entire rod bends when pressure is applied.

Tip-action: Primarily the tip of the rod bends.

Carbon fibre: A strong and lightweight material used in to construct the rod.

Modulus: A measure of the stiffness of the carbon fibre.

Guides: Rings attached to the rod through which the fishing line passes.

SIC guides: Guides made from silicon carbide, known for their durability and resistance to abrasion.

Anti-frap rings: Guides designed to prevent the fishing line from wrapping around the rod tip.

Reel seat: The part of the rod where the reel attaches.

Cork handle: A traditional handle material for fishing rods.

EVA handle: A synthetic material often used for rod handles, known for its durability and grip.

Casting weight: The recommended weight of feeder or lead that can be used with the rod.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.

There’s something incredibly exciting about catching carp off the surface. As soon as the weather warms up, using floaters becomes incredibly effective for carp and seeing those lips break the surface to slurp down a mixer is about as excited as fishing can get! A few hours after work, a handful of floaters, and a bit of stealth is often all it takes to put a bend in the rod.

But here’s where many get it wrong, this isn’t a job for your 3lb test curve carp rods. Surface fishing needs a refined touch, go in too heavy and you’ll find yourself losing fish, especially when you’re fishing with the smaller hooks and finer lines this method often demands.

What you need is something in the 1.5lb to 2.75lb range. These could be dedicated floater rods, but carp rods, barbel rods and specialist rods are more than capable of the job. All have enough backbone to flick a controller float out accurately, but with a forgiving, progressive action that cushions the hook hold when a fish makes that inevitable last-minute dive at the net.

These days, most of the big names offer dedicated floater rods designed specifically for this kind of fishing, lighter, more responsive, and a joy to use. Here are a few worth checking out…

How we test the best floater rods

These floater fishing rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing rods like these for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Tackle testers, James Furness and Aidan Bordiuk have been testing a variety of floater rods in varying scenarios to ensure they perform when it comes to catching carp off the surface! Whether it be freelining with a piece of crust or fishing big floats at range while spombing mixers, many of these rods have been bent to their limits so we can give a rounded review!

Our decision process of what makes the best floater fishing rods takes into account various factors including price point, weight, build quality and versatility to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of surface fishing you are likely to encounter! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a floater fishing rod

A good floater rod doesn’t need a label on the blank to prove its worth. While there are plenty of rods marketed specifically for surface fishing, some of the best tools for the job are found designed for other species or methods but their attributes are fully transferable to surface fishing, be it floating a piece of bread, a floating pellet or a chum mixer, rods originally built for barbel, light carp work or even specimen rods for float fishing can slip seamlessly into the role of surface fishing, if they’ve got the right feel.

What you’re really looking for is that balance between sensitivity and control. A tip soft enough to cast out accurately, and responsive enough to instantly pick line up off the surface, but with enough backbone through the mid-section to steer a big carp away from a marginal disaster once it’s hooked.

The best floater rods feel light and lively in the hand, something you can hold comfortably for long periods while you’re watching the water and waiting for that heart-stopping moment a mouth engulfs your bait. A progressive action is an asset, cushioning lunges under the rod tip while keeping the hook hold in place, especially when you’re fishing mono straight through. Look beyond the label and focus on the behaviour of the blank. Rods with smooth casting characteristics, a responsive tip, will often outperform more ‘dedicated’ models. It’s about the feel, not fashion.

Glossary

Controller Float: A surface-weighted float that helps cast light baits like mixers or bread long distances without sinking them.

Progressive Action: A rod action that bends gradually through the blank, offering control without feeling stiff or unforgiving.

Tip Recovery: How fast the rod tip recovers after casting, faster recovery means cleaner, more accurate casts.

Backbone: The power in the rod’s mid-to-butt section, vital for turning carp away from snags.

Surface Fishing: Targeting carp feeding on the top of the water using floating baits.

Freelining: Fishing a floating bait without a float or weight. Subtle, close-range and deadly when they’re on it.

Minima Guides: Light, minimal-framed rod rings that improve casting and keep the blank feeling crisp.

Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times.

As an experienced angler and digital editor at Angling Times, I've spent countless hours on the bank fishing for carp. One of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right rod, as the best carp fishing rod for you depends on your preferred method of fishing. A rod designed for tackling your local farm pond may not be suitable for a wild and windswept 100-acre gravel pit, no matter how good they look sitting on your bite alarms.

Big carp are incredibly powerful creatures, and having a rod that can handle their strength is essential for landing them consistently. The modern carp angling scene is incredibly diverse, with a wide range of fishing styles and techniques. Whether you're a dedicated floater fisherman or prefer to cast extreme distances, choosing the right rod can significantly improve your angling efficiency.

That said, however, there are some rods available that are good ‘middle of the road’ options, if you don’t fancy splashing out on a set-up for every situation. Here, then, is our pick of some of the best carp rods on the market right now...

How we test the best rods for carp fishing

These carp fishing rods were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing rods like these for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!

Our tackle testers, Mark Sawyer and James Furness have been testing a variety of carp rods in varying scenarios, from long range fishing to stalking on smaller lakes! These rods have been bent in half and fully compressed to see how capable they are of propelling leads over 100 yards, to ensure they can reach pressured carp on day tickets and syndicates. Tested on runswaters for smaller fish to more difficult pits with big fish to ensure whatever carp fishing you enjoy, there is a rod for you in this list.

Our decision process of what makes the best carp rods takes into account various factors including price point, casting ability, build quality, fish playing action and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling.

The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for carp fishing in the UK and Europe! Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a carp rod

Picking the best carp fishing rod for you will largely depend on the types of waters you regularly fish. If your venue is a small farm pond or club lake, you aren't going to need 13ft 4lb test curve rods that are built for casting. It's all about finding the right balance, that includes picking the best carp fishing reel to pair the rod with.

Ideally, you want a rod that can cast further than your required distance, so in harsh weather conditions you can still hit the right spots. But this also needs to be paired with a fish playing action that is soft enough for you not to lose fish under the rod tip. Similarly, if you want to bait up at the same range with ease, you might want to consider buying a dedicated spod rod.

Like many things, carp rods tend to follow certain trends. Short rods have been incredibly popular in recent times, as have 13ft models with high test curves, but there is still nothing wrong with the more traditional 12ft length and lower test curves if used in the correct situations.

Glossary

Blank: The hollow carbon fibre tube that the rod is made from, attached to which are the guides and handle.

Guides: The rings that line the length of the rod that the line passes through.

Reel seat: The part of the handle that your reel attaches to. Almost all UK coarse rods have screw-down reel seats, where the fore-grip on the handle rotates and closes the seat to hold the reel in place.

Test curve: Usually measured in pounds, it's the weight that needs to be applied to the end of the rod to make it bend over 90 degrees. The greater the test curve, the more powerful the rod.

Fish playing action: A way of describing how good a rod performs when reeling in a fish. A rod with a good fish-playing action will provide plenty of cushion to a thrashing fish, preventing hookpulls (lost fish) and line breakages.

Progressive action. A rod that quickly powers up from its tip through to its middle area, providing the ideal coordinated playing action for powerful fish.

Tip action: This normally applies to traditional three-piece float rods that need a 'tip or tippy action' to be able to whip out light floats when casting, as well as pick-up line very quickly on the strike.

Through action: A rod that has a softer top section but still produces a cushioned bend throughout its entire length, giving a good fish-playing action.

Rod taper: How a rod changes in diameter along its length. A fast taper rod will typically thicken up very quickly as you move away from the tip. Although other factors come into play, like carbon types, weave and construction, typically, a fast taper rod will bend more at the tip than the butt (tip actioned).

Butt ring: The first eye up from the reel seat, generally, 40mm or 50mm in size and the larger the eye, the less friction on the cast, which can mean better distances.

Anti-frap rings: A specially designed rod ring with longer arms, generally on the tip, which prevents line wrapping around it on the cast, helping prevent crack-offs.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

Carp fishing is by far the most popular branch of angling in the UK today, with more and more anglers enjoying the relaxing and often social experience of sitting behind their rods and catching big fish. If you are new to fishing or have been fishing for a while and want to venture into carp fishing—or "the dark side," as it is sometimes called—you may be concerned about the costs involved.

However, thanks to the popularity of carp fishing and the wide range of manufacturers, there are some incredible pieces of tackle that won’t break the bank. Yes, if you have more to spend, you can opt for the best carp reels money can buy, but at the budget end, there are some fantastic options that will not only look great on your rods but also help you land the biggest carp around.

When you hear the term "budget carp reels," you might assume they are only for beginners or that they will need replacing after a season. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The examples in this list are built to last for years and will hopefully have you jumping out of your bedchair to the sound of singing alarms, season after season!

What to look for in a budget carp reel

When it comes to choosing a budget carp reel there are key features you need to look for. Firstly, what size rod are you coupling the reel up with and what do you want it to do? If you need to cast a long distance on a bigger rod of 12ft-13ft, opt for a big pit reel or something over 6000 in size as they will have a bigger spool and better retrieval rate for casting and reeling at distance.

If you have just started carp fishing, but think it will be the style of angling you want to pursue, spending a little more on your reel is wise as it will mean you don't have to upgrade too soon as you buy new bivvies and rods as you progress.

If you fish a multitude of waters, it may be best to also look for a reel that has a spare spool. Many waters vary in their rules and what mainline you can use, so having different options at hand like braid and mono is much easier. The drag system on a budget carp reel can make all the difference to how easy it is to use and land fish. If you fish runswaters and are expecting to be setting your rods a lot, a reel with a quick drag will make life a lot easier, alternatively if you struggle fiddling with the front drag, a bait runner reel might be a better option for you!

Don't forget your spod reels, many top anglers use cheaper spod reels simply because they are no-nonsense, durable and get the job done. If you can get one with braid already spooled on too, great, as it saves any headaches choosing and spooling it up yourself!

Glossary

Backwind/Anti-reverse: This is a feature that lets you turn the handle backwards, releasing line. It's helpful when a big fish is pulling hard, and you need to give it some line without messing with the drag.

Ball Bearings: These are little metal balls inside the reel that help it turn smoothly. More ball bearings often mean smoother reeling.

Big Pit Reel: A large reel designed for long-distance casting. It holds lots of line and has a big spool.

Drag: This is the system that controls how much resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. You can adjust it to prevent your line from snapping.

Gear Ratio: This tells you how many times the spool (the part that holds the line) turns for each turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio means you reel in line faster.

Graphite: A strong, lightweight material used to make reel bodies and spools.

Line Capacity: This is how much fishing line the reel can hold. It's usually shown as a measurement like '300m/0.35mm.'

Line Clip: A small clip on the spool that holds your line in place when you're not casting or if you want to cast a certain distance.

Line Roller: A small roller on the bail arm (the part that flips over when you cast) that guides the line onto the spool.

Spool: The part of the reel that holds the fishing line.

Worm Gear: A type of gear system inside the reel that helps the line lay evenly on the spool.

Anti-Reverse: A feature that stops the reel handle from turning backwards.

Bail Arm: The semi circle metal part that you flip open to cast, and close to reel in line.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.

Spotting fish is a massive part of angling and being able to see what’s actually going on beneath the surface offers a massive advantage. The best polarised sunglasses for fishing strip away the surface glare, letting you peer into the water with far more clarity. Whether you’re scanning for cruising carp, looking for barbel navigating between weedbeds or simply shielding your eyes from the effects of harmful UV rays, the right pair can make all the difference.

Lens choice is more important than many anglers realise, and considering light levels must influence your lens of choice. On dull, overcast days or in coloured water, amber or brown lenses boost contrast and help fish stand out, but when the sun’s blazing and the water’s gin-clear, green or blue lenses can cut through the brightness and reveal every detail below.

Ultimately, picking fishing sunglasses comes down to personal preference. Most decent polarised models will do the job, but comfort, fit, and style all play their part. If you wear prescription glasses, it’s worth asking your optician about adding polarised lenses to your everyday specs or looking at ‘overwrap’ designs that fit neatly over the top.

Here’s our guide to the best polarised sunglasses for fishing right now tried, tested, and ready to help you see more and catch more.

What to look for in polarised fishing sunglasses

When looking for the best pair of fishing sunglasses there are a few things one should consider. It's likely these tools will be put through a fair bit of use and end up in situations on the bank where they could be broken, it is therefore vital the frames are strong and sturdy.

The lenses on the glasses need to be considered too. Are there multiple options available to suit a variety of conditions, or are they a good all-round colour regardless? Are these lenses interchangeable with potentially spares supplied? This may well be the difference between splashing out on multiple pairs of glasses or just one of the best. Also look at how the frame sits around the lens, are they secure, or could they easily fall out or be damaged?

The final considerations are comfort and looks. It's likely you will be wearing these for the majority of the warmer months and even in the winter. So they need to be comfortable on your nose and ears. The last thing you want is glasses that rub and cause irritation. Having glasses that look fantastic on your face but feel like torture is not the answer.

Glossary

Frames: The structure that holds the glass lenses in place and supports them on a person's head.

Lenses: A transparent substance, usually glass, often curved and coloured, allowing the user to see through clearly.

Polarised Lenses: Lenses that reduce light glare to limit eye straining. They can help anglers see deeper into clear waters.

Lanyard: A cord used to hang glasses from the user's neck or shoulder for easy transportation.

Wraps: Sunglasses that wrap around the head fully, providing peripheral vision benefits too.

Overwraps: Sunglasses designed to sit over regular prescription spectacles.

_Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of commercial content writer at Angling Times._

Modern margin poles were created to cope with the strain that increasingly heavy commercial carp can exert. Although modern fishing poles are stronger than they’ve ever been, they do have their limitations, so when it comes to extracting the biggest of fish from the snaggiest of margin homes, many pole anglers will reach for their dedicated margin pole.

With thicker and stronger sections coupled with bigger bore top kits, they are much better suited to this brutal kind of fishing and reduce the risk of costly breakages. As an added bonus, many manufacturers’ margin poles are interchangeable with their range of long poles, meaning you can share a cupping kit or even top kits between them.

Being stronger and often cheaper than a standard pole, margin poles are also an ideal first-time pole. So, whether you are an experienced pole angler looking to upgrade your summer margin gear or a novice to the pole market, here’s our guide to the best margin poles out there!

How we test the best margin poles

These margin poles were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing these styles of poles since their conception, and have tamed some truly huge fish from the snaggiest pegs imaginable!

Team members, Mark Sawyer and Tony Grigorjevs have been testing a variety of margin poles, for the biggest commercial fishery carp, to see how they perform and give them a thorough workout.

Our decision process of what makes the best margin poles takes into account various factors including price point, overall strength, weight and packages to ensure we can give you the best advice, so you don't have to worry about breaking an expensive pole when fishing for big margin fish.

The following list includes a mixture of the best available for all types of margin fishing to help find a reliable length of carbon for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.

What to look for in a margin pole

Margin poles all offer increased strength, compared to normal poles, in order to tame large fish that can often put severe strain on more expensive tackle. Depending on how far out you want to fish, how big the fish are and what other features you require from a margin pole will dictate which is the best option to choose.

If you have a pole already, most of the manufacturers have built their margin poles on a similar mandrel, so the top kits and generally no4 and no5 sections will fit (do check first) so you have spares. If you just want the strongest available to build a big weight, aim for the poles with the strongest rating.

If you're a beginner or want a pole that will perform well, we recommend going for somewhere in between a pole that is fairly long (8-11m) but sacrifices some strength for rigidity and response, making it easier to hold and use, as it will be far more enjoyable to handle and more efficient all round.

Glossary

Top kit: The last 1 or 2 sections that you place on the end of your pole that contains the elastic that you attach your rig to. Most poles will come with a variety of top kits, allowing you to choose which elastic to fish with and enable you to set up multiple rigs.

Cupping kit: A separate top kit specially designed to attach a pole cup, allowing you to deposit a large amount of bait right where you are fishing.

Side puller: A small hole in the side of your top kit with a bush or roller fitted inside, used instead of a bung to anchor your elastic. The bottom end of the elastic is threaded through the puller and anchored by a bead on the outside of your pole. This allows you to grab the bead and pull some elastic out of the pole, changing its tension when playing a fish. This is useful when a larger fish has pulled a lot of elastic out of your pole, making it difficult to net.

Mini extension: A half-size or smaller, extra-strong piece of pole that goes into the back of a section. This helps protect the bottom end of your pole from damage whilst also allowing you to fish slightly further out when a full-length section would be too much.

Elastic rating: The elastic rating gives you the manufacturer's recommendation of the largest elastic you can safely put in a pole before you risk breakages from over-exertion.

Margin pole: A generally shorter pole of around 8-10m in length that is designed with stronger carbon, reinforced joints and improved wall strength to create a very strong pole to tame even the largest fish.

Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.

It's been a superb start to spring for the nation’s crucian anglers, and Mike Lyddon is the latest to get in on the action with fish of 4lb 5oz and 4lb 3oz, plus a hat-trick of three- pounders coming on his latest session after the species.

Fishing at Sutton Lake, Shropshire, Mike targeted a small clean gravel area beneath an overhanging marginal tree, where he carefully positioned a flatbed Method feeder with a baiting pole, alongside a small scattering of groundbait and red sweetcorn.

Using a size 14 Gardner Target hook and an 8mm Strawberry wafter, his biggest fish came at dusk on his first day.

The following morning, the 4lb 3oz specimen slipped up, and later that day Mike managed another pair of fine crucians scaling 3lb 4oz and 3lb 6oz.

Things then went quiet until the day after when he rounded the trip off with crucians of 3lb 3oz and 2lb 15oz from a small silty trough around 30 yards out.

Mike now has a 378 crucians over 3lb in his career, with 13 of them topping the 4lb mark.

FOLLOW THIS GUIDE TO CATCH BIGGER CRUCIANS ON THE METHOD FEEDER...

A 15-year-old lure angler has caught one of the biggest perch in history, scaling 5lb 15oz.

The fish is just 4oz off the current 6lb 3oz British record and fell to the rod of Ethan McMordie at CMCS Holme Grange – a two-acre gravel irrigation reservoir in Berkshire.

Ethan, who works at the fishery, was using lures on a session with his friend, and 20 minutes into the session,switched from jigs to a small trout spinner.

“I was retrieving it steadily and, as it neared the bank, I saw a huge perch charge towards it,” Ethan told us.

“The fish then slowed down, looked at the spinner for a few seconds, before nailing it, right at my feet! It then took a bit of line before wallowing on the surface, at which point I told my friend to net it. It was his first time lure fishing!”

Ethan called his dad – an experienced angler himself – and told him that he had a 5lb perch in the net.

“He didn’t believe me at first, but when he arrived with the fishery boss to weigh the fish, they were blown away,” Ethan added.

“We know there are fish over 4lb in the lake, but nothing of this size. It was spawned out too, so it’s an exciting to think what it could weigh later in the season.”

THE BEST SPINNING REELS ARE IDEAL FOR CATCHING PERCH...

A biennial carp match to raise funds for Cancer Research UK has generated over £9,000, the most in its 14-year history.

In March we reported on the Cast-4-Life charity pairs match which, since being launched in 2012, has now raised an impressive £40k for the charity.

This year, 18 anglers battled it out in a friendly match at Willow Park, Aldershot. The winning pair were Steve Grant and Graham Mabey, who landed 18 fish for a 349lb 9oz total.

The event received great support from across the industry, with its organiser, Vicki Palmer, delighted by how the weekend went.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, and everyone at Willow Park for their hard work,” she said.

“We look forward to the next event in 2028!”

For more information, or to donate, please visit: www.cast-4-life.co.uk.

After having some work cancelled and with conditions looking superb, James Champkin set off on his first night of bream fishing this year.

“My destination was a low-stock pit that I’ve been targeting for the last three seasons, and with a warm and wet weather front rolling in that evening on a gentle southerly breeze, I hoped for a result. On arrival, I found a popular swim free, which gave me access to an area that I’d learned the bream frequented in the spring and summer.

“With just a few hours until darkness, I searched for an area to present my baits and found a shallow gravel plateau, on which I’d fish two of my rods. My third rod was cast to a slightly deeper area, which was also gravelly.

“Artificial corn hookbaits were cast out on helicopter set-ups, and just before the light faded entirely I managed to introduce a few spods of feed over both spots. This consisted of a mixture of halibut pellets, particles and corn, all laced with Dynamite Baits CSL and Sweet Tiger Liquid.

“At around 1am, the right-hand rod on the plateau was away, and I found myself playing my first bream of the season. Any bream is a result from there, so I was pleased when a fish of 12lb 3oz went into the landing net. I recast and drifted back off to sleep.

“I had to be away early that morning, and after waking I started to pack up slowly until I had just the rods and landing net remaining. A few minutes before I was due to wind in, the bobbin of the middle rod pulled up tight.

“ I thought it may have been a liner, so I pulled off a few inches of slack line to let the bobbin settle, but 20 seconds later it pulled up tight again. At this point, I picked up the rod and connected with what felt like a plodding breeze block!”

“Eventually, an enormous bream rose from the depths, and I slipped the net under it.

“I had no idea what it might weigh, and I was stunned to see the scales settle on 18lb exactly. It’s a new PB, and my reward for lots of effort and many blanks at the venue over the last few years.”

THE BEST FISHING BEDCHAIRS WILL HELP YOU GET SOME REST DURING NIGHT SESSIONS.

As the weather warms up, there are few better ways to catch carp on commercial fisheries than fishing shallow with pellets. It’s also an exciting way to fish, as the fish steam off at a rate of knots once hooked.

Getting them interested is one thing, but to get bites consistently requires a few refinements to your approach. Andy May is here to help with some great tips to help you fool those big carp in your local fishery...

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FISHING SHALLOW ON COMMERCIALS CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.

Start on the deck

Fish won’t stay at the same depth, and it can be tricky to work out where they are sat early in a session. In 5ft-7ft of water, use a 4x12 bodied float that is shotted with No9s spread throughout the rig and plumbed up to fish at dead depth. Bites can often come on the drop, and the longer you wait for the bite, the deeper the fish will be sat.

THE BEST FISHING POLES ARE IDEAL FOR FISHING SHALLOW WITH PELLETS.

Switch it up

The fish are unlikely to stay at one depth, so varying the depth is important to keep bites coming. The fish will normally let you know. If the bites stop completely and you aren't getting indications, likelihood is that the fish are deeper, but if you are getting bites and indications but not hooking fish then it's time to come shallower.

GET YOUR RIGS PERFECT WITH THE 5 MUST HAVE CARP POLE RIGS.

Make a different noise

Pellets are the only bait you need on the side tray, and a couple of pints each of 4mm and 6mm will be ample. They create different acoustics when they hit the water, and it’s amazing how much more effective one can be than the other. Trial and error is key, although changing when the fish seemingly wise up can soon change your fortunes.

LEARN HOW BEING ACCURATE WITH THE CATAPULT WILL CATCH YOU MORE FISH.

Strike a balance

Allowing your quarry to bolt away from the feeding zone quickly will prevent the rest of the shoal from spooking. A grade 13 Preston Innovations Dura Hybrid elastic is soft when it first comes out of the tip but soon powers up once a few feet are on show. A side puller allows you to tighten it up further once you have shipped back to your top kit.

SIT COMFORTABLY ON THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES.

When it comes to tench fishing, you have a myriad of baiting options. You can go down the ‘natural’ route of maggots, casters and worms, or you can choose to put your faith in pellets and boilies.

Watch tench feed and you’ll see they often gently pick their way around a swim, barely moving in between mouthfuls. That can leave you in a tricky place when trying to work out how best to catch them, but if there’s one angler whose advice is worth listening to on the species, it’s two-time Drennan Cup winner Dai Gribble.

With a spectacular PB of 14lb 13oz and over 60 doubles to his name, the Staffordshire angler is an all-time great tench angler. Here, Dai explains how you should think about feeding for big tincas, as well as the hookbaits worth considering.

CHECK OUT OUR PICK OF THE BEST TENCH FISHING RODS.

Why use small baits

Tiny pellets and hemp will keep fish in your swim. They fall between the gravels and offer some form of food for a long time. If you feed 4mm pellets, they may not seem much larger, but you need eight 2mms to make one, so smaller options give the fish much more to search for.

If a carp comes into your swim and mops up a load of bait, there should still be a few pellets and grains of hemp left for the tench. You can also introduce maggots or a bit of chopped worm, but not much. Think half-a-pint of maggots with your initial feed, or a quarter-of-a-pint of chopped worm.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH BIG FISH, CHECK OUT THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS TO USE.

What baits to use

Groundbait is a staple for many tench anglers, but Dai only tends to use it on silty venues, where it will sit on top of the soft substrate and attract fish. Smaller particles can get lost in the silt.

On gravel pits, your feed can be built around hemp and pellets. Dai uses SonuBaits hemp and a mixture of 2mm pellets, with Krill, F1, Bloodworm and Marine Green among his preferred flavours.

A mixture of colours helps break up the outline of the bait on the bottom. If it is all the same colour, it can look like a more blatant patch, so a more subtle mix can be better.

The blend of flavours also gives the fish options. Think of it like a buffet. One bloke might fill his plate with 10 sausage rolls, but most of us prefer a mix of things.

GET THE BAIT ON THE SPOT EFFECTIVELY WITH THE BEST SPOD RODS.

Feeding when fishing

Feeders are a strong option, generally on a heli-rig, and you can feed either maggots or chopped worm through them, depending on your hookbait. Avoid introducing loads, bait with a Spomb, because you want the fish to pick out the bait on your hook, or at least the bait near it in the feeder.

If you are using maggots, recast quite regularly, usually every half-hour. By then, the maggots will have crawled out of the feeder and moved well away from your hookbait, so recasting lets you focus the freebies where you want them.

Chopped worm can be left out for three hours or more. Conditions also affect recasting. Strong winds can cause a feeder to veer off, especially at range, so if you land it exactly where you want it, it can pay to sit it out.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A TENCH, HEAD TO ONE OF THESE AWESOME VENUES!

Favoured hookbaits

A worm kebab is one of Dai’s favourites, made by hair-rigging segments of worm on a quickstop, but maggots are also worth using.

On some waters, if you are using three rods, you might fish worms on two and maggots on the other.

Casters are popular with tench anglers and they can work, but they are expensive and do not last long.

You can hook maggots directly if you can get away with a finer or smaller hook in less weedy situations. If you need to use something bigger or heavier gauge, then hair-rig them and superglue them to fine mono or braid.

Fish them a bit like a wafter, sat just above the hook, popped-up slightly with a tiny bit of foam or a cut-down pop-up boilie, depending on fishery rules.

At night, avoid maggots or worms if eels are likely to be a problem. A boilie or artificial bait, where allowed, can be a better choice.

With hookbaits, stick with something you have confidence in. It is easy to worry and keep changing during quiet spells, when the fish may simply not be feeding.

IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE BANK, THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES ARE ESSENTIAL!

How much to feed and when to top up

This is the golden question, and it is tricky because it varies depending on range, depth and conditions. As a general rule, start with six to 12 Spombs. If your spot is close-in, shallow, and conditions are calm, you may be able to put down more of a carpet because you can be accurate. Even so, it is usually better to start lightly. You can put more in, but you cannot take it out.

When topping up, do not rush to do it immediately after a bite. Put around four more Spombs out if you have had a few fish, or if you are seeing lots of activity in the area.

Some anglers bait up at last light before going to bed, but Dai is not a fan. You do not know what has come over your spot overnight, so you could be fishing over nothing by morning. Instead, top up at first light, which makes sure there is bait out there during what is often prime bite time.

When topping up, add a few samples of either maggots or worms alongside your hemp and pellet mix, depending on what you are fishing. But do not overdo it. A few pieces of chopped worm or a pinch of maggots is enough.

TENCH FISHING CAN BE A WAITING GAME, SIT COMFORTABLY IN ONE OF THE BEST FISHING CHAIRS.

The Environment Agency (EA) is celebrating hitting the £10m mark for its Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP), marking a decade of community-led conservation.

Launched in 2015, the programme has delivered 1,585 projects, with the rod-licence-generated income matched by £15m from partner organisations, creating £25m of combined investment.

The programme supports a range of fishery-related projects, from stabilising eroding riverbanks through to installing accessible fishing platforms.

Heidi Stone, Fisheries Partnerships Manager at the EA, is delighted with the initiative’s success. She said:

“This milestone is a testament to the volunteers, clubs and partners who have matched our commitment with their own time, expertise and energy.

"Every licence sold helps to create lasting value for local fisheries, where the money available allows local innovation and improvements, increasing opportunities for everyone.

“We look forward to continuing that work with the angling community for many years to come.”

More than 4,500 claimants have joined what is being described as a major environmental legal battle in the UK, as court proceedings begin over pollution in the Rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk.

The case centres on claims that intensive poultry farming and sewage discharges have severely damaged river systems, with legal action launched against food giant Avara Foods, its subsidiary Freemans of Newent Ltd, and Welsh Water.

The ‘Environmental case of the century’ has now begun – the chicken farms vs the River Wye, or more formally, Justine Evans and others vs Avara Foods and others.

They also include Dŵr Cymru (Welsh Water), which the claimants say has contributed to river pollution through an inadequate sewer system.

The argument is basically that the Rivers Wye, Lugg and Usk have suffered environmental damage mainly as a result of pollution caused by run-off from excess chicken manure spread on fields near the waterways.

The defendants, of course, say that the claims are unsupported by proper evidence. The claimants say that they, or their businesses, have been damaged by the pollution, and they want compensation.

Despite having been very aware of the issues for some time, all four key political parties have now jumped on the public opinion bandwagon and are calling for action, saying they are ‘committed to reducing pollution in waterways’ and will ‘ensure rules are enforced properly’ and will ‘have a dedicated fund to crack down on polluters’.

This preliminary hearing is simply a procedural one to discuss some of the intricacies involved in a big case. The big evidential and blame battle will not happen for months, if not years. After all, this is the biggest legal environmental case there has ever been in the UK. There’s a massive amount of money at stake.

One thing’s for sure – there will be lot of pairs of eyes – legal, political, commercial, environmental or otherwise – all watching so see what the outcome is likely to be.

One of the UK's rarest and most fragile fish species is now at the centre of a citizen science project across the Kennet and Pang catchments, as volunteers join efforts to help monitor and protect the critically endangered European eel.

The project is taking place in some of the UK’s most important chalk streams, habitats so rare that 85% of the world’s examples are found in England.

Once common in UK rivers, particularly those like the Kennet, eel numbers have fallen dramatically since the 1980s, with populations now in steep decline due to contributing factors such as barriers, pollution and overfishing.

Anna Forbes, ARK’s Education and Outreach Manager, explained the aims of the initiative to Angling Times:

"ARK is the Rivers Trust for the Kennet and Pang catchments, we are a registered charity and run a variety of projects at a range of scales, taking a catchment-based approach to restore, monitor, educate and lobby to improve our rivers. Our focus for this project is on citizen science and educational outreach with schools and the wider community in the Kennet catchment."

"It’s exciting to again be part of the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP), this current 1-year Development Phase is a multi-parter project building on the successful pilot of 2020-22."

The Kennet is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is renowned for its wild brown trout, water voles, and mayflies, to name but a few of the species found there. Historically, the Kennet was also home to eels, but since the 1980s, eel numbers arriving in our English rivers have plummeted by more than 70%. There are several contributing factors, including barriers such as weirs which prevent upstream migration, as well as pollution, illegal trafficking, climate change, and overfishing.

“All European eels are believed to hatch from tiny eggs in the Sargasso Sea, located in the western Atlantic Ocean. The newly hatched eel larvae, known as leptocephali, float on the Gulf Stream and the Azores Current towards Europe, developing into their next life cycle stage, the glass eel, as they approach the continental shelf of Europe.

“The journey is over 6,000km and takes approximately 1–3 years. Eels then spend years living in our rivers before maturing and making the epic migration down the river system, out via the Thames Estuary and across the ocean to return to the Sargasso Sea to spawn, which they only do once in their lifetime before dying,” Anna explained.

ARK will be leading a pilot citizen science project using passive eel habitat trapping methodology at six key sites, which will be monitored weekly for eel presence. This will support the gathering of data during a research project led by the Environment Agency (EA) and Bournemouth University, investigating European eel restocking on the Kennet and the Pang.

A total of 120 EA-permitted passive traps are being installed in the chalk stream margins at the selected release sites. The cotton mop-head “traps” replicate plant roots, imitating the type of hiding spot eels favour to encourage them in, while remaining totally passive to allow eels and other species to enter and leave freely.

Every week, pairs of trained volunteers will check the traps and record and photograph any eels present. The project is a great way to volunteer; it gets people outdoors, learning about and enjoying their river, while helping us maintain a large number of traps that are regularly checked, something that simply couldn’t operate at this scale without dedicated volunteers.

Eels won’t be handled. Instead, photographs will be taken in trays of river water with a coin included for scale, allowing their size to be estimated. The eels will then be returned swiftly to the area where they were found.

“The European eel is a keystone species, which means its presence and activities have a major influence on the composition and health of an ecosystem. Tragically, the European eel is now recognised as critically endangered and is considered more endangered than the giant panda.

“So, the citizen science data supporting the EA’s multi-year eel restocking project is incredibly important.” Anna told us.

TCCEP is a catchment scale project led by Thames Rivers Trust, working with seven partners including ARK to secure a thriving future for eels and communities. The Zoological Society of London are co-ordinating the Thames Eel Action Plan, this project has been developed using the action plan and will feed into it.

TCCEP Development Phase is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players.

ARK is a membership organisation and you can support our work by becoming a member for just £20 a year.To find out more about ARK and becoming a member and/or a volunteer visit their website: www.kennetandpang.org

Master one of the most effective tactics in modern coarse fishing with this Method Feeder Basics Special from Angling Times.

Packed with clear, practical advice, this essential guide breaks down everything you need to know to catch more fish using the Method feeder. From understanding how the tactic evolved into a commercial fishery favourite, to choosing the right gear and improving your rig setups, every page is designed to build confidence and results. Below, enjoy a sneak peek from inside the magazine, with feature spreads packed full of insight and inspiration.

Ask the Experts

Top anglers including Steve Ringer, Des Shipp and Lee Kerry answer key reader questions, combining expert advice on rigs, bait presentation and bite detection. Alongside this, step-by-step guides break down proven setups, while practical insight into hook baits, loose feed and feeding patterns help you fine-tune your approach and keep bites coming consistently.

Where to Fish
A detailed venue feature highlights a prolific silverfish water, with tactics, bait approaches and insights to help you catch big weights of roach, skimmers and bream.

The Edge
Advanced insights from top anglers focus on mindset, bait experimentation and decision-making, revealing the small tweaks that can make a big difference to your results, plus even more expert tips and tactics to help you improve your fishing throughout the magazine.

Don’t forget to pick up your copy from all good newsagents and supermarkets near you.

Or why not subscribe this spring and get 5 issues for just £5? Plus digital access to previous issues (Including the Bait Bible!).

Shop now at Great Magazines.co.uk

For full terms and conditions, visit https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/offer-terms-and-conditions

Just one last cast. That’s something all anglers are guilty of, especially when the fish are feeding. And it’s no different to those who work, as they say, ‘in the trade’.

Well, I say that. Content lead, Tony Grigorjevs, usually has his fill quite quickly, while tackle editor Mark Sawyer is quite partial to 20 or so ‘last casts’. I am, however, the worst. And by a fair way, too.

I do think they are both a little hard on me and secretly don’t like to see me enjoying myself too much. I can tell this by their reasoning, which is often very weak.

Silly excuses like ‘it’s too dark to see’ and ‘the fishery is shutting and they are about to lock the gates’ are their favourite lines of attack.

Mark calls it the ‘Nudd Syndrome’, as Sir Bob is also an angler who is always last off the bank. I don’t complain about this, as any comparison to the legendary four-times World Champion can only be a good thing in my books!

My last case of The Nudds was when I live tested the Guru Aventus 10ft R feeder rod. After catching a load of fish, posing for pictures and talking to camera, the job was well and truly complete. But, as everyone was packing up,

I couldn’t help but wonder - how good is that Aventus R 11ft Pellet Waggler rod?

This was not really a pellet waggler day. A stormy, cold wind would not only make presentation hard, but anyone with even the smallest degree of angling acumen would know that carp would not want to be feeding in the coldest layer of water, especially when they couldn’t see or hear the feed arriving due to Atlantic-sized waves!

Okay, tha’s an exaggeration, as it was more like the English Channel. Even so, I wasn’t going to let the rather slim odds of success stop me. So, out came the 11ft Pellet Waggler, which I conveniently found sat next to a 3000-sized N-Gauge Pro reel loaded with 5lb Pulse Pro. As already discussed, feeding and drawing fish shallow was destined to fail, so I decided to hunt for my quarry in the place where they already were - next to the island that I had been casting my Hybrid feeder towards all day.

The constant plop signalling the arrival of a parcel of pellets had already got plenty of fish gathered, so the plan was to splash in a waggler over the same spot and hopefully trick a fish or two into taking the bait. The downside was a near-40m cast into a niggly headwind adding to the difficulties.

The 11ft Aventus R is a lightweight precision tool. It’s not only able to fire a lightweight waggler a fair old way, but it has a super-quick and crisp tip, which I would need to rip the line out of the water when trying to connect with a fast bite. Clipping on a hulking great 11g balsa waggler and walloping it into a proverbial gale seemed criminally irresponsible.

Normally when you overload a rod, you get that collapsing sensation as the butt moves forward and the top end wearily follows from behind.

The Aventus R took the whole lot in its stride, though, with the tip instantly snapping back into place. Yes, it’s built to handle some very big fish, but on lightweight and balanced gear, rather than with my brutish loading.

As if this wasn’t impressive enough, the fun really started when I hooked a fish.

Our verdict

Whereas feeder anglers tend to use gear a little heavier than required, waggler anglers tend to do the opposite and set up on the light side. This is reflected in the rod’s casting action. The sign of a really good pellet waggler blank is where you still feel in control of the fish and you have the confidence to ‘up the ante’ a little, should it start to kite off towards snags, even with light line.

This rod was the absolute epitome of that description and, despite the 0.17mm hooklength, it did not feel as if it was going to snap, no matter how hard I pulled.

The fixtures and fittings should not be overlooked. As expected with a premium rod, no expense has been spared. To suit the lightweight action are twin-legged Fuji KW anti-tangle guides and a slimmed-down TVS reel seat.

A lot of attention has also been paid to the Rigid Joint System which, contrary to its name, is designed to make sure the joints on the rod bend in perfect sync with the rest of the blank.

This makes the curve look and feel sensational, which isn’t just cosmetic. The perfect transfer of power through a flawless bend means there’s no harsh powering up and nothing solid for a fish to break you against.

This rod is nothing short of remarkable, but let’s face it, you already knew that.

The only question is, could you justify its hefty price tag, and how many last casts do you make with it?

Tech specs

• Zero 90X Carbon Technology

• RJS (Rigid Joint System)

• Fuji KW anti-tangle guides with Alconite rings

• Fuji TVS reel seat

• Premium grade Armlock cork and EVA handle

• Two-piece construction

• Casting weight 1g-15g

• Line rating 3lb-10lb

Our pick of the alternatives

The youngster is the one holding the whip, catching their first roach, asking if a perch will spike them, or discovering that maggots are not quite as bad as they first thought they were.

The parent, grandparent or guardian are usually just behind them, observing, taking photos, carrying bags, keeping younger siblings occupied, sorting out snacks and making sure the day doesn’t fall apart before the float has even settled.

This role matters more than you might actually think, because without the adult there, most children would never get to the bank in the first place. But if angling only sees that person as transport and supervision, it risks wasting one of the best recruitment opportunities the industry will ever get.

The adult on the bank matters too

The efforts in grassroots angling are working, and it deserves credit for that. The Environment Agency issued 100,650 junior licences in 2024-25, a rise of 31.3 per cent on the 76,648 recorded the previous season. Junior licences now account for roughly one in ten of all rod licences issued in England, up from around one in twelve the year before. Alongside that, the Get Fishing Awards scheme saw 3,178 people complete the full three-session course and obtain their first fishing licence in 2024-25, while Reel Education reached 32 schools and 6,276 pupils in the same period.

The Covid years gave the sport a stark reminder of what happens when people suddenly rediscover water, space and time outdoors, but the harder job was always going to come afterwards. Getting people to try fishing is only one of the challenges. Giving them enough confidence, guidance and reason to keep going is the factor that decides whether a short-term interest becomes a lasting hobby.

That makes this a retention question just as much as it is a recruitment one, and the adult standing behind the child deserves far more attention than they’re currently getting.

The adult is the smarter recruit

The opportunity to recruit parents as participants is larger than it appears. There are numerous ‘lapsed anglers’, people who have fished at some point in their lives, drifted away and just need the right reason to get back on the bank. Older Angling Trust participation research, carried out by Substance in 2016, supported that pattern, although it should now be treated as context rather than current evidence.

Even without leaning too heavily on the older data, the observation is still obvious. The parent on the bank at a junior event is often not completely new to fishing. They may have fished as a child, had a grandparent who took them, bought a rod years ago and never got round to using it properly, it’s probably part of the reason they are there with their child, they have some past affinity with angling.

Having spent years behind a tackle shop counter I recognise those people immediately. Beginners and returners rarely walk in as blank slates. They arrive with half-memories, old habits, confusion, curiosity and often a bit of embarrassment because they feel they should know more than they do.

The biggest barrier is rarely a complete lack of interest. More often, it is not knowing where to go, what to buy, what licence they need, where to get it, or whether they will look stupid turning up somewhere on their own.

A good junior event already removes most of that fear. It puts the adult on the bank, provides the venue, creates the welcome and gives the family a reason to be there. The missing piece is whether the adult gets a proper invitation into the sport too.

Family time can be part of the answer

Family commitments are often treated as one of the reasons adults don’t fish more often, and anybody with children, work pressure and a full weekend of commitments will understand why. Time gets tight, Saturdays are gone in a flash and what once felt like a simple trip to the bank can start to feel like one more thing that needs organising.

But that is exactly why family-centred angling deserves more attention than it currently gets. If the obstacle is time with family, then the answer is not always to separate fishing from family life. In many cases, the answer is to make fishing fit within it.

In the Angling Trust research from 2016, anglers were asked what would encourage them to go more often, 56 per cent said events where they could fish with family and friends, 45.6 per cent said events where family could do other things, and 70 per cent said provision that combined angling with short breaks and other activities. That research is now approaching a decade old, but the consensus is consistent with the broader logic - family-centred formats are not a distraction from growing participation, they are one of the more obvious routes into angling.

This is where angling needs to think a step further. A children's taster session is valuable, but a family recruitment session is potentially far more powerful. The child gets their first experience, but the adult gets to give it a go too.

Get a rod in their hands, shown them how simple a rig can be, talk through the licences and how to obtain them, give an idea of the local fisheries and the next realistic step. Not in a way that overwhelms, but in a way that treats them as a potential angler, not as a spectator.

Fo all the progress made with junior recruitment - this shift in how angling is presented to families rather than just children would be a far better retention model.

Angling is still passed on through people

Angling is still, in many cases, handed from one person to another rather than picked up from a passing interest, a video or a social media post. Old research into young people involved in Get Hooked on Fishing programmes points strongly towards the importance of family influence, although that work is now historical and was based on the programme participants rather than the general angling population.

Even with that caveat, the wider truth is still hard to ignore. Most anglers can name the person who first took them fishing. A dad, mum, grandad, uncle, neighbour, or friend.

That is why the parent, grandparent or guardian at a junior event is an easy recruitment target. They are already at the venue, already have a reason to listen and are already seeing the child engage with the water, the wildlife, and the tackle. If they have fished before, the event might reactivate them. If they have never fished, it might give them a safe first step. If the child later drifts away, and plenty will when school, work, friends, and adult life start competing for their time, the adult may continue to go fishing.

Fishing gives adults a reason to return

There is a wellbeing argument here too that shouldn’t be ignored. Survey findings reported by Anglia Ruskin University in November 2022, based on work with Angling Direct and Tackling Minds, suggested that UK adults who fished were less likely than non-anglers to report anxiety disorder, suicide attempts and deliberate self-harm.

Although these are only survey results rather than a peer-reviewed study, they still align with a stronger evidence base. A separate cross-sectional study of 1,752 UK adult male anglers, published in Epidemiologia in 2023, found that those who fished more regularly had reduced odds of depression, suicidal thoughts and deliberate self-harm, along with higher mental wellbeing and lower symptoms of depression and anxiety compared with those who fished less frequently.

Those are solid associations, and I’m not saying it’s proof that fishing cures anything. But most anglers including myself recognise the truth with their own experiences. It gives a busy adult space, routine, fresh air, purpose and a bit of quiet focus in a life that often has too little of it. For a parent juggling work, children, money and the general noise of modern life, angling is a powerful reason to keep doing it.

Make junior events work harder

Family fishing venues lower the barrier that is often perceived. Initiatives like Get Hooked on Fishing brings adults and children into the same learning space. Asfordby and Melton society of anglers provided coaching sessions aimed at mums, and the results of that not only introduced kids to the sport it got more women involved too, this shows what can happen when the adult gets a deliberate invitation rather than a passive role of chauffeur or chaperone.

Every junior event should be treated as a dual-entry event. Ask the adult at booking whether they want to fish too. Put a rod in their hand, give them their own coach-led moment rather than just leaving them to watch. End the session with clear next steps, including where to fish locally, what tackle they need, local retailers to go browse and buy tackle, how to obtain a fishing license and when the next beginner-friendly opportunity is happening. Then follow up with them too, not just the child.

One quick win would be simple - at every junior session, a coach should spend five minutes with the parent, away from the child, and pose one direct question: "What stops you from going fishing yourself?" The answer will usually be more useful than another flyer or leaflet because it identifies what the barrier is.

Retail needs to play a part too

The retail side of the industry should be paying attention too, because every new or reactivated adult angler has greater direct value to the sport than a child who may only fish when someone else takes them. Adults buy licences, rods, bait, day-tickets, clothing, and luggage. They choose the venues, book holidays, take the children, invite their friends and, in many cases, become the household influence that keeps fishing present long after an event.

Beginners aren’t lost through lack of enthusiasm - it’s more a lack of information and confusion. For a returning angler, modern tackle can feel alien and the perception that anglers talk in a foreign language, it can be difficult for newcomers to see the wood for the trees with aisles of rods, reels, nets, luggage, terminal tackle and groundbaits that make the simple act of starting again feel harder than it needs to be. Too much choice, too much jargon and too little guidance can instantly kill momentum.

The easiest recruit is already there

Angling has a substantial base, a working grassroots engine and a warm adult audience that is closer than many people realise.

Parents, grandparents and guardians are already turning up. Some are lapsed anglers, some are curious beginners, and some are simply busy adults who have not yet realised that fishing might give them the same thing it gives the child - time outside, a bit of calm, a challenge to learn a new skill and a reason to keep coming back.

If angling is serious about recruitment, reactivation and retention, it needs to stop seeing those adults as spectators and as potential anglers. They are not just there to carry the tackle. They are the easiest recruits the sport has.

Catching your first fish of a new species is always memorable, regardless of size, but to potentially break a British record with your maiden capture is the stuff of dreams for any angler.

That’s exactly what happened to Martin Chew while fishing a lake-exclusive booking at RH Fisheries Weston Park, when his first ever crucian carp produced a fish that eclipses the current British record set in 2024.

The capture, weighing a remarkable 4lb 15oz, is now being reviewed as a potential new benchmark, with an official claim set to be submitted and verified.

"I got invited on this trip through a friend who comes here every year for a lake-exclusive social. While I was excited to get my teeth into the bigger carp that reside in the lake, I was also aware it held good crucians. Having never caught one, I said to my mate I’d love to get into some of them, and I intended to bring a float rod along to have a go if the carp slowed down," Martin told us.

"As it turned out, I didn’t actually end up bringing any light tackle and never really gave it a thought once I started getting my teeth into some of the gorgeous carp that live in the lake," he added.

While standing in his swim, looking out over the lake, Martin noticed some unusual activity on his right hand bobbin. Rather than tearing off like the others bites he had witnessed, the bobbin slowly dropped back twice. Instinctively, he struck and there was a fish on the end, but it felt much smaller than the carp he expected.

"I couldn’t really feel anything until I got it close in and saw the lovely bar of gold on the end. I was made up to catch my first ever crucian, but I never in my dreams thought it would be a British record contender!"

"I was more made up with this than the 35lb common I landed the night before, what an honour to catch such a magnificent fish. Shortly after, my left-hand rod rattled off and started taking line. To my surprise, it was another crucian, albeit smaller, but still a gem with its dark markings."

One of the clearest examples of rod licence money being turned directly into results on the bank lies in the work delivered every day through the Angling Trust’s Clubs and Fisheries Support Service.

Thousands of anglers fish waters that are open because someone, somewhere, stepped in to help with advice, machinery, volunteers and a willingness to turn up when a club needs support.

Crucially, that support is free at the point of delivery to clubs and fisheries because it is funded through income generated from rod licence sales.

That funding, delivered back to grassroots support through our partnership with the Environment Agency, provides the hands-on help that keeps fisheries improving and waters fishable.

Last year alone, the team delivered 2,627 interventions supporting clubs and fisheries.

At the same time, Fisheries Management Advisors provided a further 1,317 interventions helping fisheries manage challenges from predators such as cormorants, goosanders, otters and seals.

One of the clearest strengths of the Clubs and Fisheries Support Service is that it meets clubs where the problems are. Sometimes that means helping with invasive species. Sometimes it means advice on fishery management, predation, access, litter, biosecurity or dealing with local agencies.

For many clubs, especially those run entirely by volunteers, that support can make the difference between a problem being overwhelming and a problem becoming manageable. That is why rod licence funding matters. It helps turn national investment back into direct support for the waters anglers actually fish.

One of the most common calls for help involves invasive species. Plants like floating pennywort spread quickly, choking waterways, blocking access and turning fishable waters into weed-filled channels. Unmanaged, they can render a fishery unusable.

That was the situation at Mossops Creek, off the River Lee Navigation, where the water had become heavily overgrown. Tackling the problem required specialist equipment and sustained effort. In total, 80 to 100 tonnes of vegetation were removed and the water became fishable again.

That is exactly the kind of intervention anglers expect their rod licence to support. Not every problem is environmental. Sometimes a fishery begins to decline because of antisocial behaviour, poaching or the exhaustion of volunteers trying to hold things together. Not every intervention is about solving a crisis. Some are about long-term improvement.

At Plymouth and District Coarse Angling Association, volunteers recently planted 420 native tree saplings around their fishery to improve habitat, create shelter and strengthen biodiversity. It is the kind of work that will not fully show its value for years. But those trees will stabilise banks, support wildlife and improve the fishery for the next generation of anglers.

Behind each of these stories is the same simple principle. Clubs are not left to face challenges alone.

Across the country, Angling Trust Fisheries Support Officers help with invasive species control, club development and governance, volunteer safety, funding and project planning, risk assessments and work party organisation, communications and community engagement.

Where specialist expertise is needed, clubs are connected to the right people quickly.

Many anglers may never meet a Fisheries Support Officer. But they might unknowingly benefit from their work when they fish a clean, well-managed and fishable water. They benefit when invasive species are controlled, volunteers receive support, habitats are improved and fisheries are protected.

That is the real value of the Angling Trust’s Clubs and Fisheries Support Service. Quiet, practical work that collectively has national impact... all made possible because anglers continue to invest in the sport every time they buy a rod licence.

Eel anglers usually put their faith in worm or fish baits, but having noticed that carpers on his lake were catching big eels using boilies, Craig Ball followed suit and landed this fish of 6lb 13oz.

It measured 40ins long, with a ten-inch girth, and was caught from a southern carp syndicate where Craig has recently been targeting the resident eels.

Interestingly, British Record eel holder Steve Ricketts had his 11lb 3oz British best on a pellet hookbait, as he too felt that the fish were capitalising on carp anglers’ feed at the venue he was fishing.

Craig suspected that a similar thing might be happening at his water, having only landed smaller eels whenusing deadbaits.

“I think the eels in there are tuned into carp baits, and I fished my boilie on a short hair and a bolt rig, which avoids deep-hooking, alongside a PVA bag,” Craig told Angling Times.

“It’d been a quiet day, but when I eventually had a run, I lifted into the fish and saw the rod arc over.

“I thought at first that I’d hooked a carp, but then suddenly it felt like the fish had come off.

“In fact, it had swum towards me, and soon after I regained contact, I saw a huge eel surface and was blown away by the sheer size of it.”

Shallow fishing on the pole can put plenty of big weights together at this time of year, but the finer details behind the approach are changing all the time.

Whether you are looking at rigs, feeding or your wider tactical strategy, you now have to find smarter ways of tempting bites from fish that have seen plenty of pressure before. Commercial carp are getting bigger, older and wiser, and what worked last summer will not always deliver the same results this time round.

Small changes can make a big difference, especially when you are dealing with fish that are willing to feed shallow but reluctant to fully drop their guard. Damian Green has a clever way of getting those fish to feed confidently, and it all starts with how you introduce your loosefeed.

Constantly firing pellets with a catapult has long been the standard way to get carp interested on many venues, but that repeated noise can also become a warning signal. Fish still want to feed up in the water, but they are far more likely to do it when they feel as though they are getting an easy meal without too much disturbance. A micro pellet slop gives you exactly that.

Slop is used a lot for F1s, but it is far less common when anglers are targeting bigger carp. That is a mistake, because it can be devastating for large, wary fish that appear to know every normal shallow fishing trick in the book.

THE BEST FISHING POLES ARE BRILLIANT FOR THIS TACTIC.

Cloud up the column

The mix itself is simple. By over-wetting micro pellets, you create a sloppy feed that breaks up in the upper layers and pulls nearby carp into the swim. That alone will catch fish, but you can make it even more effective by turning the feed a bright yellow colour, giving it far greater visual impact as it falls through the water.

Once the slop has sunk, the liquids you have addedwill still linger in the upper layers, helping to keep fish interested and searching. Damian over-wets his micros before adding a few squirts of Hinders Betalin and Corn Booster, mixing everything thoroughly until the feed becomes bright, sloppy and highly attractive.

That leaves you with a loosefeed that stands out, leaks attraction and gives shallow-feeding carp something different to home in on.

CATCH MORE SHALLOW WITH THE HELP FO THIS EXPERT GUIDE.

Reduce the distrubance

Rattling the surface with hard pellets can still work, because the noise alerts carp to food entering the water, but it is not always the best route. On some waters, fish will now back away from that disturbance, especially when they have been caught shallow several times before.

To get around that, you can do more of your feeding with a small pot. It is much quieter, but you still have control over how the feed enters the swim. If you want a bit more surface noise, you can simply hold the pole higher when tipping the pot in.

The catapult does not have to be completely redundant. You can still ping a few 6mm hard pellets over the top, but the key is to keep changing the routine so the carp never get too comfortable with what is happening. At times, that might mean feeding a small potful every few minutes or after every fish. At other times, it might mean switching back to hard pellets for a short spell.

When carp become wary, staying busy with your feeding can help build their confidence and improve your catch rate.

CHECK OUT THESE 5 MUST HAVE CARP POLE RIGS IN THIS EXPERT GUIDE.

Boost your hookbaits

Your loosefeed is not the only thing that benefits from a flavour boost, because your hookbait can be treated in exactly the same way. A natural 6mm hard pellet may have worked well in the past, but on pressured venues fish can become tuned in to anything that looks too familiar.

To combat that, put a handful of hard 6mm pellets into a tub and coat them in the same liquid mix used on the micros. Once the contents have been mixed thoroughly and left to stand for around 20 minutes, the pellets will take on the colour and hold it for long periods, even after they have been submerged.

That gives you a hookbait that matches the attraction in your feed, while still standing out enough to be picked out by fish feeding competitively in the upper layers.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR FISHING BAITS STAND OUT IN THIS ARTICLE.

Vary the feed consistency

Carp rarely sit at one depth for a full session. They constantly move up and down in the water column, so you need to be prepared to follow them rather than stubbornly sticking to one line.

A good starting point is around 2ft deep, before moving up or down in 6in increments depending on what is happening. If you are getting line bites or foul-hooking fish, go slightly shallower. If you are getting no indications at all, try pushing the rig deeper until you find where the carp are actually feeding.

You should also adapt the sloppy pellet mix to suit the depth. If the fish are high in the water, make the mix wetter so it explodes quickly and creates an instant cloud. If they are sitting deeper, stiffen the mix slightly so it sinks before dispersing.

That allows the feed to work exactly where the fish are feeding, rather than simply hoping they come up to meet it. Making small batches of slop throughout the session also helps you maintain the right consistency, instead of committing to one mix that may not suit the way the swim develops.

CHECK OUT HOW TO TIE THIES DEVASTATINGLY EFFECTIVE CARP SLAPPING RIG.

Use gear to win the battle

Fish feeding shallow often hit the bait at speed and, once hooked, can tear away from the pole like an express train. That means your tackle has to be balanced correctly, because you can lose fish at any stage of the fight if the set-up is not right.

A soft elastic that allows the fish to leave the swim with minimal resistance is important. If the elastic is too harsh, you risk pulling the hook out when the carp is moving at its fastest. Damian uses a grade 12-14 Matrix Slik, which gives enough cushioning early in the fight before powering up once plenty of elastic has been pulled from the top kit.

You also need terminal tackle that is strong enough for the job. A 0.20mm mainline, 0.18mm hooklength and size 16 hook give you the strength to cope with any carp you are likely to encounter, without making the rig feel crude or overgunned.

ENJOY YOUR TIME ON THE BANK SAT IN COMFORT ON THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES.

There was a time when a dry net was accepted as part of fishing, particularly on canals, rivers and harder natural waters. You could spend the day doing what you thought was right, come back with very little to show for it, then spend the drive home blaming the colour of the water, the tow, the wind direction, the bloke on the next peg, or the simple fact that the fish “just weren’t having it.” Every angler has done it, and in many ways those hard days taught us just as much as the good ones did.

The obvious change is not simply that winning weights are bigger, although they certainly are on many venues. It is that fewer anglers are genuinely struggling to catch anything at all. Commercial fisheries regularly produce weights that would once have sounded almost ridiculous, and ton-plus catches are no longer reserved for those one-off red-letter days.

The interesting change is further down the results sheet, where a DNW does not always mean a dry net. Quite often it means someone has tipped back 20lb, 30lb or 40lb because it was nowhere near enough to trouble the frame.

That alone doesn’t automatically prove that we have all become brilliant anglers overnight. The obvious counterargument is that commercial fisheries have altered our expectations, with better management, higher stocking levels, accessible pegs and fish that are used to seeing bait. A well-run commercial is designed to produce sport, and in the right conditions it can make fishing feel far more predictable than many traditional venues ever did.

But writing off commercials off as “overstocked puddles” is ignorant, because improved catches are not confined to commercials. Anglers are catching more consistently on canals, rivers, drains, reservoirs and natural lakes too, not everywhere and not every week, but often enough to make the question worth asking. Are we actually becoming better anglers, or are we simply fishing in a world that gives us more help than it ever used to?

The average angler has more information

One of the biggest changes in fishing isn’t just the tackle in our holdalls or the bait on the side tray, but the amount of information available before we even get to the peg. Before fishing a venue, we can look through recent results, watch videos, read catch reports, check social media, study photos and even scrutinise Google Earth. By the time we get to the peg, we can often build a fairly good idea of which methods, baits and areas are likely to be worth starting on.

This doesn’t guarantee a good day, because fishing has a habit of punishing anyone who thinks they have the answer before they start. What it does do is remove a lot of the options that anglers once had to eliminate by trial and error. Years ago, venue knowledge was earned slowly and meticulously. You picked it up by fishing regularly, asking the right questions, and observing more accomplished anglers. Some of that information was shared freely, some was guarded closely, and some of the best edges were only passed between anglers already trusted enough to hear them.

Social media has changed that entirely. Rigs, bait choices, feeding patterns, hooklengths, shotting patterns, tactics, feeder set-ups and venue-specific edges are much easier to find. A method that wins a match on Sunday can be filmed, explained and copied by the following weekend, and while that doesn’t mean everyone will use it effectively, it does mean the starting point for the average angler is much higher than it used to be.

There is a difference between having information and knowing how to use it, and that is where the consistent anglers can still separate themselves. Copying a rig is simple, but knowing when to use it, when to change it and, crucially, when not to use it is a very different skill. Even so, anglers are being exposed to ideas much earlier, and that has shortened the learning curve dramatically.

Tackle has made anglers more efficient

It would be nonsense to pretend that modern tackle hasn’t played a huge part in raising standards. Poles are lighter, stronger and better balanced, rods have better actions and recover quickly, while reels, hooks, lines, floats, and feeders have all developed in ways that help us fish with more control. None of these developments catch fish on their own, but good tackle makes it easier to fish accurately, present a bait properly and land a higher percentage of what you hook.

One improvement might not change much on its own, but when those small gains are added together across a session, the effect becomes obvious.

Match fishing is where this effect is most obvious with fewer lost fish, smoother pole shipping, more accurate feeding, accurate casting, and quicker rig changes can turn an average performance into a framing one. The best anglers have always been efficient, but modern tackle gives people the chance to fish efficiently in a way that was once much more difficult to achieve.

Bait has moved on, but so has the thinking

Bait is another area where modern anglers have a clear advantage, especially on commercials where pellets, groundbaits, expanders, pastes, wafters, liquids and prepared particles have created a level of consistency previous generations didn’t always have. Fish are often conditioned to certain food items, and the anglers who understand how to use that feeding response properly can build weights in a way that looks simple from the next peg but rarely is.

Canal anglers are more precise with natural baits, groundbait, bread, and hemp than many give them credit for, while river anglers have become very good at balancing feed rates, timing and presentation. Specimen anglers, too, have refined baiting, rigs and feature finding to the point where old ideas are constantly being tested, sharpened and shared.

People now understand that feeding isn’t just a case of filling it in and waiting for something to happen. It is about how much, how often, in what form, on which line and at what stage of the session. Knowing when to feed and when to hold back and rest a swim is still one of the hardest parts of fishing, but the general understanding of bait has moved on massively.

Commercials have raised standards

If a venue is well stocked, well managed and full of fish that are used to anglers feeding them, then bites should be more likely. But that does not mean commercial fishing has lowered standards. In many ways, it has done the opposite.

On a hard natural venue, it is sometimes possible to hide behind the conditions because everyone is struggling. On a commercial, that excuse doesn’t always hold up. Someone will usually catch, and if you haven’t, you begin asking yourself what they did that I didn’t? That pressure has forced anglers to become far sharper, more versatile and brutally honest about their own decision-making.

The best commercial anglers aren’t just sitting on a pile of fish and emptying it. They are managing a session at pace, reading the responses, rotating lines, changing depths, altering feeding, switching hookbaits and reacting before the fish drift away. They may have to switch between short, long, shallow, down the edge, on the deck, with a feeder, on the bomb or with a waggler, depending on what the day demands. That is not simple fishing, and the standards at the top end are frighteningly high.

The argument is bigger than stocking

The convincing part of this argument comes away from commercials, because improved catches on canals, rivers and natural lakes cannot be explained purely by heavy stocking. Anglers are catching well on these venues because they are prepared, well equipped and willing to adapt than they once were.

A canal angler might now build a session around several lines, using maggots, pinkies, casters, chopped worm, hemp or punch depending on conditions, boat traffic, clarity and the size of fish they are trying to catch. River anglers are equally adaptable, switching between feeder, stick float, waggler and pole as pace, depth and target species change throughout the day. The idea of sitting stubbornly on one method because it worked last time is less common among serious anglers than it once was.

Fishing has always rewarded those who can adapt, but what's different now is that more anglers have the tools and knowledge to make those changes with confidence. When fish are present and feeding hard, modern anglers will more often than not take full advantage.

Improved waters have also played their part

It would be wrong to talk about improved catches without looking at the waters themselves, because not every change has come from the angler’s side of the equation. There are still serious issues with pollution, sewage discharges, agricultural run-off, and habitat damage on many rivers, canals and natural waters, and anglers are usually among the first to notice when something is wrong.

At the same time, it is fair to say that regulation, habitat work, fisheries improvement schemes and greater scrutiny of water quality have helped some venues become more productive over time. The European Water Framework Directive, the Environment Act 2021 and wider pressure from bodies such as The Rivers Trust and Salmon & Trout Conservation have all helped push ecological health further up the agenda. Fish populations, invertebrate life and the condition of rivers, canals and stillwaters are now discussed with far more urgency than they once were.

Where water quality improves, habitat improves and food chains recover, fish populations usually benefit. Thriving invertebrate life, stronger recruitment, improved spawning habitat and more stable conditions can all give anglers more fish to target. That doesn’t mean every venue is improving, because plenty are still under real pressure, but on some waters the environment itself is giving anglers greater opportunities than it once did. The River Trent, transformed from one of England's most polluted waterways into a productive fishery producing serious barbel and big match weights, is a clear example of what becomes possible when water quality genuinely improves.

More fish, better fishery management, cleaner water in some places, improved habitat, better tackle, quality bait and faster access to information have all had an effect. The angler still has to catch the fish, but in many cases the opportunity to catch has improved.

So, are we better anglers?

The honest answer is most likely yes, although not in the romantic sense that modern anglers are somehow blessed with more instinct or natural ability than previous generations. Older anglers still compete and catch plenty because they have always had watercraft, patience and knowledge that would stand up anywhere today, and those qualities remain just as important as they have ever been, but the difference is more people now possess them.

We now have more refined tackle, quality bait, managed venues, stronger coaching, instant access to information and, in some cases, healthier or more productive waters. A newcomer can learn in months what might once have taken years to piece together, and while that doesn’t make them an expert, it does mean the baseline has risen.

The very best anglers still rise to the top because they read the peg quicker, feed more accurately, recognise changes earlier and make better decisions under pressure. That hasn’t changed, and it probably never will. What has happened is the average angler is better informed, and that has raised standards across the board.

So, are we better at fishing than we have ever been? In terms of consistency, catch rates and efficiency, it is hard to argue otherwise. We catch more fish, blank less often and solve problems more quickly, but the fish have not suddenly become easier to catch. Perhaps we have just got better at fooling them.

Feeding with a catapult while holding a pole, particularly at longer lengths can be challenging, but with a few simple tweaks to your setup, you can be far more accurate and catch more fish as a result.

Des Shipp is here to give you some great pointers on how he goes about getting his loosefeed in the same spot every time!

Feed the same baits

Mixing different sizes of offerings in a catapult is a recipe for disaster. Their varying weights will make them fly at a different pace, leading to them landing in random spots within your swim.

If, for example, you want to feed a few 4mm pellets and then the same quantity of 6mms, simply do it in two feeds to make sure you maintain accuracy.

THE BEST FISHING CATAPULTS MAKE FEEDING PELLETS FAR EASIER.

Pick a marker

It is hard to feed very accurately without the aid of a far-bank marker. Glance at the horizon and pick a distinctive object that won’t move, and make sure you aim for that each time you ping the catapult. You should also stretch the elastic back over the top of your pole so that the bait flies out in a straight line towards the float.

Pick the perfect pouch

The catapult pouch that you use has an impact on how tightly your feed will group. A semi- rigid mesh version holds its shape, preventing the pouch from restricting bait movement when feeding. Use a pouch that’s suitable for the quantity of bait in an average feed, as using too big a pouch can lead to overfeeding without you realising it.

Use the graphics

Every pole has graphics emblazoned along the side of the thicker sections, and you should use these to make sure you are fishing in the same spot every time. Ship out and remember where your elbow is resting on these graphics once you reach your target zone. This will reassure you that you are fishing over your baited spot.

THE BEST FISHING POLES MAKE FISHING AT LONGER LENGTHS MUCH EASIER...

A simple yellow fish symbol is being used across Warminster to highlight a hidden problem affecting local rivers.

Warminster Town Council and Wessex Water have launched a campaign marking roadside storm drains that flow directly into the river system, warning that anything entering them goes straight into local waterways.

TV presenter and Angling Times columnist Rob Hughes lives in the local area and gave us an insight into the new campaign

"The land around here is very chalky, great for water quality, and there are a number of small rivers and streams which run through the town. The two significant ones are the Wear, after which the town gets its name, and the Wylye, one of the ‘big seven’ chalk streams in the UK.

"Sadly, as is the case with most of our rivers, the town sewage works regularly discharges into the river and, despite the clear evidence of pollution, this practice goes on pretty regularly under Environment Agency permit. Wessex Water has been working for long time to fit a new storm chamber to help with this. Hopefully, it will reduce the amount of storm discharge it allows to flow into the Wylye. Local people used to swim in it. Now it’s risky even to allow the dogs in.

"What I didn’t realise was that a lot of the storm drains along the road network in our town, and presumably yours, too, discharge straight into the river rather than into the sewer system.

"Warminster Town Council, which I have to say is proactive, has teamed up with Wessex Water to mark all the drains that flow directly into the river system with a yellow fish.

"It’s coined the phrase “only rain down the drain” and hopefully this will reduce the amount of “stuff” that people and businesses pour down the drains.

"It obviously won’t prevent the road run-off, oil, anti-freeze and tyre debris going in, but hopefully it will make people think twice about what they sling down the drain."

A PETITION TO TAKE BACK WATER FROM PRIVATE COMPANIES HAS BEEN STARTED, READ MORE HERE...

Starting on a new lake comes with equal amounts of excitement and apprehension. As a carp angler, you will have usually come from another lake where you have caught the majority, if not all, of the fish you wanted and had a good idea of how to approach it.

However, when you start on a new lake, everything is new, and while that comes with renewed enthusiasm, working it out can take some time, so catching that all-important first fish is crucial for confidence.

Things couldn’t have got off to a better start for Jack Forrester, when, within the first 24 hours of his new ticket, he managed to bank this huge 54lb 8oz mirror, the biggest fish on the complex!

“I joined the RK Leisure ticket, which includes the Horton Complex, and dropped on to Church Lake for my first session on the water. I set up in a good-looking area and flicked two stiff hinge rigs on to a firm spot in deeper water.

“A quiet night passed, with nothing showing at first light, but early afternoon, in the middle of a sunny day, my right-hand rod pulled up tight!

“Lifting into it, the fish moved very slowly, which is usually the sign of a good one. It plodded along under the rod-tip and in the margins for 10 minutes, before the bailiff helped me net the fish, a huge mirror known as Rodger the Dodger – the biggest carp on the complex, and on the first bite I had on the lake!”

THE BEST BEDCHAIRS WILL KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE DURING NIGHT SESSIONS.

There are few fish as striking as a big rudd, with their blood-red fins and bright golden flanks, they really are a beautiful species to catch.

When rudd are small, there aren’t many easier fish to catch in our waters, with many anglers catching them as their first fish. However, once they grow beyond 2lb in weight, they can become notoriously difficult to tempt. Our 10 best tips will help you outsmart these tricky fish on any UK stillwater.

Helicopter rigs rule

The best rig for presenting buoyant baits above a feeder is a helicopter set-up. Trap the hooklink at a distance just greater than the length of the hooklink itself above the feeder, using rubber float stops to ensure that it has less chance of catching on the feeder.

If you’re using a longer hooklink, however, do the opposite and slide it down tight to the feeder to help reduce tangles. Using a quick-change swivel also allows you to change hooklinks easily, whether that’s to alter their length or to simply switch hookbaits.

HEAD TO ONE OF THESE FANTASTIC VENUES IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A BIG RUDD...

Use a buoyant hookbait

The upturned shape of a rudd’s mouth makes it well adapted to taking baits off the top, or in midwater. That’s why a buoyant hookbait will always outscore one presented on the lakebed. The perfect distance is 6ins-12ins off of the deck, using small pop-up boilies, fake corn, bread or popped-up maggots. A 2lb-plus rudd has a surprisingly big mouth, so you can get away with a relatively large hook, such as a size 10 or 12.

Mark your lines for accuracy

Big rudd can generally be found in large weed-filled gravel pits, where they can seek refuge from predators in the green stuff. Finding clear areas and ensuring that you fish accurately to them is vital. Once you’ve found a suitable area, clip up and use marker gum to ensure you hit the same spot each time.

THESE BUDGET FISHING REELS HAVE ALL THE FEATURES YOU NEED TO CATCH BIG RUDD.

Use an active groundbait

Rudd are quite mobile, so you need to catch their attention and draw them down to feed when they’re passing through. A groundbait that contains active ingredients such as crushed hemp, mixed quite dry, works best. You can further boost its attraction by adding sweetcorn and maggots to the mix. In addition to the feeder, use a Spomb to lay down a bed of hemp, corn and maggots.

Avoid light mainlines

Rudd may not be the largest of species, but with the repeated recasting you need to do, plus the amount of weed likely to be present in the venue, it would be foolish to use too light a mainline. A highly durable 8lb mono is perfect for the job, because the last thing you want is for your line to let you down when you have that fish of a lifetime on the end.

Locate suitable features

Rudd often show themselves early in the morning or late in the evening. Once you have an idea of the areas they visit or the routes that they use, try to position yourself in a nearby swim and look for clean gravel, either a bar or a channel between the weed – somewhere they’re likely to see your bait easily. Depth is also important, and try to fish spots on the shallower side if possible. For example, if the average depth is 12ft, try to locate somewhere around half that deep.

THE BEST SPECIMEN RODS ARE IDEAL FOR TARGETING BIG RUDD...

Heavy bobbins and baitrunners

Tight lines and heavy bobbins help maximise both bite indication and the rig’s hooking mechanics. Because the rudd will be picking up individual food items before moving on to the next, a reel with a freespool facility is also a must.

Takes will either be in the form of a drop-back as they lift the feeder and swim towards you, or a take not dissimilar to that of a carp, as the fish takes line from the spool on its initial run.

Recast regularly

Regular recasting helps to retain plenty of attraction in the water column, ensuring any passing rudd will not miss a free feast. Aim to recast every 15 minutes, although at prime times, such as dusk or first light, you could perhaps increase the frequency to every 5-10 minutes.

Capitalise on feeding spells

Big rudd can be nomadic, and will often feed at certain times of the day or night. Generally, the last hour of light and the hours of darkness are best, as they feel safer exploring the lake.

When you get a bite, make sure you maximise your time by resting your catch in the net and recasting straight away. Often you’ll get a frantic spell for 10-15 minutes as the shoal descends on your bait, before they move off in search of their next meal.

As the warm weather arrived, rudd in lakes across the country began feeding well, and this week one angler caught over 25 two-pounders on the float in a single session!

It was former Drennan Cup champ Daniel Woolcott who enjoyed the memorable rod-bending session, with his corn hookbaits accounting for a slew of big fish to a top weight of 2lb 10oz.

Having arrived at the venue in the evening, Daniel planned to fish the feeder, but seeing a fish rolling at dusk led to a slight change of plans.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH A BIG RUDD, HEAD TO ONE OF THESE CRACKING VENUES!

“I blanked on my first night, but before it got dark I saw a few fish move over the deeper water, further down the lake, so I set the alarm for 3am, hopeful of an early-morning result,” he told us.

After waking up to an unseasonal frost, he made a cup of tea before heading down the lake, armed with his float rod and 2kg of corn.

“I sat there in the dark, and it was quite cold, but I kept feeding corn for over 40 minutes,” he said.

“I rigged a Drennan Crystal Wagger, set around 3ft deep, with no shot down the line and a size 12 hook.

“As soon as it was light enough to see my float, I cast out, and from there on I caught a big rudd on every chuck! I didn’t keep an exact count, but I had over 25 fish topping the 2lb mark,.

“Amazingly, I tried again over the next two days and caught nothing, other than one more two-pounder that I landed out of the blue while I was casting the float around!”

What would you consider to be a long cast? For many anglers, hitting 60yds is a fairly significant chuck, but s 23-year-old from Scotland has just achieved that feat… with a fly rod!

Blaine Lyon claimed victory at the 2026 Spey-O-Rama World Championship in San Francisco with two huge casts of 199ft (over 65yds), off both shoulders in the Men’s Open, easily surpassing the competitive average of around 160ft.

Blaine, who works as a guide and instructor for TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, is a passionate angler, and is determined to keep pushing his casting limits.

“There’s something addictive about constantly trying to improve,” he said.

“Being in the water with a rod in my hand is where I feel most alive.”

IF YOU WANT TO CAST FURTHER, THIS ARTICLE WILL HELP YOU...

Searching for a venue that offers something different from the norm? These fisheries do exactly that. From ornamental species to fish you rarely get the chance to target elsewhere, they offer the opportunity to catch something a little out of the ordinary.

What makes them so interesting is the unpredictability. When the float slides away, the tip pulls round or the alarm bursts into life, there is a genuine chance you will not know what species is on the other end until it hits the net.

Stonebridge Fishing Lakes, Northallerton, North Yorkshire

At Stonebridge Fishing Lakes you’ll catch stillwater chub to a good size, and some clonking ide, using pole or waggler tactics, loosefeeding casters. It’s worth spending a little while feeding before casting out, allowing the fish to gain confidence in the bait. There are also barbel present to 5lb that will certainly test your tackle.

Contact: www.stonebridgefishinglakes.co.uk

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH BIGGER FISH, YOU NEED TO TRY THESE TIPS...

Starcarr Lakes, Brandesburton, E Yorks

At this immaculate fishery visit The Clay Pool and you’ve a chance to bag one of the most vibrant fish on our shores – the golden tench. Catch them short or in the margins. A method feeder to the far bank can also score. Don't forget to take maggots to try for the rudd and golden rudd.

Contact: www.starcarrlakes.co.uk

Messingham Sands Fishery, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire

The North and South Lakes offer the chance on a day ticket to tangle with one of Britain’s hardest-fighting species – the catfish! They are growing on well here, with night fishing also available from the double pegs, you must book in advance this can be done through the website or the go catch fish app. One of the best tactics is to fish a large chunk of meat over a bed of fishery pellets or boilies, being sure to use strong gear. Oak Tree Lake is also full of surprises, and fishing the waggler or pole will bring regular bites.

Contact: www.messinghamsands.co.uk

Cross Drove Fishery, Thetford, Norfolk

Cross Drove is a haven for mixed species, and is home to just about everything, including catfish and zander. The lake is feature-filled and mature, so strong gear is called for. An interesting way to fish is with worms, either under a float or on the pole. Night fishing is also available booked in advance and is ideal for the lake’s catfish.

Contact: www.crossdrovefishery.co.uk

CATCH THE UK'S WEIRDEST FISH WITH THE BEST FISHING REELS...

Decoy Lakes, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Best known for its bumper match weights, Decoy Lakes is also home to one of Britain’s rarest fish – the tiny bitterling. Angling Times staff have caught these silvery specimens in our annual office matches at the venue, from both Beastie and Lou’s Lakes. Targeting one by design would be a real challenge, your best bet being tofish maggots or pinkies at close range. Don’t go too light with your gear, as this fishery is full of carp! Fancy a stillwater barbel? visit Elm or Cedar lake where they go 6lb+

Contact: www.decoylakes.co.uk

Springwater Lakes, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire

You never know what’ll be on the end when the float goes under on House Pool, with goldfish, fantail goldfish, koi, and ghosties all on offer! You can catch short, with small expander pellets fished over micros for a slightly better stamp of fish. Maggots are also worth taking along in case the fishing proves that bit more difficult.

Contact: http://www.springwaterlakes.com/

Nine Oaks Fishery, Oakford, Ceredigion

Grass carp are hard to find, but at Nine Oaks they’re in almost every lake, going into double figures. Famously, they don’t fight much  until they hit the net. Surface fishing will single them out, so you’re best waiting until it warms up a little before having a go.

Contact: www.nineoaksfishingbreaks.co.uk

IF YOU LIKE FISHING FOR THE UNKNOWN, TRY ONE OF THESE LAKES...

Finch Farm Fishery, Maidenhead, Berkshire

Catfish, grass carp, goldfish, pumpkinseed and even the odd sturgeon can be found here! Floatfishing with maggots is a great bet and will result in bites from a broad spectrum of species. You’ll find plenty of features to target, with marginal reeds a good holding spot. For the larger catfish, a legered chunk of meat or a big pellet will sort them out.

Contact: www.finchfarmfishery.com

How End Fisheries, Bedford, Bedfordshire

You’ll get bites from a range of species at How End Fisheries, with the chance of a golden tench mixed in. Natural baits are a good choice, fished in the deeper water over a bit of groundbait. Worms and casters can single the better ones out, with plenty of the green variety about to keep you busy until you wait for that dazzling flash of gold as you hook an ornamental!

Contact: www.howendfisheries.co.uk

Newdigate Fishery, Newdigate, Surrey

This peaceful fishery is home to a good head of golden orfe that can be found on lakes across the estate. A great way to target these delicate fish is with a waggler, feeding plenty of maggots. The maggot feeder can also work well. Guinea Lake is home to these fish, and to massive sizes – a British record-equalling 8lb 5oz one was banked a few years back! You’ll also encounter catfish and golden tench at the fishery.

Contact: www.newdigate-estates.co.uk

FLOAT FISHING IS MUCH EASIER WITH ONE OF THESE RODS...

Mill Farm Fishery, Pulborough, West Sussex

Silver bream are a fish that few anglers care to target, but if you fancy having a go for one, Mill Farm Fishery is the place to head. The British record is from here, and these unusual, large-eyed fish are best targeted with maggot or worm hookbaits on the pole or waggler. A closed season runs from New Year to Easter, giving you plenty of time to brush up on your silver bream identification – the big eye, reddish fins and silvery flanks are all dead giveaways!

Contact_:_ www.fisheries.co.uk

Anglers Paradise, Beaworthy, Devon

The undisputed ‘king’ of unusual fishing in England, Anglers Paradise offers everything and more to someone wanting to catch a strange species. Golden and blue tench, koi, catfish, golden and blue orfe, golden rudd, even some unusual trout – they have the lot! Floatfish a worm over maggots and some groundbait, while corn can be well worth a try too.

Contact: www.anglers-paradise.co.uk

Spring is here and with that, many club waters and syndicates are available to join ready for the season ahead. Once you have joined though, the prospect of getting stuck into an unfamiliar lake can be as daunting as it is exciting.

New waters can help breathe a fresh lease of life into your angling and whether you are joining a water or fishing a day ticket the same applies to both. Stepping onto the water for the first time is refreshing as you are completely unbiased as to where you think the fish should be, what methods you should use and aren't worried about the going swims being taken!

We have compiled some great tips to help guide you through the basics, so you can hit the ground running and bank your first fish from your new water.

IF YOU ARE PLANNING A CAMPAIGN ON A NEW WATER, THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES WILL HELP KEEP YOU DRY!

Spend a day walking

Spending time walking a new lake is one of the best ways to get familiar with it. Not only does this help you understand the water, but it also gives you the chance to talk to other anglers, locate the fish, and observe how the wind direction affects the lake—helping you stay one step ahead of the carp.

It's often said that your eyes are your best tool, so rather than rushing to get the rods out, a day spent walking the lake can save you from many blanks. With no preconceptions about where the carp should be, you might find them in spots that seasoned members wouldn’t even consider—giving you a real edge! It’s no surprise that new members often catch the biggest fish in the lake on their first visit! Safely get up trees, where allowed to gain a height advantage, stay on your toes and be sure to check the quiet areas first.

IF YOU ARE NEW TO CARP FISHING, OUR BEGINNERS GUIDE HAS LOTS OF USEFUL ADVICE.

Do your own thing

While it can be helpful to ask other members about recent fish captures, many anglers tend to be cagey with their information, which can come with the territory of being the new angler on a water. However, this can work in your favour as anglers often get stuck in a routine, fishing in ways they believe offer the best chance of success based on past captures.

While these methods do work, they often become the norm, with every angler on the lake fishing the same way, and by observing their approach and doing the complete opposite can often yield great results. If you fish the same, you can expect the same results. If everyone is fishing out to the middle then target the margins, if everyone is using boilies, why not try tigers (where permitted)? Use your fresh perspective to your advantage and catch the carp and other anglers off guard!

IF YOU ARE TARGETING CARP ON A DAY TICKET LAKE, THIS ARTICLE WILL HELP YOU PUT MORE FISH ON THE BANK!

They are only carp!

A carp is a carp no matter where you fish for them and while their behaviour may vary slightly depending on factors like stocking density, angling pressure, or water depth, they are biologically the same animal and will generally respond in similar ways.

What works on one water will often work on another. How many times have you been told that floaters won’t work, only to have a red-letter session using them and then every other angler is firing mixers in the day after? Focus on the fish you're targeting rather than worrying about what others say the carp in your new water will or won’t do.

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH CARP, THESE ARE THE ONLY CARP RIGS YOU NEED!

Put in the effort

While it’s tempting to rush down to a new lake, jump into the car park swim, and get the rods out, this isn’t always the most effective use of your time. As the old saying goes, 'the more you put in, the more you get out,' and carp fishing is no exception.

If you stay mobile, get up early, react to fish activity, and work harder than other anglers, it will put you in a strong position. Not only does this increase your chances of getting bites, but it also helps you learn about key features and fish-holding areas in different swims—allowing you to map out the lake much faster!

GET A GREAT NIGHT'S SLEEP ON THE BANK WITH ONE OF THE BEST FISHING BEDCHAIRS.

Enjoy the experience

The most important thing about starting on a new lake is to enjoy it. You'll never get to experience everything for the first time again, so take it all in. Explore the lake, spend time in different swims across various areas, and truly immerse yourself in everything it has to offer! If you enjoy being beside the lake, catching fish is a bonus!

IF YOU LIKE CATCHING LOTS OF FISH, CHECK OUT THESE AWESOME VENUES THAT WILL DO YOU BITES!

Despite the closed season currently in effect for coarse anglers, those targeting game species such as trout are enjoying some great sport on many of the UK’s rivers

Over the last couple of weeks, Jacob Barnes and his five-year-old son Reggie have been targeting the wild brown trout that inhabit their local North West stream.

Fishing with small Rapala lures, the pair have been enjoying varying success on the waterway, catching fish up to around 2lb in weight, providing some great sport for the father-son duo.

However, on their most recent session, they were left completely astounded when the line on Reggie’s reel began ripping off downstream, indicating he had clearly hooked something far bigger than they were expecting.

Holding on as the huge fish began throwing itself out of the water in a bid to free itself, some guidance from his dad saw Reggie manage the battle really well for such a young angler, before he carefully manoeuvred the fish upstream and into the waiting net.

After letting the fish rest in the river, the pair stared in awe at the huge brownie, and after some careful photos, returned it to the stream to fight another day.

Only days later, Jacob returned to a stretch of water just downstream from where Reggie had hooked the cracking trout. Believing he had probably seen the best of the fishing during the previous session, he was just happy to be beside the river and any takes would be a bonus.

Unbelievably, however, after fishing for a matter of minutes, the same lure that Reggie used to tempt his monster was smashed by another huge trout. After an intense battle on light tackle, he managed to get the better of the massive brownie, which was soon lying subdued in his net.

The fish, which was approaching double figures, was then slipped back after a couple of photos, capping a truly remarkable couple of days’ angling on a stream that simply doesn’t look capable of producing such big fish.

Tench anglers have enjoyed a strong start to the season, with a number of impressive fish reported from waters across the country.

As conditions begin to improve, catch reports suggest that specimen tench are starting to feed more consistently, rewarding those anglers opting to target them early in the season.

Paul Cooper - 10lb 2oz tench

“The other day I enjoyed a very successful session on Oxlease Lake, part of Linear Fisheries, where I was targeting tench.

“Fishing maggot feeder rigs with a mag-aligner set-up at the business end, I landed a tench of 10lb 2oz and three nine-pounders weighing 9lb 9oz, 9lb 7oz and 9lb 1oz.

“I baited lightly with a mixture of hemp and 2mm Tinca Sprinkles pellets from The Hookbait Company.

“These tench were part of a memorable 11-fish haul.”

TRY ONE OF THESE DAY-TICKET WATERS TO CATCH BIG TENCH...

Simon Badger - 12lb 4oz

“I was primarily fishing for the carp, but I use small hookbaits and a presentation that means I’ll pick up any tench that come into the swim too,” Simon told us.

“Just before sunrise at around 5am, the rod tore off and I thought I was into a carp. It was putting up a decent fight, but as it came closer in I thought it was a big bream when I saw the shoulders break the surface,” he recalled.

“However, when I slipped it into the net, I couldn’t believe the size of the tench staring back at me, and once it was weighed, I was speechless.

“It wasn’t until I reported it to Lee at Linear that I realised I had equalled the 12lb 4oz lake record, topping off a truly memorable session.”

IF YOU ARE NIGHT FISHING, YOU WILL NEED ONE OF THE BEST BEDCHAIRS.

Jack bellamy - 10lb -2oz tench

"During a session at Satnwick Lakes in Northamptonshire, I banked this cracking 10lb 2oz tench.

"Casting to the margin on my left as it looked absolutely primed and ready for a carp bite, and I cast it perfectly. I set the rod and went to sleep, as it was a bedtime solid bag refresh.

"I was woken at 7am to my Delkims in full warble, with what must have been a carp ticking over against my tight clutch. I lifted into a promising-feeling fish that proceeded to take line from me. Bearing in mind my setup, that was insane!

"The fish put on a great fight, but my equipment was too good for it, and as it came over the net cord I thought to myself, “That’s no carp—that’s a tench. A bloody big tench.” I mean, it had to be if it was able to take line from a tight carp setup!

"It weighed just 1lb short of a new PB, but still a once-in-a-lifetime catch for most people!"

TENCH ARE SUCKERS FOR THE WORM KEBAB.

Isaac and Andy Waters

“My 7-year-old son Isaac has been coming along to sessions over the last few seasons, and each time we cover a bit more on how and why we do things.

“We managed six tench between 5lb and 7lb 5oz over the weekend and, at his young age, casting and playing them is tricky, so I still had to help a bit. But each time the alarm screamed off, he was filled with excitement.

“Isaac will be casting soon enough, but for now he’s just enjoying the wildlife and the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”

NEW TO FISHING? HERE IS A GREAT BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CATCH TENCH...

Jordan Arris - tench haul

"I start fishing for tench in mid-March rather than waiting for late spring, and I’ve already had 35 fish this season from a Yorkshire park lake. I look for warmer spells and signs like frogs appearing to show when the fish are becoming active.

"I fish early because there’s less natural food, so my bait stands out more. My first 2026 session was slow but produced two fish, which helped me find where they were feeding.

"Starting in shallow, sun-warmed areas, I soon got amongst some tench, including fish to 6lb 3oz and a couple of 10lb+ bream.

"I fish for single bites, only feed through the feeder, and stick to maggots, as I believe simplicity increases bites."

Concerns have been raised at Milton Country Park after the release of goldfish into Halls Pool threatened a carefully established population of rare crucian carp.

The lake, which has been developed over a number of years as a conservation and angling coaching venue, is now at risk following the introduction of potentially 20 ornamental goldfish, believed to have been released into the water.

Halls Pool was previously a neglected and overgrown pond with limited aquatic life before being transformed into a managed crucian carp venue. Working in partnership with Milton Country Park, the lake was stocked with true crucian carp bred at the national fish farm in Calverton.

Over time, the fish have thrived in the weedy environment, with hundreds of young anglers catching crucians as their first ever fish. The population has also bred successfully, allowing several hundred fish to be transferred to a nearby lake to establish a second population.

However, last week the project team were informed that goldfish had been released into Halls Pool. On a post to Facebook, the team explained why this poses such a risk.

"The introduction of these fish puts the entire stock at risk of disease and viral infections from the goldfish. More over, its puts the entire population of crucians at risk from hybridisation and loss of their unique DNA structure. This means unless we remove all of the goldfish we may have lost this lake for ever in terms of the true crucian carp population" they said.

"Following the discovery, efforts have already been made to remove the introduced fish. Electric fishing operations earlier this week resulted in the removal of 15 goldfish, with a further fish caught during angling coaching sessions, bringing the total to 16 removed so far," they added.

Work is ongoing in an effort to ensure no remaining fish are left in the system.

While it is believed the fish were not released with malicious intent, the incident highlights the risks associated with releasing ornamental species into natural or managed waters.

Anglers and fish keepers are being reminded that unwanted fish should be responsibly rehomed into suitable enclosed ponds or aquariums, rather than introduced into rivers or lakes, where they may pose a risk to native and stocked populations.

Natural baits used to dominate the tench fishing scene but, in recent years, more anglers have turned their attentions to targeting them with far more ‘modern’ offerings.

Pellets and boilies are often called into action, and while there are plenty of venues where that style of approach will succeed, there are others that will produce more bites if you go down the traditional baits route.

Stillwaters with low levels of angling pressure fit the bill, and if you’re fishing such an idyllic place then worms must come into the bait equation. Spring is the peak time to use them, as they provide plenty of food content to bolster the energy reserves of fish after the winter months.

CHECK OUT THESE SPECIMEN RODS WHICH ARE PERFECT FOR TENCH FISHING...

Lay the table

Chopped worms need a carrier to be fed effectively, and groundbait is the best way to do that. Use a dark blend with fishmeal in it, adding a generous quantity of worms once your groundbait has been mixed. Priming the swim withtwo or three balls is a good starting point, topping up whenever the action slows or after you’ve caught a fish.

LEARN HOW TO MIX GROUNDBAIT WITH THIS HELPFUL GUIDE...

Use a big hookbait

Lobworms are big offerings, but three-quarters of a worm, or even a full one, makes a brilliant hookbait. It will stand out well among any loosefeed, and a big tench will have no issues in scoffing it down in one. Make sure you use a reasonably large hook so that there’s less risk of the point being masked. A size 10 wide gape is about right.

Wait to fish the best areas

An overhanging tree may look like the ideal target zone, but avoid fishing such hotspots straight away. The fish will be less cagey early on, and it’s best to try open water at a time when they’re willing to venture out. Once the fish have been pressured, they’ll sit under the cover, and this is the time to drop a baited rig nearby.

Fish with a float

Big tench can fight hard, but the bites they give can often be quite subtle. Asimple waggler set-up will help you spot every indication, especially when the float tip is dotted down. The fish won’t be too rig-shy, so use 8lb mainline and a 6lb hooklength on the terminal tackle front and you’ll land every fish that you hook.

FLOAT NOT WORKING? WHY NOT TRY THE WORM KEBAB RIG INSTEAD?

Of all the types of lakebed anglers face, weed is probably the most daunting of the substrates you could land on.

Hopefully, I can point you in the right direction on how to fish in and around it, as well as give you the confidence to fish a venue which could potentially be choked with it.

Silkweed

As the water warms, a lot of shallower spots start to get covered in silkweed, which will hold a lot of natural food, thus drawing in carp.

This coincides with areas that the fish want to be in and around at that time of year, so presenting on these areas is key. In my eyes, you have two options. First, you can fish a bait well above it, with a zig rig or a pop-up straight off the lead.

The other option is to fish softly on top of the weed using either a balanced bait or a slow sinking pop-up. Chod rigs work well, as they enable the hookbait to sit on top of silkweed. Alternatively, a longer hooklink with a balanced bait will settle on top of it nicely.

It isn’t essential to use a pop-up hookbait as long as you have a balanced bait which sinks slowly, and use PVA foam on the hook when casting out. Trapping two nuggets either side of the hook will ensure it sits up, then flutters down once the PVA dissolves. Everything then nestles down nicely on top of the silkweed.

As the water warms through the spring, the other types of weed will begin to grow.

YOU WILL NEED A POWERFUL CARP ROD TO PULL CARP OUT OF THE WEED.

Eel grass

This is a long, stringy type of weed, and it often flourishes near gravel. Therefore, if you find this, you know that there is gravel nearby and potentially a clear spot to fish over. It comes up in vast forests and grows rapidly.

Eelgrass causes several problems from an angling perspective. First, when you cast into it, you will often get a good drop. This is the lead going straight through it, but when you go to pull the lead it will be jammed. For this reason it’s important to feel the drop and then drag the lead to see if it is actually clean before deciding that the spot is fishable.

The other element to consider is that during the day everything grows up directly off the bottom, reaching for the sun. But when it gets dark, weed often falls down. This makes presentation a problem, as the weed can collapse over the rigs!

Canadian pond weed

This starts to flourish towards the end of May and early in June, depending on the weather. Suddenly you will find vast beds of this and other similar types.

They can be dense and thick-stemmed, which creates issues when trying to land fish. But, they are oxygenating plants, so the fish will be in and around them and often use them as a home.

At night, the fish will venture out, so fishing a spot near weed is always the ideal scenario. Finding this golden spot takes work, though. Starting with just a lead and some braid I feel for a clean drop. Once I’ve got that, I pull gently to see if it comes back easily, indicating a clean lakebed. It may take a while, but even the weediest lakes will have a clear spot to be found somewhere.

Once I’ve found a potential area, I put the line in the clip and cast around it to see if there’s enough room for more than one rod on it.

I always carry a few types of weed rake with me. I have a lead with the coating cut, so it looks almost like a pine cone. This will pick up any silkweed or small bits of detritus on the bottom, telling me what’s out there. I also have a small castable weed rake for sorting out my line lay to the spot.

THESECARP FISHING TIPS WILL HELP YOU CATCH MORE FISH!

Lead arrangement

In really weedy situations, I would rather fish a tight linewith a lead clip and have instant indication on the take. Good bite indication, and dropping the lead on the bite, are key to helping you land fish.

On a really slack line, the fish can travel a good distance into a weedbed and you wouldn’t even know you had a take. By getting rid of the lead, the fish will come up to the surface and be a lot easier to land.

If there is a bit of low-lying weed, I would fish a longer hooklink, most likely coated braid, with either a pop-up or a balanced bait, but this time on a helicopter set-up. The helicopter is great for fishing over lakebeds that are not super-clean, because you can adjust that top bead so it all sits nicely on top of it.

Weed-friendly loosefeed

The bait that I use will vary depending on the spot that I am fishing. If I am fishing on a short-term basis, or to a spot that has low-lying weed, I would bait up with halved or flattened boilies which will flutter down and nestle on top of any weed.

If I was fishing a clean spot or looking to get a spot ‘rocking’ for the longer term, then I would be covering that area in seed. Particles and boilie crumb laced in liquid will encourage everything to come in and rip up the bottom. The spot will go from patchy to pretty clean in no time.

There will always be suitable spots – you’ve just got to take the time to locate them.

THE BEST BITE ALARMS WILL ENSURE YOU KNOW AS SOON AS A CARP IS HOOKED...

Strong tackle is a must!

In terms of terminal tackle, you need to be using the strongest gear you can. For really weedy situations I prefer to use braided mainline.

For those of you that haven’t used braid before, it takes a bit of getting used to. It is very responsive, so you have to be sat on the rods at all times because when the bite does come, all hell will break loose.

I use a strong leadcore leader, which will protect the braid from any mussels in the weed, and I have always been a fan of big hooks. I would be looking at using a minimum of a size 4 hook and, in really testing scenarios, I would even jump up to a size two.

Providing you balance out the hookbait, I really don’t think the size of the hook will prevent you getting bites. It will, however, help you land more fish – I can practically guarantee it.

HAVE A LOOK THROUGH THESE CARP FISHING LINES TO LAND MORE FISH.

After retiring from work in March, Ian Orchard set himself a number of targets, and among the first of these was to catch a double-figure bream – something he’d yet to achieve in over 40 years of angling.

On the final morning of a three-day session on an East Anglian gravel pit Ian smashed his goal when he slipped the net under this huge slab weighing 16lb 10oz.

It came after a quiet night, with his left-hand rod signalling a drop-back bite at 5:30am. Once landed, Ian was astonished by the sheer scale of the specimen.

His successful hookbait was a Dynamite Baits Source dumbbell, topped with a piece of buoyant sweetcorn that had been soaking in Betalin.

This was presented on a size 8 Gardner Talon Tip hook tied to a 15lb braided hooklink, which Ian fished on a heli-rig. His loosefeed comprised a mixture of hemp and pellets, with added cloudy Krill liquid.

Ian’s next target is to beat his long-standing tench personal best of 11lb 8oz, and we wish him the best of luck in doing so!

IF YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON THE BANK, A FISHING BIVVY WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND!

Linear Fisheries is one of the most popular angling complexes in the UK, and while most anglers go there to fish for its prolific stock of big carp, their waters are also home to some incredible specimen fish of other species too.

During a recent session on Manor Farm Lake, Simon Badger was treated to a moment with one of the special tench that reside in the venue, in the shape of this immaculate 12lb 4oz tinca. The huge fish equalled the venue record too, making the capture an even more memorable one for the West Midlands based angler.

“I was primarily fishing for the carp, but I use small hookbaits and a presentation that means I’ll pick up any tench that come into the swim too,” Simon told us.

“I was fishing to a clear spot at around 110 yards that I had found, over a bed of chopped Mainline Cell, hemp, and sweetcorn.

“The rig was a standard 6-inch boilie setup with a size 10 Krank hook, paired with a trimmed-down Cell wafter and topped with fake maggots for extra visual attraction,” he added.

“Just before sunrise at around 5am, the rod tore off and I thought I was into a carp. It was putting up a decent fight, but as it came closer in I thought it was a big bream when I saw the shoulders break the surface,” he recalled.

“However, when I slipped it into the net, I couldn’t believe the size of the tench staring back at me, and once it was weighed, I was speechless.

“It wasn’t until I reported it to Lee at Linear that I realised I had equalled the 12lb 4oz lake record, topping off a truly memorable session.”

ALWAYS ENSURE YOU HAVE A SET OF FISHING SCALES IN CASE YOU CATCH A RECORD!

An organisation that uses fishing to help those facing mental health issues, addiction recovery and social isolation has been presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest accolade such an organisation can receive in the UK.

Tackling Minds, founded in 2020 by Dave Lyons, was recognised for its outstanding contribution at a formal ceremony that was held last week at The Monastery, in Manchester, where the city’s borough Mayors as well as its Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant were in attendance.

“This award belongs to our volunteers,” Dave said.

“They turn up week in, week out, giving up their spare time to support others. This recognition shows just how powerful that support is.”

After struggling on a previous crucian trip to Sutton Lake in Shropshire, Dan Woollcott was keen to return and make things right. With a new mindset and renewed optimism, he did just that, banking some spectacular crucians during a once-in-a-lifetime session.

“Knowing that the species loves to follow a new wind, I planned a trip just as a fresh westerly was due to blow in. I arrived just before the weather changed and set up in a swim right in the teeth of it. What followed was an incredible session.

“As soon as the wind picked up I started catching, and I banked fish steadily over the two days. Of the 14 crucians I caught, 10 were over 3lb, with the biggest two weighing 4lb 2oz and 4lb 3oz. Both beat my previous PB and came less than 15 minutes apart, which allowed me to take a memorable brace shot.

TRY THESE VENUES IF YOU WANT TO BANK A CRUCIAN...

“I fished in the edge, using an old pole with a baiting spoon on the end of it to position my rigs tight to cover. These included inline Drennan Method feeders and Dynamite Baits Wowser hookbaits.

“On my previous visit I’d been using corn, but I knew I was getting ‘done’ by the crucians because they were rolling in the swim, yet I wasn’t catching. I hoped that the semi-buoyant Wowsers would fly into the mouths of feeding fish, and over this session they certainly did!

“I hair-rigged these below size 12 hooks on short 5lb fluorocarbon hooklinks. This may seem slightly crude for crucians, but it was early spring, and few anglers were targeting them yet at Sutton. As a result, I didn’t have to refine things too much and go down the popular route of fake casters and small hooks.

“Feed-wise, I introduced minimal amounts of hemp and Silver-X Roach groundbait, which I mixed with molehill soil. Although not the usual fishmeal option, I wanted something that would complement my sweet wafter hookbait.”

LEARN HOW TO USE DAN'S APPROACH WITH THIS HELPFUL GUIDE...

A new chapter in British carp fishing history has been written this week after the long-standing official record was surpassed at Waterside Fishery in Buckinghamshire.

The previous benchmark, a 68lb 1oz carp known as “The Parrot”, caught by Dean Fletcher in 2016, has now been eclipsed following the capture of a huge fish by Mike Nixon.

Fishing with friends on a lake-exclusive booking, Mike landed the fish known as “The Waterside Common”, which weighed in at a staggering 68lb 8oz. While the scales are now being sent for verification and an official claim is expected to follow, we spoke to Mike to find out exactly how the capture unfolded.

"We were there for four nights, and we felt the fairest way to decide on swims was to draw for them. With six of us fishing, I wasn’t overly confident when I came fifth in the draw, but I managed a 25lb 14oz mirror on the first morning, which boosted my confidence," Mike explained.

"After that, it went very quiet for me, yet there were a few other fish being caught around the lake. Good friend Chris caught a fish known as the Wood Carving at 35lb, Dan caught a lovely two-tone common at 34lb, and Nev caught a chestnut mirror and a new PB at 36lb. Meanwhile, Kev was having a great session and racked up five fish to 27lb 8oz."

Despite the great start with nearly all the anglers catching fish, Mike just felt his tactics weren't quite right. After observing some fish feeding in the clear water, he notice they were just dropping down, taking a mouthful of food with irregularity. With this, he changed to fishing single yellow Mainline Cell hookbaits and small PVA bags to try and fool the wary fish.

"The change transformed my session, quickly leading to an 18lb mirror and a 28lb 8oz common shortly after. I used size 4, J Precision Curve hooks mounted on PB Products Jellywire hooklink, Trakker/Cygnet 2.5oz leads, and Korda Contour mainline," he told us.

"Then it happened, my very next bite saw me obliterate my personal best of 48lb 10oz, when the biggest fish in the lake slid over my net cord," he recalled.

"It’s an absolutely amazing creature, and it was a privilege to hold such a fish regardless of its weight. I retained the fish in the net, and Kris, the lake owner, was contacted. He came down and weighed the fish on his scales, which will be sent off for verification before any claim will be made.

"Waterside is an amazing venue. The place is extremely well run, and we could not fault the facilities that Kris provided. A huge thank you to Kris for allowing us to visit.

"I fished Harrison Accurix 2.75 tc rods with Daiwa reels. It was all very surreal, and after the fish was returned I sat and watched the sun come up with a cup of tea, with a feeling I couldn’t describe," he concluded.

Let’s wind the clocks back four years. The cost of shipping from China had just passed an all-time high, due to the global pandemic, and we were all bracing ourselves for a huge hike in prices.

Then, out of nowhere, Daiwa, a brand credited with producing some of the very best and, of course, most expensive rods and poles around, released a set of sub-£50 float and feeder rods.

By rights, Matchman rods should have been utter rubbish, but in reality they were bloody brilliant!

Daiwa are not magicians, they had simply taken advantage of one of the few things that had dropped in price, that being carbon fibre.

Then, using their expert design skills and some clever advances in rod-building technology, the company had achieved what seemed like magic, and produced better rods for less money.

When I heard that the Matchman range was going to be updated this year, I was initially expecting a few tweaks, a change in cosmetics and potentially a higher price. What I was greeted with, however, was an even better set of rods and, incredibly, no change in the asking price.

The original rods weren’t ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but their look did match their price point.

To help stiffen the lower end and counteract the inherent softness of budget-priced carbon, a glossy finish was applied to the bottom half, along with an increased taper.

These new models have gone one step further, though, adding an additional carbon wrap just above the glossy finish, which is now silver in colour, giving them a striking new livery.

The result is a set of rods that are a touch more progressive in action, faster recovering on both the cast and the strike, and looking spectacular too.

While the difference in tip speed is noticeable on the shorter rods, it becomes even more apparent on the longer models, which is why I decided to put the longest of the lot, the 13ft Waggler, through its paces.

If a dedicated pellet waggler rod is what you’re after, there are four in range from 9ft to 12ft. Although my chosen tool for this live test could be used for pellet waggler fishing too, the extra length of this model lends itself perfectly to the lighter duty work of traditional styles on lakes and rivers – so that is what I was going to use it for.

Rigging up a straight waggler, and armed with corn and maggots, I fancied a day targeting everything that swims at Springvale.

Starting on the bottom in around 6ft of water was a mistake, as it was only when I shallowed up to just 2ft deep that I started to catch a procession of ide.

On the pole, these are quite easy fish to catch, but you need to be quick on the strike and in direct contact with your float to catch any number of them on the waggler.

As sport slowed, which it always does with ide, I switched to feeding and fishing corn on the bottom, where a few tench, skimmers and carp got in on the action too.

Verdict

I’ve fished with a fair few 13ft waggler rods costing under £100 in my time, and while they’ve always been OK for the money, the action on most hasn’t been quite right. They’ve done a job, but I’ve left the bank feeling that I wanted a bit more from them.

The 13ft Matchman, however, has the near-ideal action, and the fact that it is priced under £50, let alone less than £100, means that Daiwa have not only scored a home run, they’ve smashed the ball right out of the park!

The rod’s guides are obviously not off the very top-shelf, and the rod’s tip speed and post-strike recovery rate are of course slower than what you’d find on a top-end model.

There is, however, no doubting that this is the best 13ft waggler rod costing under £50 that I have ever fished with – and, I might add, by a pretty long way.

Given a choice, there’s no way I’ll be parting with my top-end float or feeder rods, but the fact is that the gap between budget and flagship rods is narrowing significantly.

Our pick of the alternatives

SHIMANO UK are supporting junior anglers at one of the nation’s leading commercials by providing all the kit that they need to start fishing.

Tunnel Barn Farm in Warwickshire is best known in match angling circles, but they also have a strong junior section known as Mike’s Minnows, which is run in memory of Tunnel Barn founder Mike Hamlington.

This offers a structured pathway for young anglers, introducing them to the sport in a supportive environment where they can learn and develop their skills.

“From our perspective, the partnership aligns with our broader focus on grassroots angling and participation,” said a spokesperson for the tackle giant.

“We aim to ensure that consistent opportunities are available for young people to progress in fishing and remain involved in the sport.”

Recently, Shimano angler Paul Holland visited Tunnel Barn to deliver a huge pile of kit to staff, including rods, reels, margin poles, nets and unhooking mats.

“Fishing isn’t cheap, so it’s great for parents to be able to bring their kids along and find out if they like it without having to spend loads of money,” Paul said.

If your child is interested in getting involved, contact the fishery on 01926 842975.

HERE ARE SOME GREAT BEGINNER FISHING RODS TO TRY...

It seems to me that to be successful in the modern carp angling era, a vital prerequisite is to be able to adopt an ‘unpredictable’ style.

We are now at the stage where most carp anglers fish essentially from the same blueprint – that includes the type of rig, the type of hookbait and, largely, the type of spot too. Not only that, but because we are now firmly in the ‘information era’ many anglers are fishing the same spots as each other, due to concise measuring and mapping using wrap sticks – and, of course, this information is often shared.

Being different will pay off

When you look at this stark reality, it’s perhaps not hard to see why carp fishing is largely getting harder instead of easier. Of course the fish will, for reasons known only to themselves, have those times when they feed without caution and get caught in numbers, but generally this is not the case and they take a lot more catching.

Ask yourself this: if you want to entrap something that is doing its level best to prevent that from happening, are you best placed to copy what everyone else is doing, or to present something, somewhere, that is away from the norm and will perhaps catch our quarry off guard?

I’ve written lots about rigs and bait in relation to creating a trap that doesn't appear to be a trap, but the element of the spot and the actual substrate is not so widely discussed.

There are a few things to consider here – if the carp are in the process of creating a rock-hard clean spot, visiting it regularly and showing there consistently, then that is the place you need to put your bait. What’s more, on very weedy lakes it can be the case that the only clearings are similarly rock-hard, clean spots and, again, these are most likely to be the best places to position a bait if the carp are around.

However, there are also myriad examples of lakebeds that are not too weedy, with substrates consisting of a wide and varying range of silt and gravel, perhaps even clay and sand too. Most carp anglers look for the gravel and set their traps there – their thinking often not going much further than feeling for the ‘tap tap tap’ and popping the float up.

TRY THESE AWESOME CARP FISHING TIPS TO CATCH MORE THAN EVERYONE ELSE!

Natural feeding areas

I can think of many lakes in the past, including the famous Sandhurst, where the rock-hard spots were so predictably hammered, season in season out, that the carp became much more catchable on the softer, siltier areas simply because they treated baits placed on the blatantly clean stuff with suspicion and caution.

Thinking further into this – where would you expect the carp to find most of its natural food? Buried in the silt or nakedly exposed on clean gravel?

The anglers’ preoccupation with gravel is almost as old as carp fishing itself, and is largely down to the fact the good rig presentation is mostly assured. Additionally, super-clean spots are often polished for a reason. This is often down to repeated visits and cleaning by the carp. We shouldn't lose sight of this, as long as the spot is small and appears naturally made.

THE BEST CARP RODS WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR RIG IN THE PERFECT SPOT!

Avoid the gravel

If I am examining an area where I have seen lots of carp activity, then most of the time, all I am hoping to find is a clean bit of bottom where the lead slides without resistance.

Above that, I am keen to present my rig on whatever there is least of on the bottom. If the bottom is hard and clean gravel everywhere, but one area slides glassily smooth instead of tapping, then that is what I will focus on. Carp are curious creatures and, in their world, anything visually different to the surroundings is likely to be visited. Not only that, I know they will not be conditioned to finding danger in the silt. The silt will perfectly obscure my end tackle, and this is where the carp will be looking to find natural food too.

Seams are good – areas where two substrates meet – and these are often my favourite place to present a bait; the last few inches of clean silt before the tapping of shingle begins.

If I ever find a really blatant bit of gravel in the swim then I actively avoid it – a big bar or plateau comprising several yards of clean gravel will have likely been hammered by other carp anglers. I’d be much more likely to look at placing a bait down the side or back of the feature where the stones dissipate and silt or mud begins.

One last word on gravel – I’ve never found the really coarse, chunky stones to be any good. The type where the lead locks up sporadically and the flints are the size of your fist are not good areas to present on. If it is to be gravel, then I want the finest pea shingle I can locate, but if there is a choice of smooth silt or clay instead, then that is where I will be!

IF YOU ARE SPENDING A LOT OF TIME ON THE BANK, YOU'LL NEED A FISHING BIVVY!

Leading figures in the fight against pollution have called for a national referendum to give the public a say on Britain’s ailing water industry.

Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) have been a powerful voice in the fight for clean water, investigating pollution data and campaigning for change since 2017. Recently, they featured in the hugely popular Channel 4 series Dirty Business, which highlighted the sewage scandal on a national level.

Off the back of this coverage, WASP have launched a petition to hold a referendum to bring the water industry into public ownership, in the belief that the proposed government regulatory reforms show that the water company owners’ interests are being favoured over those of the public.

“There are lots of petitions that call for action, but we want to ask for something clear and obvious,” said Vaughan Lewis, a lifelong angler who works with WASP.

“Through a binding referendum, we can all express a view on ownership of water in a simple, transparent and democratic way.”

At the time of writing, the petition had already been signed by over 85,000 people, and if it reaches 100,000 signatures, it’ll be considered for debate in Parliament. However, with it running until Oct 1 this year, WASP have bigger ambitions.

“We’re aiming to get a million signatures, so that it simply can’t be ignored,” Vaughan added.

“So, we’re asking for anglers to lift their eyes from their floats for just 10 seconds and sign the petition.

“The impact that sewage pollution has on angling is clear to see for anyone that fishes,” he added.

“Among a multitude of impacts on freshwater ecology, it’s almost certainly why barbel and grayling populations are declining, why year classes of fish are disappearing, and why weed growth is declining in many of our rivers.

“This petition represents the best opportunity for ordinary anglers like me to have a real say in protecting our rivers from the private equity sharks who are currently completely destroying them.”

To sign the petition, visit www.windrushwasp.org

In any tackle shop and you will see rows of floats all promising to do something slightly different. To a beginner it can look needlessly confusing. Even to experienced anglers, it is easy to fall into the trap of using the same float out of habit rather than because it is the right one for the job.

Floats are not different for the sake of it. Every design exists because it solves a problem. One is built to cast further whereas another is made to show-up shy bites. One copes better with surface tow, whilst another gives you more control on a river. Pick the right float and the rest of the rig has a far better chance of doing what it should. Pick the wrong one and you can spend a whole session fighting the conditions, missing bites and using poor presentation.

Some float patterns have stood the test of time because they still do their job brilliantly. Others have evolved with commercial fisheries, modern materials and changing tactics. Either way, the principle stays the same. The float needs to suit the job in front of you, not just be the one you happened to catch on last week.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PICK OF THE BEST FLOAT FISHING RODS IN THIS BUYERS GUIDE.

Crystal wagglers

The Crystal Waggler is one of the best-known float ranges around, and that is no accident. These are attached bottom-end only, designed mainly for stillwaters and steadier river work, and they cover a lot of situations.

Drennan offer clear and tinted versions, along with solid and insert-tipped models, so there is plenty of scope to match the float to the conditions in front of you. The clear-bodied versions can be a real edge on clearer venues or where fish have seen plenty of rigs, while the tinted models, available in colours such as brown and green, can look a little less blatant in coloured water.

One of the biggest strengths of the Crystal range is that they’re adaptable with extra tips in different lengths and colours. A longer tip can increase sensitivity. A brighter or more suitable colour can make the float easier to pick out instantly.

Crystals are available in loaded and unloaded versions. A loaded float has weight built into the base, so you need fewer shot around the base and down the line to cock it properly. That makes the rig neater, more aerodynamic and usually less prone to tangles. It also means the float casts better, which is why loaded wagglers are so popular on stillwaters where distance and accuracy matters.

Unloaded versions still have their place, especially if you want more freedom with the shotting pattern or want the bait to fall through the water in a more natural way.

CAST A WAGGLER WITH EASE WITH THE HELP OF THE BEST FISHING REELS.

Straight and insert wagglers

Most wagglers fall into two broad categories, straight or insert, and knowing the difference is important because they do not fish the same.

A straight waggler is usually the more practical option when there is a bit of surface movement, when you are fishing over depth, shallow, or when the rig needs more stability. The thicker top carries more buoyancy, so it is less likely to be dragged under or moved around by conditions. This makes it a better choice for bigger baits, larger fish, or awkward days when finesse can quickly become a liability rather than an advantage.

Insert wagglers are a finer option, more delicate and better suited to calmer conditions. Because the tip is slimmer, they can be dotted right down and will show very small indications. That is why they are such a good choice for silverfish and shy bites.

It’s easy to assume the finer float is automatically the better float. It is not. A slim insert looks lovely in flat calm conditions, but once the tow starts pulling at the surface it can become a nuisance. The best float is not the daintiest one in the box. It is the one that fishes properly in the conditions in front of you.

There are loads of options on the market now, from Drennan Visi Wags to Preston Dura Floats, along with plenty from specialist float makers who still put real thought into patterns, tips and finishes. That is no bad thing. It means anglers can build a proper selection rather than trying to force one float to cover every job.

USING THE BEST FLOAT FISHING LINES WILL HELP WITH CASTING AND PRESENTATION.

Peacock wagglers

Peacock wagglers have a long history and still represent, in many anglers’ eyes, one of the nicest floats to use.

Traditionally built from peacock quill, they offered a superb balance of buoyancy, sensitivity and casting stability, which is why they became such a staple of stillwater float fishing. A good peacock just behaves nicely. It sits right, flies straight and has a balance that a lot of cheaper, mass-produced floats never quite manage.

These days they are far more specialist than they once were. There are only a handful of production models about now, and many of the better examples come from enthusiasts and specialist float makers rather than mainstream ranges. That says more about changing fashions and the rise of commercial fisheries than it does about any weakness in the float itself.

For traditional stillwater fishing, especially when targeting silverfish, a well-made peacock still has plenty going for it. It may no longer be the first float many anglers think of, but that is not because the design stopped working.

KNOWING HOW TO PLUMB THE DEPTH PROPERLY WHEN WAGGLER FISHING IS A CRITICAL SKILL.

Bodied wagglers, sliders, giant wagglers and missiles

Once you need more casting weight, more stability or more carrying capacity, the standard slim waggler has its limitation. That is where bodied patterns come into their own.

A bodied waggler uses a buoyant body, often made from balsa, to give the float extra buoyancy without relying entirely on more length of the float or a thicker tip. That makes it useful when you need to fish further out, use more shot down the line, or present bigger baits while keeping the float stable and easy to see.

Sliders are slightly different, because that term refers more to the way the float is fished than the float itself. A slider setup allows the float to run on the line and stop against a stop knot, which makes it possible to fish depths far greater than the length of the rod. If you are trying to fish 20ft deep with a 13ft rod, a fixed float setup quickly becomes a pain. A slider solves that problem and makes deep-water fishing far more practical. It is also useful when fishing at distance to features such as weed beds, reed lines or lilies.

Giant wagglers and missiles take the same basic idea and push it further. These are distance tools, designed to punch a rig out cleanly and stay under control once they land. Heavier loading and more streamlined shapes make them well suited to big lakes, deep stillwaters and situations where fish are simply too far out for a standard waggler to handle comfortably.

Some missile-style floats come with interchangeable base weights, which allow you to adjust the loading and alter how much tip shows above the surface. That can be genuinely useful when fine-tuning presentation, especially at range where small changes can make a noticeable difference.

These are not delicate close-range silverfish floats. Their job is to cast well, hold steady and fish positively at distance.

LEARN HOW TO FISH THE SLIDER IN THIS EXPERT ARTICLE.

Stick floats

Stick floats are one of the classic river patterns and still among the best tools for presenting a bait properly in flowing water.

Unlike a waggler, a stick float is attached top and bottom, which gives you much greater control over the rig as it moves downstream. River fishing is not just about casting and waiting, you are guiding the float, mending the line, controlling the pace of the bait and, quite often, holding the rig back slightly to lift the hookbait clear of the bottom.

Stick floats are used for trotting, where the bait is allowed to run through the swim in a controlled and natural way. Fine sticks suit smaller rivers, gentler glides and lighter baits. Bigger, more buoyant patterns are better suited to stronger flows and heavier shotting.

The shape is also an important consideration. Shouldered models can be held back more positively, which is useful when you want the bait to rise slightly or slow it down against the current. Straighter, slimmer patterns are better when you want a more natural run-through. These may sound like small details, but on the river they can make a big difference to how the rig works and is presented.

FIND GREAT RIVER STRETCHES FOR FLOAT FISHING IN OUR WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.

Avons

Avons are another top-and-bottom river float, but they are built with more power and stability in mind.

Their bulbous bodies give them extra buoyancy and allow them to carry more shot, which makes them especially useful in faster, shallower water where you need to get the bait down quickly and keep it under control. They aren’t delicate, and they don’t need to be.

This makes them ideal for species such as chub and barbel, or any river fishing where the flow is pushing and you need the bait to get down quickly. If the swim is shallow and turbulent, an Avon often makes far more sense than trying to force a finer pattern to do a job it was never built for.

SOME OF THE BEST SPECIMEN FISHING RODS ARE IDEAL FOR FISHING AN AVON FLOAT.

Chubbers

Chubbers are designed for one thing above all else, and that is coping with shallow, fast, powerful water.

These large-bodied floats can carry a serious amount of shot down the line and can get a bait down rapidly. That is their whole purpose. In some river swims, especially fast runs and shallow glides, there is no room for finesse. If the bait does not get down fast enough, it is gone before the fish even have a chance to see it.

A chubber gives you the weight and control to fish effectively when the conditions demand it. It isn’t subtle. If the river is charging through and the bait needs to get down fast, practicality matters a lot more than elegance.

Pellet wagglers

Pellet wagglers are now probably the most common float pattern seen on commercial fisheries, and in many ways they have taken over from the older splasher-style floats that once dominated shallow carp fishing.

The method has evolved as fish have seen more pressure. Early pellet waggler fishing often relied on a bigger splash to draw fish in to the area. Modern pellet wagglers are more often slimmer in profile and designed to settle as quickly as possible, because on many commercials the bites come within seconds of the float landing. Sometimes they come almost instantly.

These floats are built for catching fish in the upper layers while loosefeed is going in regularly to keep fish competing. It is one of the most effective and exciting methods on a commercial when the conditions are right, and it has accounted for massive match weights over the years. The beauty of it is that it works across a wide stamp of fish. It can be devastating on small stockies and F1s, but it is every bit as effective when bigger carp are prepared to feed high in the water.

Pellet waggler fishing is often dismissed by people who think it is just a chuck-and-feed method. But if done properly, it is all about rhythm, feeding, casting accuracy, float choice and reading how aggressively the fish want to feed. The best anglers make it look simple, but there is a lot more going on than just chucking a float out and hoping for the best.

HERE IS OUR PICK OF THE BEST PELLET WAGGLER FISHING RODS.

Splashers and Baggin’ wagglers

While pellet wagglers now dominate shallow fishing on most commercials, splasher floats and Baggin’ wagglers still deserve a mention because they were an important step in the development of modern commercial float tactics.

Splasher floats were designed to hit the surface with a noticeable slap, mimicking the sound of feed landing and drawing the attention of cruising carp. On the right venue, and when fish were primed to react aggressively, they are still very effective.

Baggin’ wagglers took the idea a stage further by incorporating a feeder into the float itself. A ball of groundbait could be moulded around the base, with a short hooklength fishing beneath it. As the groundbait broke down and fell through the water, carp would rise to intercept it, often taking the hookbait as it hung among the feed.

These patterns may not dominate in the way they once did, but they remain good examples of how float design has adapted to suit the way anglers actually fish and on their day can be unbeatable.

Driftbeaters

Driftbeater as the name suggests are designed to cope with wind and, more specifically, the surface tow that wind creates.

That is a problem that ruins a lot of float fished presentations. The line drags across the surface, the float starts moving unnaturally, and what should have been a tidy, balanced presentation quickly becomes a mess. Driftbeaters deal with that by combining a buoyant lower section with a long, fine stem and a visible top, helping the float sit more stable and resist being dragged under or pulled out of position.

They are especially useful on bigger, open waters where a breeze can quickly make a standard insert waggler unfishable. If you are trying to keep a rig fishing properly in awkward conditions, a driftbeater can often be a very smart choice it's a particularly popular choice for fishing the lift method.

Darts

Darts are among the best float patterns for delicate silverfish work on stillwaters, canals and drains.

Their fast taper and slim profile allow them to be dotted right down, often with very fine tips, similar to pole floats which makes them excellent for registering shy bites from roach, skimmers, crucians and other cautious feeders. In calm conditions, when presentation needs to be refined, a dart can offer a level of sensitivity that thicker or more buoyant patterns simply cannot match.

That sensitivity is the whole point of them, but it only matters if the conditions suit it. In flat calm water they are excellent. In heavy tow or a pushing wind, that same delicacy can work against you. Again, it comes back to choosing the float that suits the job rather than the one that looks nicest in the box.

TARGETTING SILVERS TAKES FINESSE AND THE BEST SILVERFISH RODS ARE PERFECT FOR THAT.

Choosing the right float

The biggest mistake anglers make with floats is treating them as interchangeable or simply reaching for the one they caught on last time.

A float should be chosen according to the job in front of you. How far are you fishing? Is the water still or flowing? Is there tow, wind or chop on the surface? Are you trying to present a bait delicately, get it down quickly, or catch fish shallow in the upper layers? Once you start asking those questions, float choice becomes far simpler and a lot more logical.

BUYING YOURSELF A NEW FISHING ROD? THEN READ THIS GUIDE BEFORE YOU DO.

The Angling Trust and Environment Agency (EA) are set to replace the current Voluntary Bailiff Service (VBS) model with a broader network in which people from fishing clubs and communities will be encouraged to take part.

Formed over a decade ago, the VBS reports evidence of illegal fishing and fisheries-related offences to the EA, and has gained recognition from police for its contribution in helping to deter wildlife crime. Under the new approach, the Trust and EA aim to build on these foundations by extending training to club and fishery bailiffs, individual anglers, and non-angling members of the public who care about their local waterways.

This training and guidance will be delivered free through the Angling Trust’s FishNET Learning Hub. Reporting routes will be standardised, with details of ‘incidents’ being directed to the EA through online reporting, a dedicated hotline, and Crimestoppers, whichever is appropriate.

Continued support

Currently there are over 900 volunteer bailiffs, and Jamie Cook, the Trust’s CEO, outlined their continued role in the changing service.

“The volunteer bailiffs will remain central to this work,” he said. “This change is about building on the foundations they’ve created.

“By opening training and guidance to a broader volunteer network, we can involve more anglers, clubs, fisheries and communities, and help more people to understand how to identify and report fisheries crime. The commitment to protecting fisheries has not changed. What is changing is the way we organise, support, train and connect club and community volunteers.”

Broader potential

Additionally, Jamie Cook explained the wider aims of the new programme, for which he has already received a positive response.

“Some angling clubs don’t engage with the VBS – between Reading and Oxford, for example, while there are lots of big clubs, none of them really get involved,” he said. “But there’s no reason why we can’t roll out the training to every club, fishery and angler for free. That’s what we’re focused on now.

“The bit that excited me most is that, having spoken to clubs that don’t currently engage with the VBS, they’ve now said that they will put all their bailiffs through the training, as it makes sense. There will always be a bit of trepidation from some, wondering why we’re changing something that was working. But there are others who will look at it and say well, I was never a part of the VBS, but I’m now keen to do the training.”

Engaging a wider audience

From the EA’s perspective, an expanded network of people who know how to report fisheries crime correctly will allow them to be more effective, as Kye Jerrom, the EA’s National Fisheries Enforcement Manager, explained to Angling Times.

“The VBS has raised awareness of illegal fishing among anglers and enforcement partners, and more than half of illegal fishing reports currently come through volunteers,” he said. “As digital reporting has made sharing reports easier, and training platforms such as FishNET develop, we have an opportunity to build on that success and extend knowledge, guidance, and reporting to a wider Angling Trust volunteer network.

“Our Fisheries Enforcement Officers can’t be everywhere all the time, but we have a million anglers out there that could help us to be more efficient,” Kye added. “Of course, we want anyone out there that witnesses illegal fishing to let us know what’s happening, but if they don’t know how to report it properly, it’s not particularly useful for us.

“So, we now want anyone – be they an angler or a member of the public – to feel they can become part of a community in which members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to protect fisheries.”

Non-angler influence

Over recent years, the increasing number of non-anglers with an interest in the health of our rivers has not gone unnoticed. Peter Devery, Angling Trust Head of Communications, said: “Water quality issues and reports of pollution or fly tipping have made the general public more aware of the issues our rivers face. The bottom line is that getting more eyes and ears on the water, be they of anglers or non-anglers, is a good thing. It will help to better protect our fisheries.

“And if we can deliver training for anyone to do that properly, we not only generate quality intelligence for the EA, the police and other partners, but we are also helping the non-angling community to understand the work that anglers do to take care of our waterways, which is a key objective over the next few years.”

Kye added: “Anyone that can help in some way, be it giving up a day, an hour or a minute, is a massive benefit to me and my team.

“I want to thank the voluntary bailiffs and let them know that, moving forward, they are valued by my team. Their work makes us so much more effective.”

Carp anglers often bemoan the bream that pick up their carefully-placed rigs, but the tables were turned during Rob Bailey’s recent session at Walthamstow Reservoirs, when this hefty 41lb 3oz common muscled in on his slab session!

He was fishing at Lower Maynard – a venue that holds a good head of specimen bream running well into double figures. Using an 8mm wafter hookbait and a window feeder over a bed of groundbait, dead maggots and 2mm pellets, Rob received a take from a fish that made a very powerful first run.

“I was using a 1.5lb test curve barbel rod and the fish took around 15 minutes to get in,” he told us. “After its first run, the carp plodded around, not fighting as much as I would have expected. Sadly, I didn’t catch any bream!”

IF YOU WANT TO CATCH SPECIMEN BREAM, YOU NEED THESE AWESOME TIPS...

Big bream might not have the glamour of carp or the cult following of tench, but any angler who has seen a proper double-figure slab roll over the landing net knows exactly how impressive these fish can be. Specimen bream are not always easy to find, and they can be even harder to catch consistently, which is why choosing the right venue is half the battle. If you are looking for the best places to fish for big bream, these waters are well worth putting on your radar, with each one offering a genuine chance of a serious fish.

Grimsbury Reservoir, Banbury, Oxfordshire

There’s a huge head of big bream here, along with plenty of carp, and you don’t need to go down the specimen angling route to tap into the shoals. Visiting matchmen often score ton-up bags on flatbed Method or cage feeder tactics. If you have a spod rod, lay down a bed of micros, groundbait and corn and fish over it.

Contact: www.banbury-and-district-angling-association.co.uk

Bain Valley Fisheries, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincolnshire

Eight old quarry pits to pick from here. Hefty bream can be found in several, but try Stirling, where they’ve really grown on. Start by casting a large bait-up feeder 10 times or so to get some freebies in, before switching to a smaller feeder and a bright yellow or orange wafter or dumbell.

Contact: www.bainvalleyfisheries.co.uk

Bluebell Lakes, Tansor, Northants

A well-known big-carp venue, but the seven-acre Bluebell Lake is a pleasure angler’s paradise… with the chance of a 40lb carp! A picturesque and tree-lined water with parking behind most pegs, it holds lots of bream well into double figures. Landing nets must be 42ins minimum.

Contact www.bluebell-lakes.co.uk

Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent

Run by Maidstone Victory AS, this 30-acre water holds big shoals of bream, with dozens over 10lb and some much bigger than that – the lake record stands at an impressive 15lb 8oz! Most baits and methods work, with the bream often sitting 30 yards-40 yards from the bank.

Contact www.maidstonevictoryanglingsociety.com

Walthamstow Reservoirs, London

All six reservoirs at this complex hold huge slabs. The venue record of 21lb 4oz came from Reservoir One (19 acres), but Lower Maynard (25 acres), Higher Maynard (38 acres) and Lockwood (74 acres) all hold good numbers of bream over 15lb – in fact, you’ll be unlucky to catch one under 10lb! Try a specimen-style approach, with Method feeders or scaled-down carp tactics, and be sure to include corn and pellets in your mix.

Contact: www.thameswater.co.uk

Ulley Reservoir, South Yorkshire

A deep, 35-acre fishery with around 70 pegs that’s been in top bream form recently. Recast a groundbait feeder every 10-15 minutes for the first hour or two to draw the fish in, and when they arrive, you can expect a run of good bream to well over 7lb, with a ‘double’ or two distinctly possible. Fish 15m-20m out if the water is coloured, but if it’s clear, you’ll need to cast 40m.

Contact: www.rotherham.gov.uk

Rudyard Lake, Leek, Staffordshire

This huge Peak District reservoir – which measures over two miles long, with 140 pegs – is another banker bet for plenty of bream bites, with the outside chance of a real monster. Depths vary quite considerably, starting at around 7ft at the most northerly point before gradually getting deeper further down, with 16ft at the southern end. Bites can be finicky, and braided mainline is advisable to help you spot the most subtle of plucks on the rod-tip.

Contact: www.rudyardlake.com

Broome Pits, Beccles, Suffolk

All four pits here contain bream, but B Pit at 13 acres is the one to target for the better stamp of fish, with slabs to well over 12lb on the cards. Lots of features to cast to, including gravel bars, deep troughs and plateaux, and the resident stocks respond well to match-style cage feeder tactics. All the usual traditional bream baits will work here, or try a speci angler approach with small boilies and pellets.

Contact: www.broomepitsfishinglakes.co.uk

Kingsbury Water Park, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

For lots of bream bites, head to Bodymoor Heath Water, which is the largest of the Kingsbury Water Park lakes at 47 acres. It’s surrounded by bushes, shrubs and willow trees, and has superb mixed stocks, with bream being one of the predominant species alongside tench and roach. It’s relatively shallow, with maximum depths of around 6ft, so its warms up quickly when mild temperatures arrive. Ball in half-a-dozen jaffas of groundbait, then fish a traditional cage feeder over the top. Most of the bream are in the 3lb-6lb class, but ‘doubles’ are a definite possibility too.

Contact: www.countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk

Winsford Flash, Winsford, Cheshire

This 90-acre lake is fed by the River Weaver and offers some great bream sport, with huge shoals on tap and individual specimens to a mouth-watering 12lb-plus present. Most anglers attack this lake using groundbait feeders cast around 40m-50m out, although the carp anglers also pick up their fair share of the big bream, so a two-rod approach with bite alarms and pellet/boilie hookbaits can also deliver the goods.

Contact www.winsford-anglers.com

Farlows Lakes, Iver, Buckinghamshire

Of the three on-site waters at this predominantly carp complex, both Lake 1 and Lake 2 are also home to big numbers of chunky bream, which no shortage of 11lb-12lb fish, and a few that are far bigger too!

Lake 1 is the larger at 26 acres, and the deep-water spots are the best bet, while on the relatively weed-free Lake 1, which is five acres, bites can be had all over. All methods and tactics will produce.

Contact www.farlowslake.co.uk

Carp fishing has never been more popular, but that brings its own problems. The best lakes are busier than ever, swims are harder to get on, and for anyone trying to squeeze a session in after work or around family life, getting near fish can feel like half the battle before you’ve even cast out.

Canals in particular are often overlooked by carp anglers, yet many of them hold good numbers of proper carp that see nothing like the pressure of their stillwater cousins. They are not always easy, and you do have to put the legwork in, but canal carp fishing is usually built around the basics done well.

Watching the water, finding the right areas, preparing a spot and fishing at the right time will all be required. Once you catch your first carp from a long, quiet stretch of canal, the thought of squeezing into the last available swim on a packed lake suddenly becomes a lot less attractive.

USE THE BEST RODS FOR CARP FISHING BY CHECKING OUT OUR BUYER'S GUIDE.

The canal timetable

One of the biggest factors that determines canal success is timing. While not typically flooded with anglers, canals can be pretty busy with other water users. Barges run up and down throughout the day, opening and closing lock gates, disturbing the bottom and causing a fair bit of commotion.

Then you have the towpath, where cyclists, runners and dog walkers are passing every few minutes.

Canal carp are used to living with noise, boats and towpath traffic, but that doesn’t mean they will sit there confidently feeding in the middle of it all. Through the busier parts of the day they often tuck themselves away, either under cover, close to boats, along quieter far-bank margins or in stretches that see less disturbance. As the light drops and the canal starts to settle, those same fish can become much easier to find and far more willing to feed.

That is why dawn and dusk are such key times on canals. You can still catch in the middle of the day, especially if you find a quiet stretch or spot fish moving, but as a rule your chances improve when the towpath goes quiet and the boat traffic eases. Timing matters, and on canals it can be every bit as important as bait or rigs.

FANCY A FISHING HOLIDAY? CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FOR CARP FISHING.

Get baiting

Most canals are pretty uniform and featureless. A standard canal will have a shelf either side and the deeper boat channel in the centre. There may be far-bank vegetation, snags or cover in the form of boats, but in terms of depth changes, there won’t be many. If you do find somewhere with a significant depth change of a few feet or more, it is worth investigating, as it could be a real hotspot.

One of the best ways to make nomadic canal carp easier to pin down is through prebaiting. These fish can cover a lot of water, so giving them a reason to keep visiting the same area before you actually fish is a big edge.

Particles, pellets and boilies will all work, but you do need to think about what else lives in the canal. Smaller items can quickly get mopped up by bream, roach, tench and even nuisance fish, so it often pays to include something a bit more selective. Boilies, tigers or larger pellets can help leave enough food in the swim for the carp to find, rather than feeding everything except the fish you are actually trying to catch.

Stalk them out

In summer, carp can be stalked on canals with floaters, and there really is no better way to catch them. Travel light with just an unhooking mat, rod, net and a few pieces of end tackle, and you can cover mile after mile of the towpath looking for fish. Most canals aren’t that wide, so you sometimes don’t even need a controller float.

A freelined piece of bread or a dog biscuit flicked across to a carp moving under the far-bank cover can be deadly, and on the right day it won’t be ignored for long. The key is not to pile bait in one spot and hope. Spread a few mixers along a longer stretch, keep walking, and watch carefully for any fish that start taking confidently. Once you find one or two feeding, you can slow everything down, get into position and make that first cast count.

USE THE BEST SURFACE FISHING RODS TO TAKE ONE OFF THE TOP ON A CANAL.

Use backleads

Backleads are a simple but important bit of kit when you’re fishing on canals. With boats moving up and down throughout the day, you need to keep your main line pinned down and out of trouble, rather than sitting high in the water waiting to be picked up by a passing barge. It’s a small detail, but the last thing you want after finding fish and getting a rig in position is to have everything wiped out by boat traffic.

GET SOME MORE GREAT TIPS FOR CARP FISHING IN THIS ARTICLE ABOUT BAIT.

Use a baiting pole

Flicking rigs across to far-bank brambles or trees can be tricky. The task is made far simpler with a baiting pole. The standard-length poles will be enough to reach the far bank on most canals and enable you to discreetly drop your rig and free feed on the money.

CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST BAITING POLES ON THE MARKET.

Find cover

Overhanging bushes, brambles and far-bank cover are obvious places to start, but don’t ignore moored boats either. Canal carp like security, and a line of boats can offer shade, cover and a quieter place to sit when the towpath is busy. Most canals are fairly uniform, but the deeper boat channel is always worth investigating, especially after dark when fish are more likely to move out and feed with confidence.

Absolute Radio’s Bush and Richie are bringing fishing to their listeners on May 13, as they take their drivetime show to Puddledock Farm Fishery, St. Marys Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NX for a special Come Fish With Us event built around fishing, mental health and the simple value of spending time on the bank.

The event will take place on the Road Lake, where 15 swims have been booked for a full day of fishing, interviews, social content and live radio.

Anyone interested in joining the Come Fish With Us event should email: hometime@absoluteradio.co.uk

Bush and Richie will be at the Essex venue from 9am until 7pm, recording content throughout the day, calling in to various Absolute Radio shows and then broadcasting their usual drivetime programme live from the fishery between 4pm and 7pm.

Fishing has always been about more than the fish. It gives people a reason to slow down, talk, listen and concentrate on something simple while spending a few hours away from the noise of everyday life. The difference here is that Absolute Radio is delivering that message to people who may never normally walk into a tackle shop, visit a fishery, or think about picking up a rod.

Absolute Radio invites you to "Come Fish With Us"

The day will bring together a mix of well-known anglers, influencers, listeners and newcomers, with Bush and Richie using the event to explore why people fish and why more people might benefit from giving it a go.

TV angler and One More Cast founder Ali Hamidi is set to attend, alongside Joe Turnbull, Lottie Rivers and Larisa Schipor, with further names still potentially to be confirmed.

The Angling Trust will also be there, providing coaches and some equipment to help make the day more accessible for those who are new to fishing or have never quite had the confidence, kit or knowledge to try it before.

Dave Lyons from Tackling Minds is also expected to attend, bringing an important mental health and wellbeing angle to the event. That matters, because fishing is increasingly being talked about not just as a pastime, but as something that can help people reconnect with themselves, with others and with the outdoors.

How to attend the Come Fish With Us event

As mentioned, the event takes place on May 13 on the Road Lake at  Puddledock Fishery, Upminster, with Bush and Richie on site from 9am to 7pm and the Absolute Radio drivetime show broadcasting live from the venue between 4pm and 7pm.

For local listeners, families, occasional anglers or anyone who has thought about trying fishing but never quite known where to start, this is a chance to see the sport in the right setting, meet the people involved and understand why a few hours beside the water can offer far more than many people realise. To express interest or to book email: hometime@absoluteradio.co.uk.

Why Bush and Richie are going fishing

Throughout the day, Bush and Richie will be recording conversations beside the lake with anglers about why they fish, what they get from it and why people listening at home should consider trying it.

Some of that content will be light-hearted, with the presenters learning how to fish and hopefully putting a few fish in the net. Other parts of the day are expected to go deeper, with more honest conversations about why fishing gives people space to think, talk and deal with life at a slower pace.

That is where this event becomes more than a radio show visiting a fishery. Angling has always had this side to it, but the sport has not always been brilliant at explaining it to people on the outside. We talk easily about methods, rigs, baits and venues, but we are sometimes less direct about the reasons people keep coming back to the water in the first place.

A chance to try fishing

With 15 swims booked on Road Lake, their should be capacity for 20 to 25 people to be able to fish at any one time. With coaches and some equipment available through the Angling Trust, the event should give beginners a much easier way into the sport than simply turning up somewhere and trying to work everything out for themselves.

From the outside, angling can look more complicated than it needs to be. People worry about what rod to buy, what bait to use, where they are allowed to fish, whether they need a licence, how to handle fish properly and whether they will feel out of place when they get there.

A day like this helps strip some of that away. It gives people the chance to see fishing in a relaxed setting, meet those already involved and understand that getting started does not have to be intimidating.

After weeks of intense voting, modern specimen angling great Simon Daley has been crowned the champion of last season’s Drennan Cup.

His five weekly awards put him clear of the rest of the pack, Nathan Buckingham finishing in second place, having caught a pair of 20lb barbel – one of which was a new British Record of 23lb.

In third place was Daniel Bouskila who picked up three awards – two for big grayling, one for dace. Julian Barnes was edged into fourth spot, earning weekly prizes for two huge barbel and a tench.

In winning for a third time, Hampshire-based roofer Simon became just the second-ever angler to do so, his achievement bettered only by the late, great Terry Lampard, who won it a staggering seven times.

When we caught up with Simon after his win, he was on his way home from a trip in search of large stillwater roach, and was humble as ever about his achievement.

So, Simon, how does it feel to win for a third time?

“It’s a surreal feeling, and it always takes a while to sink in. In all honesty, I don’t feel worthy of being up there with these angling legends. I have a bit of an ‘imposter syndrome’ about the whole thing. But to win again is brilliant – I really didn’t expect it.”

How did your campaign unfold?

“I had a dabble for tench in spring, hopeful of catching a good fish, and managed a 12lb 1oz specimen and another weighing 10lb 10oz. Then I turned my focus to barbel, and for much of the river season, there was little else you could fish for.

“I hoped to catch 17lb fish from three rivers, and didn’t quite achieve that, but I still managed four nice ones. I always look forward to trotting over winter, but that was very hit-and-miss this season. The roach fishing was poor, and chub were difficult. I did a bit of grayling fishing and managed some good ones to 2lb 11oz, but even the chalk streams were flooded, which made things tricky.”

You first won five seasons ago, has much changed since?

“The fish are getting bigger, particularly barbel. There are a handful of 20-pounders that I know of in the country, and a good proportion of them are on the River Lea."

“I know of a big fish from the Thames that wasn’t reported, but that’s fished really hard this season. Some people think it’s the seals, but I think the water quality has a lot to do with it.

“Barbel I’ve caught on the Hampshire Avon were down in weight this year over last, and invertebrate life also seems to be declining. We used to get strong mayfly and grannom hatches on the southern rivers, and if you caught a bit of weed, it would be alive with shrimp and caddis larvae. Now, there’s a noticeable difference.

“It’s great to see more youngsters getting into fishing, too, and while the youngest people going specimen fishing seem to be in their early thirties, hopefully some of the new generation will discover the big-fish scene as they develop as anglers."

Has your approach developed since then?

“I wouldn’t say it’s changed massively – I still keep things simple and fish with robust tackle. The last thing I want to do is lose a good fish.

“My barbel approach has developed a bit over the years. On the Hampshire Avon, I use backleads and short hooklinks, but having lost what felt like a big barbel while doing so on the Thames – a mid-river snag costing me the fish – I now use longer hooklinks on there and ditch the backleads.

“Generally, I don’t do anything sophisticated – I go to places that hold big fish and spend lots of time on the bank. If I get a buzz for something, I’ll stick at it.”

Are there any anglers on the scene you rate?

“Absolutely – my mates Roman Vann and Simon Baker are very good, as are the guys that have been in the running for the Cup over recent years, the likes of Julian Barnes, Neale Woodward and Dan Woolcott. They’re focused, and know what they’re doing.

“Dai Gribble and Lee McManus also catch some huge fish. What Lee does with those big bream each year is really impressive. He sets his sights on them and is determined to catch, and doesn’t mind sitting through quiet spells that are inevitable when targeting such fish.

“Steve Ricketts also, who caught the record eel last season, is phenomenal. I think that fish is the best to be caught in many years.”

Are there any species you would like to target more?

"A big perch is my target this season, and I’d like to go for a specimen from a river. I’ve been to places where these fish are present before, but I have always been after other species. I’ll have a go for big rudd as well, because I’ve not really spent much time in search of them before.

“I’m keen to do things differently this season, and last year I got a lure set-up for bass, which I really enjoyed using. I’ll be doing plenty more of that this year, and I have a mate who catches some big fish on lures at night, so I plan to go out with him at some point.

“Last winter, I also had a go on Chew Valley Lake for the pike with Martin Bowler. I had 11 fish, with one perhaps scraping double figures. But every time the indicator drops off, you never know what could be on the end.”

Finally, do you have any aims as an angler?

“I didn’t set out to win the Drennan Cup this year – I just want to keep enjoying my fishing, as I am right now with the bass.

“That’s what it’s all about for me – getting a buzz for something and diving into it.”

How the voting panned out

1st Simon Daley 31%

2nd Nathan Buckingham 15%

3rd Daniel Bouskila 13%

4th Julian Barnes 10%

5th Adam Riches 9%

6th Simon Baker 5%

7th Nigel Kennard 4%

8th Lee Tebble 3%

Others 10%

Canals may have been built for industry, but over time they have become some of the most interesting and attractive places to fish. Many are now corridors of wildlife, greenery and real natural beauty, offering a completely different experience from the more manicured surroundings of a commercial fishery.

The towpaths of Britain’s canals also provide far more productive sport than many anglers give them credit for. Roach, perch and skimmers can all be caught in good numbers, and with miles of water to explore, they offer a brilliant way to enjoy a session that feels a little different while still putting plenty of fish in the net.

Success, though, is rarely as simple as turning up with a pint of maggots and hoping for the best. Canal fishing rewards good presentation, careful feeding and the ability to adapt to tow, depth, boat traffic and the stamp of fish in front of you. Get those small details right, and these often-overlooked waterways can produce some excellent silverfish sport.

Here are 10 tips to get more from your next canal silverfish session.

THE BEST FISHING POLES ARE PERFECT FOR FISHING CANALS.

Use the right naturals

Maggots, pinkies and squatts may look similar, but it is important that you use the right bait for the job.

Maggots and worms are great baits to rely on when targeting quality fish such as big roach, perch and bream. They are that little bit bigger, making it harder for small silvers to attack them.

Pinkies are a great hookbait for smaller silverfish, but avoid feeding them, as they can fill up a shoal quickly.

Squatts, the smallest of the maggot family, are the ideal loosefeed, as they have minimal food value and can be devoured easily by small silvers. Catapult 20 of them in every few minutes to keep fish in your swim for the entire session.

TAKE THE BEST BAITS FOR FISHING ON YOUR NESXT SESSION THANKS TO THIS HELPFUL GUIDE.

Let your rig run

When fishing bread on the short line at the bottom of the nearside shelf, run the float through slowly with any tow or current. Doing this makes the hookbait look natural, because everything else underwater will be disturbed by the movement.

Use a float that will enable you to maintain control of the rig and achieve good presentation as it moves through the swim.

Try commercial baits

The days of canals being regarded as havens for small fish are long gone. They are now a big draw for many specimen anglers too.

As a result, the types of bait that are fed have changed, with fish becoming more accustomed to pellets, corn and even mini boilies. Do a little research on the canal that you are visiting and, if it gets a lot of pressure from carp anglers, incorporate these baits into your attack.

A pot of 4mm pellets and corn is certain to be of interest to any big bream, and a 6mm expander pellet hookbait will pick them off.

THE BEST FISHING SEATBOXES WILL PROVIDE A STABLE PLATFORM FOR FISHING CANALS.

Use a bait-up feeder

If you are fishing a wide canal where the feeder is coming into play, you could be faced with a conundrum as to how to feed it.

Regular casting is likely to spook bream in these venues, so using a bigger feeder to bait up before settling down for the session is a better option. This creates all the disturbance at one time and, when the bream arrive, there’s no need for frequent top-ups to hold them.

Set up a large feeder on a separate rod that is a little more beefy than what you are fishing with.

This is important as a large, fully loaded feeder can be heavy and needs a rod with the power to cast it accurately.

Look for wider swims

If you are on the hunt for quality bream then you should look for a reasonably wide swim. Bream will try and back away from any bankside or boat commotion in areas like turning bays.

The long pole may do the job, but there are times whena small cage feeder packed with groundbait, chopped worms and casters will be more effective.

Be bold for big catches

Cautious feeding is often associated with canals, but on deeper venues you can be more positive with the amount of bait you introduce.

A proportion of your bait could be taken away by tow, so you need to keep topping up at regular intervals, especially when bites dry up.If you’re not getting bites on a venue that is more than 12ft deep, try putting in a good-sized ball of groundbait every 10 minutes until you get a response. Include some loosefeed within these balls to add food content.

KEEP YOUR KIT PROTECTED AND ORGANISED WITH THE BEST COARSE FISHING LUGGAGE.

Try darker casters as hookbaits

Pick out the darker casters for the hook. These are more buoyant than light ones because they are further advanced in turning. However, when you mount one on a hook, its weight is enough to make it slowly sink to the bottom in an enticing manner. A dark caster also stands out when fishing on the drop, as fish looking up will see it stand out against the light sky.

Vary your punch sizes

Roach absolutely love bread but just because you can catch a few fish on it doesn’t mean you should settle for the results you are getting.

There’s likely to be a better stamp of fish among the shoal that you are missing out on, and so stepping up the size of your breadpunch could make all the difference. Start with a 3mm punch, but don’t be afraid to step up to a 4mm or 5mm if tiddlers are dominating most of the action.

String out your shot

Any natural food that enters the water is likely to sink slowly, so anything that goes in and falls quickly to the bottom is going to appear out of place to the fish.

In order to get your hookbait to fall at a slow pace, string a series of No12 shot down the last third of the rig when using a 4x10 float in 3ft-4ft of water.

You’ll be amazed by the number of bites you get seconds before the float is about to settle.

Mash it up for perch

Fish two lines for perch, and prime them both at the start with a mixture of worms, maggots and casters. Give the baits a good chop with scissors once in the pole pot to release lots of aroma that will draw these predators into your swim.

Make sure there are lots of different bait sizes in your feed because small segments of worm are likely to hold the fish once they arrive, and the sloppier parts of it will act as the attraction.

Feed these chopped baits down the track to your left and right, so the swims don’t interfere with each other.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO THE BEST WORMS FOR FISHING.

For anglers who are parents, there is nothing better than introducing their kids to fishing and seeing them take to it with as much passion as they have. Watching them catch their first fish and learn how to fish is just as, if not more, rewarding than catching fish yourself.

On a recent outing, Andy Waters was fishing with his six-year-old son Isaac on a local gravel pit, with dad Andy fishing for bream during the night, and Isaac targeting the tench during the day.

“He’s been coming along to sessions over the last few seasons, and each time we cover a bit more on how and why we do things.

“We managed six tench between 5lb and 7lb 5oz over the weekend and, at his young age, casting and playing them is tricky, so I still had to help a bit. But each time the alarm screamed off, he was filled with excitement.

“Isaac will be casting soon enough, but for now he’s just enjoying the wildlife and the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”

IF YOU ARE FISHING OVER THE WEEKEND, THE BEST FISHING BIVVIES WILL PROVIDE SOME REFUGE.

An incredible day on the bank saw one angler land 726 fish in under five hours, with constant action throughout their session.

While some anglers go to relax on the bank, this recent outing proved very different for James Wellwood, who set himself a challenge to see just how many fish he could catch during a five-hour stint on a local venue.

While small rudd aren’t the hardest fish to catch, netting this many is incredibly difficult. To give you some idea of how efficient James was during his trip, he maintained an average catch rate of around 2–3 fish per minute over the five hours he was on the bank, in a feat of incredibly skilful angling!

"This session actually began the day before, when a short two-hour after-work outing on the whip produced around 250 fish for approximately 15kg. Knowing I had more time the following day, I set myself a challenge to see just how many fish I could catch," James explained.

HEAD TO ONE OF THESE WATERS FOR A PROLIFIC DAY'S FISHING...

“When you’re trying to catch a massive number of fish like this, it’s so important to get into a rhythm that becomes second nature throughout the day.

“I found it best to flick the rig out, feed casters, catch a fish, unhook it, then flick the rig out again. Once my float was in the water, I’d put the fish in my keepnet, hit my counter, then feed again. By the time I fed again, I’d already hooked another fish, and the process just kept resetting and repeating all day.”

“If I fed a ball of groundbait every cast, it pulled in too many tiny fish. Instead, I fed five small nuggets of groundbait every 20 fish, which helped me target slightly better rudd holding just off the main feed.”

“If things slowed, I’d introduce a bit of sloppy leam to pull fish back in, and I’d rotate between 1.5m and 2m whips depending on where they were sitting. All my feed went into the 1.5m line, and I’d fish just beyond it.”