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On an annual week-long pilgrimage to the Wye last week, I was introduced to a swim packed with 7-8lb barbel, with allegedly some going into double figures. That's the good news. The bad news was this far-bank run was also full of hidden snags. The first time I fished it I hooked 24 barbel...

On this coming Sunday. 13C and overcast down south. Perfect. However, my missus is being unreasonable again and insists that I have to be at home for some sort of family gathering, apparently. I hope the rest of you don't have the same problem and can make the most of the excellent...

Being discontinued, accordingly to the guys at Yateley Angling Centre, which has sent me into a mild panic. I know there are plenty of options out there, but they are pretty much the only barbel hooks I've ever used.

You cast in. It's likely that in some time in the first hour, or even first few minutes, you'll get knocks on the rod tip, or even one that makes the whole rod rattle. You know it's a chub and you sit on your hands. There's some consolation that at least you know your hookbait is in play...

As I'm enduring a fairly dire run on the Loddon at the moment, I was heartened to hear of a carper who had chalked up 55 nights of nothingness on a local gravel pit. It cheered me up no end. Anyone heard of a run of blanks to beat that?

I have a dilemma. On a quiet club stretch of the Loddon where more often than not I have had the place to myself, two carp angling "converts" have moved in. They are thoroughly nice chaps - approachable, chatty, happy to offer up information, and have even used their own strimmer to improve...

I've just realised there's a confusing new factor to take on board on June 16 as well as the usual how, when and where to fish. Added to the mix on the day is now England v Wales in the Euros with a 2pm kick-off. Trying to work out where the sleeping bit fits in now. Anyone know a good...

Given that these days I have to make 20 mile round trips to pay a mere £4 a pint for casters (and only if I can get there before closing time, which is usually when I'm still at work), I'm toying with the idea of getting them from the likes of Willy Worms by mail order for both price and...

Having been, to my cost, overly-reliant on Reuban Heaton Flyweight scales over the years, I decided to go digital this season. However, I'm now on my third set inside a moth. The Korum Digitals made a promising start, but then gave up the ghost when they got slightly wet. Next came the...

Right, just over a month to go, so hands up if you've: 1. Booked the day off work. 2. Settled on your chosen swim. 3. Decided to cast in at midnight even though it makes more sense, and is probably more productive, to wait until dawn. 4. Visualised your first cast, which is, of course...

As I know some (including BFW-ers) come from well outside the area to fish it, please be aware that the so-called "free stretch" of the Loddon between Sandford and Whistley Mill in the Hurst/Woodley area will be under the control of Twyford and District Fishing Club from the new season...

Surely a worthy entry for February?

On the way home from my London commute last night, I decided a spot of pre-baiting was in order. Bag of boilies in hand, I strolled about half a mile to my chosen spot in the middle of nowhere. No one could possibly spot me. As I lobbed the boilies into my chosen spot, I suddenly heard...

Anyone else finding the fish are fighting that bit harder this season, or has the close season played tricks with my memory? The usually hard-but-fair Loddon barbel are suddenly roughing it up like their Wye cousins. Wye chub have become right tearaways, and 4-5lb Wye barbel are initially...

When my days as a wage slave cease (a while to go, sadly), high on my priority list is getting a dog. It needs to be, of course, a fishing-compatible dog. But, a bit like choosing a new boilie for next season, I can't decide which one. The options seems to be: 1. A Labrador. The Ford...

I'm planning on taking my lure rod to South Africa to have a go at the large-mouth bass in the numerous farm dams while on holiday. Anybody know what BA's policy is on rods re luggage allowance? I've bought a tube specifically for the purpose, and I know they can't go as hand luggage? But...

Just been talking to a Herefordshire landlady about some accommodation near the Wye. She referred to her angling guests throuighout as "the barbel people", strange folk who she realised sometimes slept during the day to fish during the night on hot summer days. She clearly has our card marked as...