Nash E-zine May 2012 by Simon McCabe

May 2012

E-ZINE

PLUS!

k c i N x i d d a M ! E V I S U L C X e 1

IN THE MIX - KEITH JONES

IN THE MIX

KEITH JONES 2

HELLO AGAIN AND WELCOME TO NASH-E-ZINE!

e’ve got an extremely interesting mix of articles and features again this month that I’m sure will help us all get the best out of the Nash products we love and use. The new Siren S5 alarms are set to turn the budget priced alarm market on it’s head. Despite an amazing price tag of under £30, the new mini Sirens have a real feel of quality about them and I think they will appeal to many anglers at all levels and abilities particularly those who favour more of a minimalist approach. We’ve also got plenty of observations, tactics, tips and ideas from the country’s top anglers that will help us to bank plenty of fish this spring and summer. Reading through the content has really got my head buzzing, I just can’t resist experimenting with anything new or interesting and there’s certainly plenty to think about this time around.

IN THE MIX - KEITH JONES

PEG ONE

ZIG BUGS

We’ve got some interesting stuff from the Peg One Team in this issue, these people really know how to catch fish. Regardless of whether you are angling for small or large carp, there’s some fantastic products in the range that are particularly well suited to the day or short session angler. I’ve been using the new 11ft P1 carp rods recently and I’ve been really impressed. The two and a quarter pound test curve rod has a short removable mid section which reduces the length down to 9ft 6 inches. This has made it particularly useful in the tight jungly swims I’ve been fishing, these are proper stealthy carp rods!

I can’t go any further without mentioning the Zig Bugs, if you don’t try anything else new this year, you’ve just got to get on these, zig fishing is an incredibly effective method for catching carp and the new Bugs take that potential to new levels. But it doesn’t just end there, Zig Bugs also make amazingly effective alternative surface baits, just recently I watched a friend very craftily fishing them on the drop. Everything was carefully weighted so that the hook bait and line initially settled on the surface and then slowly sank through the levels. A handful of the new Riser Pellets were trickled in on a regular basis, this really got the fish interested. As the pellets slowly sank, the carp could be seen rolling and chasing the elusive food items. When the Bug hook bait was introduced to a group of active sub surface cruisers, every cast produced a take, it was impressive to watch!

ON THE BOTTOM Bait quality and in particular the food value of my bait has always been important to me, carp are instinctively drawn to any potential food that will provide them with the key nutrients they require for good health and well being. Bait that provides carp with a balanced food source will catch you more carp, it will also, in my opinion catch you bigger fish too. I’m sure this is partly why Nash Bait has such an unrivalled big fish catching track record. There was a time when I was convinced that if I was fishing with a high food value bait and one that the fish would actively search out and feed on with real enthusiasm and confidence, then my hook baits should perfectly mimic my freebies. But more recently I’ve adopted the complete

opposite approach, although food is still the focus, I nearly always fish an alternative coloured hook bait over the freebies. White has worked incredibly well for me, in particular a red or brown bottom bait combined with a white pop up to create a critically balanced snow man has caught me so many carp. In fact thinking about the big fish I’ve caught in recent years all but one has fallen to this tactic.

other. The interesting thing was, both hook baits were fished over a scattering of the red and the pink hook bait nearly always produced the first bite of the day and over several sessions they caught more fish too. I’m going to take that idea to the two new waters I’m fishing over the coming months, I know several consultants and other top anglers who really rate pink hook baits so it will be interesting to see what happens.

IT ALL WORKS!

IT’S A MONSTER!

In this issue we’ve put the question of hook bait choice to some of the top people at Nash, these are experienced and very successful anglers who are regularly out there fishing and catching lots of carp. I find it interesting how their individual approach and bait choice varies so much. Everything from Hi-Viz Rainbow pop ups, black pop ups, bottom baits straight out of the packet and specially made balanced ones, everyone seems to have their

The Monster Squid is continuing to dominate waters up and down the country. If the catch reports and stories surrounding this amazing bait continue to flood in at the current rate, it won’t be long before The Monster surpasses the legendary Scopex Squid, in fact maybe it already has?

own preferences. The one thing that all these top anglers have in common is complete confidence in their chosen baits and tactics and also even more crucially total belief in themselves. Experimenting with colour and other alternative ideas has really opened up a whole new area of attraction for me to explore and I could probably fill up the whole magazine discussing the topic, but for now here’s an interesting observation. Just recently I was fishing a runs water and enjoying getting a regular bend in the rod, the fish weren’t particularly big but some days the action was absolutely mental and it was great fun. I used a fair bit of Scopex Squid Red, the fish absolutely loved it, the more I put in the better it got. For hook baits I fished the red straight out of the bag on one rod and the new pink Scopex Squid Fish Frenzy baits on the

As well as choosing the right bait, the way you use and apply it can be equally as important. It always amazes me how carp are so tuned into their underwater environment and how quickly they home in and exploit sudden and often short lived explosions of natural food. To a degree you can replicate these natural occurrences by the way you prepare your bait and also by the quantities and timings of its application. The new salt products also give you an edge when attempting to create activity on the bottom that carp will be instinctively drawn to. There are also a few products in the bait range that take salt based attraction to new levels. Combining the Squid Extract with salt is an incredibly effective tactic, mixing liquid additives such as Crustacean Extract with salt creates an amazing carp magnet. During the development programme, similar ideas based around the Nash salt products have been discretely taking waters apart for anglers in the know. If you’re not using them this year you could be missing out big time. Well that’s enough from me – read on and enjoy!

ALAN BLAIR

Alan Blair

LIFE AT

NASH

NICK MADDIX

TOM FORMAN

Life is usually pretty hectic for me, in fact it’s mad! My work is incredibly varied and I’m involved to some degree in just about everything that we do at Nash. One week I might be in the office working on marketing, testing samples or getting involved in the design and development of new products. The next week I might be on the continent, or on the road in Britain attending fishing shows and other events. Or I could be as far away as China visiting our manufacturing partners. Because I’m never in one place for too long, it’s difficult to get any rhythm into my fishing and as for any kind of campaign angling and targeting specific waters or fish this spring and summer, forget it! I have to just grab whatever fishing I can, this might

MIKE HARDING

OLI DAVIES

some of which are still in the development stage are certainly doing the business which means exciting times ahead for all Nash users. Baits from the Fish Frenzy range particularly suit my kind of fishing when I’m angling for a quick bite, some ‘serious’ carp anglers seem to overlook these products which is a big mistake as they catch plenty of big fish too. The awesome Zig Bugs are the real buzz on the grapevine at the moment; these amazing products are set to turn conventional mid water tactics on its head this year. Take my advice, take your zig fishing to a new level and get on them now! Well that’s it from me, the phones are ringing and I’ve got people to see and places to be – hope you have a great spring and summer – catch you again soon.

involve trotting a float down a local river or fishing some kind of European in land sea. But whatever it is I will always enjoy it. The office is absolutely buzzing at the moment with many of the staff grabbing as much fishing time as they can, quick over nighters on local venues and weekend sessions on their target waters for this year. Most mornings someone will have some kind of story to tell about a fish landed or some kind of crazy event on the bank. With the new gear we are using I think it’s fair to say we are probably the warmest most comfortable and well equipped anglers on the banks of any of these waters. Numerous new tackle and bait products,

ALAN BLAIR

Nick Maddix

LIFE AT

NASH

NICK MADDIX

TOM FORMAN

I’ve started my campaign on a new syndicate this spring and have already got the first fish under my belt which is always a good feeling. My baits and tactics are working so I’m feeling

MIKE HARDING

OLI DAVIES

confident for the season ahead. There’s some really nice fish to go for in there, ‘the’ common to go for is over 40lb, a really pretty upper thirty which is my main target for the year and a good handful of old 30’s on the hit list too. The lake’s got a bit of history about it, Kev actually fished it many years ago so he’s really interested in what’s going on over there and quizzing me about every aspect of my approach as usual!! He has his doubts but I’m sure I’ll be filling up the photo album soon enough! Bait wise I’m using Monster Squid which I’ve got complete confidence in plus I’m also testing something new and exciting but I’m not allowed to say too much about that just yet. It’s a bit of a learning curve for me as it’s a very different water to what I’ve been used to before. It’s silty with a thin layer of silkweed everywhere, so I’m keeping everything simple, using tried and tested tactics and just thinking myself in. I’m using the Food Dip to give my bait an edge over the other ‘Monster’ users and at the moment choddies seem the way to go. New bits of kit in my 2012 armoury that really stand out as exceptional are the new Ground Hog which sadly replaces my original one from way back when (R.I.P). I’m beyond impressed with the new NR rods and the soon to be released NXT D- Cam mono main line is superb, just like the old Bullet its bomb proof and so user friendly but to top it off - this time we’ve made it in Diffusion. What an edge!! Just before finishing this piece for our E-Zine editor I managed to sneak an overnighter on Kev’s Church Pool to accompany a guest. I bagged the fish I would pick over any other to have in my album at 34.3 and it’s a real stunner. 20 minutes after re-casting to the spot I bagged a PB common at 42.14 ozs so I’m well chuffed! 2012 is looking up and confidence is high after bagging a couple of gooduns! Be lucky and watch this space!!!

ALAN BLAIR

Tom Forman

LIFE AT

NASH

NICK MADDIX

TOM FORMAN

I’ve really got my fishing head on at the moment and as a result of that I’m catching a few. I’m still targeting Lakelands at the moment which is a well known syndicate in the Essex area and only a 20 minute drive from Nash HQ making it perfect for mid week overnighters. Nick fished there last year which got me interested in the place and after fishing a guest session with him and witnessing him bag Swirly which is the big common that resides in the lake, my mind was made up. I’ve landed a few fish so far, although I didn’t really get my head into it last year and ended up flitting from water to water. However like I said, I’m fishing hard this year, especially as I know the biggun “Single Scale” is due out any time now and I’m determined to make sure it’s me that catches her. Nick had great success on there last year using the Monster Squid so I can’t see any point in using anything else, but I’m mixing a bit of the black in with it as well. I’m also “salting” my boilies up which basically involves using a small amount of lake water and dissolving a handful of the new Rock salt crystals in there. Once fully

MIKE HARDING

OLI DAVIES

dissolved, I add this to a bag of boilies. After 24 hours the washed out baits have absorbed the salty water which gives me a great edge on pressured waters. My favourite product at the moment has to be my new rods. I’m on the brilliant 3.5lb NRXD. Although I have to admit I’m no expert when it comes to rod choice, I do know these are the best rods I’ve ever fished with, particularly when it comes to feeling a lead down and finding a spot. Combined with my recently purchased Basia’s, I feel I have the best set up there is which leaves me one less thing to worry about. Seriously though it’s not just hype, these rods really are special! I’m using stiff hinge rigs, I love this rig and have done for a while now. I fish it slightly differently to most, opting for a 25lb Missing Link boom section as opposed to the traditional fluorocarbon. Other than this I’m happy to use a simple bottom bait rig. Usually with 20lb Missing Link with the coating completely stripped off, this creates a really stealthy supple rig that I can highly recommend. I’ll fish this long, sometimes up to 14 inches combined with a long hair. Deadly ! Asides from the carp fishing, I have also managed to get on the rivers over the winter and spring which I love equally as much as carp fishing. I recently spent a day on the River Lea with Alan Blair stalking Chub. I also managed to catch my first “proper” river Barbel as well just before the season ended. It was only around 4lb but I was a happy man that day for sure ! A few weeks later I also managed to bag a couple of beauties from the Church, the biggest being a stunning 37lb 12oz linear. It was also my first fish on the new Zig Bugs, it definitely won’t be my last though.

ALAN BLAIR

Mike Harding

LIFE AT

NASH

NICK MADDIX

TOM FORMAN

I’m on the same syndicate as Nick this year, I think it was Kevin talking about the old days that first got me interested in the lake, it does hold some nice fish. Bait wise I’m on the IC1, I really rate that bait and it’s probably a bit different to what the others are using which will give me an edge. I’m playing around with it a bit, washing it out or doing whatever is needed to make it more attractive to the fish.

MIKE HARDING

OLI DAVIES

This year I’m using the Ground Hog which is the perfect shelter for me, it’s a really flexible system. You can zip the front off and use it like a conventional brolley but I can add more protection if the weather turns bad. It’s perfect for short sessions or for traveling light when I’m on the move and hunting down those carp which is how I like to fish. I’m still using the old Bullet line at the moment which is so dependable but having seen the D-Cam that the others have spooled up with I need to get on that soon. There’s a leader ban on the lake so I’ve gone back to the Tungsten tubing, I’d forgotten how good that stuff really is. It’s so supple and sinks like a brick and moulds itself to the lakebed contours. If there’s a similar ban on your water, this is the tubing to use, with a simple Weed Clip it’s unbeatable.

ALAN BLAIR

Oli Davies

LIFE AT

NASH

NICK MADDIX

TOM FORMAN

So spring is upon us and the carp (and a few carp anglers!) are finally waking from their winter hibernation. That means more time out on the bank shooting features too, to cope with the increased demand from the angling magazines. It doesn’t always go to plan at this time of year though. The weather can be changeable, and frosts and even snow can put pay to the best-laid plans. Luckily for me, all the anglers I have been out with recently for features have bagged at least one for the camera. It is always tricky when the pressure is on and you HAVE to catch one, and really sorts the men out from the boys. Two Nash consultants who have really impressed me recently are carp match pairing Jamie Londors and Billy Flowers. Although on that particular day they were pitted against one another for the purposes of the feature, to watch them fish is like watching a well-oiled machine. They take preparation to the next level, and nothing is left to chance. Everything is precise, from the many identical rigs that they have tied for each session, to the marking of their lines so that each and every cast is bang on the money. No fishing time is wasted, and with two spare rods rigged up and ready to cast as soon as a fish is netted. What’s more, they both possess watercraft in spades, always trying to understand what the carp are doing in the swim and trying to maximize every potential opportunity to get a bite. It is this constant analysis that seems to be a trait found in many of the best anglers. My own fishing has yet to really kick-start this year. It was a tough winter on my local river, the small population of barbel strangely unwilling to play ball. I tried every nook and cranny of this tiny river but managed only chub and bream. My old faithful bait,

MIKE HARDING

OLI DAVIES

which I had trained them to eat over the previous two seasons perhaps needed a bit of tweaking, so I decided to make a simple change, and glug all my baits in Nash Liver Extract. Barbel love liver and although my boilies already contained it, I reckoned a little extra kick might just do the trick. With the end of the river season looming I started baiting with a few glugged baits. This tweak definitely paid off as I bagged a 12 pounder and two smaller ones in two short trips, saving my season from ending bite-less. Now the rivers are closed I have turned my attentions to carp, and I have at least banked my first decent carp of the year on a quick trip to Kevin’s Church Pool. This was a cracking 28lb mirror stalked from the margin, so close to the bank that I actually had the end of the leader in the rod tip. I had been watching three very large fish cruising up and down, one perhaps over 50lb and managed to lower a tiger nut onto a tiny clear patch on their route, with a tiny handful of salmon fry crumb and perhaps 30 grains of hemp over the top. I wanted just enough bait to nick a bite and the fish were definitely showing an interest, dipping down on the spot as they drifted by. I was sure that I would get one, and hopefully the big one! The light was fading and I could no longer see the fish when finally the rod tip bounced. I wasn’t sure whether it was a liner at first, but as it bounced again it was clearly a fish shaking its head, nailed! After a short, explosive fight I landed a lovely chestnut mirror. Nice, but clearly not one of the fish I had been watching. He must have sneaked in and snaffled it from under their noses! With a bit of luck I’ll get to do a bit more of this sort of fishing this year, and I highly recommend fishing in the edge if you get the opportunity. You just can’t beat it for excitement.

BAIT TALK - GARY BAYES

S E Y Y BA

AL T T I A B

GAR

vy work a e h a to e fishing du sful but the last o n t s o lm succes e with a n u m n r e fish close fo e r g b in te s d in a n h w fi r e fte don a long em resting, a hing I’ve te s It’s been fi in f bait on th e o r e e it th b w t s le e n tt g li io to a ess load. The em trying I think I got there fternoon s th a k t r o o o h p s s , f a s couple o me I managed to same are other blank. What’ e th in ti h s t in. The firs ond time I found fi ing, resulting in an ll av ec and the s d they were just le you all saying, we n ar little late a g about that? I he the move n tin so interes ood to see them o be g uld for one it’s help thinking I sho ’t tch and I can the tables and ca rn able to tu it’s given me the o, one or tw to try some ce confiden rent fe old but dif tactics.

BAIT TALK - GARY BAYES

One of our field testers made the most of these fish in the edge just the other day and managed to catch a brace of thirties on the float, a little bit of careful prebaiting, the fish coming in close and two good fish nailed, good angling!. My turn next I hope.

On the first afternoon session I managed to spook them off to start with. Then when it was looking promising again the lone swan came and destroyed me, picking all my free offerings and hook baits up and then time ran out and the fish did move off, time to get the Soluballs out next time for sure. Last season on my syndicate lake the birds made life very difficult fishing in shallow water, diving and cleaning the boilies and particles out but the Soluballs broke down and the ducks just had a quick look and moved off, unable to pick up the fluffy Soluball residue that the carp really like. So fishing in the margins in the silkweed I reckon the Soluballs will be swan and duck safe and will give the carp confident area’s to drop onto and any pre-baiting isn’t going to be wiped out by the feathered gits as soon as my back’s turned. I add Food and Boilie Dip to the Soluballs for extra attraction.

The idea is for the oils to ping up to the top, dragging the Food Dip up to flavour the water above the baited area. It works brilliantly in Canadian pond weed, almost stopping the carp in their tracks and pulling them down to the free offerings so I hope it does in silk weed, I’ll let you know how it goes. As you can see in the picture the right hand jar has flavour from the top to the bottom, that’s with the Food and Boilie Dip blended 50/50, the Arousers do the same, it’s just a little bit of physics really. Remember to thoroughly shake the two and blend them up, the more they are mixed the smaller the oil bubbles and the longer the Soluballs will be actively pinging both oil and water soluble attraction through the layers. Halibut pellets work in a similar way but are such bad carp food I don’t like using them any more and they don’t work so well when it’s cold. This method of blending Boilie and Food Dips is also a good zig rig feeding aid, creating an area near the zig bug with the promise of food. It’s caught me extra fish for sure, sometimes on the bottom and on the zigs within minutes of each other when other rods not on or over the baited area caught nothing. As you can see in the picture the Boilie Dip acts too much like an oily pellet, chucking the oil up to the surface to drift away, wasted. The Boilie Dips need to be well soaked into baits to get the best from them, the oils will then stay on the baits longer, slowly breaking away. The Food Dips are heavier than water and again work better when they have been allowed to soak well into the boilies, this creates a more prolonged leak off of attraction. Blending the two together makes them ideal for dipping quickly prior to casting as the mixture sticks to the bait better. The Arousers work in the same way and are easier to use as the mixing is already done for you.

cold water, its also a tactic best milked now, before the carp start to see too much of them. Some waters are starting to respond to heavier baiting now but unfortunately they are also busier so sneaky pre-baiting is difficult. I pre-baited an area on Sunday night and hope to get on it tonight (Tuesday) unless I find fish elsewhere. I hope it’ll work, it is working on other waters but again I’ll let you know, preferably I like to be able to get a bit of bait in every other day for a week or two but that’s hard on busy waters. Pre-baiting can be so frustrating sometimes, continuity isn’t always possible, getting in the swim if you commit to one area doesn’t happen so often. Other naughty people catching off the baited area all make it seem not worthwhile sometimes. Still, I think it’s so important to get them “on the bait” it always produces more fish and is perhaps one of the only methods that will guarantee you more fish. Sharing the prebaiting with a mate or two will spread out the cost and effort, so I am teaming up with a few other anglers and hopefully we’ll reap the rewards.

This is my favourite time of year to use dips and glugs, they give baits a real boost in

UP YOURS MATE! FEATURING: RICH WILBY JULIAN CUNDIFF KEITH WILLIAMS KIRSTIN WYLIE

UP YOURS MATE!

RICH WILBY IF YOU WANT TO UP YOUR CATCH RATE OR PB READ ON! RICH WILBY

This is a great time for me in the year because at my fishery the fish are mega active and the anglers that fish well go away very happy with a few fish under their belts. Active carp are much easier to locate and catch in my experience, so most seasoned anglers know how to take advantage of this when they turn up. Simple rigs, good bait and presentation does the trick nine times out of ten. But I still see a lot of anglers get on active, feeding fish and make hard work of it. They may have the best rig and bait in the world, but unless they can present it correctly amongst the fish it won’t work. I’ve just watched an angler fishing in one of my small bay swims cast a 3oz lead five or six times to where a few fish were happily bubbling up. The water is only 5ft deep and his lead sounded like a shotgun as it bombed the water, I know he will not catch one of those feeding fish as they would have bolted off after the second or third cast. He may pick up a bite from a new fish that moves in, but why spook the fish that are there in the first place? Active, warm weather carp are much easier to disturb than when they are in their cold

lethargic mood. I love to cast regularly on well stocked dayticket venues, but I keep the disturbance to a minimum and often cast well past fish to reel the light lead across the top and let it drop gently down on the area it needs to be. I watch guys who are good at floater fishing do this all the time, but I see very few do it on the bottom wherever I go. Zig-rigs with the Nash Bugs work great when you keep roving them around with a little lead on, it is almost like fly fishing at times. I’m sure that a freshly repositioned zig gets more bites than one just left to fish for itself for several hours. I also spend a lot of time changing the depth of the zig as even in one day I have caught fish from my own water on 2ft, 4ft and 6ft zigs as the weather conditions have warmed up or cooled down. Floater fishing shows carp anglers just how wary fish can be at times and if you can get them feeding hard, competing together, they suddenly start slipping up. The same thing is happening on the bottom on many waters, I’m sure, so regular baiting can keep them feeding and build up their confidence. All the best chub anglers I know bait and then rest several swims in a day on the river, before they flick

in their cheese-paste and it is an approach I use myself on many carp waters I fish now. Even if the lake is busy I’m happy sitting in a swim and just baiting it for a couple of hours before casting out. A bit of patience can still go a long way, even on prolific venues. Lastly I must mention the Monster Squid bait as it is really on fire at the moment on my lakes and on the waters where I have been using it. I’m using the red version this year and I’ve noticed that most baits I’m seeing go in on other waters are pale or creamy in colour. There was a time a few years ago when everybody was on red bait, but they have gone out of fashion a bit in my area and that certainly suits me and I think gives me a little edge. Having any edge is a lot harder to get nowadays on most places, so the smallest ones can make all the difference.

UP YOURS MATE!

JULIAN CUNDIFF

Let’s think about lessons learned in 2011 and what we can all do to avoid getting it wrong this spring and early summer.

Spotting when it goes wrong - when you get into a rhythm on a water and something’s working well, be it bait, rigs, swim choice etc, it’s easy to keep plodding along even when looking back in hindsight it might not be the best option to continue doing. I know that I am a bit of a ’if it isn’t bust don’t fix it’ fan but I do accept that I have missed out at times and kept flogging a dead horse. That bright coloured pop up that worked so well in March may not be so good in April ? That single bait approach that worked in February may not be enough to stop a shoal of carp in April ? That bottom bait that worked in clear water in March may be lost in the weed in May and so on. So what I have resolved to do this year is not to take anything for granted and to expect action every time I go and when it isn’t happening I will immediately start to up my game. No longer will

it just be enough to sit there and think they are not having it and maybe next week it’ll happen? I intend to really push myself and avoid the lean times before they become a famine so to speak… The sooner I can KNOW its not going right the sooner I can start to correct it.

Being flexible - following on from that, once I see there is a problem I am going to have to solve it with a degree of flexibility…After a long day at work it is tempting to revert to the buzzer and boilie approach but I know that if I wind in

and go looking for fish if I can find them I can catch them. I may need to up my game when it comes to stalking fish but that’s good for me. I know that there are times I should have been using zigs when instead I have either fished on the bottom or on the surface. So when I go I will have at least one if not two rods set up Zig style ready to catch the mid water feeders. With the new Nash Bugs and Zig Flo line I will be more than prepared…. Create extra time - and no not like Alex Ferguson seems to do for Manchester United either. From now to early winter I do tend to fish mid week overnighters mainly leaving weekends free for concerts, motor biking, F1 and the like. But I know that I am missing out on some good day fishing so I am going to take quite a few days off mid week so that I can run an overnighter into the next day. Not packing up at 6am and being able to leave the baits out until 10 am and then go stalking will I am sure catch me plenty of bonus fish. It will eat into my holidays but I need to raise my game…as we all do at times

UP YOURS MATE!

KEITH WILLIAMS Spring has arrived and temperatures are certainly beginning to wake the carp. My spring and summer plans will hopefully bag me a few, with plenty of overnighters between work and doing the Nash shows. I also have a few French trips booked. This will mean being well disciplined in my fishing and carefully watching the weather forecasts in order to get the best out of my sessions. Oh, and not forgetting to keep my family happy as well. I will be concentrating on a couple of waters; one is

situated in Essex and the other in Norfolk. Not too far from my home. Both are gravel pits containing carp into the upper forties. In the Norfolk Lake I am targeting two fish in particular. One is a leather, which slipped my landing net a couple of years ago, and the other a common that is expected to go fifty this year. I landed this carp previously when it weighed 38lb so it would be great to have her now as a new personal best. I love this Norfolk water as it has given me plenty of fish in the past. My last one out was

a 40 lb. common caught just 5 metres from the bank. The lake is only around 4 acres so the fish are consistently under pressure. In this situation I like to fish away from the other anglers and keep a very low profile. This allows me to sneak up undetected on the wary carp With regards to the bait, over the last couple of years I have done well on Mutants fished on a KD rig with Silt Missing link as my hooklink. With an inch stripped back from the hook, I always use a Fang X size 8 barbless which is a

pinned down on the leader as well as on my hooklink. Using Nash Diffusion Leaders and fluorocarbon mainline I am convinced I can fool any beast in the lake.

rule on this fishery. Normally I feed either flavoured hemp mixed with sweet corn or very small pellet. I believe this combination has really given me the edge as most anglers use just simple boilie tactics. I fish slack lines with Nash Cling On putty keeping everything

On the Essex Gravel pit, which is around 12 acres, different tactics will be needed. This is mainly due to the fact that it can become very weedy in the warmer months. Normal boilies over hemp will therefore have to be used here. This is the lake I will be fishing when I am working in Essex so it will mainly be one nighters. I like to fish with Diffusion Leaders and Nash Weed Safe clips so I am able to lose the lead on a take. Hook wise I tend to use Twisters as they are superb for holding onto carp and getting them out of the weed when necessary. Normally on this water, I fish bright coloured popups as these have a proven success record.

UP YOURS MATE!

KIRSTIN WYLIE Because of a lack of angling pressure during the colder months, carp can be at their most catchable during the spring and early summer, but even so it pays to try and stack the odds in your favour. Camouflage plays an important part in my carp fishing, from the hook point to the rod tip and beyond, everything must be low spook and set up in such a way so as not to put catchable carp on their guard. That’s why I favour Diffusion rig components and leaders, carp really do find

them impossible to detect. In my opinion if you are using anything else, you’ll be fishing at a major disadvantage, it’s as simple as that. All three colours of the Missing Link will be employed to maximise hook link concealment and the Cling-On will be used to ensure everything is nailed to the bottom. The way I set my gear up and make camp on the bank is important too. If I’m fishing close in, constructing a small screen using some storm

rods from an old bivvy and some ex military camouflage netting masks any bankside movement and gives me a crucial edge. Carp can be easily spooked by vibration so noise and disturbance is also kept to a minimum. Bank sticks will be carefully pushed into place, everything is assembled and prepared, bait is applied and my stealthy hook bait and Chain Reaction traps will be set. Finally the shelter is erected and its time for a well earned cup of tea. Surface fishing is a devastatingly effective tactic during early spring, but as the weeks pass and we head into summer, the fish soon wise up. On some busy or pressured waters, the fish can become almost impossible to tempt. So if you haven’t already done so, now is the time to dust off the floater gear and start angling on the top. But if things do start to slow, try boosting your hook baits and freebies with one of these special additives. Strawberry Oil is considered by many successful surface specialists as the number one attractor bar none. Baits soaked in this amazing additive leach out an oily film of attraction that creeps across the surface attracting carp from a considerable

distance. Once sampled, the boosted baits create intensive competitive feeding which greatly increases the chance of a carp making a mistake with the hook bait. If there’s a Nash boilie catching well on your fishery and the chances are there will be, try flavouring your floaters with a 50/50 mix of the matching Food and Boilie Dip. Fishing a matching Air Ball Pop Up as a surface hook bait amongst the flavoured freebies is another red hot tactic. If you’re not using the Riser Pellets this summer you’ll be missing out big time! The riser pellets have been designed to float across the surface and then slowly drop through the water column. As soon as this happens, carp seem to instantly switch into search and feed mode. Within minutes, surface baits, mid water zigs and even bottom baits that have been previously ignored will start to produce multiple takes. These really are a major fishing edge not to be missed! Take my advice and get stealthy this summer, combine that with some of the new ground breaking bait and tackle items from Nash and you could well turn a mediocre season into a special one - good luck!

Transformer Combo Carp Rod

This rod has been designed as the perfect all-round carp rod, with the power to subdue the biggest specimens, yet with the finesse to present light rigs at close range. Designed for the angler fishing smaller venues, where accuracy and finesse are more important factors than being able to blast baits to the horizon. Thanks to the intelligent design, the rod can be fished at either 9’ 6” (2.8m) for high precision at close range, or extended by inserting the parallel extension to 11’ (3.3m) for accurate long range casting.

Designed with a crisp semi-parabolic action, the Transformer Combo Carp has a test curve of 2 1/4lb, making it a great light pike rod, spinning rod and even a heavy barbel rod. At either length the rod will handle leads up to 3oz and is also very useful when using method feeders, PVA bags and other tactics that require a more forgiving action. 9’ 6” (2.8m) - Perfect for heavy float fishing in the margins and for close range ledgering when accuracy is paramount. 11’ (3.3m) - Designed for ledgering and method feeder

fishing for specimen carp, pike and barbel. Also suitable for surface fishing and heavy float fishing. Finished in a matt charcoal grey with a non-flash finish and high quality lined rings throughout, the Transformer Carp Rod is built to last. The rod is fitted with a super-comfy full low-profile duplon handle and screw reel seat. The best thing of all is the price! At just £60.99 this is a tremendous rod that will cover a huge range of different jobs, this is a ‘must have’ product for every modern anglers armoury.

Nash Bait Fish Frenzy 2012 Gary Bayes and the P1 team have been busy developing some new and exciting baits for the hugely-popular Fish Frenzy label, aimed at not just the hard-core carp angler, but also for the match and pleasure angler too.

Monster Crab And Shellfish

Launched across the whole range of products this year is the new Monster Crab and Shellfish flavour. This takes two of the top â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fishyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; flavours of all time and blends them into what will surely be a legendary combination. In trials this combination even outperformed the incredible Scopex Squid during warm weather trials. Imagine having this lot in your bait bucket! Monster Crab and Shellfish 10mm and 15mm boilies, matching Soluballs, Chain Reactions, the Injuicer Liquid, Squidgee Pellets, 3mm and 6mm Feed Pellets and the awesome method ground bait. During testing and development our team members have been literally taking waters apart around the country, these incredibly effective baits provide a complete range of instant carp catchers that can be fished with confidence anywhere.

There’s nothing new about the whiskey, after all it’s been a hugely successful additive for Nash Bait for many years. But anglers are always looking for the latest and greatest bait, and that means that the tried and tested slowly fall off the radar. With Gary’s tweaks, we think that the Whiskey Magic Mix, as it came to be known, is even better than the original Whiskey. Of course, it isn’t magic, and it won’t conjure up fish that aren’t there, but fish well and it will improve your results. Using The Whiskey Magic Mix The Whiskey MM is already partly diluted on a liquid food base, so you can use quite large amounts of it without affecting the results. That said, we don’t think there is any great advantage in using over the recommended dosage, and obviously it will just mean you use it quicker! The Whiskey MM can be used as a neat dip on boilies and other hook baits, mixed with ground baits and pastes, or mixed with maggots, casters and pellets. It really is a very versatile product and one that you can use with almost any bait.

Sticky Pellet

Whiskey Magic Mix

Sticky Pellet came about almost by accident. Whilst shooting a magazine feature up at Hayfield Fishery near Doncaster Paul Garner got talking to England International Paul Yates about different pellets for using on the method feeder. In deeper water neither of them was happy with the pellets that were commonly available, so they set Gary Bayes the task of coming up with a pellet that was naturally more sticky, easy to prepare, could be used in any depth of water and yet still break down quickly. Now after extensive testing, the perfect combination of stickiness and clean break has been achieved. Sticky Pellets are unflavoured, allowing them to be customised or boosted to your own requirements, or mixed with other pellets if you wish. Sticky Pellets provide a real edge.

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE

DAVE MAGALHAES

”Due to the nature of how I fish and the fact that I flit from lake to lake, Im a massive fan of the alarms’ huge versatility. Typically of Nash Tackle, they’ve looked at an everyday item, evolved and progressed it, and in doing so pushed the boundries of expectation.” Targets the chunks with only limited time!

STEVE BRIGGS

“Of all the new gear on the market the Nash Sirens have been causing more of a stir than anything else and everywhere I’ve been people have been very keen to know all about them. The fact is that since first using the Sirens I’ve stuck with them and they’ve done everything I hoped for and more - reliable, good battery life and a distinct sound which sets them apart from the rest - cant fault them.”

Renowned european big fish angler!

JULIAN CUNDIFF

“As an ‘old school’ carp angler from the period way before even Optonics were around I know what I do and don’t want from a bite alarm. Firstly they have to be waterproof and reliable...Sirens... Check.. Secondly they need to be sensitive and easy to use...Sirens... Check... Finally they have to be robust and have a battery life that means I get plenty of value for money...Sirens...Check... That is why the new Nash Sirens are sat on my sticks summer and winter alike and should be on yours too...”

Short session specialist!

Rod Hutchinson

”I couldn’t fault the Sirens in anyway after using them. Turned on for 2 weeks solid with no battery life problems, never let me down through torrential rain and horrendous storms which is where the sensitivity system comes into it’s own – no false wind bleeps and performed exactly how I need an alarm to do so – very very impressed. Classic bit of kit.”

Carp angling legend!

Jerry Bridger

“Solid and virtually indestructible (and I’ve tried) the RS-1’s have got more functionality than any bite alarm on the market. The alarm head adjustment facility on the receiver is simply genius. No gimmicks - class bit of kit.” Editor of Crafty Carper magazine!

www.nashtv.co.uk www.nashtackle.co.uk

JERRY HAMMOND

Catching Memories book & The Compulsive Angler DVD

NIGEL SHARP

Living the dream book & In Pursuit of the Largest DVD

ONLY ÂŁ35.00

for a limited time only 35

NEW

FOR 2012

CATCH CARP

Billy Flowers and Jamie Londors

WITH BILLY FLOWERS AND JAMIE LONDORS

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve both caught a lot of carp on zig rigs, on days when everyone is struggling to catch on the bottom,

if you get the tactics right, zigs will produce bonus fish. Depth is crucial, a few inches either way can make the difference between catching or not. Also if you can position the hook bait just below the depth they are swimming at, so that the fish go down on the hook bait rather than drift up from below, this really maximises the chances of the rig nailing the fish. Its not a lazy mans method, you really have to work at zig fishing, this particularly applies to hook baits, one day unflavoured black foam will do the business, other times a bright Rainbow pop up, a

Riser Pellets

glugged bait or bright foam will get a quick bite.

NEW

FOR 2012

GET ON THE ZIG BUGS! The new Zig Bugs really help to take the uncertainty out of hook bait choice. If you present one to a mid water cruiser or even a surface feeder, the chances are it will be sucked in without hesitation. The results achieved on the Zig Bugs during testing and development has been amazing. We think these new and completely unique hook baits will catch so many fish

during 2012, the Zig Bugs really are a ‘must have’ product for anyone looking to maximise their chances. On days when the carp are proving really hard to tempt on mid water baits and if they stubbornly refuse to take any kind of foam or pop up, presenting a Zig Bug to the same fish often produces an instant take. Just like when a trout or

salmon angler nails a fish on a fly, the Zig Bugs create that same instinctive response to grab it now while it’s still there or before another fish does first. The new ground breaking Zig Bugs provide so many options for the thinking angler, as well as the usual zig tactics, they can be fished ‘off the lead’ just a few inches above the lakebed, or as an alternative surface hook bait.

CATCH CARP

WITH BILLY FLOWERS AND JAMIE LONDORS

RISER PELLETS Combining the new Riser Pellets with Zig Bugs is another exciting prospect. These unique floating pellets have been designed specifically for surface and mid water fishing, carp seem to become instantly obsessed with them.

The first step is to find some catchable fish, the pellets can then be drifted across the surface, as they do so, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a percentage of the baits will start to slowly sink. This creates what can only be described as a feeding frenzy, a Zig Bug dropped in amongst the activity will almost certainly produce an instant response.

The new Zig Bugs and Riser Pellets create so many options for the thinking angler, do yourself a big favour and get on them now!

Rig TALK Featured this month

Stealth And Concealment NXT D-CAM Mono NXT Bullet Braid NXT Zig Flo NASH Textured Lead Coatings Lead Types

Stealth And Concealment When it comes to end tackle camouflage, Nash Diffusion technology leads the way, our ground breaking light and colour reactive terminal components provide unrivalled levels of concealment. This spring weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve added a few new products to the range that will take stealth and concealment to new levels.

Rig TALK continues on the next page

NXT D-CAM MONO When samples of the new D-Cam Mono arrived it caused a real buzz around the office, sometimes you just know when a new product is ‘very right’ and the new mono has proven to be just that. The new line is supple and loads onto the spool with minimum fuss with none of those frustrating line twist problems. D-Cam casts extremely well, abrasion resistance and knot strength are exceptional, it also sinks like a dream. Even in gin clear water and against a multi coloured lakebed, DCam quickly sinks and just melts away. This really is a line for all seasons and all situations, totally reliable, Diffusion technology also ensures the ultimate in camouflage and concealment, once tried there’s no going back!

NXT BULLET BRAID The new Bullet Braid is another product that has got us all very excited, Bullet is a specialist product and a main line with a difference. For ultra stealthy slack line fishing in the margins or for any situation where you require everything nailed to the bottom, Bullet Braid is unbeatable. It sinks like a brick, its also literally bomb proof , zero stretch also maximises bite indication and provides the ultimate in strength and security when fishing hook and hold tactics.

NXT ZIG FLO It was the ground breaking Zig Bugs that triggered the development of the new Zig Flo Line. Whilst testing the new hook baits it soon became apparent that many of the popular lines used for zig tactics fell well short of our expectations and requirements. So the search started for something stealthier that would also provide

Rig TALK 42

Sometimes you just know when a new product is ‘very right’ D-Cam Mono improved abrasion resistance, knot strength and reliability, the new Zig Flo line provides all this and much more. NXT Zig Flo – it’s an absolute tackle box essential!

NASH TEXTURED LEAD COATINGS Getting leads to blend effectively on the lakebed can be tricky, shiny coated leads for example can be particularly difficult. The new textured coated leads from Nash have been purpose designed to provide maximum concealment, if you take a really close look at the coating with a magnifying glass you’ll see it looks rather like multi-coloured rough sand paper. Based on advanced military camouflage technology, the unique multi flecked coating creates a kind of chameleon effect which blends exceptionally well against any colour or shade. The shape or outline of the lead also seems to somehow blur, all of which combine to make the lead difficult to detect on the lakebed. There are two colours available, lakebed silt and crud can be easily rubbed into the surface, silkweed also sticks to the rough coating almost like Velcro. So with a little preparation the leads can be made invisible to carp. Stiffly mixed ground bait sticks to the coating like glue and will remain intact even with a hefty cast. Single hook bait tactics can be very effective during spring and early summer, in fact casting singles at showing fish at anytime of the year will often produce bonus fish. Before casting, dropping one of the textured leads in Nash Bait Boilie or Food Dip for a few seconds is a top tactic that will significantly

boost attraction. The dense liquids become locked into the porous texture which creates a more prolonged and consistent leak off of food signals in the area of the hook bait. The leads cast superbly and there are inline and pear type variations in a range of sizes to suit any angling situation likely to be encountered.

LEAD TYPES The Dumpy Pear, Square Pear and Flat Pear cover most lead clip or running lead situations, they cast and hold bottom extremely well. The elongated Long Ranger provides increased casting distance and the unique Tractor lead offers maximum grip and hooking potential. The Inline Flat Pear is considered by many to be the best lead of its type available. The new ‘low profile’ Inline Square Pear has also quickly gained many devotees, these are serious leads for the thinking angler looking to maximise the chance of success.

NASH TT

have never been so well prepared for the new season ahead!

BRING IT ON! Sticky sharp strong dependable Fang Hooks, Missing Link coated braid, Cling On Putty, Diffusion Leaders, semi fixed and ultra sensitive running lead systems. Advanced camo ‘no spook’ textured lead coatings, low viz ultra reliable main line. The switched on anglers out there who have tried the rest and now put their trust in Nash TT have never been so well prepared for the new season ahead!

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Tony and Pete with Tony’s 150-pounder

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OR VISIT WWW.PIKEANDPREDATORS.CO.UK

Set up on the Top Lake

In the water with the 150lb cat

trip to the Ebro.

Doncaster boy Pete ‘Webbo’ Gareth is a catfish/carp-mad Webster, preparations were soon Brummie and not the Gareth underway and a plan was being Edwards of Welsh rugby formed. A couple or three fame guiding and once British pike record services were shortlisted thanks holder, but of course that to that new fangled gadget didn’t the stop us ripping the mickey Interwebnet. The big English out of firms him all week. that we wanted were all fully We were informed by the booked for the week (in hindsight ever-helpful members of this was a bit of a godsend), the Pike but and Predators forum that eventually the one man early band of May could be a hit or miss Gareth Edwards and his affair guiding with the fish having spawning service under the name in of Catfish mind rather than feeding, but as I Tours was contacted and we were was going to catch nowt sitting in booked. I think it must be said that Wigan, 2nd to 9th May were the

UK DAVE MUTTON CATFISHING IN THE

CATFISHING IN THE UK

Tony’s ﬁrst ever cat at 54lb

dates allocated for our attack. As always at my age the days passed all too soon and, two hours after leaving Liverpool John Lennon Airport, I was in Barcelona. Twenty minutes after this the hire car was sorted, followed by a quick brew, and Pete was with me after ﬂying in from Doncaster’s Robin Hood Airport... no, I never knew Doncaster had an airport either.

WRONG SIDE!

Sat Nav set and away weGREAT SPECIAL OFFERS WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE went –

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or we would have done but for wanted and could not have one unforeseen problem been we any closer to the riverbank. hadn’t thought of: being Spain not Gareth was with us for 7am and only do they drive on the wrong the plan for the week’s fishing side of the road but the steering took all of two minutes to wheel, gearstick and pedals sort out, of the with Gaz having one task, to hire cars are also in the wrong catch us some fish, simple’s. place! After a quick spin round the Both Pete and I had discussed Airport car park we were off and targets for the week and the two-hour drive was pretty agreed that a fish over the ton was much straightforward. Follow not the too much to ask, so with motorway out of Barcelona, this in turn mind we set to our task left at Llieda and you are with in gusto. If I’m honest, though, Mequinenza, so literally four and neither of us had caught half hours from leaving Liverpool a catfish before so any fish we caught we were in Mequi’s catfish would be a bonus. country. A quick phone call for directions and a flash of the ON N THE MOVE MOV headlights found us meeting Gaz, A spot was chosen opposite and another 10 minutes saw us in where the coloured waters the apartment with brew of the in hand. Segre meet the clear Rio Ebro. I was up early the following From the off we knew it was morning and while Pete slept on going to be a struggle as the Segre was flowing at a fair rate of knots, and the first four or five hours of the trip were taken up reeling lines back in to clear the

sounding like a baby hippo, – CALL 01430 440624 OR VISIT WWW.PIKEANDPREDATORS.CO.UK I was

WWW.GIFTS4ANGLERS.CO.UK

in the shower thanking my lucky stars we had separate rooms. The apartment was ﬁne for what we

Above: Powerful rods and sturdy reels are required

Dave Thinking of having a go for wels catﬁsh? to tell you how. Mutton begins a two-part feature

Main: The sensor array of a catﬁsh

at sensing particle displacement if it did its mouth. This means that it in the water using its highly it could possesses a proper stomach, catfish not like the taste of a bait, y the time you get to lie up developed lateral line. The hook will gorge on food and then water reject it, even without the read this, the frosty days food can sense vibrations in the mouth. to digest it. The catfish finds and being anywhere near it’s of winter will be just a smell, such as a fish in distress, if you by combining its sense of it nears its This is worth thinking about in memory; a memory that move towards them. As using taste and by sensing vibration that will are going to target them two hopefully is full of fat pike prey, receptors in its barbules the water. The catfish has boat. the cat artificially flavoured baits. have graced the bank or pick up the vibrations and sets of nostrils and has an to do? As The catfish will actively hunt – in So what are you going starts to fine tune its approach. excellent sense of smell to the two for prey, particularly in warmer In Some of you may continue the catfish nears its victim, Britain only the eels’ is keener. can often be found in linked to months, and fish for pike through the long whiskers will point straight fish, smell is very closely many of rod, the upper layers of the water a highly warmer months, whilst ahead almost like a divining it taste and the catfish has it hunting for fish. This is when buds you, as soon as the days and when it gets within range of developed array of taste rays employs a third sense, that its cavernous its lengthened and the suns adept suddenly opens in which are located along its prey. vibration. The catfish is very around started to have some warmth mouth and simply engulf barbules as well as in and with a them, give a sigh tinged Unlike pike or zander, the rows of touch of sadness as the This 43-pounder is catfish does not possess wels has clearly capable of deadbait rods are put away proper teeth. Instead the taking very large palate again to sit there untouched baits pads in its upper and lower you may of tiny until October. Some of which consist of hundreds other these be after tench, bream or Velcro-like teeth. It uses may be it then species, whilst others pads to grip its prey which for targeting carp. I also fish passes back to four crushing but at those species on occasion, pads, two top and two bottom, to gain I never seem to be able the back of its throat. the same level of enthusiasm as I do for non-predatory fish TO THE LIMIT my to for predators. That is why So what tackle are you going and very summers are usually spent need to tackle this large key to targeting that other apex hard fighting species? The predator, the wels catfish. all catfishing tackle is reliability is The wels catfish can be and strength. The wels catfish all of described as a predatory very powerful and will test a scavenger, in that it will eat your gear to its limit. When baits, off huge variety of meat or fish hooked they will either surge natural run both alive and dead. Its on a seemingly unstoppable diet consists of fish, amphibians, that will have your reel screaming, to worms, waterfowl and small or hug the bottom refusing much hooped mammals. It will eat pretty move and the rod will be its very more anything that it can fit into over to the butt as you apply most to get large mouth. However, like and more pressure trying GREAT SPECIAL OFFERS WHEN YOU are predators its feeding spells SUBSCRIBE – CALL 01430 440624 OR VISIT WWW.PIKEANDPREDATORS.CO.UK infrequent and, as the catfish

GRAEME PULLEN CATFISH CAPERS IN BRITAIN

CATFISH CAPERS IN BRITAIN

After many years of not really paying attention, Graeme Pullen discovers catﬁshing alternative summer species for UK is a viable predator anglers.

hile I like my floater fishing for carp, I can see the attraction of avoiding Gerty the Thirty of the overcrowded carp world, in favour of Ton-up Tessie of the wels catfish world. It was while filming with Phil Williams in deepest Devon that I began to realise just how much of a cult fish the catfish has become. We were at Zyg Gregorek’s Angler’s Paradise, which I had never 2

fished before but we dropped in rather than being full of carp with a couple of cameras catfish is like a B&Q bucket, on the anglers, around so nno half of the big fish worries way back from a fruitless about whether they can guys were after catfish. session hoping to break eat it or not! Livebaiting the Supposedly night feeders, at the British porbeagle shark the fishery is not allowed, but record. catfish at Zyg’s complex didn’t Zyg has a very large head deadbaits are okay if you of seem to have read the books get catfish at the complex, running and them from Zyg. So, what many were coming out in do the from five-pounders up to broad anglers catch on? Top selling over daylight – blazing sun and bait 50lb, which I certainly consider blue in the site’s tackle shop sky. was the well worth catching. While giant sized halibut feed pellets. filming There were different In and catching everything fact many of the anglers from techniques, different rigs threaded golden tench to grass carp and them on a hair rig as doubles and some clonking great baits to ornamental koi I noticed in use make even bigger hookbaits. that, – the mouth on even a 20lb I fished a couple of hours for a cat

DAN WILLIAMS CAT CRAZY

ANGLERPROFILE ANGLERPRO

A sustainable food source exists in Devon, where Zyg Gregorek that the cats crash provides shoals of rudd into at night

Name: Graeme Pullen. Age: 59 Hometown: Hook, Hampshire. Favourite Venue: Royalty Fishery, Hampshire Avon.

Favourite Species: Barbel and pike. Most Memorable Catch: None, they are all totally awesome!

Young anglers are quickly zoning in on the catﬁsh, like Andrew Pillings took this 40lb-plus who from the lakes at Angler’s Paradise

one evening on a smaller lake and watched a guy walk down to a personal tally of several corner, lob out what I thought hundred tackle shows and meet with was catfish... many an enormous bait dropper, anglers who say they would then love walk back to his swim, feeding to catch a catfish, but they out Graeme Pullen: Give are not us line as he went. I sent Phil in many waters. However, off on a introduction on that is the history of the mission to find out. It turned not the case today. With out British catfish. I seem to over 500 he was using a half tin of recall the waters holding cats, most pork first time I read of them was anglers luncheon meat as a monstrous many are probably within striking years ago at a place called hair rigged cube. Now that’s distance of a suitable venue. what Woburn Abbey”. I call fishing! Phil got a 15-pounder, so he’s off the GP: Is the CCS an elite mark Simon Clarke: Yes, they club, or with a new PB, and although were can anybody join it? I introduced as a folly of the didn’t get my first cat I was aristocracy in the late 1800s suitably impressed with into SC: It was started back the Woburn Abbey Lakes by in 1984 by enthusiasm level, and as the Duke catfish enthusiasts. soon as Basically it’s a of Bedford at the time. It I got back I decided I needed wasn’t club to help beginners and to until the 1950s that their help learn more. understand the species. distribution expanded around There are the no real cat experts. Even country with some local though I Cats are long so SIMON SAYS clubs have fished for them for being given stock, and it more make sure you As fortune would have it basically than 25 years I am still learning my local have a good sized all started from there. Tackle Up fishing shop is something from every session unhooking mat owned I and run by Simon Clarke, – watch out for do. After all, that’s the magic who is GP: What sort of sizes were of chairman of the Catfish them snaking they going fishing in the first place. running back then? about Conservation Group and has a GP: Let’s start with the tackle SC: Around 1970 the record a was beginner to cats would need. only some 31lb, so they Start started Chairman of at the sharp end with hooks. out small. There were supposed the Catfish to be accounts that they Conservation reached SC: What you need is to Group, Simon up to 70lb, but there was match a lack of the size of hook Clarke, with to the size of bait. photos. Now with the upsurge of his recent UK Invariably you will be using commercial fisheries and big PB cat of 56lb high baits – lobworms, meat, protein baits going into the fish, waters squid, luncheon meat – and it can there has been a rapid increase in be very easy to mask the hook if growth, so 30lb is no longer an you are not careful. What exceptional fish. you need isWHEN a hook YOU with aSUBSCRIBE nice wide – CALL 01430 440624 OR VISIT WWW.PIKEANDPREDATORS.CO.UK GREAT SPECIAL OFFERS gape, long point and long GP: Now the sizes have shank so it can sit nicely off the increased are there many hook bait waters corner, or you can hair rig where the beginner to catfishing it. Catfish have big bucket can go and have a reasonable mouths. They come in and nab the chance of catching? bait so you need plenty of hook to go into that large and very hard SC: 20 years ago I would jaw. An have adequate size for a bunch said there were less than of small 50 worms would be a size 2 waters in the entire country; or 4. • The wels can live for at • The British record for the today With a great bunch of lobworms there are over 500. I go least 35 years. wels was closed to further to a lot of then a 1 or 1/0 would match claims on 23rd October the • The wels has no scales. WWW.GIFTS4ANGLERS.CO.UK 2000. • The wels can be found all • The wels was introduced over Europe. Despite their 3 into the UK more than 100 fearsome looks, • The wels is predatory and years ago. wels are usually will anything from insects, quite docile on • The original stocking took rats, birds to fish. the bank place at Woburn Abbey in • The wels prefers to stay in Bedfordshire. sheltered locations but • Spain, Italy and France can be found in both still have all got established and flowing water. wels stocks. • The wels features a total • The wels thrives in warm of six barbules; two long temperatures where there ones on the upper jaw and is also an abundance of four shorter ones on the food. lower jaw. • Prey is detected by both • The wels can change their smell and vibration. colour depending on their capture and a sign of this can be and allow it to breathe, regain its environment. Dark in clear • Although predators, wels seen by them changing colour strength and swim off strongly. Do water and pale in turbid are also scavengers and and becoming lighter. If this not leave a fish unattended and water. will eat pretty much happens then it is paramount to take the time to ensure it swims anything. • Female wels can produce return them to the water straight off safely. You may need to hold up to 30,000 eggs per • Water temperature is a away. Because the wels catfish and support them in some cases. kilogram of body weight. major factor in growth has no scales they can get line It is very important to respect the rates. • When wels spawn they marks during the fight, but these fish you are fortunate enough to use a ‘nest’ positioned in • Wels are ideal for are not a long-term damage and catch so that they can give other tree roots or underwater controlling the numbers of do fade. Once it is time to return anglers the same joy you have vegetation. crayfish in a water. the fish, hold it upright in the water experienced. • Wels eggs are around • The Latin name for the It is important to 3mm in diameter. wels is Silurus glanis care for all catfish More information on catfish care can be found at regardless of size • Eggs can take less than • The wels is one of the www.catfishconservationgroup.com Catfish are five days to hatch. biggest freshwater fish in usually hooked the world. • Only 10% of fry are likely in the corner of A large to survive. • The wels is also known as the mouth – take unhooking A big cat is one the sheath-fish, sheat-fish extra care with • Males guard the nest until mat is a of the hardest their sensitive or giant European catfish. must the eggs hatch. fighting fish you’ll whiskers ever encounter • The wels is just one of • The average growth rate thousands of different of a UK wels is 1-2lb a catfish species across the year. world. • The wels can grow to • The wels has fantastic nearly 10 feet long and hearing due to a sound weigh more than 330lb in amplification system rare cases. called the Weberian • You need special apparatus. important features of the catfish is photographing in daylight, and can permission to stock wels • The wels has a highly its whiskers so take extra care to become a proper handful. If your in England from the developed sense of taste not damage them as they help the catch is particularly lively on the Environment Agency and due to the whiskers and DEFRA. catfish survive. Ensure camera bank then covering its eyes will mouth/lips being covered equipment is at the ready if you help it keep calm. • Young wels (under 30lb) in taste buds. want a photograph. Some people flesh can be consumed as • Once a wels reaches RETURNING THE FISH can be frightened by catfish but food. around 50lb, it has no they are docile and easy to handle The catfish are very powerful • Wels eggs are poisonous natural predators. fighters and will need a short rest on the bank if cared for correctly. and should not be before being returned. Catfish can However, they recover quickly if consumed. also become very stressed during a retained for a few hours for

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WELS CATFISH FACTS FAC

DID YOU KNOW..?

This being a catﬁsh special edition, occasional cat angler Dan Williams has a few tips and cat facts for other cat novices.

he wels catﬁsh is one the most impressive ﬁsh swimming and it deserves every bit of respect after it’s given us the pleasure of catching it.

LANDING THE FISH A very large landing net is a must when cat fishing. It is one of very few species of fish that can swim backwards and they often do this when nearing the net in the final stages of the fight. If there are shallow margins then boots or waders should be used to ensure the catfish is landed properly. Fishing with someone else is an advantage as it can be a big task just getting a catfish into the landing net – a helping hand is always welcome. Be sure to check all fins are flat against its body and the hook is not in a position that will tear its mouth when lifted (slacken off).

ON THE BANK Catfish are big so once the fish has been landed it should be place on a large, wet unhooking mat (multiple unhooking mats can be used). As a rough guide, a 10lb catfish is around 3ft long and a 60lb specimen can be around 5ft long so you can see why you need large unhooking areas and mats. A weigh sling should be wetted and zeroed on a set of scales which should be at the ready to ensure the catfish is out of the water for the minimum amount of time. The hook will most likely be set in the soft corner of the mouth. If you are wary of catfish then wearing gloves will help protect you

against Velcro-like teeth – though these very rarely hurt the angler. Strong forceps or pliers can also be a good idea to help remove the hook if it is held firm. Catfish can feed in hot conditions so it is wise to unhook and photograph in a shady area, and a bucket or two of water should be at hand to keep the catfish moist. One of the most

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CATFISH VIRGINS

Tony ‘Pieater’ Balfour tells of a ﬁrst

lease don’t think that by reading this article, your skills as a catfish angler are going to improve. This is just a tale of a first trip to the River Ebro in pursuit of the huge catfish that dwell in the Ebro/Segre system.

With European and even worldwide ﬁshing destinations becoming more and more accessible the decision to head abroad was an easy one. Once a willing ﬁshing companion had been found in the form of 2

mInUtES wIth chrIS yatES £2.95 ISSUE 128 aprIl 2012

fantaStIc f fanta antaS anta St St tIIc fox prI prIzES pr IzES worth £169 E EvEry Ev vE v E month In oUr Where’s the CatCh? compEtItIon

they Longe, slim and acrobatic, and roll have been known to jump with their in the surface splashing big tails; a very un-catfish-like fish is behaviour. In Bolivia this means known as saltador, which has a jumper. Piraiba sometimes the mysterious ‘milk’ gland at pectoral anterior upper part of its but in fins. Its function is unknown, Colombia this fish is therefore means known as lechero, which milkman.

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TONY BALFOUR CATFISH VIRGINS

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StIllwatEr S t BrEam B r tactIcS

ever any freshwater fish you will in the catfish that lodges itself 2500 encounter on rod and line! fish, t is estimated that over urethral openings of other the The piraiba is the largest species of fish occur in even animals or occasionally catfish in the Brachyplatystoma Amazon. The order for its humans(!), to the monstrous the genus, and is notorious reported Siluriformes (catfish) is piraiba, which has been voracious eating and solitary and second most diverse and to grow over nine feet long is the true giant of Many of lifestyle. This probably the most spectacular of weigh in excess of 150kg. With the Amazon with many stories group of Amazon species. of Amazonian Locals than the larger species fish weighing over 500lb! 14 families, including more catfish are migratory, extremely call the juvenile fish (those 1000 species, the Amazon active and aggressive predators of all weighing under 100lb) filhote. accounts for almost half in fast water. world! that live mainly are over 50kg, locals catfish are Once they the catfish species in the Pound for pound, these the call them piraiba. They range in size from – than as strong – if not stronger parasitic diabolical candirú, a tiny

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When they’re juveniles, with piraiba are light to dark grey down and Piraiba look for food as far small spots on their dorsal older, as 50 metres. They will scavenge lateral sides. As they get prey like top and but also actively hunt for they turn dark grey on the and small catfish, characins light grey/white on the bottom. big piranhas. Piraiba, like other This coloration aids in as the Amazonian catfish such camouflaging their massive jau, or redtail catfish, dourada and bodies as they hunt in midwater and think do not worry about the sharp shallow places. Most people fin dwellers, pungent dorsal and pectoral of catfish as true bottom for spines of small catfish. Examined but the opposite is the case shoveldourada and piraiba specimens piraiba, dourada and the revealed perforated and/or nosed catfish species. Piraiba likely the scarred stomachs most search for food throughout The at night caused by catfish spines. entire water column and no just slicing teeth of piranha are they can be caught at or they problem either, even though below the surface. where to inhabit the same waters Piraiba have an appetite hundreds of piranha school. bodies. thick match their massive these These giants have extremely Fishermen who’ve caught resists tough leathery skin that have found small they are massive giants inside. such attacks. By the time monkeys, birds and cats can monkeys five feet in length, piraiba While they don’t hunt for problem move freely in the deepest or birds, piraibas have no fear of Amazon waters without scavenging on already deceased predators.

BIG APPETITE

on catﬁsh in populations the Amazon

special we thought With this issue being a catﬁshthe mix. Arnout we would throw this one into big catﬁsh! Terlouw encounters some really

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always dull colours or indeed sometimes black

k o Ho S T I A B

OK BAITS

O SUMMER H Y L R A E D N GA

he t, as on t n a v le e r ar is ir k ime of ye if my hoo t t e n h e t d , fi e n rm that only co Really, fo t I know s fish I am il I h s r W e . t s a ch type of w s the free offering ve seen them cat cate s me ed, I ha bait repli that give and inde h , c k a r o o r w p p s a it ble to bright ba carp – it is not an t noticea s o m t e s h e t g e the bigg am fishin t baits ar I h if ig r o B S . . t e c aries s confiden us, the sc are alway h t s g d n in r a e , ff p free o the car lack f bait my o d e b etimes b a m o s d over e e urs or ind al “scare dull colo u is v e least is to give th o ho k bait y m d n a , factor” . the same

SPRIN

sh Kevin Na

SPRING A

“I’ve alw ay my carp fis or snow ma fish with n bo my f

Hook AIT

AND EARLY

SUMM

ER HOOK B ys been AITS a big be liever in shing as s im often as plifying e I can. Su n presen re, there verything to do tations, with ’s but the m a time to ottom b aits bec a fi jo s h r it p y o of the tim p-ups ause tha free offe t’s exact e I prefe rings. I s ly r to h o im w carp c ply the free ome acr bait so it like my hookba oss its to ble ’s straig of my fis nd in wit ht out o hing. In f h t h e bag fo the s use bott r 90% om baits pring months I pr for 99% because of the tim obably this is w e, mainly hen the vulnerab carp are le. They most ha of angle rs during ven’t been hit b y a strea t h likely to m be finick e winter and so are less y with a The reall p r esentatio y hard tim n. e to catc summer h carp is when th e in the y’ve wok more aw en up an are of th d e are ir e nvironm when I’ll ent. Tha start pla t’s ying aro end gea und with r, trying my to tric pop-ups , criticals k them with and othe forms o r f hookba its and r igs.

Simon

In the spring months I probably use bottom baits for 99% of the time

Crow

I’ve often found that the bigger fish will single out and home in on the Hi-Viz snowman first.

k o Ho S T I A B

OOK BAITS so are H R E M M U d YS ing up an re is wak G AND EARL art in

SPRIN

ear, natu y a big p e of the y lways pla a m ti s mmer. it c a ti b s a fanta d early su . Hook n rs is a e g g v n n ri ri ri d p p n S a es our lakes lly so in th ring in the sp the fish in nd this is especia rticularly a a p g n t li f lo g o n a e 3kg my a I use quit ke about a a method cess. I ta t c hosen are u u c o s y b f a o m l r u a e o e v y d o ll t t a te u d o re e n em id a Let m t me a g spread th mm Monster Squ s brough 5 and oilies and 1 b f rs o which ha id te l u s fu q n d S o onster e a han b red M k ra ta d ce of n e e ie p th th 15mm M nd join a short stick. I a to s ra n b ie o o il o C m b erry g the ited area with a by pushin ies around the ba er Strawb b r e m th A e g m 10m ers to freeb hite Amb nowman brilliant w then scatter the s the hair. n o p i. I Twister an set u m w o spaghett n e 8 Fang s iz e s a m a d s n e ka th and fish issing Lin lt Bead. ing 20lb M iffusion Safety Bo s u d te c aD constru ached to baiting The rig is over this simply att g is in h d ic e h fe out and ours hook w fish for h will single ’s different h d s e fi h r tc e a g w big but it gly I have d that the le tactic your Interestin ’s a simp ften foun e fish of It o e th t. v d rs I’ n fi d la n n a a n e m y v g w e o te e n a str Viz s mayb on the Hi- our catch rate or home in y p u y ll a re enough to . s m a dre

nes Mike Jo

SPRING A

For me th e of year to s co tactics r ight. ones an d res wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t he (red) and si Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d g opt for th e pressure red d for a year. I a lwa right spo ys fi ts and On the d eeper w active w ithout will w h

Hook AIT

AND EARLY

SUM

MER HOOK spring ti BAITS me and early su ome to te mmer ca rms with n be one ,b . Genera of the tr lly shallo ut fish are ther ickiest ti e w water spond to mes s wake u to be caught if bait soo you get p ner too. a lot soo itate to p the If th ner than ut a few deeper boilies o e fish are active go for a ut there sin enough , mo the d versio gle or double ho n early in ok bait s st probably Mon n I traight o ster Squ the year a while a ut o id wh nd then going ov en the fish have f the bag. I’d find that er to the n’t been the fish s black ve will eat a d the im rsion late o heavily portant fair bit o r in the thing is f b a it if finding th yo waters th ose feed u get it on the in ing area t going d gs can be more s. difficult own to th and the work so e b o tt o fi m to fee oner or sh can s d later but eem have to on at lea regularly. The b give the a s it t Z ed ar o ig n e for so m Bugs a g any fish o. Alread or two rods I wo eas a uld y they h nd they’v level. My ave acc e taken first cho o u z n ig ted ice fishing o possible n but wha would always b e boilies to another tever ma gets the kes the whenev nod from er alarm so me and options u n d always it always open! pays to keep yo ur

Steve

I’d go for a single or double hook bait straight out of the bag

Briggs

lightly coating my Scopex Squid pop ups with a small amount of the matching Food Dip

k o Ho S T I A B

is to fish methods te ri u o v ay I am f my fa s in this w me to ar, one o d e y ro f y o m e tim e ti hing ss of the at any on ity. By fis Regardle e proxim entations s s oon as I lo s re c s p A in it . a s y rod hook b iven da t g n y e same re n all three a fe if n three to th h are g best o ll e three d a in s u h rk c o to it w w le ab en s rt wit what’s s I will th aits I sta a work out e hook b of the rod re help me p up, and e o th n p o e e n th it o h le n w o ru t ti l h c g a ra e bri receive As a gen ed with a ook bait. man topp w o n s type of h a , up. d pop up my pink pop - a soake y coating ed with a p p to n ess lightl d Dip. a c o c o u F s t g a in snowm match had gre e e v th 4 a f h o I n t u s n ou nth s aro d small am st 18 mo cess take of the bait ro p is For the la id pop ups with a th , its ide qu to the ba n the outs Scopex S lly soak in ky skin o c fu ti s to f o ip r. d d te I like the ult is a kin in the wa t’ look e end res es and disperses ashed ou weeks, th lv ‘w o s a is d te a y ll re ua icion for they c that grad less susp its, to me h a y it b w e it m h aits to m t the of w carp trea awberry bottom b een a fan e b th g a n d is e lo c n e I’v wma onvin er Str n my sno and I’m c mm Amb pop up o or effect a few 10 e g it h in d w d A m on. 10 m this reas g with a en fishin th il. d fa n a to s mix well and eem t never s rticularly a p e m d tactic tha serve owman r that has when the pink sn u lo o c a k is ions d to go. Lately Pin een many occas b es only ro e m v ti a e h m o re the nd s ow pop the first a ink rainb n p e t e h b g s ri a b h e e fan of th the carp! I’m a hug me so are r fo y il k luc ups and

SPRIN

rland a G m a Ad

OK BAITS

O SUMMER H Y L R A E D N GA

SPRING A

Spring/e arly a great ti me For me, hook summer ha hookbait s a thinking mo is tha as fish v isit th alternati ve hoo This also allow chance of a qu of a sin gl them t

Hoo Ih s b

Hook AIT

AND EARLY

SUM

MER HOOK y summ BAITS er, the fi sh ar to be on the bank e just waking fr om their , but sus kbait se winter s lecti sing the lumber. fish’s m been the on when I am b It’s oods ca oilie fish same fo n be diffic in r ong my ult. freebie b years. I prefer to g during spring and early oilies, eit fish a dif at often her a po fe you get r ent colo p-up or a ‘curios he area, ured balance ity take’ also if th d bait. M w e ith a diffe fish are ok bait is y not ren often jus t enough really up for a p t coloured bait ws you to roper fe to provo ed, an ke a res put a fair ponse. uick tak amount e. You th of bait in en get th and still le hookb e best o ait f both w be in with a to stop a and also the po orlds, th ssibility nd feed e attr of nailin hard on g one by action your fre okbait fl ebies. getting avour an d colour have ca are a ma ught on mos tter of p success ers on the fu t of the popula r flavour onal choice; ll spectr be what s and ha um of co works o ve lours; it n the da c in. As w an often had y o r what yo e head in just u ha are reall to the warmer m ve confidence y on th onths an d the to a matc e bait, I will gra dually sw fish hing hoo itch k bait, one analysin rod at a g my res time, ults as I go.

fish a different coloured hookbait among my freebie boilies, either a pop-up or balanced bait

Neil Mc laren

Hook bait colour is crucial, the right colour on the day can actually be more important than the flavours used,

k o Ho S T I A B

OOK BAITS H R E M M U YS ongst the lly get am G AND EARL

SPRIN

e to rea nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t too e best tim nd food. There is th is g n ri fi p s gling to e n d a th e f inion ally ne a lack o re d d n n a a In my op p ry u g ey wake y are hun carp, the l food around as th lnerable. u ra tu and often m more v much na ring, little akes the p m s o e ls th a ngs in t choice pressure free offeri st for me. My firs y r n a m r as Ambe s be g ove aits such me work be fishin b ti t , o r a s n o t l ie a il b w e e o w it e ll I b fr ye g for one coloured present a le to cast at and fishin tion will be white this I will ty r s e r v te O . p a o te itu d helic hocola e C h s e baiting s fi it s h le W sing y and l also use Strawberr bait, I wil e k o o h e actually b orang e day can , pink, g fish. th in n w o o r h u s any ellow t colo orange, y l, the righ is crucia d, I have r e s u u lo o rs c u Hook bait ant than the flavo erry ort er strawb more imp lack Amb b d ly n re a e whit go, I ra s ready to hookbait n a th r bigge fish baits y uall 15mm us r e ll a sm s hookbait e get m more bites. As the weather starts to Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll warm up d n ope min keep an ook h , s c ti c and my ta iting e and ba bait choic ost probably lm levels wil e adapted rb o e g n a ch s. condition e th to suit s the rd a w to ad As we he d my onths an m r e rm wa ase, re c vels in baiting le id Red is always qu Scopex S hoice. fc o it a b my

dmond E y r r e T

SPRING A

I always pr any time of up or sh orte I genera lly d has bec ome with eve ryon that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ca to a whit ug e hoo Howeve r, on s brighter co my hook lou baits b are avail able to As a com plete pressure c dw hookbait c into thin k muc th

Hook AIT

AND EARLY

SUMM

ER HOOK B refer to AITS make m y hookb f the yea a it s r as I be lieve tha stand out from ens the my freeb t it incre length o ases the ies at f time yo chance u may h do this b o f a a pick ve to wa y using it for on a white e the ne e. coloured w yellow hook , as ne using bright ye there was a cra bait, for me, wh ite ze llo ght, I wo uld say t w hookbaits. Ou a few years ago h t at over 8 o okbait. 0 percen f all of the big fi sh t of them some la have fall kes, I ha e n ve found ured hoo that fish kbait. In will shy this situ by soak away fro atio ing them ma in the Fo n, I would choo o match se to bo od or Bo all of the ost il ie Nash bo ilies in th Dip, both of wh contrast ich e range. to what I waters, reducing have just said, o n some the can ofte hig n work in amounts of fla vour in y hly your fav king tha our bait our. This t the bait / can fool has bee ch longe the fish n sat on r than it t h actually e lakebe hem to d ha d for eem it “ safe”. Th s and therefore bait in a le is ad can be d bucket o one by s ing f lake w oaking ater for a len of time (2 gthy period 4-48hrs) prior to fishing Experim . enting and kee pin an open g mind will alwa ys work in your favour.

Out of all of the big fish that I’ve caught, I would say that over 80% of them have fallen to a white hookbait.

Joe J aggar

best results have come when fishing fluro hook baits over my free offerings for the first 24hrs of my session

k o Ho S T I A B

OK BAITS

O SUMMER H Y L R A E D N GA

SPRIN

k baits hing hoo s fi t a th t ough and give arping I th se less suspicion h c f o rs a ac y ye cau this appro ld have In my earl ies would u Although my freeb o . to w s l s a e re c c e ti c iden back th e of su c g n in a k h have o c t lo ld es f fish, h wou me the b ir share o different approac fa y m e a caught m es where lts. been tim tant resu s aits in re certainly o m r o iz hook b r e ett right Hi-V b ith e w s brought b u rm I o fishing e the n y b m to f as o s t m e s h see is edg h ys for mo ngs, whic ou might think th ri to e e ff These da g o a e e e il ys. Y of m boilie fr these da till plenty s rs over my le is g n re a e f rity o und th the majo I have fo one, but g . d c n ti a c n ta bee eadly ith this d w d a ve found h e b when I ha is r e m m su ading into t its most Spring le a e b to h ac this appro My best e. productiv ve a h results n e h w come ro u fl g in h fis s hook bait ee fr y m over r fo s g n ri e off rs h 4 2 the first n. io s s e s of my s This seem n to quicke e it b up the n e h w e tim beds of g ver large o g in h hen fishin s fi ore so w . m a d re n a /a , ature boilies e same fe rt the th to s d all ro will sta ing this I fluro When do ds fishing ro ll a h it s w v n me mo e sessio then as ti s re it o a m b r k o hoo e rod witch on free s l y il m w I h n tc o ma aits that now to hook b e fish are th l e fe I if s . s g n ie ri offe y freeb ard on m feeding h as also iz tactic h n short The Hi-V o e results brought m en I may have h w sessions oilies. I ed with b it a b r e v o orks nd pink w have fou ry e but eve best for m rent so diffe water is red to a p be pre nt. e m ri e exp

nders e H k ic M

Sleep System

T h e l o n g - a wa i t e d s e q u e l t o 1 9 9 4 ’ s ‘ F r o m T h e B i v v y ’

ob Dylan’s cri de coeur ‘How does it feel…?’ in ‘Like a Rolling Stone’ was the inspiration behind From the Bivvy and this book, both of which were written on the bank during sessions. Pictures can convey the beauty of carp fishing through the scenery, the sunrises and the sunsets. They can even convey something of the harshness of sessions, but there is no wetness or discomfort in pictures of rain, and only words can try to get across the reality of spending six days and nights in wet clothes, as happened during the cataclysmic Rainbow November session described herein. It was horrendous, but for me it is one of the highlights of the book, simply because it was carp fishing in its rawest state, and a period of such conflicting emotions, highs and lows. It was a headbanger, but during it I caught my second-biggest fish ever, which made it all worthwhile. The session on Kevin Nash’s Church Pool was another highlight – with a sting in the tail when I had to pack up and battle my three-trip way back to the distant car park through the torrential rain and bitter easterly wind. No pain, no gain. ‘How does it feel?’ It is the question I’ve tried to answer through words and pictures in compiling More From the Bivvy.

Tim Paisley

“From Gigantica to Church Pool, Ashmead to Rainbow, Yateley to Madine – this book will not only have countrywide £30 appeal, but dare I suggest, worldwide appeal. This is a book that will stand the test of time and it will appeal to all anglers, young and old, who enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.” Julian Cundiff, January 2012 + £2.95 P&P

NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM ANGLING PUBLICATIONS ORDER YOUR COPY AT WWW.ANGLINGPUBLICATIONS.CO.UK OR CALL 0114 258 0812

In The Spot Light

NEW SALT PRODUCTS FROM NASH

In The Spot Light

NASH SALT PRODUCTS It’s long been known that carp are attracted to salt, it seems to be something they need in their diet and it’s something they will actively search out. At certain times of the year such as early spring and summer, carp seem obsessed with salt. As is often the case in carp fishing ‘those in the know’ have tried to keep it a secret, over the last

The problem is, salt is not the most user friendly substance to fish with, its also highly water soluble, so how do you fish with it at range or ensure it actually makes it to the lakebed without dissolving and dispersing ? Some salt products also contain nasty chemicals so how do you know it’s safe? The new range of Nash Salt Crystals, Soluballs

few years there has been all kinds or rumours circulating about captures on salt and waters that have been literally taken apart by an angler using salt.

and Chain Reaction provides the answers to all those problems. These are pure high quality natural products, completely safe and extremely easy to use.

As an instant attractor and carp catcher, it’s hard to beat and spots baited with salt seem to stay permanently attractive even when there’s no bait on them.

The Soluballs can be simply catapulted to your spots, fast dissolving Chain Reaction pellets are designed to be threaded onto your hook link and the crystals are ideal for adding to spod and ground bait mixtures, the options are limitless for the clever thinking angler.

TAKE FIVE

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THESE ‘MUST HAVE’ ESSENTIALS!

01 MEDICARP

Medicarp is a specially formulated long lasting antiseptic barrier which promotes rapid tissue repair and healing. Medicarp can be used to seal wounds caused by spawning, parasites and also hook holds. Medicarp is an absolute essential for any caring carp angler, carrying and using Medicarp at all times will ensure the carp we all love stay healthy and happy.

02 RISER PELLETS

You’ve probably already heard plenty of stories about this incredible new pellet as the results achieved by anglers using them have been causing a real buzz on the carp fishing grapevine. If you are planning any kind of surface, zig or off the bottom angling this summer don’t leave home without the Riser Pellets. This new and unique micro sized floating pellet provides the ultimate feeding trigger. If you introduce a few handfuls and allow them to drift in the direction of mid water or surface cruisers, after a short period a percentage of the pellets will start to slowly sink. As this happens the fish will instantly switch into search and feed mode, the activity can be manic as they attempt to grab the food before another carp gets to it first. Riser Pellets have the ability to draw fish to the exact location of your hook bait. Surface cruisers will be drawn to zig bugs positioned in the middle layers or even to a bait on the bottom. Carp from the lower levels will also be instantly drawn to surface baits. Riser Pellets provide the thinking angler with a major edge!

03 BREW KIT

Once you’ve got one of these you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one, it’s a simple idea but most of the better ones usually are! The functional and compact Brew Kit bag has been purpose designed to hold your stove, cups, milk, tea bags and all those other little essentials required to make the perfect bankside cup of tea.

04 SIREN ACCESSORIES

The Sirens have really taken the carp world by storm, these unique ground breaking alarms are one of those special items of tackle that really are a joy to own. The cutting edge design and features will also catch you bonus carp too. There’s now a range of accessories available designed to allow the user to customise or personalise his alarms or adapt them to suit very specific angling situations. The best bite alarm on the planet just got even better!

05 NEW BIVVY TABLE

A bivvy table is an essential piece of kit for many anglers, our new table and accessories takes the concept of convenient storage and multi-functionality to a new level. New side tables attach in seconds and significantly increase the table top area, an indispensible hook bait testing tank also doubles up to provide essential additional storage. Unlike some inferior tables, the whole system instantly packs down and takes up minimal space, once used there’s no going back, go on get organised!

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We are proud to announce that the following people are patrons supporting the work of the Predation Action Group:

Chris Ball

Bob Church

Chris Tarrant OBE

Chris Burt

Cliff Fox

Danny Fairbrass

Des Taylor

Jerry Hammond

Jim Davidson OBE

Julian Cundiff

Kevin Clifford

Kev Knight

Kevin Nash

Lee Jackson

Bill Cottam

Len Gurd

Les Webber MBE

Rob Hughes

Rob Maylin

Rod Hutchinson

Terry Hearn

The PAG need your support and your donations. Visit us online for more info:

www.PredationActionGroup.uk.org

The effects of predation are a serious issue facing fishing in the UK, we are the people facing the issue.

21st APR

Linear Fisheries Open Day

12th MAY Tacklefest

12th / 13th MAY Birds Green Essex

19th MAY

Willows Farm Lakes Hertfordshire BCAC

9th JUN

Cottingham Lakes Kent BCAC

16th / 17th JUN

Emperor Lakes Loddiswell Devon

23rd 24th JUN Germany

30th JUN / 1st JUL Germany

7th JUL

Barston Hall BCAC

14th / 15th JUL

Great Northern Fishing Show

28th / 29th JUL

Llyn y Gors Anglesey Wales

4th / 5th AUG Rookley Park IOW

11th AUG Todber Manor

25th / 26th / 27th AUG Evesham Festival

8th SEP

Taswood Fisheries Norfolk

15th / 16th SEP Broadlands BCAC Final

The Nash Fishery Roadshow is back and better than ever before and once again - it’s all FREE! On the bank fishing with some of the UK’s finest anglers as well as product demonstrations, rig clinics and bait making sessions make Nash Roadshows the angling world’s most interactive fishing shows ever!

See you there! www.nashtackle.co.uk 71

www.nashtv.co.uk

www.facebook.com/OfficialNashTackle

May 2012

E-ZINE www.nashtackle.co.uk