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issue 244 – March 23 – April 20, 2011 – £3.35
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Pickering's Sticky Pellets
tommy's radical flat feeder recipe
WHAT POLE?
celebrating great british fishing
SPEND WISELY – read OUR BUYERS' GUIDE first
revealed: britain's best swim
Punt your way to angling paradise
Roach
Quest How 10-second feeding brings big bags of silvers
Night fishing with the 'lunatics!'
city centre fishing by torchlight - they've been doing it 30 years!
4 • IYCF Issue 244
bristol Docks
Welcome to the
starlight club Words: Mark Parker Pictures: Lloyd Rogers
We discover why members of the Bristol Docks Angling Club have a match every Thursday evening even if that means fishing by torchlight...
IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 5
Welcome to the Starlight Club
continued
O
N A Thursday night, to the more traditional sounds of Bristol’s harbour, there’s been added a new noise. Along with the screaming furore of sirens, chatter of late night shoppers, car horns of homeward-bound commuters, shuffling bag men and laughing pub-hunting students mixes the chants and micky-taking jeers of the lads from the Bristol Docks Angling Club. This group of hard-bitten matchmen, or lovable lunatics to give them a more accurate label, has been holding a night fishing match in the docks every Thursday from 6pm until 10pm for the past 30 years. Although their Starlight matches have been going for over three decades, it is far from being a major event offering great financial reward. This is just a group of like-minded lads, getting together for a short fourhour knock up. It’s an environment where the ability to give as good as you get in the ribbing stakes is more important than the baits you bring to the dockside.
Who said anglers aren’t mad?
Fishing bang in the centre of the city itself, the lads fish different areas of the docks depending on the season. From Baltic Wharf right through to the top of the feeder canal near the River Avon, the docks offer the visiting angler prolific sport.
draw Pegs are drawn at 5.30pm
And, what’s better is that it’s free to fish there. As the water is a little brackish – a mix of fresh and saltwater – there is always the chance of catching a few more unusual species like mullet, flatties, bass and even the odd trout as well as a host of coarse species. To check on the sanity of the BDAC members, or see if they’re just a bunch of over-enthusiastic fishing nutters
“There’s the chance of catching unusual species like mullet and bass” 6 • IYCF Issue 244
with nothing better to do on Thursday nights, we joined them dockside on a cold and damp late winter’s night.
darkness descends
With darkness descending across the city centre, a strange scene begins to unfold in the gloom. A group of anglers gathers around the Merchant Navy Association memorial. The difference here is these boys are not here to pay their respects to those in peril on the sea; they’ve fronted up for the draw prior to the start of the weekly Starlight match. At 5.30pm the pegs are drawn and it is then a 30-minute rush to get ready for the ‘all in’ signal, indicating the start of this unusual get-together.
bristol Docks
VErY Odd The BDAC members make an incongruous mix when compared to Bristol's usual nightlife
GET SET The Glass Boat diners (left) are treated to ringside seats, whether they want them or not!
IrONY? It maybe, but it all depends on who's drawn peg one
BrISTOL SLaB Dave Clutterbuck shows the stamp of bream that reside in the docks
With cars emptied and trolleys piled high with tackle, the race to the pegs is on. To any onlooker or non-angler the sight of two dozen grown men fishing in the middle of Bristol Docks in the pitch dark must seem crazy, but for these boys it is a weekly ritual that they relish, and one that has been going on since mid-1980. mixing with the usual cacophony of city sounds – sirens, cars and crowds – blend shouts of, “have a good one, Dave”; “What you on?”; “It’ll be a bread night tonight, I’m telling you!” and “What? You've drawn the golden peg mate, you’ve got no chance, I'll make sure of that!”
This is the lads from the Bristol Dock Angling Club doing what they enjoy most. Within less than 30 minutes the typical dockside smells are supplemented by the pungent aroma of sweet bream groundbait. It is a laid-back affair, the degree of ribbing and micky-taking before, during and after the draw underlining the vibe. There’s money to be won, so the boys do take things seriously – well, sometimes.
SO IT BegINS…
One angler who has fished the docks longer than most is Bristol Angling Centre’s manager, Dave Clutterbuck. dOUBLE UP The docks are full with good-sized skimmers
IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 7
Classic Kit
THE ROD BUILT BY
Dick Walker is the father of modern specimen hunting
T
HE most famous of all rods is the Mk IV Carp, designed by Richard Walker. It accounted for Walker’s 44lb common carp record in 1952, and held the record for nearly 30 years. That’s when Chris Yates landed his 51lb 8oz mirror, from Redmire, in 1981 (again on a split-cane rod). The Mk IV came about because none of the commercially made rods in the late 1940s suited Walker, who had fished for carp since 1934. He had been using an Allcock Wallis Wizard and a Hardy Wallis Avon, but neither was beefy enough to handle heavy lines and big carp in snaggy waters. Previously, he and ‘BB’ (author Denys Watkins-Pitchford) had written to Allcock’s about selling a rod specifically for carp, but were told that the market was too small for the Redditch firm to be bothered with designing and producing one! So Walker, ever the innovator, decided he would make one for himself. The material was split-cane (remember, this was even before the days of glassfibre), and Walker found that around 10ft seemed ideal. Constantly experimenting, he tried double-built cane, different tapers, test curves and various handle THE START The first production run of the B James & Son MK IV circa 1953
22 • IYCF Issue 244
CLARISSA The very rod Dick Walker used to catch his 44lb Redmire record
HISTORY Chris Ball at Redmire with Dick's Mk III and Mk IV rods
lengths. Most of his experiments were scrapped, but he fished with some and passed them on to friends. But getting it right was clearly frustrating him. He wrote in late 1950: “I therefore had yet another try, and this time I did what I should have done at first, which was to make careful tests of various materials, including single and double-built split-cane of different numbers of sections, and really find out how to design a good rod.” Eventually, his experiments resulted in the Mk IV, though at least 10 pre-Mk IV Walker-made rods have survived. These are the holy grail for rod
collectors – and there are still one or two to be discovered. Just two years ago, I acquired one of his very early efforts from someone who asked me if it was worth anything! These very early rods were signed Stuart Walker, using his middle name. His capture of the 44-pounder, beating the previous record by almost 13lb, made national news and everyone wanted one of the “magic” rods. He tied up a deal with Jim Bruce of B James and Son, then in Ealing, west London, to make them available to the public. Walker wasn’t happy with the Indian ink lettering on the first batch.
Keith Elliott
DICK WALKER
and his Mk IV rod broke the mould. Here’s why… ROD ON TEST Dick Walker in action at Redmire Pool in 1954. The rod is a Mk III – the immediate predecessor to the Mk IV and the fish was a 34lb common carp, the second biggest of that year!
He offered to sign his name on a small number, “so you can tell customers that each rod has been inspected and passed OK by me, and signed to prove it”, he told B James. These are known as the “signature” rods. Though some estimate Walker signed as many as 25, far fewer than that have come to light. Afterwards, a transfer of his signature was used. Initially, the rods were handwhipped, though by 1955 this was done by machine. Between October 1952 and the mid-1960s, B James made around 15,000 Mk IVs. The Hythe, Kent, firm of JB Walker also produced a Mk IV in kit form,
THANKS Special thanks to Chris Ball at Carp Talk for the use of his excellent photographs including the one of Dick Walker in action at Redmire – a priceless and historic shot
while several other makers created their own versions, like Oliver’s of Knebworth, Sharpe’s of Aberdeen, Dawson’s of Bromley, Chapman’s of Ware, Clifford Constable and even Hardy’s. They are all collectable, but the prize ones are those made by Bob Southwell at his Croydon, south London shop, called The Captain. Rods bearing the Captain Croydon name will sell for more than £1,000. The Mk IV itself is commonly seen, but certain ones are worth a lot more than the £150-£250 they typically sell for. The special rods touched and signed by Walker are the ones that every collector wants, especially the
Mk IVs he made for people like BB, Bernard Venables, Pete Thomas and Maurice Ingham. How many of these exist? Guesses range up to 20, though it’s probably nearer half that figure. The earliest rods by B James, made from October 1952 to 1955, command far more money than later ones. These have a “trumpet” handle with a shoulder collar, and green or black whippings, and clear or brown butt and tip rings. Many anglers still fish with them today for everything from carp to pike and barbel – a tribute to the rod’s enduring quality – and its inventor. IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 23
Tackle DAVE'S AWARD LIVE TEST NEW GEAR BUYERS' GUIDE DEALS OF THE MONTH
SHOP HONEST OPNIONS AND PROPER TESTS ON TACKLE WITH DAVE WOODMANSEY
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62 • IYCF Issue 244
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SHIMANO TECHNIUM LINES FROM £8.99 Shimano has extended its respected Technium reel line range with the launch of Technium Invisitec for specimen and specialist anglers, and Technium Match and Bolo. Invisitec is a very strong line with a solid coloured core wrapped with clear outer layers that gives a low visibility finish and makes it sink well and hug bottom contours.
It has a stretch rate of around 12% – that’s roughly halfway between braid (between 2% and 6% stretch) and some monofilaments (up to 26% stretch). The result is a seriously strong, abrasion-resistant, low visibility line that holds an excellent knot for bigfish carp, pike and barbel anglers. Available in breaking strains of 8lb to 15lb in bulk 4oz spools, it costs £34.99. The deep chocolate coloured Technium Match & Bolo also has 12% stretch and is perfect for feeder fishing and bagging rigs where an ultra tough and durable reel line is required. It comes in 4lb, 5lb, 6lb, 8lb and 10lb breaking strains on 300m spools costing £8.99. www.shimano.com
IN THIS ISSUE
PRODUCT 64 DAVE'S OF THE MONTH
IS PRESTON INNOVATIONS' NEW MATCH REEL
GEAR IN THE 68 NEW SHOPS INCLUDING REELS, CLOTHING AND RIG BITS
GUIDE: 70 BUYERS' MARGIN AND
STARTER POLES COSTING £50-£250
76 SHAKESPEARE'S 16FT MACH 3 XT ROD PUT TO THE TEST
DEALS: 79 DIAMOND BARGAINS FROM MAIL ORDER SPECIALISTS AROUND THE UK
HAS A NEW 84 MAVER RANGE OF 'MATCH THIS' POLES. WE TEST THE £500 STARTER MODEL
NEW KIT TO 86 MORE CONSIDER: POLE
FLOATS, NEW LINE AND TACKLE TO HELP CATCH MORE
Dave Woodmansey has been a pleasure and specialist angler for over 40 years. He’s been testing new tackle as a full-time job every week for the last 15 years and has probably fished with more new kit than any other angler in the UK. Dave is passionate about angling and prides himself on helping readers with honesty and integrity.
Visit www.gofishing.co.uk for all the latest tackle news IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 63
DAVE’S AWARD LIVE TEST NEW GEAR BUYERS’ GUIDE DEALS OF THE MONTH
This reel has the kind of cranking power to land ton-up bags of these week in, week out
“The Inception reels are polished performers” 64 • IYCF Issue 244
Every month IYCF tackle expert Dave Woodmansey tests loads of fishing tackle and chooses his favourite item to win a specially commissioned cutglass trophy for its manufacturer. These award-winning products are guaranteed to make your fishing more enjoyable
INCEPTION IS WELL CONCEIVED
Ten superior ball bearings give silky smooth performance and reliability
Spools are built to take 150 metres of standard commercial pool reel line
Preston’s immaculate new match reel is going to be a winner
P
PRESTON INCEPTION MATCH REEL (RRP £169.99) RESTON’S first attempt to market its own match reel – the PXR model – didn’t exactly set the angling world alight. The PXR was a workmanlike, midmarket tool and did an honest job for the £69.99 asking price – but it never had the ability to excite. These new Inception reels are in a different league in terms of both price and performance, and better reflect Preston’s philosophy of flogging the best quality kit that money can buy. I reckon you’re going to see a lot of top-flight matchmen and discerning pleasure/ specialist anglers using them in years to come because, although they’re fairly pricy at £169.99, they are excellent in every respect. There’s a 4000-size (feeder/specialist) model or a 3000 ‘Mini’ (float/mini rod)
version to choose from, and both are the same price. Visually, the Inception is pure eye candy, with a mean and moody look created through its smart black livery and contrasting polished metal with subtle red highlights. When you pick one up it has a reassuring solid feel to it (it weighs 277g or about 10oz), suggesting it’s going to last a long time. The body is actually made from lightweight magnesium sealed to protect the internal mechanics and prolong the life of the reel. Spin the handle and the Inception feels silky smooth with a precision, background whisper generated by the 10 stainless steel ball bearing drive. There’s a solid, satisfying ‘clunk’ when the stainless steel bail arm goes over but the best features are an ultra smooth and reliable drag combined with loads of raw cranking power.
There’s both 3000 and 4000 models to choose from
Line-lay is excellent and the line clip is designed to prevent crack-offs
The reel’s front drag is a work of art. You shouldn't lose any fish with this reel
56 years on”
“Still the same Words: Mark Parker Pictures: Lloyd Rogers
Match legend Geoff Ringer returns to the spot where his angling career began and discovers little has changed 90 • IYCF Issue 244
O
Geoff Ringer
N THE A5199, between Northampton and Chapel Brampton, lies a small, modest and unpretentious stone bridge which straddles the upper River Nene. Not much to look at, this innocuous bridge was the catalyst in launching a now legendary match-angling family. It’s a family which has recorded wins at the £25,000 Fish ‘O’ Mania, the £25,000 Parkdean Masters and many other big-earning matches and festivals, not to mention a host of runners-up prizes. And just to round off the CV the family in question also runs a very successful bait company. So who are they? The good family Ringer! If it had not been for this bridge and the river that lies below it, the Ringers – now so synonymous with big match wins – may never have been heard of. It was 56 years ago that a sevenyear-old Geoff Ringer, now patriarch of the celebrated match clan which includes sons Phil and Steve, started his angling career. Fishing the deep, shadowy pool beneath the former toll bridge is where Geoff caught his first ever fish.
IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 00
STILL THE SAME 56 YEARS ON
CONTINUED
And like many of us that admit to being a certain age now, that first fish was a small perch. But it was this spiky, greedy little stripy predator which set the pulse racing and launched a career. For a bit of fun, we followed Geoff on a trip down memory lane planning to meet the 63-year-old match ace and retired bank manager for a day’s fishing at the very spot were he first wet a line well over half a century ago.
IN THE FAMILY
When we got there, Geoff was already ensconced in his swim, quietly trotting his stick float down the inside line. Although the conditions were far from ideal – the river having risen a few feet overnight making it run with more than a tinge of colour – Geoff was hopeful of a bite. Fishing today with a modern Shimano float rod, it was very different from the kit he was forced to use the first time he fished this peg. His first rod was a heavy cane set-up coupled with a wooden centrepin reel loaded with silk line. “None of my family fished before me and the lads,” Geoff told us while keenly watching his float lurch downstream. “I had an old uncle who was one of those people that all young lads would have loved in their family. “He was into all the things that young lads like me loved – stamp collecting and football for example – and it was him that originally gave me my first rod and reel on my seventh birthday, even though he never fished himself. He considered fishing a pastime all boys should try. “The rest is now history.”
SPECIMEN The young Geoff would have killed for fish of this stamp 56 years ago
Fishing the river at least four or five times a week after school and every weekend, it still took Geoff a while to bag his first fish. Unlike modern commercial fisheries where it is possible to land a doublefigure carp in as many minutes, the act of catching a fish, any fish, was
Ringer family triumphs As a family of anglers, the Ringers have become legendary. The only one close to their prowess being the great Ashurst family – the late Benny and ex-World Champ, Kevin. Here's just a flavour of some of their match fishing highlights – we can't list them all as we'd run out of room!
92 • IYCF Issue 244
a magical experience when Geoff started. The feat of pulling a four-ounce perch from its secretive watery world made such an impression on the young piscator, that he and his two sons have since gone on to make their mark in the world of match angling.
Geoff's highlights
● 78/79: Lions Chesterfield Canal match winner ● 82: Lions Chesterfield Canal win (right ) ● 83: Retford Winter League win ● 93: Welland Champs win ● 96: 300-peg Ian Gregory Memorial win ● 2000: 300-peg Fish 'O' qualifier win ● 00: Embassy Pairs qualifier win ● 00: Fish 'O' Mania win ● 01: Embassy Pairs runner-up ● 02: Embassy Pairs Qualifier win ● 06: Maver Pairs runner-up ● 06: Maver Pole Pairs win
Free with Casters
2011
get the best from 'shells'
issue 2
mar/apr 2011
ultimate advice every issue
12-part series collect, keep and catch
Hooks Tie the perfect spade-end knot
giant perch
The rig to trick them on commercials
Fishmeal
Beat the wind
How to float fish in a chop
Why spring fish go mad for it
Bob Nudd: How to tie a pole rig like a pro
TACKLE FILES
ed a p s n tie lone. a c s ' d-so fingers a yer! n a o ever s ng nimble the hook t l c e Som oks usi re's e h t o s end h e rest of u For th
Y L I S A E KED O O H s: Word
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Alex B
lliott
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Gray
o ING t EARN ade-end p tie a s s an i hook ial t n esse g skill n i l ang is one but it ggle s stru ok ngler of the ho a f o s e t z i o o l s n t. that ue to the ddly k nd fi or y d r hing f d s with e necessa e spade-e r fi e l e h you’r ch an and t general ru le in small r, gh or es like roa u o e t b a n e a fi s i l ar A ec avai made of . ller sp nd s are hook nd they ’re e than the ok sma mer breame a spade-e ctics o a r skim elp you ti Tips & Ta ow sizes lighter wi of eyed h y t i To h ’ve asked to show h r o maj . s at es we n e r hook r Alex Bon g device th ine patte s means th l a n l i i d e n Th regu a hook ty whip fin o tie a t y o e t t i s l nd abi sier to u ade-e ide ks. s it ea use sp massively make e end hoo by-step gu s d s t hook our fishto spa w his step tying kno y o e l s l b e p o c l n F an he oo rform al… ou’ll s ing pe an create at and y profession c th like a as you licate rigs e s d e more when tim tter are be
8 • IYCF Issue 244 Tips & Tactics
1
I use a Drennan Hook Tyer (coloured maroon) to tie my spade-end hooks. It creates a perfect finish every time
4
I’ll trap the line against the tyer in my left hand and pass the end of the line (tag) underneath the other piece of line
7
2
Clamp the hook in the jaws ensuring the front of the spade faces towards the metal lever
5
Make one anti-clockwise revolution of the hook tyer and ensure the line sits as shown, butting up against the spade
8
3
I hold the tyer in my left hand and thread the line around the lever in an anti-clockwise direction
6
Once this crucial part is correct continue to rotate the hook tyer anti-clockwise to form the remaining turns (12 in total)
9
Loop the tag end of the line (the part in your right hand) over the gold pin on the hook tyer
Hold everything tight and push the metal lever forward with your left thumb
The line will loop off the metal lever as shown. Still hold everything tight
10
11
12
Pull the main part of the line (not the tag) and the loop will begin to close
Keep pulling the main part of the line until it closes the knot at the base of the whipping
The tag of line is still around the gold pin as you tighten the whipping on the hookshank
13
14
15
Pull back the metal lever to release the hook from the jaws. Ensure the line is still around the gold pin as you do this
The gold pin will pull the line back through the whipping loop you have created to finish the knot
Now gently pull tight between thumb and forefinger on each hand and hold for 10 seconds so the mono line ‘beds’ properly
16
17
18
I now place the hook around the pin and pull the line to fully secure the whipping
Trim the tag leaving 2mm-3mm to safeguard against any slippage under extreme loads
The perfect finished article! Neat, strong and ready to help you catch more fish
IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 9
BAIT FILES
CASTERS CA T Words: Kev Green
Maggots are a magic bait but casters are king when you're targeting better quality fish. Here’s how to use them
HE moment they crack open the crunchy outer casing of a caster many fish are literally hooked on the taste of a ‘shell’. The combination of the crunchy outside and the soft gooey innards is too tempting for them to resist. Whether you’re after roach, bream, tench, carp or perch, the caster is still a bait that bags quality specimens.
HOOKING CASTERS – THREE OPTIONS
Lots of anglers struggle to hook this most fragile of baits without damaging the frail shell. It is essential that you maintain the condition of the bait as much as possible because canny fish often
1
The standard procedure is to leave the hookpoint proud to prick a fish. Use a size 16-20 fine to medium wire spade-end hook
4
If fish are feeding cautiously you need to bury the hook inside the bait. Bury the point into the centre of the blunt end
24 • IYCF Issue 244 Tips & Tactics
refuse a damaged offering. Depending on the feeding activity of the fish you can bury the hook inside the caster, leave the point proud of the bait or double-up for a specimen fish. Here’s how…
2
Slide the point into the blunt end of the bait, either through the side of the shell or the top edge
5
Sink the hook down to the bend then straighten the shank to leave the entire hookpoint inside the shell
3
Rotate the hook to drive the point through the top side of the bait leaving the point standing proud in the perfect position to hook a fish
6
Tap the spade-end to knock the hook into the caster and bury it. When a fish grabs the bait a swift strike pulls the hook through the shell
ATCH
STORING CASTERS
Casters have an all too brief life cycle. As the chrysalis stage between a maggot and a fly, the warmer the temperature and the more light the caster is subjected to, the quicker it will ‘turn’ from a light bait as it stops being a maggot, to the very dark hue it takes on just prior to emerging as a fly. It is essential to use fresh casters that are coloured from white to light red. Baits like this will all sink when they are fed while very dark baits will float. A tan to light red coloured caster is the best hookbait. Not only does this rich colour range seem to appeal to most fish but the bait is also fairly solid so it’s easy to hook securely. IYCF diarist Bob Roberts shows how he keeps Use the right size of bait box casters fresh…
1
MAKE MINE A DOUBLE
A double caster can select bigger fish. Use a size 16 hook or a wide gape 18 but unless you’re fishing for big carp or tench don’t use heavy gauge hooks. The extra weight of a heavy-duty hook can make the bait behave so suspiciously that quality roach and perch refuse it. Here’s how to double up…
1
that allows you to almost fill the tub with your casters
2
2 Soak a couple of sheets of newspaper in water and lay a pad on top of the casters
4 Sink the hook into the centre of the blunt end
3
Add the second bait, driving the point through the side of the shell and out of the top
3
Lay a thick plastic bag over the newspaper and firmly fix the lid to make the tub airtight
Turn the bait to drive the point out of the side, leaving the point and much of the bend exposed
4
To make the bait spin less on the retrieve line up the shells so they are parallel
Stored in a bait fridge or on the garage floor these baits will last for an extra couple of days
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Wednesday april 20, 2011 catch more roach & carp
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48
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Plus: Inside your FREE magazine...
Plus: Inside the magazine...
132
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l We reveal how to bag huge perch on lobworms l Tench are back! Jules Chidgey's Quest success l The bright baits you need sunglasses to use! l Darran Goulder's tench trick with maggots l Alex Bones' reveals his dead maggot sandwich l Bob Nudd details his top four pole rigs – they catch fish everywhere! IYCF March 23 – April 20, 2011 • 53