IT IS a little-known fact that in the 1990s I ghosted Kevin Ashurst’s autobiography, and there’s a story attached to it that I’d like to tell you about.
What made the project so attractive to me in the first place was the chance to meet Kevin’s dad, Benny, who was a real hero to Northern lads of my age. I was not to be disappointed.
The project took about ten days of interviews and note jotting, and one evening I was ensconced before the fire in the family sitting room. Benny leaned towards me and said: “Winter fishing is all about getting your feeding patterns right, John lad. In my prime I could feed a canal in freezing weather with just the right pinches of hemp and caster. I could get the roach going so daft that even in a frost they’d be leaving the water to pick up the loose bits on the towpath. Right out on the bank, they were, and I could pick them up.”
I was scribbling like a lunatic till Kevin laid a hand on my arm and told me his dad was winding me up, knowing a sucker when he saw one. Still, Benny’s words came back to me on the days of October 29 and 30 this year, when Phil and I were out on a river for roach. Winter had broken overnight. Temperatures had collapsed, the wind was blowing from the east and the water was as clear as gin. The previous Saturday, roach had been everywhere, but now they had deserted me.
Like Benny said all those years ago, get your feeding right or perish. On natural still waters and rivers, these are the critical months, and over my winters of guiding I get asked the same questions over and over. Here are my considered answers, in no small part thanks to Mr Ashurst Snr.
A modest amount of maggots, but John likes to feed more of them when he can. Northern match legend Benny Ashurst had a big bearing on John's feeding thoughts.
Q What are the golden rules of winter feeding?
Denne historien er fra November 12, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra November 12, 2019-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.
