Fangtastic Footage, Thanks To Matt Hayes
Angler's Mail|November 12, 2019
JACK PERKS The natural history photographer has filmed all 53 UK freshwater fish species, and this week he looks at barbel and shad.
Fangtastic Footage, Thanks To Matt Hayes

EVERY time I think of zander, vampiric images enter my mind. They have large, other-worldly eyes that glint a bit like a cat’s eyes in the light, and are ideally suited to nocturnal life.

The obvious comparison to a vampire is the large fangs that they use to grip and devour prey. To prevent them damaging themselves, they have depressions in their mouth, like a scabbard for holding a sword.

Unlike Dracula, these monsters of the night are very real, as they are present in many waterways across the UK. The Duke of Bedford, who was also responsible for introducing munjac deer, grey squirrels and wels catfish, brought zander to the UK in the 18th century.

In recent years, zander have colonised many canals, the West Midlands being a particular stronghold. Most likely introduced by anglers looking for a little excitement, they quickly established themselves in the miles of waterways now on offer to them.

Finding zander has never been an issue, it is seeing the damn things that is the problem, as most canals are murky at the best of times. Visibility is key to filming, so I had to plan a winter trip, when there’s less algal growth and boat traffic to colour the water.

I had no idea where they would be lurking, so I contacted Matt Hayes, who I like to think of as being the David Beckham of the fishing world, but with a Brummie accent.

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.

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.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ANGLER'S MAILSe alt
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
8 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Venues on the menu
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 14, 2020
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
Angler's Mail

“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.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
7 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020
My best catch!
Angler's Mail

My best catch!

This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Huge zed after run of disasters
Angler's Mail

Huge zed after run of disasters

19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities

time-read
2 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Christmas stocking
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Alien aquatic plants
Angler's Mail

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
January 14, 2020
Angler's Mail

A guide's guide to guides

Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 14, 2020