Midlands Where To Fish contributor Steve Cope is a seasoned canal matchman, having fished the Midlands towpath circuit for over 30 years. He loves his river fishing, too, and often visits stillwaters in his region. This week we find him at Top Barn Farm, in Worcestershire.
FOR four generations, with the fifth snapping at their heels, Top Barn Farm has been in the Harper family since the 1930s. The business encompasses fishing pools run by Richard Harper and wife Nicky and a farm park, butcher’s shop and harvest shop under the management of brother Michael. There's also a working farm and a fully accredited packing facility, both run by another brother, John, to deal with their busy harvest of vegetables and cereals
They also have Hereford cattle and sheep, alpacas, goats, pigs, rabbits, donkeys, ponies, ducks and chickens, and offer tractor-drawn trailer rides around the farm park – a great day out for everyone. Set in the rolling Worcestershire countryside at Holt, there are four pools: Woodside; Fir Tree; Top Barn, which is the specimen carp lake; and Grebe, with 117 pegs in total.
Grebe Pool invite
Richard had asked me to come along and try my luck on four-acre, 58-peg Grebe Pool, fishing alongside his friend, 70-year old Norman Dent, from Bewdley. It had rained heavily the night before and it hammered down whilst I was on my way, but luckily the weather cleared up as I arrived.
Richard and Norman were already poolside, Richard building some more easy access, wide, disabled angler friendly platforms, and Norman had already caught a 3 lb bream, two skimmers and a couple of common carp of around 2 lb apiece.
Denne historien er fra October 10,2017-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra October 10,2017-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.
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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
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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.
