AS I write this, I am flitting between windows on my computer, ordering protective clothing… not just a tin hat, oh no, this week’s feature requires a full-on suit of armour!
I am of course talking about the great debate that seems to rage in angling… the debate of live baiting.
Whether you do it or not, it always raises a few eyebrows, but one thing is for sure, it seems to outfish everything else when it comes to predator fishing.
Having sussed out a few highly effective lures over the past few months, I thought I would be pretty much unbeatable, and wanted to prove a point.
My point was that pike hunt on sight and not the ‘smell of fear’ of a roach or other prey fish, I was convinced that it didn’t matter whether a bait was real.
Gauntlet
My mate ‘young Bob’, a fishery manager in France, had no such fears. He was convinced that live baits would out-fish anything.
The gauntlet (well, more of a welly) was thrown down. Unfortunately it came in the middle of a freezing-cold storm, easterly wind, and minus temperatures forecast all day. I’m sure that it’s the cameras that cause this, or it could be me building my excuses beforehand.
Thinking about it on the lengthy journey to the venue, I should have picked a weaker opponent, as Bob Hodges is a fish magnet. He just catches fish, any type, anywhere, and on any method. Again, can you see what I’m doing here, I’m building my list of excuses, just in case.
Whatever the weatherman was saying (or woman, for you PC police), we were going to encroach on one of angling’s ‘taboo’ subjects.
Like it or not, and I can see the editor reading this through peeping fingers, live baiting is sticking a hook in a fish with the intention of catching a larger, predatory one.
Denne historien er fra March 7,2017-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
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Denne historien er fra March 7,2017-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.
“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.
