Angling News Weekly - Clive Branson's Weekly Fishing Guide

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Hi Clive,
had a nice day yesterday on a crystal waggler. Water about 4-5 foot deep, slow and very clear now so I fished and fed a good way downstream. Overcast all day, almost no wind, kept a nice tight line to the float. Wanted to try for the roach and in the past have only ever got into them on caster. So I fished caster. Caught quite a few but missed 8/10 bites. Good sized fish - about 8-10oz. Was fishing a size 22 on 0.08 hooklength. Float dotted right down. They were biting the end off the caster and sucking the contents out. I tried nicking the caster at the blunt end, at the sharp end, in the middle, buried inside from the blunt end, buried inside from the sharp end. Nothing made any difference. When I tried burying the hook threaded from the sharp end (reverse to normal) they were biting off the blunt end. How smart is that! Even tried a size 28 to see if I could get them to smash the caster with a proper bite. No good. Have you studied how roach nick the end off the caster? I presume they do it with their throat teeth?Any advice? something you (and John Allerton) mentioned was that roach will follow the bait down as it descends. Can you explain what you mean by this? Are the roach following the loosefeed down, or the hookbait, or both?
Is this something they do regardless of how much loosefeed you put in? Regardless of the size of the shoal? Regardless of the size of the fish? Are the roach up in the water waiting for the loosefeed, follow it down, and then go back up? Or do they wait nearer the bottom and swim to the top when the loosefeed
arrives, then follow it down? Or is it more the case that the roach follow the bait down only in the last third (say) of the water? What do you envisage is happening? Cheers Jon

Hi Jon
In my experience the roach that nick the end are usually smaller fish fry (roach, chub, dace etc..) or maybe minnows. (Have you minnows in the river) Roach over a few onces generally give a smashed caster. (See next part of answer also maybe that may explain that phenomena) When roach follow the bait down they literally do just that and can swim with the bait in their mouth along the swim without any indication on the float. That is why some anglers in the midlands developed a stick float with a bristle (See float encyclopedia) allowing the most sensitive
bite indication possible. It seems mainly roach do this however I have noticed dace can do the same sometimes.
Kind regards Clive

Hi Clive, thanks for the answers. There are minnows yes in the river. And dace too. I caught some dace yesterday, but no minnows. Perhaps I should have tried a very small caster! So presumably when a minnow nicks the end off a caster they do it with their lips? Re following the bait down - I think I understand. I was thinking that when you said follow the bait "down" that down meant vertically, from top to bottom, but clearly you don't, you mean horizontally, getting
further away from you but at the same depth. You see how easy it is to get the wrong idea!
Thanks again
Jon
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Hi Clive,

Hope you remember me, Arnie Palmer (Holbeach & District AC). We sat behind you for quite sometime during your recent Super League Match, the one where you were second. For me as captain of our team in the forthcoming Div One National, it was a great experience to see how you approach the river and receive the advice you freely gave to us. During and after the match I made notes and wondered if the methods you used would work throughout the river and on the other two drains and whether or not you would use the same method on all the sections of the Huntspill.

Answer
Hi Arnie
Yes If all your team committed themselves to the waggler I am sure you would make the top ten. Some members may win a section if they are good enough. I suggest setting two waggler rods up. First rig should be just touching bottom allowing to slide the float up the line when the fish start to come off bottom. Some times 12" off bottom. Just keep moving the float around making sure that you are getting bites at all times. (3AA insert waggler, 3 number 8 down the line. size 20 hook 8Diam line)

2nd Rig should lay on about 3ft allowing to hold bottom when the Huntspill flows. (Usually opposite direction to the wind and remember that when casting and feeding) 2swan wagg with 6 number 6 down line with the last two on the bottom. This will slow up the tow Keep trying both wagglers making sure that you are getting bites. Work rate is the answer. If no bites are coming just keep feeding as they will come. In some section there are more roach than skimmers. However In my opinion you should put knobs of ground bait in every cast for the first 30 mins using about 2 kilo of mixed brown crumb and Lake. (I use supercup skimmers and roach love it) Then change to loose fed red maggot over hemp. Fill up a medium cup of hemp and sprinkle a dozen maggots on top. Catapult in an area over a dustbin lid size. Concentrate in that area just pass the pole line. 5/6 rod lengths out. Remember also to have a pole set up to hold back if the flow is strong. Just come a bit shorter. Try hemp on the hook on the pole line as this can catch also. All the best for the national and I hope this has helped I am sure if all the team used this method you will all do well. Including the King sedgemore. Although the pole may be better there.
Best regards
Clive
SEE YOUR VIEWS FOR THE RESULT
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Hi Clive Can you give me any tips on fishing a flooded river, where do the fish go?

Hi John Thanks for your email. I am asked often this question. Most people fish in the slack water away from the main flow. However I have often caught out in the main flow using feeder or ledger tactics. The flow in a flooded river would often be faster on the surface whilst slower on the bottom. The reason I know this is because a friend of mine who happens to be a diver experienced this phenomena when my local river was high. He told me that he could hold on to the bottom easily but when he came near the surface he could not swim against the current. This obviously means fish can also live in the main river, simply use enough lead to hold against the surface flow. (It helps by using a bow in the line method; see a previous tip of mine) I hope this has helped in your question where do the fish go in a flooded river.
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hi clive can you give me some tips for fishing slow flowing rivers. there are roach gudgeon dace barbel chub and carp in this river and i want to catch them but what type of float and what bait should i use?

Hi Alex

When I fish slow flowing rivers I always use the lightest float possible so that the flow of any current will help the float produce a natural bait as possible. However methods depends on the species of fish that I am after. Roach, gudgeon and dace use light tackle such as a stick float or pole float. For Carp, Barbel and chub use heavy tackle and in some instances use ledger tactics. For bait use maggot or caster for roach, dace and gudgeon. For Barbel, chub and carp try using halibut pellets as they are catching more and more fish these days.

I hope this may help in catching some fish please let me know how you get on.

Regards Clive

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hi there clive just found your sight look greats like some tips on winter baits as i,m fishing for carp at my local also how much to feed and what to attract them in the cold weather were having cheers m8 jason (wrexham)

Hi Lewis
Thanks for your email. This time of year as the winter and colder water set in, a lot of fish slow up in feeding and carp being no exception. With this in mind we must now adopt a meaner approach with our feeding. Another words not so generous with groundbait or loose feed. Generally paste and large baits are left at home. The shallow parts of the lake when the sun comes out will produce the best sport. This is due to the water warming quicker in the sunlight. Try smaller baits such as pellets, red worm and even maggots this time of year. I hope this has helped

Tight Line Clive
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Hi,

Sorry to bother you but I am after some information as I am from the North East of England where I fish matches etc at woodlands however, I am venturing to WhiteSprings next week to fish on the New Canal and fish the HASSRA Nationals. Taking into account this is a three man team can you give me any info. Kind regards

Martin Rowell IT Support Technician Capita ITS DSU Northern Region

Hi Martin

The new match canal was built 2 years ago then stocked with small carp and f1. We had the first match last year on this prolific small lake. The winning weight was 173lb The canal type lake is 13-14 meters wide. With 8" - 16" shelves on the far bank. Method is to fish the inside shelf first catching on pellet or worm. Switching to the far shelf after pre-baiting. If that goes dead then you have the option to fish down the track.

The last time I fished that lake I won it with 52lb of small carp (8-12oz) fishing the far shelf with the pole breaking down using chopped worm

I hope this may have helped and good luck. Tight lines Clive

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HELP I am finding it very frustrating trying to tie line around a pellet, this method of hooking a pellet is very successful on a water nearby in summer. The regulars there seem to know of a knot which allows you to tie line quickly around a small pellet and then the hook can be passed between line and pellet. Do you know of a knot which makes this a simple exercise ?
ANSWER

Hi thanks for your question

A simple loop of line from the hook could solve the problem. Just loop around the pellet in a hanging knot. I also like to use a pellet band as this is just as quick.

Hope this has helped

clive
Please recommend a grayling venue where I can fish on a day ticket. I live in bristol and i am trying to catch every coarse species in one year. i prefer to float fish with maggots.any tips on bait quantity, feeding and float/line/hook sizes welcomed. Thanks gareth

Hi Gareth
Thanks for your email. There are some great Grayling fishing to be had in Wales, and in fact on the river Taff not that far from Bristol. Day tickets are available from Gary Evans Tackle shop Cardiff. Tel 02920 619828. The best place is probably Radyr Train station near Cardiff. There you can expect to catch Grayling in abundance with the average fish going 8-10oz and with a few 2lb plus specimens. Trotting in fast stream is best with a small balsa, loose feed maggot (Red I find best) Double maggot on a size 14 or 16 hook tied to 1.7lb bottom. A couple of pints of maggots should be enough for a double figure bag of those ladies of the stream. I

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Hi Clive,

I’ve been having a lot of trouble fishing for chub on the rivers this winter. I fish a couple of stretches on the river Aire which hold good heads of chub, the main tactic is ledgering a big bait, which I do. My problem comes with bite detection, I fish a heavy feeder rod with the stiff carbon tip, I’m constantly getting touches and knocks which I am interpreting as fish playing with the bait or debris hitting the line. I position my rod tip high as to keep most of the line out of the water. I can’t see where I’m going wrong but on quite a few occasions during the session when I bring the meat/bread/corn/paste has been pilfered. Fair enough if it was just the bread I would assume that it has been washed off. Could you give me some tips/pointers?
Thank you A very frustrated Richard Symonds
ANSWER
Hi Richard
Thanks for your question

During the winter most rivers tend to carry extra water and lots of debris such as leaves, twigs etc, especially after some rain. This can lead to phantom bites as the rubbish hits the line and cover the bait. A trick that I often use is to squeeze a BB split shot 3” above the baited hook and another one just above the feeder (If I am using one at the time) This will eliminate the bait from being covered therefore when I get a bite it becomes a positive one. Another thing you must consider is using a hardy bait instead of soft paste, bread etc. I find a large Lobworm to be the best bait for chub, although Halibut pellets is now becoming popular bait. Luncheon meat threaded up the line above the hook is also a good winter bait. Apart from that it seems as though you are fishing correctly with the line out of the water as much as possible, although I tend to strike at any movement on the rod tip, as fish in the cold don’t attack the bait as they do in summer. Quite often I will hook a fish with just a small tremor, it also keeps you active and keeps the swim baited up in the faster flow.

I hope this has helped please let me know how you get on. Tight Lines Clive
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Dear clive
I do like to read you page I live in cwmbran and me and a mate fish a pond and it is mainly carp but my mate is finding it hard to catch this time of year have you got a tip on how to catch a few fish at this time of year and wot is the best bait to fish with at this time of year that is all for now thanks
ANSWER
Hi Gary thanks for your email. This time of year on ponds (Cold Winter) can some times become difficult to catch fish in quantity. Carp do need to get use to the cold weather. However on a sunny day the temperature will rise slightly in shallow water (Near the margins) This would be the best place to catch a fish or two. As far as bait is concerned try using smaller baits such as soft pellet or a tail of a garden worm.

Hi Clive
On fast flowing rivers I have a lot of problems holding the bottom with my feeder. Adding weight seems to detract from the presentation and makes bite detection more difficult. How can I fish this method without overloading the feeder with too much weight?

ANSWER
Many years ago I went Sea fishing from a boat in the Bristol Channel. The tide here is one of the strongest flow and ebb in the UK. I learnt from the fishing crew that uptide casting was the answer to holding bottom with light leads. As a coarse angler I wondered if this method would work on my local fast flowing river Wye. On my next visit to the river I adopted the same tactic using just two ounces of lead casting slightly up stream and letting out a bow of line. It worked like a dream the lead held bottom where before the lead would just bounce along the bottom. This method works perfectly well for feeder fishing too. Instead of casting down stream, cast slightly up stream, and as soon as the feeder hits bottom let out a few yards of line, keeping an eye on the tip so that there isn't any movement from the holding feeder, if it moves just release some more line. When you get a bite the tip will drop back suddenly and in most cases the fish will hook them selves. Depending on the flow of the river will dictate how light a feeder you can use, I will normally start with a light feeder and add a grip around lead or simply insert into the feeder some lead strips for extra weight until the balance is perfect. Using this bow in the line method has caught me numerous huge bags of fish even in a flooded river. (A little tip to attract extra bites is to let out a few inches of line when the feeder is holding as a slight movement of the bait will attract a fish)
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Hi Clive

I would like to know where I can get lob worms and how would you use this bait. Regards Keith.

ANSWER

Hi Keith
Thanks for your question. You may get your local tackle shop to order you some, but I prefer to collect my own. The best time to collect lobworms is in the dark and especially when the ground is damp usually after some rain or drizzle. Seek out an area of grass that is short I prefer either a bowling green or a cricket pitch. By using a torch you can spot the lobworms laying on the grass. Simply pin the lob down on the grass with your fingers and gently pull the worm out of its hole. If you pull to hard the worm will break so pull slowly. (If you can’t get access to a cut grass area then try looking between pavement stones in the road, another good source of collecting lob worms) Fishing the lob is best done when the river is up and coloured, it can produce fish when other baits don’t catch. Chub, Barbel, big eels and even Roach love this natural bait. Using the tail of the lob is a good idea, but I prefer to use a whole lobworm threading a size 6 hook through its collar. Be ready for some ferocious bites!
Tight Lines
Clive
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From: damian young To: clive@angling-news.co.uk Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 4:25 PM
Subject: carp set up

Hi Clive
I usually fish on rivers feeder fishing, but i am taking up carp fishing on local lakes. i have got a pod rest but not sure how to set it up with my rod and line could you advise me. i have drop swingers. but looking at arm swingers as well.You rs in sport D. Young.
ANSWER
Thanks for the email
Unlike fishing a river with the feeder with the rod at an angle, looking at the tip for bites. Lake fishing with a pod, using drop or arm swingers must be done with the rod set directly pointing to the terminal tackle. Using an open bail arm or a bait runner reel. The fish is allowed to run and a bolt rig hooks the fish. I hope this has answered your question

Tight Lines Clive

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From: Richard Symonds [mailto:R.Symonds@rpp-management.co.uk]Sent: 23 September 2005 11:25
To: admin@angling-news.co.uk Subject: hemp and tare fishing
Hi Clive,

Could you give me some tips on hemp and tare fishing? In particular how the bloody hell do you hook the things? And feeding methods.Thanks
Richard Symonds
ANSWER
Hi Richard
Thanks for your email

The easiest way to hook hemp is to pin prick on the top of the seed (One which has not opened after cooking) two small holes either side of the shell, so that you can pass a wide gape hook through (As if you are hooking a maggot) I use a knot picker or a small darning needle. This way you not only keep the hemp seed on but can catch quite a few before re hooking. If you are fishing close in you can push the shank of the hook into the split, however you may have to re bait when you miss a bite. Feed sparingly when you start to fish then increase when you attract a large shoal. I only use tares on the hook, cook them until they soften (Not to soft) squeeze one when cooking until they feel right for hooking..I hope this has helped, let me know how you get on.

Tight Lines Clive

From: Paul Burgess [mailto:paulbur@ntlworld.com]
Sent: 25 September 2005 18:14 To: clive@angling-news.co.ukSubject: How to tie a hook length to main line?
Hi Clive,

I've only been fishing for a few months and love every minute of it and I've just tried my hand at feeder fishing. I set up using a feeder that slides up and down the line and my hook length to the bottom eye of the swivel. I've noticed quite a few other anglers have tied their hook length to the main line, 12 inches or so above the feeder, but haven't seen any 'loops!?'.Could you tell me how this is done please and in your opinion, the best way to present everything when feeder fishing. Thanks very much Regards Paul Burgess
ANSWER

Hi Paul
Thanks for your email
I have just finished second in an open competition using this method 45lb of skimmers
Tie the feeder on to the main line. Above the feeder (8" - !2") form a loop (One that will close when pulling line) Thread your hook length through the loop twice (For added strength) pull the main line and the loop will close on the hook length then tie the hook length around the main line for added strength. (Normal knot will do) Depending on the bite's shorten or lengthen the hook length. I also use the line clip when casting into the swim, this will ensure that your feeder will land into the same spot every time. I hope this will help let me know how you get on.

Tight lines Clive

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From: Richard Symonds To: clive@angling-news.co.uk Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2005 9:08 AM

Subject: small river pole fishing

Hi Clive
I would like to start fishing the River Dearne, it is a small river with a very diverse range of species that is quite slow moving. The bottom is very silty so that makes fishing a feeder or ledger difficult. From what I’ve seen the preferred tactic is the pole, could you give me any tips on small river pole fishing please?
Richard Symonds
Hi Richard
Thanks for your email
Your question is vast ranging and because of this and other float related questions I receive. I will offer anglers to the tips page my float fishing encyclopaedia CD at cost price £1.99 inclusive of P&P

MY tip. I fish a similar small river (Taff Feeder) and hold the match record of 33lb in 4 hours. By using a small river pole float in conjunction with a rod and reel I can cover a very long trot. (Using a pole you are limited in the length of your swim) Slightly over shotting a reverse pear pole float holding back the float and easing it through the swim will attract a lot of fish. Try this method and let me know how you get on?

Tight Lines Clive

From: Adelschiano505@aol.com [mailto:Adelschiano505@aol.com]Sent: 15 September 2005 07:23 To: clive@angling-news.co.uk Subject: Fishing.

Hi clive hope you are well and enjoying youre fishing

Would you mind helping me, i have been fishing an old clay pit ,its a mixed fishery

and i ve been after the Skimmers useing a Slider its 12 feet deep iv been feeding loads off balls of b crumb and fishing maggot over the top and as hook bait .i catch lots of roach ,but a few skimmers now and then .

Some guy had 25 skimmers the other day on the feeder ,but i like FLOAT fishing.

How can i put together a decent bag of skimmers.Trying to find decent info on Slider fishing is anightmare as well.
Tony

ANSWER

Hi Tony

Thanks for your email

Try chopped worm in the crumb instead of maggot and then a small piece of worm on the hook. Go to my
float encyclopaedia index and click on slider Tight lines Clive

PS Let me know how you get on.

From: Chris Lisle [mailto:chris.lisle@tesco.net] Sent: 08 September 2005 15:44 To: clive@angling-news.co.uk
Subject: Pole fishing
Hello Clive, I have decided to give pole fishing. I have bought an 8m pole which has an eyelet at the end. Can you recommend the best way of rigging the pole as all the literature that I have does not cater for a pole with an eyelet.

Thanks,Chris.

ANSWER

Hi Chris

Thanks for your email

If you have an eyelet on the tip of the pole then I suspect you may have purchased what we call a whip. I also suspect that the whip pole is telescopic.You could just tie your terminal tackle onto the eye. (Terminal tackle is float line shots and hook, you can purchase a complete set up from most tackle shops)

What I normally do to my top section of pole, is first take off the eye and insert a pv bush available from tackle shops, also thread a pole elastic through the top section securing it with a small bung, on top of the elastic join a stompho (line attachment) from there you can attach the terminal tackle.

I hope this has helped! You could also try my friends web site

http://www.coarsefish.net/index1.htm

Tight Lines Clive
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From: JOHN EDWARDS [mailto:johnedwards1939@btopenworld.com] Sent: 16 August 2005 17:20To: clive@angling-news.co.uk
Subject: Missed bites
Hi Clive I find it hard to hook fish years ago no problem just started out again. I use a wynvchwood rogue11 carp rod and a 13 foot float rod is it because I have to long a line from rod to hook bait or am I sriking either to early or late generally use a size 12 barbless hook on both rigs cheers john

ANSWER

Hi John

Thanks for your email

After receiving your 2nd email regarding the bait you use I would strongly recommend that you try a hair rig with your luncheon meat bait (please see previous question about hair rig))

Also I would suggest that you shorten your tail shot closer to the hook i.e.. 8"-10". I would also use a finer hook length say diameter 10 or 12

I hope this has helped. Please let me know how you get on.

Tight Lines

Clive

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From: WINDY44RMT@aol.com [mailto:WINDY44RMT@aol.com]
Sent: 15 August 2005 09:04
To: clive@angling-news.co.uk
Subject: carp fishing.

HI CLIVE, THINKING OF DOING A BIT OF COURSE FISHING MAINLY FOR CARP WANT A ROD TO DO FLOAT FISHING PLUS CAN ALSO LEDGER BAIT WITH SMALL WEIGHTS.CAN YOU SUGGEST A GENERAL ROD TO DO BOTH? WHAT BREAKING STRAIN LINE DO YOU USE? THANKS ROB THOMAS

There really isn’t a combination fishing rod that will do both float and ledger fishing. Because of the nature of each type of presentation, for example a ledger rod would have to be very sturdy for casting a weight at distance, where a float rod would be lighter and a softer action for casting much lighter terminal tackle such as a float. Also the action on each rod fish very differently, for example when float fishing, you will be holding the rod at all times therefore this rod would be have to be much lighter than a ledger rod. I do suggest that you go to a local tackle shop for more information as they I am sure would put you on the right path. Breaking strain lines also differ. Heaver main reel line for ledgering and lighter line for float fishing again I would seek the advise from your local tackle shop and I would mention where you intend to fish as they would also help you their. (All depends on the size of fish expected to be caught) Tight lines Clive
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From: damian young [mailto:bestmate11@yahoo.co.uk] Sent: 11 August 2005 08:13
Subject: floating line
Dear Clive
Could you tell me how to make my line float from the bubble float im using to my hook. I am having problems with line sinking to my hook i am using floating crust
Yours Sincerely
A. Ashmore
Thanks for your Question

ANSWER

When I am fishing a similar method i.e. floating caster or pellet I smear the line to the hook with muslin. This is a fly line product that can be bought from most tackle shops. It is a small round tin with a pad included. Simple wipe the muslin on to the pad and then fold the pad and run the line that you want to float along the length. This may last for a good hour or two, them repeat as required.

Tight Lines Clive
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From: Gary Martin [mailto:gary_martin88@hotmail.com]Sent: 08 August 2005 14:31
To: clive@angling-news.co.uk Subject: Groundbait
Could You please tell me how to make strawberry flavoured groundbait from scratch
Answer;
Hi Gary
Thanks for your email
By mixing crushed strawberry, water, dish soap, alcohol & salt and straining through a coffee filter, strawberry DNA can be extracted. It is long, stringy, and gooey use this with fine breadcrumb and you have a strawberry flavoured ground bait. Tight lines Clive
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From: Jill Marsden [mailto:max@tuckershill.fsnet.co.uk]Sent: 06 August 2005 20:09
To: clive@angling-news.co.uk Subject:
which knot should i use to tie nylon fishing line to braided fishing line.
thanks
ANSWER
Hi Jill
Thanks for your Question
The best knot that I use to tie nylon to braid is a simple loop to loop. I find that this does not slip as most other knots will.
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From: AMANDA STEVENS [mailto:amandastevens243@btinternet.com]Sent: 28 July 2005 14:07
To: clive@angling-news.co.uk
Subject: how do you make hairrigs
ANSWER

Hi Amanda

Thanks for your question

I tie a small loop coming from the hook and by threading a bait needle through my bait I then pull the loop back through the bait (i.e. meat, pellet, boile etc) I then attach either a small piece of grass or spaghetti to the loop so that the bait does not come off. I hope that makes sense

Tight Lines

Clive Branson

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dear clive

i got your site when i was looking on geers in belgiums site,i wondered if you can help me find a supplier in the uk where i can find some clubmen bream yellow groundbait. with thanks lee
Hi Lee
You could try whizzo groundbaits
Best regards Clive
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From: john bowley [mailto:john.bowley2@ntlworld.com]
Sent: 27 July 2005 03:41To: clive@angling-news.co.ukSubject: tares

could you please tell me how to get perfect black tares

i have tried the usual ( bi-carb and sugar )

many thanx ian
ANSWER;

Hi Ian

Thanks for your email. The secret in colouring black tares is to actually die them with a clothes die when cooking (Black dylon) This was a very close secret for the anglers in the know Definitely worth a try Tight Lines]
Clive Branson