Recent content by Andrew Jackson

I believe brocacell is a key component in mainline Cell. Surely one of the most successful boiles around. I personally have caught dozens of big Carp on it though I haven't used it for Barbel. Sure it would work though. 👍

Totally agree. Even as a young man at the time I thought how disgraceful it was to even consider making a profit out of what is a basic requirement for all creatures. The right to clean water. Disgusting.

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Ground up weetabix!

Sure you can use squid meal. It is a common ingredient in Carp baits which are also effective for many cyprinid species. It is certainly easier to handle than fresh squid but fresh squid, and other things like pilchards either tinned or fresh, make fantastic baits when whizzed up in a food...

I know you didn't ask me but all the same, modern fishmeals are fine in winter. The old high oil meals could potentially lead to a slow down in catch rates but that was because of the amount being thrown into waters. Fishmeal is a great ingredient for Carp and Barbel/ Chub baits all year round...

As part of a mix yes. You can include such things as soya flour, semolina and for a good all round bait fishmeal. There's loads of recipes online you can use as a guide. Baby milk has been used in Carp baits since the 70s and probably before. In case you don't know, you really need to add eggs...

I think knowing the river well is the first thing. Provided you are fully conversant with the terrain and you know areas out of the main flow where Barbel do or are likely to sit then why not? Temperature and shelter from drifting crud are also factors. If you don't know the features I wouldn't...

I know what you mean though I'm a couple of years less than you! The problem I have, and it is not going to go away, is the complete lack of waters within an hour of where I live. If I go it needs a longish drive and a full day which is tiring. What I want is decent fishing close enough so I can...

Sportex possibly?

Nigel I have these. I bought them years ago when they came out. Considering I mainly fish rivers they were not a good buy! They are heavy in the hand and yes they are slow action. I used them last year at Chew and they threw a half Mackerel with a 3 oz lead a good distance so for bank fishing on...

Quite right! Bad form to do that. Anyone not happy with their rods only has to go back to the builder explaining why and getting it put right.

I think, also being a Carp and all round angler, that the use of large rings on Carp rods is, to a certain extent, overplayed and is often merely fashion lead. In the early days of Carp fishing rods had standard sized rings and 8 -:10 rings. All this changed towards the end of the 80s with...

Hi Anthony. Looking very nice. I've built/ altered a few Harrisons lately. I have built two Chimera 2's and altered a Chimera 1 which I bought cheap with a long handle and too many rings for my liking. I have gone for the traditional look favouring plain cork, Fuji dark grey reel seats and Kigan...

Very good English. Some sites are an embarrassment the 'English' is so poor ( by English people). Great fish! 👏