Recent content by Andrew Jackson

Keith. Looks like you're staying the other side of the river to where I go. I come up about 3 - 4 times a season from south coast but stay in Highley at the Ship Inn. Another vote for Arley. It can be a very popular stretch though. It's a faff changing sides of the river because you either have...

in fast flows fishing small hooks and it copes fine with care. I don't like the handle much though and feel the butt eye is too near the reel. I'm never satisfied! 😅

The 1 1/4 lb Drennan twin tip duo will comfortably cover what you want. Its not a bad rod at all and I use mine for Chub abd Perch. I've had Chub to 6 plus using the straight tip rather than the quiver I fast

Have a look at the thread on combi links. Drennan Gravel braid is good and reliable. It is thin though I'm not convinced that's always a good idea where you have lots of rocks etc. The Bank tackle 15lb braid I have also used without problems and is thicker but supple in 15lb. Not the one that...

High Keith. I am also in Dorset ( Weymouth). I have been going up since retiring 4 years ago. As already said, you want The Ship Inn at Highley. It’s where I stay. I have tried other places but this one has very good parking and good food. They are nice people. You have BAA stretches above and...

Hard to believe now but a 1 1/2lb tc rod was described by Graham Phillips Rods back in those days as a 'stepped up' Barbel rod!

Are they needed anywhere? Not for Barbel, by me anyway. The whole appeal of Barbel and river fishing in general to me is that it is different. A simple, uncomplicated form of fishing. With a centrepin you have a built in alarm system (ratchet) but if you watch your rod most bites are detected...

Yes. I do. Good luck. Deadly method but soo expensive now! 👍

Just ordered some.

Thanks Mike. That's good information. 👍

Thanks Nigel. I'll give them a try. 👍

I bought a dog spike made by Jack Pyke. It's strong and reliable. I have used it quite often on the Severn. I've never tried the crampons though others are keen on them. What they are like for walking long distances over rough ground I have no idea. I was told by a veteran Severn angler that...

I only rejoined the wildlife trust comparatively recently. I resigned over the whole predator issue and their failure to acknowledge there was an imbalance affecting our rivers. I just got fed up with them about it but recently decided to give them another chance. Like you say, they do much good...

I don't disagree with you Neil. I sign many of their petitions, complete their garden bird surveys. For sure they do excellent work. I tried to explain my personal reasons for not being a member. I do though support, the wildlife trusts, National Trust, Butterfly conservation, WWF. They don't...

This is all very disappointing. It strikes me that the local club needs everyone's support in this difficult time. I think the problem with wildlife groups is they just have a different take on fish. They are generally just seen as a commodity to provide a food source for other animals. How this...