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I agree with John, I always used 1.5lb test curve rods on the smaller rivers such as the Kennet and Loddon in summer and full flood, with no problems, even when attached to very big fish. I use a 1.75 torrix on the Trent with no problems either. Playing fish on over gunned rods takes the...

I have a Swallow MkII with knurled rim and love it. I find smooth edges cause more overheating of the hands. I have a manual job so no office hands.

Although I was in favour of clubs deciding their own closed seasons (I just don’t think the government does a good job of anything anymore), I’m not throwing my toys out of the pram. A change in dates would have been my next preference. I applaud you Martin for putting up some of your own money...

Tbh Michael, Lady Pitt is one of the most prolific areas of the Trent, especially early season, so I wouldn’t expect the same results on the tidal. Tidal tends to be more of a waiting game, fishing over big beds of bait. North and South Clifton both produce on their day. When fishing blind on...

There are small pockets of barbel on the Idle which can take some finding. It’s clear and often weedy, so a pair of Polaroid’s is useful. If I were older, I’d go on the Trent and sit it out over a bed of bait, the Idle’s not easy. If you’re set on the Idle, and don’t want to rove, I’d fish a...

Had a look at Bob Roberts’ Trent map and noticed a tribute to Mike Townsend who died recently aged only 48. Although I didn’t know him personally, I used to read his blog. He was a very good angler, especially when it came to roach, and came across as being very humble. Always admired his...

Privatising natural monopolies makes no economic sense and benefits only the rich. We’ve seen it time and time again in the UK - national assets sold off cheap to private companies who then seek to maximise profits by abusing their their monopolistic position. Look at the water industry : no...

I often use a method feeder in a flood but don’t bait up as such because there’s no telling where it will end up.

I received an invitation to join after about 18 months I think, which was about 2 years ago. I didn’t join because o didn’t think I’d get enough use out of it.

Although it’s my favourite style of fishing on small to medium sized rivers, I have never had much success with roving on the Trent, and prefer to fish over a bed of bait with infrequent casting. I just don’t think it suits bigger rivers because the holding features are not so obvious.

My Avon’s are 20 years old and weigh 2oz under, but I know that, so it doesn’t bother me. I use Reuben Heaton digitals for smaller species ( very accurate) and also have a set of Flyweights which I have very little confidence in - very sticky ! You get what you pay for with scales imo.

Thanks Ben and Terry, going to have an ice cream now. No seriously, I’ll give your ideas a go.

No idea if they get busy, haven’t fished the Ribble for years.

Ribchester tickets from the Post Office and Mitton, look at the Ribble Rivers Trust site I think.

Ben, what was wrong with your back and how did you sort it ? I’m still suffering with mine and unlikely to be out barbel fishing for some time ☹️

There’s very little day ticket fishing on the Ribble - Tickled Trout, Ribchester PO, and Mitton are the ones I’m aware of.

There’s a big difference between posting a photo of a fish with a back drop which regular visitors may recognise and the same photo with the stretch named. The former informs the already informed few, the latter the hundreds of lazy swim jumping trolls.

Word of mouth compared to the www is like a snail with heavy shopping compared to an F-22 with go faster stripes.

It’s even more important to keep venues off the open web, since the number of decent venues has declined so dramatically. I know it’s nice to help people, but really, help catching a few stupid fish, it’s like asking to have your arse wiped. There’s already enough historical info on the web to...

If you’re looking to get anything like a regular bend in the rod Oliver, I’d move downriver to the middle. Upper Trent is pretty tough these days.