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Ground Spike

Garry Howell

Garry Howell

Senior Member
After a bit of advice, as a man of a certain age with a dodgy shoulder and back I am struggling getting in and out of some swims on the Severn and the Wye, I was wondering if anyone having any similar issues has a suggestion for a lightweight spike and rope that could give me a bit of security on a slippery bank! Just a tart really!
 
Been said before but crampons/cleats that stretch over your boots have changed my winter fishing on the Severn!
You can get a pair off Ebay for less than a tenner and will be the best tenner you’ll spend!
 

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Neil Smart said:
Dog spike I use, very secure can get at any pet store. Make sure you get a quality rope such as climbing quality.
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Agree with @Neil Smart ....but would add, put several overhand knots up the length of the rope, about 2ft apart (which adds to grip). I don't use a spike/rope myself generally, but in very wet conditions I do use crampons (but if you buy make sure tread plates are connected together with chain (as in Nigel's photo above) and not connected by rubber straps, as they break. And clean after use, as they're useless caked in last session's dried mud!
 
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 they just clog up and he avoids them.
 
Andrew Jackson said:
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 they just clog up and he avoids them.
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Easy to walk in. I thought they’d just clog up & hold mud but they dont. No more slip, sliding and i used to get a bad back from constantly tensing up to stop sliding but have learnt to relax now and can even get in swims i’d never have done without them. I can honestly say that i’ve never felt like i’m going to slip in the last 2 seasons whilst wearing them! The only time they feel awkward is if your walking on concrete or hard stone but wouldn’t think of going on the Severn without them now. Just take them off and let them soak in a bucket when you get home and then give them a rinse off.
 
Andrew Jackson said:
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 they just clog up and he avoids them.
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Andrew, carry them in your bag, they weigh very little. Then slip them on your boots or wellies when you get near the area you are planning to fish. I'm in my 70's and can still pull them on my boots whilst still wearing them.
 
Nigel Whittingham said:
Easy to walk in. I thought they’d just clog up & hold mud but they dont. No more slip, sliding and i used to get a bad back from constantly tensing up to stop sliding but have learnt to relax now and can even get in swims i’d never have done without them. I can honestly say that i’ve never felt like i’m going to slip in the last 2 seasons whilst wearing them! The only time they feel awkward is if your walking on concrete or hard stone but wouldn’t think of going on the Severn without them now. Just take them off and let them soak in a bucket when you get home and then give them a rinse off.
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Thanks Nigel. I'll give them a try. 👍
 
Hi men

Dog spike and we found a thicker real rope helped . I send Sue down first then assess the situation 🤣

Screenshot_20250611-164001.png


She went down , traversed across to stand on that fallen tree stump , exciting stuff 😲

Hatter
 
Hi men

See I did use it , in this case tied it round my waste as I dug my heels into a patch of mud , exciting stuff when playing a fish with sue on her belly holding the rope , but was all safe

👍
Screenshot_20250611-193240.png


In the end we took a little spade to make a step at the bottom big enough for my feet as I laid against the bank . I did not want to make it obvious but realised that 99% of members never fished that stretch , and the swim held an obvious double that avoided us .
Also , when I dug away that little flat area the spoil going in sent them mad , feeding with smoke and cloud everywhere , spade is still there 😉

Hatter
 
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