Carp Catchers Blog

This is a quick reminder to the river anglers and people who fish lakes which observe the old close season. Please make sure that you get yourselves a rod licence before the 16th June opening. Remember that if you intend to fish with more than two rods you need two licences. Rod licences can be purchased at the Post Office, Online or over the phone from the Environment Agency.

Best Fishes,

John

Hi, I haven’t written a blog before, but whilst we were fishing a few weeks ago, an article John showed me struck a chord and I thought I would share it with you.

We all know how important it is to take care of the fish we catch, having a decent size unhooking mat and treating any wounds with the Korda Carp Care Kit , but it is also important to take care of ourselves and our dogs (if they are fishing companions).

The article was about Leptospirosis or Weils Disease which is carried by 15 – 30% of rats.  The bacteria is excreted in the rats urine and can be passed onto humans and dogs when they come into contact with contaminated areas.  In the case of fishing – lakes, rivers and canals.

To protect yourselves you should cover any cuts with waterproof plasters, don’t leave food and cooking utensils out or uncovered.  If you do get symptons, which are fever, chills, headaches, muscle ache, vomiting or diarrhoea, you should contact a doctor immediately.  Weils disease can be fatal if not treated early.  Dogs can also be carriers and also contract the infection, so you need to make sure that they have been inoculated.

On a happier note, its been lovely and sunny, but don’t get sunburnt use your suncream and stay in the shade when possible.

Be safe and catch lots

Angela

As the river season opens this week I’d like to wish all of you river anglers out there good luck and tight swervy lines. If any of you have a decent catch or a nice specimen, email us a photo and a short report and I will feature you on the Carp Catchers Blog. Once again good luck to you all.

Best fishes,

John

For those of you that fish the rivers or lakes that still observe the old close season, a reminder to make sure you get a rod license. Remember the penaltys’ for not having one are very severe. Licenses can be obtained at the post office,online or by telephone from the environment agency.The new season starts on June 16th so good luck all and tight lines.

Best fishes,

John

Here’s a nice photo from customer Rob of a pike he caught recently. Robs pike weighed 10lb and was caught from a small weir pool on the River Welland. Float fished mackerel from our deadbait section was the successful method for Rob.

Just a reminder that there is a national coarse fish closed season on rivers, streams, drains and on some stillwater and canal sites of specific scientific interest (SSSIs) from the 15th of March to 15th of June inclusive. So make sure you are fishing legally, as you can face a big fine and a criminal record if you are caught otherwise.

Best fishes,

John

Angela and I recently hired a cruiser on the Oxford stretch of the River Thames. It was really hard work as the cruiser was a bit big for two people but we had a wicked time just float fishing off the back of the boat both of us catching a fish a chuck. One of my ambitions was to catch a new personal best perch and boy did I get one, check out the photo below, it weighed 3lb 5oz and is the biggest perch I’ve ever seen. My new PB was caught long trotting 3 white maggots and feeding approx. 10 mixed maggots every trot down. The swim went quiet just before the take so I knew there must be a big predator about, as the roach, perch and dace we were catching were of a good size. The more usual bait for perch is red maggots on the hook and I did try them but catch rates went down until I switched back to whites, the river was very murky so that may have been the reason. The fight was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.

Best fishes,

John

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It’s nice to see a woman catching specimen fish for a change. Customer Carol used 15mm Dynamite Baits Fresh Fish Mussel & Oyster  Boilies to net this beauty from the river Avon. Carols personal best barbel weighed in at 10lb 5oz. Well done Carol I’d love one of those myself.

Best fishes,

John

The close season on the rivers comes to an end next monday June 16th. As all of you who fish on the rivers sort out your fishing tackle ready for the off, please don’t forget your rod license. The enviroment agency bailiffs will be out in force so don’t get caught out. Rod licences can be puchased at any post office or online at The Environment Agency .

Best fishes,

John