Dennis Watkins Pitchford was an illustrator and naturalist of great note, but is more familiar by his nom-de-plume. As BB, he was a prolific writer of children’s fiction and countryside pursuits. His Bedside books are still great favourites – not least the Fisherman’s selection, whereas his Confessions of a Carp Fisher captures the psyche of …
Successful writing is all about creating rhythm and the majority of angling writing reflects in rhythm the water being described. On this basis, John Gierach must spend his life beside a tumult. Gierach is one of the most loved and prolific angling writers of the last 50 years, and when he isn’t bouncing along like …
It won’t be long now. The mackerel will be gathering off the south west in their millions before they trail the whitebait shoals around our coasts. Fresh from the surf they are pure muscle and shine – and taste quite extraordinary. It is a shame so many are plundered for fun and not food, not …
In the small streams, the bullhead strikes fear like a great white in a swimming pool. With a huge head and full of bristle, Cottus gobio is found in rivers across Europe and is an adaptable fish – even swimming in the brackish waters of the Baltic. He does not grow large, the British record …
Each winter, a mysterious figure creeps among the trees of the Kent Weald, loitering near the hazel coppices as he searches for the perfect fork. RB Traditional (Rob) fettles his rod rests for fun and friends, though bidders at auctions in aid of The Avon Roach Project and the Barbel Society may be fortunate enough …
At some point in every car owner’s life comes a vehicle that is indestructible. It starts on the coldest of mornings; sails through every MOT; has tyres that last forever and fits a rod bag snugly in the boot. If such a car were a fishing reel, then it could only ever be a Mitchell …
Multum in Parvo is the motto of Rutland – England’s smallest county – ‘Much in Little’. It is most apt. There is a distinct identity within the gentle rolls of Rutland fields, where woodland creases belie the true lack of expanse. Then, there in the centre, lies more than 4 square miles of watery fun. …
Fed by the Dee, the Llangollen Canal has a steady flow, particularly in its upper reaches. In fact, as you approach Llangollen itself, dace are the most plentiful fish and best caught on a stick float. Crossing the border into England, the canal offers some stunning ruffe fishing – with specimens of several ounces possible. …
Fallons Angler – in-flight entertainment – Antigua for the 1st test match – who cares who wins. Via Twitter @BooGilbraith
I have just read my copy going to and returning from work in Manchester. All the articles were first class and I really enjoyed reading it. From the pages of The Traditional Anglers Forum.
A rather curious looking pot of relish recently bobbed into the Fishpool – a recognition of an anniversary of age. The advice on the label of The Angler’s Finest Relish is to ‘use very sparingly’. A dab of a finger shows why. The taste is intense – it is saltier than salt itself. Marmite on …
Not sure to do with that heron in your swim? Perhaps May Byron’s 100 year old recipe for Heron Pudding could be the answer. The bird should be picked and flayed before slices of meat are taken, placed into a crust (such as one would use for steak and kidney), and then boiled for ‘many’ …
