Shortly after the publication of The Compleat Angler, Izaak Walton met fellow brother of the angle, Charles Cotton. Cotton had grown up in the Peak District, where he tested himself against the trout and grayling of the River Dove. He and Walton had enormous respect for one another, and a deep bond of friendship rapidly …
As the crucian (see Fish we Like) evokes memories of first casts in small, overgrown pools, so the name Peter Rolfe becomes ever more synonymous with it. He is a reluctant ‘expert’, but anyone with such a deep affection and understanding of a species cannot deny the association. A retired schoolmaster, Peter’s interest in freshwater …
The crucian (Carassius carassius) is an oft overlooked species. Falsely labelled by many as a carp, this fish of still and slow moving lowland waterways is actually a species in its own right. Sadly, a tendency to hybridise with goldfish and common carp have led to a massive dilution of population, and true crucians are …
(Spondyliosom cantharus) Few British sea fish have benefitted from the rise in sea temperature and restrictions on inshore fishing more than the black bream. Lovers of rough ground, the bream arrive back from their deep sea winter haunts in April and May and do so in number. They are hard fighting – perhaps because they …
Though a couple of poor breeding seasons have checked their number, the recent success of the buzzard (Buteo buteo) is a true feather in the cap of tolerance and conservation. Now our most common raptor, the buzzard breeds in every British county, meaning any fishing trip (other than on the open sea) may be blessed …
When fishing for the shy-biting crucian (see Fish we Like) one issue facing the angler is finding a float sensitive enough to register the tiniest of plucks. With the spread of the buzzard across the country (see Things we Like part 1 (above)), a walk in the woods can throw up the perfect quill. A …
Anyone trundling west along the A303 will have seen the signs for The Hawk Conservancy Trust. A few miles west of Andover, the Trust is now over 50 years old, and also supports the National Bird of Prey Hospital. The daily flying displays have to be seen to be believed, and the Trust’s support and …
They may not have been the best of historical friends, but even when disagreeing about the colour of a rose, the folk of Lancashire and Yorkshire had to share the River Ribble. Rising in the Yorkshire Dales, the Ribble is the only river sourced in Yorkshire that does not empty into the North Sea. Instead …
I found it very enjoyable and a complete breath of fresh air compared to most publications that come out these days Member of the fine minded Traditional Fisherman’s Forum – www.traditionalfisherman.com
Excellent read. Hoping for some more please – Dave@ Hastings Member of the fine minded Traditional Fisherman’s Forum – www.traditionalfisherman.com
The poor old mole is a much maligned mammal. He spends almost all of his life underground, where specially developed blood cells allows him to survive very low oxygen levels. Their underground tunnels act like traps and any worm that happens to drop in is swiftly sniffed out and given a paralytic nip. The saliva …
There are many ways to charm a worm. The recent International Festival of Wormcharming in Blackawton, South Devon, saw the three person teams using any method they wished – providing there was no digging or forking. Though the result of this year’s contest are still under collation (in other words, FishPool can’t find them) it …
