welder

Name is Ian Whitaker. Lived in Water Orton 33 years. Fairly stocky build, shaved head and astonishingly handsome. No, really! Ian

So you work there. Did you when loads of scrap was stolen and the owners dug great big pits along the back of the pool to prevent vehicle/trailer access? My son and I helped to make secure the gate/railing at the fishery entrance. Ian

Are you a Detective? Ian

Did you read the bit about them speaking in a tongue I didn't understand? I speak French and some Russian but understood not one word of what they spoke. So no, I didn't speak to them, as such. They either didn't, or wouldn't, speak English. No need, really. I live very near to the water and pass it all the time. The car that they were using at the pool is/was parked on the Beaver Metals car park, daily. The one right beside the road. Yes, I spoke to both Old Ray and slightly less old Alan. Both were less than happy but had their hands tied, or so they felt. Ian

Erm, witnessing a group of guys eating the remains of a barbecue grilled fish, barby still smouldering on the bank, whilst speaking in a tongue I didn't understand. On two different occasions. Oh, and the fact that the Bailiff, who was unimpressed but elderly, told me that they were allowed to fish there without membership as they were employees of the Pool's owners. Now call me a cynic but that was sufficient proof for me. I suppose they could have been intending to have a fish barbecue and happened to have some fish with them when they got lost. While looking for Lithuania, maybe. Ian

Jay, I've only just found this thread and my thinking is along the lines of others. Firstly, if you want to use hairs as short as you are I'd suggest good sized hooks and baits. Conversely, if you want to use smaller baits try hairs giving around 10-12mm space between hook and bait. I've caught good fish on waters considered to be hard simply by using hairs tied much longer than I'd usually tie. As much as 30mm at times. Experiment, it's the way forward as nothing in fishing is cast in stone. Oh, welcome to this cracking forum, by the way. Ian

Mark, changing the topic somewhat, have you ever fished Merrington? We've had a social and several mini-socials there. It's a nice place to be, although the carp don't surrender easily Ian

As I understand it, text talk is prohibited on this forum. If you can take the trouble to fire up your keyboard, for heaven's sake take the trouble to communicate in your mother tongue, English! Or maybe you didn't bother with school. Ian Mark, I've just read your comment about dyslexia on the Non Carp Banter section. I have to admit that this wasn't something I'd considered when criticising your use of text talk. Based upon that I hope that you'll accept my genuine and sincere apology for my attack. I'll try to be more tolerant in future. Ian

As I understand it, text talk is prohibited on this forum. If you can take the trouble to fire up your keyboard, for heaven's sake take the trouble to communicate in your mother tongue, English! Or maybe you didn't bother with school. Ian

I have to agree with this point. I'd be more than a little erm...put out. I'm sure they'll learn, given time and experience. Anddos, welcome to this forum. Ian

You're welcome. Ian

The entrance is on the outskirts of Fazeley, opposite the Marina on the Birmingham-Fazeley Canal. Keenook, the actual stock levels bear little semblance to what the Bailiff implies/states. There are some fish in there but not as many, or as large, as stated. The fact that it's only recently been opened means that it's not matured yet as a fishery and, in the opinion of a good friend of mine, and member of this forum, his money was wasted when he paid for the year. To say that he's disappointed is understating the case. Ian

Chris, don't do it! Ian

You'll need to be more specific. "Coming from Hinkley" can be achieved on several routes! Motorway? A5? Through Kingsbury or Tamworth? Give us a bit of a clue! Ian

Which route did you take to get to Drayton Manor? I live a few miles from there and may be able to offer info if we can pin down just where you spotted the lakes. There are several in the area, as it goes. Ian

Seconded. Anchor Meadow is a great place to be. Ken, the owner, is happy to offer advice. Ian

Chris, I've done Merrington several times, indeed this forum held a social on there a few years ago. Not as late in the year as November but bloody cold nevertheless. For what it's worth, here's what I'd do. Fish from the sheltered bank, to the left of the lake as you exit the carpark. The windchill is greatly reduced, trust me. Ignore the islands and snaggy areas and fish to open water. Best tip. Use worms as bait. String several onto the hair to form a nice big wriggly bunch. Have fun and give Elaine, the owner/bailiff, my best regards. Ian

LOL. What a backdrop in that photo! Just Googled Duchess Pond and the building is The Dower House. It's beside the M32 near Bristol and was built in 1553 by Sir Richard Berkeley. So there! Ian

theres a cuppla cancellations going At what cost and when? I want them. Please. Ian

Spoken by a man who has spent his life surrounded by horse traders and scrap metal merchants. Wonder if he wants his drive tarmacced. Ian

Have a look at www.fieldsendfishing.co.uk It's a cracking site near March, Cambridgeshire. No good if you've got kids, though, as it's strictly Adults Only. Ian

I might well go to Milton Pools, near Oxford. Ian

Love the line about tiling the bottom. Could have been me writing! Oh, and I'd have awarded a gold star for refined and appropriate sarcasm. An O level, even. Ian.

Dean, firstly, welcome to the forum. Secondly, in your situation you'll find that Barston Lake will suit your Dad's needs far better than the Riddings. At Barston you can drive to, and park behind, many of the swims. Also, the fishery is all on one level, unlike the Riddings. Midweek visit? Avoid the weekend contests. Enjoy and please give your Dad my regards. Ian

Don't go alone. I'll come with you. It's got to be done! Ian