welder

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

I'll admit that was going to be my next option, but to quote from eBay, I'm going to let it run. Ian

My wife and I are taking our caravan to a site near Mordiford, Herefordshire in a couple of weeks. The site is on the bank of the River Wye and catch photos on their website show good carp and barbel. I'm inclined to use hallibut pellets and/or luncheon meat for bait. Does anyone on here have local knowledge that may help in my quest? Failing that, I'd welcome suggestions on alternative baits. We'll be there for 4 days so I'll have time to try various approaches. Shan't have far to "approach" as our pitch is literally at the water's edge! Ian

Nige, isn't it true that the best reading is undertaken whilst on holiday? It certainly is in my case. I've been known to read 5 books in a 7 day holiday. Frequently. Need more holidays, I love reading. Recently returned from a 4 night stay in the caravan on a site in Wolverley, Worcestershire. Re-read Ancestral Vices by Tom Sharpe and laughed till I hurt! Then got into The Associate by John Grisham. Finished that this afternoon. Next project? Who knows. Ian

Just finished "The Associate" by John Grisham. Damn good yarn. Ian

Yorkie, if you use the Search button, top left of the page, you'll find a longish thread on the subject of Evesham Vale Fishery and it's reason for closure. Good luck. Ian

I've just looked on www.Fisheries.co.uk and found two for you to try. Lower Aylescroft, West Down, Ilfracombe, EX34 8NJ. 01271 864054. West Pitt Farm, Tiverton, EX16 7DU. 01884 820296. I have no knowledge of either but they're a starting point, maybe. Good luck. Forgot to say welcome to this forum Ian

Matt, you need to contact Penker (Joe) or Jasoncoggins as they have the knowledge that you seek. Why not PM them, I know that they're both helpful and friendly. With luck they'll pick up on this thread. Ian

Pete, there are many good carp still in the several pools at Billing. Maybe the older, wiser fish kept their heads well down while assorted caravans floated overhead. I'd like to think so. Ian

Quite right. Regrettaby the entire site was under several feet of water some years ago, following mad flash flooding. Them Leneys could now be anywhere. River Nene, maybe? I'd like to think so. The attraction remains, just relocated a little. Ian

You're welcome. Ian

If you're fishing the river try the area just upstream of the site. you can drive/walk to the top of the site and park. Walk along the bank for about 100 yards and have a look there. Ian

Nice fishing, mate. A new PB is a thing to savour! Ian

Iain, I have to agree with Matt's reply. There are many more pleasant places to fish within a few miles of the place. Have a look at Pine Pool at Kingsbury Water Park, just around the corner. Welcome to this forum by the way, I'm sure that you'll find it friendly and informative. Ian

For reasons I can't explain the fishing on this water seems to be all about wind direction. I've always done well by fishing close in, facing the wind/breeze. Try fishing away from the Clubhouse/Islands end, sit facing whatever wind there is and use large single baits, aided and abetted by small PVA bags or stringers. You might want to try Pepperami on the hair. Or recently fried Bacon Rind. They do a very good sarnie, by the way. Ian

Agree entirely. I've seen bigger cattle troughs. Ian

Gay carp, then? Ian

All of the above! Ian

Is there such a thing as more than positive? If so it relates to Rushes Lake. The only negative is that I don't live there! I had the best week's fishing/socialising/weight gaining of my life. Kim's catering is very special and you're made to feel like a member of the family. If tranquility is important to you, this is the place to be. September 18th...come on!!!! Ian

Tip. Go into Fosters and ask the question. All of the staff are helpful, knowledgable anglers and I know that some of them fish the stretch behind the store during breaks from work. You know it makes sense! Welcome to the forum, by the way. Ian

Beaver Pool is currently run by Kingsbury and District Angling Club. £18-00 for one rod, £34-00 for two. Apply to K Stilgoe, 8 Slingsby, Dosthill, Tamworth B77 1JS. The story is that many of the good fish now live in Shard End Lake. As do many from Salford and Babbs Mill. Others were eaten by Eastern Europeans, many of whom worked at Beaver Metals, the pool's owners. I didn't renew my membership this year. You pay your money and......don't catch many carp. Good perch, though. Ian

It's the Birmingham-Fazeley Canal and does hold carp to a good size. Further along the canal, at Curdworth is a good spot. There are a few houses behind the White Horse pub which back onto the canal and the residents throw food and kitchen scraps to the fish. I've witnessed a shoal of good carp waiting to be fed. Ian