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Merry Christmas from F.A.W.

We would like to wish you all a 

Merry Christmas 

and a 

Happy New Year

Lets hope 2013 turns out to be a brilliant year for Fishing...

New Angling Trust & Environmental Agency Poster

Fishing Peterstone Lakes - Cardiff/Newport

Well winters here and the weather is cold but we decided to try and get in another fishing trip before calling it a day for this year. The weather had warmed up slightly and the wind wasn't as strong as previous weeks so we decided on going to Peterstone Lakes and give it a try up there. Now with the weather being so cold we decided to try a few different tricks in order to get the fish to feed, we tried different types of luncheon meat, we tried hemp seed with fish oils, pellets, and some specialised ground baits.

Mum & Brian happily Pole Fishing (until the wind decided to increase)

The weather was just still way too cold, we were getting little bites from the smaller fish but nothing from any of the larger fish. Brian and my mum decided to go on the pole fishing the all methods lake (my mothers favourite spot) but the action was very slow. my mum managed to catch a few small fish, mainly bream and a small roach and Brian managed to hook into a half decent 1 to 2 lb bream.

 (My Carp pod set-up and a class view of the open Lake)

I myself decided to target the larger fish and go on the specimen hunt. I had a couple of line bites but nothing really that got my heart racing. Unfortunately due to the icy cold wind and cold weather getting to the bones we had to pack up early and the wind was blowing directly at my mother and she was sat shivering (not enjoyable at all). So i will have to arrange another trip in the new year for specimen fishing just to see what the lakes have to offer. Get Hooked!

Fishing Lamby Pond - Lamby Way Cardiff

Well it looks like the weather could be on our side for this weekend and we should manage to get a fishing trip in. We have decided on a local fishing venue down at Lamby pond in Cardiff. I took a little trip down there just to scope out the swims before we go and i have to say the pond is looking great. There are some great fishing features and i even managed to spot a few carp playing in the reeds.

The swims are well laid out and there is plenty of room for each fisherman even though it is a small pond.  It can accommodate 8 fishermen easily at any one time. each swim has some excellent features such as reeds and lilies giving you a great focal point to fish to. The pond is well stocked and boasts quite a few double figured Carp and Tench. 

Fingers crossed the weather holds and we get in a good days fishing.... Get Hooked!

To be Updated.....

When we got down to the pond the weather was absolutely freezing. The frost was on the ground and the grass was crispy white shining in the sun. The water looked like it had a mist covering the top of the water and the fish seemed lively even though it was very cold. We started the day by feeding up the swims and preparing for our day fishing. fishing in the winter months is the most difficult kind of coarse fishing there is. It is very hard to get the fish feeding as like most cold blooded animals they live of their fat stores in the winter and therefore tend to eat less.

(Brian's 6 - 7 lb Common Carp)

After a while of trying every type of fishing tactic we could think of to get the fish feeding i decided to go on a hunting trip around the pond to see if i could spot where some of the fish were hiding. 

As i walked around the swims i suddenly caught site of something moving below some lilies just out of the corner of my eye. So i crept up to the bank edge and hid behind some high grass so not to spook the fish and using my pole i lowered a chunk of meat into the water. Within 10 seconds the meat suddenly disappeared and the float shot under the water i struck into a lovely sized common Carp. Due to there being loads of weeds and lilies i had to bully the fish slightly keeping its head raised above the water so not to let it try and dive and wind itself around the reeds but suddenly SNAP my top section of the pole broke. I couldn't believe what had happened so i struggled on even with a broken pole. It wasn't until i managed to get it to the bank side and about to lift the net from beneath the fish to land it when the hook length decided to break and i ended up loosing the fish. As you can imagine i wasn't impressed.

Brian however managed to hook into a nice 6 - 7 lb carp about an hour after my little adventure, but unfortunately that was the only action we both had for the entire day as it was just way too cold. we both decided to pack up early and head home for some well earned grub. We'll get them next time ..... Get Hooked!

Fishing Blog Update

Fishing Blog Update - November 5th 2012

Well we are into the start of winter and it looks like it going to be a very cold one at that! I think i may be able to get in a couple more trips to the lake before its get's too cold for us to go out. I will have to stock up on a few winter baits as they say fruity in the summer and spicy in the winter (how true that saying is i don't know) but i am sure a few meaty products will also get a few results this time of year.

I have been reading up on  a few fishing methods and reminding myself of the species of fish and how they feed in different times of year. I have included some in this blog and i think it handy to remind yourself sometimes about the fish you are trying to catch and what their habits are and what they like to feed on. Take a look i think you'll like it!

There are also a couple of books i would like to recommend as i was given them the other day and reading them took me back to my youth when i was a water whacker (learning to float fish) and we would do anything to catch a fish.

COARSE FISHING METHOD MANUAL by JOHN WILSON 

This book covers every type of course fishing there is from dead baiting to stalking with floaters. There are detailed diagrams of tackle set up's for you to follow and also diagrams on how you should fish your swim. It looks in detail at how the fish react and feed.

THE CONCISE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FISHING by GARETH PURNELL, ALAN YATES, CHRIS DAWN

This is every fisherman's MUST. This book covers all types of fishing, coarse, sea and fly. It also has detailed information on every type of fish you can imagine and some you can't. It has information about techniques, tackle and bait preparation and presentation.

IMPROVE YOUR COARSE FISHING - POLE FISHING EDITION by JAN PORTER

this book is a full guide to all types of Pole fishing giving you advice on how to use and handle the poles and whips properly and also how to setup you rigs and elastics to ensure you get the best experience out of pole fishing.

These books are a great read and i have to admit there are some tips and tricks they show in the books that i had forgotten and now i have refreshed my memory will increase my fishing and results dramatically. We'll have to see if it produces any results on my next fishing adventure.

Get Hooked!

A Fishy Tale.

In the green and murky depths of the tranquil lake ,It lurks, a scaly glittering prize.

Ponderous,  it glides beneath the glassy sky, searching the forest of roots.

Seeking bugs and worms or anything interesting to take.

Sensitive whiskers probe the calm, for vibrations of living prey.

Suddenly, before its eyes appears a most enormous prize.

Perfectly round, bobbing and swaying, emitting an odour of delight.

The hunter moves and softly, slowly, gently sucks and rolls it round its mouth.

It gently blows it out , backing away, the hunter likes to play.

It bobs and sways, tempting its attacker who again moves in, in glee,

Large rubbery lips caress the ball, daring it to flee.

Suddenly he feels a tug, a massive pull, he finds he can't let go.

He dives and runs to get away, shakes his massive head.

It pulls him back, he leaps to try to shake this horror loose.

The water boils from thrashing tail, and again he dives.

In amongst the lily roots, winding round and round,

Scraping at this evil ball that has him in its grip.

He fights with every ounce of strength, never giving ground.

Huge swirls of mud, plumes of spray, thrashing tail and fins.

No tranquil scene this battlefield, a tempest has appeared.

Tiring now his strength is waning, one final thrust he makes.

Down into the depths he runs, frantic now he weaves,

Pulling, winding in between the roots, and then....

Suddenly, its gone....................

Winters here, it's Sea Fishing Time!

See You All in the New Year - Check out Sea Fishing for Winter Action! - Get Hooked!

Carp Fishing at Hendre, Cardiff - Sat 8th October

Preparing:  Well finally got all my gear together and a good selection of baits and ground bait. Checked that everything works properly and I've got the right tackle to do the job. I have two kinds of set-up one light with 6 lb to 15 lb tackle, and one heavy set with 15 - 25 lb Tackle. The idea is, no matter where i go, if the Carp are bigger than normal i can switch gear with ease.

Very important is clothing as well, as with early morning starts you can find it can get a little chilly out there. Even though the weather is forecast for clear skies and sun shining it's the end of October and the weather will still be cold. Have got myself a good pair of walking Trainers/Shoes. Excellent grip on the rubber soles and completely water proof. Using ex-army trousers and shirts  to keep in the warmth with a good sweat shirt to keep you warm and an all weather jacket to keep out any showers. Oh not forgetting my KORUM fishing Cap that i won on an online fishing competition lol.

Well the scene is set for a great days fishing. I will also be doing some normal waggler fishing and maybe a bit of pole fishing as well. As its the first time out with the Carp gear, today is all about getting used to the gear and the way it feels and fishes. Lets keep our fingers crossed we land one of these very shy Carp from the lake.....

4am
............
Just got up and the weather is freezing! So ill make sure to wrap up warn. Time to get some fuel in the body and ready for the off. Will be setting off at 5.30 to get down the lake side to catch the first light. With cold weather like this fish deep and pay attention to the margins the fish will be surely taking cover from the cold, if they had any sense they would lol.  Reed beds are their favorite place for cover in the cold. So fingers crossed lets have a great days fishing...... Get Hooked!

at the lake side.....

Got to the lake side by 6.30 and the weather is freezing. I am wrapped up warm but can still feel the cold through the layers and i have quite a few layers. Thank god i built up a bit of a sweat dragging the trolley all the way to the lake, keeps you fit! This was the first time setting all the Carp gear up so it took me a while as i was being fussy making sure everything was right and that everything worked the way i wanted it to. I wanted to make sure i was comfortable and could reach each rod easily and quickly.

It took me just under 2 hours to set everything up and that also included my match rod on a waggler rig. The scene was set and i was all ready to catch those fish. It was such a shame that the temperature was almost freezing, the wind was around 60 miles an hour and the fish were hiding and didn't want to feed in the extreme cold. I managed to catch a couple of what i would class as skimmers, little bream only a couple of ounces in weight. But that was all for the entire day. 

Now considering i started at 6.am say and wasn't leaving till 6 pm, i was in for a long day!

The wind almost blew me off the river bank it was that strong and casting waggler in the wind is not a good idea! No matter where you were targeting you missed almost every time. Brian joined me eventually on the trip but he really wasn't well and i think was very brave of him to come down for a couple of hours but the temperature and wind got the better of him and he ended up retreating home half way into the day. A decision i wished i had taken with him! I continued the day, feeding the swim and missing silly minnow bites. I think that was the only fish stupid enough to be trying to feed in the cold.

I did however have a couple of small runs on that Carp rods, but it was just fish picking up the bait and dropping or spitting it out after a foot or two and that was it, oh and a load of fake bites caused by the wind being strong enough to whip the fishing line in the water making it bleep. No one around the lake was catching. There was a few brave all weather fishermen out, only to be leaving with sad faces cursing the cold.

Well as you can see it wasn't a day for catching loads of fish, but it was a day to get used to my new equipment. I got to test all the equipment and check that it works all OK. I am pleased to announce that everything did work, and well. I am all set for next year now to get out and catch me some specimen fish. I don't let a bad days fishing put me off as i still actually enjoyed myself. I spent most of the day organizing my tackle box and testing different fishing tackle but still it was a great day out. I may have caught only 2 skimmers and a cold but at least i still caught on a day when all others came up blank! 

Get Hooked!

Carp Fishing - Getting Ready

Well i was all excited this morning as today was the day i bought my new carp gear. I managed to get there nice and early to make sure i was first in the cue. All the gear has now been checked and made ready for my first carp outing. 

This trip is basically to test all the equipment properly and get used to using it. Like anything that you buy new, its always advisable to test run it before you get a bit more serious. So finger crossed we should be in for some great fun. Even though my main reason for this trip is to test out the new carp gear i will probably be using the pole and whip as well as i wont be able to resist bagging in a few smaller fish during the day.

( A friend bagging in a few nice size Bream)

I have stocked up on a variety of baits so the fish are going to be spoilt this weekend. I am making sure i have a bit of everything just to make sure i get the fish feeding and hopefully bag myself a nice Big Carp weighing double figures, but you never know whats going to happen till the day. I have been told that Hendre has got quite a few nice size Carp, up in the high doubles, in the lakes but they are shy feeders so it takes a bit of skill to catch them.

Whilst preparing for the Fishing trip i thought it was only right that i should familiarize myself and remind myself about the different Carp rigs there are. Presentation now days is everything. There are so many to choose from and they all work in different ways depending on how your fishing. I thought i would share a few with you. Get Hooked!

Almost at the End of the Season - Winters Here!

Well it looks like we are almost at the end of the season, I know that most lakes and commercial fisheries don't actually have a fishing season and it's down to the individual owners to rest the lakes and fisheries, but as the winter draws in it gets way too cold to go out and fish. The rivers and drains, some still waters and canals and i suppose this includes all back waters, do have a season and are closed from the 15th March till the 15th June. You would think they would shut through the winter but hey even fish cant spawn in cold conditions. OK i agree we get the "all weather" fishermen that don't seem to care and go out even if there is snow or frost on the ground and they will try anything to catch that special fish of the year. Hey, when i was younger i was one of them, i wouldn't care if it was pouring down i would still go out fishing, even if it was only with one rod and a lure to go jack piking, i would still go out and guaranteed i would catch.

 Photos of Hendre Lake - 2011-2012

Well as the weather draws in i think we will only manage to get 1 or 2 more trips this year. The first is definitely a Carp trip as i am dying to see what the Hendre Lake has to offer in the way of Big Carp. (This is my local Lake) and if the weather is kind to us i have to try and get up to Cefn Mably for a day on the big lakes as the fishing up there was brilliant and i really do want to have a go at some of the bigger fish they have in the lakes.

Well the weather for the coming weekend is looking promising and we could be in for a good days fishing down at the Hendre. I am going to try and do an early morning start to see if i can catch the first feed of the day. So fingers crossed, my equipment arrives in time and we are all set for a good days fishing next weekend. Get Hooked!

(Note: We will also start up the Sea Fishing section of this site during the Winter as we try and tackle some of the peers and coasts around Wales. WATCH THIS SPACE!!!)

Fishing Cefn Mably - Wednesday 10th October 2012

Woke up this morning and the weather is grey, damp and overcast. Now as long as there is no rain, it should be the perfect fishing weather. After the rain  the bottom will have been all stirred up by the downpour, and should now settle and the fish will be feeding well. The forecast says it will stay dry all day but grey and overcast. I think that if it warms slightly, we may get a little drizzle but that's about it. Am taking my woolly hat as the temperature is now dropping.  There won't be that many fishing days left this season as the weather is about to get too cold to go out, or for the fish to feed.

When we got to the lake side we found it a bit muddy and damp, but who cares, this is fishing, and what a day fishing we had! First off the mark was Brian landing a nice size common carp followed by myself with a couple of little skimmers and then my mum, who beat the both of us, hooked into a lovely 6 to 7 lb Carp. Next time i have to take the scales so we can get exact weights of the fish.

  Now thats how to start a day fishing!
The rest of the day was non stop action for all 3 of us. My mother managed to get a few different species but it looked like Carp was on the main menu for today.You would have had to have been there to believe it, well over 60-70 fish between the 3 of us. Brian topping the scales with 4-5 lb Carp and my mum just leaving us behind landing a few Carp over 4lb and loads of smaller all around the 1-3 lb mark and upwards and not forgetting her 6-7 lb korker at the beginning.  Brian kept hooking the big ones as well, most of his was over 3 lb in weight and i managed to bag up with a load of smaller fish and several larger carp as well i also managed a nice size Rudd (at least 1 1/2 lb) and my mum and myself both managed a nice Goldfish each.

I have to say the Cefn Mably is a brilliant place to fish. The lakes are well stocked and the area is well laid out. There is an on site tackle shop if you need to stock up on anything including getting fresh bait on site. They also have a cafe' area and a nice lounge area for spectators to sit in comfort whilst watching people fish the main lake. There is a total of 8 lakes up there with a plan to build 2 more in the near future. Cefn mably is brilliant for the beginner and also the specialist, if you are into Carp fishing then this is one of the best commercial Carp fisheries in Wales and a place i will definitely return to next season to see if we can conquer the remaining lakes. Get Hooked!

Fishing Peterstone Lakes - Saturday 6th October 2012

Well I have packed all my gear ready for the trip tomorrow, meeting Patricia (my mother) And Brian (my step-father) at 9.30 in the Morning and then straight up to the lake. The weather is forecast sunny with low cloud at times and the odd shower, so it may be a "get ya brolly out" day tomorrow. I have only ever fished this lake once, just a short while ago, and from my first experience of the lake I can't wait to get stuck in again. They have a good selection of fish and excellent quality and size. They have an on site shop, they keep a small selection of the more popular baits, plus serve all day breakfast rolls , teas and coffee etc.

Update: Saturday 6th October 2012 - 08:15
Woken up this morning, looked outside and what a surprise I got! Beautiful blues skies, sun shining and not a cloud in sight! I think today is going to be  a great day for fishing, am very excited, had to sit down and take five before double checking I had packed everything. OK am all ready for the OFF so just wait for them to come pick me up and of to the lake we go. Lets hope I've got some good news to report with regards to the fish we catch. Fingers crossed for a biggie!  

This is what greeted us when we arrived at Peterstone Lakes.

What a lovely start to the day, the sun was shining, a slight breeze in the air and calm lakes for a perfect days fishing. Started the day slowly as it was quite difficult to get the fish feeding at first but as soon as they started biting, we were in for a great days fishing. The action was good, the fish seemed to feed in sessions so one moment you were striking every cast, the next you would have to wait ten minutes before you'd get the next bite.

I Started the day trying out my new Carp whip, managed to hook a nice size Carp only to lose it when trying to fight it in. I soon put away the whip and went back to the waggler float. Then it was great, loads of nice size Bream, 28 in total, so i didn't do too badly. My mother was also like me, non stop action , fishing the pole she managed to hunt out a few different fish as well as the bream she landed some Roach and Perch and a cracking Bream a lovely little 5lb nugget......

Brian was also fishing the pole and managed to land lots of fish but also came up top trumps with a beautiful Common Carp around 14-15 Lb (the scales we used were no good so the exact weight is somewhere in between) .Also some massive Bream and a 4 lb+ Barbel, to go with his catch of the day. All in all we had a terrific days fishing. Peterstone Lakes offers great fishing for the beginners and the advanced and is definitely a place I would recommend any try fishing. Get Hooked!

Fishing Hendre Lake 2nd October 2012

HENDRE LAKE - 2nd OCTOBER 2012

Well the weather forecast was right again, some showers , overcast and very windy is the start of the day. looks like we need to break out the Wind Beaters for float fishing today. So it could be a feeder and ledger day depending what the water is like when we get down there. Wrap up and make sure we take everything we need with us, we should still have a good days fishing even though the weather is rubbish. Its that time of year, need to get in a much fishing as we can before the full winter hits and we won't be able to go out. Lets hope for a good catch!

UPDATE:

What a great day we had fishing at Hendre. right from the off the fish started biting and didn't stop all day. A lot of small fish to start with but the big ones soon followed. Great place if you like to stay active and like fishing the float. For those who are into Carp fishing I recommend spending the day and night as they seem to be very shy feeders at the lake. I have to admit I lost as many fish as I caught, they seem to be very crafty feeders and very lively when caught.

All in all, it was a great day out fishing and i will definitely go back there as i think this lake has more to offer. Get Hooked !

Pentwyn Lakes 29th September 2012

PENTWYN LAKES - 29th September 2012

Well its been years since I fished half of the waters around Wales. I am not actually sure I have ever fished Pentwyn before, so should be interesting. I know Pat and Brian have fished the lake before so I will be watching out for some pointers, mind you it has been years so I think I will be in with a good chance of bagging some nice fish today. 

We are not going mad and starting at the crack of dawn, we decided a nice leisurely day, pickup at 9am and then in water by mid morning. The weather looks promising this morning and the forecast is for clear skies with the odd light cloud coverage but you know the UK weather, prepare for showers just in case I think. Yes you guessed it am up early as I am excited and cant wait to start fishing again. This is one hobby I really did enjoy as a child so I intend to give it my all.

We'll update you on how we get on when we get back from the lake!

GONE FISHING!!

Brian float fishing catching Bream

Martyn Float Fishing for Bream & trying for Carp on Ledger.

Well we made it up there and got set-up to go by mid day for a nice day fishing. The weather couldn't have been any better. Sun was shining and not too hot. But where were the Fish? We know the lake is still recovering from a couple of years ago when it was poisoned and had to be cleared but I know it was re-stocked so where are they. I have never seen such shy fish in my life, talk about take a lot of work just to get them to feed and catch them. The amount of bites we missed or came off before landing were ridiculous. 

Pentwyn is in a bad spot for a lake if you ask me. I think due to the motor bikes racing around the fields and the dogs that keep jumping in and out of the lake even though its supposed to be used for fishing has had a big effect on the performance of the venue. A good start point for someone who hasn't been fishing or if you are trying out new gear but as a competition venue, I'd think twice before choosing to go there again! Get Hooked !