2020 Arrives, Ed would like to take this opportunity to wish all anglers the very best wishes for 2020 and the new decade. Tight Lines.

COVID19

Lock down, Social Distancing, and Essential Travel only, has meant Fishing has had to take a back seat until restrictions are lifted.

In the mean time to keep up to date with the latest guidance from the UK Government follow the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Another issue which may affect those looking to get out on the bank is the Asian Hornet which was accidentally introduced in to Europe and has since been sighted in the UK. There has been much publicity about this invasion on news sites and in the media.

If you see an Asian Hornet while out there are a number of ways you can report your sighting. For more information follow the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/asian-hornet-uk-sightings-in-2018

The is also an app that can be downloaded from the App Store, which gives information on identifying an Asian Hornet and how to report your sighting.

Stay Safe out there!

ED

COVID 19 Environment Agency Issues and Update : May 13th

Text Below Taken from an EA Email

We know how much you’ve all been waiting to get back out onto the banks safely. So we wanted to let you know that the Government’s latest review of lockdown restrictions means that we can all do exactly that from today, Wednesday 13 May, in England only (the situation in Wales is being clarified, visit Natural Resources Wales for the latest position).

This decision recognises the fact that fishing can be done safely while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. Obviously this is great news for the entire angling community, but it’s vital that when we do go fishing, we all do so responsibly and safely in order to continue playing our own part in protecting ourselves, others and key public services.

As we start returning to the banks, it’s really important to follow the latest guidance on social distancing which remain in place. More detailed information on how to fish safely at this time can be found on the Angling Trust website.

Please don’t forget to check that your licence is still valid before you head out. If your licence has expired, you can renew your licence at GOV.UK. You’ll still need permission from the fisheries owner to go fishing and all byelaws, rules and regulations including the Close Season are still applicable at this time.

Phil and Steve drop in the barrier swim and Rob one peg higher. Phil takes a 2lb Chub first. (Rob lends him some bait , a head torch, and bank sticks,? there seems to be trend here? is Phil ever prepared?) Steve takes a 3lb Chub next and then Rob Takes his first and last fish a 2lb Chub at 9pm ish. Steve and Phil both take another 2lb Chub each just before sundown at 9:30pm. At least no one Blanked! Steve and phil both hooked a Barbel but failed to land them SNAP, so I guess they don't count! Given the recent rain and the fact this was the first trip up the river in 2020, What can I say things can only get better!

27,6,20 Erdington BAA

The chat on the walk out and way home was focused on why the weather people cant predict nightfall?

This morning both lads had rain till 4pm on their weather apps and a fine evening. it turns out it was fine all day and rain showers some heavy between 5 and 8pm. it also began to spit with rain a 10pm as their app data was now showing rain till 3 or 4 am? So if anyone can tell us please why cant those responsible for forecasting the weather get it right? They have access to very expensive computers, satellite and radar data and we guess are paid handsomely to predict the weather. This is so people can plan trips, outings, and fishing. Quite frankly they should be sacked and replaced by some seaweed hanging on a nail by the front door??

Rob and Phil shared a peg (pictured above) about 500 meters downstream of the car park, while Steve headed about the same distance upstream to the Oak tree swim. A pleasant evening in the sun the lads fished from 5pm till 10pm.

Rob has been reading articles on the internet regarding approaches to take at Severn Stoke. The gist was pile in the bait so he did 1.5kg on hemp and 1kg of mixed pellet. he fishes a boilie over top with meat on his second rod. Phil was sporting a pellet so they thought they had all bases covered? Fishing between 1 and 2 rod lengths out from the bank.

Steve was the only one to take a fish a 4lb Chub which is a good fish in anyone's world.

Both Rob and Phil were BLANKERS! No change there then , at least they are consistent. Still there is always next week!

Steve takes first blood with a 8lb Barbel at about 6pm. This is his only fish as the rest of the evening is spent snagging and losing feeders on the rocky bottom 6 lost in total? This was an expensive trip for Steve? He's quoted as saying "I spend more time setting up my rods than fishing" Later he was quoted as saying " i can feel a trip to Marks tackle coming on"

Rob did get a knock on his meat rod which increased his confidence no end given that he has been through a bit of a fish drought lately blanking for weeks.

But Not Today! he took a 5lb Barbel, followed by a 1lb Eel, and a 2lb Chub all on meat down the edge. he did get a significant knock on his pellet rod but no take. Rob is quoted as saying " if variety is the spice of life bring it on"

I'm Glad your drought is over Robbie! Now Build on this little success!

That's when you have both recovered from the walk out, You are both so unfit!!

NEWS FLASH! There just isn't enough Bobs in this world!

Our Bob (Berty, Rob) Heard from Birmingham Bob today, Birmingham Bob was asking our Bob if the Twats were off to France this year! Our Bob told Birmingham Bob that no trip to France had been arranged due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid 19! It seems Birmingham Bob is sailing to Roscoff on the 27th Aug for a week, this is the same weekend our Bob is off to Baden Hall with Steve and Phil for a long weekend on Bridge pool.

Our Bob suggested that Birmingham Bob checks the locks on the camper, after last years incident where Birmingham Bob found stowaways in the storage compartments. "Now don't quote me but I think the Stowaways name was BOB?" Its a mad world out there Bob!

Birmingham Bob also reported he had been fishing on the Wye near Hereford just last week. Trotting meat and corn he reported a great day, but no details of the fish caught.

Berty Bob reported that it was great to hear from Bob.

The TWATs extend their best wishes to Birmingham Bob and hopes he has both a productive week fishing and a Safe Trip! Fortune Favors the Brave! Tight Lines, and Bottoms up! Does anyone know the French for "BOB"??

31,7,20 Erdington Brook Section BAA

Steve catches first a small Chub circa 1lb at around 7pm, Rob has to wait until 9pm for his one and only fish of the session, But what a fish 12lb 5oz caught on a krill boilie. The first run stripped 70 yards of line and then it was a slow old tug of war with Rob gaining a yard or two over the next 15 minuets before it finally gave in and was played in to the net.

Rob had been feeding pellets boilies and hemp about a third across the river.

Steve took one more Chub just before packing up which was around 2lb.

At least they were out there trying and didn't return home as Blankers!

7, 8, 20 Arley BAA Waters River Severn

Steve and Phil, Head up river to Arley on the River Severn for an evening in search of the elusive Barbel.

Wot No Robbie? Turns out he was busy oiling his oak kitchen worktops and Dog sitting while his much better half was away to the seaside for a weekend with the grand kids. .

Phil is reported as saying the evening was spent watching canoeists? According to Phil Steve was the only one to catch and that was a small tiddler!

Still it least they were out there trying, and have their priorities right! Oiling worktops? Whats that all about

Update 12/8/20

When I managed to speak with Steve the "Tiddler" he described and I quote " Like a small chub but with red fins smaller mouth?" Now I've not seen the fish, but I believe this could be a Rudd If this is the Case and it was a Rudd? then what Phil calls a "Tiddler" is in fact a PB Rudd for Steve. So well done Stevie! A very successful trip!

28th to 30th Aug 20 Baden Hall Fishery

Friday the 28th bright and early Steve Rob and Phil head to Baden Hall Fishery for a 48 hours session on Bridge Pool.

Arriving just after 8:15 am Rob Steve and Phil hang around waiting for both the Peg Draw at 10:30 and 2 others only known to Steve through his work and who are going to join the TWATS for this session. Paul and Pete arrive in time for the draw and the lads manage to choose Pegs 10,9,8,7,and 6 .

With Rob and Phil taking the Dbl 6 and 7 Steve takes 8 Pete 9 and Paul 10. A dry morning up to lunch time see the lad frantically erecting their Bivvies and tackling up their rods in rain which started just after arriving at the Pegs and was to last all afternoon and Evening. The wind was also changing direction from the south to a northerly wind that certainly had a cold nip after the sun had gone down.

Saturday was a mix of sunshine and overcast with a little rain later in the day early evening, The nights were cold and wind had a nip to it circa 6 or 7 degs c with the days getting up to 17 degs Max.

Plenty of time for a social as on one managed to bank a fish, Paul did have a run on Sunday morning but unfortunately nothing there on the strike.

The lads were trying a variety of rigs to include Choddy's aimed where there was light weed, bottom bait hair rigs on clear spots or sand banks, and Rob tried a Zig for the first 24 hours. Mostly adopting a light baiting approach.

So five BLANKERS! The lads did all agree the Complex Baden Hall was Clean and Tidy, pleasant surroundings and a return trip in the near future would certainly be on the cards.

The general Feeling was that the change in conditions and the northerly wind is what Killed the lake, Speaking to those in Pegs 1 to 5, No One had had so much as a run.

So with no runs and no fish on the bank, what were some of the hot topics for the social?

Paul lost his bait boat mid water due to battery drain, it blew in the wind and finally came to rest on the far margin, Phil was a star who walked around to retrieve the said boat by utilizing a landing net!

Paul left his lights on, on his car after fetching a breakfast sandwich on Saturday morning and it wouldn't start on Sunday morning! Phil Pete Rob and Steve were on hand for a push start.

Phil had failed to think about everything he may need? While he did bring Tea, Coffee, Sugar and Coffee mate what he forgot was WATER! Mind you He also forgot his Vape would only last a day and had nothing to Charge it on?? Rob Helped out with a solar power bank, Steve also helped out by allowing Phil to charge his vape in the Van.

Phil had also forgot his head torch, and his boots? Come on Phil, Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance?

Phil also had a bet with Rob He would catch first! Rob took the bet has he thought this would be an easy fiver! Turned out it was safe!

Phil's Bivvy was the topic of some debate, as for one he needed help to erect it (Rob swore he wouldn't but ended up helping) and Both Rob and Steve ended up showing Phil how it comes down?

Other topics of conversation included Phil stating he should be a Pheasant? but can't remember why??

Phil bought the coffees, Steve bought the bacon sandwiches Rob bought the Maccy D's Muffin on the way home!

11,9,20 River Teme

Rob and Steve fish the River Teme this evening, circa 4pm til dark. It a very pleasant evening warm on the late afternoon sun and a little breeze. A pair of Kingfishers were on hand to offer something to watch as they go about their business.

The River was at normal levels with the water being clear but not like gin.

25, 9,20 River Teme

October 2020 Our Man In France.

The Right Honorable Robert (Birmingham Bob) had to postpone his planned trip to France at the end of August. However the postponement was short as he has been in France for the past week fishing the wonderful waters known as Clearwater Lakes.

He made contact on the 2nd Oct to report he had been fishing the Mill Pool for the morning and had taken 5 fish, with a 13lb topping the catch. The first Fish fell after just 10 mins of casting. (if anyone knows what is in his secret bait mix in that bucket of his, Please spill the the beans?) He went on to take a total of 8 fish for the day with an 18lber topping the day! (I think he uses a special additive? Possibly containing alcohol??)

17 Fish so far all from Mill pool 18lb the best and all on light float tackle with a bucket of slop.

After consulting with his fellow TWATs for advice on the Spring Lake which Rob had noted the wind was blowing towards the road and dam wall. He decided to not go with his initial thought of a few days in peg 8 (his favorite) at the top end of the lake, but to follow the advice of the lads and fish Peg 10 instead. Robert asked "so where do I fish in this peg? A powerful example of how technology can be used as a tool (Now Now! NO References to Ann Summers Please) Berty Bob sent Our Man in France a Picture taken in peg 10 two years ago looking towards Peg 9 and the Aerator. Using some High Tec Jiggery Pokery Berty had marked the spots to attack on the photo! (x Marks the Spot, a Bit like spot the ball at a Birmingham city game, " The visitors have it Bob! LOL) Berty explained a scatter approach towards the aerator works well while using a bait boat to get close in the margin of peg 9 as always produced for Steve and Berty alike in previous years. Steve wouldn't even think about doing anything else for the first few days in 10 if he were there! He was so please Robert was taking the advice and felt he was sure to catch!

I kid you not! Robert asked so where do I put my float rod? Through tears of laughter Berty suggested the margin to the left of peg 10 is worth a try especially as Robert was dreaming of a big Eel 6lb+ ! Mind you it's been reported he was also dreaming of an upper 30 around 37lb (to break his current PB taken in Peg 8 last year) he was dreaming of a 40 and next step a 50! Funny old game init! Dreams and Plans never work out in reality how they appeared in your head. PS Thank the gods for Whatsapp! Yet another powerful example of how people can come together using technology as a tool! Please Don't make any references to Ann Summers! We have heard them before!

7th Oct an 8am start saw Rob actually cast in at 9:30 (don't ask he was having a disaster of a morning whatever that means?)

By 11 he had a 29 and 3/4 lb Leather from towards 9 and at 11;20 he had taken a 33lb leather from the aerator .

8th Oct 2020 Before 9am Robert had landed a PB of 46lb 10 Oz and assisted by the bailiff to weigh and photograph this excellent specimen.

The also took a (and I'm using Roberts words) a mere 32 and bit? LOL Both Fish came from towards Peg 9 using a Coconut and Maple Boilie!

Robert is grateful for the advice from the lads.

RE the 46lber Steve Said "he looks more shocked than the Fish LMAO!"

With a day and a half to go the lads all send congratulations and wish Robert the very best in his hunt for a fifty! and a 6lb Eel! Fill ya boots you old TWAT!

9 Oct 2020 Update:

Robert Starts the morning off with a 25lb Mirror. A little something to warm up his muscles like a finely tuned athlete preparing for the main event? Fingers crossed!

It Turned out that crossing our fingers was just not enough to help Rob in his pursuit of a fifty plus Carp .

But lets take nothing away from the fact that Rob did have a new PB of a Stunning 46lb 10 Oz and there is always another day, and another opportunity! So many fish and so little time to catch them all!

I'm sure all the TWATS wish Rob a safe journey home no matter what route he takes! PS Check the Camper garage before passport control! LOL

2020 Year End

This year as sure been a challenging one. COVID 19 and the subsequent variant along with L:ockdowns and Tiers, 2 and 3, Working From Home, Social Distancing, etc. sure has made this year a memorable one. There is a Vaccine on the way Possibly by Easter we as 50 plus residents we may have or be near to getting our shot.

The highlights for me have been the induction of Robert (Brummy Bob) in to the team and that PB he caught at Clearwater weighing in a 46lb 10 oz. Well done mate.

Robert thinks the best way to get the country vaccinated is to put the vaccine in beer and open the pubs?

Mind you Steve is convinced we are all going to grow a 3rd Nipple given the vaccine was made available in record time a year instead of the usual 5 to 10 years?

If you think these ideas are crazy? Remember Phil thought he could survive a weakened a Baden Hall with No Water, No way of Charging his Vape, no torch, and No Boots?? I rest my case!

Baden Hall is a Must for 2021 it was a great venue and would be well worth a visit or two in the next 12 months. Subject to COVID of course.

Looking forward to 2021 if any one has a Bivvy for Sale Phil is interested!

Happy New Year Lads! x