2021 Arrives, Happy New Year/Tier Lads! LOL

I'm not sure what is in store for this new year? we can only hope the Vaccine for COVID 19 is rolled out fast and that this virus is bought under control real soon!

Heavy rains and some Snows with the inevitable melt water meant that January and in to February has seen the River Severn in flood with little hope of it being fished!

Whatever the future holds, Best wishes and Tight Lines!

ED

Arriving at 12 noon Steve chooses a peg to the left of the picture While Rob is along the bottom bank.

There are plenty of fish to be seen cruising the surface, but there are also signs of Spawning activity in the weeds up the margin to the left of this Pic. With 6 around the lake, Rob only saw one fish banked by the man in the peg by the steps see top left in this pic. later in the car park, he stated it was around 12lb.

Rob tried Chickpeas for a couple of hours before trying bloodworm boilie and pellets in the margin-left and a Krill Popup out in front on a Ronnie Rig.

Steve was trying Odyssey Boilies in various spots, both lads seemed to be fishing for one bite, but to no avail?

Perhaps it was the spawning, or perhaps it was incompetence? You Decide.

Steve takes his favourite peg and Rob is in the Barrier Swim. They do manage to set up before the rain begins which was a bonus. Wildlife seen or heard included Kingfishers, Owls, Ducks and Foxes to name a few.

Steve takes a 4 to 6 oz chub early doors at around 6 pm there is some intense debate as to its true weight as Steve has forgotten his scales. "Hence the 4 to 6 oz" "Guesstimate" LOL.

Steve takes a 7lb Barbel at 6:30 and another at 7:30.

Rob has a Snap-off at 7:45 and takes his first Fish a 2lb Chub at 8:30 pm.

The rain is making the pegs dangerous and slippery. Rob takes a 6lb Barbel at 9 pm, and a 3lb Chub at 10 pm. He takes another 6lb Barbel at 10:33.

Steve takes a 2lb Chub at 10:45.

There was a quiet spell until Rob took the first Double of the season a 10,1/2lb Barbel at nearly 12 midnight.

Steve was grateful his chair has mud feet, while Rob was complaining of Webbed Feet

1t 1 am Rob had both rods going off with the first snapping him in the snags and he landed a 3lb Chub on the other rod. 1:24 Sees Rob taking an 8lb Barbel which he states was the best fight of the lot. At 1:30 Rob takes a 7lb Barbel.

Steve took the last fish of the session a 2lb Chub.

5 Fish to Steve and 8 Fish to Rob.

This was an expensive trip with 3 snap-offs, losing 3 Feeders and hook links etc. These fish seem to know instinctively where the snags are and head there without delay. He is stated as saying I can feel a trip to the tackle shop coming on before our next trip out!

They both managed to walk out to the car park between rain showers which made that walk a little more pleasant than it could have been. Well worth the "Night Ticket" cost even if they were home by 4 am.

Steve reported it took 2 hours on Saturday to clean and dry his kit! Steve Cleaning? REALLY?

Arriving in good time on Friday morning, they get the first choice in the draw and choose the bay pegs 17 and 18.

There are fish showing all over the swim like a rash as they set up their rods and hut. Steve is quoted as saying " if we don't catch a fish out of here we're incompetent". They both begin using a simple hair-rigged bottom bait with a small PVA bag. Both Steve and Rob chuck one towards the island and one marginal where fish had been showing. Steve assesses the situation as they sit down for a beer, he sums up that they are on the surface sunning themselves in the heat of the day and will drop down to feed later. Alas evening came and the night was with no takes. Rob was more concerned with his ability to cast straight, being a little out of practice his cast to the island drifted a little right but was still in the zone there or thereabouts.

Saturday morning, after a coffee of course they began to make a few small changes. Rob made up an adjustable zig rig with a 6 feet hook link which he placed circa 4-rod lengths out where fish were still showing with his bait just sub-surface. The other rod was placed back in his marginal swim slightly tighter to the bank and reeds. using a marker float Rob has worked out his margin is circa 12 feet deep. Steve continues to cast to the island and scatters a little more bait using a throwing stick. He puts a little more bait in his marginal swim to the right, throwing in a mix of pellet and a few boilies from the bank. The lads hold a discussion on what constitutes light baiting? In France, 2kg would be light baiting?

They have both worked out there is a lot of silkweed on the bottom and a bank of weeds around halfway to the island. The water varies from 8 to 12 feet in places and as stated on the website the margins are deep.

Leads come back in with black, smelly silt believed to be rotting bait and the such.

The Blue Areas show the spots Steve was casting to and the Yellow show the areas Rob was casting to. The red spot is where he placed his Zig Rig based on fish regularly showing.

The Bailiff commented on Saturday that the island swim is where all the 30s and 40s come out from. Although another bailiff on Sunday stated that the Bay either produces or doesn't? The bailiff also told the lads that the RAF boys fishing these pegs had had 5 out during their stay although the lake had just died from Wednesday for reasons unknown. It's not clear how long the RAF were in the pegs?

With NO fish caught, actually no pick-ups or runs on Saturday at all. Rob makes a few more tweaks to his set-up by stepping down his hook size to a smaller hook for Saturday night and changing his Zig Rig back to a bottom bait. Fewer fish were seen late in the day and there was intelligence from the bailiff all the fish had moved into peg 9 following the south-westerly wind. Steve put a bit more bait in his marginal swim as a means of tweaking his approach, he scattered some Tutti Fruiti glugged pellet in the area. The ducks and wildfowl liked it, shame the fish didn't respond.

Saturday night saw no action and Sunday was much the same. Some of those leaving Sunday morning stopped for a chat, the guy who had been in peg 1 had not caught a fish, and a gentleman from Glovers stated that "in general terms, more people blank on this venue than catch" There was a report that 2 fish had been banked elsewhere either on Glovers or the Bridge pools. These pools have never been identified or described as Runs Waters

While listening to the Euro 2020 cup Final England V Italy on Sunday evening it started to rain lightly. The lads were hoping this would trigger a feeding response England lose on penalties! Monday morning and it's time to pack up and head home but not before a full English Breakfast on site.

On the way home reflecting on the weekend, the lads felt Angling Pressure, which may be a factor, changeable weather, the fish do seem to follow the wind, and changeable air pressure could also be factors to consider?

Of course, another factor may well have been incompetence? YOU DECIDE!

A Great Venue with nice views, the trains are running every 15 mins day and night but they didn't worry the lads too much. Great Food the breakfast was particularly good.

Better luck next time out?? Where will they fish next?

17,07,21 River Teme Lindridge, Eardiston BAA Water

5 pm till Dusk Rob heads up to the River Teme for an evening fishing under the trees in the shade as it's HOT Damm Hot at 30 degrees. Steve tags along for company but not to fish.

It's been a while since they have been to this neck of the woods but felt it would be worth exploring and he felt certain he would find some shade to make the session more bearable. His tactic was a pellet feeder with a halibut boilie on the hair, he also introduced a few free offerings with a catty.

The chub may have been small but they count! This is a lovely little river and one of both Robs and Steve's favourites

26,07,21 River Teme Lindridge, Eardiston BAA Water

The edge of a Thunder Storm!

Rob took a return trip to the River Teme this evening from 4 pm till 9 pm as he felt sure there were Barble to have from this swim. The same swim as above same bait, same spots fished.

There was the distant sound of thunder quietly rumbling in the early evening and the odd flash of lightning way off in the distance. Rob was thinking he may have to pack up a lot earlier than planned. He did enjoy watching the kingfishers a pair going about their business.

Despite all his efforts and a change of bait from Halibut boilie to pellet he didn't even get a bite or knock? Feeling a bit disappointed he packed up at 9 pm and walk back to the car where he spoke to another angler who had been fishing from Lunchtime for 1 chub at about 6oz? Quietly this made rob feel a little better.

I guess it's better to have tried and failed than to have not tried at all. Better luck next time Robbie.

Rob is up steam of the Powerlines swim while Steve opts for the Barrier Swim. Rob wanted the Powerlines tonight but unfortunately, it was taken. so he moved on up a peg! A peg he has fished many times. Pictured above!

Setting up for around 5:30ish pm on Friday evening Steve takes the first Fish with an 8lb Barbel and another lost at the net around 7 pm. Rob takes 1lb plus Chub at 7:12 pm and another the same size 1lb plus at 7:30.

Steve has a small pike visit his margin around 30 inches possible 6 or 7lb smacking into the fry he texted Rob all about it! Rob texts back to Steve " This time next year Rodders it'll be 20LB" LOL. Rob did check with Steve that it wasn't zander. Could this be because he is already planning a zander approach for later in the winter months and they are on his mind?

Steve takes a 2lb Chub at 8:20 pm just 20 seconds or so after a cast the feeder was still half full of ground bait when the chub hit the net. It's around 9m when Rob has a double trouble hook up a 2lb chub on one rod and before he has unhooked and returned it his other rod bends with an 8lb Barbel. Steve takes a 7lber at around the same time!

It's around an hour later Rob takes an 8:1/2lb Barbel with Steve taking an 11lber just downstream. Rob takes a huge Chub at 10:15 weighing in a 4lb 40z although Rob initially thought it looked bigger. So often the way with Chub. Steve has a flurry of fish all Barbel 6lb, 7lb, and 7lb, Rob takes a small chub at Circa 3/4lb

12:15 sees Rob joins Steve down in the barrier swim for the last hour or so of their night ticket. They are both too old to do all night these days LOL.

Steve takes a 12lb at 12:30 and Rob Takes a 10lber plus just ten mins later on Steve's rod, it's around 1:30 am that rob takes his the Barbel at 6lb and the lads decide to pack up and head home for some sleep!

A Good session was well worth the cost of a night ticket even if they did only stay till around 1:30 am.

Steve's 12lb Specimen was taken well into the dark at 12:30 am while on a short night session, This fish fell to halibut as most do! A really nice fish 1 of 2 doubles Steve took that night!

Rob actually started in the peg above as this as the barrier swim was taken on arrival at 5:30 ish. Those already in this peg packed up early (circa 7:30 pm) and left with plenty of daylight for rob to make a quick move downstream 1 peg.

Steve began looking for a peg upstream near the powerlines.

There was plenty of wildlife on show including a Kingfisher, Swans, an Owl seen and heard later and of course this Otter.

Steve took a 3lb Chub at around 7 pm and a 2lb Chub at around 8 with another at 8:30 pm. Steve hooked and lost what felt like a good fish in snags this was his last fish of the session.

Rob only took 2 fish a 6lb Barble at around 8:30 and a small 1/2lb Chub well into the dark?

The lads were questioning what had killed this session? could it be the change in weather, the Otter or just down to plain incompetence? given that, on their last trip here they took some good fish including 3 doubles?

I guess this is why it is called fishing and not catching!

Better luck next time lads kept the faith!

Our man in France! 2021

Fortune favours the brave, and Robert (Birmingham Bob) made the journey across the brine to Clearwater Lakes France for a week fishing in search of a few large carp and of course that big cat that resides in the lake.

He has been talking about that cat for months. Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

That's what we like a positive, never give up or stop dreaming attitude backed up with a plan.

On the plus side, he took a 35lb Carp just five minutes later! Consolation Prize maybe? Not in Robert's head, it's not! He could only curse that missed opportunity of landing that cat!

He went on to take another 30lb plus later that morning!

27th Aug 2021 Rob Caught a 42lber after a 3rd 30 of the trip, he had also lost another 30lber approx. at the net?

Ps Rob the other Rob (Berty) wants to know if that hat has puppies will you sell him one?

Robert spent a few days fishing the bottom lake Mill Pool where he took 21 fish including 9 doubles, so he must be doing something right. It is still unknown what he puts in his bucket of slop? (Secret Bait).

1st Sept 2021 Sees Robert sitting in Pontivy General Hospital with something alien stuck in his throat?

Back in blighty the rest of the team open a book on what this might be?

There were odds of:

14:1 on it being a Shimano Bait Runner Reel loaded with an 18lb line?

16:1 on it being a 12-foot carp rod?

10:1 on it being an illegal immigrant trying to get into the UK?

Why 10-:1 you ask, Robert has a history with illegals given a couple were found in the garage of his RV last year at Roscoff and promptly offloaded by the French police.

Unfortunately, Rob was due to go back to Pontivy the next day for a Camera to be put down his throat? This seems a bit unfair given there is already something stuck in it? The French do have some funny ways?

Rob was actually quite worried about the camera going down and his own general health and well-being, He had not been able to eat or drink for a few days and was at risk of drying out! He reported the colour of his Pee had changed? fortunately, the other Rob (Berty) was able to assure him the colour he was describing was normal! But this only worried Robert further because normal to Robert means it has a head on it!. To cut a long story short somehow the alien shifted that evening of its own accord and Robert was able to lubricate his throat again with his special medicine!

Robert continued to fish the lake which he had been enjoying to himself and took a common at 23.5lb and a Leather at 37.5lb along with another carp at 38lbs some came from his favourite Peg 8 at the top of the lake!

Of course, he has already booked for next year let's hope some of the team can go along with him. One for company, two for moral support should he encounter aliens, three to help drag that cat out if her can get it in a landing net or even close to the bank and four to try and find out what's in that bucket of Slop!

All in All a very eventful and worthwhile trip, by our international man of mystery! Great work Bob! keep it up!

The TWAT is Back!

The TWAT is back and throws the Team into turmoil and constitutional crisis. This is bigger than Watergate, Brexit, or the Conservative Party raising National Insurance contributions despite their manifesto pledge? TWATS!

Yes, this is TWAT GATE!

The background to this story began with rumours that Martin had been seen or heard of in recent weeks. Initial rumours were he had been seen on the international news being airlifted out of Kabul, the truth was less exciting. He had in fact been seen in Kenilworth outside a Hair Salon reading the Angling Times.

Martin Eventually made contact via social media requesting advice on which rods and reels he should next invest in and where is a good place to shop! Now around 2 to 3 years ago, the last time he was seen Martin left some of his kit “Rods” in Phil's possession!

This is where TWAT GATE begins?

I should remind you that the TWATs have no “Rules” as such it’s more “Guidance” and this can be found on the home page!

Steve raised the question: will/should Martin ask Phil for his Rods Back?

If he does: is Phil obliged to give them back? Or is possession 9/10ths of the law?

Does Phil have the right to tell Martin to get stuffed? Might this demonstrate a lack of mutual respect and intolerance causing a split or deep rift with the team?

In Phil’s Defence, he didn’t borrow the Rods, He never wanted them, He has never used them.

He may choose to hand them straight back to Martin in the interest of team cohesion, unity, peace, mutual respect and friendship.

However the question arises “does Phil also have the right to charge Martin storage costs?

If so, how much would be reasonable? Secure storage does not come cheap these days!

Fundamentally the Team adheres to and supports British Values!

Therefore as Editor I have decided this issue is best resolved through a “Democratic” process and anyone (this is open to Public Consultation the WWW) can express their view on these matters relating to TWAT GATE via the Comments and Feedback to the TWATs form found on the site.

Follow this link to post your Comments and Feedback

The Rule of Law states these rods belong to Martin, but also states that Phil should not be out of pocket for storage costs?

(Follow this link to find out more about the law of Tort”)

If there is a cost what would you suggest is “reasonable” given the rods were probably cheap as chips at under £30 each?

In the interest of Inclusion everyone TWATs and none TWATs are welcome to post their views using the link above!

It is my sincere hope that your feedback will give a consensus and feel for the public opinion on what course of action should be taken to resolve this issue and avoid further deepening of this crisis. The aim is to bring around constitutional stability for the good of the “Team". And its members!

Regards ED

Update from ED

With over 300 responses so far!

I thought I would share some of the thoughts and opinions of those who have taken the time to respond.

But first I should point out “Elvis Presley” has responded 47 times from across 17 different countries including the planet Zarg, (perhaps he’s on tour) and some of his opinions contradict other posts by himself? Elvis has lost the Plot!

Elvis says “ You can’t go on together with suspicious minds” and he also says “return to sender”

A Mr J Biden said, “ if these rods were made in China they should be destroyed before they corrupt the word and destabilise the region”

A Mr D Trump Claims this post post is “Fake News it’s Fake folks”

A Mrs Nicola S Stated “these rods actually belong to an independent Scotland” No They Don’t!

A Mr R Sunak doesn't want the rods but wanted to point out if Phil does charge for storage he should declare his earnings to HMRC! Tax avoidance is Illegal! Thanks Richy!

A Mr Macron is demanding access to the water in which these rods are used to fish? NO!

A Mr K Starmer doesn't want the rods, but feels “the Government is failing to step in and help negotiate a peaceful resolution” Really! Get away with yourself!

The A Team have offered to support Phil defend what they see as his possessions as long as he has a welder, a disc cutter, a 4x4 jeep and 500lb of explosives in his garage? “Really, Fools!”

Mr E Bay Doesn't want the rods but is happy to pass them to a 3rd party for a fee and suggest Phil and Martin Could share any profits made” Sound reasonable to me!

A Miss G Thunberg Doesn't want the rods either but wanted to know “what Carbon Footprint these rods may have and were they responsibly sourced?”

A Mr Winnie the Phoo suggests they are swapped for a pot of Honey?

A Mr Paddington B suggests similar but wanted Marmalade instead?

A Mr S Freud Suggested these rods may not exist at all and that they may be a “ Figment of the owner's imagination?” Not very helpful at all, you mad arse numpty?

A Mr P Panther suggests they are not Rods at all but maybe a “Buumb! In disguise?”

A Mr A Schwarzenegger suggest Phil “ Give them Back”

A Mrs Punch said Phil should give them back too! Whereas a Mr Punch suggests “Oh no he Shouldn’t”

This is starting to get ridiculous don’t you think?

As Editor and to stop all this nonsense I think the best course of action is a Fish Off? Biggest Fish wins and takes the rods! SORTED!

So ends 2021 Less fishing took place this year due to COVID 19 and Other commitments the Pandemic sprung upon us!

Phil went missing, but Martin came back to the family. There really is no justice in this world? LOL

Bob is the man to follow with some fine fish caught out of Clearwater on his trip to France. That Cat will just have to wait for another day! I'm sure it's in the Planning! Watch this space.

I'm glad this year is over! Bring on 2022 ED.