The Big Fish Column

The past week saw a much-needed imp-rovement to river sport across the region with barbel in particular beginning to feature more regularly in catches, particularly on the Kennet, which was in fine form for really the first time this season.

Stillwater sport too showed an improvement with decent results on both the commercials venues and pits during the past week and, despite the upsurge in river catches, that is where I am going to focus attention this week with local tench and carp fishing looking particularly buoyant.

As far as tench are concerned the back end of July is considered to be late in the season these days.

Although the species will continue feeding until the first frosts the best of the sport is undoubtedly during May and June with catches tending to decline markedly in the post-spawning period with July and August frequently patchy.

Although spawning has now taken place on all venues the odd larger than average female who has failed to shed eggs is still turning up but fish which have successfully completed their nuptials also seem to be in remarkably good shape this term and nowhere more so than on RDAA’s Wylie’s Lake which has been in terrific form for fish in the 6-8lb range.

Although the venue will respond to the floatfishing approach like most gravel pit tench fisheries these days, the feeder is king and Furze Platt angler Derek Ford used the cage feeder, packed with brown crumb, mini pellets, casters and corn, to great effect last week to net five fish to 8lb 4oz.

Derek fished a gravel patch at 40m range, with double caster and corn and caster cocktail baits on a size 10 hook to a 6lb fluorocarbon hooklength and 8lb main line, to take the fish during a dawn session;  in addition to the big girl he added others of 5lb 8oz, 5lb 12oz, 6lb 6oz and 6lb 14oz.

Tench fishing is likely to get tougher as we move into August but there is still a chance to get out there and make the most of the late season sport now.

Commercial carping is looking good at present too with Woolwich Green one of the best with ton up bags of double figure fish falling to corn, meat and soft pellets with the method feeder especially effective.

To report catches call me on 07824 690570. or email ian@bigfishtrail.com,