Fishing Advice

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  • pistol 15 Sep 2013 00:24:29 13,018 posts
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    Do any of you folks fish?

    I used to a lot as a kid and stopped around 16 when I moved house away from the river. Looking to get back into into it and after some advice re kit etc.

    I did mainly float fishing but occasionally ledger, spinner and night fishing. I'm now 42 and fancy getting back into it and really after some advice as to what kit's now available. Back in the 80's I finished with a blue Mitchell Match 440a reel and a 12ft carbon rod. Back in the day the 440a was top of the range and I was lucky to have one.

    Going to pick up a Mitchell Match off EBay but what rods are available these days? I'm after something light and around 10ft.

    Edited by pistol at 00:40:31 15-09-2013

    Edited by pistol at 00:43:53 15-09-2013
  • chopsen 15 Sep 2013 00:37:06 21,958 posts
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    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
  • pistol 15 Sep 2013 00:42:04 13,018 posts
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    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    That is actually a bit mental
  • chopsen 15 Sep 2013 00:45:36 21,958 posts
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    Oh I appreciate that. I intend ditracting people from how mental it looks by dressing up as a clow and talking to myself.
  • Deleted user 15 September 2013 00:51:45
    pistol wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    That is actually a bit mental
    :D

    @Chopsen, just use the mountain bike you've probably got or buy a hamper basket and fill it with some wine and cheese. Then find a river and park your butt. It'll be a lot less costly.
  • FartPipe 15 Sep 2013 00:53:33 5,307 posts
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    I used to go fishing years ago, on beach, pond and boat, day and night, loved it at the time and did it for a few years but sadly grew tired and bored of it. True story.
  • BreadBinLidHero 15 Sep 2013 00:55:16 10,801 posts
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    Used to go regularly with my Dad when I was younger, but I haven't bothered for years. I've still got all of my gear though. I've always wanted to go sea fishing.
  • FartPipe 15 Sep 2013 01:31:01 5,307 posts
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    The one and only time I went boat fishing out at sea with a pole and Scarborough reel I was sick the entire time, I don't have sea legs, when there was no content left in my stomach I was just bringing up green bile, it wasn't one of my best days.
  • Deleted user 15 September 2013 01:33:52
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    This is, I suspect, what a large proportion of fishermen actually do. Go down, set up the line, have some peace and quiet by the river, vaguely check the line once in a while, and if you catch anything, great, if not, who cares?

    Husband - "Going out by myself for a few days to have some time alone."
    Wife - "WHY DO YOU NOT WANT ME TO COME ALONG IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN WHO IS SHE OH MY GOD I WANT A DIVORCE"

    Husband - "Going fishing this weekend."
    Wife - "Shower before you get home, please."

    Edited by meme at 01:36:41 15-09-2013
  • Deleted user 15 September 2013 01:35:11
    Thread about fishing posted under sport by pistol.

    Some lovely images popped into my head. That is all.
  • FartPipe 15 Sep 2013 02:20:58 5,307 posts
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    meme wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    This is, I suspect, what a large proportion of fishermen actually do. Go down, set up the line, have some peace and quiet by the river, vaguely check the line once in a while, and if you catch anything, great, if not, who cares?

    Husband - "Going out by myself for a few days to have some time alone."
    Wife - "WHY DO YOU NOT WANT ME TO COME ALONG IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN WHO IS SHE OH MY GOD I WANT A DIVORCE"

    Husband - "Going fishing this weekend."
    Wife - "Shower before you get home, please."
    There's a lot of truth in this, I used to love the fishing part as it's a rush when you catch a big one or a large haul but it's mostly just to get out and socialise, enjoy the scenery and watch the sun rise or fall on the horizon, just sitting there watching nature possibly with a radio on low or a paper or book to read as well is just grand, I just do this another way now by cycling instead.
  • chopsen 15 Sep 2013 09:47:50 21,958 posts
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    Yup. See also: garden sheds. Cricket. Astronomy. Motorcycling. Sitting in a pub and drinking yourself to death. Etc

    Most interests typical of middle aged men are based around the idea of getting away from the woman in their life. Which is ironic given the first half of their life was largely consumed by trying to get one.
  • Trafford 15 Sep 2013 10:31:16 9,358 posts
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    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    Yeah man, get one of those little one man shelters also. Sorted.

    I used to spin for Pike, exciting stuff in the right waters.
  • Trafford 15 Sep 2013 10:33:25 9,358 posts
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    I read once that Angling was the UK's most popular pastime. I wonder if that's still the case or if it is in fact gaming now.
  • pistol 15 Sep 2013 13:03:08 13,018 posts
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    meme wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    This is, I suspect, what a large proportion of fishermen actually do. Go down, set up the line, have some peace and quiet by the river, vaguely check the line once in a while, and if you catch anything, great, if not, who cares?

    Husband - "Going out by myself for a few days to have some time alone."
    Wife - "WHY DO YOU NOT WANT ME TO COME ALONG IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN WHO IS SHE OH MY GOD I WANT A DIVORCE"

    Husband - "Going fishing this weekend."
    Wife - "Shower before you get home, please."
    I'm sure a lot do that but it was never me.

    Too competitive
  • Alastair 15 Sep 2013 13:29:33 24,828 posts
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    @pistol
    Are you still in the Pinner area?
    Pop up to Harefield tackle and talk to them. I've always found them to be friendly and welcoming to n00bs.
    They should be able to advise you on tackle and decent swims.
  • pistol 15 Sep 2013 13:42:35 13,018 posts
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    Alastair wrote:
    @pistol
    Are you still in the Pinner area?
    Pop up to Harefield tackle and talk to them. I've always found them to be friendly and welcoming to n00bs.
    They should be able to advise you on tackle and decent swims.
    Thanks Alastair, and yes, near Pinner. A couple of us went out this morning to take a look at possible fish sites as he grew up round here and fished a lot as a kid. Both of us stopped around the same time andI moved here in 96 so have little local knowledge of the what's around to fish.

    Funny you should mention the Harefield shop as I'm popping in later this week to check em out. I know Harefield well as ride around there quite a lot. We went past the shop today and my mate used to go there as a kid. Apparently they've been open since 1980. There seem to be a few good free sites and carp lakes where you can pay a daily fee.

    I doubt whether I'll be spending hours fishing as need to fit the bike riding and family stuff around it. I think my son will like having a go. He tried it in France not long ago and seem to love it.
  • pistol 15 Sep 2013 14:06:05 13,018 posts
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    Trafford wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    Yeah man, get one of those little one man shelters also. Sorted.

    I used to spin for Pike, exciting stuff in the right waters.
    Yeah, I used to quite enjoy spinning for Pike. Remember quite vividly the first time I caught one. Must have been about 11 or 12. Nothing big, small jack pike. I grew up in Bedfordshire and lived right opposite the river Ouse so it was kind of natural were always down the river or the park as kids. Could literally walk out my house with my rod, over the road and I'm there. Good times...

    Edited by pistol at 14:07:53 15-09-2013
  • Deleted user 15 September 2013 15:49:34
    I go Carp fishing. Just take my bivvy and set up a few rods for a few days and watch the sun set and drink some beer. Nothing beats it. I occasionally catch a monster carp too.
  • Deleted user 15 September 2013 16:15:47
    I've just read this as 'flashing advice'.

    I have absolutely nothing constructive to add to this conversation. And, just for clarity, neither for the conversation I thought it was either.
  • BreadBinLidHero 15 Sep 2013 17:48:11 10,801 posts
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    I first read it as 'fisting advice'.
  • Alastair 15 Sep 2013 19:46:32 24,828 posts
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    @pistol
    The Grand Union canal by the Aquadrome is ok for some quick action. Only tiny fish though.
    Gaywoods fishery up at Kings Langley is also pretty good although you'll need a landing mat and it gets pretty busy.
    My bro in law is much more into fishing. He was a member of Uxbridge Rovers, which gave him access to better swims.
  • Dougs 15 Sep 2013 20:49:04 100,414 posts
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    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    It's really not mental at all. Especially if you have kids. Sounds like bliss to me
  • mrpon 15 Sep 2013 22:17:17 37,366 posts
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    thelzdking wrote:
    I first read it as 'fisting advice'.
    I used to fist at cunty level.
  • BreadBinLidHero 15 Sep 2013 22:49:49 10,801 posts
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    mrpon wrote:
    thelzdking wrote:
    I first read it as 'fisting advice'.
    I used to fist at cunty level.
    You must know it like the back of your hand then.
  • pistol 16 Sep 2013 10:44:58 13,018 posts
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    Alastair wrote:
    @pistol
    The Grand Union canal by the Aquadrome is ok for some quick action. Only tiny fish though.
    Gaywoods fishery up at Kings Langley is also pretty good although you'll need a landing mat and it gets pretty busy.
    My bro in law is much more into fishing. He was a member of Uxbridge Rovers, which gave him access to better swims.
    Yes, had a look at the GUC, and as you say, OK for a muck about but not much else. I'll probably end up paying to do a lake somewhere after I've spent a little time getting back into it.
  • pistol 17 Sep 2013 12:17:56 13,018 posts
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    Alastair wrote:
    @pistol
    The Grand Union canal by the Aquadrome is ok for some quick action. Only tiny fish though.
    Gaywoods fishery up at Kings Langley is also pretty good although you'll need a landing mat and it gets pretty busy.
    My bro in law is much more into fishing. He was a member of Uxbridge Rovers, which gave him access to better swims.
    Thanks Alastair

    Been into Harefield shop and picked up some gear and had good chat about what's around etc. Got nice 12ft carbon, reel and some other bits n bobs. Looks like GUC is members only now at around £40 for the season, plus a small daily ticket charge. May have a crack at the weekend.

    Also looking at lakes such as lizard lakes, Woodlane etc at £8-10 daily.
  • Deleted user 17 September 2013 12:23:12
    meme wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    This is, I suspect, what a large proportion of fishermen actually do. Go down, set up the line, have some peace and quiet by the river, vaguely check the line once in a while, and if you catch anything, great, if not, who cares?

    Husband - "Going out by myself for a few days to have some time alone."
    Wife - "WHY DO YOU NOT WANT ME TO COME ALONG IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN WHO IS SHE OH MY GOD I WANT A DIVORCE"

    Husband - "Going fishing this weekend."
    Wife - "Shower before you get home, please."
    The older I get, the more I realise that certain activities are done by a fair few for this specific reason - fishing, golf, gardening on allotments, rebuilding a classic car/motorcycle etc etc.
  • nickthegun 17 Sep 2013 12:26:59 87,711 posts
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    Its quite telling that my dad spent every waking hour fishing when he was married to my mum but now he has remarried, she actually has to tell him to go out and cast a line just to be rid of him for a few hours.
  • pistol 17 Sep 2013 12:32:15 13,018 posts
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    kalel wrote:
    meme wrote:
    Chopsen wrote:
    Sorry, I'm no use but, true story: I'm sometimes tempted to buy some fishing gear just to give me an excuse to go out in the middle of nowhere and sit next to a river and have some piece and quiet. I wouldn't even fish. I'd just sit there, but have the kit so people didn't think I was a mental.
    This is, I suspect, what a large proportion of fishermen actually do. Go down, set up the line, have some peace and quiet by the river, vaguely check the line once in a while, and if you catch anything, great, if not, who cares?

    Husband - "Going out by myself for a few days to have some time alone."
    Wife - "WHY DO YOU NOT WANT ME TO COME ALONG IS THERE ANOTHER WOMAN WHO IS SHE OH MY GOD I WANT A DIVORCE"

    Husband - "Going fishing this weekend."
    Wife - "Shower before you get home, please."
    The older I get, the more I realise that certain activities are done by a fair few for this specific reason - fishing, golf, gardening on allotments, rebuilding a classic car/motorcycle etc etc.
    I'm sure there's a lot of truth in that. I have a wife and kids and no time to fart for various reasons, and tbh I'm going to struggle to fit any fishing in, at least for now. Used to do it a lot as a kid and there's a little of me that will enjoy the nostagia. We'll see how things go.

    I already spend a lot of time training on the road bike so it's not about getting away from the misses. Just something I've always wanted to get back into at some stage and if either of my kids enjoy tagging along occasionally and getting involved, all the better.

    Edited by pistol at 12:33:34 17-09-2013

    Edited by pistol at 12:34:28 17-09-2013
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