Practical Angling for the Disabled (PAD's) Length
Barrow-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire
Stu and I made the journey down from Yorkshire to PAD's stretch of the River Trent for a week-end's 'Fish-in' that had been arranged by our resident 'Roving reporter', Ziptrev. Unfortunately he wasn't able to attend as he was rushed into hospital for an impromptu operation but in true Maggotdrowning style his efforts were not wasted and even though he wasn't there in person, he certainly was in spirit.
if you haven't attended one of these events you really should. Basically it's a pre-arranged meeting of anglers, generally over a weekend, that is a mix of a social event, a fishing session and a teach-in. Details of which are usually posted in our forums ( www.maggotdrowning.com/forum )
The goal for this weekend was to catch some of this stretch's finest - the Barbel.
We were met by PAD's bailiff, Mark, who gave us some background on the swims and pointed us to a few of his favourites. Other anglers were turning up for the event, a likely bunch if ever you saw them and for those that didn't then here's a photo:
Left to right front row: Billy, Toma, Graham, Dazb, Daniel (Dai's son), Norm, TeePee,
Kneeling: Joe, Les and Martin.
Back row. Angler Mark, Trevski, AlanP, John Esox, Dai, Stu (with the daft hat on
), Larry, Phil, Geoff and me.Not a pretty site I know but we should just about manage to get it past the censors.
Anyway in true style the Friday afternoon was a mixture of getting to know the swims, the new faces and the obligatory trip to the local for a natter and a drink but not before trying out the swims whereupon I struck into my first bite and a Chub of 3lb 12oz.
Matin and TeePee decided to fish on through the first night and managed to bank the first Barbel of 8lb 3oz, 7lb 4oz and 7lb 1oz respectively:
The morning bought a fine start with several Chub, Perch and Roach being caught mainly on Stick Floated Maggot, followed by a demonstration of fishing the Trent by Archie Bradocks a well respected angler who has an amazing selection of bait flavours, pay him a visit: Archie Braddocks Baits
Saturday afternoon and evening were pretty uneventful with only the small, but perfectly conditioned fish showing. That was until Stu hooked into and landed a Barbel of 5lb.
Saturday night and all was quiet until Trevski let out an excited scream, he was into his first ever Barbel and was amazed at the power that these fish have, trying it's hardest not to come to the net. But with ample helpers and netsmen, in it came and a cracking fish it was as well.
I managed a couple of Chub of 2lb and 2lb 8oz and Simon also had a nice Chub but apart from that everything else was quiet apart from the sounds of snoring that could be heard drifting across the field.Sunday and things were looking up a bit, TeePee was once again into the fish and managed to land several Chub. Trevski hooked and landed his first River Chub - two firsts in one session!
Larry also gave us all a demonstration on how to use his Shimano tackle but alas the fish didn't want to play - he sure looked good with it though.
Where are we going next, well keep an eye out for future reports and if you want to invite us to your fishery, then please feel free...
More pictures can be found in the forums, Here, Here, and Here
Dave