Before I start let me just say this blog may differ a little from my regular blog, more of a travelogue perhaps, but things will probably be back to normal next time. I made my first trip to the Derbyshire Derwent in two years and it was easy to recall why I like this river so much. Small enough t...

Not so much a blog this time as practically an entire magazine’s worth of ramblings. This is the longest blog I’ve ever written but you’ve got to admit, says he smugly, it’s a bloody good read - and it’s free! If anything’s out of date already I do apologise but ...

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Carbology Explained - by Lee Swords. Part 1… (of several…) Carbelling: The fusing of barbel fishing and carp fishing Carbology: The science of catching barbel using techniques evolved from those used in the carp fishing fraternity. Carbologist: One who involves themselves in the science ...

I’ve gone mad, it’s official. A year ago I gave up the day job and put together the kind of early retirement plan I’d been dreaming about for more than a decade. It was going to be a life full of indulgence with three days fishing in the week and lots of weekends away with the better half. A y...

At last the ’real’ fishing season is in full swing again so here’s a bumper edition of the blog for all who love their fishing…     Either that or someone’s bought a voodoo doll and these twinges have absolutely nothing to do with my pole fishing and everything to do...

I haven’t fished a match, as such, for more than a decade but a competition that did grab my attention was the UK Angling Masters Championships. What an event this was and how sad that it didn’t become a permanent fixture in the angling calendar.     The invitees included the winner of each o...

Welcome to the June angling blog. If you’re a new visitor then I hope you enjoy it. I try to tell it as I see it and occasionally inject a little bit of wicked humour but do beware, there’s an odd swear word here and there in the graphics if you pay close attention, so please don...

As the days lengthen and the thermometer rises I find I’m buzzing around like a blue a***d fly. There’s so much to do and I haven’t even renewed a single club ticket yet. Mustn’t make the same mistake as last year, eh? Lost out on a ticket I seldom used but it was nice to have if only for th...

Well, a month has flown by and I’ve done precious little fishing. Mind you, I was ready for a break from it if truth be told. There comes a point, especially if you’re struggling to catch a great deal, when you can find far more pressing matters to attend to. And it’s good to maintain a balanc...