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...

As you will see from the free DVD clips, Barbel Days and Ways provides a unique insight into the life and feeding habits of the barbel. Using state of the art technology, the cameras get closer than ever before to barbel as they feed, and then bolt as they feel the steel. Add to this an informative...

The truth is that the headlines are dominated by a relatively small number of fish from the Stour, Ouse and recently the Thames. For the rest of us the reality is very different. Last winter I had a six from the Derbyshire Derwent. Previous to this I had one from the Swale, but these were exception...

Big perch are nomadic in summer, as eager to swim in the fastest current as haunt the deepest eddy as they seek out shoals of prey fish. In winter they will invariably be found in quieter water and this means swim choice is much easier. If you can find an area of steady water below a bend with feat...