Fishing UK Specialist Angler & Angling Writer, Andrew Kennedy | Pike Perch Barbel Carp Lure Coarse British angler writing about fishing and specialist angling

In April last year my life was changed forever by the birth of my daughter! So whilst I’ve been experiencing the highs and challenges of fatherhood, finding time to fish has become even more difficult. Time to blog about it has inevitably proved yet trickier to find! I have, however, sneaked in a short evening session most weeks since June and I’ve really enjoyed the fishing I’ve done this season. More than I have in quite some time! So I thought I would write about my 3 angling highlights from last summer; a blog post for each. They include a first, a PB and an exhilarating spot of close-quarters, clear water fishing.  If you like the sound of those, read on… First barbel on the stick float A couple of seasons ago I decided that I really wanted to catch a barbel on the float.  With almost all of my barbel fishing consisting of summer & autumn evening sessions, I only managed 4 or 5 hours of trotting for them last season, with only a few small silver fish and minnows to show for my efforts.  This year I decided to put some effort in at the beginning of the season when, arriving at …

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When I saw this project on Kickstarter, I just has to share it: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/737549484/cat-fish It’s called the “Cat-Fish” and it introduces the idea of “fly fishing” for your cat.  You have a mini fly rod & reel, castable fly line and hookless flies, which you cast out and try to lure your cat into taking the bait.  What a genuinely unique and brilliant idea! Practice your own fly casting skills at home, whilst exercising and entertaining your cat! What better way to spend half an hour on a dark evening or a wet & windy day, than bonding with your cat and keeping your casting eye in by casting out a little teaser lure in the kitchen or down the stairs?! I should probably add that I have absolutely nothing to do with this project (other than pledging to back it), but I love fishing and I also have cats who love to chase things.  This project won’t happen unless they receive pledges for the total target value.  They only have a couple of weeks left to find backers, so if you’d like to own a Cat-Fish, or see it come to market, please visit the Cat-Fish Kickstarter page  and …

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Introduction Juggling time between family, work, friends and other commitments can leave little leftover for fishing trips.  Not an ideal basis for targeting specimen fish, but I’ve worked 6-day weeks since I left school and I remain a mad-keen angler.  Two years ago I bought my first house with my girlfriend and her daughter, which has further constricted my fishing time, but I have plenty of experience in squeezing short sessions into what little time I have left. Rivers are my favourite venues and during the first four months of the season I mainly target barbel, after work during short evening sessions.  To get the best out of these sessions you have to be prepared, efficient and have your tactics ready to employ quickly and confidently.  I shall explain how I do this, which should give you a basis of knowledge to help you get the best from your local rivers. River & Swim Selection First you need a venue within easy driving distance of work/home.  I finish work at 6pm, so for evening sessions I set myself a limit of 45 minutes driving time each way.  Research which local angling clubs offer you the best river fishing to suit …

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