A change of mind

In the past I have often been critical of commercial fisheries stereotyped as carp puddles with little more than a hole in the ground filled with water.

A few weeks ago barford lakes close to my Norfolk home came as a pleasent suprise and the last couple of days it's been Docklow pools in Herefordshire. These mature fisheries are a haven for wildlife and full of fish with a good mixture to catch.

Today whilst watching buzzards overhead and a pair of kingfishers darting noisely around the lakes I have caught carp to doubles as well as chub to 3lb a few roach a tommy ruffe and well chuffed with a couple of barbel the high light one of the best looking barbel I have seen about 3lb, full of colour and fighting fit.

As part of a press day for my sponsers Preston innovations it's been good to be in the company of some cracking anglers. Tommy Pickering the welsh wizard lee Edwards and Duncan Charman. to name just a few, Even The Pons turned up last night for a bit of grub.