Ade Kiddell... The Diary of a Norfolk Angler

Bread Head

2012-01-18T00:04:00.001Z

Great article in the latest edition of Total Coarse Fishing, on the Wensum with a loaf of bread.

Fishing liquidised bread in a feeder and punch on the hook it was good to go back to basics and the results speak for themselves.

PLEASE SIGN THESE

2012-01-10T16:48:00.002Z

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26208

To control the spread of the OTTER

The OTTER is quickly spreading across the country and as they travel, they are killing coarse fish. many of these are large carp costing thousands of pounds, that many anglers look forward to having the chance to catch. Many fisheries are suffering huge losses due to the Otter. After killing the fish,they eat the area around the organs then leave the rest of the fish. Then move on to the next fish.Anglers pay yearly to be allowed to fish to the E.A. as well as putting a lot of money into the economy. We want the Government to address this problem and allow fisheries to cull Otters

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26544

Stop Illegal Fish Thefts!

Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

I'm asking for your support to get DEFRA to take greater action to prevent the Illegal theft of fish from waters, particularly but not confined to the Fenland/East Anglia regions. For some time now organised gangs have used all manner of illegal methods to target native fish stocks, including the use of set lines, trawl nets and other such illegal boating activities. The ecological balance of many fenland waters have already been critically damaged, this is also having a financial effect on those whose livelyhoods depends on the tourist & sport fishing trades. The laws to prevent such actions are already in place, they just need stronger policing & heavier penalties on conviction. Please support this petition, before our waters are ruined forever. Thank You.

Tinca Tinca

2012-01-10T15:24:00.006Z

Question: Set a challenge of doing a magazine feature in January for an April edition how do you make it convincing?

Answer: Catch fish you would normally catch in Spring

Solution: Fish Chopped worm and castor in a feeder with a nice juicy worm on the hook

Outcome:A nice bag of skimmer bream, roach and perch with a cracking tench to complete the bag

Venue: Shallowbrook Lakes, Costessey, Norwich

Magazine: Total Coarse Fishing

Happy New Year

2012-01-08T19:53:00.004Z

Firstly a big apology for not posting much in the last few weeks, with so much on my plate its been the last thing on my mind.

OK so lets put that right, firstly a very happy and prosperous new year to each and everyone who reads my blog.

Had a few fishing sessions so far in the new year, managed a few perch and skimmers last week at a local lake just a few hundreds yard from our front door, then today its been great to be out with Ginger Tommy and Lady T. We decided a spot of piking was in order so just like the good old days we met at first light, my brief was the tackle and bait and Tom sorted the bacon and sausage baps, Lady T sorted out what ever ladies sort out!!!! and Ginger was the gillie for the day.

First blood went to lady T

Pike fishing made easy for us with the Korum Snapper Range, simply open the packet tie a knot and you are ready to fish, we used a mixture of live and deadbaits with more runs coming to the lives but better fish to the deads.

Tom is a bit unsure as pike have big teeth so was thankful our gillie was on hand to take the hooks out, especially when this superb fish well into double figures picked up his bait.

We packed in just before dark after over 30 runs and 26 pike landed and had a cracking day.

Doing a magazine feature tomorrow, hopefully a good session on the chop worm

Leon's first double

2011-11-24T20:39:00.000Z

My son Leon has just landed his first double a cracker in the shape of Samuel David Kiddell weighing in at a hefty 10lb 2oz born on the 23 November

Well done to my son leon and his partner Joy myself and T are very proud of you both.

Lubbly Chubbly

2011-10-29T16:20:00.000+01:00

Colder today and the barbel are not so keen not to worry at least the chub are feeding

Stress

2011-10-12T19:05:00.000+01:00

Under orders from the doctor not to get too stressed out, so decided a quiet day by the river might be good
But it's been anything but quiet over 20 barbel between the 2 of us and still fishing.

Including this Biggun

Been stressed out by an angel all day whose name begins with T and I am sure she was sent to test me,,, I think I may have failed

Love you T

Xxxx

New Tackle on Test

2011-10-07T22:05:00.001+01:00

I have had a sneak preview of all the new tackle due out soon from Korum, its great to be involved with such a professional team as Korum and its always exciting to see new tackle items especially when the idea is your own and you have seen the product from idea through to being in the shops.

Look at these great new maggot feeders, Mmmm very useful on the Severn and Trent can also see them being great in Holland and Germany, just might need some extra lead to hold bottom

Had a few days away this week fished a very low and clear Severn, had a few fish but it was not easy, did a great magazine feature with Total Coarse Fishing, great feature and a few fish so can't wait to see it in picture and print.

After myself and Tjitske had a good day on the Trent last week we may have another go this coming week, only this time I will have to look out after she out-fished me last time.

Very impressed with the new Korum Running Rig Kit, been using them for a little while and have found them to be very good and virtually tangle free, just what's required with a long hook-link in running water.

With the weather now looking a bit more normal for the time of year it would be good to see the rivers with a bit of extra water and then it spells only one thing for me BARBEL TIME.

Well Done to my old mate and top angler Glenn Hubbard, who has set a new match record just short of the magic Ton with 98lb 12oz from the match length of the River Wensum in the centre of my home town Norwich. Fishing worm and caster he found a shoal of bream very hungry and caught from the off, well done Hubby.

Good luck if you are fishing over the next few days the fish are hungry winter is just around the corner.

NEW WEBSITE

2011-09-28T12:48:00.004+01:00

I have decided to give my website a new look and have completely changed the way it looks

Have a look Here www.teambarbel.co.uk

I plan to add plenty more over the next few weeks.

Please feel free to comment

Ade

That will do for a start

2011-09-26T09:07:00.000+01:00

First Trent barbel of the season, shoal fish but none the less most welcome.

Let's hope for a few more.

Back Home

2011-09-20T22:30:00.000+01:00

Just got home after a nice break in Germany and Holland

Very good to catch up with old friends and also to visit family and catch up with the latest gossip!

I very much enjoy big river fishing and they don't get much bigger than the Rhine, BIG ships, Big feeders, Big fish. I didn't manage to find any of the very big barbel but did get a few and to me they all count.

Spent a very pleasant day in the company of Rinko and Wendy and along with our great friends and hosts for the trip Cees and Heike we shared a full day on the Rhine, the fishing was slow but the company was great, Rinko managed 3 barbel and I know he enjoyed the challenging conditions so much he will be back for more.

Along with Cees we crossed the border for a day in Holland where the barbel were a bit more obliging and I was well happy with the 4 I managed from the Ijssell, the sunset at the end of the session was well worth the trip alone, who says big rivers have no beauty.Also met up with Mike and Marcel for a catch up.

Finished the trip with over 40 barbel and some great memories

Special thanks to Cees and Heike for great hospitality and friendship.

Also thanks to Frank and Riny also to Tim, it was good also to meet Rinko and Wendy

Barbel on Rhine

2011-09-12T20:30:00.000+01:00

Been on the Rhine and had a few Barbel but it's not been easy

240 gram feeders and I still can't hold bottom,, Fisky I need some bigger leads mate,, it's a good job the Korum Dutch Master rivers are up to the job.

Tonight is the night

2011-09-02T14:46:00.002+01:00

Busy Days

2011-08-29T16:42:00.000+01:00

Just back from the severn after a few busy days guiding, firstly it was Kevin and Lloyd who managed to get among the severn barbel, after a difficult day on a low clear river we still managed a few with a nice fish each just as the sun set.

With no time to rest the next day it was Julia, Paul and Jacko's turn with 2 days booked to take in and enjoy the beauty of the middle Severn as well as catch a few barbel.

Jacko got the ball rolling with a nice barbel first cast.

Julia took a bit longer but when it came she played this big barbel very well and the excited screams made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Paul fished very well but had to wait until the second day to get his rewards, in the end he had some nice barbel from a difficult swim which he managed well but the barbel tested him and the gear to the limits, but hey thats why I love barbel fishing.

So all in all a great few days, with 5 anglers hooking and landing their first barbel thats very rewarding for me and those concerned.

One slight worry was the restless night I had on Friday, I kept dreaming of cows and could hear mooing in my sleep it kept me awake and the caravan seemed more like a cowshed, it wasn't until the morning when I got up that the mystery was answered, young Jacko had a rave up with Bessy the caravan cow, just what he was up to we will never know.

Nice one Kev

2011-08-24T17:11:00.000+01:00

Guiding today with the Torquay Mafia and it's been tough but we have managed one or 2 including this one.

With A Little Help From My (Dutch) Friends

2011-08-19T16:52:00.000+01:00

Just back from a quick trip to Holland mostly for business and family reasons so no time for much fishing and with a car full of people and luggage there was no room for fishing tackle. Thanks to Tim Janssen who loaned me some tackle and supplied the bait we spent a good day on the Ijssel catching a few nice barbel

It was so good to see Tim but also Frank joined us and during the day Cees, Nico, Marcel and Mike also came along for a chat, so for me it was a catch up with some great friends and fellow barbel anglers.

Maybe next year we need to organise a full weekend where we can all get together and have a fish as well as a good chat and perhaps a BBQ as well. I will leave that for you dutch guys to think about, I am sure you can organise something.

Last cast of the day produced something a bit special in the form a good size Blauw Neus something we don't catch in England but even for Holland I am told this was a specimen size fish.

A Big Thanks to Tim for sorting the fishing and a special thanks to the rest of you for turning up and having a chat your friendship and understanding means much to me and Tjitske. The invite to Fish with us in England is always open and we would welcome your company.

Back to my early days

2011-08-15T00:43:00.001+01:00

When I Was younger I always looked forward to the fishing trips with my father, we often went to such places as Upton Dyke, Horning Ferry or Buckenham Ferry always great days often with my brother and sisters and memories of some great days and great catches. Those days always ended up in a pub somewhere so father could have a pint or two of his favourite mild and me a bag of crisps and a shandy. Oh such happy days.

With Folkert and Linda in England for a couple of weeks he asked if we could go fishing, how could I refuse, reports told me The River Yare at Buckenham was fishing very well so armed with a few maggots and worms and a bucket of groundbait off we went.

We had a lovely days fishing in the heart of Broadland with a bite every cast and a nice net of roach, perch and bream to end the day.

Linda and T also had a lovely day with T also catching a few fish and Linda drawing some great pictures for us.

What a great Day.

2 Very Special Girls

2011-08-03T21:05:00.000+01:00

Linda is here for a few days and her and Florence have had some fun.

But it all got too much this afternoon and they had to take a nap

Ok So Yours is Bigger

2011-07-24T20:44:00.000+01:00

Cees with a beauty from the middle Severn makes my fish look a tiddler but hey who cares.

It's been a lovely day weather wise so what better than some barbel fishing in the very best of company.

First Cast

2011-07-23T15:52:00.000+01:00

Great friends Cees and Hieke have joined us on the Severn for a few days.

First cast and a nice result a big middle Severn barbel, what a way to test Cee's new Bob Gill rod.

Well done Cees here's to plenty more

I enjoyed that

2011-07-22T08:53:00.000+01:00

Gad a great day on the Warks Avon yesterday I had forgotten just how much I enjoy fishing that great little river

Fishing positively with monkey and feeder I had 5 barbel as well as some chub and roach all on pellet.

That will do nicely

2011-07-21T15:06:00.000+01:00

First session on the Warks Avon this season and a lively barbel first cast.

Chocolate and Robin Red Monkey mmmmmmm nice!

Let's hope for his big sister later

Two's up

2011-07-19T13:05:00.000+01:00

John and Dave are catching again today on a rising river, the heavy rain at the weekend has put some extra water in the river and the barbel are hungry.

Guiding Today

2011-07-18T11:29:00.000+01:00

Out guiding today with John and Dave

Great start to the day as they have both had barbel

Well done gents

Rainbows End

2011-07-10T23:14:00.002+01:00

Bad news its back to work this evening and the land of big yellow trucks and phones that never stop ringing, the good news is its only four nights and I am off again.

Myself and Tjitske would like to thank Tim for the great time we all had together last week and let you know just how welcome you are again any time you want.

Follow the link to my gallery for some great pictures from the trip.

Hope to be at Go-fishing show this weekend if any of you are there give me a look on the Preston/Korum stand

Well Done Lady T

2011-07-07T19:13:00.000+01:00

Tim is safely back home after his trip, which we all enjoyed very much. Now it's T's turn to catch a few and she has started well tonight with this superb barbel.

Still The Master

2011-07-06T20:25:00.000+01:00

I might have the Flying Dutchman one side and the Barbel Queen the other but I reckon this one shows who the master is.

I made Tim some special F1 grounbait he has just had his best of the trip and I had this beauty,, me thinks they might like it.

Hold tight it's Ts turn next

The Flying Dutchwoman

2011-07-05T23:44:00.000+01:00

What with Tim one side and Tjits the other I am going crazy, it's all double Dutch to me

Tim is Flying Again

2011-07-04T20:22:00.000+01:00

After 4 nice barbel yesterday Tim is catching again today.

I just wish he would smile for the camera

The Flying Dutchman

2011-07-03T14:47:00.000+01:00

That didn't take long 1 minute after starting fishing Dutch barbel nut Tim Janssen landed this Severn barbel.

Not bad on your first ever visit to England.

New swim same result

2011-07-02T17:44:00.000+01:00

Fishing a new swim on the Severn today nice barbel first cast, trying out a new Korum reel for the first time,,,, very very impressed

Who's a clever girl

2011-07-01T19:44:00.000+01:00

T just had a nice barbel 2nd one today, on the monkey

Fwd: Kom an pak ja monkey

2011-06-29T15:38:00.000+01:00

> That didn't take long first session first cast and a barbel for T
>

2 can play the same game

2011-06-29T14:57:00.000+01:00

1st cast same result,, hemp and hali monkey with an O on the hook

A Day With The Feedermaster

2011-06-15T22:55:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I spent the day with old friend and top angler Nick Larkin, I was writing a feature for Anglers Mail magazine and Nick had to show us how to catch a few fish on his new invention the Feeda lead.

Fishing at Suffolk Water Park near Ipswich Nick promised a few fish and he didn't let us down, with a good net of silver fish and some good size Carp completed his session.

To find out how he did it and just what he caught you will have to buy the Anglers Mail

Good luck to everyone for the new English river season which opens in around an hours time

Just a few days to go

2011-06-09T20:29:00.001+01:00

At midnight on the 15th June the close season comes to an end and proper fishing can start again

Found myself a nice little spot for a session or two and hopefully a Barbel will grace my net.

Happy Birthday

2011-06-03T22:36:00.001+01:00

Busy weekend planned, tomorrow it's my birthday and hopefully I will get a few cards and presents
Tomorrow evening we are having a social with the Yorkshire Mafia including Fisky, Pip and a few others. I must not drink too much as I have to be at my best on Sunday
Sunday morning I am giving a talk and slide presentation at the barbel society show. They have asked me to talk about my trips to Holland and Germany
Monday we are having a Pancake party at number 20, it's a house warming come birthday party

Lady T has been catching some carp

2011-05-29T13:34:00.002+01:00

We spent a pleasant afternoon catching some carp at our local pond
Fishing Sonubait oily floaters on the surface we had some good sport

Homeward Bound

2011-05-21T15:20:00.000+01:00

We Broke camp a little after 9 and took a slow ride back to the Hook for the afternoon ferry, the Stena line ferry is far easier and much more comfortable than the painful trip down to Dover and back up into Holland.

We arrived back at Harwich before 20.00 and within minutes we were on the road home to Norwich.

For me the trip was important in that I value every minute that I am lucky enough to be fishing, but also this time I had lots of new people to meet for the first time, Tjitskes friends and family and to be honest I was a little apprehensive, but I need not have been, each and every one of them made me feel most welcome.

I would like to make a special mention for Tjitske the most important person in my life not only my partner but also my best friend and also a great person to spend my life with.

Thanks T for just being yourself and making me very happy

I love you

Sadly the last day

2011-05-21T15:04:00.000+01:00

Another Early start and a planned meeting with Frank and Riny to fish on the Waal but further downstream than I had fished before, Frank took me to one of his favoured spots, with a chance to fish from the beach rather than a krib, which made a nice change.

Franks a great angler and thinks hard about his fishing and like a lot of us would be fishing every day if he could. Proof is in results and it didn't take long for Frank to find a barbel.

Riny had baked us another apple cake after I had managed to eat most of the one from the evening before, washed down with loads of coffee, it went down well.

Our great friend Cees paid us a visit during the day and it was good for us to catch up with him and as always the chat turned to fishing and although Frank and Cees had not met before it didn't take long for them to become acquainted.

Sadly the day went all too quickly, Franks early barbel was the only whicker of the day, a few bream and winde put in an appearance but as for the whole trip the barbel were hard to find.

But as the sun set on another great trip we can again take home a head and heart full of memories and look forward to September when we will again meet up with friends and attempt to catch some Dutch and German Barbel

More Double Dutch

2011-05-21T14:44:00.001+01:00

We had a couple of important visitors this morning when Tim came over with Mike, the fishing was again slow but the chat and company was good.

We packed in fishing at lunchtime and were then heading for Eindhoven to see Linda and then to spend the evening with good friends Frank and Riny.

We had a great time with Linda and had to take turns at wearing a silly hat, before we made our way over to Franks for some lovely food a couple of beers and some rather tasty apple cake.

Day 6 Barbel On

2011-05-18T16:11:00.000+01:00

After a long day yesterday with Rinko we could have done with a lie in but just after 7 we were up and having breakfast by the river.

Part of the fascination of fishing in Holland is ship watching (yes sad I know) but when you are waiting for the action the ships help pass the time and the cargo is often interesting to say the least.

After Breakfast it was off to Gendt for a mornings fishing, it didn't take long to get the first barbel and when that was followed next cast by another I had feelings things had improved, but sadly that was the end of the barbel action, a few bream and ide followed but no more barbel.

We spent the evening with Tjitske's sister Margriet and husband Ben, we had a great time and sank a few beers along the way.

Holland Day 5

2011-05-17T02:26:00.003+01:00

Day 5 was planned to be one of the highlights of the trip, for a fair while I have been in contact with Rinko Oosterveen but we have never met or fished together, but Rinko had a nice day planned for us on his favourite River Ijssel.

We left the site early and the hour drive soon passed and Rinko's precise directions were just that and got us straight to him and he was already fishing, the news he had already had 3 barbel filled me with confidence for the day ahead.

After only a few minutes chatting I felt like I had known Rinko for years, his enthusiasm for barbel and fishing in general is incredible, we talked about many things fishing from both a Dutch and an English viewpoint. With both of us being consultants for Korum and Sonubaits it was also great to discuss some of the latest products that we are testing before they are perfected and released to the public.

Tjitske and Rinko's partner Wendy took some great pictures and Rinko has a full report of the trip on his website www.barbeel.com

The Ijssel is a lovely river and home to some very big barbel but today they didn't want to play, but the bream did and we lost count of the slabs we caught while fishing big baits and trying not to catch them.

We had a great day even though we didn't catch any barbel, Rinko and Wendy made us most welcome and we are already making plans to meet again as soon as possible.

Thanks Rinko and Wendy from both Me and Lady T

Day 4

2011-05-15T18:24:00.000+01:00

Day 4 was non fishing day we had visits to make to Tjitskes friends and family so firstly it was of to St Oedenrode to visit Corry and Peter, they had a great day planned for us which included a cycle ride and lunch in a restaurant on the way.

Well I think they all thought that I wouldn't manage the ride and would need rescuing half way round, but in my early days I did a lot of cycling so throughly enjoyed the route Peter had planned, although I was a little saddle soar at the end, a couple of stops for a cold beer or 2 helped.

After visiting another of Lady Ts friends if was off to visit her sister Jannie and her family.

We arrived back at the site just in time before curfew

Day 3

2011-05-14T23:11:00.000+01:00

We were up early and off the campsite just after 0700 and soon in Gendt on a Krib that has produced plenty of barbel for me in the past.

With the river very low fishing is much more difficult as the pace of the river is much higher, where in the past 180grm feeders were enough even 240grm is not sufficient. I was glad I had my Korum Precision 2lb rods with me, they handle the heavy feeders with ease and coupled to my Korum reels I am well equipped for the challenge.

The first cast produced a bream followed by a Winde but when the rod hooped over on the third cast and the bait runner on the reel screamed the strike met with the tell tale surge of a hooked barbel, not a huge fish but most welcome.

We packed in just before 1300 as we had Tjitske friends Janny and Linda visiting us at the campsite, we spent a great afternoon chatting and Tjitske enjoyed the chance to catch up on the gossip she had missed.

I am sure they were talking about me but with only 3 words in my dutch vocabulary I didn't have a clue what or who they were talking about, rest assured I was on my best behaviour for the visit!!!!

Holland Day 2

2011-05-14T14:46:00.000+01:00

The first job of the day was to visit the local supermarket and stock up on some Dutch goodies, then we picked up Linda and Folkert.

We had a great afternoon with them and it was great to see Linda as we both miss her very much.

I managed a couple of hours fishing with nothing to show for my time, but hey who cares I love the place and enjoy every minute on the river

As the sunsets on another great day even big industrial rivers have a beauty and what better than the fire glow of a glorious sunset

Holland Day 1

2011-05-13T18:24:00.000+01:00

After taking the night ferry from Harwich we landed early on Wednesday and took a steady trip from The Hook to our campsite at Oosterhout on the banks of the River Waal, close to Nijmegen.

Considering it was the first time we had put the tent up and half the campsite waited in anticipation of us making a complete hash of it we were well pleased to be sipping tea less than an hour after of our arrival.

Tim arrived not much later with our vispas (Dutch fishing licence) and some cheese for bait, the bad news from Tim was the entire river system was fishing very poorly with very few barbel being caught anywhere in Holland.

Not put off by Tims news I couldn't wait to wet a line and decided to fish one of the Kribs at the campsite, out went the monkey with pellet on one rod and some cheese on the other, A bream took a liking to the pellet but when the cheese rod hooped over not long after I was over the moon when the tell tale fight signalled my first Dutch Barbel of the year.

I didn't land anymore fish that evening but had a great evening chatting with Tim, it was good to be back in Holland and good to be with great company.

Thanks Tim for your help and picking up the bits and pieces for me, I will return the favour in a few weeks when you come to England

"ON THE BALL CITY"

2011-05-03T02:15:00.001+01:00

As a Norwich City supporter there has not been much to cheer about over the last few seasons, but since the arrival of Paul Lambert that has all changed and now "We are premiership"

A Win tonight at Portsmouth and Cardiff going down 3-0 means we are promoted with a game to spare.

"COME ON YOU YELLOWS"

"OH AH Delia say OH AH Delia"

Well Done to all at the club

Excellent Bait + Excellent Tackle = Excellent Fishing

2011-05-02T00:26:00.002+01:00

I am very lucky to be associated with both Sonubaits and Korum, which gives me access to some of the best Tackle and bait available to anglers in Europe.

The Barbel above was caught from the Rhine in Germany using a Cheesy Garlic Hooker Pellet

Spawning Time

2011-04-26T23:23:00.000+01:00

With the nice weather over the last few weeks its time the barbel got round to some spawning, we need some continued good weather not only for the spawning but to make sure the fry get a chance to put some weight on and grow well before any bad weather.

The group shot below was taken on the Wensum this time last year, my big worry is how many of these adult fish have mad it through the winter, with continued problems with otters I some how doubt many have made it through.

I will keep an eye out over the next few weeks and try to find out.

Hopefully in the next few days I will be catching a few barbel, keep an eye on my blog to find out if I succeed.

Lovely Chubley

2011-03-14T13:28:00.000Z

Lady T has just had the first fish of the day a rather good chub on her first cast.

Cool Dude

2011-03-13T14:48:00.000Z

One of The Blues Brothers, Ginger Blue has just had a nice barbel

Lovely day here in Shropshire shame tomorrow is the last day of the season

It's T's Turn

2011-03-12T18:28:00.000Z

T has just put back her first barbel of 2011

Well done Lady T

That's made me smile

2011-03-12T17:37:00.000Z

A nice barbel to make me smile on a wet afternoon.

The Severn has dropped now almost to summer level and the fishing is slow, but there are still a few fish coming out.

Wow Tasty Rod

2011-03-11T16:21:00.000Z

Trying out my new Preston Innovation Dutch Master River Rods not really designed for here on the middle Severn, but at 14ft 2 with a rated cast of 160gr I can see them being awesome on the Trent and in Holland and Germany

That's better

2011-03-09T18:12:00.000Z

My first barbel of 2011

OK For Now

2011-03-09T14:52:00.000Z

Just had my first fish a nice chub taken on maggot

Good To Be Out Fishing

2011-03-09T14:39:00.000Z

On the Severn today with Lady T no fish yet but it's good to be fishing after a long break

All too much

2011-02-24T20:55:00.001Z

Tjitske has been working very hard just lately and needed 5 minutes on the sofa,, 2 hours later she was still snoring,, still she had Spunky to keep her company

I feel very lucky to have such a great person as Tjitske in my life, she has had a tough time herself but never complains and just gets on with life,, she is very special and I am a lucky man..

A New Life Begins

2011-02-13T21:42:00.002Z

As many of you may be aware I have had a very difficult few months, back in september my wife of over 30 years decided our marriage was over, the shock of what had happened and the reality of an uncertain future took its toll on my health and happiness.

Lots of people offered encouragement and the main theme was that time would be a great healer and I would be a better person for the experience, believe me at the time I was on the floor and felt there was only one step lower I could go from which there was no return. Every single minute, hour and day was a struggle but thanks to a few people I am still here to tell the tale, those people know who they are and a great thanks to all of them for picking me up and dusting me down to fight another day.

A very special lady was by my side all the time and without her support and incredible love and understanding I know I wouldn't be here now,,, Tjitske I love you and thank you very much.

Fishing has taken a back seat, the last few weeks, my complete life has been turned upside down, I have had to sell my house and move on to pastures new but together with Tjitske on Friday we moved into our dream home.

To catch up with our adventures at our new home and to see how we get on with our new life together then check out our blog at

www.number20ourhouse.blogspot.com

I am lucky and very privileged to be sponsored by the best fishing tackle companies in Europe and would like to thank everyone at Preston Innovations, Korum and Sonubaits for continuing to support me over the last few months whilst fishing has been the last thing on my mind, I appreciate it guys and once again thanks for the support.

Not A Barbel In Site

2011-01-07T16:34:00.000Z

Spent a day this week back on one of my favourite venues The Wensum in the centre of Norwich, with roach the target and long rod and stick float the chosen method.

Large Shoals of Roach move into the city centre once the weather turns cold and the favourite method is fishing a pole and Bronze maggot, I didn't have a choice thou as the Guys from Total Coarse Fishing wanted to see some fish caught for the cameras using a good old fashioned rod and line.

A strong and very cold wind made the fishing difficult but I still managed to catch plenty of fish for the article, and not a barbel in site.

Florence's First Christmas

2010-12-26T21:45:00.000Z

Seasons Greetings

2010-12-20T00:28:00.000Z

Seasons Greetings to all my blog readers.

2010 has been a tough year but the prospects for 2011 look much better.

Myself and Tjitske are looking forward to a great future together and we would like to wish all our friends a fantastic christmas and a happy and prosperous 2011.

Voor al onze nederlandse vrienden een gezellige feestdagen en een gelukkig en gezond 2011

It's Not Going To Be Easy

2010-12-07T03:31:00.000Z

Up until now I have managed a barbel every month of the season but looking at the current weather and the forecast December is going to be very cold.

It's down to minus 15 here in places so the barbel are not going to Feed for a while thats for sure.

With a house move coming up in the near future and then several months of hard work to get the house how we want it, all but the odd fishing trip will be out of the question.

Tjitske is back to Holland tomorrow for a few days and back with me in England next week.

She hasn't left yet but I miss her already

Florence loves Oma Tjitske

2010-11-29T23:43:00.000Z

I Miss and Love You Very Much

2010-11-22T17:00:00.000Z

Missing Someone

2010-11-20T10:37:00.000Z

Had a good evening yesterday, did a slide show presentation for the West Norfolk Disabled Angling Club at Kings Lynn, just like the old days with Tom and Ginger helping out. I reckon it was one of the best talks I have ever done it went well and after all the heartache of the last few weeks I felt a bit of the old Ade was back.

Spare a thought for Lady T I know she is struggling a bit at the minute with things over in Holland, it really is time that someone grew up and faced reality and realised the truth.

Found this picture in the archives a much younger me with a nice bag of Wensum Roach

Many Thanks

2010-11-12T11:49:00.000Z

A sincere word of thanks to all of you who have contacted me in the last few weeks to offer their support and help when I most needed it, it has been the toughest time of my life.

I can say without the love and support of one particular person I wouldn't be here now.

I know in the end it will all work out for the best, but when you are at the bottom of a deep hole and can see no way out its tough, very very tough.

Thanks to those that care, too many to mention, but especially to Lady T.

Well Done Woody

2010-11-03T22:12:00.000Z

Not to be out done Woody came good with this 8lb plus barbel in superb condition

Oat cakes and Barbel

2010-11-03T14:00:00.000Z

Good mates Ade Garside and Woody have made the trip over to the Severn after paying their way in oatcakes I decided to let them in on a few secrets and here is Ade with the proof it works

Middle Severn Double

2010-11-02T15:09:00.000Z

Much colder today and rain the air but the barbel don't seem to mind.

T has managed a couple so far, both fitting fit autumn barbel, just like this cracking double I have just returned.

A Barbel for Lady T

2010-11-01T14:05:00.000Z

Lady T has just put back her third barbel of the day

That's Novembers Barbel Sorted

2010-11-01T13:48:00.000Z

On the Severn for a few days well needed R & R,, it's a lovely day weather wise.

The barbel are also out to play with 5 already,, all on the pellet and monkey..

Well Done Lee Kerry

2010-10-30T03:22:00.000+01:00

Well done to old mate and future world champion Lee Kerry for his two recent wins on the big match scene.

Firstly the whiteacres festival then the big money Parkdean masters,, that's a cracking double mate well done.

Maybe now you have all that money in your pocket you can pay back that tenner I lent you!!!

Well done mate you deserve it

Back to work

2010-10-27T15:18:00.000+01:00

Had a good 4 days off but it's back to work tonight

Walked in The Malverns on Sunday which was something I have never done before but will definitely be doing again, great walking with breathtaking scenery.

Caught a few barbel from the Severn only fished for about 6 hours in total but managed 5 average size but none the less cracking fish.

Had a great meeting yesterday with the team at Preston innovations and looked at some new tackle ideas and products, a special thanks to Ian Day at Sonubaits for not only giving me a chance in the first place but being a great mate and very supportive ever since, cheers Ian I appreciate it

The next few weeks are looking tough to say the least but I know the support from my family, my friends and one special person will get me through it.

Remember one and all

The Truth Never lies

That's Better

2010-10-25T16:02:00.000+01:00

Not been out on the bank for a couple of weeks now but have managed a couple of hours this afternoon. Just had a lovely autumn barbel on the maggot

This one is especially for Lady T

Whatever Happens

2010-10-19T16:34:00.000+01:00

Whatever life throws at me in the future and even in the worst days of the last few weeks I still have Florence to make me smile

Licence

2010-10-12T14:46:00.000+01:00

Hey Nanny you got a licence to drive a pram like this

Barbel On

2010-10-10T14:49:00.000+01:00

The boys from the Nederland's have had a good time here's Rik with his first of the day with the rest of the gang,,, over 30 barbel between them in the last 3 day.

Fantastic weather for October 20c and not a drop of rain.

Dutch On Tour

2010-10-09T16:26:00.000+01:00

The Dutch barbel hunters tour continues, plenty of barbel today but we have taken a time out for a bit of site seeing

The First of Many I Hope

2010-10-08T11:20:00.000+01:00

Frans, Marcel, Rik and Nico are with me on the Severn for a few days and Frans has just had the first of the trip

Cheesy Garlic

2010-10-07T18:16:00.000+01:00

Back home and on the Severn with about 3 foot of extra water and plenty of colour in the river Garlic is the key to a few fish

Had 6 so far best over 6pm all on the cheesy garlic and monkey

Barbel 3000 and Counting

2010-10-06T12:55:00.000+01:00

Whilst in Germany last week i was lucky enough to land and record my 3000th barbel, caught from the mighty Rhine and just short of 10lb, but none the less rewarding and very special as good mate Tom Sayer was there to witness and photograph the fish.

Also a big thanks to Cees because without his help fishing would have been a lot less productive

Germany Again

2010-10-06T12:33:00.000+01:00

I along with Tom sayer have just returned form a short trip to Germany fishing in the Wesel area, our hosts for the trip were local expert Cees Van Dongen and his good lady Heike. I would like to thank them both for their hospitality and allowing us the pleasure of stating with them.

Before our arrival Cees had worked hard and made sure we had plenty of places to fish with a good chance of catching a barbel or 2, when Tom hooked the first barbel of the trip not many minutes after starting we never looked back.

Getting a fishing licence in Germany is not easy and over an hour spent in a council office proved that but with Cees help we finally got there but it wasn't easy by any means

During the trip Tom managed 17 barbel and I had 15 very rewarding results and mostly down to the hard work of our local expert, so well done Cees

Ouch That Hurts

2010-09-26T00:42:00.002+01:00

A few weeks ago whilst I was in Germany I met up with Hendrik And Bianca a couple of Dutch barbel enthusiasts. They learnt a lot on the German trip and decided to put some of their new found skills to use and fish the Waal today.

First cast Bianca hooked and landed a good fish pictured above and not long after that fish was returned the baitrunner screamed again and this time it was Hendriks turn..

Unfortunately while trying to net the fish Bianca fell and broke her wrist, not good especially as the fish were feeding!!!!!

Hope it's not too painful Bianca and you 2 are back out fishing again soon.

Well Done Doug

2010-09-23T22:35:00.001+01:00

Last week I spent a day on the Severn with the team from Korum and Total coarse fishing magazine. A good day was had by all including Doug Povey who caught one of the best barbel of the day.

Dave's first barbel

2010-09-16T12:42:00.000+01:00

On the severn today with Darran and Dave Roper from Swansea

Darren had the first barbel about an hour ago and Dave followed it up with his first ever barbel, let's hope there are a few more to follow

On the Severn

2010-09-14T16:59:00.000+01:00

On the Severn for a few days this week

Today it's with Steve Martin from Total Coarse Fishing, he's just had his first Severn barbel and at just short of nine pound he'd well happy

Tomorrow it's a Korum challenge winners day, again on the Severn with 20 or so invited guests all hoping to catch a barbel or two

Thursday I have a guiding day,, so let's hope the fish keep feeding, had 2 so far in the first 3 casts

Come On You Yellows

2010-09-11T20:05:00.000+01:00

Watched the yellows beat Barnsley today top 6 after 5 games

Come on You Yellows

New Pictures and Video

2010-09-10T14:11:00.006+01:00

Go to My Gallery to see some new pictures and video I have uploaded from my recent adventures.

Well Done Lee

2010-09-09T16:20:00.000+01:00

Back from the Trent yesterday evening finished with 6 barbel and plenty of bream, river was low and clear but ended up well up with no colour and full of rubbish which didn't help the fishing. No excuses still had a good trip, Tuesday evening had a nice social with Dave and Alex Sneesby and Mr FFF Fisky. good job they brought plenty of milk water and tea bags or I would have ran out. Cheers also to Paul Garner as always great photos from a great bloke.

Just had a text from old mate Lee Hayes who is on the middle Severn this week and has smashed his P.B. and recorded his first double with a fish of 11.09.....Well done Lee

Back in Holland

2010-09-07T10:37:00.000+01:00

Had to think for a minute if I was back in Holland when this barge passed through but unlike Holland this ones only a few hundred tons and most likely the only one I will see today.

Back to reality on The Trent just had my first fish a small dace hoping for a barbel or 2 once the tide starts to run.

Grandad I missed you

2010-09-02T21:18:00.000+01:00

Little Florence came round yesterday and from those big eyes and heart melting smile I think she missed me

Back Home

2010-09-01T11:32:00.001+01:00

Back home late yesterday evening after another great trip with the rivers running high and the weather wet wild and windy at times it was never going to be easy did manage 19 barbel that brings the season count to well over 100 from 7 different rivers target being 10 different rivers for the season.

Fished the Waal the last day for a few hours and managed 5 barbel all on pellet and monkey tactics.

Many thanks to Tjitske, Frans and Linda for looking after us so well as always we had a great time yet again.

Back to work tonight but with plenty of memories, video and images I have lots to do over the next few days to catch up.

If you are new to my blog or a regular reader please feel free to leave comments

Um Pa Shake Hands

2010-08-31T15:21:00.003+01:00

Just back in Holland after a 3 day trip to Germany acting as a guide for a group of Dutch barbel anglers on an organised trip to fish the Rhine in the small town of Kamp-Bornhofen in the Mosel region of Germany. The Rhine here flows between hills scattered with vinyards and its very wide flows hard with 180-240 gram leads and feeders needed to hold bottom.

Arriving on Friday after a four hour coach journey from Holland everyone was keen to fish and a few barbel were caught friday afternoon before we packed in for the evening at about 19.00. After a quick shower and brush up it was into the restaurant for our evening meal and a few beers, now please picture this a German Elvis look a like singing Um Pa songs and every now and then bursting into a chorus in english asking us all to shake hands very bizzare to say the least. the food wasn't too bad the beer was better the entertainment was crap but the locals were loving in!!!!.

Next morning for those that didn't over do the beer the night before it was an early breakfast and out on the bank before 8 and those that made the effort were rewarded with plenty of barbel all small fish up to around 4lb but good sport, the only bait that was working was maggot, the dutch love using cheese but that wasn't working and sweetcorn also wasn't producing. Keeping Gallons of maggots cool isn't easy but our coach driver Pete had no problem with us using the coach fridges to keep the bait cold and it worked very well.

The Dutch are very friendly people and I met some great people on the trip and from the kind comments that I got during our stay I am sure they were grateful of my help, what they lack in tackle and knowhow they make up for in effort. It would be hard to single anyone out but I would like to thank them all for a great weekend and hope our paths cross in the future.

The fishing got better as the weekend went on, the combination of the anglers getting better and plenty of bait going in saw plenty of barbel caught later on Saturday and during Sunday morning, the biggest going around 6lb.

I Only managed a few hours fishing myself but did manage 4 barbel in that time and was well pleased to add another river to my growing list and also to catch a barbel in such stunning surroundings.

Rain Spaceships and Big Barbel

2010-08-26T21:21:00.001+01:00

All week the forecast has been for heavy rain and strong winds for today and they were correct for a change its hissed down most of the day with strong winds not ideal fishing weather.

We did manage to get a few hours in this morning between the showers and I must admit I had to take a second look when an approaching ship looked more like a space ship than a boat.

Frans managed a small barbel early on and I was close to admitting defeat when the Baitrunner on the Korum reel sang my kinda song and a strike of Zorro met with the firm resistance of a big barbel after a couple of hairy moments with the rocks Frans slid the net under a big fish.

The scales didn't quite do the double but at 9.09 I was more than happy, bad news is in our hurry to pack in I left an unhooking mat and landing net on the krib, good luck to whoever picks it up.

For the last four hours it hasnt stopped raining and I would imagine the local roads are well flooded the campsite roads are under water and several awnings on site have collapsed under the strain of the heavy rain.

Bikes and Windmills

2010-08-26T07:54:00.000+01:00

In Holland the land of Bikes, Windmills and Cheese as they say if you cant beat them join them, so I Did, after last weeks adventures horse riding this week its bike riding, but with no hills and roads designed with cycles in mind, its good fun and good exercise and also our trip along the banks of the Waal was a great way to see the river.

Next it was off to the river Ijssel to catch a few barbel nothing big but a nice net of silver fish on the maggot and a switch to the monkey had 3 nice barbel grace the net, the river was very high and at one point the krib I was fishing from was completly swamped as a heavily laden passing barge caused a large swell which nearly washed me out. We have had some very strong winds which have made fishing difficult at times, the old fashioned dutch cloggers windmill has been replaced by many of the new fashion wind turbines like here on the Ijssel, which were working overtime due to the strong winds.

Now you are going to ask where the cheese came in, well thats simple a nice mature cheese sandwich and a cold beer.

Thunder Storms and Sunsets

2010-08-23T07:30:00.000+01:00

In the land of cheese and clogs for a few days with Frans, Tjitske, Linda and My good lady Sonia.

Fished the Waal yesterday afternoon which at present is around 3 metres higher than its normal summer level, the barbel have been hard to come by in Holland for the last few weeks, the river has been high and cold and many of the Kribs are under water limiting the number of places to fish.

Both myself and Frans had a couple of barbel each nothing huge but still great sport hooked at distance in heavy flow.

The weather was interesting to say the least, behind us and a few miles East was a thunder storm with plenty of flashes and bangs but in front of us we were treated to an amazing sunset which lasted for ages as it picked up the edges of the storm clouds.

Grand national next

2010-08-16T21:09:00.000+01:00

Back home after a great holiday with the Vogels

Had my first ever go at horse riding last week and it was a great experience

Will blog a full holiday report tomorrow

But to wet your whistle between myself and Frans we netted over 100 barbel in the last few days with Frans bagging over 50 of those including not one but 2 middle Severn doubles

Watch this space

Hole in one

2010-08-12T10:38:00.000+01:00

Florence on the green