WELCOME

IMAGINE catching 1,341lb in a match and realising you’ve only got enough for second place.

I’m not sure what they’re feeding the fish, or the anglers, at Arran’s Lake in Essex but this year the catches have gone through the roof with over 1,500lb of carp winning the latest six-hour contest.

While there are anglers who will be horrified at the mere thought of this type of fishing, let’s not knock the lads who do it. We’ve spent some time with those who fish the water regularly and it really does hit home how much of a skill this really is – there’s no margin for error when it comes to rigs, feeding, playing, landing fish and getting that next bite.

Fishing really is all things to all men. There was a time when I’d race you to the bank for a match like that, but these days I prefer my fishing to be a bit more sedate. That doesn’t mean it’s not exciting, but that’s the great thing about our sport – it offers variety to all.

This week’s issue highlights just some of the great variety to be had right now, with features on floatfishing, catching barbel on rivers, pole fishing for silverfish, tactics for bigger carp, plus an adventure in search of giant eels. I hope you enjoy the issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together – tight lines to you all.