Fishery of the Week
Trent hotspots
IF YOU were to ask all-round angler Bob Roberts to name his favourite fish it would have to be the barbel.
Numerous days and nights fishing the River Trent speak volumes for his love of the species.
So, with just a few weeks of the river season left to go, Angling Times spoke to the passionate angler to find out which five stretches of river he reckons are most likely to deliver the goods, barbel-style...
RIVER TRENT, LADY PITT FARM, SYERSTON, NOTTS
Bob says: “I first fished this unique stretch in 1985. It’s unlike anywhere else on the middle Trent. “Shallow and very narrow, this loop off the main river flows over gravel and features overhanging bushes and ranunculus beds. Split by a weir, you’ll find bream and roach upstream, barbel and chub galore downstream. “In dry weather you can park behind every peg. It’s a float angler’s dream. Members only.” Prices: £40 a year, Scunthorpe Police AA Contact: 07951822639 Website: www.scunthorpepoliceangling.com
RIVER TRENT, FISKERTON AND ROLLESTON, NOTTS
Bob says: “When the Trent Championships was staged here, Fiskerton produced a 99lb bream catch but this was beaten by a bigger haul of bream at Rolleston – Not bad for a fishery famed for its barbel fishing!
“Visitors are spoilt for choice on this two-mile stretch of river, which fishes well all year round. Most regulars fish the familiar twin rods, presenting boilies over pellets, but this is a stretch that lends itself perfectly to floatfishing. Bait dropper hemp with maggots or casters and keep it going in to get the barbel going.
“I use Dave Harrell Alloy Stem Avon floats with 5g or 6g bulked a couple of feet above a strong size 16 hook.” Prices: £6 a day in advance from Post Office in Fiskerton, Nottingham Piscatorial Society Contact: 01526 399998, Short Ferry Angling Website: www. nottingham piscatorial society. co.uk
RIVER TRENT, HOLME MARSH WEIR FIELD, WORKSOP AND DISTRICT AA
Bob says: “When National Championships regularly attracted almost 1,000 anglers, the weir field often dominated the frame when the match was staged on the Trent, and more often than not the winning weight would come from there.
“In recent times this 120-yardwide stretch produced a new five-hour match record with 192lb of bream – but it’s not just a bream venue.
“The lower pegs, in particular, hold barbel and chub, and there are some monster carp for good measure.
“Fish a groundbait feeder loaded with plenty of casters, hemp and micro pellets and you won’t go far wrong.” Prices: £20 a year, Worksop DAA Contact: 0771 303 3162, Derek Brown Website: www. worksopanddistrictangling.co.uk
RIVER TRENT, A1 PITS, SOUTH MUSKHAM, LINCS
Bob Says: “The old sunken barge swim here is my favourite, as it’s shallow and fast.
“The river here, and down to Crankley Point, is non-navigable so you don’t need to worry about boats going through.
“The key is to cast tight to the remains of the sunken barge over to the far side with stout tackle.
“You’ll need heavy feeders and line of at least 10lb breaking strain, as the barbel run to double figures and there are plenty of them.
“Pellets, hemp and boilies are the key baits, but don’t rule out maggots and casters in cold conditions.
“The pegs at the top end near the farm are deep and also very good for barbel – with fish to 18lb a real possibility.” Prices: £5 a day, £10 for 24 hours, A1 Pits Contact: Steve on 07970 209433 Website: www.a1pits.co.uk
RIVER IDLE, RETFORD, NOTTS
Bob says: “The narrow, shallow and clear upper reaches of this fascinating river offer fantastic opportunities to stalk barbel and chub, but don’t expect the fish to throw themselves at you.
“The upstream limit of the Derbyshire County AC stretch lies behind Hallcroft Fisheries and runs for several miles downstream. Nowhere is it much deeper than a metre, and in summer you can see every pebble on the bottom.
“Doubles are rare, but the opportunity to learn by watching how the fish react to your baits and tackle is priceless.
“Weed can be troublesome in the warmer months, making fishing with even one rod difficult.” Prices: £25 a year plus £5 for key, Derbyshire Country AC Contact: Steve Newsome, 07752 146255 Website: www.derbyshirecountyac.org