FISHERY OF THE WEEK Enjoy your creature comforts on the Warks Avon at Manor Farm
Forget tiring trudges and dodgy pegs
LONG walks and uneven pegs are often cited as reasons why anglers choose commercials over rivers – but the Manor Farm Leisure stretch of the Warwickshire Avon addresses both these issues.
At this venue on the outskirts of Evesham, bosses have gone to great lengths to remove any obstacles. Dozens of solid platforms have been installed and you’re able to park behind your peg.
Social distancing won’t be a problem here either, with several metres of space behind each swim to avoid any uncomfortable moments. There’s also a fully stocked tackle shop and café on the fishery’s main site, which is less than a mile from the bank. Add to that a river packed with silverfish, bonus chub and barbel and you’ll struggle to find a reason not to visit!
Floatfishing haven
At its usual summer level, the depth of the Avon here varies between 6ft and 9ft. It has a steady flow and few snags below the surface, making it ideal for a spot of floatfishing.
England international Des Shipp has fished countless river stretches during his illustrious career and he struggles to think of many that better this underrated gem.
“The Warwickshire Avon is a fantastic river that is getting better and better as the years go by,” he tells Angling Times.
“But it is the convenience that really sets this stretch apart from many others.
“I’ve had several stick float sessions where I’ve had the place to myself and caught a silverfish every chuck!”
Avoiding tiddlers
As with many healthy venues, this one often experiences an explosion of tiny fish during the warmer months. This is a result of successful breeding and these tiddlers can be extremely active. They tend to sit just beneath the surface and a maggot, caster or pinkie will be snapped up the moment it hits the water.
But there are a couple of baits these mini-fish stand little chance of devouring.
“I find that hemp is a great loosefeed as it sinks quickly.
Tares are the ideal hookbait, as they are fairly large, and only the quality roach and dace will be able to take them,” says Des.
“It’s important to feed a small pinch slightly downstream each time you run the float through. You’ll soon work out where that bait is settling as you will get the majority of bites from one spot.
“Get it right and you could land 20lb of silverfish with a big chub or barbel thrown in for good measure.”
A 13ft rod will help you control the movement of the float down the swim, while a 3000 size reel loaded with 3lb line is ideal for the job.
Lignum stick floats are the most sensitive, and best when silverfish are on the agenda, with an 0.12mm hooklength to a size 18 hook finishing things off.