FISHERY OF THE WEEK
Birmingham Canal
ONE rare upside of the current pandemic is that some of our city centres have become deserted, providing anglers with a rare opportunity to sample some excellent urban sport without the unwanted hustle and bustle.
Towpaths that were once crowded with pedestrians are virtually empty, and that’s certainly the case on the fishfilled Birmingham New Mainline Canal. Roach, bream and perch are present in large numbers in the centre of the city this venue is named after, with pole fishing the dominant approach. There’s good access to the towpath, with a number of pay and display car parks located within a short walk of the Sea Life Centre and Legoland, where some of the very best sport can be experienced.
Urban paradise
The canal weaves around the city, with numerous turning bays and arms branching off in different directions.
There’s no need to squeeze your tackle on to a narrow towpath either, as there are plenty of wider spaces backing on to seating areas and staircases that are ideal for shipping a pole back on to.
Depths average around 5ft down the channel, with boats often moored up to create obvious holding spots.
Local expert John Hudson loves the challenge of the canal and has proved on numerous occasions before lockdown that double figures of silverfish are always on the cards.
“It is such an under-rated venue, but it’s teeming with silverfish and if you live locally then it’s the ideal time to give it a try,” explained John.
“Lots of fish huddle up right in the city centre to shelter from the elements, with the high-rise buildings offering protection that keep the water that fraction warmer. There’s every chance of bagging 20lb of silverfish, with quality roach, skimmers and perch all a real possibility.”
Tempting the shoals
Pitch up in an area where you feel comfortable and you won’t be far away from a greedy shoal. In order to bunch them tightly and make them easier to catch, feed four or five big balls of
groundbait at the start of your session that are laced with casters and dead maggots.
Such positive feeding can kill sport stone dead on many canals, but it works wonders here, with the fish responding to a big carpet of feed. Use a mix that’s dark, to add a tinge of colour to the clear water.
When it comes to rigs, you only need a couple of set-ups to cover every base. The first is down the track in the deepest bit, with another ready to fish in slightly shallower water close to any moored boats.
Use 0.14mm mainline to a 0.10mm hooklength and a fine wire size 18 hook baited with maggot or caster. On the float front, use a rugby ball-shaped body with an olivette and two dropper shot below it to anchor the rig in place.
Quiet towpaths, bites galore and a backdrop like no other – what’s not to like?