The Journal

Buyers' guides, honest reviews and stories from the bank — written by the team in the shop.

Latest Carp

Feeder Fishing for Beginners

Feeder fishing is one of the most effective, versatile, and rewarding methods in the UK angler’s toolkit. Unlike float fishing, which relies on a buoyant float near the water's surface, feeder fishing delivers your bait directly to the lakebed or riverbed alongside a concentrated pile of free food. This targeted approach makes it an unbeatable tactic for catching bottom-feeding species like bream, carp, tench, roach, and barbel.

Jamie Douglas · · 7 min read

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Carp

Coarse Fishing for Beginners

There is nothing quite like the quiet anticipation of sitting by a peaceful lake or riverbank, watching a float bob gently on the water before sliding beneath the surface. Coarse fishing—the pursuit of freshwater fish species other than trout or salmon—is the most popular form of angling across the United Kingdom. From vibrant little roach and perch to hard-fighting carp and bream, UK waterways are brimming with opportunities for new anglers.

Jamie Douglas · · 7 min read

Carp

Carp Fishing for Beginners

Carp fishing is one of the most popular, rewarding, and thrilling disciplines in the world of UK angling. Known for their impressive size, incredible strength, and cunning nature, king carp (including mirror, common, and leather variations) offer an unparalleled test of an angler's skill and patience. Hearing your bite alarm scream into life as a powerful fish takes line off your spool is an adrenaline rush like no other.

Jamie Douglas · · 9 min read

Carp

Unhooking Mats - Essential Guide

Unhooking mats are an essential tool for any angler who practices catch-and-release fishing, protecting fish from injury during unhooking. This guide covers what they are, why they matter and how to choose the right one.

Simon Todd · · 3 min read

Fly & Game

Exploring the Fly Reel Wychwood PDR 7/8

A closer look at the Wychwood PDR 7/8, a fly reel that promises to elevate your fly fishing game. We review its design, build quality, drag system and real-world versatility.

Chris Dawson · · 3 min read

Gear guide

A Buyers Guide To Waders

Waders are an essential part of kit for many types of angling, but with so many types available it can be difficult to choose. We break down the materials, boot styles and wader types, plus four of our in-store favourites.

Chris Dawson · · 3 min read

Carp

The best liquids, additives & bait boosters

Adding flavourings and colourings to baits has gone on for decades and is still one of the most debated topics amongst anglers. Here are seven of our favourite liquids, additives and bait boosters, from Mainline Sticky Syrup to Korda Goo.

Simon Todd · · 6 min read

News

Record British Pike

The British pike record was broken on 13 February at Chew Valley, where Lloyd Watson landed a fish of 47lb 5oz on his first ever visit. Here is the full story of a record-breaking capture.

Chris Dawson · · 2 min read

Fly & Game

2024 Fly Fishing Preparation

The fishing season is upon us again, so it's time to get the rods, reels and gear dusted down. Our checklist covers the essentials to organise before opening day, eco-friendly extras and advice for newcomers to the river.

Simon Todd · · 3 min read

Fly & Game

What are the best Fly Rods?

With over 150 years of fishing experience in store, we asked the team what the top fly rods of the season are likely to be. We aimed for five but couldn't totally agree — so here is the shortlist.

Simon Todd · · 4 min read

Carp

Best Boiles for Carp Fishing

Boilies are still the most popular bait for targeting all sizes of carp on venues up and down the country. We round up eight quality boilies and pop-ups, plus what to look for when choosing one for your water.

Chris Dawson · · 8 min read

Pike & Predator

Top 5 Pike Rods

This season's top five pike rods, from the Fox Horizon X3 to the budget-friendly Leeda Rogue. Our pick of reliable, hard-fighting rods for every predator angler and budget.

· 3 min read

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