Pete Springate's Guns

My favourite shelter by far was an original Aqua Evolution-one of the very last made by Chris Manifold in his old workshop in Crewe before he sold the design to Fox. Fantastic design and quality. Had it for about 15 years before the poles became brittle and 2 of them shattered on a memorably stormy night on the Mangrove in Shropshire. Would gladly pay top dollar for a replacement!

I think it will be fine throughout the year but I opt for a little more space and comfort during the winter, plus I’m not usually moving as much.

Had an ESP Hideout for a couple of months now. Paid £170 delivered. So far, very pleased. Its certainly light, flexible and large enough for a wide bedchair. The door height allows me to sit on the edge of the bed without stooping to see. The material is very thin but no issues so far. I’ll be using till winter when the bivvy will come out.

I’m Cheshire born and bred but haven’t fished locally for years. I’m probably a little out of touch but I’d say joining Wheelock AS would be the best bet; to my knowledge they have 30’s in 5 of their waters. PA is also worth considering for the mighty Redesmere alone. Unfortunately, both of these clubs have significant waiting lists. Northwich Anglers givs you access to Petty Pool which has a good head of fish to over 40 but its days only, demanding and difficult. Warrington gives you access to the Sandiway lakes both of which have 30’s in. Keep an eye on Top Flash on the Winsford card-its on the way back after a devastating fish kill a few years back. That should give you plenty to go at-they’re all open access waters and no big secrets.

GT HD 15lb for me too. Casts well, sinks ok and has, so far, stood up to some pretty savage weed👍

Thinking Anglers Mat. Managed to christen it first time out over the weekend. Used it to kneel on in the boat when finding spots etc to save the old knees. Dried out quick too. Thumbs up so far.

Angling Trust have been quick to reply and have put me in touch with their local representative. I’ll let you know how things progress.

Thanks for the positive replies fellas! Some really sound advice there. I’ll certainly get in touch with the Angling Trust. Ideally it would be great to have a group of kids who were all into their Carp fishing; I’d certainly be confident of coaching them myself whereas it’s many years since I’ve done any general coarse fishing. There are a few young guys I teach who are really keen Carpers. There are a number of commercial fisheries in the area, though I’ve no personal experience of fishing them. I’ll do some research with a view to starting something in the warmer weather. Thanks again!

As a Teacher in an Independent mixed School, ages 3-18, I’m keen to explore the possibility of a fishing club as an extra curricular activity. Any members on here have any experience or advise on how to progress? Ta!

Certainly helps if you can keep it going in. The problem this year occurred when the weed lifted in huge rafts and made it unfishable; massive ‘weedbergs’ drifted around wiping rods out continuously!

Back to Black (Swan) for me. But if there is a repeat of the horrendous weed/algae at the height of the Summer then I’ll be dropping on to White.

Did a couple of seasons on there 4 years or so back. Gorgeous place, very scenic with lots of history. Decent stock to upper 30's. (Guessing a dozen or so over 30). Biggest was a Mirror ( Pawprint) but most of the other larger fish were Commons. Not sure if there have been any other stockings since. They're getting old now but generally in good condition. Lovely place to relax with the chance of some multiple catches if you get it right. I would like to go back at some time in the future-a nice place to retire on!

Superb mate-that's exactly what I wanted to hear and thoughts of the unknown will make the long drive down worth it!

Sounds like a real challenge! Guessing there's not much winter form on either? What are your thoughts on the uncaught fish? Seen a pic of a huge Common in White in snags next to Tripple Row that has apparently not been landed. Also I heard that a couple of real big 'uns spotted in Black that haven't been caught, or certainly not for a very long time?

Cheers for the reply-much appreciated and exactly the kind of information I'm after. I took a look at the complex last week to get an idea of the lay out and the journey - I live up in Cheshire so quite a trek! It was busy with walkers etc then so I can imagine it must be much worse in Summer! I'm not too bothered about the walkers/dogs etc, I'm quite happy to put up with it for the stock and potential. Interesting and encouraging to read your comments about boat use. Have you fished White as well? I'm intending to get a Gold ticket to give me options when I'm down there.