You'll be pleased to know that the weather appears to be allowing us to fish the river this weekend. The lake has still got a lid on it but the Trent is looking good. Hopefully the water wont be too high when the snow has finished thawing out - but ok at moment so we might be in for a few fish.

If you're wanting to fish, make sure I've got your contact number so I can ring you in the morning if there are any problems.

Rules

- No rules, just common sense

- Max 4 rods (Anything goes - live bait / dead bait / lure)

- no trawler nets

- no harpoons or dynamite unless for throwing at passing boats or cormorants

Important

- Have fun and catch as many pike as you can

Tips

The river is tidal and fishes best when tide in and turning. At most pegs you'll find the river bed drops off in 2 seperate places, the 2nd being about a 3rd of the way across. Tight up to these drop-offs is the usual tactics as the pike tend to patrol these when feeding. If you find any deeper holes you are in danger of finding a hotspot and bagging up. Live baits usually best but large sea baits and lamprey have accounted for some good catches.

The bank side is formed of rocks and in some pegs these rocks go out about 6-10 ft before changing to silt/mud. Obviously this increases the rick of snagging up in the edge so you may want to use a weak link for the lead. Don't let this put you off too much because most fish are caught very close in.

Depending on the flow, it's usual to use leads up to 3 or 4 oz. Some anglers go heavier but they belong on the beach.

The swims we will be fishing are on the match stretch which produces good barbel, bream and perch catches during the warmer months and good roach and perch hauls for those who brave the winter- this has seldom seen a pike bait but they are not shy at taking just about anything they find.

The record fish for this stretch is 26.08 (held by yours truly). Any visiting angler who beats this will be banned!!

Alan (RO)

Tel: 07815 308463

When John comes over to do his talk on Tue 12th Jan be sure to bring some dosh with you to grab a copy of his latest book. I bought a copy some time ago and must say, this is probably one of the best piking books I've read for years. It's a unique opportunity to get a signed copy.

At £30 odd, it's not cheap but I can assure you, this book is well worth every penny, it's quality throughout and that's more than I can say for some of the books I've bought over the years for a similar price.

This is a 'must have' book for anyone who didn't get a copy of John's earlier book 'A Piker's Progress'. This is the revised copy which brings the book bang up to date. Oh, and for those humming and rrrr-ing about the price - his previous book is now worth a small fortune - a good investment as well as a good read.

Alan (RO)

It's your chance for fame (but can't promise fortune)!!

Pikelines mag is always on the look out for new material and we're very lucky in Notts to have the experience of members to call on.

If you can provide anything on the following areas, please send us a few words & pics and we'll arrange to have your stuff published:

• Technical / rigs / methods - this could be a new rig you've designed or an old one which you've modified or maybe a method you've found to be the most successful or simply a helpful tip for beginners
• Biography - anything about your angling history, inspirations, etc
• Conservation issues - you may have concerns on a local or national level regarding pike removal, contaminated water, etc
• Pike handling - you may have witnessed poor pike handling or methods and stepped in to offer advice to a junior or inexperienced angler. A story about what you did to help in any way with pike welfare or conservation is always welcomed by the PAC

The topics above are only a guide - Pikelines is your magazine for you to offer your advice, experience, stories and opinions.

If you need any help to put your article together, the ROs will help in any way we can.

Any members with articles or features they wish to have published, sent to ROs or pikelines before the 1st week in January for publishing in the February Issue. 

Alan (RO)

Take a look at the new section 'pics of interest' added to the site. 

Thanks to all members who've submitted pics for our web site. We are always on the look out for more so please send us your pics. These could be of pike, scenery, wildlife or funny stuff, so get wading through your old pics and send us some in.

Alan (RO)

Pikelines Articles

All members are urged to put articles forward for publication in Pikelines. This could be anything to do with piking, a personal story, pike pics, experiences, anything you feel strongly about or anything you like to do with piking. We all have a few stories to tell and in Notts we've got the advantage of having some very experienced anglers. Put pen to paper and share your experiences and knowledge with other members.

Send your articles to Steve Ormrod, Pikelines Editor or contact Alan to discus your ideas 07815 308463.

Steve is always on the look out for new and interesting stuff for the mag and particularly anything which demonstrates members efforts in educating others with regard to pike handling, techniques and welfare. We have all done something which promotes the club and it's values so get writing and pass on your experiences for the mag and others.

Alan (RO)   

Girton Charity Fish-In Sunday 28th Nov 2009

Meeting at the fishery at 07:30 am. Once registered with the Steward, choose your own swim and fish till 4:00 pm.

Drections: From the A57 Lincoln Rd, turn off near Dunham Bridge on the A1133 towards South Clifton/Girton. Follow the road for a few miles and turn right down Meadow Lane - Sign posted 'Girton Sailing Club'. The fishery is on your left, meeting inside last gateway on the left.

Sat Nav users: NG23 7 (this postcode will take you directly to the fishery)

Any probs contact Alan: 07815 308463