Autumn's here

Well here comes the autumn with a vengeance, the trees are changing colour almost as you watch them, the streams which have been empty all year are already filling up to their full capacity.

I live on top of a hill here in Hucknall, so I've no worries about my house insurance, but I do feel sorry for those down in the valley. We have all these car parking spaces, block paving, houses and warehousing developments and there's nowhere for the water to run off to.

All this water has taken its toll on the fishing as well. It's knocked the warmer water on the head, thus making the fishing harder.

If like me, you carry on fishing through these beautiful but somewhat chilly months, there are a few things I do to increase my chances of getting that all-important take.

Firstly scale down your main line from 15lb to 10lb, in some cases - even 8lb main line. Use smaller leads and bait, I use maize during the summer but scale this somewhat large bait down by either cutting it down or even using grains of sweetcorn.

Instead of using the large Fox method feeders, I use the lighter ones, with a lot less feed around them. No need to scold so many pellets either, so try to remember this when filling your bait bucket.

Still cast out at least every hour but be ready to reel in and recast if you see signs of fish moving. This can get you an immediate take on some occasions.

Remember to include your hot drink and food when fishing at this time of year, as we all know there is nothing worse than going home cold and hungry while your mates fish on - and catch that all-important wacker.

My own fishing has dropped off due to my work commitments, but I still get out on occasions and enjoy it immensely due to several reasons:

1. There are less people on the bank.
2. Because there are less people - there is less litter.
3. The fish have less anglers bait to feed on, so anyone braving the cold could have a bumper day.

This is the time of year when you can have big hit, so don't hang up your rod just yet. In fact go fishing more now - and let the missus do the Christmas shopping!

News from France
A friend in France this week has informed me of these unbelievable captures...
A 58lb common carp, a 57lb mirror carp and a huge 59lb common, all these were from Les Quis.
Dream Lakes, also in France, has just produced a 60lb'er which is unbelievable. Lukes Lake has kept its huge 70lb'er away from the bank somehow, but for how much longer?

Back locally now - the big common from Moorgreen has been out at 42lb+ but the Trent 45lb Ghosty has not been caught so far this year, unless a secret squirrel has caught it and kept it quiet.

Nottingham's West Lake has thrown out several 30lb'ers this backend, but the secret squirrels keep these things to themselves. To fish here you must get your ticket in advance from the wardens hut next to the trout lake. I can't believe the bream in this lake, they go to well over 15lb, but you hardly ever see any bream anglers there.
I've caught bream to 11lb here and I am not targeting them - so come on bream fishermen - if you want a slimy slab, you could do worse then try here.

Tight lines and I hope to meet you at the EAST MIDLANDS CARP STUDY GROUP's winter meetings this year or visit our web site at www.emcsg.co.uk

Questions
If you have any questions for me, don't hesitate to drop me a line via e/mail on david.williams257@ntlworld.com. Please keep them brief and to the point and I'll do my best to answer them for you. Please mention AnglersTimes.co.uk when you respond.

Tight lines

Dave Williams