Middy’s Andy Quarmby has been on fire again recently thanks to thinking outside the box! Theale pit is a natural lake, in Theale, just outside Reading; it is quite a big lake, probably around 15 acres. It was stocked with carp about 25 years ago and the same stock have survived and bred, and it is literally solid with 6oz-7lb carp. However in recent years the match scene has gone downhill, through fallings out, and poorly run matches to name a few. In April of this year, my friend Pat Pritchard announced he was taking over the running of the matches, with organised pay outs, and a few rules such as a 5kg groundbait limit, to keep a bit of order etc.
Joe Carass reflects on a summer of fishing that has seen him have more than a few up’s and down’s!What a summer of fishing! We have had a new English World Champion crowned in Sean Ashby, had the two big money matches won by Matrix anglers and the UK Champs won by a relatively unknown angler in Marc Rodger. It has been a funny summer too with endless rainfall across the nation that has not only caused the rivers to be unfishable at times but also the commercial fisheries have suffered! Nevertheless it has been a year to remember for many reasons!My fishing has largely revolved around the UK Champs this year. Going into Round Three at Larford Lakes I had a very realistic chance of winning the event. And going into the round I was full of confidence.
The AFP range of pastes has been a big success for Marukyu and now, thanks to the addition of the AFP 320 mix, there is a more robust version in the range. This is super simple to mix and a bag will last for ages!RRP: £6. 99. .
The Match 280 is the ideal choice for the angler wanting a complete seatbox setup at a great price. The box has a strong sliding footplate and comes supplied with a spray bar. RRP: £249. .
Available in eight different patterns, the Dura Extreme floats are the ultimate in strength! They feature an inline body and strong spring eye that makes them almost indestructible. All of the floats are constructed from super-strong foam material. RRP: £1. 99.
Soft pellets are a cracking bait choice and the N-Tice versions are full of attractants that the fish can’t resist. They have a lovely texture allowing them to be used on the feeder, waggler or pole. RRP: £2. 25.
Pole pots are essential for accurate feeding and these soft pots from Frenzee are some of the most versatile out there. They have a clever system that allows the pot to simply be squeezed onto the pole. All the sizes come with removable lids that allow you to use them as sprinkle pots. RRP: £4.
This rod from Drennan is supplied with two butt sections, allowing the angler to use it at either 11ft or 12ft depending on the distance of the cast. At both lengths the rod has a perfect progressive action that minimises hook-pulls. RRP: £99. 95 .
This quality barrow comes at a very affordable price. It features four extendable legs and a pneumatic tyre that easily copes with the lumps and bumps on the paths around fisheries. RRP: £30. .
“Mention the letter M and figure 3 in the same sentence and my heart starts racing,” says Alex Bones. . . Imagine my delight when I received a call from the manufacturer asking if I wanted to test the 2012 M3! I thought: “£2,476.
