Sunday 21 October 2018

In Search Of A British Record Crucian Carp at The Dell


The Dell, Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18

T.D.A.S WEBSITE

Have absolutely no doubt in my mind that reports from genuine trusted sources that an unclaimed British Crucian Carp was caught here at my local water The Dell in Woolwich, London.

Have many Missions on at present which makes for challenging excitement. Keeps my angling exploits fun. Rest assured this mission like others is continuing until such time completed.

Providing this is not just another Fisherman's Tale, and such record fish is still alive my search is now on.

As mentioned last post, have had some wonderful sessions since becoming a Member of T.D.A.S here at The Dell in Woolwich.

However as much as had some great sport pulling in carp upto 18Ib got a bit bored targeting every session. The carp are not massive, which are only said to go upto 28Ib. A few twenty's.

Decided to boycott catching carp here, apart from the big crucians that go upto record weights, and The Big Perch

In Search Of The Big Dell Perch


The Dell, Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18

T.D.A.S WEBSITE

Had some enjoyable sessions since becoming a Member of T.D.A.S here at The Dell in Woolwich.

However as much as had some great sport pulling in carp upto 18Ib got a bit bored targeting every session. The carp are not massive, which are only said to go upto 28Ib. A few twenty's.

Decided to boycott catching carp here, apart from the big crucians that go upto record weights, more on them later.

After All a 4Ib perch has got to be worth its weight in gold compared to a 20Ib carp.

The target is the big perch lurking in here.

22 Oct 18 

The Ones That Got Away

Did get out in the end last night to test new homemade boilies. Those asking if they worked. Pleased to say one small carp hour session, three small carp, a chub which was a surprise in a lake, first here at the Dell. They worked caught a few fish, happy with results to continue making all my own boilies from now on.

Returning this morning, for a quick hour before work just one thing on my mind that Big Dell Perch. The temperature has certainly dropped this morning, winter setting in, long John's at the ready for next session ๐Ÿคฃ

No spinning is allowed, hence came prepared with just 1/4 a pint of red maggots, worms, few prawns. Perch being a predatory fish, always a good idea to to add a few maggots, bread something to attract prey, for a hungry perch, known as priming the swim. In the end did catch one perch, sad didn't take a picture, tiniest ever seen, sucking on the worm. An encouraging sign of successful breeding. A fish is a fish big or small, and saved a blanked session ๐Ÿ˜‚


Returning after work headed for what is becoming a favourite little swim. Let's say feeling comfortable. This being said in order to pursue such a Big Dell Perch need to be on the move to locate. Find the bigger fish, however could be forgiven for heading back here, first light in the morning. Caught bs total of 9 reasonable sized Perch. It was the two witnessed that got away. The first in my eyes was easily pushing 3Ib in weight. My heart was pounding the moment hooked into this fish, adrenaline was pumping. There before my eyes was this Stripey seconds from being netted. Could almost see the hook, wirh worm dangling out mouth. In an instant gone, as watched on in shock. Not once ! kid you not twice ! the second being smaller of 2Ib happy to catch. Be back in the morning ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿคฃ๐ŸŽฃ


Friday 19 October 2018

Homemade Boilies

They look good enough to eat myself ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜‚๐ŸŽฃ
Home Made Boilies:

Decided to make me own. At The Supermarket, hopefully this little lot will catch me a fish. Sure to save a fortune, and have my own unique personalized bait ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜„๐ŸŽฃ p.s - feel free to makes suggestions and give advice to a newbie ? Thanks

Updating in progress
Freshwater mussel and sweetcorn

Back soon in the kitchen for now off fishing ๐Ÿ˜„


20 Oct 18

Home Made Boilies Update

Good evening to you all,
Big shout out to everyone for suggestions on yesterday's shopping trolley. A few more bits added today, including scales, and mixing bowls. Still a few more ingredients to buy.
Did make an attempt to make some boilies last night, which unfortunately where disastrous, fell apart. Then went off for a couple of hours fishing, which was also a disappointment. Firstly my head torch batteries died. Then to make matters worse my Rhino Beam V2 packed up also. Trust me this is no fishing storytelling, could only happen to me. No fun left in the dark, struggling to back to car, especially open gate. Thank God for mobile phone torch light.
So today took a trip to Tackle Box near Dartford to exchange the Rhino Beam, shame none in stock to replace. Great Customer Friendly shop, they have ordered another one. Whilst there got speaking to The Manager Peter. Showed him the picture of yesterday's shopping trolley. He laughed ๐Ÿคฃ No wonder the Boilies didn't work wrong flour. Not to worry most of the shopping can eat myself, won't go to waste. Still got a few more things to order Peanut Meal etc etc
As for the couscous don't be alarmed, have other plans up sleeve to make a special roach boilie. No such boilie for roach on market, should be interesting, had some big roach in the past on boilie. Really looking forward to making many different types. Get back to you all soon, hopefully ready to use and some fish on the bank.
Good Night, enjoy the rest of your weekend ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽฃ

p.s - worked out the total cost will be 75% cheaper, that's four times the amount would get in a shop or online ready made. Plus my own fresh unique personalized flavours.
Decided to make some of the mix to cook some dinner ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜‚๐ŸŽฃ

21 Oct 18
Home Made Boilies Update

Mango Pulp Coconut Surprise Supreme
Good afternoon after kneading the base mix 50/50 Soya Flour and Semolina, eggs, continued adding wonderful ingredients. The result was just to nutritious looking not to fly some before adding further ingredients, and rolling read for the boiling water. They taste, and smell magnificent ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚

First batch ready added no colours to this first batch gone for natural
My dog has gone crazy with the smell
Ready to boil

Bye for now back soon off to try these out


Mango Pulp Coconut Surprise Supreme, first batch Mark 1 Test

Time for a spot of night fishing before bedtime, at my local, try out first batch of freshly made homemade boilies. To excited for words ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿคฃ๐ŸŽฃ


Good morning,
Home Made Boilies

Banana Spice and All Things Nice, mini boilies ๐Ÿคฃ
Did manage to squeeze in an hour last night just the one small carp on my second batch of mini homemade boilies. Lot of effort rolling, sure in time perfect the mix.
Nothing on my Mango Pulp Coconut Surprise Supreme, first batch Mark 1
Bye for now, as always tight lines and may your next bite be a big one ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿคฃ๐ŸŽฃ



23 Oct 18

Firstly apologies with delay responding to all your comments. Promise to reply soon. Thanks very much those of you who recently gave advice, and suggestions what to add/not to add.

Pleased to say first two attempts at making where successful, most importantly caught fish. However this next batch is something a little more special, going by comments quality ingredients over quantity, as such won't be throwing this in by the bucket load, be using PVA string.
One suggestion was the use of shrimp paste, after visiting 14 different supermarkets, with no joy, decided to come to a proper Oriental Cash and Carry. Stocked up on the shrimp paste ๐Ÿ˜„

This next mix added a whole load of Special Quality ingredients. Including fresh prawns, bird seed, and roasted peanuts. Rather than order peanut meal at the extra expense, including postage, decided to grind nuts in a coffee grinder. Um not literally LOL ๐Ÿคฃ

Very confident already in this next batch, mind you can't say looking forward to kneeding the stinky smelly shrimp paste in ๐Ÿ˜‚

Bye for now, as always tight lines, and may your next bite be a big one ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽฃ


Good Evening,
Home Made Boilies: Batch 3

Prawn, Nut and Everything Nice

Once again could not have got to this stage without wonderful readers who helped with advice. Seriously made up on this third batch.


As mentioned apologies for those who have made comments, been unable to reply. Along time in preparation.
In this mix have gone for the ultimate in quality rather than quantity. Held nothing back in this mix. All Advice regarding proteins, nutritional content, oils at this time of year. The cold having an effect on releasing essential smells. Made plenty for enough sessions, and frozen, fresh from cooking. All fish healthy, natural ingredients. The final addition of the prawn paste, wasn't to bad. Although seem to have every cat in the neighborhood want to greet me. It stinks ๐Ÿคฃ


Fresh prawns, ground nuts, bird seed, a few other special ingredients, will only be using sparingly. The Proof is in The Pudding, in this case The Boilie. Time to go put them to the Test. Hopefully A Fish ๐Ÿ˜„



Thursday 18 October 2018

Pursuit Of A Wise Old Monster Grand Union Canal Carp (Undisclosed Stretch)

AWS BLOG: Log Journal Entry: 18 Oct 18


For tonight's session gone back to a place unable to advertise. Certainly not until hopefully hooked, and landed, even then won't want to see any harm come to this fish from angling pressure, or poaching. For these reasons alone, have chosen to keep such quest firmly under wraps. All I can say at this point. The carp in question is certainly the biggest carp ever seen in my swim in over 40+ years of angling. Talking high 30's possibly pushing 40 pounds in weight.

Lay motionless, as before on a narrow ledge, literally scared to move a muscle , through fear of falling in. Forget falling asleep which nearly did last time.

lay as before head literally centimetres from the waters surface, looking down to the canal bed through gin clear water. Not wanting to give to much away about location, lights made vision easy to view the bottom.

Like to point out on first visit wasn't to sure what was in this stretch. A local in the early hours of the morning asked to step over me taking a short cut home. He laughed and said you won't catch nothing in here, never seen a fish, lived here over 15 years.

The same thing happened tonight as before, almost to the minute on the clock. Out from under a boat came a reasonable size carp. Certainly wouldn't grumble catching. This carp firstly swam around patrolling area. Then got its head down for a brief few seconds munching on my feed. Back under the boat, only seconds later to appear with a similar size Brother or Sister.

At this point was worried rigor mortis might just set in, not wanting to make the slightest twitch, move head, or cough. Water so clear like looking into a goldfish bowl. My eyes centemeters from the water. One false move, they would be gone. The same thing again they patrolled an area a set route. Then move in on feed for a few seconds, then back under boat.

Then witnessed the same carp have dreamed about ever since. Big Lump. Now reckon this was Papa and Mum stayed at home under the boat till the coast was clear. Big Lump just got it's head straight down on my offerings.

Could see one of the smaller reasonable sized carp scoffing around my hook bait, however desperately didn't want to hook into one of these. This was not the goal intended, and only spook off the bigger one.

Slowly moved the bait out of their path thinking was clever. Next second with a flash fish swam back under boat. At the same time slight short pull on rod not from Big Lump. Only to come back with a scale.

After much prebaiting last efforts, failing to catch know what in for. Not giving up be back tomorrow night, starting to prebait area.

That's all for now Folk's, off home to bed Zzz Zzz

This blog post is ongoing, a starting point rather than the finished article. Not finished until, fingers and toes firmly crossed, successful caught ๐Ÿ˜„

Hunt for first thirty pound carp is on


One from last night...

The Dell, Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18


Good morning long way off the thirty mark tonight but not complaining ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ Where am I ? To make matters more difficult not on a water that contains many big fish, the record told is 28Ib however sure such a fish would be pushing easy thirty by now since last capture.

To get that thirty going to have to move on  from The Dell pronto, to another venue with far more bigger fish, increase chances.
Once again it's all down to location, and the law of averages. Determined to catch the big one out of here however, got to face facts. Time here would be far better spent elsewhere.

That will do for tonight, needed a fish at least to get confidence back, especially after recent tough waters visited.
Goodnight Zzz Zzz


Tuesday 16 October 2018

Fishing Fun and Laughter



Fishtastic ! Friend's Dad Mr Sewitt Senior, Stanborough Lakes, Hertfordshire Oct 18

If this photo doesn't express the enjoyment of fishing, especially catching will eat my hat ๐Ÿคฃ

Dad and Sons night out at Stanborough Park Lake Welwyn Garden City. Top Angling to You Sir ๐Ÿ‘

Not fished here since the 80's early 90's. Great back in the day for silver fishing. Remember seeing many Top Match Anglers here back in the day.

Think it's time to pay this place a visit again. Take Dad, hopefully put just as big a smile on his face ๐Ÿ˜‚

Meeting Joe Royffe on The River Lea

Meeting Joe Royffe on The River Lea


Morning All,

Once again AWS Blog has returned. Daily posts from now on. Playing catch up with memories of the past 7 months. And all fishing trips. It was great to meet this man on travels. 23rd September 2018.

Great to meet this man Joe Royffe yesterday on The Old River Lea at Hertford, Hertfordshire. A real Gent his catches over the years have been nothing but impressive. Regularly in The Angler's Mail. Thanks for all your tips and advice, hopefully a big fish today as a result ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ

Monday 15 October 2018

Lake Carp, or a rarely caught Wild Carp ?


Goodnight Everyone Zzz Zzz

Fancied a bit of a change this evening, updated cover picture.

Got to say thanks to someone not going to mention, had to ask myself this evening what is worth more it's weight in gold. A lake or pond carp everyone is targeting, or a really wild carp. Shy, uncaught or rarely ?

Having spent may months walking vast areas, miles of London's waterways spotting huge fish, along the way. Now is the time to target such fish forget the mission to complete all Borough's of London till later in the season.


For now you will find me hidden off the beaten track somewhere tucked up in a bush, away from the crowds targeting those same carp.

My quest will more than likely take far longer to achieve than a lake carp. Hence pre warned, might be absent from here for sometime.

As Always Tight Lines, and may your next bite be a big one ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ


Sunday 14 October 2018

Good Angling or The Law Of Averages ?

Next time you pick up a copy of your favourite weekly or monthly magazine, open the pages, to look at with awe. Think how would the select few get on at an average venue, with average tackle, and bait like the rest of Us ?

Maybe do have a feeling of jealousy, waters and angling some of us could only dream about. Not taking away the fact Journalists, so called Top Anglers who are living a dream. All down to averages, water potential, fish stock, pre baiting. Tackle, and free bait sponsorship. 

The Challenge to any of today's Pro Angler's. Get off your pedestal and come down a level ! No flash tackle, heavily stocked, expensive, dream venue's. Let's read some fishing reports that are on a level with the majority, rather than stories, and pictures of your catches, most of us can only dream about. Let's see anyone of you take up the challenge of fishing somewhere hard, and difficult. 


Good morning All,

Truth be known burnt out. Had little time off to reflect, being out most days fishing, if only for an hour or two before or after work. The past however many months has taken it's toll on me  Been a struggle at times, not that its always fishing, often walking miles, and miles in search of locations. Hope of finding secret honey pots along the way, speaking to various anglers indebted for sharing their angling knowledge, and experience.

So today as yesterday had no option to take a short break this weekend. Certainly not due to lack of commitment or passion.

Going to be honest and totally straight with you all. I read a great deal from Top Anglers who question whether they are going to catch. Top Anglers who are sponsored by big bait and tackle companies. The privileged few. Come on now ! Without being jealous sure many of us would love to spend just a few hours in your shoes. Worried about catching. Try spending a session on The Regents Canal, or some hard going tiny London river, with just a few pennies to spare for a loaf of bread. Moaning when really your in a world the average angler can only dream about. All the bait you could possibly throw a stick at, new tackle, not forgetting the best fishing venues in the land, most of us could only ever dream.

The moral of this story,  there are those amongst us who don't have the luxury of free bait, the opportunity to fish exclusive and expensive prime waters. Only very few get to live that dream. Refuse to get jealous spit my dummy out. Those here who have questioned my ability, even lack of fish. Trust me put in the hours, even finishing work going straight to a water, only to go straight back into work the next morning. Sleeping rough for night's on end often not even going home for over a week at a time. That's just reality.

Don't get me wrong not bitching, or getting my pants in a twist. Love fishing regardless of what, or lack of catching. However like everyone here it's nice to have the occasional red letter day. Have become emotional and low at times, which is not right. The amount of hard earned money on bait and travel, only to sit all day without so much as a bite. Going home blanking. Still as mentioned here before 'A bad day's fishing is still better than a good day at work'

In the meantime happy not to follow the crowds, getting enjoyment fishing totally obscure venues that no one else would ever dream of fishing. Happy scratching a bite, a fish if lucky, the odd shopping trolley, making do with what got. Be it only a few slices of bread at my disposal, or even using a piece of tackle over 50 year's old. 

Unfortunately as in all walks of life, not everyone is blessed with such opportunities, and angling will always be a case of the haves and have-nots. Class division, the rich and the poor.

But let's not forget, regardless of opportunities enjoy fishing for what it is. The peace, tranquility, and relaxation. Size of fish isn't everything, although the occasional bigger fish does put a smile on my face.

There is something certainly to be said about Location. Always Location, Location, Location Fact !

Looking out the window tempted to visit The Dell despite the pouring rain. However think time out, for the first time in months, will do some good. Happy to be in doors chilling.

Till next time Folks, Tight Lines ๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ

Remember next time you read the Angler's Mail or Time's. You won't come close on an average venue with, average baits and fish stock. Super Baits, Super Venue's, Super Fish Stock = Super Results, that only the selected few are lucky to experience.

REST UP AND FOCUS

Saturday 13 October 2018

Woolwich Dockyard, Europe Rd, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London SE18

work in progress please standby



Picture of one of the two Woolwich Docks circa. 1969

This old dock at Woolwich one can see many shelfs in this old picture of the dock empty back in 1969. As one can imagine although man made there is plenty of natural food available. These two docks where once well kept and heavily fished. Sadly the place is no longer tidy, and an eyesore. Be honest although this venue is close to me not fished for many years. Can honestly say not looking forward to fishing. Bites will be hard to come by, although rumours are said it is still full of fish, do welcome a challenge however.  Certainly be a struggle to locate which shelf the fish will be feeding on, if feeding at all.

Work in progress

Fishing Baits

Fishing Baits -work in progress-

Blackberries


Blackberries are a natural free seasonal bait. Will often collect in the summer months and freeze. Find they work well mixed in with your groundbait for extra flavour. Had carp, and chub in the past although not much in recent years.

Cheese


Cheese is a great chub bait.


Hot Dogs


Hot Dogs are an excellent bait and most cases cheaper than luncheon meat.
Try it for yourself, sure you will have much success. Fish love it ❤️ Barbel, Carp, Chub

Luncheon Meat (forefront) 


This particular variety is Spam, the fish love it, particularly carp, chub, barbel, I adore it yum ๐Ÿ˜„

Maggots


Good old fashioned maggots will catch anything from a minnow to monster carp, fish love them.

Continuing on with baits in this photo album mainly for those reading new to angling. Many more baits here still to add.

Prawns


Prawns are an amazing bait, caught many fish on these mainly  carp, perch, and chub. Perch especially love them.
The only downfall is they are a bit on the expensive side. And be warned left in the fridge for a few days they can quickly go off, resulting in a putrid smell.

to be continued work in progress

The Dell, Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18

The Dell, Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18


Good Morning All,

Been a longtime since updated this blog, having returned yesterday. Much has happened since. Will be slowly playing catch-up, hoping to add many angling adventures from the past 7 months, since my absence from 19 March 18.  Some have asked what happened, saying have missed blog posts. Very sorry to have dropped, in favour for Facebook. However many of you don't have a Facebook Account. So without further ado time to get back on track here. By no means does this mean will be neglecting Facebook, those who have followed, liked, supported, helped, along the way.

As Always Tight Lines and may your next bite be a big one ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽฃ


T.D.A.S WEBSITE

The Dell is situated in The Royal Artillery Garrison, Woolwich, Royal Borough Of Greenwich, London, SE18. Formerly the home of The Royal Artillery from 1776 to 2007. Now presently at time of writing occupied by The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.


- 28 July 2018 -

Finally after probably the longest wait in history to join an angling club, fifteen plus years since first applying, was finally in. Thanks mainly to David Pearce for helping, after many failed attempts. Was beginning to think had been black balled.

Was it worth the wait ? Think so ๐Ÿคฃ๐ŸŽฃ

Take a look Anglers Mail TV

5Ib Crucian ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Have some of that ๐Ÿ‘

Video was made by Adam Raynor the Son of Agony Aunt Clair Raynor,


Being handed Membership pack and shown around by Membership Secretary Mr Len Morley.


In! Finally In ๐Ÿคฃ 

Key fishing permit to a piece of Sanctuary ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽฃ


Getting to see lake for the first time, these pictures just don't do justice to what will be my little piece of sanctuary, away from all the madness, strsss and strains of life...


Strange after such a long wait couldn't get my rods out. Kind of like meeting a beautiful woman for the first time, not wanting to jump in bed straight away. Savouring the moment.


Be back shortly to dip a line for the first time. That old annoying expression "Can't Wait" ... Can wait and it's going to be a very special moment indeed.

Check Out Me T.D.A.S Car Sticker ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿคฃ๐ŸŽฃ


Can walk to the lake, sure we are going to have a very special relationship over the coming years. An hour or two before and after work, certainly on cards. Truthfully rather than rush back, would very much like to hit this first light, not being selfish, to witness the lake all to myself. Patience is a virtue.

Time to open the champagne ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ


getting acquainted



Day 1: 29 July 18 First Dell Fish ๐Ÿ‘
Morning All...Yes know was meant to be traveling to Barnes and be practicing for Tidefest. Will have to wait till next weekend. Just couldn't wait any longer since getting Membership yesterday. Lay awake all night twitching. Was here first light to catch my first Dell fish this morning.


Not long before into another carp ๐Ÿ‘ Happy Day's Falling in Love with this place ❤️ To good to be true, walking distance, from Home. Happy Day's ๐Ÿ˜€


Having a blinding days sport so far.


7 Carp in 2 hours Amazing Fun Great Sport. WoW ! Fallen in Love with this place ❤️๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽฃ



WoW ! Carp stop smiling ๐Ÿ˜€ Fun Sport ๐ŸŽฃnon stop action ๐Ÿ‘


Beautiful looking fish, nothing massive, terrific fun, 7 in 2 hours first time fished here, looking forward to many more wonderful day's here fishing, catching, enjoying this wonderful piece of tranquility, peace of mind. A place to relax in Urban London, South East London, and think you was in the countryside ๐ŸŽฃ


The last hour it poured down, heavy rain. The fish went off the feed, ending up with 9 Carp in 3 hrs. Carp be bad, fallen in love with this place ๐ŸŽฃ


After a fantastic few hours this morning, returned for another few hours this evening. Very impressed with this beautiful fishery, the fishing is incredibly. For this evening's session changed to feeder tactics, scaled down in the hope of some bream, and crucians.

To my surprise caught 4 small barbel, 6 small skimmer bream, 3 carp, and a tench to finish off. No sign of the crucians today.

Happy Day's ๐Ÿ˜„


Last fish of the day, a Tench, not a great shot was getting dark. A Great Red Letter Day, first time visiting. Fantastic ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜Ž๐ŸŽฃ


Thanks for visiting and reading today. This blog post is currently being updated ๐Ÿ‘

WORK IN PROGRESS THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE