City Of Bristol: Catch A Fish From All 69 UK Cities

CATCH A FISH FROM THE CITY OF BRISTOL
AWS Blog Entry Saturday 4th January/Sunday 5th January 2020

work in progress

Feeder Canal, Bristol, picture courtesy of Karlon Mc Allister

Traps set come on now let's have it fishhy fishy

many more angling trips, exclusive uploads can be found on my Facebook Page 
www.facebook.com/anglingwithshaun

Forget The Bristol Cream here is a Bristol Bream Not wanting to blank, worried about River Avon being unfishable, after last City Outing on The Stour, Canterbury opted to fish The Feder Canal. Don't want to keep you in suspense not one bite all day Saturday or Sunday, Saturday night as soon as it got dark non stop action 6 bream, 4 Ruffe, 3 Perch, 6 Chub, and 2 Dace. All small but at least another City scratched off list. Was hoping to catch a fish in the daylight better quality picture but no joy, as was using a static bait on feeder. Next time one float rod, one ledger rod. A moving bait on a flowing river would have been better in day. More pictures, story to follow over next few days.

Sorry not a great picture, last light and not set up, however worth sharing as a first fish of 2020, although added the Bristol Bream to the claim of a catch from the city. This fish is called a Ruffe or sometimes a Pope, remember back as a child many years ago catching loads of these. Surprisingly never caught one in London, forgotten the last time actually caught one been that long. So a pleasant surprise, catching these in Bristol on The Feeder Canal.

So miracles do happen after being rushed to hospital last week suspected stroke, was advised to learn to let go of Sammy Boy. The constant crying, not eating properly and late nights unable to sleep my body warned me if carried on beating self up, would end up with serious health issues. Had to finally let go, besides my baby boy would not be free all the time seeing me suffer.

Headed off to Bristol crying for the last time even on the coach journey. Arriving in Bristol to go fishing the first person met Haile, not only a wonderful spirited person, who directed on way gave me 2 crates of cider. Yes 2 crates of cider, don't drink but sure had a few this weekend. Along with two swans who kept me company all weekend, just feel in a better place. Been four weeks since losing my dog of 14 years and finally coming to terms with loss and first time not cried this weekend. let's just say maybe the cider helped, and the swans in their mysterious way helped the healing process. Life works in mysterious ways.

Can I have fingers back please

Shame one for sorrow two for joy an old saying when seeing Magpies there was two swans and two Magpies didn't get camera out in time

 Nice went down a treat

Always wondered why Avon scales where not called Avon Bristol or Thames London lol :) 

Thanks to Bev for bringing across a bottle of water for brewing tea, from across road Bristol Rope & Twine Co

The Journey from Coach Stop Bond Street was a nightmare got totally lost

 Could see The feeder Canal walking over a bridge viaduct net to police yard and railway, took another hour and a half to get to it

Dark tunnels and places unknown was getting more lost by the minute not having a smart phone dropped in a London Dock

Walking blindly

That trolley is doing me proud now where am I ?

Blimey a Castle ? Somewhere near Kingland Road

more of these needed on waters please

As always if it wasn't for the many wonderful people meet not just on the bank these angling adventures and blog would not exist. Thankful to each and everyone who has made this weekend in Bristol City most memorable. Also whilst here thanks to everyone who has recently liked this page. That's All For Now, see you on the road. Tight Lines may your next bite be a big one or anyone big or small 👍😎🎣 

p.s would have loved to have included you all not everyone met took a picture of or the lovely girl who walked for over half an hour helping with directions.

Not even touched on the weekend really let's just say met many local anglers including this angler who are skilled and well aware of these canoes. Lets just say the weekend wasn't all good. These guys think they own the canal, so be warned if it's your first time fishing on The Feeder Canal in Bristol ! Better still keep away find other suitable areas to fish. On the Saturday good job never set up tackle in night as would have had no rods, these rowers start as early as 6am. Rudely awoken by what thought was The Oxford Cambridge Boat race up and down even in the dark. The fishing was impossible literally as soon as cast out was time to bring tackle in again was that bad. They have no respect or slow down to allow to bring tackle in even close to bank edge. Turned round to make a cup of tea next minute rod pulled off rest smashed tip. To add insult to injury the same 8 man boat 10 minutes later ripped other rod of rest breaking bite alarm, so shocked the speed and quietness of these was not ready and kicked kettle over burning hand covered in blisters. Got videos to share, they even thought it was funny laughing at me. Disgusting !!! To make matters worse these start in the dark, got video footage to share. Again rod ripped off rest first thing Sunday morning, smashed another bite alarm, more lost terminal tackle. Just wait till you see video the rower reckons he couldn't see me in the dark and all anglers should have a light so they can be warned. Hang on a minute if you can't see in the dark um health and safety why be out canoeing in the dark ? Not just anglers at risk from damage, wildlife. Well what can say terrible fishing never be back on The Feeder Canal ever ever again talk about respect sharing the waterways together and showing common decency and respect. It's just not happening here. Over £100 of damage annoyed to say the least.

So as mentioned a wonderful weekend meeting some nice people, just a real shame had tackle smashed by rowers two rod tips broken, 1 prologic alarm a right off, other one damaged still working for how long or how well don't know. Rod rest bent, terminal tackle, weights , feeders lost being snapped up. Not forgetting jumping up to save rod kettle of boiling hot water for a cup of tea kicked over hand blistered up. Just be warning it's a no go zone for anglers unless you have fished here before and well aware of dangers say go elsewhere.

videos to follow

videos to follow

work in progress

work in progress

*UPDATE PLEASE NOTE NOT SPONSORED BY ROMAN TACKLE OR ANY ANGLING FIRM PAY FOR ALL TACKLE AND BAIT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS HAVE DONE SINCE FIRST ABLE TO AFFORD AS A YOUNG BOY THIS WAS A KIND GESTURE FROM A FRIENDLY SHOP THOSE COMPLAINING IT'S NOT AT ALL NECESSARY*

Just want to say a massive thank you to Roman Tackle who kindly gave a nice hoody to keep warm on travels. Those living in London, and looking for a great tackle shop, you can't beat for friendly service, massive range of stock at terrific prices. Not forgetting quality live bait. I always insist on the freshest quality maggots. Thanks Roman Tackle: https://www.facebook.com/ROMANTACKLE/ 624 Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 2RW United Kingdom Call 020 8880 6555 Pictures kindly taken by Karlon Mc Allister on The Feeder Canal, Bristol City

Okay so really not been doing myself any favors diet is not good one bit ! Mean seriously great weekend fishing, but have to now stop eating crap ! All ate all weekend whilst fishing was rubbish ! Decided no more sugar, limit salt, cut down the chips, cheese, bread, crisps enough is enough ! Must admit though not a drinker but really got a taste for The Thatcher's lovely drop of cider. So from tomorrow morning no more skipping breakfast. You are what you eat, looking more like those mince pies looking feeling worse for wear literally.

One last cast trap set maggot feeder ready filled, big holes taped up steady trickle of feed

Come on now ready for one last fish, not one bite all day, tackle all packed apart from the one rod.

Here fishy fishy

The witching hour having waited since first light not one bite packed everything away apart from the one rod. It was getting dark and couldn't keep eyes open. Then fell asleep for seconds only to watch tip finish moving back missed the only bite of day before heading home. Shame would have been nice for one last fish. 

More to follow:

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Bye for now as always may your next bite be a big one or any one big or small 👍😎🎣

As for next City had a change of heart leaving sea fishing trip to Plymouth until close season. Next venue will be Roath Park Lake, City Of Cardiff, Wales...

work in progress , thanks for your patience,
coming soon

Next stop City of Cardiff

ABOUT ANGLING WITH SHAUN

many more angling trips, exclusive uploads can be found on my Facebook Page 

www.facebook.com/anglingwithshaun

ABOUT ANGLING WITH SHAUN

Hi Folks (Updated)

Sorry for the delay it's only taken over 2 years to finally add a story to 'About Angling With Shaun' despite constant Facebook reminders. If you have a moment, feel free to read write up, please inform of any spelling or poor grammar. Hope this gives a little insight about myself, the reasons behind this page, and hopefully many more Folks are encouraged to take up this wonderful pastime, or pick up their tackle again. Here for you. Best Fishes Shaun:

Hi Folks and Welcome to my page. Want to point out unlike the majority of Angling Pages this blog is not intended to be solely about myself, the fish catch, or better put lack of fish. This page is nothing without the many hundreds of people get to meet on travels, for which make this page, and special memories. Really not into glory hunting catching the biggest or the most, certainly not what this page is about. As an important note not sponsored, and refuse to except any such sponsorship deals, free tackle , or bait, which turned down on many occasions. Not the way wish to go forward, always purchased own gear and bait. Do not want any favors.

Gives me so much pleasure those who have commented, or sent private messages encouraged to take up this wonderful pastime, or who have picked their fishing tackle back up again after many years. To me that means much more than a personal catch. Also want to promote this hobby of mine for which been passionate about for over 45 years, since a young boy of 6 years old. Hope that in time able to start teaching again for free to those with disabilities, especially encouraging children, maybe with learning difficulties, illness, or disabilities. Certainly not about profit in my books. Here to help those who need advice, not just tips, tackle, and angling venues. Also do the occasional honest independent tackle reviews (not always to the liking of some tackle manufacturers)

Along the way you will find me doing crazy missions/quests purely for my own entertainment, and bucket list. To date completed catching a Fish From All 33 London Authorities 32 Boroughs plus The City Of London in under a year, to much press including The Anglers Mail for which truly proud of. For the record had serious health issues over recent years, as a result almost died on a number of occasions from COPD. Thankfully it’s something learnt to manage, fishing being a great healer being outdoors in the fresh air.

Over the years done all styles of fishing, and like nothing better than mixing up my fishing one week sea, coarse, game. Rarely fish the same venue twice, enjoy very much the travelling aspect and a different canvas each time venture out. Certainly not a carp angler although will have a go regarded as an all round angler, who loves catching all species. Even spent a good deal of time match fishing, winning a total of 16 matches in one season. However these days don’t fish many matches, more so organize matches once a month as The Founder and Editor of ‘Fishing In London’

That’s all for now hopefully one day will be able to return to teaching, so much red tape these days now needing the necessary Angling Coach Qualifications, due to new Health And Safety legislation’s. Once completed will not be charging and making a profit. Almost forgot back in 1981 The Year Of The Disabled was presented an award for my achievements helping disabled anglers match fishing. A shame years later with so much knowledge, experience unable to give back to our sport due to not being able to afford the necessary qualifications at this time.

The bucket list continues with more crazy quests currently ‘Catch A Fish From All 69 UK Cities’ including ‘Catch A Fish From All 48 English Counties. Thanks to everyone who has liked page, followed, commented, likes and support. Without you this page wouldn't exist.

Tight Lines, may your next bite be a Big One, or anyone Big or Small... Happy Angling :)

Wash Out Canterbury City 'Catch A Fish From All 69 UK Cities, River Great Stour aka The Kentish Stour

Catch A Fish From The City Of Canterbury

AWS Blog Entry Saturday 21st/Sunday 22nd December

many more angling trips, exclusive uploads can be found on my Facebook Page www.facebook.com/anglingwithshaun

Finally after many months of delay got back to my personal quest to 'Catch A Fish From All 69 UK Cities' what with one thing or another had a terrible year up to now, made worse by the recent loss of my dog Sammy Boy, sadly after 14 years had to get put down. What can I say those who are on Facebook and have followed more regular posts will understand how emotional a time had losing my best buddy, very much a part of journeys always by side, fishing and taken to work, until recent months when his health started going down hill. Unfortunately the vet said he might not make it through an operation, if so may only live a couple of weeks or years. At the time blamed myself, guilty that maybe should have given him that one chance. Now learning to cope knowing that he is no longer in pain, or suffered anymore. Coming to terms with loss became very ill, unable to eat, sitting around at home, not able to go out with a chest infection. Promised myself as soon as well enough to get out, remain active, above all stay positive, get back on track with angling adventures. Breaks heart, knowing at one time my dog used to come fishing all the time until recent months, whereby would rather be at home with him, not left on his own. Therefore the fishing trips became few and far between. Now to get back out, remain focused, positive, been a hard 12 days coping with loss, crying constantly like a big baby, those who have knocked me saying only a dog will never understand, hoping in time getting out will help to heal the wounds. Will miss my baby boy, no trips will ever sacrifice the loss. RIP Sammy Boy, Love you forever.

Well overdue this trip was originally planned as far back as June the start of the coarse fishing season. Let's just say as mentioned above what with one thing or another was not at all possible. Only wish could have made it earlier in the warmer weather. The plan was to fish on Saturday on The River Wandle at Hackbridge, so rather than leave on a Friday night booked a ticket for 11pm on the Saturday night, departing from The O2, The Millennium Dome, North Greenwich, arriving in Canterbury City for 1am in the morning. The first coach on a Sunday was not until late in the morning meaning would only have been able to fish a few hours given winter daylight hours.

Not the best of pictures finally on the coach on way to Canterbury City

First time using Megabus operated by Stagecoach have to say the journey to Canterbury was most pleasant, and an excellent Friendly Driver, as an ex bus/coach driver myself very well driven. A clean and tidy coach. If only all drivers where as pleasant. The journey stopped at various points on route, must say very reasonably priced costing just £16 return. Stopping at Chatham, Rainham, Hempstead Valley, the shopping Centre had arguably one of the prettiest Christmas trees witnessed for a long time, onto Faversham, before finally arriving in Canterbury City.

Arriving at Canterbury Bus Coach station, was a little peckish, not a fan of McDonalds in all honesty, however was hungry had little choice, a welcome surprise to be open all night, no where to sit, the place was packed out at 1am, 

in fact the whole of the city centre was mobbed with Christmas partying going on, security and police everywhere. A big difference from what had come from in London with not a great Christmas atmosphere, with little Christmas lights, and few people out celebrating, must say it was a breath of fresh air to see so many people out celebrating Christmas.

Having done some research before leaving was well aware which areas to fish however most areas where flooded, the fishing looked impossible. Searched for any spots whereby could find any eddies, whereby fish would find sanctuary out of the main current which was pushing through at a great deal of knots. Walked for a good 45 minutes before finding a spot to set up, close to Sainsbury's, noted for some barbel catches. However on setting up, noticed by the morning the river was rising rapidly. So much so the water was getting closer to my Fox Supa Brolly.

Certainly had no intentions of going to sleep. Trust me a word of warning would not recommend setting up or being so close to the waters edge. One slip and the consequences are not worth thinking about. Be careful out there especially in times of heavy rainfall, and severe yellow weather warnings. Incidentally hours beforehand a tornado had struck the county of Surrey, warnings where in place from Land's End to Dover. Had definitely picked the wrong time to turn up and fish, but wasn't going to cancel after buying bait, and coach return coach ticket.

So what about the fishing ? Damn it was awful, wrote off any chances of catching anything on arrival, however worked damn hard to scratch a bite, catch a fish, complete the City Of Canterbury. Not only where many areas under water, the flow was incredibly fast and difficult to fish, didn't get one bite in 13 hours.

Actually couldn't believe the amount of anglers who turned up to brave the harsh conditions, test their luck. Was happy to be reassured not the only crazy angler on the back. At just past 8am three angers turned up. It was a pleasure meeting them. 

Sorry guys forgot to write down your names. Excuse the poor picture quality, rain and damp conditions didn't help matters. Looking somewhat like the bogey man here in this picture, face completely gone lol :) 

Turns out they where old Friends from different areas, arranged to meet go fishing despite the poor conditions. Just goes to show fishing is a great sport, a perfect pastime for meeting your buddies.

It was great to meet you guys, if only braving the conditions and poor fishing for an hour. An hour is better than nothing. Besides they where more keen on getting to the cafe and having breakfast. Can't say blame them, if only had been driving, still had a car would have joined them. Ended up settling for a nice Costa Coffee next to Sainsbury's before buying some munchies once finally opened after 10am being a Sunday.

Back to the fishing. Still not had a bite, even though was confident had found the only slack bit of water where was convinced fish would be hanging out. To my surprise met another angler, sorry mate forgot to take a picture was great to meet you. Then a huge splash a massive pike. Sure sign fish where in the swim which the pike was feeding on. Damn ! can't believe didn't even have a spinner in box. Must pack next time. That would sure have helped to crack this city off the list. Damn ! Could have kicked myself. For the next four hours continued to try and catch a fish, build the swim up only to be bugged by this damn pike. Found some tin foil in the bin, made a spinner, which hoped would fool this pike. People have caught pike before on tin foil, had them myself biting a swim feeder winding in, even bread, but this pike wasn't having it. And any chance of catching a fish with a pike in swim was greatly reduced.

Yessssss ! Then as luck would have it met another fisherman who was braving the conditions out to catch a pike. What chances of that happening ? Explained about this damn pike in the swim, luck would have it he gave me not only a stinky smelly sardine fish, also a pike trace. What a fantastic guy. Thanks so much Jamie what a top guy. Unfortunately despite the effort no such joy that pike wasn't having any of it. Winding the dead bait, splashing the surface, tweaking this way and that, nothing. Damn it ! it's looking highly likely now mission failed, blanked, having to return another day to catch a fish from Canterbury City :(

Thankfully met this young man Roylee Granger a local expert on the river who will put me on a spot next time visit in March. Looking forward to meeting him again, fishing, which will be blogged.

Thanks to The City Council for warning that flood gates where to be opened in Maidstone and Ashford, as such would have be under water if didn't pack up quickly. Took no chances and immediately packed up moving gear to safety.

after packing up early headed to city centre hoping to visit Canterbury Cathedral sadly to my shock not like when visited years ago no longer free to enter :(

 So what about a free area for those who can't afford to enter ? become more a money making tourist industry making a profit.

Pay to Pray ! 

Shocking really £12.50 to enter especially when National Lottery Funded.

Church Of England's Corruption Wealth links to Wonga Amazon and More

Disgusting ! In a city that is the head of The Church Of England never seen so much homelessness. Kindly asked this man to take a picture and share, but not to reveal his face. How sad 3 years on the street.

No fish to report, however still having a pint in all 69 UK Cities :)

Be back in March next stop City Of Bristol