UKCF Anglers.

[Johnny Thunder]

Absolutely Simon.

[Simon Bolivar]

Cheers Johnny, got to set yourself targets, even unlikely ones coz sometimes just reach for the heights you can surprise yourself. And it's another great excuse for one of those celebration cigars that we buy & seem to wait forever to smoke.

[Johnny Thunder]

Good luck with it. I hope you break the ton.

[Simon Bolivar]

OK, your right Johnny, the original inventor sold the rights to make the product as he didn't have the time. I bought just about the last pair before the changeover. The funny thing is I use Delk's TX on the front rest & just use the back biters for the swinger, although should something go wrong with the Delk's, I have the BB as backup. I went again this morning, half the pit now covered with ice, will be totalled by end of weekend. Had to break the bird ice in front of my swim, with a 3ox led & scoop it up in my landing net, to get started. Actually had a run & 10:30 but didn't connect. I put a kilo of pre-bait in & will be back in 2 1/2 wks to fish for the last leave of the season. I am after 14 pike to break the 100 pike in a season barrier for the first time ever. It might not sound much but I have at least a dozen seasons in Belgium, where I only caught 14 or less! It's possible though, I'll be buying 30 2-4oz Roach & trawling with the boat if necessary to get those numbers up. I'll let you know how it goes

[Johnny Thunder]

Billys is alive and kicking VTG. They are probably the top pike buzzer currently.

http://www.billysbackbiters.co.uk/

They are also very active on Facebook with regular updates if you wish to follow them:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billys-Backbiters/271763976214128

I believe there was a change of ownership/buyout.

[ValeTudoGuy]

anyone used billys? I'm after some back biters..... though I heard he stopped making them.

[Johnny Thunder]

Brilliant session Simon. An excellent photo blog too. The conditions looked harsh.
That water must freeze soon.
Are you using ET backbiters or Billys?

Well done on the Crocs.

[Simon Bolivar]

So on Wed managed a couple of pike on lures, despite the water temp being barely above freezing; was half covered with ice on Monday, when I pre-baited my corner swim. The first one was 8lb 01 on a Hand made Loz Harrop Mini Dater Jerkbait, in Red Head. Later on another pit I had this jack on q Spro 6" Swimbait2015-01-28 10.58.06.jpg. Pretty good morning for the conditions. This morning I was on a different larger pit that I had also pre-baited on Monday. Tarrived the bird ice covered the center of the water.SAM_6330.jpg Only had the morning so @09:15 got a couple of dead baits out up to the ice edge, then got the study notes out. I knew the best time would be 12:00 & 13:00, SAM_6336.jpgwhen the light & temp would be at it's best. At 12:30 I still hadn't had a run so I decided to stay until 13:15 to give the max chance. At 12:45 the left rod alarm finally gave out a slow beeping, the sound you get from a big fish moving slowly a...way. Winding down I struck into a solid lump & hauled it toward the waiting net. It barely moved on the way in but was safely landed. SAM_6341.jpgThe scales revealed at 11lb 04oz my 10th Double figure pike/snoek this season & an other personal record!SAM_6344.jpg So something extra to celebrate at the caf

[Johnny Thunder]

2-4hrs will be long enough session to start with Wigan, not everyone has Carpitis.

I had a friend who liked fishing in the dark on the canal network but had to give it up when he got carp-al tunnel syndrome

Boom boom.

[PeeJay]

I had a friend who liked fishing in the dark on the canal network but had to give it up when he got carp-al tunnel syndrome

[Simon Bolivar]

2-4hrs will be long enough session to start with Wigan, not everyone has Carpitis.

[Wigan]

Think I will wait for the weather to improve and take a cigar

[Johnny Thunder]

You can do many types of fishing for very cheap. but if you are session carping then gear will cost more.
Especially sessions at this time of year. It can get very cold and windy. You need good quality kit to be
able to stay out in the middle of nowhere for 48 hours plus.

[Simon G]

Fishing from piers and marina break water isn't like it used to be. Been a few times and caught zilcho, except a bit of sun...

[Simon Bolivar]

Wigan, fishing has never been so cheap! You can get asset up from one of the large UK internet tackle company which would be fine for the occasional angler. There are guy who fish the docks in Aberdeen but the best way to get in this it is to contact groups on the net & pop along & join someone for a trip or two to see if it's for you the nearest branch of the Scottish pike group http://esoxecosse.com/tayside-branch.php
There are some waters containing Scottish carp but a 20lb'er is still a rare beast, catching dbles is still great fun & after all what we used to be happy to catch in England in the 70's.