Fishcare Expectations for 2011 - not new, but just to remind existing/inform new members

Hello All

As the banks of Tardebigge are getting busier, I just wanted to re-iterate what we expect from our members, in terms of fish care. It goes without saying, that we all want to look after the residents of Tarde. There's nothing stupid here - just common sense:

1. Good sized/well-padded unhooking mat out ready. i.e. not on the barrow/shoved up against your bivvvy.

2. Weigh sling on the mat

3. Lake water in a bucket/bottle next to your mat

Appreciate that some members don't want to put their scales out "in the open". If that's the case, please have them close to hand in your bivvy (i.e. NOT underneath your bedchair in amongst everything else). Same goes for your camera.

Optional - it can be difficult carrying your net and rod, when you've just had a fish. One thing I've adopted over the past two years is to cut the main line before you lift the net out of the water. Makes things so much easier. You can put your rod out of the way, pop your leader into the net, and you're sorted. I leave an old pair of braid scissors down by my set up, so I can do this easily. This isn't a "rule" as such, but it certainly stops any chance of fish being "hung" in the net. Something to consider. All that's needed is a new knot - less than a minute, before you get your rod back out on the spot.

I don't want to come across as some little Hitler. Far from it. We just want to see everything "ready" for action. We've never had any instance of stuff getting nicked at Tarde (long may that continue), so there's no excuse for not having your mat, sling and water out.

Anyway, if you have any questions, please feel free to give me, John, Jim or Russ a call. Otherwise, I look forward to another great season on the 'Bigge. And hopefully, some more cracking fish, like Mick, Simon and John Grubb had last year.

All the best peeps.

Keith

All good advice keith and general fish safety that we should adhere to whether on a session or simply grabbing a few hours stalking when these rules may be forgotten about.

A very important reminder from the Welshmon, and a good point from Swimmers Mate about getting the fishcare kit right even on short sessions, often overlooked that one. No excuses folks. Big brother is watching u!!!! That said go bag a few lunkers and return them with minimal fuss and with maximum enjoyment.

I'm looking at one of these "chill out" style recovery slings with the floats on. Are these acceptable to retain fish for a few minutes while I calm down!!

Hiya Mike

Yeah - they're fine. I believe they have mesh panels, so there's plenty of oxygen able to pass into it.

As long as you hold the sling, there's no problem.

You'll have a class fishcare set up, what with your new mat and sling !!

I think you are getting confused keith. The 'chill out' sling is for mike to crawl into to recover after the shock of landing another tarde monster

Is that the carp fishing equivelant of a chill out room? (I'm getting old).

you old git get with the today man

lost me lads , defo getting old . you and i keith remember glow sticks, white gloves and whistles ....

LOL Glow sticks!! I used to buy giant isotopes when I was a-ravin'!!

i never said i did it ! lol , just remember it . man has to know his limitetions... how are you mate anyway ? when we going to see you ?

Ha Ha Na I never really either. I wasn't a raver, I was just a drunk! LOL I'm alright mate, bearing up! I dunno when I'll be up to be honest. Got a lot on over the next few weeks. Its all going off with work, the allotment and bait to roll. I'm hoping to try and get out for early May-ish....I'm on the look out for a set of wheels aswell if you know of anything. Cheap n' cheerful, cheap insurance, small engine etc.

Mike

pm me mike and let me know your phone number ,buget and spec as i know a few people in the game, right deal mate .... speak soon

Had a walk down the Res tonight, and it was great to see Jason, Wednesbury Paul (and his mate, who's name escapes me - sorry) and Sparky Rob all with water, slings and mats out at the ready. Spot on, lads.

Over the past couple of weeks, the vast majority of anglers have also adhered to the mat, sling & water ready thing. It's really important, what with the very warm weather we've had. The mats can get very hot, especially on the dam wall side, as it gets the sun all day.

Great to see, and can only be good for the captured carp. Nice one chaps.