In association with


to think dial scales are a tad better. You’ll probably have to invest between £30 and £50 for digital scales, which are becoming increasingly popular.


most difficult. Is this common? Paul Collings, via e-mail.


Frosty bottoms Q


I am fishing a complex of lakes running down a hill and find that in winter the bottom pool is the


Bill Rushmer says… As you are probably already aware, I’m an Angler’s Mail Where To Fish correspondent and I can assure you there are plenty of fisheries in my region and others where this is common. The Bottom Lakes are lower down and,


consequently, often get much colder, with many becoming frost traps. You can often see as the sun rises on a cold morning, the frost thaws on the upper lakes whilst other, lower down, lakes remain surrounded by the white stuff all day long. Being generally more sheltered, these lakes are


much colder than other lakes on the complex, and fish become less active and more reluctant to feed.


Catch your first barbel and there’s a good chance you’ll be hooked for life!


Your first barbel Q


I want to catch my first barbel this year and wanted to know what tactics to employ? Ashley Howarth, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


John Bailey says… Catch your first barbel and you’ll never forget the experience! First up, choose a river that has a big head of fish. I’m thinking of the Wye, Trent, Severn or similar.


Rivers such as the Wensum, Great Ouse and the Hampshire Avon are best kept until you’ve gained some experience on how to tackle barbel. If I had to catch a barbel to save my life, I would probably quivertip with 8 lb line and a big piece of


luncheon meat or a 20 mm halibut pellet as a bait. I’d ask for loads of advice on location and go to a swim that is a known producer of barbel. Last, remember that every time you cast, you are reducing your chances of a take. Therefore, I’d cast


out as close to a barbel holding feature as possible and leave that bait there until a bite happens, even if it takes an hour or an hour and a half. Have faith, and you will be rewarded!


COLLECTIBLES Q


In Spain, carp anglers have started to put baits in cages to prevent crayfish getting at them, but there are alternatives that include float fishing baits off the bottom.


Beware the crays Q


How can I prevent crayfish from eating my bait? Ron Tindall, Romford, Essex.


John Bailey says… Crayfish, especially the ghastly Signals, can be a nightmare. I fish a lot in Spain where the carp anglers protect


their boilies from crayfish by encasing them in little red plastic cages! You’d think the carp would run a mile, but they don’t. Caged baits over there work even better than normal ones. Remember, crayfish are particularly active at night,


though of course they do feed during the day to some degree. Remember, too, that meat-based baits are also more attractive to the critters, so bread and sweetcorn are sometimes less affected. Bottom-fished baits are also the first to be hit so, if you can, try trotting a bait.


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Has my Macsibite indicator got any value?


S. Rogerson, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear.


Matt Sparkes says… The Macsibite was yet another invention patented by London fishing tackle greats F. Goddard and Co. (Efgeeco). Throughout the 1950s and through to the early 80s their Balham factory produced everything from umbrellas to plastic bait boxes, everything, in fact, apart from actual rods and reels it seems. Efgeeco launched the Macsibite indicator


in the ’70s, claiming it to be ‘undoubtedly the most sophisticated and deadly legering indicator on the market.’


Using the Macsibite was straightforward enough. The whole thing was attached to a bank stick,


positioned at water level so that as little line as possible was above the surface of the water. The end of the rod would rest in one of the little recesses with the line crooked round the wire trigger located on top of the unit. Any tension on the line would result in the indicator needle moving. It would also register drop-


back style bites, too. During rough weather conditions the Macsibite could be re-positioned further back down the rod, between the reel and butt ring. With regard to its value, you shouldn’t get too excited, Mr. Rogerson! Although I haven’t seen


many of these in the years I’ve been collecting (I don’t think it was a massive seller), I reckon fans of angling oddities might shell out a tenner, maybe a little bit more, to add a Macsibite to their collection. Who knows, though, it could be worth a fortune in years to come… but don’t hold your breath!


ON SALE TUESDAY anglersmail.com 33 ON SALE TUESDAY anglersmail.com 33


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