Author: alanbulmer

Alan Bulmer, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Tackle

ROD REVIEW – Daiwa NewEra SLR Spinning rod – Model No. NESLRSS903-AU (9’, 3 piece)

I’d been looking for a new spinning rod to handle larger saltwater species for some time when I first read about the launch of the Daiwa NewEra rod range in May 2014 on the Daiwa UK website. The website had a video showcasing the innovative X45 technology and I was particularly interested in how the multiple layer blank structure counteracted rod twist whilst still ensuring … Continue reading ROD REVIEW – Daiwa NewEra SLR Spinning rod – Model No. NESLRSS903-AU (9’, 3 piece)

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Alan Bulmer, Dr.Mike Ladle, Fish Species, Saltwater Fishing, Surfcasting, Technical, Techniques

WHY A FISH TAKES THE BAIT

Text: Mike Ladle                   Lead image: Paul Smith In this article Mike Ladle describes some fascinating experiments undertaken to see what senses fish use to locate and identify prey and explains how anglers can use this information to improve their success rates. While much of the information relates to UK fish species the general principles will probably also … Continue reading WHY A FISH TAKES THE BAIT

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Alan Bulmer, Fishing History, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Tackle, Techniques

FLY FISHING’S DIRTY SECRET?

Recently I wrote about an innovative Scotsman, Alexander Wanless, and how he pioneered fly fishing with spinning tackle. If you want to revisit this article then click on:- https://activeanglingnz.com/2014/06/11/alexander-wanless-spin-fishing-innovator/ Essentially Wanless figured out how to use ultra light spinning tackle to deliver dry and wet flies large distances. His method equalled the Spey cast in efficacy and was much easier to learn and use. It allowed him … Continue reading FLY FISHING’S DIRTY SECRET?

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Lure Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Spin Fishing, Technical, Techniques

FIGHTING FISH FROM THE SHORE

When I was young and starting out on my shore based fishing journey all of the focus was on hooking the fish. The process of fighting fish once they were hooked was almost an afterthought. My father really only had four pieces of advice and when I did hook up on my first trout he pretty much left me to my own devices which, unfortunately, often … Continue reading FIGHTING FISH FROM THE SHORE

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Alan Bulmer, Fishing History, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Tackle, Techniques

FREDERIC HALFORD – THE HIGH PRIEST OF DRY FLY PURISM

Recently I’ve been reading some articles written by Tony Hayter about the high priest of dry fly purism, Frederic Halford. The following passage in particular piqued my interest. “Once upon a time there was a Jewish businessman called Fred Hyam. He made his pile, as did many others, from the “rag trade”. He worked hard, and in his spare time fished the Thames for bream, barbel … Continue reading FREDERIC HALFORD – THE HIGH PRIEST OF DRY FLY PURISM

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Lure Fishing, Spin Fishing, Technical, Techniques

WHY PREDATORY FISH USE SHADE TO AMBUSH PREY

Predators are very skilled at using shade to ambush prey. Whether it be hiding in wait under a moored boat or wharf, attacking prey in the margins at dawn when the light angle is low and the prey is staring directly into the rising sun or hiding behind a sunken obstruction in a river, predators regularly use shade to improve their chances of success when feeding. … Continue reading WHY PREDATORY FISH USE SHADE TO AMBUSH PREY

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Alan Bulmer, Dr.Mike Ladle, Saltwater Fishing, Surfcasting, Technical

WHAT FISH EAT AND WHEN

In this article Dr Mike Ladle looks at what the fish species around the UK feed on. Many of the food sources mentioned are actually present in New Zealand, even the lugworms and sandeels. The interesting thing however, is that they are rarely sighted or used as bait. This is perhaps an exciting opportunity for surfcasters and bait fishermen to exploit. Remember that NZ is six months out of … Continue reading WHAT FISH EAT AND WHEN

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Tackle, Technical, Techniques

SINK RATES OF FLIES TIED WITH TUNGSTEN AND BRASS BEADS

Getting down to the bottom of the river is critical for success when fishing weighted nymphs. Fly fishermen use a variety of techniques to do this, mainly by adding lead split shot to the trace or incorporating brass or tungsten beads into their nymph patterns. Common logic is that materials with high bulk densities, such as Tungsten, sink fastest and that the heavier the bead … Continue reading SINK RATES OF FLIES TIED WITH TUNGSTEN AND BRASS BEADS

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Lure Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Spin Fishing, Surfcasting, Tackle, Technical

HOOK PENETRATION

Hook penetration is one of the most important aspects of fishing and probably the least well understood. The aim of this article is to help clear up some of the confusion. The sharpness, length and profile of the point all govern how far the hook point will penetrate into the flesh in and around the mouth of a fish. The barb is the projection extending backwards … Continue reading HOOK PENETRATION

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Alan Bulmer, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Technical, Techniques

ANALYSING TROUT RISE FORMS – A LOST SKILL?

Words: Alan Bulmer   Images: Tim Angeli When I was young and learning to fly fish I was given a tattered book on trout fishing by a curmudgeonly old friend of my fathers. He took me aside, gruffly told me that I should read the book as it contained a wealth of useful information, attempted a wry smile and shuffled off. The book was “Trout fishing … Continue reading ANALYSING TROUT RISE FORMS – A LOST SKILL?

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