This fascinating piece from Dr Mike Ladle looks at the mechanics of how carp feed. This information summarises many of the scientific experiments that have been undertaken and is invaluable in helping an angler time the strike to maximise the likelihood of a solid hook set. “Like most anglers I have often wondered what was happening at the far end of my line – usually … Continue reading HOW CARP FEED
When Dr Mike Ladle was in NZ recently we had a discussion on how he targets large bass with cut baits in very shallow water. This is a technique that he has perfected and it came about largely by accident. One day when he was making his way home just after dawn he disturbed a huge bass close to the shore in calf deep water. … Continue reading RUBBER BAND BAIT FEEDER
Text: Alan Bulmer Images: Matt Jones & Irideus Fly Fishing I recently read an excellent article by Tim Angeli in NZ Fish & Game magazine entitled “Do Big Fish fight”(Issue 90 Page 24-30). It really got me thinking and is definitely worth checking out. The wide ranging article discussed the fight provided by big fish, whether the fight from rainbow trout is typically more energetic … Continue reading WHAT DETERMINES HOW WELL TROUT FIGHT?
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Text: Alan Bulmer Lead Image: Sport Fishing magazine Flounder are present in many estuaries worldwide and NZ is no exception. In NZ very few people try to catch flounder using a rod and reel, preferring instead to target them with a spear, drag or set net. While flounder may not be renowned for their fighting qualities, they are delectable on the plate and definitely worth … Continue reading FLOUNDER ON A BAITED SPOON
Text: Mike Ladle Feature image: John Kuczala Perch have big eyes and big mouths. These two simple facts suggest that old stripey is a predator largely using its excellent eyesight to find prey. Of course, once they attain a decent size, these fish feed mainly on smaller species or on the young of other fish. The question is do we have any information about when, … Continue reading PERCH (REDFIN) FEEDING BEHAVIOUR
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Most rivers in NZ have an evening rise when trout seem to appear from nowhere to feed on insects. More fish seem to rise to flies on the surface after dark than during the day. Why is this so and can it be explained scientifically? Dr Mike Ladle, a retired UK fisheries ecologist, spent many years studying this phenomenon and shares some of his insights … Continue reading WHY IS FLY FISHING IN FRESHWATER BETTER AT NIGHT?
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
Alan talking about Stalking the Flats to the AFAC……. Continue reading VIDEO – STALKING THE FLATS PRESENTATION
Let me say from the outset that this article is not intended to denigrate those who use bait to catch fish in any way. It is a time honoured, effective and legal way to fish and I have the utmost respect for those fishermen who can seemingly catch fish at will using bait. The aim of the article is to show just how much bait … Continue reading BAIT – THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
In Stalking the flats – Part 2, I discussed what to look for when walking across the flats. I mentioned that “I am always on the look-out for freshly dug depressions in the sand and shell, roughly 0.5 – 1 metre in diameter. These depressions are often easy to spot as entire areas will be pockmarked with them and they are surrounded by piles of … Continue reading SNAPPER ON THE FLATS
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