The infamous Barrows mouse has been banned from Barrow Tanks 1 & 2 next season according to the BW website.

There was talk of this earlier this year, but since there were so few visits by bailiffs this season it's difficult to know how it could be enforced. What should they do? You can't ban the fly, they sell them at Woodford, so do the old boys just give the line a tweak when they see the Landrover?

Static boobies, hedgehogs, mice, call them what you will, are going to catch more fish, at the tanks, than any other methods combined, but they will be small stockies used to feeding on pellets. Not my cuppa, but I wouldn't want to deny those old chaps a day out .

If BW don't want those season ticket holders on the upper tanks, they may be in for a battle, or a loss of revenue.

If 'purists' can't catch fish by their own methods then they are blaming the wrong people.

The tanks are BW's hidden gem, and their best nymphing and dry-fly bank fishing venue. As usual people need an excuse when they blank.

Yes it is difficult to see how this will be enforced. But in BW's defense I have had my ticket checked on every occasion I've been to the tanks this season.

From what I hear the fish have been harder to catch on No.3 this season for the regular nymph fisherman. Whether that is due to the sheer weight of stock taken out on static mice or other factors I don't now. I also witnessed a evening rise of biblical proportions back in May so maybe it's the later.

Cheers

Jon

I've had a look through the website and can't find any reference to it.

Bristol Water Fisheries

Penultimate para in 'Trout Fishing'.

Cheers

Jon

Thanks Jon, I dont think that will affect too many people. You rarely see them up the hill. The course lads fish boobies on No.2 very effectively, early in the year, but they hold and retrieve for the most part.

For me this season has been difficult at times, but I've taken a tip from one of the regulars and have been fishing traditional wets, especially Wickhams, when the fish aren't showing, providing great sport. Bow waves, smash takes, double hook-ups, good fun.

Last year it was buzzers that accounted for the most, and better fish but this season I can only have caught 10 or so.

As you say, when they are taking off the top it can be spectacular.

All the best, Mike

Edit: Mrs Brownsville has pointed out that my year as pin-up boy for the tanks, in Buzzer magazine is about to end....

Looking forward to a bit of that in March.

I remember Steve at Veals saying there had been a run on small Wickham's. Nice to see some traditional patterns still cutting it.

This change of rules is probably the impetus I need to spend a bit more time with No. 1 and 2. I hear the natural banks on both can provide some great fishing...

Happy Christmas and maybe catch up with you at Barrows next yr.

Jon