Chub Fishing - Into The Forgotten (Video 119)

[@neilsmith7547]

Your way with your words you should be on TV mark. Love you speaking so natural. Absolutely brilliant. Brilliant angler as well might I add.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Neil, that is very kind of you. One day maybe, a pipe dream but it does not hurt to dream.

[@michaelfreeman6705]

Thanks Mark you have made lockdown bearable. Love your work thanks.

[@francolinobasco]

Very welcome Michael!

[@easyfishing1936]

Nice video on my favourite type of river. Good to show real fishing in a real situation not just a succession of fish from a commercial. Keep them coming.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Easy, I have to be honest and say what you have said sums up why I love fishing natural venues, sure they can be tricky and very moody, but you appreciate every fish you have searched for.

[@00markelliott00]

Mark Erdwin a.k.a. the Chub Whisperer. Patient, skillful angling.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mark it was nice to find a couple of chub willing to listen to this particular bambi too.

[@00markelliott00]

Mark Erdwin hahaha Slippery banks this time of year. I slipped the other day, legs flew in the air and landed on my back. :-)

[@1965Ady]

Bambi interlude 😂😂😂. Howling here Mark 👍😂. It’s happened to us all.

[@francolinobasco]

haha Ady, I thought it might be rather amusing, at the time I did wonder who had replaced my feet with blocks of butter!

[@neilpotts2368]

Another cracking video Mark. You put the effort in an reap the rewards. Winter can be tough and two chub like that is a good day. No need to apologise. Keep them coming.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Neil, you're right it can be rather tricky at this time of the year and thank you for the positivity, I will keep the vlogs coming.

[@dannyboy7386]

Your a credit to the angling community mark. Kids could learn lots from your excellent watercraft

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Danny, my hope is that even if a few young anglers watch my videos, that it might see a few more younger anglers on our rivers.

[@richardbarrett7544]

It's the Movember man (the beard) in rubber. As always, old fashioned, honest fishing at its best. Well done mate, Rich.

[@hippo5346]

Well done for sticking with it , Mark . You got your reward in the end . Also enjoyed the post Christmas HIIT workout in the middle , there !

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks hippo, sometimes it comes good, it was tricky going. Haha and thanks regarding the post christmas workout.

[@sim7481]

2 cracking chub! thanks for another great video Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Sim, it was nice to find a couple of what were nearly turning into hide and seek champions during this trip.

[@simplydad2015]

I love a bit of winter chubbing. A cup of tea, a biscuit and if I am lucky a few fish

[@francolinobasco]

I totally agree with you Simplydad, problem with me is I tend to eat a packet of biscuits whilst fishing lol.

[@matthewmiller8048]

Great angling again. Thanks for sharing.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Matthew, you're very welcome.

[@kevinlawrence7541]

excellent video Mark as per usual...great chub.....

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, I do love our overlooked waterways.

[@grahamwalker139]

Excellent fishing film as usual Mark. You certainly know how to find them. I wholeheartily agree about the moody old Loddon six visits and yet to have a bite but the wildlife there is great. One day............

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Graham, I think we met not that long ago on the Loddon, when you were packing up, if my memory serves me correctly? She's a moody old soul but worth it for the widlife and the rewards when she eventually relinquishes them.

[@grahamwalker139]

You are correct Mark the Loddon was carrying a lot of water and the surrounding area was also under water in places just like today. Went for walkabout but maybe try again in a few days time once the flood water dies down a bit.

[@richardneale6828]

Loved the interlude lol. Another great video mark 👍👍

[@Kevin-rh5li]

Mark quality video mate and two excellent fish in the net.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, it was nice to connect with them and be able to share it across youtube with you.

[@grahamcutler3734]

Love your videos , as we all know rivers and lakes have there moods and that was a brute of a chub, keep it up Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Graham, yes that is very true, each venue exhibits very much its own personality and atmosphere, sometimes quite sombre. I was rather made up with that welcome five pounder.

[@mart2mart]

Thanks for sharing yet another great video Mark, the effort you go to is much appreciated. And well done with the facial fuzz, it's coming along nicely !

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mart, I'm glad that you found it an enjoyable angling escapade. Thanks regarding the beard, it has had a rather heavy trim though.

[@markpilley9538]

Another brilliant video Mark, and that chub at the end was a stunner, one anyone would be proud of. Really got me in the mood for some chub now!

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Mark, I must admit it was oddly tricky given the good conditions, but as we both know, nailed on conditions can sometimes guarantee very little and I did find myself having to really search about (inbetween slipping on bananas). Cheers they were in good condition and the one caught right at the end was a rather spotless fish.

[@BlackCountryPiker]

Another great session mark! I’m sure that first fish simply wanted a kiss 😘

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers mate, oooh kiss the bearded gerbil? Oh come on I would not wish to inflict that kind of torture on any fish lol.

[@BlackCountryPiker]

Mark Erdwin 🤣🤣

[@theg-man7868]

Absolutely cracking Mark, great to see you getting the rewards for your work and patience. Only another couple of months and I will be back on the bank. Cheers from a very damp and windy Dorset.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gareth, it was an enjoyably challenging fishing trip, I suspect you are quite looking forward to getting back out on the bank. Talking about damp, the recent weather has been biblical.

[@HN-ik1yz]

Another great video mark well done on a difficult day.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers H N, it was pretty much spot on conditions, but the fish were rather cagey.

[@garyhammond8622]

Great video Mark. Nice chub . Looking forward to the warmer weather when you go Tench fishing.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gary, yes I must admit I'm looking forward to some tench fishing, I hope you and your family had a good Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.

[@yorkshireriverrover7199]

Great result that Mark 2 nice Chub.. looks like a lovely feature filled section of River.. enjoyed the Slip clip made me chuckle lol. Keep em coming mate. Tight lines out there 👍🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks you, yes it is rather feature filled, plenty of hidey holes and skulking zones, lots of potential fish holding zones. Haha I thought you chaps might find the slip up amusing, for a moment I thought I was going to just slide off into the river face down.

[@spittz3939]

Happy New Year!! Yet another great video Mark and your hard work paid off with those two great looking chub! Very inspiring as always, hopefully I'll manage to fish some of the smaller rivers near me this year! Thanks for sharing your experiences and creating these videos, it's really appreciated :)

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Almazing, thank you very much, it was nice to find them willing, the bite under the bridge was more or less instant, after what had been a case of scratching around for bites and only missing one very good bite further afield. You're very welcome regarding the videos, I love making and sharing them with you chaps and it's just nice to know that they are enjoyed in general. Happy new year to you too and wishing you a healthy 2018.

[@CB-xr1eg]

Cheers for another great video Mark, nice to see some meaty Chevin. Well done for not editing out the " slip ", we've all done it! First thing I do is check to see if I broke any kit, then worry if anything about me is hurt apart from my pride!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Clive, you're right it is easily done, especially on such muddy banks, for a split second I did wonder who had pulled the carpet from under me.

[@RicTic66]

Good lad Mark, I'm really enjoying diving into some of your earlier adventures :) pmsl The Bambi 'interlude' was classic, so many self obsessed youtubers would have edited that out. Thanks for the giggles.

[@francolinobasco]

haha thanks Ric, it had to be kept in as it is one of those typical muddy mishaps that us anglers have happen and always amusing to relive lol.

[@cns180784]

Really nice little river you fished there on a nice day i think i actually prefer cloudy days in the winter not just because its better for fishing but because it tends to be milder temperature wise. Lovely fish there especially the second Chub, i'm hoping to see you catch some nice big Perch soon who knows maybe you'll get one or two on your next trip. Nice video as always tight lines and take care.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks cns, yes conditions were really rather nice, calm and mild, I could have done with the river carrying a bit more water, but it was not bad in my opinion. I was quite content with both chub. Glad you enjoyed the video too.

[@alexiasimmons1]

Nice one mark, enjoyable watch as Always.

[@francolinobasco]

Why cheers Liam.

[@easyfishing1936]

Hi thanks for the reply. I have been fishing the most moody water I have ever known. I have fished it for over 30 years now and the only reason I keep going is because of the big fish it holds but it’s a proper heartbreak water with either feast or famine and usually the latter! If you ever venture into Surrey I can put you on a couple of small rivers with free but tricky fishing.

[@francolinobasco]

That is one of the things that draws us back to a moody, atmospheric venue, be it river or lake. I think we know what such places are capable of, very much make or break and they usually have a certain atmopshere about them, quite special in their own right.

[@1000000trs]

Happy New Year Mark. Great to see some more good honest angling adventures (not to mention the surprise "dream sequence" cut) lol

[@francolinobasco]

Happy New Year to yourself and family Tim. Thank you , that slip sliding moment just had to be included lol.

[@FrenchFishing]

Perseverance always pays off, it is said. Interesting to see what good results you've got on lobworms. Here, you really can't beat bread. The best bait for that kind of fishing, by far. Here after that storm called Eleanor, rivers are 6 feet up. I'll have a go for carp. Who knows?

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Thomas, I had one on lob worm and the other on cheese paste, when I go chub fishing I tend to take cheese paste, bread, lob worms and maggots, so as to have a good choice, as each bait can have its better day. The rivers here in the UK have been up also since Eleanor, it was quite treachrous conditions at one point too.

[@StNeotsTown]

Top video yet again Mark, I think you fished well because part of that is locating the fish and I must say some of those swims were very appealing, must of held plenty of fish, but mayby sometimes the fish just don't want to play, but well done on the nice chub you did manage to get out, glad to see I'm not the only one to fall over in my video lol tight lines and wet knees Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Grayham, yes I think they were just having an apprehensive day and holding back a little, thanks regarding the slip up, I sometimes wonder if I have two banana skins as feet lol.

[@HampshireAnglingTV]

Looks a nice bit of water Mark and a couple of cracking chevins there to go with it! Happy new year as well. I'm hoping to dust off the float gear somepoint soon.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Tom, sometimes it has no rhyme or reason as to how its moods will be and for that alone I enjoy fishing it as it makes the rewards all the more appreciated. A spot of scratching that Itchen sounds good to me.

[@rrplanb4030]

2 decent size, nice condition fish. I'd have been happy with those results this time of year especially on an unknown venue.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rebel, it was very nice to catch them both.

[@shippo1159]

Excellent Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Clive :)

[@rossgaylard5509]

Hi Mark Just subscribed to your videos , i'm from southern Australia , fishing here is quite different from what is see in your videos . I especially loved the video of you and your father fishing , my father took me fishing when i was 5 years old now for the last 20 years my son and i have been fishing together Thank you so much for yore videos they really convey small stream fishing in the UK , your presentation is first class and i notice you have 5000 subscribers , well done

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Ross, it's good to hear from you, especially from across the big pond so to speak. I'm really glad you enjoyed the barbel fishing video with my father, it was enjoyable to be able to bring it to youtube to show you chaps the man who brought me into fishing. That is what is so wonderful about our hobby, being able to pass it down the family tree and share it with your bloodline, much like your father did with you and you have with your son, it's not only a very special thing to share but it gives an added connection and strengthened bond to each of us and our kin. Thank you so much for your kind words regarding the smaller river videos and presentation, I simply love filming my trips, although I cannot get out at the moment, which is a pity as I have part of a video filmed which I was planning on making into a conjoined format (two trips) I'm currently struck down with a bad chest and larynx infection (coughing blood up at times) so need to rest and recover.

[@rossgaylard5509]

Hi Mark hope you are feeling better and are able to get out on the river again

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ross, not yet I'm still on the road to recovery.

[@johnryanbadumar7702]

A new year and a brand new great episode of soul fishing from you Mark. Tight lines and a happy new year lad. Greetings.

[@francolinobasco]

Many thanks John, it is very much appreciated to know you guys enjoy the videos in such a way, it makes me feel like I am sharing them amongst kindred spirits.

[@ew4206]

River looks in nice nick. Never had much luck with chub and cheese paste

[@francolinobasco]

It really was in good nick Edwin, perhaps a little lower than i'd have liked but that is probably just me being picky, conditions were pretty good. Regarding cheese paste, I personally swear by it, but I can understand where you are coming from, after we all have our different experiences with baits.

[@markharrison2938]

Quality Mark that would equate to a red letter day on the Kennett of today!

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mark, I was rather happy with the result, it is a real pity to hear from so many anglers that the Kennet is not the waterway it once was.

[@davewalker2167]

Bambi interlude..luv it! If i had a pound etc etc..luvly chub there mate especially the last one & on a cracking little waterway like that too. Cant wait to get out myself.been a few weeks now, the rivers are up & down like a yo yo here in dorset & have got a spanking new 'pin' to christen as well!!.happy new year & keep up the good work chap.

[@francolinobasco]

thanks Dave, isn't that about right, we'd be millionaires, it's always amusing when such a moment happens, as the amount of shock when you feel the ground taken from under you is quite something ese, not to mention the indignation. You're right the weathers really all over the place at the moment, if I was being honest I would take a cold but dry spell of weather right now. I hope you can get out and christen your new pin sooner rather than later.

[@speedmasterllr]

Great stuff there Mark as usual. Happy new year, loved the Billy Elliot impersonation. Larry

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Larry, haha Billy Elliot impersonation, that gave me a chuckle mate. A very happy new year to you too.

[@sde7169]

Lovely couple of fish there mate, can’t beat a bit of ‘s time of year.. I had a pb last week of just over 6lb 6oz after putting in the hard yards! Persistence!!!

[@sde7169]

*Can’t beat a bit of ‘chubbing’

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Ranks, it was nice to find a couple of willing chevin, also please accept my hearty congratulations on your new pb,very well done.

[@sde7169]

Mark Erdwin cheers!

[@richyp7126]

nice video old chap!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you very much Richy.

[@stephenisom6089]

well mark another nice video .//and you had a couple of cracking chub .//its now as i write this .the end of the river season ,..a winter i am glad to see the back of i must say wet windy cold and the rivers in a right state with the floods ,//but we now have spring and summer to look forward to,.//did you manage to get back on the rivers after the trip with nic from stratford .//and are you starting your still water fishing videos ,.//ps you look like a young bill oddie with the beard lol///any way looking forward to your summer trips .tight lines,/

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Stephen, yes I did go before the close of play and had a chub of 6lb, (photo is on my instagram page) good fun on the drennan ultralight and 1oz tip. I was actually after perch at the time, although the pike were rather active as can be the case,picking up the lob worm on more than one occasion. I must admit although it has been a bit of heavier winter the thing that troubled me most was that bout of bad health which put my predator plans out the window. Haha thanks regarding the beard and looking like Bill Oddie, thankfully not quite as anti angling as him though lol. I will be starting some stillwater trips in due course.

[@MrCarpking71]

Great trip mate... literally lol.

[@francolinobasco]

Helloooo there Chris, haha yes that trip was a bit of a mini adventure (literally)

[@J_D_Adama]

Hi mark, great vid buddy! And loving the beard!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed the video mate.

[@raywestwood2900]

Lovely Chub Mark well done I enjoyed every moment and as for your new exercise routine looks good," sorry" looking forward to a new season of your Great videos mate . Happy New Year to you and yours mate, tight lines and stay safe.

[@francolinobasco]

hahaha Ray, my new exercise routine, also known as the "fall down and attempt to do no push ups whatsoever whilst in a muddy heap" haha. Cheers mate, glad that you enjoyed the video and Happy new year to yourself and family also.

[@declengray1889]

Another great vlog as usual bud 👍👍👍👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Declen, glad you enjoyed it.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

hahah great video! top sport for putting the slip in hahah made me chuckle and iv had a bad day at work o its not easy hah. nice to see someone catching. i have had rotten luck since new years.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

also i have searched the internet far and wide but not found the answer... why do people call chub chevins?

[@francolinobasco]

haha Bradley, that slip just had to go into the video, it was very much a banana skin moment and probably scared any chub that might have been hanging about nearby, glad it cheered you up too. Regarding your question as to why some anglers call chub chevin, I always consider it to be an older, lesser used name for the species. However my own reason is because that is how the species is pronounced in french "chevesne" (pronounced similar to chevin) and I quite like it.

[@BUSHCRAPPING]

i like that theory too , thanks mate!

[@thebones]

that was great Mark, especially considering they weren't really havin' it. I hope Drennan are seeing you right for all the plugs on their rod! :-)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Bones and no Drennan certainly are not,I'm not affiliated/attached to that company (or anyone for that matter) in any way shape or form, as it is the intro of the video it is usually hard to get away from mentioning what rod I am using. However if an item of tackle is good I will always mention it and I must say it is a lovely little rod to employ, of course if it was poor I would also be up front and say that as well, just like I did with that abysmal let down that was the Wychwood barbel rod that broke on me and lack of any customer care after said event. Although I suspect your comment was meant perhaps with a touch of jest and tongue in cheek lol.

[@thebones]

yeah I was jesting, shame about the Wychwood, I have a 9' 'Extricator' which I originally used as intended, as a carp stalking rod. It's capable of stopping 40lb fish dead in their tracks but it's been replaced with a Free Spirit 'Margin Creeper' which is even better, especially when I can use a centrepin. We all hate poor customer service and Wychwood should be ashamed if they read this.

[@sme70]

Lovely chub great vid ,Happy New year .

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Sme, it was nice to eventually find a couple

[@bensebastian9815]

Superb as always

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Sebastian

[@anthonyperry1322]

Exceedingly good video again mark and your right thats fishing reminds me of the river enborne where you was fishing anyway tight lines m8

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Anthony, yes this river is similar to the Enborne or even the Lambourn.

[@anthonyperry1322]

Mark Erdwin yh forgot about the lambourn nice grayling in that river my nephews have had some lovely grayling and some big trout as well take care m8

[@itsgottabecarpy3994]

Quality video to start 2018. Thanks for sharing

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Barry and you're most welcome, thanks for watching.

[@andredevries4987]

A very Nice video mark.And a very happy new year for you and your familie .

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Andre, happy new year and strong health to yourself and your parents during 2018.

[@louiscarpfishing4348]

Great angling mark good little chuckle to your bambi moment lovely fish top drawer 👍

[@francolinobasco]

haha thanks Louis, glad you enjoyed the angling and my bambi moment

[@steve00king]

Happy new year Mark off to a good start already I see ! Great vid again with some cracking chub !!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve, these were from the 22nd of December, so Christmas weekend as such, not been out to wet a line for the new year as of yet mate.

[@pettor38]

very nice mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Patrick "Barbel whisperer" of Holland

[@janjr7357]

Hi Mark, again a beautiful day fishing. And would like to use this opportunity to wish you and your family a good 2018.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Jan, it was a very peaceful day to be out searching for the chevin, I'm glad you enjoed the video. Thank you so much for the new year message, I'd like to wish you and your relations a very healthy and fish filled 2018.

[@craighunter7379]

brilliant mate as usual , happy new year ..

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Craig and thanks for the New year wishes, the same to yourself and family mate.

[@fenlandanglingadventuresje7329]

Was great to watch after all the crap Christmas tv . I especially liked the dive , you sure you didn't used to play for Spurs under the name Klinsman.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jezza, Klinsman! I thought the dive was better than that, perhaps more worthy of Drogba! haha.

[@fenlandanglingadventuresje7329]

Mark Erdwin . Or Suarez for dirty Liverpool. Oops that's your team.

[@francolinobasco]

haha not that damned biter lol, his ability to consume other players and dive was legendary sadly.

[@olorin1.414]

Hi Mark, great video. No need to apologise, I would have been really pleased with that result. Really liked the riverside workout, bet we've all done that. When you mentioned that you waffle on abit ( which I don't mind ) have you ever thought of putting your waffling into a book? I'd buy it. Also on one of your vids you said you'd make a vid showing how you keep worms. When I go fishing I sit on the bank and ponder the imponderable moods of fish. Happy New year to you and your family.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Orolin, I do enjoy engaging the camera and spilling my thoughts onto video during these fishing trips. Regarding the written side, I have my first written chapter to be published by the little egret publishing company in their "willow pitch" book which is due to be published this year, a series of perch fishing stories. Very good point about the worm keeping/dendrobaena breeding and feeding video, thank you for reminding me.

[@dannyboy7386]

Love your videos mark. Would love to see you looking for some big roach in the rivers. I wonder if they are still there 😔

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Danny, I actually have something planned as I am sure there are some large roach on a few of the waterways that I fish.

[@dannyboy7386]

Mark Erdwin I’d love to see how you get on. You’ve inspired me to try some of my local neglected Essex water ways , though I don’t think they are as productive as some you fish. I’ll endeavour none the less

[@francolinobasco]

Best of luck to you Danny, although not all my rivers are not chock full of fish either and have suffered predation be that at the hands of man and beast and this is one such example where you need to put in the groundwork, just like you have to on the likes of the Roding, Chelmer and Essex Blackwater, but a good workman never blames his tools.

[@dannyboy7386]

Mark Erdwin indeed mark. I’ll be targeting the Essex/Suffolk stour mainly. Constable country. Quite beautiful in parts and packed with chub if you know where to find them

[@jaslambert9957]

Great vid Mark. The beard suits you as well :)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Jas! Oops I have given the beard a slight trim.

[@stupotbot]

A couple of fine looking beauties....thanks Mark...or should we call you sugar plum fairy...? Great vid as always...cheers.

[@francolinobasco]

haha thanks mate, yes I think sugar plum is about right or perhaps "butter feet" . Glad you enjoyed the video and the fairy moment lol.

[@rosstaylor3741]

Mark i think ive said this before but it would be great to see a weekly episode of "Mark Erdwin on the banks" aired on tv showing proper fishing, not the grap fishing programs they do show. As aways and enjoyable watch, keep em coming.

[@francolinobasco]

Ross that would be brilliant, I would like to do such a program, if only.. Cheers mate, as long as you chaps enjoy them I will certainly keep the videos coming.

[@michaelcoles8283]

Happy New Year to you and your family Mark, another great video again,what ratio do you mix your bird seed with vitalin

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Michael and happy new year to you too! Please excuse the slow reply I've been hit by a heavy cold and been quite under the weather. Regarding the vitalin or liquidised bread to seed ratio, I usually play it by ear and make a judgement based on what river conditions I am fishing in, how well fish will be feeding and also flow rate, as well as how I want the mixture to break down, I usually just add it little and often, mixing as I go to achieve the breakdown I want, so sometimes I will go for a higher inclusion of bird seed to create a higher seed content, carpet effect and also induce a faster break down of the liquidised bread or vitalin mix and the opposite if i wish for a lower seed content and a more dense groundbait mix.

[@jordantheallroundangler85]

Grate video mark. Keep them coming mate. Hope u had a happy Xmas and new yr. I have to say. Tight lines and wet nets buddy

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Jordan, thank you mate. Christmas was a fairly quiet affair, just myself, parents and sibling. I hope you and your loved ones also had a good time during the festive period. Happy new year to you too mate, here's to a fish filled 2018 for yourself.

[@henrybennett6432]

Hi Mark, if that is the stretch of water I think it is, it's where I cut my teeth river fishing on a Farnborough & daa ticket. 15-17 years ago. It really went down hill though due to reduced water levels and the crayfish infestation. Were you bothered much by them as you were legering?

[@callingcelt9015]

Happy new year Mark, Is that your resolution a few press ups between casts.

[@francolinobasco]

hahaha, press ups!! That's certainly given me a fit of laughter. Happy new year to you too mate.

[@christophergrebby836]

Great video as always pal looking to go down my local river once ive finished house work lol supose you dont know difference between youre rod and the red range?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Christopher and you're welcome mate. I guess if I were to compare my drennan ultralight mini feeder to one of Drennans red range of rods then at a push it would perhaps be the following. www.drennantackle.com/products/rods/red-range/red-range-feeder-rods/red-range-9ft-mini-carp-feeder/

[@КириллБушма]

Excellent as always, Mark! Very inspiring videos You make. I've just gave up trying chubbing 'til spring, because it seems to stop feeding in water temperatures below 6 degrees Celsium or hiding somewhere I don't know. By the way: "Bambi interlude" kind of moment once helped me to find one of my top chub spots. I was wading while spinning fishing once and drowned into a coastal pit where later I've found plenty of chub hiding ))) PS Seems like You've started gym or something - look better in this video. Keep it up!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you very much Кирилл Бушма, I am guessing you are from Russia? It must be getting very cold there now so I can understand that. Haha yes my bambi interlude I was lucky to not not crush a camera which was inside my ruck sack. Some times when I fish I am like a drunken polar bear, very clumsy lol. It sounds like when you fell in the river it brought you some very good luck though. I have not started a gym, I think it is perhaps my beard, it helps hide my fat face lol.

[@КириллБушма]

Thanks for answering, Mark. I am from Belarus, our climate is something between Russia and Europe. My river (Neman) is pretty wide and powerful, the water temperature now is around 2 degrees, and the fish is concentrated very locally and barely feeding. And yes, thanks falling into the current - it brought me some good luck )))

[@aeaeae555]

Happy New Year Mark. Love the videos.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Mansion, also a very happy new year to yourself too.

[@garethjamesplunkett]

You waffle on sir . Is all good. 🖒

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gareth, full on waffle shall continue then haha.

[@medicatedflowers821]

Hope you had a great Christmas and a happy new year mate loving the beard and great video as always

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Reece, we had a peaceful Christmas, which was good as there was a lot of stress prior to it. I hope you also had a good Christmas and best wishes for 2018.

[@medicatedflowers821]

Mark Erdwin glad to hear mate and yes thank you also peaceful like you said the stress up to it is a joke haha looking forward to next upload

[@ianburne751]

Great vid Mark, watched it twice now. Any advice for a novice who can only get out in the evenings on the Thames just now? What could I expect to catch in these temperatures?

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Ian, it is always nice to hear that a video has been enjoyable. In reply to your question regarding evening time trips on the Thames, in the current conditions I would be looking to perhaps target chub, roach and also barbel, although generally from a barbel perspective, you'd ideally be looking for some good rainfall (which we have had) and some steady temperatures, they don't need to be balmy, just a warming trend, or at the very least stable. I would personally go out on perhaps a feeder set up and intentionally target chub and roach. Fishing liquidised bread in a feeder and cheese paste/ bread flake/ maggots.

[@ianburne751]

Cheers Mark, will keep you informed

[@jonas8862]

super video! may i ask what king of camera you are using

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Jonas, I was using a gopro hero 4, black edition for this video.

[@Rob-zq8sy]

Nice one again Mark that Chub was well earned. Some of those other swims screamed Chub but what do we know we only fish for em! One sad not tho your beard has grey in it you old git haha!...............What am i laughing at mines nearly all grey o_O

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rob and you are not wrong about those swims, each one certainly suggested there might be a fish or two at home. Haha yes that grey bit on the beard, I really do need some beard dye lol.

[@russellhamblin-boone5398]

Always enjoy your videos Mark. Thank you for all the hard work you put in preparing them. You covered a lot of swims in this one. Can you tell us long do you normally give each swim on a roving session like this? Btw, lovin' the beard almost as much as the sugar plum fairy routine!

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Russell, thank you for your kind words regarding the videos, you chaps are always welcome, I get a lot of enjoyment being able to upload them to youtube and share them with you guys. I generally give each swim 20 minutes, sometimes longer if I get some indications. What I also do is make a mental note of any really good swims that did not produce but looked like they should have, then on the way back I will drop into two or three of those, as sometimes such swims can be still worthwhile but just need to be given another chance as such. Thank you regarding the beard although it has had a rather severe trimming lol.

[@russellhamblin-boone5398]

Mark Erdwin many thanks for the quick response. This is really useful. Tight lines!

[@francolinobasco]

You're very welcome Russell.

[@scottdavidson4446]

Hi Mark, you’ve probably answered this elsewhere but which back pack / pack do you use? Cheese paste recipe works great by the way! Thanks

[@francolinobasco]

Hello scott you're welcome, the back pack in the video and quite a few of my videos is the Molle rucksack by Miltec 20 litres in size and can be bought from amazon and ebay. Thanks regarding the cheese paste and glad you're finding it good, it is a cracking recipe and has not let me down.

[@scottdavidson4446]

Thanks Mark, I'll check that out! Tight lines and keep it up!

[@patwalsh2739]

mark i love your passion for fishing also what bag are you using

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Pat, the rucksak is made by a company known as Mil-tec and it is their "Molle U.S assault pack small in olive green" 20 litre version and can be purchased from amazon or the military 1st website. Best ruck sack I've used for fishing, they also do a larger one as well, internally it is fully rubberised to stop any rain from getting inside. Anyway I have put a link down below to the item, I hope that is of some help, it really has been nothing less than superb. www.military1st.co.uk/products/14002001-mil-tec-molle-us-assault-pack-small-olive.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI16Tu9uWU2QIVrLftCh3T2QvPEAQYASABEgLYwvD_BwE

[@glitchking4992]

Good stuff mate !!! Any carp in there ??

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Glitch, there are one or two on certain sections.

[@ilovejimrogers]

In every one of your videos I always ask myself 'why doesn't he get a small roving chair'. You don't have to explain yourself, I just got to stop my brain from asking. Ahhh

[@francolinobasco]

haha, there is nothing wrong in asking. I generally take a chair for most of my barbel fishing, but this kind of fishing a chair,even a small roving one would be cumbersome, don't get me wrong I don't always enjoy having a damp rump and in the long run it will do me no good whatsoever, thankfully I was in chest waders throughout this trip. I really do need to find a small waterproof self inflating cushion of some kind. I do use my landing mat as a cushion but once it has been wetted that idea goes out the window.

[@robfrancis9992]

Hi Mark, I use my mat to sit on too, but like you say, once its wet its not so good. Have you seen the bucket cushions you can get? They're circular and fairly thick/padded. Ive been thinking if trying one for my roving sessions. www.anglingdirect.co.uk/nash-bucket-cushion

[@ilovejimrogers]

one of life's challenges for the keen angler!

[@rumnraisan]

Beard suits you mate : )

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Andrew, I wish I hadn't cut it off to be honest :(

[@rumnraisan]

Can always grow it back : ) Just watching 117 with your dad on the Severn, looks like heaven : )...been looking for that Caperlan , peanut, crushed hemp you mentioned. Cant find anywhere, any ideas? ..was gonna mix some with bird seed, castor and some chopped worm for some tench swim prep. Lob worm over the top : )

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Andrew it was great fun fishing the Severn together. Here's a link to the grilled hemp groundbait mixture. Although it does not state on the site it contains nut contents, it does. www.decathlon.co.uk/grilled-hemp-groundbait-5-kg-id_8306260.html

[@rumnraisan]

Cheers Mark, just watched rest of video and got to the part when you talked through your mix...Will look forward to watching your Tinca expoits soon

[@davidparis1685]

Mark, how long do you give it in each swim before you move?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Jennie, I think I may have replied to your husband via instagram, but just in case my wires are crossed I'll post it here too. I generally give a swim around 20 minutes, if there is no indications during that time I will move on to the next, however if a swim looks particularly good but gives no signals of fish being forthcoming, I will generally return to it later on and try again. Hope that is of some help. Kind regards Mark

[@smallfryproductions2184]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Small fry :D

[@JOSHCRANE]

I really want to go on the river but they are all really flooded around my area I’m really annoyed about it

[@francolinobasco]

Sorry to hear that Josh, that can be very annoying, I feel your pain.

[@JOSHCRANE]

Mark Erdwin haha just hoping it won’t be to long

[@adaoamorim9394]

Bonne année pourrez tu montrer ton montage plus en détail ..merci

[@francolinobasco]

Merci, bonne année à toi aussi mon amie. Montage plus en détail, Oui certainement

[@dannyboy7386]

When does the roach hunt commence mark?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Danny I actually went trotting for a mixed bag but also roach when it was minus 6 in Berkshire a couple of weeks ago and had a few, but nothing large, however I did film and the video will be up in due course.

[@dannyboy7386]

Mark Erdwin look forward to seeing it mark. The cold doesn’t bother big boys like us buddy lol

[@francolinobasco]

Haha yes agreed, well said Danny :D

[@jordang4998]

Maybe someone else fished it day or couple before

[@francolinobasco]

That's always a possibility, but generally less likely than certain waterways.

[@Baxter771]

What rod and Oz tip were you using?

[@francolinobasco]

Good evening Saluki, the rod is a Drennan mini feeder and the tip was 1 ounce.

[@Baxter771]

Mark Erdwin ok thanks. I looked at it and thought it was an Acolyte feeder. I was pretty sure you used one, my bad 😬👍

[@JOSHCRANE]

What camera do u use mark?

[@francolinobasco]

Josh this was filmed on a go-pro hero 4

[@JOSHCRANE]

Mark Erdwin that’s good because I have a go pro hero 4 black what settings and editing software?

[@francolinobasco]

I generally shoot it with pro tune mode switched on, this allows you to capture more data to play with when editing footage, as well as allowing you to adjust other parameters.I shoot in 4k 30fps. For editing software I use cyberlink powerdirector.

[@JOSHCRANE]

Mark Erdwin cool thanks mark

[@francolinobasco]

You're very welcome Josh

[@andyledger2307]

Nice fish, but if I could make one suggestion - less talk when holding them out of the water? Take a snap, get 'em back in. Waxing lyrical while holding it up for the camera is not in the best interests of the fish, or us as anglers - don't give the antis a stick with which to beat us. Other than that, I like your enthusiasm - nice to see someone fishing small rivers for 'natural' fish. As for the 'Bambi' interlude - we've all been there!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Andy I have been into videography,filming and fishing for a long time , they are not kept out for long and go back unharmed. I will take the step to say that I know what I am talking about as I have been doing such for around a decade on youtube, sadly if only some anglers who only "took a snap and put them back" did so with such due diligence and thought. I have a very well oiled routine regarding filming fish and placing them back. The videos are free to watch and if you deem them harmful to the fish then you are very very much mistaken, I would also make a suggestion that you are under no obligation to carry on watching them if that is how you feel.Regarding giving the Antis a stick with which to beat us, please don't make laugh, I last night got back from a stretch of river where I had to watch Eastern european anglers who won't abide by my club rules walking off with carp and bream, a week prior to this there were others selling fish to people of Indian origin, perch and roach alive in half a carrier bag of water, said person walked up to myself whilst I unhooked a friends barbel for him and asked if we would "sell" it to him. Honestly if the antis need any ammunition I pretty am sure they can do a damn sight better than quoting a passionate chaps videos on youtube Andy.