Small River Fishing - Link Ledgering (Video 106)

[@richyp7126]

Next week Mark lands a 5lb perch from a small puddle outside Tescos :) Nice job...get well soon Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Richy,I am on the mend, however the rest of the family have now caught it.

[@lewiskilshaw9882]

Richy P o

[@geraldswain3259]

Hi Mark, you really would make a great professional angling presenter ,you come across as completely relaxed and natural .I think I speak for the vast majority, and I always feel very relaxed with your demeanor and narrative on these video's. PS. Buy a new bloody net you tight bugger! it looks like it's going to collapse any time soon .HaHa. Regards to mum.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gerald, an angling presenter, now that would be something, I guess it does not hurt to dream. You are right about the net, it has since taken retirement due to finally giving up the ghost and collapsing.

[@tomwinterfishing9065]

You could, you know. Everybody I meet who's seen my videos always mentions how much they enjoy watching yours.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tom, that is nice to know and as surprising as it is humbling, in many ways we are all different and each channel has it's own unique persona, I personally like your laid back way and easy going, tell it how it is no nonsense style.

[@ilovejimrogers]

There is a pleasant relaxed atmosphere in your videos mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks I'm glad that I come across that way as that is really something I am always trying to convey, well that is unless a rod breaks on me during a tussle with say a barbel, then I have let slip with the odd choice word unfortunately.

[@siedinboro4479]

Thats how you christen a new rod!! Enjoyable and inspirational as always Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Si, glad you enjoyed it, it was really enjoyable to break the new rod in and get a feel for its rather forgiving action, perfect for poking into tight swims with its adaptable length too.

[@martinandrewbold]

Well done again Mark, another great vid! I'm in Ireland with no Chub or Barbel but love small stream fishing for Perch and Roach, can't wait to get out after watching this.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Martin and some small stream Roach and Perch fishing, now that sounds pretty perfect to me.

[@StNeotsTown]

Well well well what a great session producing that 5lb chub who would of thought it, but a hidden treasure for sure, I liked the look of that water flying out the pipe and how the bank went in from that flow to create the slack area which was very productive for you, I bet those chub get plenty of food sources from that pipe and is why the were all fair sized chub, I can imagine them all sharing the same habitat as ive seen chub doing this from very small sizes, when I was a kid we had a brook with a tree root that went into the water and they all stayed under it together, magical nice session to end the river season till she opens up again!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Grayham. Yes it was definitely a bit of a holding zone and I suspect will make for a prime spawning area during the close season, that coupled with the extra oxygen and weed beds in that location, making for food and extra nutrients. That tree root scenario that you mention reminds me of an old fishing spot a long time ago on the River Loddon, where you used to be guaranteed a fish or two, be that chub or barbel by just letting your bait roll down and rest under it.

[@StNeotsTown]

I can not wait for the new river season mark, I just watched a video from john wilsons go fishing, I watched it as a kid, but I never noticed what I just heard on it, it said the Vauxhall angling club, for barbell, so whilst the close season is upon us, I'm going to investigate that stretch and see if I can find the same swim, he lost a big barbell in it and caught 2 other barbell and 2 perch, I'm excited now and will make it my mission to locate a nice barbell swim ready for open season! :)

[@stevefaulkner9391]

Hi Mark, I have never used a feeder rod in all my years of angling. However, today in the middle of Storm Jorge, I tried out my new 10ft wand, link ledgering with an Olivette rather than SSG shot. I managed to land three decent-sized Roach, the largest coming in at around 1.5 Lbs. I was amazed at the sensitivity of the ultra-light feeder/wand. I can't wait for the new river season and the warm summer days on the Warwickshire Avon and its tiny tributaries, the Sowe and the Sherbourne rivers. Thanks for yet another brilliant video mate, you have kindled my latest obsession, ultra-lite fishing on ultra-small waterways.

[@francolinobasco]

Hey there Steve and firstly well done one the roach, a good size too. To be fair the light qiver tips or winkle picker rods are brilliant for roach fishing on a link leger or similar, sensitive but not too much resistance. Please keep on keeping on on these small waterways as they are hard to beat mate.

[@stevefaulkner9391]

@@francolinobasco cheers Mark, I certainly will. Small rivers, disused canal arms and forgotten ponds are the way forward me thinks. 😀 Keep up the good work mate, yourself, 'Easy Fishing' Bill and The Fighing Fisherman, to name but a few, give me hours of entertainment and companionship. Who needs a tv, when fellow anglers are prepared to produce such good quality warts and all videos. Truly the spirit of Issac Walton watches over you. 😀

[@insideout2600]

Amazing to see what fish you can catch in such small waters . great eye opener . thanks

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks in side out and I am also terribly sorry for the late reply from me, I am not sure how your comment escaped me. That is the joy of small, neglected rivers, so much to unlock that is overlooked.

[@mart2mart]

What super fish from such a lovely, intimate water. Well done Mark and thanks once again for sharing the experience, it is appreciated.

[@francolinobasco]

You're always welcome Mart, thank you for stopping by to watch the video too.

[@tonypail2003]

Thanks Mark, great videos. Really well presented and put together. I've caught the river fishing bug now too ☺️ keep up the great work!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks David! It is hard to beat flowing water. Well ok Tench are close second :D

[@tonypail2003]

@@francolinobasco it really does present a worthy challenge! Cheers Mark

[@itsgottabecarpy3994]

Greetings mark... that was a fine days angling fella from such a narrow stretch of water.. rod well and truly christened.. all the very best Baz

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Barry, I must admit I was overjoyed with it and it is one of the reasons I like spending time looking at ordinance survey maps, sometimes it can be a wild goose chase and other times it balances out with a welcome reward or two.

[@thomashill8238]

Hi Mark. Another top video your waters are so beautiful and so different from the large Irish loughs that I fish.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Thomas, they are quite different to the big loughs that's true, these are really intimate in comparison.

[@lenalliston5224]

Great fishing Mark - love these small rivers 👍🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers LEn, glad to know you're enjoying the videos :)

[@philhadfield8464]

great videos.... clearly know what you're doing and humble..... my favorite fishing channel

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Phil. I like to keep things real generally what you see is what you get with me and I love my fishing no matter where I might be trying to tempt a bite or two.

[@FrenchFishing]

I really am impressed to see such nice fish in a tiny brook. Well done Mark! Another great video, and thanks for sharing.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Thomas, it was nice to do some exploring and get a bend in the little rod too.

[@paulfinlay]

superb Mark great video and chub,get well soon and look forward to your next video. Paul

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Paul, I am on the mend, although rest of the family have now caught it, don't think they are best pleased with me lol.

[@gavt3082]

Hi Mark, Top session as always! If that's what you can do when you're under the weather......... Great video and I hope your keeping going through the closed season even if it's just for advice and tips. Thanks Gavin..

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Gavin, I was pretty congested, but I could not miss such a nice afternoon to be out and try this particular waterway. I will try to continue uploading throughout the close season, I have a few things that I am hoping to plan and put into action. Thanks again mate.

[@gavt3082]

Are you feeling any better yet Mark? Feeder session on Whistley Green lake tomorrow Fingers crossed!! Hope you're keeping well Gavin..

[@delevo51]

Well mark you`ve done it again!!another great little video, you had some cracking chub there mate and i`m looking forward to the next installment already.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Del, always nice to be able to get enough footage during a trip to be able to make a video to share with you guys, alas the closed season is here and the hiatus on flowing water has begun.

[@iangrant1959]

15.00 ... The Chub.... i don't know who's more excited me or You LOL ! i haven't finished watching it yet !!! Great stuff mate !

[@francolinobasco]

Haha thanks Ian I was pretty chuffed with it to say the least, nice when some gut instinct pays off.

[@johnryanbadumar7702]

Great stuf Mark! And what a nice and quiet spot.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers John, yes it was actually very pretty and I did have a group of deer behind me as the evening drew closer.

[@fishwithnoeyes9512]

Defiantly my favorite fishing channel, cometary is amazing and helpful!

[@francolinobasco]

That is nice of you to say, thank you.

[@raywestwood2900]

As always the best, well done Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ray.I always try to film as much as I can even if that means juggling an action camera and main camera as I know you chaps appreciate the footage and share very much similar views on our rivers.

[@dabberlocksisjustoutofview9013]

What a wonderful video and a great session. Thanks

[@GazBrown]

Great fishing Mark,I've enjoyed watching your videos.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gary, as I have too, especially being able to share these videos with you chaps.

[@matthewmiller8048]

Looks like you had a great days fishing Mark. The swim where you caught the 5lb chub reminded me of the classic John Wilson episode "weir pool magic". Look forward to your videos, keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Matthew, I know the exact John Wilson episode you are talking about, it is a bit similar and thank you I will try to carry on uploading new videos.

[@grahamcutler3734]

Once again a great fishing , well done Mark.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Graham, got a few months to go till the new season now

[@yorkshireriverrover7199]

Another great watch Mark , thanks again for sharing. This little River is a lovely place you have found. Couldn't believe that 5lb10 Chub! What a stunner. Could see the surprise & delight all over your face. Guessing you will be back there again in the Summer.. All the best mate & i hope your feeling much better now ;)

[@patrickperry5244]

Hi Mark I have now watched many of your videos, and what I very much appreciate is your sharing of your hours on the bank with us.We must not forget that you have to set your camera up in preparation for some action,? I do welcome just the scenes of your swims and quiver tip ready for action, just as much as the striking,playing, landing and triumphant smile of you and your catch. I am now retired fishing two times a week and only sticking to the waters that my two local club have. This does limit but how different two days can be on the same venue of even same swim.I have found the results fascinating! Keep up the very professional productions you make for us all to enjoy in our armchairs after returning from our trips. PP

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Patrick and thank you so much for your kind words. Yes I do have to set my camera up in each swim and sometimes chop and change between cameras/lenses, but the thought of being able to edit and produce a video to share with you chaps at the end of a fishing trip is something that I also greatly look forward to, especially as the videos are being shared with anglers like yourself who are enjoying them.

[@winniebaygo5378]

Astounding chub fishing from a stream - wow

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Winnie I was very happy with the fish caught.

[@DannysAnglingBlog]

Fantastic end to the season mark, we now move into that period where the us river anglers feel almost lost, we will however return and the grass and balsam will be that much higher and the river adventures will begin again. Tight lines for the closed season mate and well done with the video. Dany

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Danny and I agree, lost is a pretty good term to use, the balsam will be head high and alive with bees, sunny days long evenings and the sound of running water, I look forward to June 16th. What plans do you have for during the close season?

[@DannysAnglingBlog]

I normally find this next 2 weeks to month a weird period so i leave the natural canal fishing till into next month, i have been doing a bit of carp fishing and set myself a target of trying a new commercial each year so there is that on the agenda. Having seen the local canal go through a bit of a decline in the last year i have joined the bailiff team so that will also be a challenge to face going forward. Plenty to go at but the light at the end of the tunnel will be walking down to the river again on june 16th and feeling that freshness of running water hit my face.

[@benwatts2121]

another great video as always. you had some lovely chub well done, look forward to your next video.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ben, it was really nice to get a tug on the line before the season ended, it was quite a spring like day.

[@rosstaylor3741]

Glad to see your cold didn't keep you indoors Mark. Some cracking chub there to finish the season on .I myself didn't manage any barbel as an early bird stole my prebaited swim, so I decided to have a go for the eels as they have been hammering our dead baits the last couple of weeks.Which gave me a great days sport with the biggest close to the 4lb mark. Great vid as always mate and hopefully next season we can get you down on the medway after some medway beasts.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ross, sorry to hear that regard losing the swim you wanted for barbel, it is one of the main issues that tends to arise nearer the end of the season as there is usually quite a few anglers trying to get out on the rivers for that one last cast. A 4lb eel that is very nice, good scrap too I bet, they give a very much all wheel drive battle.

[@MarkCarp]

great chub that mark, amazing what you can turn up in a small river, well done mate 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Mark, never a truer word spoken, you just never know.

[@wokingsaint]

Another blinder my friend, a spiffing blinder! Top quality as always.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you haha, I was actually worried you was going to ask about swapping barbel hooks for a moment too lol.

[@joey47847]

Really enjoy ur vids mark your passion for angling and the outdoors is the same as me, like you I prefer intimate waterways where no one bothers with and many times I've had my best fish from them, can't wait till June 16👍🏻

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much Joey, you have summed it up perfectly regarding the overlooked and dare I say usually neglected waterways. Not too long to go now till June 16th either!

[@tudorcarter6580]

what a great session mark,effort sometimes equals reward on rivers but worth it every time,wven bigger effort recording it for everyone to see,insporational top bloke...

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tudor, that is very kind of you and at the same time it means a lot to have you chaps to share it with via the youtube platform too.

[@martincockram6913]

Another great watch, nice fishing Mark 👍🏻

[@Georgeolddrones]

Excellent video mark thanks 🙏🎣👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you George, I had a terrible cold during this particular fishing trip, but it's amazing how you forget it when you are catching a few fish.

[@paganoutdoors3193]

awesome session mark, used to love sml waterways, slight change to having the trent on my doorstep, lol, stunning fish everyone of them, cracking job, thanks for taking us along, cheers craig

[@francolinobasco]

you're welcome Craig, oh yes very different compared to the larger rivers, only around 5 weeks to go till the rivers open too! :D

[@Keith187066]

Mark, you are far and away my favourite KZbinr, thanks for yet another of your hugely enjoyable (by me!) films, immensely watchable. Thanks pal.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Keith,it's great to hear from you and thank you, it was a real pleasure to be able film this. How was your coarse season, did you fish the Blackwater much? I remember you saying in the past that we both fish that particular river.

[@Keith187066]

Mark, I've neglected my river fishing, as I've 'discovered' a small Capability Brown estate lake that has a big head of pike, and I've been spending nearly all my time on this, catching on every trip. Also, I've left a few of my club waters that had sections of the Blackwater and Loddon, as I felt I was battling other anglers as much as the conditions and weather etc..... Oh to find a quiet section of river! I wish!

[@francolinobasco]

That does sound nice Keith, an estate lake in tranquil surroundings and a spot of pike fishing. I know what you mean regarding some fishing clubs, some are very popular.

[@Cnile73]

Nice angles on the vids Mark, some people forget that when filming themselves but shows the gorgeous surroundings in which you hunt your quarry, lovely stuff

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you so much, I do try to vary the angles because as you say it helps with viewing and better than just one view point all the time.

[@Cnile73]

@@francolinobasco where are you based mate, i presume its east Anglia area, if you ever fancy someone tagging along with the camera and a rod id love to

[@francolinobasco]

I am down south C-Nile Berkshire/hampshire

[@ibcatchin1]

Brilliant session in spite of your being ill ,hardcore angler ...gutted for the one that got away ...what water treasures​ to be found even in such small water ways....as always enjoyed this video as I do with the others

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Rafa, it was a brilliant little river/brook to spend time wetting a line and doing a little soul searching on. Glad that you enjoyed it mate.

[@smiff4748]

Another great video Mark. I love the relaxed style of your films, much better than the offerings of others. Please keep them coming my friend.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Miff, that is so nice to know, I do try and film it as I feel it so that the vibe and atmosphere isn't lost in translation. I actually realise that sounds a bit odd but it's about the the best way I can put it.

[@burbusbond]

Another good watch mate. Still catching up on your films 👍 always an inspiration

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks David, glad I can offer some enjoyment and inspiration, it is something that I appreciate when watching other peoples videos too.

[@garyhammond8622]

Nice video Mark and some lovely fish. Where i live in York we have a small river, the' river Foss' which is very similar in size, this river is seldom fished yet it also has some large chub and perch plus lots of gudgeon.......

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Gary, the Foss sounds really good, there are so many overlooked little waterways out there, many of which you could say have thrived on being unnoticed and at times neglected.

[@DomFishingUK]

certainly looks like one youll have to come back to in the new season

[@francolinobasco]

Definitely Dom and I might have to start a petition to get you to re-open your channel, as I would think a lot of people are missing your videos a lot mate.

[@euanmcnab7684]

Mark I think you could probably pull a chub out of a puddle. superb angling you inspired me to get out on the loddon over the last few months of the season and I have already purchased a permit for next year I haven't thought about getting the carp rods out since I 1st watched 1 of your videos top lad thanks

[@francolinobasco]

Hey Euan, it is just nice when you find somewhere like it and there's the odd reward or two, I was really over the moon. Thanks so much for the kind words, I know we have chatted a bit on instagram and it's great to hear that you are enjoying your river fishing so much, that reminds me I do need to make contact about that permit too.

[@TheJohnnyk3]

Love watching your videos mate..cracking job 👏 👍

[@Carlbotten1971]

Great video Mark it realy is surprising what is in these small waterways.I went on the R.Colne on the 11th and fished with Lobs but caught no Chub but a surprise 8lb 15oz Barbel which gave one heck of a scrap on Chub gear but went on my local R.Thame on the very last day 14th and took a chub of 4lb 13oz again on Lob but also missed another good bite 2 good roving sessions

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Colin and thank you, that is a very nice result with the barbel, I have a couple of friends who fish the Colne round the Watford area, who really enjoy fishing that particular river.

[@terrycousins3015]

Lovely fishing on a small river👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Terry, the small rivers do take some beating.

[@dougharrison2841]

Mark just stumbled across your channel. Congratulations mate some great fish. Keep it up.

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Doug thank you very kindly and for subscribing. Hopefully there will be some new videos in the not too distant future.

[@dougharrison2841]

Mark Erdwin very grateful you took time to reply to me. I have joined a local club this year that have a few lakes and a good few miles of river, my aim this year is to catch a barbel as I have never seen one in the flesh only on videos such as yours so fingers crossed. Out on the lake on Saturday early morning to try and temped some tinca tincas

[@1000000trs]

Mark, it never ceases to amaze me how you can pull massive chub out of such tiny waterways. I bet if you serviced your overflow pipe at home, you'd find a chub in the water tank! ;-)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tim and haha I bet if I serviced the over flow pipe at home any chub would look a bit browned off (said with tongue firmly in cheek) :D

[@1000000trs]

lol

[@steve00king]

Yet another great vid Mark keep up the good work !!!!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it mate.

[@dieangeln]

Hi Mark,great place to fish and tht 5 pounder is OMG.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Dietmar, it was nice to winkle a few out. That 5+ really made my day, it was in positively perfect condition.

[@KeefsCattys]

Outstanding video.. Very much enjoyed .

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Crowblack, much appreciated too.

[@badlad353]

Once again Mark i`m amazed at the size of them Chub,i fish some small rivers near me but the fish are not on the scale of your fish, what are they bloody feeding on great video.Whould be nice to see some bite action be interested to see what the bites are like, big thumbs up pal.

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers mate, I enjoy fishing these types of waterways, it is always enjoyable working them out and finding them in the first place, to be fair I have some reasonably good chub fishing in Berkshire on a whole and the general spread of Crayfish on most of the rivers locally has given us some good sized specimens, however at the cost at times of juvenile fish recruitment. I try hard to have the camera/s running as much as possible to capture everything as it happens,however the go-pro which the majority of this was filmed on does eat through the little go-pro batteries especially when filming in 4k and using an external mic which is also driven from the the same tiny batteries, along with any memory card limitations, so I generally pick and choose when to record. However for bites you need look no further than 11:20 14:15 and 17:54 or thereabouts, as thankfully I selected the right time to continously record.

[@anthonyperry1322]

Another cracking video mark nice one m8 well done 😊👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Anthony :D

[@ufoialienhunter1652]

Another brilliant video mark 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, this one was a very special trip

[@chrisbaddeley5766]

Hi Mark, thanks for your superb entertaining and instructive videos. I try to emulate your methods, with varying success, but the one thing I'm struggling to master is your underhand "swing" cast! Any chance you could do a tutorial on the method, because I'm sick of hitting trees, the far bank, or getting wrapped around the tip rings! Thanks and Fish On!

[@francolinobasco]

Sounds a great question and one i could perhaps show in the garden in a future video during the close season as the under arm cast is something many of you have asked about over the years.

[@WilminMKD]

Great stuff as always Mark. Fantastic conditioned fish, too. Take a break and recharge your batteries. See you in June (if not on a lake or two before lol). Cheers mate, Harry.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Harry, I am trying to gather brownie points currently, keeping my mother happy as she run me around a fair bit last season.

[@leesurman2331]

I really enjoy watching your videos m8

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Lee and i am very sorry for such a late reply too, I sometimes miss the comments and then check back. Glad I do though as it was very kind of you to say such a thing.

[@sme70]

Top vid top fishing thanks for sharing .

[@francolinobasco]

You're most welcome and thank you too.

[@ianspicer1529]

Great stuff as ever Mark….well done for working through the cold mate. A good end to a good season. Trout rods out……here's to the next one!! :-)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Ian, I noticed you was on Farmoor in that inclement, windy weather too, must have made presenting a fly and casting very challenging.

[@ianspicer1529]

Oh yes! It did…….had to wait between gusts to cast but all worthwhile with some fit rainbows to the net :-)

[@francolinobasco]

That sounds perfect Ian, a good way to dust the fly rods off.

[@ianspicer1529]

At last!!

[@neiljohnson2637]

just started watching you're blogs fella. ...such a nice change to watch some proper angling instead of a massive plug for bait etc. ... keep up the good work i am looking forward to going through your old blogs!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Neil, I'm glad you are enjoying them so much and you make a good point, I will always say if I don't like an item of tackle or if I think a certain item or bait is good as I think viewers gain more insight into that and also trust an impartial view.

[@williecollins5833]

Great video,i bought a pint of maggots today after seeing this ,heading out tomorrow on river Blackwater fermoy co.cork ... Thank you!

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Willie, glad you enjoyed the video and best of luck for your fishing trip too.

[@steveames8286]

Nice session mark , help you throw the closed season

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Steve, you're right it should help, although I'm already missing the rivers.

[@coops9871]

as usual a great watch

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Paul.

[@heretohelp1376]

Another great video Mark!

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Here To Help. I am really quite chuffed with how well the videos are being received.

[@NorthwestFisherman]

Great last session Mark. As ever. I feel like a stuck record. ;)

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Vinnie, I don't know about sounding like a stuck record mate, what are your plans for the close season?

[@NorthwestFisherman]

A big (and well needed) tidy of the tackle shed, and then in a few weeks, crucians!

[@councilglasses]

Great video Mark

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you, glad that you enjoyed it, looks like June 16th will be a long way off though :D

[@pigeonman73]

Nice fish mark well done loved the footage keep up the good work hoping to show a few myself soon cheers pal

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Daz and thank you regarding the footage, I tried to capture a fair amount throughout this video so it would immerse the viewer, especially with you guys really enjoying the videos I thought that it would be an especially nice way to share one of the last river videos of the season by doing so.

[@blazingdryad2251]

Great entertaining video I've just started fishing and I'm only young but this channel is awesome keep up the good work

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Louis and thank you so much for your kind words, it is nice to know that you enjoy the channel and also that there is a viewership from various age groups that find it enjoyable and engaging.

[@blazingdryad2251]

Thanks for the reply 👍

[@francolinobasco]

You're welcome Louis.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you Lee, yes Terrys book was very good, I do like most of the ones written by Chris Yates too, as well as some of the more carp orientated ones like Tiger Bay.

[@robertmoore2402]

great fishing mate !

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Robert, certainly made up for being full of flu.

[@alexiasimmons1]

Haha "bloody spiffing!"

[@francolinobasco]

haha Liam, I guess that I can't help myself at times.

[@julianwilliams4750]

Hey Mark Just come a cross your channel and amazed by the amount of amazing content. Going to take me a while to get through it all. This little river is gorgeous. Are you able to share the location?. Keep up the excellent work. Julian

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Julian, why thank you so much, it is just nice to know that my content is found to be enjoyable. I would like to say that I could share every location, but sadly I have had my fingers burnt in the past regarding locations and freely giving them out over social media.

[@julianwilliams4750]

Not to worry. Keep em coming. Cheers

[@janjr7357]

Hi Mark, what do you mean end off the season. Are you going than fish on a different way. In the Netherlands, will get caught in the winter pike and roach. And in the spring, summer, autumn bream and carp. And I wish you a speedy recovery. Greeting Jan from Netherlands

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Jan and thanks for the recovery wishes. In england our Rivers close on March 15th and do not open again till June 16th.

[@janjr7357]

Hi Mark, thanks for your reply. In the Netherlands we only have a closed time. For certain fish species. And we may the rest fish anywhere with a large authorization of an Association. At a cost of 40 euros. for the whole of Netherlands.

[@Writeous0ne]

Jan Jr it's to help the fish spawn. Fishing through spawn season can reduce the numbers of fry.

[@antonwarren426]

Hello Mark, you are very informative with your approach on this delightful little river. Where were you fishing?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Anton and thank you very much for your kind words. Regarding venues I usually don't state them these days.

[@rumnraisan]

Always look forward to your videos Mark...a true passion for angling...Can you please tell me a bit about your camera set up?

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Andrew and yes happy to do so. For on the fly filming I use a go-pro 4 with a bank stick adapter, so it is screwed into the bank stick and can be moved into position swiftly, I also use an external mic on this to aid the sound quality. My main film and stills camera is a Panasonic gh4. During this video both cameras were used.

[@rumnraisan]

Thanks Mark , great quality in your videos and stills...really puts the viewer in location with you, being able to see the slightest twitch on tip and bright natural colours ...the GH4 was definately a sound investment. Keep up the good work fella and tight lines : )

[@1000000trs]

Mark, it's only a few weeks into the close season and I'm already missing your shows...

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Tim, I must admit that I am missing fishing currently too :(

[@1000000trs]

yep.... I know; how about a highlights of last season vid ! - cheer us all up a bit :-)

[@francolinobasco]

I may well do that Tim. :D

[@eliasskaug1279]

Hi Mark! I just Wonder if you could put up a vid where you show us how to make the bobber from last video?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Elias, I will definitely be making a video to show how to make the bobber floats used in the previous video.

[@stevequinny]

Hello Mark, I'm a recent subscribed convert to your channel. Your videos are bloomin' brilliant and I'm pleased to see there are plenty for me to watch. Not just the fish you catch but also the wise words you use to describe your environment and the way you present the videos. Top class. Personally I am returning to fishing after a 10 year break, when the new season rolls around (though I am sneaking in a few trips the last week of the season) and it will be fishing streams exactly like this. On my return to angling I wish to fish with simple method, simple baits and fairly simple approach without getting too technical (as sometimes fishing can be). I cannot wait to get started. Your small river fishing videos are an absolute inspiration! I would also just like to ask you one question. Can you tell me which line you use? As your ability to land everything on your set up from small perch and chub, to 5lb chub and that incredible double figure barbel (on the other video) is seriously impressive! I know it takes skill to land them but I'd appreciate your thoughts on mainline. As whatever you use must be top notch stuff. Thank you.

[@francolinobasco]

Why thank you so much Steve and thank you for cubscribing as it takes a lot of time and effort to grow the community here! There is only one 6lb line I use for a lot of my chub fishing and that is Shimano Technium invisitec, i also use it for my barbel fishing in 12lb and carp fishing and pike dead baiting in 15. For me it is one of the best. It is not cheap but like Loreal it is worth it haha.

[@stevequinny]

@@francolinobasco Thanks for the swift reply! That line is quite hard to find but managed to find a place that stocks it (Waveinn) on 300m spools (its a bit confusing because its in KG breaking strain) I've ordered from them before and had no problems. I look forward to spooling it up and hopefully landing a few fish in March. Thanks once again.

[@Micks.barbelfishing.adventures]

nice blog again mark.. when are you back on the Severn again m8 🎣🎣🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Mick and I don't know, as I don't drive, when I organised the bloggers Severn event with George (Fenland Fisherman) one of the chaps kindly picked me up, I was hoping to visit the Severn later this year depending on what the family fancied doing.

[@harrihiltunen1244]

good video...fine fish.

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Harri.

[@davewalker2167]

cracking watch as usual chap.i know you dont give details of the venue but is it free fishing there? never ceases to amaze me where you winkle these chub out from. keep up the good work.

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Dave, I don't always give out venue details as it takes time to do ground work and also I have been given grief in the past from other anglers on certain waterways for taking only a photo of a capture and mentioning the rivers name on the likes of instagram. One such incident arose recently on the River Wey from a chap I showed a stretch of the river to (Hampshire Angling TV). Having done the groundwork and then shared it with himself, I was then more or less castigated over social media recently by himself and one of his fishing friends for having posted the picture/s tagging the said river, baring in mind the picture which acted as a catalyst for this issue was from the season prior of myself holding a carp with a tree directly behind me. I however found out from Tom that his friend had plans to film down there anyway! What I would recommend as being a good idea and something that I use a lot of is google maps and spending time to look around your area or further afield at any waterways you might see and to then map them in conjunction with/using google maps and have a look around, you will be surprised at the amount of fishing there is available be that with with smaller clubs that you might not have heard of and even freely available fishing where paths run next to rivers.

[@spyrothedragon3431]

Hi Mark, another inspiring video yet again, all my river fishing be it the dove or the Trent has been me sitting behind a 1 1/2 Avon rod or even a 2 1/4 barbel rod, fishing bait runners and waiting for a fish to belt of, basically fishing bolt rigs. Iv recently acquired a ticket for a club water that has a huge amount of river, including, trent, dove, severn, sow, wye, dane, ribble ext! I can't help but feel on the smaller rivers, like the Dane and the dove that fishing a tactic like you are using in the video would bring me more success, instead of crashing big cage feeders weighing 3/4/5oz every chuck, drop into a likely spot with a link ledger or a small cage feeder with minimal disturbance. The dove has some good form for chub in the 6lb plus category, in your opinion would you deem this rod suitable for these kind of situations? if you think this is suitable could you give me some more details of the rod and where I should buy one, thanks

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Spyro and thank you. In answer to your question this rod is ideally suited to small rivers like the one you see in this video so if the rivers that you plan to fish are similar then it will cope admirably. It is a wonderful light rod and great for getting into tight loactions, bear in mind the heaviest tip is only 1 ounce. You should be able to purchase the Drennan ultralight mini feeder rod from TackleUK, it is not a cheap rod,but for a Christmas treat to yourself I would recommend it, just make sure though that you will be fishing similar rivers to what you have seen me fishing with it and you won't go too wrong. Here's a link for it and it is showing as in stock but i would phone them first and check. www.tackleuk.co.uk/Shop/RodsFeederRods/Drennan-Ultralight-Mini-Feeder-9-10ft.htm

[@spyrothedragon3431]

Appreciate the reply Mark, I think this will fill the gap that I'm missing, I have rods for larger waters, this rod will be perfect for the smaller rivers, looking at some of the fish you have caught im more than convinced at the capabilities of the rod. Thanks and I look forward to your new video

[@aeaeae555]

Mark - Great vid as always. Try an old Swedish trick I learned recently from a mate. Smother your feet and ankles (all over the tops and soles) with Vicks Vapo Rub and then wear a pair of socks to bed. Works miracles I can tell you! Cheers, James

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks James and wow really? I have never heard of that idea before, I'll be sure to give it a go next time I have a cold as any less suffering is always welcome.

[@aeaeae555]

Really really. I had a horrible cold I could not shift for 2 weeks. Did the foot and ankle vapo rub, socks on straight away and bed and by morning I was 100% clear.

[@tomwinterfishing9065]

You've got a new rod!

[@francolinobasco]

I have Tom :D. An ultralight mini feeder, perfect for poking about into small swims and pretty forgiving action.

[@andrewbeardsmorea8174]

I bet that 5 pounder made you forget your cold Mark

[@francolinobasco]

It certainly helped Andrew, until the Otrivine nasal drops run out in the evening time at least.

[@simonineaston]

Back in the '70s, I was good mates with Keith Speer...

[@francolinobasco]

I see. I did not know Keith personally but know he enjoyed fishing both the Ouse and Lea

[@leonhanen1757]

Do you want a medal Simon lol??

[@chrisanders92]

crackin' video, Mark! Any recommendations for landing net/ handle combo for roving?

[@francolinobasco]

Cheers Chris, I would say the drennan twist lock in either or both available lengths and the Angling direct Advanta folding specialist net head would do you proud.

[@Mirkwood50]

Good angling mate 👍

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks 👍

[@deane9050]

Hi Mark hope your well, i am wanting to do some lightweight winter roving on the river tees, my question is could you recommend a nice short QUALITY roving rod and reel about 9/10 ft max i would like to do some stalking for chub. best wishes jeff

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Deane, it is good to hear from you and thanks for the question. Personally the rod you see me using in this video is very hard to beat on small rivers and thats the Drennan ultralight mini feeder rod, however for a larger river I'd probably recommend a Drennan series 7 Specialist avon quiver rod in 1.1/4lb or 1.1/2 lb test curve. www.drennantackle.com/products/rods/series-7/series-7-specialist-rods/11ft-specialist-avon-quiver-1-14/

[@deane9050]

@@francolinobasco Thank you Mark. How do you find the chub in unknown spots and are these tiny off shoot rivers all private waters. Thanks for the info mate. Jeff

[@rosstaylor3741]

I've more or less had the stretch to myself all year and unfortunately he was the only other person there having ago for pike, the worst bit about it he left at 2ish I later found out. But I was in the next field up and didn't notice he had departed . Hay hoo roll on June the 16th.

[@francolinobasco]

Ah just unlucky then Ross, had similar myself in the past when you don't realise that someone has left sooner. Having said that I have found that to work in your favour sometimes as you end up trying elsewhere and catching from a new section or area, where you might have not have stayed if you had headed back to the vacated swim/area.

[@Kevin-rh5li]

Fantastic action to that Drennen rod Mark, do you use float stops for your ledger boom for he shot or a water knot ?

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, it is a beautiful little rod, for the anti tangle sleeve I use soft rubber stops (rig/float stops)

[@dumdumdotty1]

Cracking vid mate.Don't your knees give you gip after kneeling like that?

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks James, yes very much so, they actually ache very badly and feel like they need oiling, not to mention the new stinging nettles that are coming through, I think I need some strap, on garden kneeling pads to give me some protection too.

[@marekwiech8256]

PIEKNASZTUKA- GRATULUJE- JAKIE MACIE OPŁATY ROCZNE...............

[@DEATHKNIGHT2K9]

great video as always Mark, im just wondering what videos do you have planned now while the season is over?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello Mike and thanks, traditionally I usually spend the close season investing time looking at different sections of waterways and doing groundwork, as well as repaying my mother around the household by doing chores for her as she spends a lot of time to drive me about. I was considering some canal fishing though.

[@DEATHKNIGHT2K9]

oh i see, perhaps thats where i can improve my fishing usually i fish sections of river based on recommendations rather then spending the time looking myself for signs of activity. its nice of your mother to drive you about and if you do canal fish ive seen people fishing the canal outside the sea life centre in birmingam a few times with moderate success!

[@colinfleming2502]

What reel and line have you paired this rod with? Another nice vid🎣

[@francolinobasco]

Thank you Colin, I was actually using the ultralight with 6lb main line (shimano technium invisitec) which has a diameter more along the lines of 5lb. The rod itself is rated for use with lines up to 5lb in breaking strain.

[@colinfleming2502]

Mark Erdwin Thank you mate. And what reel have you paired this rod with? Sorry I’m new to coarse fishing and just trying to get a gauge on what a good set up would be to get my out on the bank.

[@francolinobasco]

@@colinfleming2502 I'm so sorry for the delay in replying, the reel was a Silstar Matrix Tiny 20 . They have been discontinued but I would say the reel is around a 500 size.

[@blazingdryad2251]

Hi mark are you going to be doing a tench fishing trip soon?

[@francolinobasco]

Hello there Louis, I don't currently have any tench plans as of yet.

[@oliverclarke5591]

nice video quick question though how long would you wait in a swim before moving on?

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Oliver. In answer to your question, on such narrow rivers I will usually give a spot 5/10 minutes and then move, a lot of the time casting to likely areas without any free offerings, sometimes just a pouchful of maggot. On wider bends or areas that have extra features for example the pipe in this video, I will stay longer as there is sometimes the chance of taking a few fish from such areas before the need to move again.

[@kevinsaward2911]

well done mark,great ! is that a private river pm me with any details. cheers

[@francolinobasco]

Thanks Kevin, glad you enjoyed it too.