Mike’s Diary
Nifty at fifty!
Posted in Mike’s Diary on 04th November 2011Following a long and stressful period which started on May 1st, the new house build is near completion. I've even been managing to string a few short sessions together, which has been something of a rarity for me in 2011. In fact I've managed to bank three lovely 20+ commons in my past couple of trips but to be honest, it's just nice to be back out there sat behind the rods - the very place we all belong!
The fish are also still very active due to the recent spell of mild weather so I think there's still lots of action to be had before winter truly sets in. In fact I sat through an incredible fly hatch last week - on November 2nd!!
Since my last diary piece I've also managed to reach the grand old age of 50 - and boy what a lakeside party we had! 73 guests from as far afield as Blackpool and Manchester attended so I would like to say a massive thank you for all the well wishes I received and for those who attended my 'half century bash'. Dancing the small hours away with the likes of Pete Springate and Dave Gawthorn was a fitting climax to a great night - thanks everyone...
And lastly, a big thank you to all of you guys and girls who have supported us this year. Receiving constant catch reports and pictures made it a little more bearable for me during what seemed like an absolute age when the stresses of life made it difficult for me to be out there 'doing it' myself!
Big up to all of you and tight lines for the winter.
Mike.
Bag 'n' Stick Mixes
Team Essential member Wayne Lindsey with one of two 40lb+ commons caught within a week by increasing attraction levels in his baited area.
Since the publication of numerous articles on PVA stick mix presentations, the use of dedicated mixes to facilitate for this style of fishing have become very popular indeed. The main principle behind this type of presentation is being able to place your hook bait smack bang in the middle of a concentrated parcel of food.
In many ways, it's the perfect way to achieve absolute pin point bait presentation around your baited rig, and there are times when it can be an absolutely deadly method. This type of presentation can often lead to an extra bite or two when perhaps single hook baits or stringers fail to achieve the desired results. The extra attraction of tiny particles breaking down around your hook bait will send out a cloud of food that will not only provide a bigger visual target for the fish to see, but will also send out effective food signals into the surrounding water.
