Jonathan Longden

2 weeks ago | anglingtimes.co.uk | Jonathan Longden

Learn how to hook baits correctly with this handy guide. When it comes to catching fish, the pattern of hook and how you hook your bait really does matter. For soft baits like maggots or meat, poor hooking can burst them, split them, or even cause them to fly off on the cast. Equally, if your hook point is hidden, you’ll struggle to hook anything at all. These two simple issues are exactly what led to the invention of the hair rig.

2 weeks ago | anglingtimes.co.uk | Jonathan Longden

We discuss some of the best baits you can use to catch fish. If you’ve ever stared at the endless rows of baits on the shelves in the tackle shops, and felt completely overwhelmed, you’re not alone. From colourful tubs of pellets and bags of groundbait to the humble maggot wriggling in the fridge, it can all feel a bit much when you’re just starting out. Fishing baits are only limited by your imagination, within reason of course.

2 weeks ago | anglingtimes.co.uk | Jonathan Longden

Bream often get a bad reputation as nuisance fish, especially among carp anglers, but speak to seasoned match or pleasure anglers, and you'll hear a different story. Big bream, often called "bin lids" due to their size and shape, are prized fish that can put up a surprisingly good fight. If you've never caught one before, don’t let the opinions of other anglers put you off as bream fishing can be rewarding, and with the right approach, you’ll be landing a net of slabs in no time.

2 weeks ago | anglingtimes.co.uk | Jonathan Longden

If you want to catch more crucian carp, use these baits!Crucian carp are one of the most fascinating species to catch, and my personal favourite. They’re a real hit amongst anglers who enjoy a more technical, delicate approach. Found in quiet, mature stillwaters, they’re known for their cagey feeding and shy, twitchy bites.

2 weeks ago | anglingtimes.co.uk | Jonathan Longden

Heard anglers catching 'in the mud'? Here is how to do it!As the weather starts to warm up so does the water, and the parts of the lake that warms up quickest, are the shallowest. Lots of commercials are ‘snake lake’ type lakes or have islands that can be reached with a fishing pole, these areas typically between 12” and 2ft deep, these areas offer cover and refuge for fish and as they are targeted by anglers also represent an area where food is abundant.