Birmingham Anglers Association

Hello Mate,

I did a fair amount of Lure fishing on the Canals (not BAA) a bit nearer to the Warwick area only a few years ago and had quite a few fish (Zander mainly) for my troubles. Nothing big but I did find that the colour, nor the time of year definitely didn't put them off at all.

Tips I'd offer would be to ensure you have a well balanced outfit, light jigheads in the 1 - 5g range matched to soft plastics between 1 - 3in generally and braid of an appropriately light nature (I used to use 10lb powerpro). I had no trouble using a light wire trace or 23kg fluoro leader either. Please note, I'd only use fluoro on a single jig head, never when using a multi-hook arrangement such as a treble. A light rod to feel the taps is the way to go.

Regarding the fishing itself, I've caught Zeds, Perch and Pike all the year round from the Canal, from Summer through to iced margins, mid-Winter. The key for me was to be mobile and keep moving. Last thing I'd offer, is the need to strike hard at anything unusual in your chosen retrieve. By unusual, this could even be the braid upon entering the water detailing an inch of slack or an unusual tap. Once you find the fish, I'm sure you'll get a few. I like the Canals, using light lurefishing gear is great fun where even mediocre fish feel real good!

Good hunting mate.
Dave