Purplepeanut007 PP007 FLOAT MAKING & FISHING ADVENTURES - THE RIVER IRWELL AND BEYOND.

DOUGY DANCING WITH JOHN DERBYSHIRE. I recieved a message from John Derbyshire letting me know that the stretch of River Douglas that we  have previously fished together was in perfect condition and would I fancy a quick Irwell Stick session on her. It wasn't long before I was flying up the M61 to meet John Irwell Stick at the ready.....lol. Midway to John’s house the heavens opened an it rained heavily, non-stop for about fifteen minutes. "This doesn't look very clever" I thought to my self as I pulled off the motorway in the direction of the " Derbyshire Residence ". The rain then suddenly stopped...." Fantastic " I thought at least we be dry when we blank.....lmao. I belled John to let him know I was outside and within 5 minutes we were off to the River Douglas for another session using my Irwell Stick Floats. My Pearlescent, Feather Inlayed,Irwell Stick. Johns Irwell Sticks are the two smaller floats on the left.  The oth

I had a pass off the Mrs this Sunday so with a quick line to a new pal of mine, John Derbyshire a plan was made to fish a little known river – to me anyway - ……The River Douglas in Bolton. I still don’t know exactly where we were  but I know we were near the Reebok Stadium. John said it’s a little river for roving so I was  traveling light, a bag and a rod…..that was it …..which is super light for me ......lol. I told john while we were having breakfast at his house that I do not possess any Irwell sticks. He stopped chewing his bacon butty and stared at me in disbelief and said ………………… “ A float maker without any of his talisman floats…………your kidding right Mike “  “No” I replied. “ I thought I had a feather inlayed one but I couldn’t find it “ john chuckled and said “ well………….you’re not using mine “ with a big grin on his face. I nipped to the car, opened my float box and found , just one , lonely carved chubber. It was quite heavily loaded and took about 4 BB. JUST THE

Float Making Part 5 - Stick Floats. If there is one method I love above all other types of fishing it is trotting a stick float in conjunction with a centerpin reel. It is the most intimate and satisfying way of catching fish I know, so, full of confidence after my successful waggler trials over the Christmas period I was confident enough to have a punt at making a few stick floats.  " The Castetman " will field test these precious pieces of wood for me. Casterman will pull no punches with his float reviews either, otherwise, whats the point ????? I require a none bias product review and I believe Casterman will do just that.......I'm a little nervous to be honest. I will never live it down if he slates them off. Due to a lack of raw materials I was forced to make a cane stemmed stick float first. This float is very useful in the summer months fishing on the drop but not an ideal choice for testing at this time of year on the middle Irwell but the Casterman