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

22.02.15 Peanut & The Casterman Handcrafted Stick Floats Vs Shop Bought. I didn't know where to go fishing this morning, first it was the River Croal then I decided on the River Tame. Just as I was about to leave home for the Tame I got a call from The Castsrman. " Where are you off to Peanut " he states in a broad bury accent. I told him I wasn't sure and what were his thoughts on the matter . "Any where will be as bad as the next Peanut. We have had some snow on the hills last night so any extra water coming down will be freezing cold, but at least there is some colour in her, that's one saving grace " he replies. We decided on a secret stretch that we fish rarely, you can fit three people on this run so there was more than enough room. Rigged up and ready to rock and roll........ A great time saver on the bank is to rig up your stick floats  ""Pole Float Style" I arrived first and had pick of the pe

20.02.15 Another Stick Float Test By The Casterman. Friday I finised work earlier than normal when on my way home I received a call from my pal to see if I fancied coming to watch him throw one of my new stick floats around the River Irwell .....  lol so ........straight from work I walked along the peg to where the Casterman was fishing. He didn't hear me approach and I keept quiet as I noticed a healthy bend in his rod. The line was singing as the fish put even more pressure on the line and his trusty Daiwa 125M. One of my floats which I had giffted to C.M. was also dacing and bobbing around as the fish kited and board further down stream." I'm good luck for you I am " I said as he pumped the fish slowly upstream  " Your right there Peanut " came the reply. " I've been here for over an hour and I've had nowt up until this fish As I got in position to take some action shots the Casterman realises the fish is foul hooked in the tail.  

A REVIEW OF MIKES STICK FLOATS BY THE CASTERMAN. After all the hard work Mike had put in making his stick floats I thought it only right to join him in giving them there first maiden voyage on the Irwell. Mikes latest addition was a lovely crafted wired steamed stick float, which I was keen to try out. Mike had aptly name them Irwell stick floats and they look the business nicely balanced, mine having a very bright pink top ideal for long range trotting. I don't usually fish the Irwell in the mornings, preferring an evening session as I've had my best catches as the lights going. From left to right. Irwell Stick Float , Alloy StickFloat. I gave Mike the choice of swims and I fished next peg up within shouting distance should one of us get in to a fish. The river had about 10inchs on it and know doubt full of melt water, not the best of conditions but at least it was on its way down. We had a pint wagered on the first to catch, and it wasn't long before Mike wa

STICK FLOATS - TESTING TIMES ON THE RIVER IRWELL. On Sunday morning, with a certain amount of trepidation, I took my new stick floats out from their holding tube, placed them in my tackle box and went to meet      " The Casterman " for our stick float fishing trial. I felt like a kid on exam day. I have put a LOT of effort into making these floats. Raw material sourcing and trialling etc. not to mention the amount of time it takes to make just one float so I was hoping they gave a good account of themselves !!!!!!!  A quick brew and I was off, river levels were on their way down and temperatures were on their way up, favourable conditions, no excuses there then. :) .... lol.     I pulled up in the car park near our stretch of River for the day ......... - No sign of  " The CasterMan " - he is usually early !!!!!! A quick text too Casterman -………..no reply ……………………………., but, not to worry his motor pulled up next to me and he jumped out full of beans .

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