www.rivertherm.co.uk

Alan Scotthorne

Four times world Champion,
England International,
Maver Barnsley Blacks Team member

"It may seem like a gadget, but my little water thermometer I carry is invaluable, especially in the winter, acting as a confidence booster.

How many times have you gone fishing in winter wondering how cold the water is and whether the fish will feed?

By using my thermometer, I can see what the water temperature is immediately and compare this to the last few days. Even a slight rise can spur the fish into having a go, and so you can feed a little more than normal. Likewise, a fall in temperature will put the fish off, so you'll need to be conservative in your approach.

Without the thermometer, I just wouldn't be able to judge these tiny differences."

Alan Scotthorne: Angling Times- February 22nd 2005

Grounbait or leam?

I think feeding is the most important aspect of any method, but especially so with bloodworm and joker.Obviously there is no substitut for experiance, but hopefully I can pass on what I have learned about feeding, particularly in different weather conditions and when looking for certain species of fish.

Water temperature plays a big part in helping me decide how I am going to introduce my jokers into the peg. If the water is below 10oC I prefer to feed my jokers either raw or in leam. Unless, that is, I am fishing a water that I know can be very prolific (where catches regularly exceed double figures). If I am slightly unsure of the pegs potential I will always feed my jokers in leam. This is because leam should have no detrimental effect, whereas groundbait can occasionally put fish such as perch off the feed.

Alan Scotthorne: Angling Times Advanced March 2004.