In a short evening session Liverpool’s Eddie Bibby fished an 11 metre pole to take three crucian carp to a little over 2lb. 
On the next peg, Stoke on Trent specialist Dave Colclough fished rod and line with a waggler float for two crucians to a similar weight.
Eddie fished at the full 11 metres with a No. 6 elastic and 1.5lb hooklength to a 20’s to tempt his crucians on single red maggot, while Dave used a 2lb hooklength to a 16’s, using double white maggot.
Both anglers also netted several nice roach to almost 1lb and lost a few crucians each when they slipped the barbless hooks.
Eddie said, ‘it was interesting because we fished next to each other and I couldn’t get a suck on white maggot and Dave couldn’t get one on red maggot. 
‘Which of the two methods, pole or rod, was best on the night is hard to say, because I’m still inexperienced as a pole angler and still have a lot to learn.
‘Even so, I don’t think there was much in it. The pole definitely offers a better presentation and the elastic soon had the crucians under control and ready for netting.
‘I just need more practice to be able to use the pole more efficiently,’ Eddie added. ‘And probably some more pole gear to help me use it more comfortably. A specialist angler’s chair doesn’t help matters. You really do need some kind of seatbox.’
