Features

First up in the Fishing Magic Writing Competition is no other than yer very own Crow with a truly evocative story of childhood exploration.

In a radical departure from my normal barbel fishing break with a couple of grizzled old chums, combining fishing with a few good nights out, this year I went to the River Severn with my wife. She has a particular fondness for visiting National Trust properties, the more remote the better. We once went to stay for a week in a cottage in Wales that was half way down a cliff; I had to carry the luggage 400 yards, carefully avoiding boulders, steep drops and sheep shit. However, this one was very different; it was thirty yards from the River Severn.

In response to Derek Gibson's Forum question, Steve Pope wrote: "Easiest way [to keep FM lively] is for those who post on the forum to write articles, the more the merrier"

FM's recent article on town-centre fishing certainly rang a bell with John Smith. Here he describes some of the sights and sounds - and smells - that keep him going back for more....

The recent months-long deluge to hit this country has left the ground not just wet but absolutely saturated, and the dangers of this to river fishermen was really brought home to me yesterday on a brief visit to the Wye at Whitney Court.

Say hello ,wave goodbye..........

This is a bit different...there's no one there! But that needn't stop the wit and originality of Fishing Magicians...AND there's a wee reward from Laguna Baits for the best entry.

The expression 'Urban Fishing' entered the anglers' lexicon a few years back. It came with the backing of 'edgy' Youtube videos featuring young hoodies - skateboard in one hand, rod in the other - contemplating the fishy potential of the junk-filled town stretch before them. The backdrops were not of rolling hills or lush farmland but of brutal concrete ugliness further defaced by graffiti and discarded drinks tins; by night, they'd be the haunt of druggies and other undesirables. But I could see the attraction.

Romford, Essex man, Dave Staff, refuses to accept the wisdom of centuries - and who can blame him?

Not an easy one at first glance but, really, the world's yer lobster...