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Venue information
MORE than anything else, this section of the Birmingham and Worcester Canal at Bromsgrove is probably best known for its specimen carp.
There are an above average number of these bigger carp, ranging from 10lb to 25lb, than is to be found in most canal stretches. But these fish in recent seasons are becoming harder to tempt. Hours at the waterside, along with location and time spent being on the water, are needed to bring one of these Stoke Works ‘monsters’ to the bank.
A roving, mobile approach is now one of the better tactics for these bigger carp and on late evenings, away from the peak, boat traffic periods, it’s possible to target those nomadic, better-sized fish.
Chum Mixers fished singly on a controller set up, without loosefeed, still fool a specimen or two here, but surface-fished alternatives such as bread crust, marshmallows and plastic corn all took large carp from the canal last year.
The variety of the small fish sport, also makes this stretch popular with pleasure anglers and throughout all the seasons catches of roach, perch, bream, chub, tench, crucians and gudgeon, keep them coming back each year.
There are specimens of all species in this section. Crucians go to 1lb, roach to 2lb, perch to 3lb, chub and tench to 4lb and bream to 5lb are the quality amongst the quantity.
Pole-fishing on top of far bank shallow shelves, brings quality fish especially on sunny days. For a mixed net fish down the sloping shelf, at eight to ten metres.
Getting there
From Junction 5 of the M5, go up the slip road to the south M5. Take Stoke Lane, signposted Stoke Works, go past the church on the left and the Bowling Green pub on the right, turn right, then go over the canal and park on the green. The Stoke Works section is to the right.
Factfile
Day tickets: £4.
Contact tel: 0121 4549111
Nearby tackle Shop: Droitwich Angling Centre, Unit 19 North Street Industrial Estate, Droitwich, tel: 01905 779300.
Bans: No night fishing.
Facilities: Parking.
Main species: Roach, perch, bream, tench and carp.
Best baits: Pinkies, maggots, casters, meat, corn and worms.
