Graham and self-recognised match ace Pete Rice (that’s number 15 on the takeaway menu!) run the on-site tackle shop (tel: 01926 842188) and take all the match bookings as well as providing visiting anglers with brilliant information (Pete tells me prawn balls are going well!). New Pool (44 pegs) and Club Pool (24) are going to be top of the shop come June and July so get stuck in and bag-up big style. Small F1s and roach will dominate catches on the former, with bream, tench, roach, chub and some bigger samples of carp will be on the menu on Club Pool. Cubed meat (dust it down for added flavour), sweetcorn, sprayed casters (loads), bread and even the humble maggot will all account for bags of fish, so it really is a case of running your pole cup or catty right through the menu. However, I believe that TNTBF’s own brand of pellets will need to be on the bait waiter, and Dynamite Baits new Swimstim Betaine Green soft hookers need to be exactly that … on the hook. Top Pool (33) holds some horrible creatures that enjoy putting their 20lb-plus weights against your tackle (think about it!) and they can be found in ‘The Bowl’ area (pegs 1, 2, 32 & 33) but my pole is stiff enough for the challenge … is yours? Day tickets are £7 (that includes the use of a keepnet) with concessions £5 during the week and a hearty breakfast is served every day of the week. Don’t forget to have your card stamped as after every five visits to Tunnel Barn Farm the next outing to the venue is free of charge. Contact fishery owner Mike Hamlington for club bookings only on 01926 842975.

Midland Angler