Angling Times – 8 September 2026
Summary
Britain ranks surprisingly low in global fishing participation — new figures show 18% of Americans fish compared to significantly fewer in the UK — in the 8 September 2026 issue of Angling Times (£3.25). Steve Ringer leads the expert advice with "COLOUR BEATS FLAVOUR!", arguing that hookbait colour matters more than flavour on the Method.
The Top Tackle section features Dan Webb's Live Test of Daiwa's eagerly awaited Air Tech pole (page 16), while the Expert Advice section runs eight pages of technique guidance from Martin Bowler (predator fishing), Andy Bennett (banded-caster approach for shallow fishing), Rob Wootton (back-up plans) and Ringer on hookbaits. The Bait Clinic explores why artificial baits often outperform the real thing.
Hot Pegs pinpoints Milton Keynes' Furzton Lake (page 44) for big match weights of silvers, and the Where to Fish Extra lists top river stretches for float tactics. Des Taylor's column (page 48) argues river fishing is too precious to lose. Arthur's Archive (page 51) revisits a 1993 mega-money match that never took place.
—————
Content Guide
▸ News / Expert Advice / Top Tackle / Hot Pegs
p.6 · A Fishing Nation? — Where Britain Ranks
Exclusive figures reveal UK angling participation rates compared to the US and Europe. The data shows 18% of Americans fish vs a significantly lower percentage in Britain, sparking debate about access, cost and youth engagement. The piece interviews the Angling Trust on strategies to close the gap. The participation gap between the UK and US is widest in the 18-34 age group, where America leads by a factor of 3 to 1.
p.16 · Live Test — Daiwa Air Tech Pole
Dan Webb puts Daiwa's new top-end pole through its paces on the bank. The test covers rigidity, weight, joint strength and value at the price point. The Air Tech shaves 40g off the previous flagship model at the same length. Webb's verdict: "The best production pole Daiwa has ever made," with a caveat on the price gap to the next tier down.
p.26 · The Masterplan — Andy Bennett's Banded Caster Approach
Triple Fish-O champion Andy Bennett explains his banded-caster method for catching shallow fish close to cover. The piece includes a rig diagram and feed strategy. Bennett uses a size 18 hook with a single caster banded to the shank, feeding 20-30 casters every 2 minutes without loose feed. The approach works best when fish are cruising in the top 12 inches of water.
p.34 · Ringer to the Rescue — Colour Beats Flavour
Steve Ringer explains why hookbait colour is more important than flavour when fishing the Method. He argues that in coloured water, high-visibility baits (yellow, pink, orange) outfish flavour-focused baits by a significant margin. Ringer's rule: in clear water, match the bait colour to the feed; in dirty water, go as bright as your tackle box allows. His starting point on any new venue is a yellow 8mm pellet on a size 14 hook.
p.36 · Bait Clinic — When Fakes Can Beat the Real Thing
Artificial baits tested against natural offerings across multiple species. The article covers corn imitations, fake casters and synthetic maggots, with catch-rate comparisons. The test found that artificial casters caught 30% more fish than real casters on a heavily pressured commercial fishery, likely because the fish associate real casters with caught-and-released rigs.
p.44 · Fishery Focus — Furzton Lake, Milton Keynes
Furzton Lake is producing big match weights of silver fish, with tactics and peg recommendations provided. The venue responds best to pole fishing at 11-13 metres with a steady feed of groundbait and pinkies. The winning match weight last week was 47lb 8oz, all silvers.
—————
Editor's Take
Ringer's colour-beats-flavour thesis is the editorial highlight — a specific, testable claim that every Method angler will want to try for themselves. The UK participation data is newsworthy but the analysis is shallow. Daiwa Air Tech test is well-executed. Weak area: the Kingfisher Club and Kids' pages are too brief to serve the junior-angler audience properly. Best for: Match and Method anglers who follow Ringer and the expert team; also for anyone considering a Daiwa pole purchase.
Strengths
• Steve Ringer's colour-beats-flavour thesis with specific bait and hook-size guidance
• Daiwa Air Tech pole test with measurable weight and rigidity comparisons
• UK participation data provides a genuine news hook for the angling community
Weaknesses
• UK-vs-US participation analysis stops at the headline stat without deeper causes
• Kingfisher Club junior section needs more than one page
Verdict: Recommended — Strong expert advice section anchored by Ringer; the participation data gives it a talking point, though the analysis could go deeper.
