On the Grand Union or the canalised sections of the Soar, don't overlook bread punch. Use a small brass punch to take a 3mm or 5mm disc of compressed white bread and fish it over a tiny amount of liquidised bread feed. It’s the ultimate "get out of jail" tactic for roach and skimmers when the water is clear or the fish are being finicky with maggots.
Back to Midlands
Leicestershire is the heart of the "Midlands Match" circuit. While it lacks the massive, wild reservoirs of its neighbors, it makes up for it with a dense concentration of high-quality, purpose-built commercial fisheries and historic estate lakes. Venues like Makins Fishery (the UK's first true commercial) and Mallory Park are the cornerstones of the local scene, offering high-catch-rate sport for carp, bream, and silverfish in incredibly well-managed environments.
The county is also cut through by the Grand Union Canal, which provides miles of consistent towpath fishing around Market Harborough and Leicester. For those who prefer natural water, the River Soar and the River Wreake offer a slower, more intimate style of river fishing compared to the Trent, with a reputation for producing specimen-sized perch and chub. Leicestershire is a practical, accessible county where you are never more than a few miles from a productive peg, whether you’re fishing a high-octane match or a quiet afternoon on a rural canal stretch.