Set in beautiful rolling Staffordshire countryside on the fringe of the village of Hamstall Ridware is Hamstall Pleasure Fishery, a venue which is reserved entirely for pleasure anglers because it does not hold matches.

With many pegs suitable for disabled anglers, it offers four pools of differing characteristics plus a largely unfished stretch of the nearby River Blithe which can be reached by crossing over the small bridge near the flow measuring station between Pools One and Two.

Over the past few years, Hamstall has matured nicely and is now a natural looking venue clothed in a mass of waterside trees, bushes and bankside vegetation.

Open all year round, the fishery is served by a central car park fronting onto which is the purpose - built Fishermans' Lodge where a range of snacks, confectionery and hot and cold drinks can be obtained, as well as a range of baits.

The Lodge also houses one of the smartest and cleanest toilets to be found at a fishery - making it an eminently suitable venue for ladies!Because of it variety of pools and verdant surroundings with good access to all the pools, Hamstall is an ideal spot for families looking for a day out where there is good fishing for experienced, children and novice anglers alike.

As long as everyone is quiet, anglers can enjoy a day's sport whilst sharing a picnic or relaxing for a lazy few hours with their families.

Having said that, the fishing is serious as Pool Three Specimen Lake now offers carp to over 30lbs as well as some excellent tench, perch, roach and bream.

Rudd, both red and golden, provide excellent fishing at any time whilst the river holds brown trout, superb chub plus dace, pike and even grayling.

Both coarse and fly techniques work well on the river.

Anglers should note that they should not use barbed hooks, braid, or bolt rigs and that the only bait bans are boilies and nuts.

Landing nets should be used at all times and anglers fishing Specimen Pool should have an unhooking mat.

Keep nets can be used from October to March but these should be thoroughly dry before being put into the water.

The bailiff - who is on site at all times - can give advice if required.