"I'm new to fishing and so far have only fished at stocked trout lakes. I'd like to spread my wings and try something more challenging. Where would you recommend, what type of fish should I seek and what equipment will I need? Best, Robert."

H&C blogger and fishing expert John Bailey replies: "Hi Robert, commercially stocked trout lakes are fine in their own way but they are obviously a little bit limiting. You're obviously a fly angler so I'd suggest you perhaps buy this month's copy of The Field (November 2009). In there you will see an article by myself on the possibility of fishing for grayling in rivers around the UK. Certainly, for the fly fisherman, I can't think of anything better for the next three or four months. Grayling actually go out of season on March 14th but they're at their peak until then.

Failing that, for the winter, have you thought about fly fishing for pike? There are lots of guys that do this but my best contact would be John Horsey down at Chew Valley.

Come the spring and summer, fly fishing opens up on all our lakes and rivers for some of the most desirable trout fishing. Down south, you can't do better than Simon Cooper at Fishing Breaks. Or you could always come up and fish at the Kingfisher Apartments and I'll take you onto the coast for some memorable sea bass fishing - again on the fly if you choose.

Hope that all helps,
John Bailey"