In last week's Oxford Mail, I was introduced as the new angling correspondent, taking over from the legendary Peter Stone.

Let me say now, that it will be an impossible job to replace one of angling's greats, who was the Mail's angling expert for 28 years.

However, I will do my best to keep you up-to-date with the latest news, both nationally and locally.

I have met with some success over the years, particularly with barbel, but more importantly, I have made a lot of friends through fishing and have thoroughly enjoyed myself.

*It's that time of the season when we all rush to the tackle shops to replenish the bits and pieces we will need for a new season.

We stand and look at the packed shelves, probably confused by the range of products.

It makes me wonder, do we really need to complicate things or do we buy the stuff just to keep up with the Jones's?

I like to keep things as simple as I can, finding that if I start adding this and that to my rigs I just get into a mess.

Let me know your views and any angling news on 01865 725606, or email andrew.webber@innogy.com