Angler's Mail Magazine – 4 September 1993 – Barbel, Bream, Tench & Sensas

Original Vintage British Fishing Weekly | Week Ending 4 September 1993 | Cover Price 75p

An original vintage edition of Angler's Mail, Britain's popular all-colour fishing weekly, dated week ending 4 September 1993.

This issue features an impressive large barbel on the front cover, exceptional specimen bream catches, a tench-related headline, World Championship match-fishing coverage and a substantial 13-page Match Mail section.

The magazine also advertises a free Sensas double-headed fluorescent disgorger. Please note that the original free tackle item is no longer included.

A fascinating original publication for collectors of 1990s British angling magazines, historic fishing tackle, specimen fishing and competitive match-fishing memorabilia.

Front Cover – Impressive Specimen Barbel

The cover features a large colour photograph of a male angler holding an impressive barbel across his lap.

The angler is seated outdoors in a grassy setting, wearing a dark baseball cap with a Jack Daniel's logo, a purple polo shirt and blue trousers.

He has dark hair and a moustache, with glasses hanging around his neck.

He supports the fish with both hands, displaying its considerable size.

The barbel is particularly striking, with:

• An elongated, powerful body.

• Distinctive barbels around the mouth.

• Dark olive and bronze colouring across the upper body.

• Large, clearly defined scales.

• A pale golden underside.

• Broad fins and a large dark tail.

• The characteristic streamlined shape associated with this freshwater species.

The fish stretches across most of the cover photograph, with its tail extending towards the right-hand side.

The image captures the appearance of a substantial specimen barbel and provides an excellent example of early-1990s British fishing photography.

The front cover combines this photograph with the familiar red-and-white ANGLER'S MAIL masthead, surrounded by bold yellow, black and red feature headlines.

Main Cover Headlines

FREE – Sensas Double-Headed Fluorescent Disgorger

One of the most prominent cover features advertises a free fishing accessory:

SENSAS DOUBLE-HEADED FLUORESCENT DISGORGER

The cover includes a separate inset photograph showing a hand holding an orange fluorescent disgorger.

The illustrated tool has a long, slender body and is designed as a practical accessory for anglers.

Its bright fluorescent colour is intended to make it easier to locate among other fishing equipment.

Sensas was a recognisable name in match-fishing tackle during this period, making the original promotion interesting from a vintage fishing-equipment perspective.

Important: The free Sensas disgorger is NOT included with this magazine.

Bream Ace Lands Third 15lb-Plus Fish Since 16 June

The upper-right section of the cover promotes a notable specimen-bream story.

This feature concerns an angler who had caught multiple exceptionally large bream during the summer of 1993.

The article is particularly interesting for readers researching historic specimen catches and the development of specialist bream fishing.

Tragedy Hits Top River

Another cover headline reads:

TRAGEDY HITS TOP RIVER – PAGE 10

The contents identify this as a report about a tragedy affecting a Yorkshire river.

13-Page Match Mail Including World Championship Update

The cover prominently advertises:

13-PAGE MATCH MAIL INCLUDING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE

This represents a substantial section of the magazine dedicated to competitive angling, match-fishing news and reports.

10lb Tench Arrived for Lunch

Another headline highlights an impressive tench catch:

10LB TENCH ARRIVED FOR LUNCH

This offers further appeal to enthusiasts of specimen coarse fishing and particularly those interested in historic catches of large tench.

Where to Fish

The cover advertises:

WHERE TO FISH – SIX PAGES DEVOTED TO GOOD TICKET VENUES

This section provides a period reference to fishing venues and opportunities available to anglers in September 1993.

The cover also highlights the magazine's regular departments:

Carp World • Helpline • Tackle on Test

Shimano Specimen Cup – Exceptional Carp Catch

The interior photograph shows a particularly interesting Shimano Specimen Cup feature.

The large full-colour photograph depicts angler Dave Walker holding an exceptionally large mirror carp.

The caption identifies the fish as a 42lb 4oz mirror carp, caught from a specimen water.

The photograph shows Dave Walker kneeling outdoors in front of dense greenery while supporting the fish horizontally.

The carp has:

• An exceptionally deep and broad body.

• Dark bronze and brown colouring along its back.

• A lighter golden-brown underside.

• A rounded, heavy-looking abdomen.

• A large head with a prominent mouth.

• Dark fins and a substantial tail.

• The distinctive appearance of a large mirror carp.

The photograph occupies much of the upper section of the interior page and is accompanied by prominent blue-and-white Shimano Specimen Cup branding.

This is an especially interesting feature for collectors of vintage specimen-carp fishing photographs, Shimano competitions and historic British carp-angling publications.

Second-Rate Swim Held 15lb Bream

Another substantial article visible inside the magazine is titled:

SECOND-RATE SWIM HELD 15LB BREAM

The story concerns specimen angler Simon Lush, who experienced an outstanding season catching exceptionally large bream.

The article explains that Simon caught a bream weighing approximately 15lb 8oz from a southern gravel pit.

The report also refers to other 15lb-plus bream caught during the same season.

Fishing Methods and Conditions

The visible article includes details of the fishing approach, explaining that Simon initially struggled to find fish in his preferred swimming area.

He subsequently changed his approach after identifying a clearer swim.

The article describes fishing over a bed of brown and white groundbait containing casters, dead maggots and sweetcorn.

A cocktail bait presented on a size 10 hook is also mentioned.

These details make the report particularly interesting for anglers researching traditional specimen-bream tactics from the early 1990s.

The article provides a historical snapshot of fishing methods, bait preparation and big-fish angling before the widespread use of modern online fishing resources.

Additional Photograph

A smaller photograph accompanies the article, showing Simon Lush with another very large bream.

The fish is displayed vertically in the photograph, showing its substantial depth and distinctive dark body.

A caption refers to Simon's participation in the Shimano Specimen Cup competition.

This provides additional appeal for collectors of specimen-bream fishing memorabilia.

Large Barbel – Cover Photograph Feature

The front cover specifically highlights a significant barbel catch.

The fish's size, colour and distinctive shape make it the visual centrepiece of the issue.

Barbel fishing became an increasingly specialised area of British coarse angling, with large specimens attracting considerable attention from dedicated river anglers.

This edition provides a contemporary photographic record of a substantial barbel from the early 1990s.

The interior contents page refers readers to a separate cover-picture story, although the full article is not shown in the supplied photographs.

World Championship Match-Fishing Coverage

A major feature of the magazine is its extensive Match Mail section.

The issue advertises World Championship updates and discusses England's prospects in international competition.

The photographed contents page identifies:

Page 51 – England's World Prospects

This is particularly relevant for collectors interested in the history of British international match fishing.

The section also includes an article discussing the possibility of a competitor retaining the World Championship title.

Page 56 – Can Wesson Retain World Title?

This offers additional historical interest for enthusiasts of competition fishing and international angling events.

13-Page Match Mail Section

The magazine contains a substantial specialist section dedicated to match angling.

The visible contents identify:

• Page 51 – England's World Prospects

• Page 52 – Matchplan

• Pages 54–55 and 58–59 – Weekend Matches

• Page 56 – Can Wesson Retain World Title?

• Page 61 – Frank Barlow's Report

The section includes contemporary match-fishing news, competitive results and analysis.

Frank Barlow's Report

The magazine includes reporting by Frank Barlow, a familiar name in British match angling and fishing journalism.

This is particularly interesting for enthusiasts collecting original articles and reports by recognised angling writers.

Where to Fish – Six-Page Venue Guide

Pages 20–25 – Where to Fish

The magazine advertises six pages devoted to fishing locations and ticket venues.

This regular feature provides practical information for anglers seeking waters to fish.

The issue offers an interesting historical record of the availability and promotion of fishing venues during September 1993.

Such articles are of interest to collectors researching historic coarse-fishing waters, fishing clubs and regional angling opportunities.

Fishing Tackle and Practical Advice

The magazine includes a variety of regular articles designed to help anglers improve their techniques and equipment choices.

Tackle on Test

Page 26 – Tackle on Test

A regular review section examining fishing equipment.

For collectors, original tackle reviews can provide useful information about products, manufacturers and fishing trends of the period.

Winning Methods

Page 34 – Winning Methods

A practical section exploring angling techniques and approaches.

Tackle Tips

Page 37 – Tackle Tips

Advice relating to fishing equipment and its use.

Helpline

Page 38 – Helpline

A regular question-and-answer style section for readers seeking fishing advice.

Carp World

Page 41 – Carp World

A dedicated section covering carp angling, adding further appeal to collectors of vintage specialist carp-fishing publications.

Full Magazine Contents – 4 September 1993

The photographed contents page confirms the following articles and sections.

News and Regular Features

• Page 4 – Giant Fish Lost After 13-Hour Battle

• Page 5 – Opinion

• Page 6 – 10lb Tench Out of the Blue

• Page 7 – Fish of the Week

• Page 8 – Record Sting Ray

• Page 10 – Tragedy Strikes Yorkshire River

• Pages 14–19 – Coarse Form Guide

• Pages 20–25 – Where to Fish

• Page 26 – Tackle on Test

• Page 29 – Mailbag

• Page 30 – Junior Mail

• Page 32 – Go Fishing

• Page 34 – Winning Methods

• Page 37 – Tackle Tips

• Page 38 – Helpline

• Page 40 – The Specialists

• Page 41 – Carp World

• Pages 42–45 – Sea Prospects

13-Page Match Mail

• Page 51 – England's World Prospects

• Page 52 – Matchplan

• Pages 54–55 and 58–59 – Weekend Matches

• Page 56 – Can Wesson Retain World Title?

• Page 61 – Frank Barlow's Report

These features provide a comprehensive snapshot of British angling during September 1993, encompassing coarse fishing, match fishing, specimen catches, venue information and fishing tackle.

Original 1990s Fishing History

This particular edition has several notable areas of interest.

Specimen Barbel Fishing

The cover features an impressive large barbel, making it appealing to enthusiasts of historic river fishing.

Specimen Bream Fishing

The interior includes a detailed report about exceptionally large bream caught by Simon Lush.

Large Mirror Carp

The Shimano Specimen Cup feature displays Dave Walker's impressive 42lb 4oz mirror carp.

Tench Fishing

The issue features a headline concerning a 10lb tench.

World Championship Match Fishing

The magazine contains substantial coverage of international match-fishing developments and England's prospects.

Vintage Fishing Tackle

The original Sensas promotion and tackle reviews provide historical interest for collectors of fishing equipment.

Fishing Publications

As an original 1993 edition, it offers contemporary photography, articles and advertisements from the period.

Publication Details

Magazine: Angler's Mail

Issue Date: Week Ending 4 September 1993

Original Cover Price: 75p

Publisher: IPC Magazines

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Original Vintage Weekly Fishing Magazine

Main Subjects: Barbel, Bream, Carp, Tench, Match Fishing, Specimen Fishing and Fishing Tackle

Featured Names: Dave Walker, Simon Lush and Frank Barlow

Featured Brands: Shimano and Sensas

SKU: 1588

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned vintage condition with visible signs of age, previous handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine for sale.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its original bold red-and-white masthead and full-colour barbel photograph.

The cover image and headlines remain clearly visible and readable.

Visible imperfections include:

• General surface rubbing and handling marks.

• Minor scuffing along the cover edges.

• Slight bending and creasing towards the upper corners.

• Wear along the left-hand spine edge.

• A noticeable small protruding or folded paper section along the left edge near the promotional inset.

• Small marks and discolouration across portions of the white background.

• Minor age-related yellowing, particularly around the outer borders.

• Light creasing and rubbing around the lower corners.

• Some slight unevenness along the top edge.

• General surface wear consistent with a magazine over 30 years old.

The front cover remains visually attractive, with strong original colours.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows rubbing and handling wear.

Some creasing is visible where the magazine has been opened and handled.

The photographed pages remain attached at the visible binding area.

Interior Pages

The interior photographs show generally readable pages with bright original colour printing.

Visible imperfections include:

• Natural age-related paper discolouration.

• Light yellowing around the page edges.

• Minor creasing around corners.

• Slight waviness and curling of the paper.

• Some handling marks.

• Light wear around the central fold and binding area.

• Small marks and age-related wear across the visible pages.

The Shimano Specimen Cup photographs and text remain clearly presented.

Overall Assessment

Good vintage reading condition, with visible age-related wear, creasing, edge rubbing and minor discolouration.

This is an original used magazine rather than a mint or unread example.

Only the photographed pages have been inspected, and full page-by-page completeness has not been verified.

Please examine all the supplied photographs carefully to assess the condition before purchasing.

Important – Original Free Gift and Extras Not Included

The original Sensas double-headed fluorescent disgorger advertised on the front cover is NOT included.

The promotional fishing accessory is shown as part of the original printed cover design only.

This listing is for the magazine only.

Any additional original free gifts, promotional items, separate supplements, loose inserts, vouchers or other accessories that may have accompanied the publication are no longer included.

Historical competitions and promotions printed in the magazine should be considered expired.

Only the magazine shown in the photographs will be supplied.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packed to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection.

Ideal for Collectors Of

• Vintage Angler's Mail magazines.

• British fishing memorabilia.

• Specimen barbel fishing.

• Large bream catches.

• Historic carp fishing.

• Dave Walker.

• Simon Lush.

• Shimano Specimen Cup.

• Sensas fishing tackle.

• Vintage fishing equipment.

• Tench fishing.

• 1990s coarse-fishing history.

• Match fishing.

• World Championship angling.

• Frank Barlow.

• British river fishing.

• Fishing venue guides.

• Original 1990s sporting publications.

Summary

An original Angler's Mail magazine dated 4 September 1993, featuring a large barbel on the front cover, impressive specimen bream and carp catches, a Shimano Specimen Cup feature and extensive World Championship match-fishing coverage.

This issue is particularly interesting for collectors of early-1990s British coarse fishing, original tackle advertisements and historic specimen-fishing reports.

Please note: The original free Sensas disgorger is not included.

The magazine shown in the photographs is the actual copy you will receive.

SKU: 1588