It's a great time of the year to be an angler, writes Gerald Stratford.

Sun from morning to night (well, this week, anyway!) and virtually all species are on the feed.

Now is the time to take young anglers and beginners out on the bank, although they will have to wait until June 16 to fish our rivers.

There are so many small commercial waters in Oxfordshire which are ideal for teaching youngsters the rudiments and skills needed.

I take the younger members of my family to a good mixed fishery, Field Farm Lake, near Launton, Bicester. It lends itself to all types of fishing and if you fish it correctly, it’s a ‘bite a chuck’.

The best way to start a youngster off is the float. Forget the bite alarms and bivvies – they can come later. If you’re starting out, you can get a kit for as little as £20.

I would set the anglers up with a small float fixed top and bottom, 5lb line, using soft pellets or maggots on a size12 barbless hook.

It’s important to use barbless hooks for safety reasons. They are easier to extract from your skin if there’s an accident, and while we are on that subject, I always carry a small first-aid kit with me. Mostly, it’s to help others on the bank.

At Field Farm, you can catch carp up to 5lb, but there are bigger ones. It’s stuffed with roach and there are some beautiful golden rudd. You are left in peace most of the time, although the owner does come around with his bike and dogs from time to time to keep an eye on things.

If the weather stays like this, I’m going to try for a big eel. They are getting quite scarce nowadays, but I like a good challenge.

If any beginners want setting up or advice on any aspect of fishing they can contact me on 01869321610 or 07917772615, or email gerald @rabeth.co.uk