Professional Documents
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Advanced Carp Fishing June 2016
Advanced Carp Fishing June 2016
FIVE
50s
BIG CARP FOR FREE
HUNTING DOWN URBAN
BEASTSWITH ALFIE RUSSELL
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DAVIDHALLPUBLISHINGLTD
1 Whittle Close, Drayton Fields,
Daventry, Northants NN11 8RQ
t: 01327 311999 f: 01327 311190
EDITORIAL
Editor Max Hendry
H
e: max.hendry@dhpub.co.uk
ave we become bogged small sh either and Ale has caught
Consultant Editor Steve Phillips down with shing tackle? carp that many anglers twice his age
e: steve.phillips@dhpub.co.uk Having been to several would be proud to catch.
t: 01327 315461
Chief Sub Editor David Haynes
day-ticket waters in recent Fish are often mobile in spring and
Sub Editor Lee Jones weeks, the amount of summer so by limiting your ability to
Creative Director Mark Grafton tackle that people take for a standard move and keep in touch with them
Advert Design Harvey Palmer
Reprographics Derek Mooney session is mad. I get the whole creature you are diminishing your chances of
comforts thing, because many anglers catching. By being quicker to react it
ADVERTISEMENTSALES use shing time for relaxation and will help you catch more in the long
Business Development Manager
Karen Biggs solitude, but surely there comes a run. Are we moving away from
e: karen@dhpub.co.uk point when you are limiting your what shing is supposed to be
t: 01327 315426 m: 07929 007852 angling by carrying too much gear. about, the pursuit of carp?
PRODUCTION
With a lot of the best anglers, their The mobile angler must
Production Manager Paul Evans ability to move onto sh is a key part of revel in seeing an angler
Production Supervisor/Controller their success and as a result they only with a TV aerial poking
Neil Brooks
carry what they need. out the top of the
PUBLISHING I am always keen to cut down my bivvy because they
Managing Director Sean ODriscoll gear to follow this ethos and I must say know they wont be
e: sean@dhpub.co.uk
Operations Director it makes my life easier when it comes moving onto sh at rst
Roger Mortimer to shing during a restricted time light, giving the angler who wants to
e: roger@dhpub.co.uk frame. Even a spare couple of hours at make the eort, the rewards.
SUBSCRIPTION&BACKISSUE
the weekend will help you ne down In the interest of the mobile angler,
QUERIES&ORDERS your gear. Lay everything out in the we have three super lightweight Aqua
t: +44 0845 345 0253 garden and declutter your gear, youll MK2 Fast & Light brollies with the full
e: subscriptions@dhpub.co.uk
soon make the barrow easier to push. overwrap to give away this month, so if
Subscriptions Anglers like Ale Russell have got you are after a shelter that will lighten
UK 50.40, Europe 55, Rest of World this mobile form of angling dialled, the amount of gear you carry on an
65
Based on 12 issues and includes mailing allowing him to cover huge amounts average session then get entering.
of water in a little time, which is ideal if
Subscriptions Manager Louise Dalmedo the sh are prone to moving into areas Max Hendry
e: louise.dalmedo@dhpub.co.uk Editor
Customer Service Manager Helen Bettles of no pressure. Its not restricted to
e: helen.bettles@dhpub.co.uk
Correspondence to:
1 Whittle Close, Drayton Fields,
Daventry, Northants NN11 8RQ
Printed By:
Southernprint (Web Oset) Ltd What Would The Pros Do? P24
Distributors:
Seymour Distribution Ltd Myles Gibson is one of the most talented
Advertisements: anglers I have had the pleasure of working with,
The advertisements and editorial so when he talks about big carp you listen. Its
content carried in this magazine are
the copyright of David Hall Publishing great to get an idea of what an angler would
Ltd and may not be quoted, copied or do in a given angling situation and this feature
reproduced without prior permission of does just this.
the publisher.
ISSN 1475-6315
05
05 EDITORIAL 40 ACF MEETS 72 SUTTON SCALYS
Max Hendry expresses his views on todays We look into the epic carp shing album of Lee Allwright tells the story of an awesome
carp scene in his monthly editorial. Essex angler Lee Kemp, who has built up a season on the ultra-tricky Sutton at Hone
repertoire of the south of Englands nest in Kent. A demanding venue that allows
08 WHATS OCCURRING carp. day only shing.
The latest news and competitions from
the social media side of carp shing. 46 COLNE VALLEY BEAUTIES 78 LOVELY TIMES ON
Jerry Hammond hauls day-ticket carp in THE BOAT POOL
12 FIVE MONTHS, FIVE FIFTIES the connes of a narrow channel on the Fishing is all about enjoyment and Nick
How Ian Stott has been on the roll of a legendary Colne Valley day-ticket venue Helleur recalls how the Horton Boat Pool
lifetime at the Jurassic Park of carp shing Thorney Weir. captivated his attention for so long.
Wellington Country Park.
52 MY GREATEST CAPTURE 85 CITY SLICKER
24 WHAT WOULD THE PROS DO? Cotswold rod Mitch Hammonds recalls his Ale Russell extols the virtues of nding
We delve inside the mind of the hugely fondest carp angling memory. your own carp to catch in the urban sprawl
gifted Myles Gibson and get his take on of London. And whats more its free shing.
how to tackle tricky lakes full of weed. 57 CHODDY WORKMANSHIP
Matt Eaton shows you how to improve 92 THE CAMPAIGN ANGLE
30 LIVE WITH ASH BAILEY your chod rig shing and how you can Hot on the trail of big carp, Ed Betteridge
A hectic session on the New Forest eradicate those devastating hook-pulls. covers some big mileage to catch stunners
Water Park yields a rake of big sh, from four dierent counties.
including a 35-pounder. 64 SHIMANO TX9
COMPETITION 98 GEAR GUIDE TACKLE
36 AQUA COMPETITION Win a set of three Shimano TX9 The latest tackle from the wonderful world
Win one of three Aqua Fast & Light rods that oer fantastic casting capability of carp shing, with oerings from the likes
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You have sshed a variety
Yo y of h areas that
the h theh weed d hasnt
h d
a decent d
drop. I wou uld then
venues allll over the
ve h country and d h h It may give
grown as high. e
explore this area ffurrther until I
most b
mo big-ca h
arp waters have one away the presence off a clear something thattts shable.
nd
t
thing in com mmon, they are ffull lh
spot. Although h visibility
b l may be b
off weed. Wh hat do you do to get impaired,d a deeper,
d weedy d lake
l k W
What iff you arrive a
and the sh
r sults on th
res hese types off venue?? is easy to map ffrom elevated a showing
are h in an area
a and you
an position and d it may save you want to get a bait shing there?
Wh you turn up to a really
When ll h
hours withh the
h leading
l d rod. d L off casting will surely spook
Lots
w d venue, initially
weedy ll its allll
the sh?
a
about using your eyes. Iff the What iff there are no trees and
l k is shallow,
lake h ll h shimmy
a short h l
you cant get to an elevated d I wont simply l chuck
h k it and
up a tree can reveall a spot that h ii ?
position? ch
chance it, andd willll sttill get a light
i
is shable. On lakes where the l d and
lead d cast around until I get
Theres often an angling situation that you come across and are unsure how to w
weed f
is right to the surface I willll cast aroundd in an arc withh d
a decent d
drop. h ve used the
I hav A bare lead on braided main line
tackle it. We ask MYLES GIBSON how he would approach a weedy venue. i often
its f well worth exploring b llead
a bare d on b d untill I get
braid ch d rig to present over the
chod can reveal key areas in the weed.
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36 3
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46 14 18
Jerry Hammond
Owner of Carthagena
Fishery in the Lea
Valley, Jerry has shed
some of the hardest
lakes in the UK with
great success.
Sponsors: Mad Baits,
Trakker, Century and
Gardner
A oppy-tailed
f
fully ffrom the
narrow channel off Thorney Weir.
- CHUB -
slumber they will start to venture wer away between
The lads were Id around half a gallon of
back out along the channel, midd so I left my
10am and midday, maggots and some corn. I
making it a fantastic ambush hea
bucket and headed o to chuck hoped this would get them to
SUPER CYFISH
area. the rods out forfo a few hours on drop and feed. I also crumbled
Work had been undertaken the main part of o the lake. up half a kilo of Mad Baits
in the area below The Blue Rope n
They left at noon and I was Wicked Whites boilies and
to clear the snags and open up soon set up and thinking about added couple of handfuls of
BIVVY + WRAP
another two swims just before my tactics for mym two nights 10mm baits for good measure.
the bridge. This didnt bother ahead. Rigwise, it was a lead clip and
the sh in any way because they The obvious spots to sh were tubing, about nine inches of
simply moved further down the ot bank, where
across to the other Avid Pindown hook link, a size 8
channel under the bridge to som overhanging
there were some Mugga hook tied up blow-back
more snags. bushes and a few fe snags; nice style with a ring on the shank. I
A
were already slipping away. I to be my any
s far as I was imminent. My good friend Dave Thorney, a very good area to Rope swim, in years gone by noticed someone awake in the tactic.
concerned Id Vaughn runs the Thorney Weir concentrate on is the narrow it has made many anglers swim so I parked up and went to
had a great start complex, and over the years I channel that leads into the main dreams come true with some investigate.
to 2016, when in have shed Thorney and the bulk of the lake. Its more or less magnicent captures of some of
January I shed other beautiful lake there, The like shing a river when your set Colne Valleys nest carp. The rst bite was the biggest
my own Brooke Lake and was Mets. up, and it takes a little getting Beyond the blue rope the sh of the session at 34lb.
made up with the capture of Both hold absolutely stunning used to, but this area can be ever snags got worse and this area
a 40lb common, along with carp. So my plan was to try so productive. became a safe holding area in
four other carp, in freezing and catch one or two of these A blue rope was across the the colder months. The sh were
conditions. incredible sh before I moved width of this tree-lined channel left in safety away from the cold
As March was drawing to an on to one of my target waters 100 yards from a bridgeto winter winds on the main part of
end, I was sensing that the carp for the new season ahead. On stop the angling going any the lake. So, as you can imagine,
were waking up and spring was previous early season trips to further. Aptly named The Blue when they wake from their
46 47
.99
39
.99
104 GEAR GUIDE BAIT 19
Stickys new pellet range and CC Moores 52
boilie session packs are among the Mitch Hammonds
Moving to the Cotswolds
soon after nishing
college, Mitch thinks
nothing of doing ve
nights on the bank
huge quantity of boilies out during tthree
big baiting trips that week I really wanted
them to get on the feed.
A couple of sh fell foul of my hea
w
heavy
only two in the lake I waas in awe. Safely
character,
ch
q top p lobe
o commons
o o
tails gives these carp
something
h
h goes a llong way
that
in identifying targets
the weather even took a drastic turn
turn. The
pressure dropped and the wind increased
incr
spectacularly, colouring the water up u as it
swim the other rod ripped o. Kiting left
towards a real shallow bar and island, the
buoys were dangerously close down that
BRAIDED LINE
brand new Airlite Sleep System 2 and Sonik
pushed across the large expanse of water. side. The zebra mussels covering the bars
for
f Mitch to sh
for.
f .
treatment.
like a roulette wheel, despite the tight
tig like a snapped top lobe again, the pair of
clutch. I kept the tip as high as possible
possi commons were equally as large and I was
through the ght, teasing the carp between
b elated as I looked over the water, watching
fraternity to the lake to swim, boat and laze and over the raised plateaus, praying my the mist rise in the encroaching bright light
around by the sandy beach and picnic area. steep, sharp
20lb line wouldnt part on the steep as the sun rose.
The lake was alive with people barbecuing, bars out in the water. It made a bid ffor a Plenty of teas drank, laughs and
sunbathing and all manner of things in buoy out to the right but I managed to congratulations shared with two good
between and my summer passed by with turn it without too much trouble. Ne Nearing friends enjoying the moment, it was a
very few sh. the waiting net I inched out in the water
w to morning I will never forget. As we clicked
Then it rose through the surface layer, clear a weed bed just in front of the swim. away with the camera and set about
parting the water like the Red Sea and Before I knew it, the sh had darted straight returning the sh, we weighed the rst
A single sighting across the lake led to MITCH HAMMONDS most
114 TESTED
crashed down on its side. The colossal past me as I span on my heels, facing the oppy-tailed common in at over 36lb,
memorable mornings shing a formidable brace of commons. frame of the sh was evident from the Nevertheless, it
bank Id just waded from. Neverthele before the second character settled the
I
opposite side of the lake where I was was soon slipped into the net witho
without any scales at over 34lb. I blagged the day o
t was now well into my second season away. I caught plenty that rst season but water morning and night if I wanted to, positioned it was without doubt the big further issues. work to have my own little celebration and
on the lake and Id been targeting its missed the capture of the one I wanted by which I often did. Like the previous season, un. Unhooking it as it wallowed in the just soaked up the occasion. The rods didnt
big un. From May the previous year just a week. I managed to slip a few of the residents up I was markering up at range a few days margins, the mornings light was beg beginning go back out until well after dark that day
Id spent ve months plugging away, A winter of work soon spilled into the early in the second year. later, thrashing the area Id seen the show. to ll the sky the shs huge mouth was and the phone went 10 to the dozen as
52 53
07
The new SONIK XTI SUPADOME is a year-round brolly system
packed with features, and we have three to give away!
A
new concept in brolly design, this remarkable coverage, you can zip the front panel on in a matter
oering from Sonik oers far more than other of seconds. This has a large mozzie vent with a clear
brolly systems on the market. Created for the window option too. From there, you can also zip
serious session angler as well as the short overnight the heavy-duty groundsheet in when its required,
sherman, it will cater for every eventuality. almost sealing the bivvy from the elements, certainly
The brolly has a very short boss system, giving you preventing bugs and the like from being able to enter
an incredible amount of internal space. The back is at the shelter. The nal addition for the colder weather is
on the oor giving great stability and strength in windy the vapour guard. Put simply, this is a clip-in, lightweight
conditions, and theres a large vent at the rear to aid shield that creates an internal pocket, preventing
airow in the warmer weather. The storm sides extend condensation and insulating the shelter genius.
further than most, too, giving you great coverage from Fortunately for you, Sonik has kindly oered one of
the elements. The four storm poles come with quick- these fantastic brollies to three very lucky winner, so
release magnetic joints, making them incredibly quick whether you need a lightweight stripped-out brolly or
to install during the setup. a fully functioning winter shelter with lots of headroom,
As the seasons change, or if you simply want more this competition is well worth a punt.
34
Cambridgeshire common was the shot and it was also SATURDAY 2ND & SUNDAY 3RD JULY, 2015
08
April Competition Winners
THREE SONIK
XTI SUPADOME
Sonik XTI Supadome Competition Facebook Gardner Tackle
BROLLIES WORTH
1,049.97 Danny Everett, Essex The team at Gardner have been hugely
TO BE WON
Twitter @Wychwoodcarp
To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the
following multiple-choice question correctly and call:
Follow Wychwood carp to get a daily
Q: What unique feature clips onto the inside of this brolly?
A:Vapour Guard B: Night Light C: Sound System
Facebook Of the Month dose of carpy content from its quality
The competition runs from midday on March 4th and closes at 11am on April 8th. The
winners will be selected at random from all correct entries received within this time. Calls
cost 1 plus your phone companys access charge. Please obtain permission from whoever
pays your phone bill. You can also enter by post by sending your entry to ACF, DHP Ltd, 1
Whittle Close, Drayton Fields, Daventry, Northants NN11 8RQ.
April
8th Advanced Carp Fishing magazine team of anglers. Nigel Sharp, Jon
35
(ocial fan page) McAllister and Nick Helleur are always
out catching superb carp and the
We released the full video of Adam Smiths April- Wychwood Carp Twitter page is where
Carp Of The Month session haul on YouTube last month. It was a session you will nd them.
of a lifetime, catching 20 carp from Linch Hills
This month its Josh Mills with an old Kent carp Christchurch Lake; truly biblical shing. The video Instagram @virgil_Bayle
known as The Millstream Common. Feeding got a great reaction when we uploaded it directly to With some of the nest carp shing
Hot Shrimp to an area where he spotted the Facebook, so if you missed it search AdvancedCarpmag photography that Instagram has to oer,
sh frequenting and after waiting for an angler on YouTube to view it. Virgil is well worth a follow. We are also
to move from the swim, he got the rigs out in expecting a feature for the magazine in
the dark and was rewarded with the common We are always interested in what you have to say, the near future. Watch this space.
the next morning. or show us for that matter, so dont forget to tag us,
message us, or alternatively you can e-mail the editor
at max.hendry@dhpub.co.uk.
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12
With sh zzing in a quiet bay, Ian was
careful to keep disturbance to a minimum
and was rewarded with his rst UK fty.
PART ONE
IAN STOTT recalls how he experienced the angling roll of
his life, banking no less than ve UK fties in ve months
from the famous Wellington Country Park syndicate.
I
t is a pretty rare occurrence I kept being drawn to Bramble I opted to set up in the Up used to tie the hook bait onto
to have a Friday o work Bay and two swims Turtle And Over, knowing that I could and a Covert Hook Stop was
and I arrived on the banks Corner and The Up And Over wade out and cast down into the placed on the shank just above
of Wellington Country Park looked particularly inviting. corner I had seen the activity in the bend. The rig was completed
just after 6am. I loaded The wind was kind of cutting should I want to. with a 16mm bottom bait tipped
the barrow and headed to the across the bay but in one Once the bivvy had been with a 12mm pop-up.
lakeside knowing that I had corner there was hardly any set up I got the rods ready and Having shed this swim
three days shing ahead of me. hitting the surface. There was decided to sh two with pop- before, I knew that there was a
With only four other anglers on I also a noticeable increase in ups, a white 16mm on one rod bar straight out in front of me,
had quite a few options of where temperature there. The nal and a pink 16mm on the other. but I wanted to sh just o the
I could sh. decision came after I fetched The third rod was going to have clean gravel in the deeper siltier
Rather than head straight for the barrow. As I came around a snowman-type rig made up area. After a couple of casts I
the windward bank, I spent six the path near Turtle Corner I with a 10in hooklength tied with was happy and I clipped up and
hours walking around the lake. I observed several patches of 25lb Trickster Heavy knotless measured the range accurately
had time on my side, so I was in tiny bubbles hitting the surface, knotted to a size 4 Covert around my distance sticks. I
no rush. followed by bigger ones. Mugga. A small ring swivel was made a small PVA stocking bag
13
A 41lb 10oz mirror,a stunning,
well proportioned carp.
I didnt bother casting right down into Turtle Corner because I didnt the rod up, I tightened the clutch
want to risk spooking any sh that might there. I chose to sh towards down and could feel the cold
the area but quite a bit short, along the tree line at about 40-yards water between my toes because
range. I felt that if the carp were still there they would probably come Id forgotten to slide into my
out to where the rig was going to be positioned. The middle rod was chesties. It was hard to tell where
cast the same sort of distance between the other two because I didnt the carp was in the low light
want to put any pressure on the carp should they be moving in and conditions, so I stuck the rod tip
The large size 4 Mugga hooks As the fish surfaced I was dismayed to see that it
were providing great hook-holds.
had managed to get past an overhanging branch
towards the next swim.
out of the area. I was using Mirage uorocarbon main line, so I knew under the water and lifted the
that the lines were going to be pinned tight to the lake bed. rod back up to see where the
Just on dark I managed to get around 100 baits around each area line was entering the water. I
where the rigs were with my throwing stick. thought I was going to have to
Just before 1am a big pike went through my left-hand rod. After go in and as the sh surfaced
stripping o a bit of line and getting the lead-free leader attached I I was dismayed to see that it
Fishing tight to the island margin made up a little PVA stick, attached it to the rig and cast it back out. As had managed to get past an
at range was Ians plan of attack. I returned to the bivvy the low-battery lights were registering on my overhanging branch towards the
receiver, so after changing them I found out later that Id forgotten to next swim. All I could do was put
containing just four crushed turn the volume back up. the rod tip underwater and crank
and a couple of whole boilies, After what seemed like only minutes sleep I was wide awake again. the pressure up. It was a hairy
attached it to the rig and cast it It was 5.30am and my body clock had kicked in. With a cup of tea, I few moments before it felt as
out to the area. The baiting up of sat watching the water and a little while later I noticed a blue light. I though the carp had kited away
all the rods would have to wait looked at the receiver and noticed the rst LED was lit up. I reached from danger and when I lifted
until it was dark because the down and turned the volume up and a millisecond later ran out of the rod back up it was indeed
ying rats were out in force. the bivvy with the receiver screaming in the background. As I picked straight out in front of me.
14
A few minutes later a rather
large creature rolled over the
net cord. I had a feeling it was
going to be a unit, but I was
stunned when I peered into the
mesh. After securing the net
I got the necessary bits ready
for the weighing. I watched
in amazement as the needle
steadied at 56lb 4oz. Just to be
sure I let the weigh sling slip
down into the cradle and lifted
the weigh crook again and it
registered exactly the same.
After seven years of trying I
had at last bagged my rst UK
50lb carp. I slipped the chest
waders on and made sure the
carp was secured in the deep
margin.
It wasnt too long before Dave,
Paul and Jay came round to help
with the photographs and its fair
to say we were all suitably blown
away. We managed to get some
pretty good shots before getting
the big old carp back into the
lake.
Unsurprisingly, the week The Hole In The Bush
after my capture of Scruy Bob swim, the scene of Ians
I found myself back in the same phenomenal sessions.
swim. I arrived at dusk and after
a very quick walk around I again I wanted an open-water swim close to the end of the island Lianne Bullard were champing at
observed zzing in Turtle Corner. with another swim close by, so again. Its a fair old chuck, but I the bit to get to the swims and
Saturday afternoon I had opted for The Hole In The Bush. knew I could reach it. settled in.
a walk around the lake and While stood in the swim I may The camp was soon set up When we there I decided to
popped in to see Lewis for a have caught a glimpse of a carp and I decided to get the rods change the position of my left
quick chat and observed a carp just sticking its head out very out for a few hours before my and middle rods. I cast the left
crash out very close to the island guests arrived. It was going to be one slightly further to the right of
at long range in front Hole In The the rst time I had used my new the island and in the fading light
Bush. Century C2D rodsproperly, and I watched each lead enter the
However, that swim was with the wind hacking straight water really close it. The third was
taken so I went back to mine into the swim they were certainly once again cast to the silty area.
and stayed there until Monday going to be tested. To get close I really felt the need to get
morning. to the end of the island I would some bait out but the wind was
The following Friday I had a have to cast about 140 yards. too strong. Luckily it abated and I
guest coming down for a couple I wrapped the two snowman- managed to get a couple of kilos
of nights and the enormous presentation rods up to 35 wraps of 22mm baits scattered around
pleasure of my wife Sam and cast one just to the left of the area.
accompanying me as well. I was the willow on the island and the Nothing happened during
gobsmacked when I pulled into second to the end of the island. the night but I did hear a big sh
the car park and found that I was The third was cast towards crash out somewhere in front of
the only angler on the venue. the end of a distant hedgerow, my swim late into the night.
The barrow was soon loaded landing in deep silt at just over The rst run of the session
and I made my way to the lake. 80 yards. I didnt put any bait came during the next day at
Because there was no-one out because the ying rats were about 1.30pm. I had just turned
around I left my barrow at the again out in force. round and said to the girls that
back of one of the sandpits and It wasnt long before I reeled the hanger on the middle rod
went for a leisurely walk. Four the rods back in before going had just tightened up a little
hours later I nally made my The 22mm baits were spread via round to the car park and bit. As I hit the rod the carp was
decision where to sh. the throwing stick. collecting my guests. Sam and stripping line from the clutch
16
The second fty in two
months. Shoulders caught
at night at 51lb 10oz.
17
Another solid 40-pounder. a minute or so the sh came adrift and I can only assume that it had
The average size of the been a trailer. I had only just cast that rod back out again when the
sh in Welly is astounding. middle one went into meltdown. A few seconds later that also came
adrift!
I sat on my bucket watching the water when the right-hand rod
screamed o and I was attached to what felt like a big sh. It was
taking line and making its way to my right on a very long line. It was
time to dip the top section underwater and increase the pressure and
start pumping it towards me. Everything held rm and 10 minutes
later a rather large, angry looking 43lb 8oz ghostie common was
sitting in the net. Along with another member we made short work
of the photographing and got the really colourful carp back into the
lake.
After tidying the swim, everything that wasnt needed was put
away because I would be packing up at 4.30am to get to work.
Ghost carp arent everyones At about 10.30pm the left alarm let out a couple of bleeps before
cup of tea but when they are once again one-toning. The carp initially powered o, stripping line
40lb they are impressive beasts. from the tight clutch, and I could tell that it was going right again. I
soon had it under control and coaxed it into the margins. After some
strong surges her head eventually popped to the surface and a big-
framed mirror slipped into the net. After a few pictures the 46lb 12oz
carp swam away powerfully.
That was it for me and I was packed up and on my way to work by
6am.
As I pulled into the car park very late in the afternoon on the rst
Friday after going back to work, my rst choice, The Hole In The Bush,
was occupied. I had bagged my rst carp on the rst day of the New
Year from there, a 42lb 6oz ghostie.
I got the barrow loaded and made my way to the syndicate bank.
Ian couldnt help but smile as I knew my mate Clint would be pulling o the lake by noon the next
he enjoyed fantastic consistent day, so I dropped into a swim down the bank with a view to moving in
sport throughout the winter. when he left.
18
STOP
PRESS
Just as the magazine, Ian Stott told
us the news that he landed his Six
fty pound carp in as many months,
see the full story of this and the
other two ties in the next issue of
Advanced Carp.
Before I knew what was been out in the water for 12 line clip before rattling o. As
happening, the alarm on my hours I knew that they wouldnt soon as I picked the rod up and
phone was going o. I hit the take on too much more water wound down into it I could tell
dismiss button and woke up an and would remain critically I was attached to something
hour later at 5.30am. I walked balanced for that much longer. very heavy. The normal palaver
down to The Hole In The Bush The plan was that once I got ensued trying to get the chest
and could hear snoring so them out to the areas that I was waders on, but with a bit of
started sorting my gear ready for going to be shing they would help from Peter we were soon
the move. be staying there until I packed up in the water doing battle. A few
As quietly as possible, I early on the Monday morning. minutes later there was a couple Ensuring the line is pinned down
deposited everything near the I shed the long-range area of swirls on the surface before up to the island margin.
swim and went for a walk. When that I had been targeting on this absolutely prehistoric, huge
I returned, the kettle in my mates previous sessions. The rest of that carp slipped over the net cord.
swim was just boiling and I was day and night passed by without We looked at each other, shook cup of tea but I think they are
grateful for a nice cup of tea. any action or signs of carp. hands and laughed. Before some of the maddest, angriest
The hours passed and before I was puzzled that I hadnt long the weigh sling was being looking carp in the lake. After a
long Clint was on his way, leaving seen anyone mooching around lowered onto the hook on the few photographs we soon had a
me to get myself sorted out. on the opposite bank. It didnt scales and I took the strain on couple more water shots before
Once the camp was set up I set look like anyone else was going the weigh crook. I laughed it was safely swimming away.
about getting the rods out. I to be turning up and the day because I could tell by Petes Before long I was left to my
didnt bother putting fresh baits seemed to drag on and on. expression and the way the own devices and I was buzzing. I
on, choosing to rebalance the At about 3.30pm I got a visit weigh crook was bending that eventually managed to get that
rigs by taking a tiny amount of from Peter, the baili, who it was going to be a big weight. rod back out, but that was to be
putty o and setting them so wanted a brew. Ten minutes He then said:50lb 2oz. We had my only action during that session
they were critically balanced. later the left-hand rod tightened already identied the carp as and I was soon whizzing down the
Knowing that they had already and the line pulled out of the the big ghostie; not everyones motorway on my way to work.
19
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21
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Theres often an angling situation that you come across and are unsure how to
tackle it. We ask MYLES GIBSON how he would approach a weedy venue.
Myles Gibson
Continuing with his
campaign-style feature
next month, exclusively
for ACF, Myles will
be targeting Dinton
Pastures for its elusive
mirrors this year.
Sponsors: Korda,
Sticky, Aqua Products,
Phatsh Clothing
24
You have shed a variety of the areas that the weed hasnt a decent drop. I would then
venues all over the country and grown as high. It may give explore this area further until I
most big-carp waters have one away the presence of a clear nd something thats shable.
thing in common, they are full spot. Although visibility may be
of weed. What do you do to get impaired, a deeper, weedy lake What if you arrive and the sh
results on these types of venue? is easy to map from elevated are showing in an area and you
an position and it may save you want to get a bait shing there?
When you turn up to a really hours with the leading rod. Lots of casting will surely spook
weedy venue, initially its all the sh?
about using your eyes. If the What if there are no trees and
lake is shallow, a short shimmy you cant get to an elevated I wont simply chuck it and
up a tree can reveal a spot that position? chance it, and will still get a light
is shable. On lakes where the lead and cast around until I get
weed is right to the surface I will cast around in an arc with a decent drop. I have used the A bare lead on braided main line
its often well worth exploring a bare lead on braid until I get chod rig to present over the can reveal key areas in the weed.
25
Looking for signs of feeding sh
gives you possible viable spots.
weed in this situation but I also the boat and risking spooking The rst thing to do is nd some to start baiting areas and get
like to use a long hook link and the sh. spots. Or if its too weedy, try and some bait cleared o. The sh are
a straight pop-up rig with a light bait to clear some shable areas. up for a feed and they will really
lead. I then attach a PVA bag of What can you do in the long Its easy to go onto the lake and switch on to volumes of bait.
seven dissolving foam nuggets term to improve your catch start lling in areas that arent
to the hook, followed by three results? viable feeding zones. I always What do you look for when
pinched round the hook. On the look to the period after spawning choosing an area?
cast, I simply feel the drop onto
my chosen spot. The PVA bag A pop-up on a Namely one that the sh
slows the leads descent to the long hook link frequent, whether it be a place
lake bed and prevents the whole will settle over that they pass through on their
rig falling through the weed and a weeded area patrol route or a snag. The
being rendered useless. A slow- providing great southwest bank is always a great
sinking pop-up further improves presentation. area to start nding spots.
the presentation.
It was a tactic I adopted at Does it have to have certain
Redesmere in Cheshire and characteristics to be a viable
I prefer it to chod-rig shing spot?
when it comes to getting a bait
shing in weedy condition. Look for an area that you can hit
Although it worked on from three or four swims so you
Redesmere, and has on other can access it if there is an angler
waters, Stoneacres really didnt in one of the swims. This means
respond to my eorts casting that I can keep the bait going in.
with chod rigs to showing sh I have found a lot on the
feeding in the weed. When southwesterly wind. They are
you went out in the boat to often covered in weed but a
nd out what the sh were short time spent with a rake
showing over, it would often can clear some really promising
be concentrated areas as wide spots that are actually clear
as one big carp, and therefore but have been covered by the
impossible to hit without using
26
St Ives Shallow Pit is festooned with weed Once the spots have been
but time spent with the leading rod unlocked chosen, bait can then be
an area at range. The result, Colin at 48lb. applied in a bid to clear them.
weed being pushed in on the keen to apply boilies when I will view this with caution and Denitely. Ill never put the rods
wind. On lakes that are shed want to establish my bait. the bites will dry up. This is the out without having a quick ick
on a half-regular basis there will Once you have settled for a time to cut your losses and get with a lead and braided main
be old spots that have a light spot, do you concentrate on moving to another area. This line. You can tell how the sh are
covering of weed. These can be that throughout the year? doesnt have to be another part feeding over the spot and alter
regenerated with a little bait of the lake; it could be a spot your markers accordingly. For
application. Like all shing, its If the spot is doing regular bites just o the larger one that you example, sh the baits to the
all down to observation. Use I would be inclined to stay. could begin to work. If you keep edge of the spot rather than slap
your eyes and react to what However, I am always looking thinking ahead you can have bang in the middle of the area.
your see. for the next chance to exploit another couple of areas getting The sh prefer to skirt the baited
an area and capitalise on it. Its primed as your original area patch, so the quickest bites often
Once you have found an area an ongoing process and you begins to slow down. occur at the edge of the spot.
that the sh frequent, what sort may have to adapt your area
of spot do you look for? several times in a season to keep Do you monitor how the spot is How important is it to become
catching sh. Often, the weed being cleaned as you bait and adept at shing weedy lakes?
I will get the leading rod out will get cleared and the spot sh it?
and plumb the area heavily. The will become too big, the sh Getting the best presentation
weed will often be covering in weed and shing spots
areas of rmer ground and by eectively is the best way to get
using a heavier lead you can get consistent results in weed. Over
down to these spots and get an the years I have stuck to certain
idea of the bottom under the regimen when shing these
weed. When I start getting a lakes and its served me well.
decent drop I will keep working A lot of big carp get caught
the area, casting constantly until from weed so its important
I know how the weed has grown to get better at this type
over it. Once I have found the of angling to improve
spot its just a case of baiting By using a bag of dissolving foam your results.
regularly and letting the sh nuggets you can slow the leads
work the area. Particles will help descent, allowing it to settle on the
clear the spot but I am always lake bed, improving rig presentation.
27
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Ash Bailey
A ground worker by
day, Ash has spent two
seasons on the New
Forest Water Park. He
loves the atmosphere
that makes shing the
busier weekends more
bearable.
Sponsors: CC Moore
and Gardner
30
With such short windows of
opportunity the bites tend
to come thick and fast.
T
and time again that they love dorsal ns breaking the surface,
he pressure was on. swim. Knowing The Gate, where a hit of bait on the venue and cutting lines of water that
Id had a recent red- Id previously had the blinding through the week sh had been emanated from the spots in
letter session on session, was a favourite area, I spotted early in the morning which they broke they were
New Forest Water chose to put 20kg out in front rolling in front of the swim, up in the layers directly over my
Park and now it of a swim called Comfy, over despite me seeing nothing rods to the left.
was time to ramp up the stakes two spots. each evening that I went for a After watching them for a
and test my mettle, seeing if I On Thursday I arrived at the look. I dropped another bucket short while I began to worry.
could catch on cue for the ACF lake after a funeral, having on each spot when I arrived on The shows slowed up in the
cameras that were travelling managed to book a rare Friday Thursday, opting to drop two low light and I knew Karl was
south for just a 24-hour o work. The pressure had rods on the left-hand spot and only 30 miles or so away. The
window. I knew the lake. I knew dropped considerably over the third on a spot to the right. bite windows have proved
it was possible. But anything the previous day or so, and I spoke to Karl Jenkinson from to be short on the lake and I
could happen. the winds were due to pick ACF that evening and he was just hoped something would
With the feature planned, up throughout the session. As due to arrive at rst light. We happen soon.
I managed to get down on good as this was, I still wasnt chatted about how it looked for Remarkably, the right-hand
the Tuesday previous to bait a overly condent and the extra a bite and how the weather was rod was away rst despite no
31
A sh known as Carp Of A belting 30lb common.
Two Halves, not that Ash
knew at the time, going
over 33lb on the scales.
activity above it. The slack line surface for the sh to snag
picked up slowly before the itself in and it was soon being
clutch began to tick. The sky scooped up in the nets mesh
was lling with light and my almost certainly a 30lb mirror. It was magnicent and satisfying watching them swim away
rod was bent double, ghting I popped the hook out of the in the crystal-clear water.
against the carp attached to huge shs mouth in the water the water as I waded out as before I could get either rod
the end of my line. A burst of and set about rewrapping the far as I could until the very last back into the lake. The sky was
energy saw the carp strip line rod to get it back to the spot as minute. Fortunately, the mirror now fully light, I had a sh in
from the spool on the rests. A quickly as possible. stayed deep in the folds as I the sack, two in the net, the
fairly energetic battle ensued Before I could complete just scooped up the second sh. camera clicking wildly and a
but before long the carp had 10 wraps to clip the line, the The large common behaved grin from ear to ear. I jumped
been netted and unhooked as middle rod rattled o, this time well under the rod tip and into the margins still wearing
I hastily got the rod wrapped from the left-hand spot. Lifting failed to power o to the left as my waders as the sh kited
and back onto the spot. It was the rod into full battle curve the they usually do from that spot. slightly left. I applied steady
imperative to keep the rods in blank powered down as a hard- As I saw Karl pull through pressure and dropped the tip
the water. ghting sh made itself known. the gate seconds later and low in the water when a urry
I transferred the mirror to a The activity had slowed on head down the bumpy track of bleeps signalled from the
sack and weighed it in at 20lb the surface over the spot but just as I was wondering what right-hand rod. After realising
6oz, happy to have one waiting they were clearly on the deck to do, I quickly phoned him it wasnt me knocking the line
for the cameras, but hopeful of feeding by now, evident by the and shouted up another net. while playing the sh, the tight
more action. take I was now battling. As he trudged into the swim clutch began to tick as I asked
Before I knew it the right- During the ght it suddenly with a big grin on his face I was for help and Karl lifted into
hand rod was away again. At dawned on me that I had a rewrapping the rst rod to put the rod. The only words I can
just 40 yards out and fairly big 30lb mirror resting in my on the right-hand spot. The nd to accurately describe the
devoid of weed, the sh had net, unhooked, and now I had area had done two bites in 30 situation are absolute carnage.
a short but energetic battle to land a second carp in the minutes and now hadnt had I soon had my fourth sh
under the rod tip as it made net because Id foolishly left a rod in the water for about 15 safely in the extra net as I was
eorts to embed itself in the my spare in the van. It was minutes. still up to my waist in water a
marginal trees. Fortunately daunting to say the least, but Unbelievably, I was into my lovely mid-twenty mirror that
theres very little under the I kept the net cord high above fourth sh of the morning we later weighed at 27lb 8oz.
32
Supple braid rigs over the top of this
attractive spod mix was the eective
method.
33
rod because Id used the few Id Despite the heavy disturbance, the bobbin but the culprit was congratulating me on my
pre-tied, but soon had all three the sheer volume of pigeon denitely on. A short battle was mornings result. I rebaited
rods shing again. conditioner, hemp, maggot, to be the last of the day and the two spots with a bucket
Ten minutes passed with tiger nuts, Pacic Tuna and resulted in a stunning 25lb 8oz of mix each, and we settled in
no activity on the surface, or Live System boilies had kept mirror with a striking, starburst that evening discussing how
from the rods, and I began to the sh in the swim, and I was scale pattern along its wrist, remarkable it had been, and
think the bite window had overjoyed as I battled and landed with the help of a friend how it might even happen
disappeared. As we transferred landed my fth carp in the last whod popped down by this again the very next morning.
the mid-twenty mirror Id just net, instantly recognisable as point. We troughed down a Keskins
landed into another sack, we Pablo, a mid-thirty mirror. The short bite window was takeaway and got an early
both saw a show over the left The middle rod had barely over as we set about weighing night.
spot. Seconds later the middle touched the bottom with a and photographing each sh Awake again before rst
rod was away again, almost as PVA bag of maggots attached in turn. The 30lb mirror landed light, it was like a dierent lake.
if the showing sh dropped before the line pulled tight with the big common in the There were no evident shows
straight down onto my rig. AGAIN. I hadnt even attached same net went 33lb 2oz and over my spots and with more
I later discovered that it was rods in the water around the
A proper dark a resident known as Carp Of lake overnight, only one sh
character sh. Two Halves, for its strikingly tripped up elsewhere on the
dierent anks. The large lake. We sat the morning out
common was 30lb on the nose knowing it could switch on and
and Pablo weighed in at over go mental at any point but it
36lb. We had to take short wasnt to be. The cameras left
breaks here and there due to around lunch time after the
how cold the water was; it was bite window had passed, and
agonising but incredible all at I was elated that my rst live
the same time. feature for ACF had gone so
Richie from Ringwood spectacularly. Undoubtedly, the
Tackle kindly oered to drop heavy baiting had once again
the gallon and a half of extra given me such a big hit of sh,
maggots I needed to me where I may have only had one
through the day and several or two otherwise another red-
people came and went, letter session.
34
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Lee Kemp Lee releases a dark day-
Having shed for only estate lake forty back
some of the most to its shallow silty home.
sought after carp in
the UK, Lee has turned
his attention to the
JamesFish the truly
unique mirror from the
Northwycke syndicate.
Sponsor: Tails Up
40
LEE KEMP
With an album full of stunning, old, big carp, we were keen to collar LEE KEMP
to nd out why carp shing has captivated him since his teens.
41
the lake was there too, but it In the next two nights I had
was upper thirties. These two ve takes, with the biggest
sh were spellbinding and the mirror at 44lb 10oz, the lakes
biggest we had ever seen. biggest common at 35lb and a
fully scaled. Guest sessions were
What made you want to start banned after that.
shing somewhere that was
such a step up in diculty? When did The Snake Pit
Common nally hit the net?
I really wanted to take up the
challenge. I felt that by learning October 2008 at a huge 47lb
my big-carp angling on a local 6oz. It had grown considerably
water, it would stand me in since the early days and was
good stead for my angling now king of the pond. It was a
career. I realised that I needed to huge chapter of my carp shing
step up my shing gear. ticked o.
42
St Ives Black Pig showed
Lee that if he could catch A sh in the sack waiting to be
carp from there he could photographed.
catch them from anywhere.
A day-only whacker
called Lindons, caught
best in the UK. The Fat Lady was
by Lee at over 40lb.
the second biggest carp in the
UK. An epic mirror from a water
that was simply spellbinding.
With just 13 sh in 35 acres it
was a mega challenge.
My rst session I shed Fattys
Point. I put a load of pellets on
a spot and proceeded to get
hammered by bream that night,
although the rst one got my
legs shaking.
43
We take it the demise of The Fat
Another day-only sh,
Lady stopped your shing on
called Marmite a
St Ives?
40-pounder caught after
spotting a sh surface.
In the summer I got a load of
texts from mates saying The
Fat Lady had died. I had caught
some of the others but St Ives
was all about The Fat Lady. I
havent been back since, only
dabbling on the Fjords and
Meadows next door for a while.
I did think about going back
for Colin from The Shallow Pit. I
was adamant through previous
captures that it would come out
at a certain time of year.
I rang Gordy Howes in
September and got my ticket. I
went to work on the Thursday
with a view to going straight
there that evening. At 9am on
the Thursday Myles Gibson
landed Colin at 48lb. I was out and set up in a swim further signalled a take. The line was watch him play it but it fell o.
by just 24 hours. down the lake where I could kiting towards a snag and I As I refocused for a cast I saw a
view the water in front of Oz. jumped in fully clothed. I was back break the water. I instantly
The Brute from Pingewood was The atmosphere was electric under a canopy of trees holding pivoted and cast a rig straight
a poignant capture. How did because there was a feeling in the rod at the spigot to get the onto the spot. I got a bite soon
you begin shing there? the air that The Brute was going landing net and netted The after and landed Marmite at
to come out. Brute in the pitch black. It went 40lb 9oz. Elliott Gray did me
I was looking through some old The next morning I got up to 50lb 2oz, a massive carp that is proud with the photos.
magazines and saw a picture view the water that was soon still my PB.
of The Brute at 42lb with Terry to be mine for the next couple I shed a day-only water in What are your plans this year?
Hearn. That Sunday morning I of nights. Early in the morning Essex for the 2012-13 season.
drove 127 miles to Pingewood. he had a bite. I knew what sh Its hard shing and the carp are I am shing locally and I am
The area is full of water, so I it was and started reeling in my unreal. Its so small I tended to getting into the lake properly
had to give James Turner a ring rods as he netted it. He put an do a few day sessions in quick now. My target is a little
to get an idea of where I was. arm up to say The Brute was in succession to get a picture of dierent from my usual choice
Once I found the lake I enquired the net. how the sh were behaving in that its only 12 years old, but
about a ticket. The following year on the over a few days. at over 45lb its a real freak of
same weekend I had it. Funnily Luke Stevenson had just nature. Scaly and four feet long,
Did Pingewood take over your enough, it happened again the hooked a sh while I was its certainly unique. I cant wait
shing for a while? following year; hows that for making a recast and I paused to to get hold of it.
consistency.
I always concentrate on one lake
because it keeps me tuned in. Talk us through the session that
Because its a tricky circuit water led to the capture.
I was turning up on a Friday to
an often busy lake. I got my rst I got down for my usual
bite after 18 nights. Popeye was weekend session; the lake was
my rst carp at 36lb. It was so eerily quiet. A group of Gypsies
old and exactly my sort of carp. had moved into the area and it
had put a lot of the anglers o.
Did you come close to The Brute There was one in the swim but
in the rst season? he was packing up.
I shed two rods that night.
Based on previous action I knew I found a little spot that I had
what area the sh was going thrashed up with the leading
to get caught from. Oz Holness rod, but I knew I wanted the
was in the swim when I arrived rods to be shing as perfect as
so I dropped a bucket behind possible. At midnight the rod Lee views the Pingewood Brute as his carp angling highlight.
44
Jerry Hammond
Owner of Carthagena
Fishery in the Lea
Valley, Jerry has shed
some of the hardest
lakes in the UK with
great success.
Sponsors: Mad Baits,
Trakker, Century and
Gardner
A
s far as I was imminent. My good friend Dave Thorney, a very good area to Rope swim, in years gone by
concerned Id Vaughn runs the Thorney Weir concentrate on is the narrow it has made many anglers
had a great start complex, and over the years I channel that leads into the main dreams come true with some
to 2016, when in have shed Thorney and the bulk of the lake. Its more or less magnicent captures of some of
January I shed other beautiful lake there, The like shing a river when your set Colne Valleys nest carp.
my own Brooke Lake and was Mets. up, and it takes a little getting Beyond the blue rope the
made up with the capture of Both hold absolutely stunning used to, but this area can be ever snags got worse and this area
a 40lb common, along with carp. So my plan was to try so productive. became a safe holding area in
four other carp, in freezing and catch one or two of these A blue rope was across the the colder months. The sh were
conditions. incredible sh before I moved width of this tree-lined channel left in safety away from the cold
As March was drawing to an on to one of my target waters 100 yards from a bridge to winter winds on the main part of
end, I was sensing that the carp for the new season ahead. On stop the angling going any the lake. So, as you can imagine,
were waking up and spring was previous early season trips to further. Aptly named The Blue when they wake from their
46
A oppy-tailed fully from the
narrow channel of Thorney Weir.
slumber they will start to venture The lads were away between Id around half a gallon of
back out along the channel, 10am and midday, so I left my maggots and some corn. I
making it a fantastic ambush bucket and headed o to chuck hoped this would get them to
area. the rods out for a few hours on drop and feed. I also crumbled
Work had been undertaken the main part of the lake. up half a kilo of Mad Baits
in the area below The Blue Rope They left at noon and I was Wicked Whites boilies and
to clear the snags and open up soon set up and thinking about added couple of handfuls of
another two swims just before my tactics for my two nights 10mm baits for good measure.
the bridge. This didnt bother ahead. Rigwise, it was a lead clip and
the sh in any way because they The obvious spots to sh were tubing, about nine inches of
simply moved further down the across to the other bank, where Avid Pindown hook link, a size 8
channel under the bridge to there were some overhanging Mugga hook tied up blow-back
more snags. bushes and a few snags; nice style with a ring on the shank. I
The new swims had been little bits of cover for the sh as had some 12mm Wicked Whites
shed a few times with some they moved up and down the hook baits to go on the hair,
A lovely fully scaled languishes nice sh being caught, so I channel. While I was setting up capped o with a buoyant piece
in the net. planned to try my luck and get Id seen the coots picking of plastic maize. This made
a chance in one of the channel up baits, which told me the hook bait lighter
swims. Thorney is a day ticket, where the other guys and more eective.
so you cant really predict where had been shing. Apart from a few
you want to sh until you arrive. Because the bait little bubblers
As I pulled into the shery, was still there, a during the
the swim I fancied was already straightforward afternoon,
occupied by two bivvies, with boilie approach there
three rods each. All my plans was not going werent
were already slipping away. I to be my any
noticed someone awake in the tactic.
swim so I parked up and went to
investigate.
47
A scale-perfect zip linear.
Jerry was in his element.
48
Keeping to just two rods
ensured disturbance was
kept to a minimum.
pulled over with another bite. opposite bank and fed my spots another sh on. Dave took
This was now serious because and I was soon settled down control of the net and during
I would have to land this sh in reading my book. the ght I was able to see what
the same net; what else could I I woke a couple of times looked like a zip linear and so
do? Without any trouble I soon during the night thinking that it was. Yet again another truly
had a twenty common sitting setting up an extra landing net stunning sh was netted. I was
alongside the fully. I immediately was being way too optimistic. standing there with Dave, both
called the live-in baili, Mark, on At around 5am at least one admiring this beauty, and, would
his mobile to come and assist me was feeding because the next you believe it, the other rod
because I was in need of some thing I new I was doing battle pulled over on the back lead
help. once again. This one fought very and the tip pinged back up. I
He soon arrived to help sort hard and gave a good scrap. wound down a bit and lifted into
out the carnage. There were Once safely in the net I shone my another carp. I was laughing to
maggots and crumbled bait was nets, slings and all sorts all about headtorch on the most beautiful myself; this was great.
denitely getting them to drop the swim, a sure sign of a good heavily scaled mirror. I was made So in the end I was right to
and feed. nights angling. up with that one and as far as I set up the other net. Another
Unfortunately, I lost a sh All the sh were absolutely was concerned it capped o a nicely scaled mirror of around
not long after recasting that stunning. There is something fantastic little session. mid-twenties was landed and we
same rod again. It simply fell o, about them; they really are Dave was on site and said that both stood staring at two nets
probably just lightly hooked.
Daybreak revealed a very
frosty morning. Everything was What a fantastic session, with eight bites
frozen and my landing net was
solid ice.
six twenties and a 34-pounder. I could not have
My concern now was that
there were no anglers about to
asked for a better trip.
help out with the pics. The sh
were ne but I like to get them unique. They were carefully if I had any more I was to call him containing two stunners and one
back as quickly as possible. looked after on the bank and at rst light and hed come and in the retainer. Hows yer luck?
I made a well-deserved strong soon set free once again. do my pics. Dave and Mark took some
coee, the sun was out and it Because I still had a night to go I recast the rod and put the great shots, so thanks to them.
was a ne morning indeed. As I decided to rest the swim during kettle on and texted Dave. It What a fantastic session, with
I sipped the rst drop of coee the day. Dave Vaughn came to was beginning to get light and I eight bites six twenties and
the same rod was away again. see me and we went for a walk could not wait to see that scaly a 34-pounder. I could not have
Unbelievable; I was loving it. around The Mets Lake, another mirror again. asked for a better trip. Thorney
After a good tussle under the water I really like. I wish just there True to his word, Dave arrived Weir and The Mets are both
rod tip I landed a cracking fully was more time. and we drank more coee open as day-ticket waters and
scaled mirror and I was able to Without question, I would use waiting just a little longer both brilliant. Check them out
safely unhook it in the net. Id just the same tactics as the previous for some good light levels. on Facebook and go and catch
put the rod out of harms way night and hope for more action. Unbelievably, the left rod pulled yourself some Colne Valley
when the one remaining rod tip I once again crept around the round tight again with yet again beauties.
49
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I
t was now well into my second season away. I caught plenty that rst season but water morning and night if I wanted to,
on the lake and Id been targeting its missed the capture of the one I wanted by which I often did. Like the previous season,
big un. From May the previous year just a week. I managed to slip a few of the residents up
Id spent ve months plugging away, A winter of work soon spilled into the early in the second year.
putting an intolerable amount of early throes of spring and it was March As the season pushed on, the lake
nights in to try and inch closer to my prize, before I was back at the lake. Living just began to get busy. The scorching summer
before having to leave the lake to work 10 minutes away allowed me to walk the temperatures magnetised the local holiday
52
huge quantity of boilies out during three only two in the lake I was in awe. Safely
big baiting trips that week I really wanted retained in a sack, I rang a couple of friends
them to get on the feed. who both agreed to come from a lake over
A couple of sh fell foul of my heavy the road and help with the photos.
baiting over the next few nights, but it As it neared 8am I heard the gate go for
wasnt until I put another big hit of bait out the car park as if it were a large ocean going
that it truly went o. I had two nights ahead vessel sounding the horn, and I could see
of me, over an area that had been doing Jay and Myles beginning the trek round to
bites, that had been baited with over 80kg me, before phoning to tell me so. With 50
of boilies in just a couple of weeks, and acres of water to cover before getting to the
Floppy-Tail Brace
The unique top lobe
of the two commons
tails gives these carp
the weather even took a drastic turn. The swim the other rod ripped o. Kiting left
character, something
pressure dropped and the wind increased towards a real shallow bar and island, the
that goes a long way
spectacularly, colouring the water up as it buoys were dangerously close down that
in identifying targets
pushed across the large expanse of water. side. The zebra mussels covering the bars
for Mitch to sh for.
The rst night passed with a few bream really concerned me and I did everything I
and tench picking up my hook baits and could to keep my line as high in the water
each time my heart rate rose dramatically at as possible. I was stood out on one of the
the sound of my alarm. bars as the lads arrived in the swim, amazed
Shortly before rst light on the second that I was into another sh. I netted it not
night my alarm sounded, only this time it long after and peered over to see a huge
was clearly no other species than a muscle- set of shoulders.
packed, angry carp, erupting in four feet of Initially I thought it was a recapture,
water and trying to make good its escape. but as I inspected the contents of my net
The rod tip had bent down wildly from its further I saw the little crinkle shape in its tail
high position and the spool was rotating the brace of oppy-tail commons. Almost
like a roulette wheel, despite the tight like a snapped top lobe again, the pair of
clutch. I kept the tip as high as possible commons were equally as large and I was
through the ght, teasing the carp between elated as I looked over the water, watching
fraternity to the lake to swim, boat and laze and over the raised plateaus, praying my the mist rise in the encroaching bright light
around by the sandy beach and picnic area. 20lb line wouldnt part on the steep, sharp as the sun rose.
The lake was alive with people barbecuing, bars out in the water. It made a bid for a Plenty of teas drank, laughs and
sunbathing and all manner of things in buoy out to the right but I managed to congratulations shared with two good
between and my summer passed by with turn it without too much trouble. Nearing friends enjoying the moment, it was a
very few sh. the waiting net I inched out in the water to morning I will never forget. As we clicked
Then it rose through the surface layer, clear a weed bed just in front of the swim. away with the camera and set about
parting the water like the Red Sea and Before I knew it, the sh had darted straight returning the sh, we weighed the rst
crashed down on its side. The colossal past me as I span on my heels, facing the oppy-tailed common in at over 36lb,
frame of the sh was evident from the bank Id just waded from. Nevertheless, it before the second character settled the
opposite side of the lake where I was was soon slipped into the net without any scales at over 34lb. I blagged the day o
positioned it was without doubt the big further issues. work to have my own little celebration and
un. Unhooking it as it wallowed in the just soaked up the occasion. The rods didnt
I was markering up at range a few days margins, the mornings light was beginning go back out until well after dark that day
later, thrashing the area Id seen the show. to ll the sky the shs huge mouth was and the phone went 19 to the dozen as
A nights shing the same day as the show striking. The small, crinkled tail made the news spread. Hopefully the big un will be
yielded nothing, so I was back with a lot of common easily identiable with the top ticked o soon on an equally memorable
bait. I found the spot I was after and put a lobe uniquely dropped in position, one of occasion.
53
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57
less accurately to avoid them The throwing they dont always panic and
landing too tight. stick is the ideal send the alarm into meltdown.
It doesnt matter if some go tool for spreading It may be that they havent
into the weed. On the contrary, bait for chod rigs. realised theyre hooked
it is desirable that they do. who knows? A small, slow
Bottom shing is a two- movement of the bobbin is a
dimensional aair, whereas a regular occurrence when one is
third comes into play when hooked, so I am more inclined
using chods. You see, the to pick the rod up in response.
likelihood is that the hook bait Two bleeps up and a couple
will be settled o the bottom, down Id put down to a liner,
on top of weed, and I want my but if it moves a little way up
freebies at various stages in again theres most probably
the water column too. Natural one on the end.
food is to be found at all levels One of the chief reasons
throughout the weed and that I like to use the setup
ideally my bait will be too. Carp whenever practical is the
dont only feed on the bottom phenomenal hooked-to-landed
and will readily search through ratio. They simply dont seem
the weed for bait. I know for a to drop o unexpectedly.
fact that whole boilies will get Im not suggesting that I
caught up, from top to bottom, havent lost sh on them but
in Canadian pondweed but this losses are extremely rare and
will not always be possible in happen less frequently than on
the more stringy types. short of where it hits the bites. No particles are involved conventional rigs.
On the occasions where water. With the top bead six either, because the last thing I The venue Im currently
range, wind or seagulls feet further back your rig will need is to get them grubbing shing is weedy in the extreme,
necessitate the use of a Spod, actually be sat 12 to 18 feet around on the lake bed with half the surface covered
I am still quite prepared to put back from the splash, so youll troughing tiny food items. Im during summer, and Ive landed
them out one at a time. Its a lot need to consider that when attempting to encourage them 18 sh this season from 19
more work but worth doing to baiting up. to move around picking up bites. Its been the same story
manufacture the right scenario Being a hunting form of individual boilies as they go. over the last four years and I
in which to get a bite. The best angling, Im often chasing While many sh, once can think of only two sh that
tool for the job is a solid-sided the sh around as they move hooked, will bolt o with the have dropped o. In my mind,
Spod that can be lled with and I dont want to be tied rig at speed, this is often not
water to give casting weight. to a heavily baited area. The the case when using a chod. I
Its important to realise that old adage less is more is dont know whether or not it
raising the rod tip to vertical applicable here and Ive found is the free movement of the
will cause the lead to hit that I dont need to introduce rig sliding up the line or the
bottom around a rod length vast numbers of freebies to get small leads, but once hooked
In Matts experience,
rm hook-holds are As well as size, the shape of the lead makes a
the norm. dierence when trying to minimise sh losses.
58
This old warrior was
landed from a boat over
an area of solid weed.
once Ive hooked one on the back. Yet its not uncommon for gives a number of benets. It present in deeper weed.
chod its coming in. the swivel to be touching the keeps the lead more than a The extension consists of a
Im sure that a great deal of lips, necessitating the use of foot away from the hook at all short piece of leadcore with a
it is down to the hook-holds forceps to reach the hook. times, preventing the carps standard size 8 swivel at each
that are achieved with the Some people experience movements from bouncing end. Onto one of the swivels
presentation. It never ceases dropped sh on chods and I the lead about. Furthermore, is a weak link, which is made
to amaze me how well the think that it is chiey down as the lead hangs a foot below from Powergum. Its elastic
majority of sh are hooked, to the lead being in close the sh it is keeping gentle but qualities mean it will withstand
usually in the bottom lip and proximity to the hook. Even constant downward pressure the sudden force exerted on it
often a long way back. Quite with a buer sleeve it is still on the hook-hold. This is a great by casting but it will break on
why and how this happens Im near enough to bounce the benet, especially if you have a sustained pull. Its not there
not sure. It seems to defy logic hook out as the sh turns or to slacken o for a sh that has to release the lead on every
that a short hooklength with shakes its head. I always use a found sanctuary in a weed bed. take. In fact, I much prefer
such restricted movement can 12in extension piece attached In addition, it gives you an extra to keep the lead on because
travel and nd a purchase so far to the end of my leader, which foot of leader, allowing you to Im convinced it assists in
Take a 12in length of your To form a weak link, tie a Once your rig and beads Pass the weak link through Youll now have an
chosen leadcore and splice loop of Feeder Gum to one are on the leader you can the swivel on your lead extension that keeps the
a size 8 swivel onto each of the swivels with a gure- loop the extension onto and over the main body to lead away from the carps
. end. of-eight loop. the end. attach it. mouth, preventing losses.
59
holding the hook in place. It is than bomb through dragging
extremely rare for me to drop everything into it.
the lead and its merely there as Now, as well as size, the
a sh-safety precaution should shape of your lead plays
the lead become tethered. an equally important role
The weak link needs changing in minimising losses. Long,
regularly or youll lose leads slender shapes dont tend to
on the cast, with 4lb breaking get caught in weed as readily
strain used for 1.1oz leads as their dumpier cousins. Ill
going to 6lb for 1oz. always opt for a distance or
My normal leader is generally tournament type because
around ve feet in length their streamlined shape is less
with a large spliced loop at susceptible to snagging. Youll
the end. My top bead, chod, probably have experienced this
bottom bead and buer bead when using a marker. When
are slid onto this and then cast into weed, a dumpy lead
the swivel at the top of the will have strands on it all the
extension is attached, loop- way back but a distance shape
to-loop fashion, onto the end, can be popped out of the
giving me a 6ft chod leader. weed easily. If I get locked up
The large loop allows me to in weed its usually the sh and
freely change from a chod to rarely the lead that is snagged.
an inline, helicopter or lead-clip This means that, as a rule, the
setup without cutting my line sh is able to work its way
because everything can be free because the lead can pull
disassembled. through the weed bed.
The size and indeed shape For waters that enforce
of your lead inuences both a leadcore ban, the naked
presentation and your chances chod allows us to use a
of getting sh in. The lead is similar presentation while
not playing a part in hooking staying within the rules.
the sh, so picking one to However, because I like the
jolt the hook home is not a free movement of a loop knot
consideration. I want to use on my rig, using putty can be
the smallest I can get away troublesome. Instead of putty
with purely to encourage I use a small tungsten bead,
the sh to the surface away available from y shing shops,
from trouble. Id say that for to balance out my presentation.
75 per cent of the time, I use This is threaded onto the
a 1oz while a 11/2oz does for lament when tying the rig and
almost everything else. Very has the advantage that its not
occasionally, though, range going to fall o. Trial and error
A weedy venue
dictates the need to go heavier. will ascertain which size is right
is easily shable
Smaller leads are also more apt for your pop-ups.
with a chod rig.
to settle on top of weed rather Once youre happy with the
Take a small piece of Once you have tied the Next, thread on the Tie the overhand loop in The nished rig should line
laminated card and hook part of the rig, line up ring swivel and place it the monolament and up with the shorter line,
mark 60mm and 70mm the mono on the lines and where the fold is on the tighten it down. Simply allowing you to tie identical
guidelines. fold it to hold it in place. monolament. blob the tag end to secure. chods every time.
60
length of your chods youll actually shing and will present
want to be able to tie them a bait regardless of whether it
consistently to the same length. lands on a clear gravel spot, in
A piece of laminated card or silt, or in the weed itself. As with
empty terminal-gear packaging any method, there are ways
with two lines on it will enable to get the best out of it and
you to tie them to exactly the capitalise on its eectiveness.
same dimensions each and Chuck it and chance it and, bar
every time. the odd sympathy bite, it wont
There are many rig bins turn things around but with
and dedicated chod-storage some eort could improve your
Thread the hook through the eye of items available but they are results and even change the
the swivel to preserve the curve. all bulky and take up room. way you angle.
Your tied-up rigs can be kept in Its not a panacea and there
perfect condition much more are situations where something
compactly, though. Pop your subtler would be more
hook point through the ring on appropriate. However, treated
the swivel and keep them in an as a style of angling in its own
old hook packet. This will take right, and given the thought
up next to no space in your and consideration that you
tackle box and preserve the would to any other method, it
curve in your chods. can be a new bow rather than
Well thats my take on chod just another string. When faced
shing. Im condent in the with weedy venues, being able
Store them in a spare hook knowledge that Ive got a setup to sh exactly where the carp
packet. that, whatever the terrain, is are is a massive advantage.
61
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I
LEE ALLWRIGHT suppose I have shed fact that the lake is so shallow too. Fish such as The Big Fully,
Sutton on and o since not for bites I can assure you. It Cluster, The Unknown, Jacksons
looks back on his 2001. I say on and o is no runs water, often breaking and the common, The Peach.
time on the because I really dont anglers and questioning All of the sh were stunning
dedicate a lot of time to everything that they have ever to look at and, because they
ultra-dicult shing it, preferring to pick and learnt in shing. never gave themselves up too
Kent circuit water, choose when I want to go. It is Despite its small size, these easily, in superb condition. I
Sutton at Hone. all about timing on there and
over the years I have realised
sh are acutely aware of
angling presence and are at
have watched them at times
and wondered how the hell do
when its right and when its times, masters of their own you ever catch them. With it
Lee Allwright not. environment. At a little under being days only too, it makes
With no plans on Back then, some 15 years four acres, the lake holds the prospect of catching them
where to sh this ago, the lake was full of some around 70 carp, many of which all the trickier.
season, Lee will be
popping into Sutton of the best anglers in the UK. are big sh. Some of the real I am lucky, though, and
in search of Cluster, Many knew Sutton as a winter old history sh that the lake with the lake being so close to
one of the remaining retreat, which was down to the is known for are still going home I can pick a main water to
targets that he has left
to catch.
Sponsor: Sticky 72
Lee enjoyed a fruitful summer on Frimley with
the capture of Charlies Mate at 48lb 8oz. It
was time to get over to Sutton for the autumn.
target and, when it feels right I and waited. The weather was
can chance my arm at Sutton. savage, with rain hammering
I knew the lake had good down the wind swirling all over
previous form around the the pond. I still noticed the odd
middle of February. This was little liner, though, signalling
when I decided to go and have that the sh were still present.
a go for one of the jewels of the Not an hour had passed
lake. They were nearly all due before the line began to pull
and with the weather being as tight before yanking out of the
good as it ever had been for clip. I could tell it was a big sh
that time of year, it had to be from the o, holding its weight
worth a go. rmly, and I had to apply a fair
The draw for swims always bit of pressure to gain control
happens around 4am. I am not over it.
too fussed about being there After ve minutes I could
that early, preferring to get see huge eruptions below
down for rst light and go on the surface and a common
what I see. My mate had caught breached, instantly recognising
one on the Sunday evening it as one of the better ones. I
and I had initially planned to gingerly eased the sh over the
go back down to Frimley. After net and I was back to Sutton
a doctors appointment in the with a bang. The common
morning, the Sutton bug was weighed an impressive 36lb
back and I raced down to the 4oz, which made for a lovely
lake. start back on the pond.
I stood looking at the lake Not wanting to disturb the
with the gear in hand, when area, I decided not to recast
I noticed a couple of bubbles the rod back to the same spot,
coming o a really silty area. I preferring to ick it down to
then saw one come clean out in my side towards a small snaggy
the same zone game on! bush. I had noticed the odd
I knew it was silty, so bit of bubbling going on and
with helicopter rigs already thought that it would be worth
assembled, I attached a a go. A few Manillas thrown
variation of the hinged sti rig. over the rod, both whole and
I think it is known as the Elliott chopped, followed and the trap
Gray rig, where the braid is was set again.
attached with an Albright knot Not long later and that rod
to the sti material. A 16mm was away, this time not feeling
Manilla pop-up was attached to as big but a carp all the same.
both rigs before icking them It was one of the old CEMEX
out to their marks. stockies and its apple-slice
Manilla pop-ups mounted on hinged sti or chod rigs, an eective I scattered 50 or so baits over anks shone o the immaculate
combination. the top of them and sat back 27lb mirror. It made for a great
73
An original 27lb CEMEX stock
sh. They look awesome now
they have matured.
74
The Big Fully was a
Manilla fed little and often
highlight of Lees winter,
proved very eective over
a slice of Kent history.
the course of the season.
to be back the next day. I spent the evening back in scattered just a handful of baits one that I really wanted. It
Unfortunately, I drew a blank. The Unknown but all was quiet. around it. only ever does one or two
The following week I did I arrived nice and early on the I sat there for two hours captures a year and you can
the Sunday evening in a swim Wednesday and went back in to wondering how I hadnt had a see by her condition why she
called The Unknown, which was The Unknown for a few hours. bite. It looked perfect; the line is so desirable. My mate came
where I had the 36lb common. It was quiet, so I looked for a was slackened right o and round to give me a hand and
I managed to nick a small 10lb move away. I moved round to nailed to the deck. As I debated she weighed 43lb 4oz what
stockie but that was it for the a swim known as The Hole and what to do, I noticed the line a creature. I shed until dark
day. noticed that a few sh began to ickering ever so slightly. I then before heading home one
The next day was also shoot across the bars as the sun watched it pick up momentum happy carp angler.
uneventful, so I planned became stronger. and that was when I clocked I went back the following
another Frimley trip the I packed the gear up again that I was in. week and shed Easter Sunday
following week. and went and stood on the My line was caught on morning. It seemed slow with
I also wanted to be at point. There is a small bay to something but thankfully it not much happening and the
Sutton, so decided to book the the right that acted like a little pinged o. Huge eruptions of other half wanted to go out
Wednesday o so that I could suntrap for the carp. I could see water littered the bay as the in the afternoon, so I got the
go on there for the day. four or ve in there, nothing clearly angry carp seemed Brownie points in and called it
I managed to catch one from huge but still looking active. determined to shed the hook. a day.
Frimley on the Monday, but by I quietly icked a little chod I held on and knew that I was The next morning saw Storm
Tuesday morning I was Sutton rig to the bush that the sh playing one of the better sh. Katie and it was proper blowing
bound. seemed to be feeding near and It turned out to be The Peach, a hoolie. I questioned my
sanity, but the conditions were
The Peach at 43lb, almost too good to be true. This
a great way to was when disaster struck and I
end Lees short nally ran out of luck, losing a
campaign... for now. sh that looked a good thirty.
I returned on the Tuesday
and went straight back in the
spot. I icked the rods out and
threw a few handfuls over each.
I had a bream on the chod and
the sun came out, so I moved
round to the point swim. Not
long after getting there a
lad shing the other side of
the bush that I was originally
shing too gave the call out
for Cluster, which was my main
target. Happy for the lad, I
went round to help out and
congratulate him and it was a
sign that, for now, my time on
Sutton was done.
75
S
MAT WOOD
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IAN RUSSEL
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INGENIOUS. IRRESISTIBLE
Nick Helleur
With a knack for
catching carp from
even the most obscure
of venues, Nick has
been at it for years and
doesnt look to slow up
any time soon.
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and Aqua Bait
I
Sutton, Burghield, Fox Pool and
must have held a ticket for good goon any of the waters made more and more friends on Road Lake, Frimley, Rockford
the Horton complex for at and I dismissed them as too busy the complex on my occasional and Roach Pit the list goes on
least a decade throughout for me, much preferring to it in visits. The old CEMEX portfolio of and on. They say you dont know
the RMC and then CEMEX and out in between other stu waters was vast at the time and what you have until its gone
years. Each year I would because there always seemed to I guess I was guilty of taking the and thats especially true in carp
always pop in if I was shing in be so much going on elsewhere. shing for granted, like many shing.
the area or for the odd social trip Naturally, as the years rolled who had such a wealth of great I suppose I thought that while
with friends, but I never had a past, as they do all too quickly, I waters to sh on the gold card. I still could I should spend a bit
78
A lovely old carp called Pennies
on account of its huge scales.
79
A rarely caught ancient old common. Nick never tires of catching
these perfectly conditioned sh.
A simply stunning grey linear; the Boat Pool carp are epic.
80
big uns appetite and I would
get my chance before the water
Several of the lakes big fish put in an temperature dropped.
appearance.Thats not to say I wasnt I hadnt been under the brolly
long and was busily sorting the
happy with whatever came along as rods out with fresh hook baits,
when a heavy slosh a little way
literally every one from the Boat Pool was out in the lake had me straining
through the darkness to see and
different and that was a real buzz in itself rubbing my hands together.
The spot was just beyond the
big overhanging willow in 12 feet
of water and to nd it and ensure
I was where I wanted to be I cast
beyond the spot and then jigged
the lead back in short drops of a
foot or so until the dull thuds of
the lead touching down on the
choddy ground was replaced
with a crisptingas the lead hit
the very edge of the now rock-
hard area where Id been getting
the bites.
The second rod was pretty
much lowered down under the
overhang in eight or nine feet.
The lines were totally slackened
o and I retreated to the brolly
and the welcome warmth of the
stove.
An hour later another sh
rolled heavily just past the tree.
The weather played its part at
this point as the clear night sky
was replaced with heavy cloud
81
The big common, a sh that Nick
set out to catch when he rst
locked eyes with it in the clear
margins of the Boat Pool.
over the next hour and the rise in temperature was tangible. I awoke
to light rain and a couple of bleeps at 2am and must have dozed o
again straightaway. The next thing I know Im up to a savage take and
have no alternative but to let the heavy weight head o up the lake. I
sank the tip and slowed it down after 40 yards or so, and then it was a
long, slow ght for the next 20 minutes before all of a sudden, with no
warning, it hit the surface and I scooped it up as quick as that!
Realising its mistake, the sh exploded in the net but it was too late
for all that. I grabbed a torch and went back to see what Id got and
Nicks beloved dog, Bob, stands guard with two winter whackers. there she was, looking magnicent in the torchlight, laying as she was,
dead still and upright it was the big girl!
Its nice when it happens like that, she was 38lb 10oz, getting
bigger all the time. It was a sh that had presented itself to me on
many occasions I dont just mean swim past but actually swim up to
me and parade itself as if it was taunting me.
I put the rod out again before I went back to bed and was
pleasantly surprised when it went again at rst light with a lovely 31lb
mirror that fought like an animal. It had been a good night,lovely
timesas we say.
I will always remember my time on the Boat Pool, and although not
a campaign as such, my time there was very rewarding and I loved the
lake, the sh and the shing itself, the socials, the long nights round
the wood burner, the oater rota, but most of all Ill miss the lodge
Enjoying some winter sport with Oli Davies. and all the really great times we had there over the years great
memories.
82
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Ale Russell
Urban angler Ale
nds carp in the most
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London. He can get a
bite out of a puddle.
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85
Tracking miles of waterways in
one day, Ale has to travel light.
T
hroughout all the the carp is key to my success When they really wake up after hinged sti or my favoured multi
years I have spent catching them is almost easy their winter slumber and their version.
shing in the when you nd them. They act eyesight and senses arent fully I have made a few little tweaks
hustle and bustle like carp and are not scared the up to speed, its a key time of year to my rig in the past few months,
of London, Ive same way pressured carp can to make the most of your short after having to combat craysh
done numerous styles of shing, be. I know that as soon as the sessions. Unfortunately, I cannot
whether that be the local park carp start waking up, showing play the waiting game, so trying
lakes, the river systems, canals or themselves and creeping into the to have everything on my side
sneaky nights here and there. edge, its pretty much game on. when going shing is key. I like
There is something to sh for all I cut my teeth in carp shing on to use bright, visual hook baits,
year but I have always particularly my local park lakes in Hampstead with a washed-out pink being
enjoyed myself during spring and Heath. Although the ponds have my favourite. Ive watched how
early summer. Generally, I like to been shed for years, the carp the carp react to the washed-out
set myself a little target for spring. were still relatively carp-like, pink colour on the rivers and
Perhaps shing a certain new and werent shy. By doing a bit canals where, more than likely,
water or just getting a number of homework down the lake I they havent ever seen a boilie
of bites that Im happy with, or a managed to pick up on key little before, and they dont avoid it.
campaign after a certain sh that things that I still use. I remember Without hesitation they eat it, and Ale has been tweaking his multi
tickles my fancy. one of the rst things I noticed the sessions Ive had on the rivers rig to increase movement.
The past three springs have was bird feeding areas. Getting up watching the carp nail little single
been more than amazing and early I would watch how the carp pop-ups as they are swimming
I have been lucky enough to would come in and be feeding past have been memorable, to
reach my target earlier than Ive on the little bits of bread that the say the least.
expected, so I have just itted ducks had left behind. In all public I use single hook baits to my
about from water to water in parks and waterways, there is advantage any time of the year
spring catching sh using my always somewhere in particular really, but they never work as well
favoured method of stalking. that people come and feed the as they do in spring. Condence
If anyone were to ask me whats birds. This is also somewhere is key throughout the year, so I
the most vital part of your kit, it the carp will visit. So focusing on use rigs that I know work how I
would without doubt be my eyes. these areas the carp naturally visit want them to. When using single
While I try and sh waters that without caution is always a good hook baits, I nearly always cast Washed-out pink has been great
are not too pressured, locating starting point. out a pop-up rig, and its either a for tempting wary carp.
86
eating my putty, and occasionally A special old fully caught
the shot coming o the hook on slow-sinking bread.
link. Ive been using small 0.7
olivettes in place of putty or shot.
These are streamlined and much
neater, and I can leave my rig in
place knowing that the olivette is
not falling o or being tampered
with. Rather than just attaching
the pop-up to a ring I have been
using a hook swivel to allow a
little more movement.
Finally, I have also changed
how I trap the D in place. Instead
of a bead on the hook shank
I slide a small piece of silicone
tubing onto the line that sits
above the hook eye on the D.
Again this is neater than the bead
and stops the loop pulling tight to
the hook eye during casting and
keeps the rig sitting up like a big
curved shank hook.
87
Fishing in the city takes you to some really interesting locations.
method cannot be used with any key when doing short, quick-hit three times a week for a month
other bait, but I favour bread. I sessions. I often bait several areas I took a powerful torch with me
know Alan Blair prefers maggots and venues with boilie crumb and and when I arrived and shone it,
and often avours them. Also pellets, then drop on to each of the carp were sat there waiting for
Carl and Alex (Smith) catch loads my primed spots when I think its the free feed. It just goes to show
with this method but often using perfect for a bite. Sometimes Ill that with eort they can be tuned
sweetcorn. However, once you be shing a lake for a few hours in to certain times too. This meant
manage to get the hang of it, and then go down the river for a I could sneak out, get the rods
using whatever bait you prefer, few and often leave with results in an hour before midnight and
it can certainly help you bag a in quick succession after regular have a few in a couple hours and
number of bonus sh each year. baiting. Sitting on your hands and go home. I will always bait when I
I have never really been lack of eort will certainly cost leave too and never annihilate my
someone to bait and wait, sitting you sh in your album. Trying prebaited spots. If you hit the spot
in the bivvy for three or four to stick to the same times and hard for one session it seems to
nights at a time. Ive always made baiting patterns will also help ruin it, whereas nicking a couple
the most of my precious shing with getting the carp used to of sh and continuing the pattern
time and created the best chance what time they are being fed, and of baiting for a few more days will
possible of having a carp in the they will often come in and visit prolong the life of the spot and
bottom of the net. I do a lot of the spots at that time. increase the overall amount of
preparation, instead spending I was baiting a shallow, clear bites you get.
time looking and prebaiting. lake close in, always baiting at Last summer I heard about a
Having so little shing time its around midnight. After baiting lake that contained a few carp Being busy and focusing on a few
always been on my head to make that were lovely and old just waters last year, I never really got
life as easy as possible and what I like! Not only were they round to going and having a look.
give myself a great chance old, but from multiple sources On a lovely warm day I had
of catching, so regular I had heard that it held a just been down the river with my
baiting is always big sh. However, there mate Dan, who fortunately has
were no pictures of it. a motorbike that we get around
on. Taking minimal kit and short
Scope rods it made life easy. We
had already had a couple of sh
each that morning and were
Another forgotten thinking of somewhere else to
urban gem. go with maybe the chance of an
opportunist capture. Perhaps we
should go and check out this lake
and its mystery stock? We jumped
on the bike and headed down to
there.
We had a good walk around,
without seeing any signs of carp.
Because, apparently, there werent
88
A summer
Hampstead
Heath whacker.
many in the lake anyway, I wasnt interest from the rest of the it by surprise and it didnt really little bit of homework and eort
too disheartened. Eventually, group. A larger scaly mirror and put up much of an account of goes a long way in shing. So
from a distance, Dan spotted a the biggest one stuck together, itself and wallowed into the net maybe get out this spring and
disturbance close to one of the being a little more cautious than in shock. I peered down to see a have a look around some of the
margins. We walked down the the ravenous double-gure lovely chunky fully scaled mirror. local waters in your area. Im sure
bank and to our amazement we commons, and only took a couple He certainly had a few tales to tell! you will be shocked with what
were looking at a group of lovely of mouthfuls at a time. By this Id actually seen a picture of the lives under your nose. Carp live
old carp, with one that stood out stage, I could have easily had a sh before at over 34lb. He was everywhere in London and Im
as being considerably larger. bite if I put a bolt rig down on the a few pounds smaller now but sure its the same everywhere
Armed with a couple of little spot but I wanted to try and the weight was irrelevant. It just else.
handfuls of boilies, a crusty roll pick out the sh I wanted. With a goes to show how this style of My plans this year will be to
and one rod, I crumbled up some size 2 tied onto the line and a nice opportunist, lightweight, on-the- enjoy my shing. I havent got a
of the bait and put it onto a small big chunk of slow-sinking ake move angling can still produce certain venue Im focusing on, or
gravel spot among the sh with I made a cast towards the big amazing results. sh Im after, so Im excited to see
little disturbance. The water was scaly mirror; the second biggest People say shing is expensive what spring will bring. Hopefully
very shallow, only a couple of feet but by far the most beautiful. but I dont remember the last a few canal carp and some
deep, and gin clear. It wasnt long Without hesitation it took the time I even paid to sh a venue, special ones from in the city. I
before a couple of the sh started slow-sinking bread on the drop. I such as a day-ticket or syndicate will hopefully be able to catch up
to take a liking to the crumbled watched it suck it in and a couple lake. Some of the free park lakes with you later in the year with a
Key. Only small commons, but seconds later followed with a and rivers in our country have few more lovely London-caught
that feeding then sparked an rm strike. Thankfully I had taken the most incredible sh in. A corkers!
89
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THE CAMPAIGN ANGLE
Ed Betteridge
Ed will be continuing
his shing on the
Northants syndicate in
search of Tyson, a 50lb
common.
Sponsors: Greys, Chub,
Mainline, Korda.
S
pring and summer In mid-September I had a itself had thrown up some of the during the summer, so I think the
of last year was video/photo shoot to do for the real lumps, so I was keen to cash carp were full up and didnt need
an absolutely new Greys GT Spod and Marker in again this year. to risk picking up a boilie.
phenomenal time in rods in the Cotswolds. We shot it However, it was completely I also think this abundance of
terms of sh captures; at Carpathia Lake and got some dierent the sh simply excess food explained why the fry
I may not have had the biggest great content, as well as catching werent interested! Im not 100 were thriving. I shed the place
sh in the lake, but I certainly had plenty of sh. So with this break per cent sure why it was shing for four weeks in total, before I
the numbers. I normally sh the in my campaign shing I decided so badly; a few people thought decided it was a bit of a lost cause.
lower-stocked big-sh waters, so I it would be a good time to leave that they were feeding more or This resulted in a total of eight
dont think I have had a six-month the Northants water alone and less exclusively on the fry, and blank nights, and to give some
period where I have caught so get back to Bundys Pit for the there were a hell of a lot present perspective on how the water
many sh, and because of that autumn. compared to normal. I think the can sh, my previous eight nights
this bi-monthly diary piece is so The previous autumn on lake had been overbaited with in May and June had produced
far behind. But things were about Bundys had produced some pellets; apparently there had nearly 30 bites! It was time to get
to change. cracking sh for me and the lake been a couple of tonnes go in back to the Northants water.
92
Putting the GT Spod
rod through its paces
during a photo shoot.
93
I did move for my second A Northants stunner,
night, but was still no nearer and The Dog Common.
suered a blank as a result. The
following week I managed to get
down again and this time I got in
a swim that controlled the area;
they hadnt gone far and I was
condent of a bite, which duly
came just before the dawn of
Halloween. It felt like a heavy sh
from the o, staying low in the
water and diving into a few weed
beds, but I managed to keep it
moving.
As I played it close in, in the
darkness I wrongly estimated
where the sh was and also the
proximity of the margin bush to
my right. To cut a long story short,
I ended up with my line caught in
the branches and the sh semi-
beaten below the bush. I pulled
as much as I dared, but the line
stayed in the tree, so I had to go 38lb 12oz, which was very light My target sh on
in. I put the rod down, grabbed for the time of year. the bank meant a
my chesties from the nearby car, I did a few more nights on the change of venue.
and precariously walked along water and it was evident it was
the steep clay shelf to the bush. slowing up as the temperatures
The sh was still there, twisting dropped, but I hoped my target
and turning under the oending might put in an appearance
branch, and with water only a before the winter lull. And it did,
few inches from the top of my to Dave, one of the regular lads.
waders and the clay underfoot He had shed the lake all year
getting more and more slippery, without fail and had caught pretty
I thankfully managed to slide the much everything else in the
net under it! past two years, so he thoroughly
I bit my line, which allowed deserved Tyson. I thought briey
it to pull through the branches, about stopping for a social
and then brought the whole lot celebration with him and a few
back to the swim, secured the others, but in the interim between
net in the water, and dived in netting Tyson and getting a
the bivvy, needing to warm up. I couple of us together for the
dont feel the cold when playing photos, I had pretty much packed
a big sh, but as soon as it was up anyway! So I lent my camera
landed I realised how chilled I was skills, oered nal congratulations
in waders and just a T-shirt, with then headed up the A45 to a new
November less than a day away! water I had just secured a winter
After putting on some more ticket on! fractions of a second here, but
suitable cold-weather attire A couple of mates were already I promise it was true! However,
and warming up with a tea and at Northey Park, the venue in there were sh there, so it
warmth from the burner, I turned question, so I scrounged a cup of seemed like a good starting point,
my attention to the chunk in tea and a bit of info on the place. although this kind of shing was
the net! I knew it was one of the I ended up in a swim called The completely alien to me!
big commons, but I wasnt sure Causeway for the night; I was Nothing happened in the night
which. On the mat I identied the warned it was shallow, but then except for a couple of liners, but
sh as The Dog Common, which so was the whole lake. I didnt as soon as the sun rose I was
unfortunately was a recapture, realise how shallow it was until I wiped out on all three rods, by
but she looked in peak condition cast out and I could actually feel seagulls! I later found out that
in her autumnal colours, although the lead crash into the bottom the maximum depth I shed in
obviously below her top weight before the sound of the splash that night was around a foot, so it Getting my baits picked up by
of 45lb. On the scales she went reached me! We are talking shouldnt have been a surprise. seagulls in the causeway.
94
THE CAMPAIGN ANGLE
The unique and intricate the temperature slightly. The rain
Northey Park in Cambridgeshire. must have done the trick, because
an hour or so after it started I
received a bite on my right-hand
rod shed near a snag.
I was on it in seconds, and I
have to say it barely fought at all,
but I needed a plan of how to
land it! My line was between a
oating weed bed and a patch of
lilies, with my other lines in front
of me, so I needed to go to my
right and land it in front of the
reeds. The only issue was that I
couldnt reach that far with the
net. I quickly donned my wellies
and went in as far as I could and
just reached the sh. I couldnt
quite see what was happening,
because of the rain driving
through the darkness and me
at full stretch low to the water,
and I thought the sh was in the
My rst sh from Northey The following week I managed net. But on lifting I discovered
Park, a 34lb common. to get out for a rare three-night it wasnt, it was under it, with
session, which just happened to oating weed holding it up!
coincide with the coldest weather In the end I had to bury the net
of the autumn! The rst night was in the weed, among the reeds
a blank, but by 11am the next day and ease the sh towards it,
I had the lake to myself. Although knowing that if it bolted it would
half of it was frozen after the bitter shoot into the reeds and probably
night, I decided this was the best result in a loss. I was thankful the
chance I had to get out in the sh didnt ght too much and the
boat for a look around. I learnt a plan worked perfectly.
lot about the lake that day, and I Due to the lack of both ght
even found a few sh active at the and visibility I was convinced the
top end, so I moved swims. sh was small, but I was shocked
The following morning I woke with the eort needed to hoist
to nd the rods were frozen in, it onto the mat and I could see it
which isnt ideal on a shallow was a good 30lb! She weighed in
lake. The following evening at 34lb and was a sh called The
felt very cold too, but at some Floppy Tailed Common what
point in the early hours the rain a way to open my account on a
started and that seemed to lift new water!
95
I accessed the central area o the point swims at St Johns, an area
where the sh were showing in numbers.
96
The new range of GT Spod & Marker rods from Greys have it
covered. Harness the ferocity of the progressive blank whilst
maintaining accuracy with the ultra-fast recovering tip.
Anti-scratch coating and Fuji components complete the
package. For rods you can rely on time after time.
greysfishing.com
DAIWA
TOURNAMENT ISO 5000 QD REEL
On picking up the Tournament ISO, its
amazing how light it is. This is thanks to the
Airmetal body that Daiwa has adopted for
the bulk of the reel. However, this shouldnt
be mistaken for fragility because it really can
put up with some punishment.
Fitted with the easy to use quick-drag
system, it allows you to go from locked up
solid to free spool in half a turn of the spool.
Cosmetically, with its classic wooden handle
and the sleek Airbail the ISO looks great too.
With reliability and durability in spades its
sure to not let you down.
Price: 550
Web: www.daiwasports.co.uk
ESP
BARREL BOBBINS
A hugely versatile bobbin set that
allows you to completely customise
SONIK
your setup. Available in seven
colours, and even a metal version,
XTI NET
each bobbin has interchangeable With a sti carbon-bre handle
line clips from the conventional ball coupled with a custom-made
clip to the grip clip that allows the Sonik-logo-etched spreader
bobbin to be xed to the line. Also block, the XTi net looks stylish
in the kit is a 3in chain that allows yet maintains function with a
you to choose between the shorter multitude of handle options.
chain and a longer 7in version. If With both a one-piece 6ft
you need to alter the weight of your version or a three-piece
bobbin simply unscrew part of the spigoted handle, which allows
hockey stick and screw the weights you to use the net at a short
into the bottom of the bobbin. three feet for use when boat
These allow you to carry add-on shing or in tight snags, six
weights shing without fear of feet for normal use or nine feet
losing them. A neat isotope slot on when shing high swims or
the main bobbin head completes with long zig rigs, its a hugely
the package. versatile net.
These represent superb value for The nets mesh also feels
money and give you everything super-soft and further improves
you could possible need. carp care when netting carp.
98
GARDNERTACKLE
SKORPION STIK THROWING STICK
Evolved from the popular
plastic Skorpion Stik,
this latest version adopts
carbon-bre technology
to drastically reduce the
weight of the nal stick.
The result: reduced arm
fatigue.
Designed for using
boilies up to 22mm, this NGT
is brilliant for baiting up GAS STOVE
with a decent spread of
boilies when you want to A compact and ecient stove made
get the sh feeding over from stainless steel, oering you a
a wide area. The stick durable source of heat for cooking,
features a comfortable or simply making a cup of tea on
handle to improve grip the bank. The legs pack away, giving
during use, allowing you you a small package that allows you
to put more power into to fold it away into the small mesh
each launch. carry bag supplied. With a standard
The whole package screw-t attachment to the gas
comes supplied in a neat bottles it is easy to use and stable
reinforced carry bag for once set up, preventing any fear of
safe transport. it falling over.
Priced very reasonably, it allows
Price: 79.99 you to kit yourself out with cooking
Web: www. gear without breaking the bank.
gardnertackle.co.uk
Price: 24.95
Web: www.nextgenerationtackle.
co.uk
RIDGEMONKEY
BIVVY LITE DUO IR
The popularity of
RidgMonkeys original
bivvy light was apparent
as you walked around
lakes up and down the
UK. To further improve on PROLOGIC
this design it has included CRUZADE HOOKBAIT BAG
a neat remote control
system, whereby the light If you are the type of angler who
intensity can be altered likes to carry oodles of pop-ups
to your preference in around with you when youre on
both white and red light the bank then check out this hook-
options. This makes it bait bag.
great for when you need a This rectangular partitioned bag
light at a moments notice features enough space for six pop-
but dont have the hands up pots in a neat zip-down package.
to reach and turn it on. Each bag is supplied with six
With a simple magnetic additional pots if you want to use
strip to attach it to your them for glugging baits or making
bivvy and USB charging your own special hook baits.
port, theres no need for A lightweight carry handle on
batteries either. Overall its the exterior allows it to be easily
a great package and sure grabbed out of your tackle bag
to nd favour with many when you need it. With a dark green
an angler this year. coloration its ideal for keeping your
hook baits in the same place.
Price: 34.99
Web: www.ridgemonkey. Price: 16.99
co.uk Web: www.prologicshing.com
99
SHIMANO
ULTEGRA 14000 XTD REEL
A huge buzz ensued over social media
for the new Ultegra when it was
unveiled and you can see why. Sleek
black aesthetics along with discreet
detailing makes for an impressive
package.
Add to this the super-slow
oscillation on the reel, X-Ship and
X-Aero, these reels feature a lot of the
attributes associated with high-end
reels at a fraction of the cost.
With all Shimano reels you are
NAVITAS getting the reliability and durability
that has kept them at the top of any
SCOUT 2.0 JACKET
With fully taped seams, waterproof self-respecting carp anglers list when
zips and high-quality lightweight looking at what reels to buy, and the
synthetic insulation, this is the Ultegra is no exception to this rule.
ideal coat if you are caught in a
downpour. Added to this, you can Price: 149.99
purchase the Atlas eece that can Web: www.shimano-eu.com
be zipped into the coat to add an
extra insulating layer. Finished in
a carpy olive green with minimal
detailing its perfect on the bank
and in the street. Available in small
to XXXL.
Price: 69.99
Web: www.navitasoutdoors.com
ADVANTA
DISCOVERY CCX SUMMIT BASHA SHELTER
If light and super-mobile is your cup of cover a bedchair for a nights shing. It also
tea then look no further than the Basha, doubles as a great barrow cover during
from Advanta. Finished in a camouage inclement weather, thanks to its superb
pattern, simply x the Basha using storm waterproong qualities.
poles or by tying it to trees with the guy
ropes provided. The end result is a shelter Price: 34.99
that stows away in a tiny bag yet will easily Web: www.anglingdirect.co.uk
100
JRC
STEALTH XLITE NET
AQUAPRODUCTS
that your dream carp glides over
the cord. Finished with subtle JRC
logos, the whole package comes
tted in a black cloth bag.
XL BUOYANT WEIGH SLING
This extra-large carp weigh sling is ideal for a carp-friendly mesh that allows water to Price: 69.99
the angler targeting large carp both abroad ow through with ease, keeping the sh Web: www.jrc-shing.co.uk
and in the UK. Its made from the famous safe. It also provides optimum drainage for
Aquatexx material, that is both quick to dry increased weight accuracy.
and sh-friendly. The full package comes in a neat stink
Small oats on the top of the sling allow it bag for easy transport on the barrow.
to double as a short-term retainer, enabling
you to keep the sh while you quickly sort Price: 54.99
out photography gear. The base features Web: www.aquaproducts.co.uk
EDWARDSCUSTOMUPGRADES
ALARM POUCHES SPOTTEDFIN
TURNING POINT HOOK RANGE
With an eye for quality, the alarms from the guys at Edwards Custom Upgrades have had a
huge impact over the last 12 months. Spotted Fin has hit the market with
To increase the range the team created a set of unique alarm pouches to go with them. a huge range of bait products and
Made in a DPM camouage material they will t on to a wide selection of alarms on shing tackle in recent months. We
the market with ease, protecting them in transit. Added to this, the neat bobbin pouch received a whole bundle of its new
gives your bobbins and chains a place for storage when not in use. Each one is made to gear in the oce and were keen to see
perfection and they look great too. what was on oer for us carp anglers.
Well worth a look if you are after a functional alarm pouch that protects you alarms too. We particularly like the range of
carp hooks. With barbed and barbless
Price: 10.99 patterns available with drab nishes
Web: www.edwards-custom-upgrades.com on all the hooks they are sharp out of
the packet, with generous wire gauges
on each pattern to ensure that they are
as strong as they can be for their size.
Particular favourites are the Wide
Gape pattern with a straight eye and
beaked point; a winner if you want to
ensure great hook-holds.
Each pack contains 10 hooks with
sizes ranging from 4 to 10 dependent
on pattern.
Price: 4
Web: www.spottedn.com
101
Billing Aquadrome, Northamptonshire NN3 9DA
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3 x Daiwa Whisker DF BALANCE: 580.48 48.37
12' 3lb T.C. 375.00
SANDWICH TOASTER 16.99
FULL BIVVY DUO LITE 26.99
SONIK SKS RANGE LU RANGE OF SONIK RODS S6 AIR DRY SYSTEM 16.99
GGAGE CARBON THROWING STICK 59.99
BIVVY IN STOCNOW
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BEDCHAIR
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ST BAITRUNNERS 59.99 39.99 S4 CARP RODS
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264.99 169.99 CORK OR ABBREVIATED HANDLES
MEDIUM BAITRUNNER XT-ALC 199.99 124.99 50MM BUTT RINGS
BIG BAITRUNNER XT-ALC 214.99 134.99 3lb, 3lb, 3lb TEST CURVE
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MADBAITS
6MM BOILIES
Often the smallest sizes of boilie addition to a spod mix of small particles
commercially available is 10mm. The when the aim is to keep the baits small
team at Mad Baits has complemented throughout.
its range of baits with the inclusion of a Available in 1kg bags or larger bulk
6mm version. Available in all the boilie amounts for the angler wanting to adopt
flavours that the company produces, they the 6mm bait for a prolonged baiting
can be a great alternative to the standard campaign. They give you a different edge
15mm baits in that they create a carpet of to anglers on your lake.
freebies that takes the carp a long while
to clear up, holding them in the area for Price: From 9.99 a kilo.
long periods. They would make a great Web: www.madbaits.com
104
STICKY
6MM PELLETS
With the likes of Steve The Apache
Cli having huge hits of big carp on
the 4mm pellets from the Sticky range,
the recently introduced 6mm pellets
have been added to give yet more
options in terms of baiting approach.
With a longer breakdown time, these
pellets will sit pumping out attraction
from the baited spot. With Bloodworm
and The Krill pellets accounted
for, each one is infused with extra
attractors to further improve its draw
compared with standard o-the-shelf
pellets.
SPOTTEDFIN
PEANUT MEAL
Created by nely milling whole peanuts
into a super-ne powder, the Peanut Meal
from Spotted Fin is packed with all the
nutritional values of peanuts. With the nuts
being milled raw they retain their natural
oils, which makes them super-attractive.
Use the Peanut Meal in a base mix at an
inclusion of 200g per kilo, or add it to a
custom-made stick mix in small amounts.
This versatile powder can be useful in many
facets of bait preparation. With 1kg to 20kg
amounts available its the ideal place to get
bait additives in bulk for producing large
batches of home-made boilies.
MAINLINE
MILKY TOFFEE
POPUPS
Well regarded as a Mainline classic pop-up
avour, the white Milky Toee has accounted
for some truly phenomenal captures over
the years. Fished in conjunction with a bed
of boilies or as a standalone hook bait, the
creamy avour coupled with the bright
white coloration has always been a winner.
There are a variety of sizes available to the
angler wanting to use the baits for dierent
presentations. There is even a dumbell version
if you like to sh an alternative shaped bait
over the top.
Price: 7.30
Web: www.mainline-baits.com
105
CCMOORE
PACIFIC TUNA SESSION PACK
The Pacic Tuna has made
some real waves in the
carp bait industry this year.
With plenty of captures up
and down the UK with the
bait, there is a full range of
complementary products to
further enhance the boilies.
Many anglers simply dont
have the space at home or
BAITTECH dont sh often enough to
SPOD MIX WITH SALTED MAPLES invest in a large amount of
bait, so the session pack is
Bait-Tech is regarded highly for the ideal package. In the
its brilliant range of pre-prepared stylish camou bucket you
particles. With hemp and Parti-Mix get 2kg of the potent Tuna
being popular, the team went about pellets, along with the superb
constructing a readymade particle Pacic Tuna shelf-life boilies.
spod mix that you simply empty This aords you plenty of bait
into a bucket and start spodding. for your session. Added to
With a mixture of dierent sized this, the Pacic Tuna pop-ups
particles, from the all-time classic give you plenty of hook baits
hempseed to larger maple peas and to sh with over the top. The
maize, these are ideal for oering package is completed with
the sh a mix of baits to sample the boilie dip, which makes a
on the baited spot. The maple great hook bait soak or even
peas have been further improved a PVA-bag dip for the pellets.
with the inclusion of salt to really It makes a great deal for
increase the attraction. Simply add anglers wanting to sample
groundbait or chopped boilies the whole range before
to complete the mix. The bait is buying in bulk.
cooked in the bag and is ideal for
keeping in the car for when you Price: 23.49
are caught short of bait during a Web: www.ccmoore.com
session. Available in 2kg heavy-duty
bags to prevent leakage.
Price: 8.99
Web: www.bait-tech.co.uk
CRAFTYCATCHER
BIG HIT FLOATER KIT
Any self-respecting carp angler always allowing you to atten o the surface of
carries a bucket of oaters at this time the water, improving your ability to see
of year. With 2kg of high oil pellets and your hook bait. The slick also helps to draw
a pot of hair-riggable hook baits, the Big sh into the area and get them feeding
Hit Floater kit gives you plenty of bait for with vigour.
making the most of those oater shing
opportunities. Boosted with a unique oily Price: 11.99
attractant the baits create a sizeable slick, Web: www.copdockmill.co.uk
106
We are Free Spirit Specialists S-RANGE
keeping the entire range in stock ES 12ft 2lb .................................................... SPECIAL PRICE 265.00
XS 12ft 3lb.................................................... SPECIAL PRICE 275.00
SPOD RODS XS 12ft 3lb - 50mm...................................... SPECIAL PRICE 285.00
Launcher LRS 12ft 5lb - 50mm ......................SPECIAL PRICE 139.99 XSive 12ft 3lb SU - 50mm .......................... SPECIAL PRICE 305.00
We keep in stock large quantities of the Free Launcher MRS 12ft 4lb - 50mm.....................SPECIAL PRICE 129.99
Spirit rod range and have different handle options BACK IN
SRange Spod 12ft 4lb - 50mm ......................SPECIAL PRICE 255.00
available in stock on the most popular models. SRange Spod 12ft 5lb SU - 50mm ................SPECIAL PRICE 275.00
THE SPOMB ROD STOCK
DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE HiS Spod 12ft 4lb - 50mm .........................SPECIAL PRICE 309.00 12ft 3lb - 50mm ................................SPECIAL PRICE 139.99
PURCHASES CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS 13ft 3lb - 50mm ................................SPECIAL PRICE 149.99
MARKER RODS
HiS RANGE Searcher LRM 50mm 12ft 3lb ..................... SPECIAL PRICE 134.99
12ft 2lb ....................................................... SPECIAL PRICE 340.00 Searcher MRM 50mm 12ft 3lb ....................... SPECIAL PRICE 124.99 E-CLASS GOLD
12ft 3lb........................................................... SPECIAL PRICE 355.00 SRange Marker 12ft 3lb - 50mm ............... SPECIAL PRICE 245.00 Gold 12ft 2lb ...................................................SPECIAL PRICE 159.99
12ft 3lb - 50mm ............................................ SPECIAL PRICE 365.00 HiS Marker 12ft 3lb - 50mm ...................... SPECIAL PRICE 299.00 Gold 12ft 3lb ...................................................SPECIAL PRICE 169.99
12ft 3lb ....................................................... SPECIAL PRICE 365.00 Gold 12ft 3lb - 50mm.....................................SPECIAL PRICE 179.99
12ft 3lb - 50mm ......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 375.00
CTX RODS Gold 12ft 3lb - 50mm.....................................SPECIAL PRICE 194.99
12ft 6in 3lb - 50mm................................... SPECIAL PRICE 389.00 12ft 21/2lb ...........................................................................................99.99 Gold 12ft 3lb SU - 50mm...............................SPECIAL PRICE 199.99
12ft 23/4lb .........................................................................................104.99
His 13ft 3lb - 50mm .................................. SPECIAL PRICE 395.00
12ft 31/4lb 50mm..............................................................................119.99
SIVE 12ft - 50mm .......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 395.00
SIVE ER - 50mm........................................... SPECIAL PRICE 405.00
12ft 31/2lb 50mm..............................................................................124.99 E-CLASS ORIGINAL SPECIAL OFFER
12ft 31/2lb 50mm SU .......................................................................129.99 12ft 3lb - 40mm ..............RRP 174.99...... SPECIAL PRICE 120.00
SIVE 13ft - 50mm .......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 420.00 13ft 31/2lb 50mm..............................................................................134.99
S200 12ft - 50mm.......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 420.00 13ft 31/2lb 50mm SU .......................................................................144.99 ORIGINAL LONG RANGE MARKER OFFER
S200 13ft - 50mm.......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 429.00 12ft Spomb / Marker ..........................................................................99.00 12ft Searcher...................... RRP 124.99 ....... SPECIAL PRICE 89.99
S220 13ft - 50mm.......................................... SPECIAL PRICE 449.00 13ft Spomb / Marker ........................................................................109.99
SEAGUAR FLUROCARBON JASON HAYWARDS MILK PROTEIN MP BASIA QDX ALL BLACK REELS
RANGE OF POP-UPS EXCLUS
IVE TO
Seaguar is the most advanced ourocarbon
ourocarbon used in the shing trade.
We have some very special pop-up hook baits, all WALKER We have a limited number of LIM
S I
STO TED
It is designed for saltwater yshing and big game shing. Due to its based on a very high-quality milk-protein base. The base CUSTOM BUILT Basia QDX
ne diameter, suppleness, abrasion resistance and knot strength it is
perfect for leaders and hook lengths. This is not widely available to
mix is one of Jason Haywards old-school recipes that is highly All Black Reels in stock now. CK!
attractive to carp in its own right and uses some very special, exclusive Please look on Daiwas custom
the carp trade and is relatively unknown to the carp angler, however (and expensive!) carp-catching ingredients and attractors. The mix build page to price one up.
has been updated for 2014 to make it extremely buoyant for todays
Available in 50m spools. modern rigs. RRP: 655.00
11.6lb 0.235mm...........................12.99
13.6lb 0.26mm.............................12.99 MP1 8.99 MP2 8.99 O/P: 420.00
15.4lb 0.28mm.............................12.99 Sweet fruits & Sweet jasmine
19.14lb 0.33mm...........................12.99 sour cream & perfumed
23.5lb 0.37mm.............................12.99 with a spice spice
25.5lb 0.40mm.............................14.50
30lb 0.43mm................................16.99
background GOLD LABEL PRO CLEAR
Pro Clear is diameter for diameter by far the
MP3 8.99
35lb 0.47mm................................17.99
40lb 0.52mm................................20.50 MP SPECIAL most abrasion resistant line that we have
Marine 9.99 ever tested yet it cast smoothly and
extracts & Fruit, spice performs exceptionally well for casting.
organic acid & marine 10lb 0.26mm 1000m ........................ 18.95
FISHSPY UNDERWATER CAMERA product 12lb 0.29mm 1000m ........................ 19.95
16lb 0.34mm 1000m ........................ 20.95
FishSpy is a professional quality camera housed inside an 16lb 0.34mm 5000m ........................ 89.95
aerodynamic marker oat, that generates its own Wi-Fi signal 20lb 0.40mm 1000m ........................ 21.95
and transmits live video to your phone or tablet. Durable and
designed to withstand the rigours of shing, it is waterproof to JASON HAYWARDS
depths of 10m. CHEMO-STIM (500ml) N-BRICE CARBON & ALUMINIUM POD
The camera records and then transmits live footage at ranges EXCLUSIVE TO WALKERS! 19.99 The New N-Brice super light Pod For all you anglers out there who
of up to 100m, enabling you to nd features, check the like to be light on your toes here is the N-Brice Carbon / Aluminium
presentation of your bait, and see the sh interact with your pod boasting all the same points as our other pods but weighing in
bait. You will be amazed at what you have been missing! SPECIALIST SHARPENED HOOKS at lessthan 900g. The pod is made from a high grade English rolled
We have teamed up with Jason Hayward to offer hand sharpened
carbon in a stylish ground matt woven nish and hard anodised Aero
Fish Spy generates its own Wi-Fi signal and transmits it to your hooks in a wide variety of patterns and sizes from all popular grade Aluminlum The N-Brice pod comes complete p with 2 adjustable
j
portable wi-enabled device, so therre is no need to worry manufacturers. The hooks and prices are listed below. We will be snag bars 10&11, banksticks 2x6
about having a internet connection or phone singal on the lake. adding more patterns as stock comes in. and 2x8 (but these can be changed
All hooks are precisely hand sharpened and tted with point protectors. A
Fishspy does it all. specialist sharpened hook does put more sh on the bank.
to different sizes if that suits your
Drennan Conti Boilie Hooks Korda Mixa shing better) and the base.
350.00
Size 4, 6 & 8 7.99 for 10 Size 8 & 10 7.99 for 10
Drennan Barbel Atomic Chodda
Size 9 & 10 7.99 for 10 Size 5, 6 & 7 8.99 for 10
Korda Wide Gape Hooks Nash Twister Hooks
Size 6 & 8 7.99 for 10 Size 4, 6, 7 & 8 8.99 for 10
Korda Kurvs Hooks Nash Fang X
Size 6 & 8 7.99 for 10 Size 6,7 & 8 8.99 for 10
Korda Choddy Hooks
Size 4 & 6 7.99 for 10
Nash Chod Twister N-BRICE CARBON RANGE
Size 5, 6, 7 & 8 8.99 for 10
Korda Krank Carbon pod .......................................................................................319.99
Size 6 & 8 7.99 for 10 OTHER PATTERNS AVAILABLE Carbon 3-rod snag bars .....................................................................97.50
NEW LIVE IN-S
Carbon 3-rod adjustable bars ...........................................................87.50
Carbon 2-rod adjustable bars ...........................................................69.99
TO
FishSpy Camera 199.00 DEMOS RE Carbon snag Ears ................................................................................26.50
YELLOWSTONE GAS Pod case ..............................................................................................25.00
Carbon sticks 10................................................................................26.50
12 x 450g canisters 45.00 Carbon sticks 12................................................................................29.50
Carbon sticks 16................................................................................31.50
These t Primus, Coleman, Trakker & Fox stoves Stainless Gravel Eater .........................................................................22.99
Feature nding has never been so easy with the
new GREYS GT spod and marker range.
T
he new GT spod and marker rods The nal rod is the 13ft XSM, standing
from Greys are set to be another for X-treme Spod Marker. This will cater
best-selling range. There are ve for both applications, sending a lead and
models available GT Spod, GT Marker, oat arrangement or a Spod/Spomb to
GT Distance Spod, GT Distance Marker the horizon. The rod is incredibly sti and
and GT Spod & Marker XSM all designed designed to enable you to bait and nd
with a specic output in mind. spots at extreme ranges. Again it benets
The GT Spod and GT Distance Spod from the distance marks on the blank to
have been designed with a powerful read the lakes depth.
blank that benets from a fast-recovery The entire range is nished in a raw
tip and will enable you to cast small and carbon anti-scratch, sanded nish and
large Spombs at range. Both models come with black anodised butt caps and
come with G-Lite Ultralite guides topped collars. They also benet from a double-
o with an anti-frap tip to prevent lock reel seat to ensure your reel stays in
crack-os while baiting up. The standard place.
GT Spod is 12ft, whereas the 12ft 6in
distance model is aimed at the angler THENUMBERS
shing at long range. Website: www.greysshing.co.uk
Much like the spod rods, the GT Marker Price: GT Spod, GT Marker 119.99
and GT Distance Marker will cater for the GT Distance Spod, GT Distance Marker 139.99
same situations, again being 12ft and GT Spod & Marker XSM 159.99
12ft 6in respectively. The blanks are both
nished with 6in, 12in, 18in and 24in THEVERDICT
markers to make it easier to note lake A range of spod and marker rods to cater
depths too. for all situations.
109
www.ridgemonkey.co.uk
VAULT POWERPACK ACTION STATION DOUBLE TOWEL SET
A pair of conveniently sized 100% cotton towels,
perfect for a host of applications: from drying
rigs before making PVA bags right the way
through to mopping your sweaty
brow during a bag-up session,
weve got you covered!!
F
amed for its sleep system range, bed thats perfect for quick overnighters
Nash has managed to create a host under a small brolly, and features one-
of bedchairs widely regarded for touch adjustable legs.
providing an incredibly comfortable The four-season, eece-lined sleeping
nights sleep on the bank. This new bag has large crash zips to make it easy
addition, aimed at the mobile angler, to exit if you get a take in the night, and
completes the set. theres a luxury peach skin mattress
The new Air Lite SS2 is a sleep system underneath. An Air Shroud or pillow can
bedchair that weighs signicantly less also be purchased separately and both
than a regular sleep system. The bed will attach via loop clips to keep them in
itself has two legs but, rather cleverly, position. The shroud is waterproof and
they are spread further apart to ensure creates an extra layer of insulation that
you dont tip o either end. It utilises will keep any damp out as well as heat in.
the new double-hinge system to create The system weighs just 10.4kg,
a completely at platform to sleep on, and without the sleeping
also making it easier to load on your bag attached its
barrow. It measures 196 x 72 just 7.7kg.
centimeteres, making it
a compact-sized
THENUMBERS
Website: www.nashtackle.co.uk
Price: 263.99
THEVERDICT
A lightweight, comfortable bed for
the mobile angler.
111
Utilising Toray carbon technology the super responsive SONIK
S6 rods oer superb value and performance at a great price.
W
ith the huge success of the SK3 and making it a lovely rod for casting heavier leads or
SK4 rod ranges in the last few years, shing at long range.
Sonik has rmly cemented itself as These are sure to nd favour with anglers who
a rod company that oers superb products at want a quality rod without having to spend over
great value for money. With seven in the range, 600 for a set of three.
accounting for every anglers budget, there is Added to this, when you purchase three rods
something for everyone. you get the XTi net free as part of a deal. Using
These new S6 rods have been created to a quality carbon handle and uniquely designed,
perfectly sit in the 200 sector. With understated durable aluminium spreader block, the net comes
black on black graphics and a custom Sonik DPS in two handle options: a one-piece 6ft, or a three-
reel seat the rods look fantastic and especially so piece spigoted handle that allows you to use a 3ft
when sitting on the buzzers. handle for boat work or tight swims, a 6ft version
Double-leg SiC rings and slim 40-ton Toray for standard shing and a 9ft option for when
blanks make for rods that are both light and shing a high swim or when using longer zig rigs.
powerful. With 50mm ringing on every rod in
the range, accompanied by a responsive tip
recovery, the S6 is sure to make long-range casts THENUMBERS
comfortable. Website: www.soniksports.com
Two options of shrink-wrap or a lovely full-cork Price: 199.99 each. Buy three rods get an XTi
handle allow you to choose your own preference. net, worth 139.99, free.
Test curves range from 3lb for the angler who
wants a rod that plays sh beautifully, with less
need for long-range casts, to the 3.5lb version that THEVERDICT
has a lot of power in reserve in the butt section, A superb rod and excellent multi-buy deal.
112
MK1 COMPACTS E.C.U
EDWARDS
CUSTOM
REMOTE BITE ALARMS UPGRADES
rm
E.C.U Ala
ou ches
Hanger P
10.99 each rms
*Fits all ala
ADVANTA
CX STRAIGHT SIX BEDCHAIR
Price: 64.99
Website: anglingdirect.co.uk
Max says: I am always interested in seeing what companies
have to oer with regard to their more aordable products.
For many anglers with families, the last thing that they want
to be spending is loads of money to go shing. For this reason
I took a look at the CX Straight Six bedchair from Advanta.
With six legs and a at prole it weighs a modest 9kg. Despite
this, its super-comfortable to use. The straps ensure it remains
folded during transit and the neat double hinge will help
you accommodate even a ve-season bag, like the one in the
photograph. All the legs are adjustable in length to suit every
Solid structure and great terrain. However, what strikes you is the price. At 64.99 it
JRC waterproof materials. represents absolutely fantastic value for money. I am yet to
have a problem, despite shing nights and sleeping on it since
early January. If you are after a new bedchair, I implore you to
TX BROLLY check this one out.
Price: 279.99
Website: jrc-shing.co.uk
Max says: This is a brolly system with the same coverage as a
bivvy. I have done a few nights in the TX Brolly in early spring
and once set up you have loads of space for your essentials. Key
points are the internal condensation guard that, once pinned out
by the pegging points, provides a twin-skin arrangement that
reduces condensation on the ceiling. The space-saving central
boss increases headspace, while the magnetic storm poles further
increase the speed of setting up. I am particularly impressed with
the Hydra-Tex material that water simply beads o, making it
quick and easy to dry when on the bank. The TX Brolly is ideal for Lightweight, comfortable and
overnighters when you dont want to be putting away wet gear in very cheap.
the car.
114
ESP
TUNGSTEN LOADED HOOK LINK
Price: 8.95
Website: esp-carpgear.com
Karl says: ESP is renowned for making quality products,
none more so than its new Tungsten Loaded braid hook links.
Theres a soft and semi-sti option in three colours, and Ive
been testing the soft.
Over a two-month period Ive used the hooklength
material for a multitude of rigs and found it to be exceptional.
Whether its simple knotless-knot bottom-bait rigs or the
boom section of a hinged sti rig, it has done exactly what
I needed it to. Ive used several coated braids over the years
and found that the coating can sometimes pull when
knotting.
This has a coating that is supple enough to have a bit of ex
but still durable enough that, even when tying a grinner, the
knot will slide along the coating and into the knot without
stretching or tearing the coating, providing you moisten it
with saliva.
The braid comes on 10m spools, which has allowed ESP to
keep the price under a tenner but does make it slightly more
expensive than other brands.
The green and brown colour options I have used blend
into the lakes substrate well due to the tonal change along A coated braid that does
the length of the material and I particularly like the breaking exactly what you need it to.
strain of 15lb. Far too often hooklength braids are oered in
excessive strengths when its often not required.
GARDNER
RETAINER SLING
Price: 34.99 one from Gardner ts the bill. The mesh at Added to this, heavy-duty carry handles for
Website: gardnertackle.co.uk the base provides ample water ow and a sure grip make lifting big sh onto the
Max says: Everyone owns a retainer sling allows quick drainage while also reducing mat much easier. I particularly like the long
but some are better than others. Buoyant the weight of the whole package. With retaining cord. Measuring four metres, its
oats, a full zip and a good water ow are heavy-duty full-length zips, I am safe in the ideal if you have a shallow margin but need
what I look for in a good retainer and this knowledge that a sh isnt going to escape. to retain sh over deeper water.
115
FROM QUIRKY TO PLAIN USEFUL, WEVE GOT THE GIFTS THAT ANGLERS WANT
Carp In The Park Tickets Carp Mug Common Carp Lapel Pin
See website for pricing | CITP2016 10.95 | MAYF_005 4.50 | CADO_09
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XXXTIJOHSFQVCMJDDPVL
ULTEGRA 14000 XTD LEVELITE CHAIRS
X-Ship
Super Slow Oscillation (50)
TRANSFORMER COMPACT
79.99
Aerowrap II
Instant Drag (1 Turn)
AR-C Spool 149.99 99.99
Parallel Body
Ball Bearing 4 + 1 WHILE
20kg Max Drag Force
Weight 645g
STOCKS
LAST! OR OR
NEW F16
Gear Ratio 4,3:1
NEW F16
Line Ret 103cm
Line Cap (mm/m) 0.35-550 / 0.40-400 / 0.45-300
Line Reducers (2x 10000 + 2 x 3500)
1 Spare Spool 20 20
CAMO SUPA BROLLY FFULL RANGE OF SONIK RODS
Supplied with: MK2 SYSTEM
Optional Fibreglass front support rib, which can
S3 RRP 120 BUY 3FOR 300
RRP 369.99
simply be threaded into place to give further stability
and create an Apex peak at the front for better + FREE SKS NET & HANDLE
drainage when it rains
2 x 24ins storm poles, which do not need to be
removed when packed down (they simply clip inside
339.99 S4 RRP 160 BUY 3FOR 400
the brolly) and 2 x 36ins storm poles that can be added
to front for further stability + FREE S ROD SLEEVE
OR
Looped locking collar, which is great for hanging items
RRP 189.99
164.99
s a rig
l
revea ded it;
AY lan o n
T GR e has ooked big
T
IO ich h has h o land ers.
LL
E h wh he nt t wat
wit ry carp ou wa nging
eve fect if y challe and
ter, e I was
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rp ed or the n to lo a
ca nt u r n
an
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pop shin uld ne ged o hey
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to g ,h s
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I wa heref my us prese b requ d sma be
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item rent fr ve th do th A bag eeded to
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Poo itely w using refore tion v d pie issue
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119
One day after work I sat drags I noticed that it was far
in my front room and began from consistent, only turning
playing around with what I had properly around 60 per cent
in the tackle box. I had recently of the time. I knew the answer
acquired some 15lb Semi-sti straightaway and rather than
N-Trap from work and this using the shrink tubing in the
was to be the hook link. With standard way, I opted for the
the slight extra rigidity to the line aligner, which I use for
N-Trap Soft that I normally use, my bottom-bait shing. This is
I hoped this might help a little something that I know makes a
with ensuring that the bag huge dierence and I shouldve
doesnt land too close to the known better than to try any
lead. Just in case the rig was other way. So that was that,
to land in a little heap because Id come up with a rig I liked,
of the bag, I would position a and was performing well in the
small piece of putty around kitchen, but how would it do
about the middle of the hook when put to the test?
link, which is something I do Unlike my usual rigs, this
with all my rigs these days. one wasnt going to be big-sh
Hook choice was simple. Rather The rig is ideal for using selective. With its use being
than the big size 4 Choddys low-lying pop-ups over in winter, that didnt bother
I normally use with pop-ups, bait. Elliott loves using his me at all. The more you catch
I decided on a size 6 Wide home-made hook baits. during winter the better, big or
Gape. These are the only hook small. As always, the important
patterns I ever really use and I whipped the rig up, popped one of the small pop-ups onto thing was not how many bites
they very rarely let me down. the hair and then plopped it in the kitchen sink for a little gander. I had but how many of them I
With the hook in my hand I It looked lovely, neat and tidy, and once the putty was replaced landed.
soon decided that all Id need with a split shot the whole thing looked and felt like it was going The rst venue I used it at
to do to get the height I was to work nicely. It was nothing new, and in reality its a very simple was a right smash em up type
after would be to add a small presentation, but it was very dierent from any pop-up rig Id ever place and a mate and I had
section of shrink tubing, which used, being much shorter and delicate looking. a good crack that afternoon,
would serve two purposes I lifted the rig out of the sink and then dragged it across the doing something we rarely
give me added height and turn palm of my hand to see how well it turned, which is something nd ourselves doing catching
the hook. I have always done when testing for a decent rig. After a few loads of carp in just a few
120
A club lake 38lb common
caught on Elliotts ultra-
reliable pop aligner.
hours. While Im on the subject put the rig to the test not only
of that session, for any of you with bigger sh but in weedy
that have Instagram, the angler conditions too. Just like before,
I was shing with is desperate I landed all that I hooked,
for more followers, so if you spodding bait out and pinging
search @Dave_Ro6inson or the rig in conjunction with a
hashtag PrayForDave, hed love PVA bag over the top. The great
that. thing about the shrink tubing
More importantly, of the 10 was that it always retained its
small sh I hooked, I landed original shape after the cast
them all. Due to the nature with a bag attached, which is
of the lake, I was using hooks Shrink tubing neatens up the Putty is used to sink the hook link extremely important.
far inferior to my usual and I overhand loop on the other end. down out of the way of the sh. With a few sh from dierent
think I used three rigs all day. venues soon under my belt,
As always, I had sharpened and Christmas out of the way, I
the hooks razor sharp and headed back down to my main
to an extremely thin point. water for the beginning of my
Normally, once youve hooked winter campaign. The venue
one, the hook is an absolute is tough at the very best of
write-o. In this case, though, times, so winter was set to be a
I was bending the points back challenging one at best. I needed
into shape, attempting to to be using a rig I had faith in,
re-sharpen them, all sorts of and by this time I was happy to
things to almost force a lost use thenewrig on there.
sh. However, despite the We were blessed with some
absolutely horric hook points, fantastic weather around
I dropped none. that time and over the next
I went to a dierent venue few weeks I managed to get
around a week or so later. This among a few sh. Its safe to
lake was much harder and say that this all ended once the
extremely weedy, so would The line aligner makes the rig turn a lot quicker in the shs mouth. weather turned cold and the
121
When you hook sh
like this you need the
utmost condence
in your rig.
lake ooded, but with a handful Its still kind of early days as
of sh, including the second far as the lead systems I have
biggest sh in the lake under used it with, but every sh I
my belt, I was more than happy. have caught has been while
Whats more, every single sh using a helicopter rig. Im sure
I had caught up to this point itll make almost no dierence
was absolutely nailed, and I still but I thought I should mention
hadnt lost any. that because sometimes the
I always pay a lot of attention smallest things can make all the
not only to how many sh I dierence.
land, but exactly where they are Since December Ive had 34
hooked, and for me, its all about bites on the rig and landed
that bottom lip, right in the hard every single one. These sh
bit. If youre hooking them there, have come from a multitude of
then theyll rarely fall o. venues and shing situations
After a while I noticed that and incorporate all sizes of sh.
once the water had penetrated Im sure Ill lose one in the end
the pop-up, the hook section but until that day comes, my
had the tendency to lean over ngers are rmly crossed in
slightly, but this didnt bother the hope that that day is a long
me one bit. In fact, it just meant time away!
that the rig would sit more Oh, and one last thing, I
discreetly. So if you try it out and saw a Myles Gibson article last
this happens, you dont need to month in ACF and he seemed
worry. Ive caught plenty with to be using a very similar
a fresh pop-up on, and plenty presentation, which I have
with baits full of water, it matters now learnt that he has used
not. I have been using pop-ups for many years. I know Myles
between 10mm and 14mm, well, and if he uses it, then add
namely the Earls Pearls, which As with most of his that to my tally of sh landed
are right saucy little things that rigs, Elliott prefers without a loss and you know
only a select few are able to get the helicopter youre on to a winner with this
their hands on. presentation. little beauty.
122
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Winter Whackers
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Tutorials and a rake of captures have made it a busy
month for ADAM PENNING, who loves nothing more
than getting out in the cold in the pursuit of carp.
B
efore I knew it, February was upon us. The weather to be treating me very nicely.
through the back end of winter had slowly got As is so often the way after a good hit of sh, the
colder as the succession of storms coming in expectations for the next trip were high, but I couldnt help
from the west gradually ground to a halt. Periods but feel it would soon be time for me to come back down to
of high pressure began to dominate and with earth with a bang.
those came some frosty old nights; suddenly summer seemed The following session began in exactly the same way as
further away than ever. the previous ones: with lots of walking and looking. This time,
So far my winter campaign at Chilham had been going well. heavy, cold rain was forecast all morning and although I wasnt
I hadnt notched up many nights, having only done three two- looking forward to standing out in it in my waterproofs, I knew
nighters, but the returns had been good and the lake seemed it was an absolute necessity if I was to get on the sh.
124
It was, once again, mid-afternoon before I saw the rst showed to the right. I made mental notes of the exact point
sign and I began to think that perhaps I should be having on the horizon they had shown and also made a note of the
a lie-in and arriving at a more civilised hour! The show was approximate distances before legging it back to my swim to
down the mill end, an area of fairly sheltered and often pack the gear up.
overlooked water. Almost on dark I chugged the heavily
I was set up and angling a couple of llad den barrow back up the path and I
hours before dusk and felt condent. jjusst managed to get rods positioned on
However, after not having a bite and the
th spots the sh had shown on before
reecting that every time I had been aall the light went. Before committing
bang on them a bite had always come the
th rods to the bite alarms, once I was
quickly, I began to get itchy feet. happy
h with the cast, I clipped the
A little before 4pm, as the gloom of reel,
re wound the rod back in and then
dusk was beginning to cloak all around wrapped
w it out so that I knew the
me, I clipped up the reels and brought the exact
e range I was casting at. This sort
rigs in before setting o on an urge and an of
o detail is so important never think
impulse to check the main body of water how
h you are going to catch a carp,
in the middle section. think
t how are you going to catch two,
A few hundred yards later, I was stood My standard winter three
t or more. Think like a snooker
looking across the grey expanse, praying end tackle for the crafty player it is not much good being
Bayeswater carp.
for a carp to show. I knew that somewhere able to pot a red if you cant then pot
there would be a big group and that meant a colour. You will only be able catch
that somewhere there would be a show or two; I just needed the second carp if you can exactly replicate what you did to
to be on it. catch the rst; its that simple!
After only 10 minutes I saw a sh come out twice, fairly With darkness enveloping me, I set about getting the
close in to my left. I continued to stare, aching for another bivvy up and making myself comfortable. The evening was
sign, when suddenly, from the limit of my peripheral vision, quiet but I listened hard and went for the occasional short
I saw one to the right. Swivelling my body, I was just about wander. The rest of the time was spent in the bag, reading
able to watch both zones at the same time and I was Dave Levys book under the soft glow of my red light; what a
rewarded when, in the space of ve minutes, two more great read it is too!
125
At a little before midnight, I was disturbed by a tentative
enquiry on the left-hand rod; a two-bait stringer cast at 60
yards. I felt the line, which was still in the clip, but the bobbin
was at the top and quivering, causing the odd single bleep
on the alarm. It was a sh, no question, and I lifted into a very
solid resistance with the rod taking on a heavy curve against
the night sky.
This lasted about two seconds before the sh came
straight toward me at a frightening pace. I wound like mad
in an eort to keep up with the sh and to keep precious
pressure on the barbless hook-hold. The sh ran almost to
my feet before kicking once and then it was gone. I cursed
and fumed, knowing that the real units often fought exactly
like that.
The following morning saw a bite on the right-hand rod
and after a short ght I landed a sparsely scaled mirror, a
little under 20lb. The two-bait Manilla stringer had done the
job, with around 50 baits through the throwing stick.
An hour later, another bite heralded what must be the
smallest sh in the lake but I couldnt have been happier
with it! No sh had been stocked as small as the one that
lay (quite bristly and deantly) in the bottom of my net, so I
could only assume that it had bred in there, and that made
it even sweeter. I carefully put the sh into a retainer sling
while I sorted out my camera gear there was no need to
weigh him but I denitely wanted a picture of him. There was more weed than sh in the net.
126
While sorting everything out, another member came into
my swim and, eyeing the sling, asked what I had caught. I
told him it was a common of about 10lb and he walked o
shaking his head, probably wondering what all the fuss was
about! A few minutes later I proudly held my small, scaly friend
up for the camera and I couldnt have been happier what a
creature!
On reection, I think the reason that my love aair with carp
shing is so enduring, despite being at the thick end of it for
so many years, is because I have never become size xated. I
genuinely love catching carp, especially if they are stunning
looking I never tire of it, no matter how big they are!
The rest of the session passed by uneventfully. Well that isnt
quite true. I wasnt going to tell you that I lost another sh but,
as this is a warts and all diary, its only fair to keep it real! On
the second and last morning, I hooked a sh after a bizarrely
nicky indication and it came o after a couple of seconds.
It seemed that the sh were denitely getting the hang of
dealing with barbless hooks and I wondered how any of the
other guys who were shing slack lines managed to catch
what they did!
The following week the temperatures plummeted and,
A stunning 28lb mirror; my hands were frozen. with heavy frosts due, I decided to spend a night at the ever-
reliable Bayeswater day-ticket lake. It made a nice change
to not be notching up the miles Kent bound and with Bayes
being just round the corner, I was there just before dusk on
the Monday night.
I had a quick lead around and found what I was looking for
hard clay at just under 60 yards. I committed all three rods
to the zone and shed them on my usual cold water Bayes
approach, which is a little dierent from what the sh usually
see. This consists of a running lead (no tubing or leader) a light
mono hook link, a small hook and a plastic/maggot hook bait.
To eliminate tangles, each rod was adorned with a golf-ball-
sized mesh PVA bag and the mix was red maggots and Manilla
crumb.
The night was absolutely freezing, so much so that I had to
head to the van at around 2am to get an extra thermal cover!
Dawn broke with a heavy white coating over everything and
as I peered through my frosted eyebrows at the lake, the
middle rod gave a couple of bleeps. The line was tight but
Another awesome mid-twenty Bayeswater carp. it was frozen solid into the clip; whatever was on the end
couldnt take line if it wanted to! I lifted into a heavy weight
that nodded its head out in the lake and slowly kited to the
left. The entire reel was frozen solid and I blew warm air onto
the clutch in an eort to free it up. Luckily the sh wasnt
doing too much or I might have been in trouble!
After a few minutes I had the sh under the rod tip, where it
held bottom and ploughed up and down the margin. I wasnt
in clothing quite up to the weather (long johns and a hoodie!)
and with it being minus 4C, I was keen to get the bugger into
the net!
When I did eventually manage to ensnare him, I secured
the net and ran back to the bivvy where I spent the next 10
minutes hunched over the stove!
The sh was revealed as a stunning mirror that pulled the
needle round to over 28lb. Like all the Bayes sh, it was in
amazing condition and once my hands had warmed back up, I
was grinning like a kid in a chocolate factory!
I followed this up with another stunner that went mid-
All the Bayeswater carp are in great condition. Steri-7 keeps them that way. twenty before heading home for a long, hot shower!
127
A perfectly formed Pads Lake mirror.
128
PERFECT NUTRITION CREATED
130 MILLION YEARS AGO...
130
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