Carfty Carper issue 183 November 2012

COMPETITION TIME: OVER £3,700 OF CARPY PRIZES TO BE WON INSIDE!

No.183 November 2012 www.craftycarper.co

November 2012 | Issue 183 | £3.90

Our experts show you how to have yourself an autumn harvest by making the carp really get on the munch!

Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!

JULIAN CUNDIFF

Experience a month in the life of an angling legend

SHARP SHOOTER

Rob Hughes’ essential advice to help you land your rigs bang on the spot every time

www.craftycarper.co

On sale October 24th – November 20th 2012

IAN POOLE / ELLIS BRAZIER / TERRY HEARN / DAVE SPRINGALL / JERRY HAMMOND / JIMMY ARMSTRONG / ROB HUGHES

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10/10/2012 15:47

The Traveller Mark Pitchers

Despite being familiar with the

FISHERY INFO POOL BRIDGE FARM Q LAKE, YORK, NORTH YORKSHIRE

area, I still opted to make a few The Venue

deeper areas, and can shallow up to just a

exploratory casts with the marker rod,

At around 8 acres in size, Q Lake has clearly

few feet on the plateaus and far margins.

just to freshen my memory. I quickly

been designed with anglers in mind. Housing

Although the lake was constructed just

discovered a bank of thick weed

just 13 swims, the pool features a large

4 years ago, it’s immediately evident that

covering most of the far margin, and

central island which is accessed via a small

an incredible amount of hard work has gone

it was clear this was an area the carp

bridge, and this is the only area where

into this fishery. Hundreds of lilies, reeds,

would be frequenting, so it made sense

angling is allowed. The island not only helps

trees and shrubs have been planted, and as

to maximise my chances by placing

form the lake’s very distinctive Q shape,

a result the lake looks to be maturing nicely.

all three rods there. Hookbaits were

which gives the lake its name, but the design

The lake has been stocked with several

10mm Mainline Clockwork Orange

also ensures each angler has their own area

hundred carp, with the vast majority having

pop-ups, and these were presented on

of water in which to fish.

been hand-picked following

a Size 8 SSSP hook tied to 4ins of 15lb

Each swim has its own

a series of successful

Sandy Coretex coated hooklink, which

nettings carried out across

matched the colour of the lakebed

the other four lakes on the

superbly. Although I much prefer to

complex. There are also a

use braided hooklinks for my PVA bag

number of stunning looking

work, I stripped away the majority of

fish from VS Fisheries,

the outer coating from the Coretex,

with further introductions

with the exception of a small section

planned for this coming

that exited the hook. This stiffer

winter. The carp currently

section helps to create an aggressive

distinct boundaries that are clearly indicated by highly visual posts placed on the far bank. These markers have also been fitted with solar-powered lights, so there is never any confusion

“The carp currently average around low- to mid-doubles, with the lake record being a mirror that tipped the scales at over 28lb”

or infringements from other anglers, even during the hours of darkness.

The shape of the lake also means that regardless of the conditions or time of year, most swims are more than capable

average around low- to mid-doubles,

angle to improve the hooking potential

with the lake record being a mirror

of the rig, and I like to emphasise

that tipped the scales at over 28lb.

The Q is actually run as a members

of producing fish. It is for this reason that

only fishery, which costs just £40 for a

the fishery has hosted qualifying rounds

lifetime membership. Becoming a member

for the BCAC for the past 3 years, and many

is very straightforward; in fact all that’s

regard the Q as being one of the fairest

involved is a quick chat with the bailiff to

venues in the competition. Each swim has an

prove you’re a capable angler, and that you

abundance of features to fish to, including

are in possession of all the appropriate

gravel bars, deeper holes, plateaus, lily

tackle and carp care accessories. Once

pads and reedbeds. The average depth is

becoming a member, it’s just a case of

around 8ft, but can reach up to 12ft in the

paying for a day ticket as normal.

Facilities

Tickets and Prices

The facilities really are second to none.

• Q Lake is for members only. The cost

There is a superb on-site Stables Café, which

of membership is a one-off payment

serves an excellent full English breakfast,

of £40. Fishing is then charged at

and a range of hot and cold snacks and

£20 per night, and discounts are

drinks throughout the day. It is open

for the citrus pulling power of the Clockwork Orange popups – look on the next page to see how he attaches his hookbaits.

BOTTOM The

pop-up rigs soon did the business for Mark.

this even further with the inclusion of a slightly shorter length of shrink tube steamed in place over the top.

Hookbaits are then tied on D-Rig-style, and this very neat and highly effective rig has now become the number one choice for all my PVA bag work.

A simple 3oz flat in-line pear lead completed the setup, and each rig was placed inside a small Rapide PVA bag. This was then filled with

available for longer sessions

six days a week (except Monday) from

• Fishing is from midday until midday

9.00 a.m. Monday-Friday and from 7.30 a.m.

• Day tickets are available for £12

Saturday and Sunday. The local takeaways

• Discounted winter rates run from

also deliver food to the main gate. There

BELOW Mark went

1st November to 1st April

are ladies, gents and disabled toilets, and showers are also available, which is a real

Contact Info

bonus for any long-stay anglers. Top-quality

Address: Pool Bridge Farm, Wheldrake Lane,

freezer baits are available to buy on site,

Crockey Hill, York YO19 4SQ.

including those from the Mainline range.

Tel: 01904 633340 or 07928 359420 Rules

(calls answered between 9.00 a.m. and

• A maximum of three rods per angler

2.00 p.m. every day except Monday)

• Carp landing nets must be used (minimum 36ins). No spoon nets to be used

Email: info@poolbridge.co.uk

• No braided main line • All anglers must have a carp care kit in their possession (or similar) • Bait boats may be used • Fish within the markers of your swim at all times • No fish are to be retained. The use of sacks is forbidden For the full fishery rules, check out the website.

www.poolbridge.co.uk 14

Crafty Carper

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05/10/2012 14:13

The Traveller Mark Pitchers

The Traveller: Mark’s Pool Bridge Farm Q Lake Tactics

QUICKLY ATTACH A POP-UP USING BAIT FLOSS

Here’s an alternative to using a Hair stop, which can sometimes seem cumbersome when used with small baits

1 Using a latched baiting needle, push on a pop-up hookbait.

2 Next, pull off and cut a 6ins length of Neutral bait floss.

3 Pass the floss through the rig ring of a pre-tied pop-up rig.

ABOVE AND BELOW A variety of small food items was Mark’s chosen baiting approach for the Q Lake carp.

4 Slowly pull the pop-up onto the bait floss, like so.

7 As the floss reaches the pop-up, dab it with a moist finger.

5 Next snip off the floss, leaving two short tag ends.

8 The blobbed floss acts as a perfect boilie stop – easy!

6 Carefully use a lighter to burn the floss down into position.

9 The finished pop-up rig – quick and easy bait attachment.

some finely crumbed Cell boilies plus

boilies, Mainline pellet mix, plus a

Although it may seem strange to fish

a little surprised that no action was

some Mainline Spod & PVA bag pellet

good helping of Cloud 9 groundbait.

all three rods in such close proximity on

forthcoming. With the sun beginning

mix, which contained a variety of

To give the mix a serious boost of

one area, in this situation I didn’t feel

to fall in the sky and the storm clouds

different-sized pellets with varying

attraction, I also added a big squirt

it necessary to spread the rods around

brewing, I decided to bang in a fresh

breakdown rates to provide massive

of Coconut Particle & Pellet Syrup,

in an attempt to explore the swim and

injection of spod mix, and recast all

levels of attraction over prolonged

which helps disperse food signals

locate the fish. Instead, the plan was

three rods with PVA bags ready for the

periods. With such a good stock of carp

throughout the entire water column,

to concentrate all my attentions on one

night ahead. The fish certainly weren’t

present, I decided that a heavy baiting

enticing carp onto the baited area.

precise location and work that spot in

fazed by this baiting commotion, as

order to maximise the number of bites.

just a few moments later one of the

By now it was early evening, and

alarms burst into life, signalling the

approach would be the best option in

I had about 5kg of mix prepared,

order to hold the fish in the swim for

so I got busy with the spod rod and

as long as possible. So, with a host of

deposited the whole lot on one spot

although the rods had only been in

first take of the session. The result

goodies at my disposal I put together

about half a rod length short of the

place for a couple of hours, I was still

was a cracking-looking mirror of around

a very simple yet highly effective

weed. With the baited area ready to

spod mix that comprised Hinders

rock, three PVA bags were then cast

BELOW With this 15lb mirror, Mark was

confidence that there

Pure Hemp, whole and crumbed Cell

into position and the traps were set.

sure there were more to follow.

would be more to follow.

15lb, and this capture filled me with

POOL BRIDGE FARM Q LAKE WHERE MARK FISHED

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15 05/10/2012 14:14

Big Fish Angle Jerry Hammond

LEFT A typical bright autumnal day

– perfect to be out and angling.

ABOVE The first frost of the year

is a sure sign to the carp that it’s time to feed up for winter.

BELOW Natural food depletes rapidly as the weedbeds start to break up.

22

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09/10/2012 14:13

Big Fish Angle

Jerry Hammond

“I have found that every lake is different in the way they respond to bait at this time of year”

ABOVE Use your eyes – the carp will tell you

everything you need to know about their location.

BOTTOM Even when the temperatures start to drop,

there’s no reason why the action should stop.

Can you give an example of

After an hour or so into daylight the

other side of the lake and then hit the

How do you think the reduced light

where the carp have obviously

feeding seemed to more or less stop.

surface, as some of the big residents

levels after the autumn equinox

been feasting on the natural food

I flicked out a lead to have a feel on

tended to do. I carefully played it all

affects the fish’s feeding habits?

and what you did to get bites?

the bottom, and as I expected it was

the way back, and only moments away

I think that the reduced light levels

A few years ago I was fishing at a lake

deep silt in about 11ft of water. When

from seeing my prize, sadly, it fell off.

are what make the fish aware

called Toll Pits; it was autumn and

I inspected the lead the swivel had

I was gutted but at least I had found a

that it’s this time of year, that

the fish had gone really quiet, and

bloodworm stuck in it, so this was

feeding area and got a bite, and they

winter is coming, and it is this that

there was hardly any angling action

the food source they were after.

had returned. It’s such a big edge if you

prompts them into feeding more.

for weeks. One night I was up in the

sit up some nights, because the fish

early hours, listening for the fish to

At this point did you bait up

give themselves away. It was a calm

or just fish for them?

night and I started to hear fish crashing

I saw no point in baiting up because

During the autumn, is mass

The fish are bigger at this time because

out, and some big ripples were coming

I just wanted to position a hookbait

baiting absolutely essential, or is

they have added the extra weight to

from the area. I reeled in and took a

in the feeding area, in the hope that

trickle feeding the way to go?

get them through the colder months,

walk round; the fish were showing

they would take it. I cast single bottom

This is a bit tricky because over the

when their natural food supplies would

only a rod length out from the bank,

baits out on two rods and slackened

years I have found that every lake is

have been harvested or died off.

in front of a small swim that never

the lines right off. I was tired from

different in the way they respond to

really got fished, and they were really

being up all night and it looked like rain, so I got in the bag for

out their gills. I ran back to my gear,

some kip, and I hoped

By the time I was set up it was

Why do fish tend to be at their bigger weights during the autumn?

on something, crashing and cleaning packed up and moved round there.

will give themselves away eventually.

the fish would return.

Some time later I was

bait at this time of year. On my own

Does the big autumn feed-

syndicate lake recently, the fish were

up really happen?

very active; there were lots of signs

I’m sure it did years ago; I always

of feeding fish and big shows, but no

remember September being as it

bites to the anglers. The fish were

should be – fairly windy and rainy

daylight, and I was able to

awoken by a take, the

obviously very much on the naturals,

low pressures, and the fish fed really

see all the feeding activity;

first on the lake for ages.

and they seemed to get so engrossed

hard on anglers’ bait and got caught.

that anything put in front of them was

On one lake I fished in the Lea Valley,

ignored. In this instance, to heavily

I had such a good hit one night, and

bait would be a waste of time and

I took six fish; I named the swim

least three or four

money, but on more heavily stocked

Septembers. Every year after that I

different fish

waters where they spend all their

always headed for that swim for my

were munching

lives competing for food, they may

autumn action. Looking back to last

away.

well see big beds of bait as natural

October, we had a heatwave and I was

food. I would prefer to regularly trickle

out floater fishing; it seems that the

some bait in a few areas, and once

climate is changing and we do tend to

I started to get some action I would

get longer warmer weather, then all

step it up a bit and try to keep the

of a sudden it just switches

area going right into the winter.

to freezing winter and

thousands of tiny bubbles were pinpricking on the surface as at

It was a very good fish that tore across to the

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23 09/10/2012 14:13

ANGLER PROFILE

Dave Springall ...........................

Age 35 ...........................

Hometown

Malden, Essex ...........................

Occupation

Media Coordinator ...........................

UK PB

45lb 15oz ...........................

Favourite venue

Braxted Back Lake ...........................

Rods

Century FMA2 ...........................

Reels

Shimano Technium 10000XSB ...........................

Alarms

Delkim

40

Crafty Carper

040-043_Springall_CC183.indd 1

09/10/2012 16:51

Dave Springall’s

CHALLENGE ONE: CATCH FROM WITHIN LESS THAN A ROD-LENGTH OF THE BANK Dave Springall steps up for the first of three challenges over the coming months.

First up, he needs to try to catch a carp from within a rod length of the bank.

1

2

3 1 Observation revealed that there were some fish present, but on the far side of the bush.

2 & 3 Dave trickle-

fed some pellets to get the carp interested – it didn’t take them too long to drop and feed.

3 After an initial

trickle of pellets, some crumbed T1 boilies were scattered over the spot.

4

A

s we are constantly reminded, the most

30°, sure enough, there they were. A group of

important aspect of watercraft and

about six fish all sunning themselves over a

carp-fishing in general, is finding the

blatant gravel spot to the left of a big bush in

fish. If you don’t have a rig where they are then

around 3ft of water. Not rocket science you may

you ain’t gonna catch ’em – simple as that! To

think and, to a degree, you would be right.

my mind, there is no easier way to find the carp

In the past I would have run straight to the

and view them feeding than in the margins at

van, grabbed the gear and either set up in the

close range, no matter what level of angler you

nearest swim and got a rig in quick-smart, or

are, so when the editor set me the challenge

started throwing bait at them, but these St. John’s

of bagging one for the camera from less than a

carp are not only amongst the most pressured

rod length from the bank at the ultra-pressured

in the country, but I was going to be angling for

Linear Fisheries St. John’s Pool, I was confident

them from one of the most pressured swims

I would be able to find them fairly quickly.

and spots in the country too, meaning that

Unlike many of the anglers who angle on the Linear Fisheries complex, I had only ever been

although finding them was far from difficult, hooking one may well be a different matter.

to St. John’s once before. I managed two bites

As with all creatures, we only learn about carp

on 12ft Zigs, lost them both to cut-offs in the

by observation and behaviour, and over the years

weed, and then the fish began spawning the

I have learned that I have caught more carp by

next day, cutting short our session and seeing

watching them for a while first than I ever have

me drive the two hours home fishless. Not ideal,

by simply getting overexcited and dropping a rig

but hopefully things would turn out better this

on their head as soon as the opportunity arises.

time, with less than 24 hours to try to trick one.

Watching these particular carp this is what I learned in a few short minutes. Casting across

Eyes Open

from the swim, only the right side of the bush on

Upon arrival I checked the out of bounds margins

the out of bounds bank was accessible to me by

first, which seemed like an obvious place to

simply casting. I felt certain this area would have

start. It’s a no fishing bank and with the sun

been inundated with bait and rigs of all

being high in the sky and temperatures reaching

descriptions on a daily basis and that

Crafty Carper 040-043_Springall_CC183.indd 2

41 09/10/2012 16:51

Underwater Revelations Rob Hughes

C

asting accuracy is a topic that comes up time and time again, and one thread in particular

that everyone seems to mention is how far past the marker float you need to cast to drop directly onto the chosen spot. Imagine this scenario – you cast out your marker float and locate an area that you wish to fish in 8ft of water. What happens next?

Do you cast the lead at the float, presuming it will land bang on the spot? Or do you cast at the float and clip up, mark the line and then cast back out? What about walking the lines out to the same distance as the marker rod, mark the line, clip it out, and then cast back out? There are several ways of achieving the same thing, but which one works the best?

“Which methods consistently work to accurately hit the spot time and time again?”

Other questions that we’ve been asked include: ‘How much past the float do you need to cast in 8ft depth, and does this differ dramatically in 20ft depth?’ or ‘What happens if you just cast at the float and let the rig drop directly down – does this work?’ So many questions with so many variables, but in reality, which methods consistently work to accurately hit the spot time and time again?

Cutting to the chase, there are many different variables in these methods for accurately hitting the spot, so much so that it’s a job to know which way to turn. Some anglers have a way of doing it that suits their style of angling – but what happens when you actually test a variety of different techniques and measure them against one another to judge which one is best in a situation?

Crafty Carper’s mission with Rob this month was to test out several methods of essentially achieving the same thing – consistently trying to get as close as possible to a pre-marked spot when casting from the bank.

60

a float t a g n i “Cast s well k r o w p to clip u xperienced re e if you a ethod; try to in this m his at longer et replicat nd the margin a ranges r is likely to of erro gher” be hi

Crafty Carper

059-063_UnderwaterRev_CC183.indd 2

08/10/2012 14:05

Underwater Revelations Rob Hughes

Spot The chosen fishing area where you cast the baited rigs.

Clip

ABOVE AND BELOW Rob positioned a

The line retaining clip fitted as standard on most reels.

fixed static marker pole on the spot.

Clip up Set a fixed length of line from the lead to where the reel is clipped up.

Feather/Tap Slow up a cast by applying pressure to the spool with your finger.

ABOVE Rob positioned a tape along the lakebed; 5m was the centre point of the spot, so the casts could be calculated as being either longer or shorter than this point.

The drop The feeling the lead transmits back through the rod.

Good drop The feeling transmitted back down the rod when the lead cracks down on the lakebed. This can be felt even with monofilament line.

ABOVE Back on the bankside, the casting zone was set up to regulate the casting position.

RIGHT Feeling the lead down on one of the casts.

ABOVE A 3oz Helicopter setup with a leadcore leader was used for all the casts.

The Test Zone

Feeling the lead down

A marker float was cast out from the bank and a designated spot was located

When you’re clipped up, this is the method of progressively moving the rod towards where you’ve cast, once you’ve hit the clip to get a good drop.

in 7½ft water depth at 56yds’ range.

Rob, Chris and Jerry agreed that this would be the spot they would try to cast a lead to during the tests. The spot was marked using a static marker and Rob surfaced to confirm that it was in position. Once it was, the float was wound down to the lead, clipped up,

Wraps

and the line marked at the clip so that

Using two banksticks or bivvy pegs 12ft apart – the number of wraps it takes to reach the clip. One rod length = 4yds; 25 wraps = 100yds.

the exact distance from the bank to the lead was set as a fixed variable. Upon measuring this distance using set of Distance Sticks, it was bang on 14x12ft wraps, which equated to a casting distance to the lakebed of 56yds.

Swing back

The Equipment

When casting out and hitting the clip, the lead swings back towards you underwater.

The same rod, reel, leader, lead and ABOVE The lead was wound

Tight line A method used to feel the lead down so that it transmits what’s on the lakebed back down the rod.

down to the float, the marker rod was then clipped up and the number of wraps was measured – precisely 14 x 12ft wraps = 56yds.

RIGHT The marker rod was clipped up and the line marked with some pole elastic.

rig were used for each test. The only difference was the hookbait, so each separate cast could be colour-identified after the casts had been completed. The rig was a coated braid pop-up rig with a popped up hookbait. For the braided main line test, the reel spool was swapped for a spool loaded with Fox Horizon braid.

Crafty Carper 059-063_UnderwaterRev_CC183.indd 3

61 08/10/2012 14:05

Living the Dream James Armstrong

66

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09/10/2012 12:10

Living the Dream James Armstrong

LEFT The ancient

Well, it was on a dark, damp,

Leney linear to which I have dedicated the last two years of my life.

autumnal night, 1.30 a.m. to be precise,

ABOVE The rig that

dream. I had to start with this because

caught me the carp of my dreams.

ABOVE, RIGHT

The last look at one of the most special venues I’ve ever tackled.

that saw me board the rickety old boat and get towed through several weedbeds as I battled it out with my it has been such an epic journey that

“Once a year I get the invitation to fish an awesome water, again in Cambridgeshire. It’s a £40 a year club ticket, yet dead-man’s shoes.

How does that work?”

has seen blood, sweat and tears,

I soon dispatched two hookbaits sailing out to the face. No PVA, just the rig! They landed within 5yds of the bank and I felt them down to a satisfying ‘donk’. It was rock hard, a kind of soft clay. This was just enough to hide the rig yet leave the hook and bait proud. I’d balanced the

everything that singling out certain big

along the path, under the towering

hookbait, a cork dust Atlantic Heat,

carp should provide. It’s an adventure,

oaks and arrived at Swim 67.

so perfectly with putty that it would

a moment that should be cherished

It’s an amazing venue with a huge,

straighten out as it slowly sank to the

once conquered and finally I had. I

steep chalk face on one bank. It’s

bottom. As usual, I then manipulated

shared the moment with my mate

probably 80ft in height and slopes

my short 20lb Mouthtrap section

Elliott Gray, who had made the long

down into the gin-clear waters of this

into a slight arc using my thumb.

trek cross country at silly o’clock in

mysterious venue. The area is out of

the morning, so I must thank him. The

bounds to fish from, but acts like a

face it would be hard to introduce

pictures are incredible fella, so cheers.

carp magnet. The nearest available

offerings. I wanted to fish particles

swim to this cliff face is Swim 67

and bits in conjunction with boilies.

name it, and for now folks, I’m holding

and it’s a big-caster’s paradise. The

Consequently, I’d concocted a mixture

the majority of the pictures. Although

further along the face you can fish,

of hemp, crushed boilies, snails and

this was the highlight of my month

the more bites you get… simples!

pellet, plus whole boilies. Then, to bind

The place is so special that I can’t

– well, year – and probably angling journey, I have been up to a lot.

Once a year I get the invitation

From experience, I knew this, so came tooled up for the job; 3¾lb DFs with big pits loaded with 20lb

Due to the steep sides of the

this I added some Mainline Activated Hemp Mix, enabling me to ball it up.

I wandered around to the chalk

to fish an awesome water, again in

Whiplash braid and shockleaders were

face, leaving my friend in charge of the

Cambridgeshire. It’s a £40 a year

at the ready. These were completed

rods, and crept along it, peering over

club ticket, yet dead-man’s shoes.

with simple lead clip systems and 4oz

the edge in every nook and cranny.

How does that work? Although I’ve

tournament casting leads. I had to

I walked up to where I was casting

tried just about every avenue to

be hitting the clip accurately at 120-

and immediately noticed two large,

get into this club, it’s impossible.

130yds, so needed a rig in which I had

black shapes ghosting along the face.

However, the man who taught me

the utmost confidence, a presentation

Once out of the area,

to fish all those many moons ago,

that wouldn’t tangle and would be

I introduced 20 or so

promises me a trip once a year on a

presented well every time even if

guesty, and I’d be a fool to say no.

the bottom was a little weedy. In this

The water contains a mind-blowing

situation there’s nothing better than a

number of carp; big, scaly chaps,

Hinged Stiff Rig. The IQ2 fluorocarbon

plainer, Italian-looking mirrors, and long,

boom would kick the hooklink

chestnut-brown commons shaped like

away from the lead on the cast

torpedoes – it’s a real box of chocolates.

preventing tangles, but would

I arrived just before first light.

also be soft enough to fish

The sun was glistening through the

over any rubbish on the

morning mist that danced on the

lakebed. Not only that, it

water’s surface and through this I tried

is my favourite big-fish

to make out the huge shapes that I

rig – and there were

could hear slapping the surface in the

plenty of those in there.

distance. As I sat there on the damp, dewy grass, my mind was immediately made up. They were putting on an aerial show and so with my barrow eventually laden with tackle, I bumped

Using Dark Matter tubing as my leader, RIGHT My little balls of magic that did the trick toward the chalk face.

Crafty Carper 065-069_LivingDream_CC183.indd 3

67 09/10/2012 12:10

ONE O BIV F FOU WO VY PR R CAY RTH M I £30 ZE PAC AN KS 9.9 8 EA CH!

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T

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set up, meaning you spend less time grappling

Cayman One-man Bivvy

alongside the already impressive array of

with torsion cables, the last thing you want is to

RRP: £199.99

shelters they have to offer. With bivvies,

be constantly making trips outside your nice cosy

The Cayman Bivvy is a cleverly designed bit of

it’s all about how light, how easy to assemble and

shelter to gather your gear. So, a compact bivvy

kit, and it’s easy to use. It features a two-rib

disassemble, and how much space a bivvy has to

with plenty of space ticks all the boxes, and so

system, which has only two breaks, so is dead

offer. And while a nice compact bivvy is easier to

does the prize we’re offering for four lucky readers.

easy to set up, not to mention how light it all

110

Crafty Carper

110-111_TrakkerComp_CC183.indd 1

09/10/2012 10:28

HOW TO WIN Simply answer the following question:

How many ribs does the Cayman One-man have? (Please tick one) A) 1

B) 2

C) 28

Name Postal address

Postcode Telephone no Mobile Email Daytime delivery address (if different from above)

Postcode Post your entry to: Trakker Competition, CC183, Angling Publications Ltd., Regent House, 101Broadfield Road, Sheffield S8 0XH.

is. This system is also designed to create the

Cayman Bivvy Extended Wrap

maximum amount of internal space possible.

RRP: £109.99

This is because the rear panel is flat, meaning

This is just what you need for those times when

that you can shove the bedchair right up to

things really start to get arctic-like; this wrap has

the back of the bivvy; this leaves plenty of

been developed to fit perfectly around the Cayman

room for the rest of your gear, or if you’re so

Bivvy. It’s like putting on an extra layer over your

inclined, it enables you to have a more spacious

body warmer, but it’s for the entire bivvy. The

porch area. With the peak at the front it gives

wrap helps to keep the heat inside, whilst also

For further details of Trakker gear, check out the web: www.trakkerproducts.co.uk

a nice area for you and your mates to socially

helping the airflow to reduce condensation (the

The competition closes at midnight on 21/11/2012.

huddle around the barbecue. It also has the

last thing you want is a big icy-cold splodge of

other quality touches we’ve come to expect

water dripping down your neck in the middle of

from Trakker: a heavy-duty groundsheet, a

the night!). This is ideal if you’ve decided you’re

roll-up mozzie window in the door, a zipped

not going to let the cold weather get in the way

carrybag, and the brilliant heavy-duty T-pegs.

of a good long winter session on the bank.

You may photocopy this page to avoid spoiling the magazine.

Winners will be notified in writing, please allow 28 days for the delivery of your prize (for which a signature will be required), which will come direct from the manufacturer. No cash alternative.

Crafty Carper 110-111_TrakkerComp_CC183.indd 2

111 09/10/2012 10:29

The

were being vacated later on. I have fished so many day ticket waters over the years that I’m used to turning up like anyone else and fishing from what is spare, or I just wait for a swim like anyone else; I even do the same when doing features. If I’m going anywhere to do a feature I would rather turn up on spec like any other angler and fish from what’s available.

For me, it’s a true account of what the

Guy Lakes Syndicate

Membership to this fabulous three lake syndicate will become available regularly from the beginning of January 2012 and throughout the year.

everyday angler has to do and put up with every week. Carl had to wait a fair few hours for his swim, and went off stalking in slowly packing away the gear, the same rod was away again! I had to

three high-profile lakes that are regarded as amongst the top in the

in my swim; it had taken me a

into it, thinking it was a duck over the

were the right spots. I tend to keep

country and all of which can be fished on the one permit.

away from the more blatant areas that a lot of anglers find with a marker

39 I’d had, and heavily weeded me up twice after it

float and then fish, and I tend to look for more silty

kited behind the shorter gravel hump – it was like a

areas, or even ones that are a little bit weedy. Fishing

déjà vu moment. I kept the pressure on and it kicked

in areas like this is no problem when using PVA bags.

its way out of the weedbed, until it finally came into

year from the date of joining. Apply to join now to secure a 2012 place on these

and I’d finally got the rods out few hours to find what I thought

nuisance. The fish felt and reacted just like the

Membership is rolling and is for one

the meantime. Five hours later

look up and down twice before I lifted shallow spot because they had been a right

APPLY TO JOIN NOW!

I baited my area with a few pints of maggots and a

• The three lakes cover over sixty acres of fishable water.

• Well stocked with two of the lakes producing several carp over 40lbs.

• A good head of 30lb carp in all three waters.

the deeper water and away from the danger area. It

scattering of a kilo of 12mm the Edge boilies. I know

finally showed on the top, and we saw the size of the

how a lot of fish on some of these waters get caught,

fish as it was netted; I remember us all looking at the

and tight baiting and all three rods on one spot is a

• A secure site where the access is through locked gates and over a river bridge.

fish in the net. It was a bit of a surreal moment for

very popular tactic and it does catch fish. With the

• Adequate parking and toilets on site.

all of us, to be fair, and for me moments like this are

number of fish in Manor I wanted to try to create a

what fishing is all about. The fish was verified as being

larger dinner table and pick fish off from a much larger

• Limited membership.

Popeye, another one of the

area than before. I am a big

• Shower block a short drive away.

A-list Manor fish. I’d now

user of natural baits and

• No silly rules.

had two of them in less than an hour. Popeye tipped the scales to 40lb 2oz, so I had just landed my first English 40 and another personal best! It finally sank in that I had beaten my PB yet again, and it was then that I got a big hug off my wife and massive congratulations from my mate Carl Humpage, who had just moved into

“It finally sank in that I had beaten my PB yet again, and it was then that I got a big hug off my wife and massive congratulations from my mate Carl Humpage, who had just moved into the bailiffs swim next door”

the bailiffs swim next

always have been; I often go against the grain or try to think outside the box, which

To obtain an application form to

is needed on busy day ticket

join the syndicate apply through our website at www.linear-fisheries.co.uk,

waters. The area I baited up was around 20ft in length and maybe a rod length wide. I always start with roving rod to try different areas and methods. The area can change in direction

all the excitement I didn’t realise that I had left my

the bait. I would probably say that I fish how a match

phone in my pocket, and totally trashed it. It caused

angler would, and I have different baited areas to fall

me days, if not weeks, of grief, but well worth it

back on at different ranges in my water. The method I

in the end when I look back. That was my last trip

use and love on waters like this (clear, silty and weedy)

for at least a month, but what a way to end it.

is solid bag fishing and maggots. Maggots can help and they have never let me down yet. I presented a

and then the semi-final of the BCAC – all in the same

12mm white the Edge pop-up with around 10 white

month. So it was farewell to Manor for at least a month,

maggots tipped on top. I fished it on a Blowback Rig

according to the wife, who had already put the dates

using a Size 7 Fox LSC hook, with a small rig ring. This

on the calendar for the next trip. A month passed by

was then tied with 4-5ins of 15lb Vardis hooklink with

in no time and my wife and I were back at Manor Farm,

a No.1 shot below the hook. I opted for a 3oz in-line flat

and joining us again was my mate Carl Humpage, the

pear lead to drop off if needed. I always fish 18-24lb

manager at Fatty’s Tackle. This time down I was hoping

fluorocarbon leaders most places I go, which also act

the swim I’d had last time was free for Carl to have a

as shockleaders for punching out bags. I know that

go in, as it was similar conditions to when I had the hit,

with around 25ft of fluorocarbon in the baited area, it’s

plus I wanted him to have a good chance of a bite if

definitely vanished and pinned down to the lakebed.

At 1.00 a.m. I was awoken by a screaming Epic alarm,

Bailiffs, which I had never fished before, so when we

and a proper spool spinner, which resulted in a 24lb 8oz

got there on Sunday it was happy days because both

mirror that went like it was on Red Bull, but with a fish

ABOVE On clear, silty, weedy waters I love the use of a solid PVA bag.

135-138_MostMemorable_CC183.indd 3

Unity Lake 42lb

Unity Lake 31lb

Gaunts Lake 40lb

produce bites even if it’s tough going on any water,

after my return I had practice sessions at Barston Lakes

TOP This time around I went in with a few pints of maggots as well as the scattering of boilies.

Yeomans Lake 27lb

and shape depending on how I can intercept any fish and get them grazing on

fish were there. I fancied a peg to the right called The

or call: 01908 647320 (Mob: 07885327708)

two rods on the spot and a

door. I took some water shots with Popeye, but with

I had a trip to Canada for a week in Toronto, and

email: brochure@linear-fisheries.co.uk

on board I was well happy. Later that morning I rebaited the area I’d found with some more 12mm Aqua Dynamix

Regarded as one of the most stunning sites in the country, the lakes are all landscaped in a very mature setting.

Linear has instigated stocking plans to boost the already high stock levels and these are well on their way to completion.

Price for one year’s membership from April 1st 2012 is £475.

Payments by a direct debit arrangement can be spread over twelve months.

the Edge boilies and maggots, knowing that any fish could be out in the daytime, which

10/10/2012 14:42

Most Memorable Roy Russell

1

2

It was there that

on both of the

I noticed a lot

humps, but just

of fish drifting

on the drop-off

over the gravel

because I didn’t

humps in front of the car park swims, and because there were so many I decided to give it a go

4

want it blatantly in the middle on the clear gravel. With the third rod I opted to fish an 8ft Zig in

3 making its way over the net cord.

Going into the second night, I was

as it got to about 11.00 a.m. the long-

fish, and more than happy if these were

range rod saw more action, and this

to be the only two I ended up with

time it was a pretty slow take, followed

before packing up the next afternoon.

by the feel of a heavy slow-plodding

I was up watching the water with

the deeper water to my right after

a hot brew at

48 hours or less when I go fishing, so

spotting fish just under the surface,

4.00 a.m. after a

I need to get things right, and quickly.

coming in on the warm wind. The first

fruitless night. I

The first 24 hours is crucial for me to

evening went by without as much

wanted to leave

work out any patterns or bite times, or

as a knock, that was until 8.30 the

the rods out until

maybe fish location if I have to move to

next morning, when the rod fished on

well after 9.00

the fish. I watch the water religiously

the long-range hump burst into life,

a.m. because of

when I’m fishing, and I tend to stop up

resulting in a hard-fighting chunky

the result the

late and get up early on all my trips. I

mirror weighing 28lb 12oz on the bank.

previous morning.

I always say to my mates that I only

another fish in quick succession. Just

really happy at catching a couple of

for at least 24 hours. I only tend to do

can’t get out every week so I make the

I thought there could be the chance of

It got to 8.30 and

fish which was

“The fish was later verified as being called Mr Ridiculous, which normally goes over 40lb, but on this occasion it was a little down in weight due to the very recent spawning”

giving my clutch some work to do, and going through the weed before kiting behind the smaller hump to my right. After 10 minutes of having to weave the rods under each other and a few

most of any time spent on the bank,

go to catch one fish, and anything

the long-range rod

and it makes me try harder to catch.

else after that is a bonus if I get it

rattled off again.

right. Time ticked on and it was still

After a few tussles

peg. It had just become vacant so the

a bit inconclusive on what the bite

in the weed to the

process of unloading the tackle from

times were for the past 24 hours. It

left a hard-fighting

the car was under way. I do tend to

was now reaching midday and there

24lb common was landed. After a few

with the weed left to dry), my wife

take a lot of different bait options when

were fish back over the spots again;

photos I slipped it back and made my

Julie netted the fish. I unhooked it in

I go, and most of the car was taken up

I was determined to try to catch one

way round to the point to rebait around

the net, not knowing what fish it was,

with buckets. The middle swim on the

if it killed me. A few hours later, after

the hump with 10mm the Edge boilies;

but looking at the size of it I knew

car park has two predominant features,

trying a few different things, it was

I made sure that I baited around the

it was a good upper-30, or maybe it

with a right-hand gravel hump at 85-90

the Zig rod which finally saw some

hump and not blatantly bang on top of

would nudge the magical 40lb mark.

yards, and the other one is at around

action, and a few minutes later a

the gravel. The rod was cast back out

The fish was weighed using a weigh

110 yards on the left of the swim.

very welcome 25lb 10oz mirror was

on to the same spot pretty quickly, as

crook, to help give a more accurate

On this occasion I fancied the middle

hairy moments with weed up my line (it looked like a washing line strung up

The wind was turning to a westerly

reading, and it turned the dial round

like I knew it was going to; I could see

to 39lb on the button, a new personal

more fish starting to drift in under the

best for me by 1lb 4oz. The fish

surface, and even more could be seen

was later verified as being called Mr

over the gravel humps as the sun was

Ridiculous, which normally goes over

getting hotter. I decided to fish a rod

40lb, but on this occasion it was a little down in weight due to the very recent spawning. I didn’t care that it hadn’t made 40lb; it had made my trip

1 It wasn’t until the next morning that I got my first take on Manor.

and I’d beaten my personal best! The

2 10mm Edge boilies were my first choice to scatter around the gravel hump

stunning creature was slipped back

3 After a good scrap, Mr Ridiculous was 39lb on the nose, and a new personal best for me.

pictures were taken and this huge with the admiration it deserved.

I quickly got the rod back out onto the same spot after I trekked around

4 Using a sharp hook is essential for me; I like to touch mine up with a JAG file.

to fire some more Edge boilies in both

RIGHT Just as the session was coming to an end, I had another personal best – Popeye at 40lb 2oz. Get in!!

one hump that was producing. Just 30

136

areas, even though it was just the minutes later, while Julie and I were

Crafty Carper

135-138_MostMemorable_CC183.indd 2

10/10/2012 14:42

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KORDA

10/10/2012 09:35