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
Crafty Carper 013-016_Traveller_CC183.indd 3
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
Crafty Carper
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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
Crafty Carper 021-025_AdvRigAngle_CC183.indd 3
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
Crafty Carper
065-069_LivingDream_CC183.indd 2
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
rakker have released a new bivvy to go
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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CarpinOn_2013_Teaser.indd 1
KORDA
10/10/2012 09:35