DARRELL PECK ON THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
No.190 June 2013 June 2013 | Issue 190 | £4.10
craftycarper.co
The Zig Master!
WIN!
OVER £ 1,400 WORTH OF TAC KLE UP FOR GRABS
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
Why NOW is the time to fish up in the water, by big-fish expert Jerry Hammond
On sale May 22nd – June 19th 2013
HIT THE SPOT EVERY CAST! craftycarper.co 001_Cover_CC190.indd 1
Ian Stott on how to spod with pinpoint accuracy
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Martin Bowler on tackling snags Boilie fishing with Iain Macmillan 48 hours’ free fishing for everyone Essential day ticket rigs revealed 10/05/2013 11:35
Crafty Carper /// Issue 190 /// June 2013 /// www.craftycarper.co CRAFTY COLUMNISTS
Front cover: Jerry Hammond with a recent Zig-caught monster.
What’s on this month’s cover...
11
Editorial James Turner
82
37
Big-fish angler, and this month’s cover star
the fishing has picked up, and he
of his angling, his motto being, ‘It’s the small
Jerry Hammond, takes us through an epic
encourages you to get out there
things that make a big difference.’ Enough said!
month he’s experienced on the Zigs.
and make the most of your time.
The Finer Points
The Zig Master
Darrell Peck
This month our esteemed editor
Jerry Hammond
Darrell gives us the insight into the finer points
talks about the weather and how
157
Diary of an Everyday Carp Angler
Julian Cundiff Our Jules continues with his personal carping, rocking, wrestling, and
ENCE AT MAKE A BIG DIFFER THE LITTLE THINGS TH DARRELL PECK ON
the fact that he still manages to hold down a full-time job. OUT & ABOUT
13
No.190 June 2013
The Traveller Mark Bartlett
Bart heads to the Colne Valley to take on the residents of Thorney Weir. Will he manage to get amongst them?
craftycarper.co June 2013 | Issue 190
86
| £4.10
The Zig Master!
TicketMaster
WIN!
We profile six of the
best venues from around the
OVER £1,4 00 WORTH OF TACKLE UP FOR GR ABS
country, including free fishing at two top day ticket venues.
92
Hot Holiday Venue Want to seek out carp on the
HING! Get Crafty... GET CATC
e to fish Why NOW is the tim -fish big by , up in the water d on mm Ha ry Jer rt expe
Continent? We take a look at a venue that one of our team has already encountered. Bring on Le Lac Caché. INTERACTIVE
28
Crafty Catch Column Chunks, lumps, units, lunkers,
whackers, kipperpotami – whatever you call your captures, send the pic to us, and you’re in with the chance of a great Mainline Baits prize.
62
Competition – JRC If you’re currently on the
lookout for a bivvy, we suggest
On sale May 22nd – June
19th 2013
you take a look at this. We review the TX2G Bivvy from JRC, as well
HIT THE SPOT EVERY CAST! craftycarper.co
Ian Stott on how to spod with pinpoint accuracy
as giving away four of them.
O INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
ALS
kling snags Martin Bowler on tac Macmillan n Iai h Boilie fishing wit everyone for ng shi fi e fre rs’ 48 hou ealed rev s rig Essential day ticket
71
The Question Is Do you have a burning
question you want answering by our panel of experts?
10/05/2013 11:35
145
Competition
dd 1
001_Cover_CC190.in
30Plus
We’re giving you the opportunity to own a set of the new 30Plus Kodex luggage.
119
Keeping It Tight Ian Stott
Have you ever tried to fish all three rods
6
111
The Art Of Boilie Fishing Iain Macmillan
142
Subs Offer Marukyu
Fed up of going to the newsagents?
Ting Tong goes in-depth about all
Let us deliver a copy of Crafty straight
on the tightest spot possible? If so, you’ll
things boilie-related. He loves fishing
to your door, and we’ll also give
know it’s not easy. Stotty has done it for
the boilie-only approach, so who
you a load of Marukyu goodies.
years and has just about perfected it.
better to put you on the right track?
Crafty Carper
006-007_Conts_CC190.indd 1
10/05/2013 15:20
Contents /// June 2013
152
Inbox Send us your letters, stories,
“A SIMPLE APPROACH
and pictures, and we’ll print the ones
is always the name of the game for me, with
LOCATION
we like. We’ve got news stories from
BEHIND THE SCENES AT CRAFTY CARPER
Highlights of the month…
the only thing that
around the carping world, and Robbo
REALLY CONCERNS ME
gives us his monthly thoughts.
when on the bank”
FEATURES
19
Inside Edge Dave Magalhaes
If you want to target the margins
MARTIN BOWLER | PART TWO: SPRING INTO SUMMER Now that spring is in full flow, it’s time to take a look at this beautiful season and see what it has to offer to our angling.
for some proper kippers, check out
C
the tips from Dave on page 19.
arp fishing affords many pleasures that cannot
continuing on to the breeding grounds in Scotland. I was
merely be counted in pounds and ounces. Getting
certainly in the right place at the right time, watching it
close to nature is certainly one of these
whilst being mobbed by angry crows not
be afforded sights few birdwatchers
amused at having to share their air space.
and walkers will ever see, because
24
Then, as the afternoon arrived and
if you stay in the same place for 24
the wind abated, it made its move,
or 48 hours, the natural world will
wings folded, free-falling towards
come to you. A kingfisher sitting
a flank of silver scales. A spray of
on a rod with its azure blue jacket
Rigs Under the Spotlight
Team Crafty took to Merrington
water registered the impact and
48 illuminating even the dullest of days;
momentarily it seemed stranded,
a robin keeping you company – even
being bold enough to enter the bivvy; or, in my case, this spring an osprey
fishing alongside me for 2 days. Having
Scott Day
Lake Record For Issac
hover over the lake, trying to get a fix on a roach
and you will, if you keep your eyes open,
recently for a practice
bobbing around on the surface, but its Trouble in the sky as an osprey looked for silver fish prey.
migrated from Africa where it had spent the winter,
majestic movement soon returned, and with a beat of its wings it rose from the lake, exposing talons full of roach sushi. Tea
session before the next BCAC
had been served, to be devoured on top of a distant
a pit stop was required in the south of England before
treeline. A highlight indeed, alongside the carp caught.
MAIN IMAGE The snags are simply a carp magnet.
Fox’s Scott Day gives the low-
48
Crafty Carper
Crafty Carper
048-052_Seasons_CC190.indd 1
down on how to set up an
02/05/2013 14:19
77
Essential Day Ticket Rigs
in-line drop-off system.
Mark Hogg
33
The Great Crafty Debate
048-052_Seasons_CC190.indd 2
49 02/05/2013 14:20
162
appearance. Our Kris and partner Craig Stannard were put to
The Five-Minute
shame by BYCAC 2012 runner-
Interrogation
up Isaac Johnson, who bagged
Steve Shanyaski
a new lake record at 30lb 4oz
the three rigs he’d never be
Stand-up comedian Steve Shanyaski
– this kid knows how to angle!
our panel of knowledgeable carp
without when day ticket carping.
is also a carp angler, and he takes
anglers air their views on whether
Simplicity is the key, people.
the hot seat this month. Get the
Nige Off to Le Lac Caché
cotton ready because your sides will
Carpworld assistant editor
definitely be split by the end of it.
Nigel has spent a week on Le
Northern lad Hoggy looks at
In the Great Debate this month,
particles are for summer use only.
96
BYCAC 2013
43
Crafty Carper
With it being the 10th
Under-21s
anniversary of BYCAC this
Up-and-coming
year, we’re staying on
young carp angler
the nostalgic road, and
reputation with a stunning 50lb+ fish, catching the lake’s
BYCAC experience.
favourite, Nash Scopex Squid, and
second-biggest resident.
story this month,
for his monthly blog.
96
48
126
Most Memorable
Richard Chapman Derby-based carp angler Richard
Angling Through
relives the ups and downs of a
The Seasons
time spent on a local club water.
Martin Bowler Martin diarises another month of his angling, and as ever, it really will open your eyes to another world. You’ll be glued to this one.
65
Hit ’N’ Run Andrew Endean
If you can only fit in quick overnighters between a hectic work
restored the Angling Pubs
around. Steve Broad looks at an old
Edwards tells his
champion Josh Jones
of Kris’s Ribière blank, Nige
We’re back with another look
Taylor for a look at his
caught up with Jake
base with BYCAC
55
Joe Turnbull creates a food signal. Comedy Tonight!
59
Carp Food Special
A few members of team Crafty
Splashbaits: Factor VII
will be off to the Last Laugh
We take a look at the Factor VII
comedy club to see our Five-
boilies from Splashbaits.
Minute Interrogation star Steve Shanyaski performing.
CARPERS’ KIT
131
Choosing The Right Rod Dave Springall
It’s the old conundrum that many
99
If you’ve not encountered Mr.
Carpers’ Kit
Shanyaski before, read his
A look at some of the new
interview on page 162 – trust
tackle items hitting the shelves,
us, this dude is funny!
anglers get stuck with – how to
including a closer look at some quality
choose the right rod for them.
stalking gear from Prologic, and Team
COMPETITION WINNERS
Crafty reveal their indispensable
Trakker Competition
138
Is Big Better? Rich Adams
There’s long been a debate about
and family life, then this is the
whether big baits catch the
place to go. Andrew does just the
bigger fish, so we’ve asked Rich
same, and with great success.
Adams to give his opinion.
tackle items from the last month.
105
In Focus Trakker
from Crafty Carper April issue 188
The three winners each receive a Trakker Levelite Bed and Layers Sleeping Bag worth £440.00 each. David Hawksworth, Richmond, Sheffield.
We all know that the British weather
Terry Parsons, Cheam, Surrey.
can throw in some rain at absolutely
Ian Johnstone, Bury, Lancs.
any time, so we take a look at the Downpour Jacket and Trousers and the Aphex Jacket from Trakker.
106
Taska Competition
from Crafty Carper March issue 187
The ten winners each receive a Taska Baseline Terminal Tackle prize pack worth £60.25 each.
In Focus
W. Hickson, Ashford, Kent.
Fox International
Mr P. McDougall, Grimsby, North Lincs.
We got a sneak peek at some of the new Edges range from Fox last month, and now here’s some more – very impressive indeed.
149
Mega Deals Fantastic offers from some of
82
of a result. After the shame
Carp Food
at some of the best bait products
Jack Hudson-
and we touch
Lac Caché and has had a bit CARP FOOD
the biggest and best retailers around.
Eric Sprought, Dagenham, Essex. Tony Morris, Luton, Beds. Daryl Lucas, Bournemouth, Dorset. Liam Benson, Barton-uponHumber, North Lincs. Christopher Cordingly, Coningsby, Lincs. Alan Carruthers, Stanley, Co. Durham. Rob Olford, Gillingham, Kent. Robin Stow, Barrow-uponHumber, North Lincs.
Crafty Carper 006-007_Conts_CC190.indd 2
7 10/05/2013 15:20
RIGS UNDER the SPOTLIGHT
Top carper and product development guru for Fox International, Scott Day, reveals how to construct the perfect in-line lead drop-off setup.
ABOVE Scott is a big fan of solid PVA bags, and often uses his in-line drop-off rig inside a Rapide bag.
S
olid PVA bags play a large part in my carp fishing, hence why I set about developing the
Rapide Load PVA System at the end of 2011. When I stumbled across that way of constructing a PVA bag, it really was a eureka moment, and
This month: In-Line Drop-Off Leads
one that has changed the way that I fish with solid bags, as well as many anglers across the globe. Like most anglers who use solid PVA bags, I prefer to use an in-line lead setup and a lead of 3-4oz. The problem with having a heavy lead on such a short hooklink is that it can cause the lead to work the hook free, and also the lead can be a hindrance when fishing weedy or snaggy venues. I therefore like to eject the lead on the take; however, using the Fox in-line leads with the soft rubber inserts made creating an in-line lead drop-off setup problematic, so once again we set about designing a product specifically for the job. Leader
When using an in-line lead drop-off setup, my preferred leader of choice is the new Camo Leadcore in the Edges ANGLER PROFILE
range. I use the Dark Camo when fishing over dark lakebeds such as silt and debris, and opt for the Light Camo when fishing over weed or gravel. On venues where leadcore is banned, my next choice is Submerge, a lead-free leader, and if I’m tackling
Scott Day Age 36
a venue with a complete leader ban, I use fluorocarbon straight through, naked-style. The beauty of leadcore
Hometown
Northwich Occupation
Product development UK PB
BELOW Here are the
components that Scott uses to construct his rig.
55lb 12oz Favourite venue
Redesmere Rods
Fox Horizon XTK Reels
Fox Stratos FS12000 Mag Alarms
Fox NTXr
24
Crafty Carper
024-025_Rigs_CC190.indd 1
07/05/2013 16:14
Rigs Under the Spotlight
Scott Day
SET UP SCOTTY DAY’S IN-LINE LEAD DROP-OFF RIG
If you’re looking to dump the lead when using an in-line system, then these purpose-designed components make the process a doddle.
1
2
Cut 3-4ft of leadcore and slice an Edges Ring/ Kwik Connector Swivel onto one end.
Next, thread one of the inserts from the Edges In-line Drop-off Kit onto the leader.
4
subtle (well this new stuff is), and also has great camouflage properties. It is very easy to work
Run the leadcore leader around the outside of the lead and then place the insert into the top of the lead.
8
You can then slide one of the tail rubbers supplied in the kit over the insert, should you so wish.
resistant, is fairly
6
Place the grommet and swivel into the wider end of the in-line lead.
7
strong and abrasion-
Take a Fox In-line Flat Pear Lead, remove the insert and cut off the thin tail.
5
Now place the thick grommet over the eye of the swivel on the leader, as shown here.
is that it’s incredibly
3
Attach your chosen hooklink and the inline drop-off setup is ready for action.
“Over the course of the rest of 2012 we decided to take our time and give the system a thorough development period”
with and is something
9
Edges In-line Lead
When the lead ejects you only lose the lead, and retain the other components.
development period (plus we had other
you want to drop the lead immediately
Drop-off Kit
big projects on the go, such as the Supa
on the bite then you would fish the
Way back at the
Brolly). We now have a finished product
kit without the tail rubber – I do this
start of 2012, Fox’s
that really does work a treat, and when
if fishing with very short rigs under
product development
you look at the accompanying sequence
4ins, and/or when fishing amongst
director, Shaun
you will see just how easy it is to use.
weed and snags. However, if I am
McSpadden, and I started playing with
an idea to convert the Fox
fishing with a longer rig without a When to Eject
You don’t always need to eject the
solid PVA bag, maybe a coated braid and Snowman, then I would place
lead, so we have designed the
the tail rubber over the drop-off
that could be ejected on the take. In
system so it can take more
stem. This means that the lead
The Lead Itself
the April of 2012 we were fortunate
pressure for the lead to
will only eject when it comes
As previously mentioned, I tend to use
to fish Rainbow Lake in France, which
release. This is achieved by
leads of 3-4oz when fishing with a
has extreme snags. It was the perfect
simply placing a tail rubber
solid PVA bag, and my preferred lead
venue for testing our new creation,
over the stem. If
is an In-line Flat Pear. These leads are
and we both managed to land 50 carp
fantastic for solid bag work and due to
between us, including 14x 40s, 13x
their shape they offer great resistance
50s, two 60s, one 70-pounder and
for setting the hook, but because of
two over 80lb (one each!). The system
the soft rubber insert they have never
worked a treat but a
lent themselves to creating an in-line
few issues were
lead drop-off. I have therefore had
identified in terms of
always fish with the lead on the leader,
tolerance, etc., and so
which at times has caused me problems
over the course of the rest of
that I could have done without,
2012 we decided to take our
especially on very weedy venues.
time and give it a thorough
in which I have total faith.
in-line leads into something
into contact with a snag, etc., or when more pressure is applied. CC
LEFT A monster common banked during the extensive fieldtesting of the Edges In-line Drop-Off Kit.
Crafty Carper 024-025_Rigs_CC190.indd 2
25 07/05/2013 16:15
MARTIN BOWLER | PART TWO: SPRING INTO SUMMER Now that spring is in full flow, it’s time to take a look at this beautiful season and see what it has to offer to our angling.
C
arp fishing affords many pleasures that cannot
continuing on to the breeding grounds in Scotland. I was
merely be counted in pounds and ounces. Getting
certainly in the right place at the right time, watching it
close to nature is certainly one of these
hover over the lake, trying to get a fix on a roach
and you will, if you keep your eyes open,
whilst being mobbed by angry crows not
be afforded sights few birdwatchers
amused at having to share their air space.
and walkers will ever see, because
Then, as the afternoon arrived and
if you stay in the same place for 24
the wind abated, it made its move,
or 48 hours, the natural world will
wings folded, free-falling towards
come to you. A kingfisher sitting
a flank of silver scales. A spray of
on a rod with its azure blue jacket
water registered the impact and
illuminating even the dullest of days;
momentarily it seemed stranded,
a robin keeping you company – even being bold enough to enter the bivvy; or, in my case, this spring an osprey fishing alongside me for 2 days. Having
bobbing around on the surface, but its Trouble in the sky as an osprey looked for silver fish prey.
migrated from Africa where it had spent the winter, a pit stop was required in the south of England before
majestic movement soon returned, and with a beat of its wings it rose from the lake, exposing talons full of roach sushi. Tea
had been served, to be devoured on top of a distant treeline. A highlight indeed, alongside the carp caught.
MAIN IMAGE The snags are simply a carp magnet.
48
Crafty Carper
048-052_Seasons_CC190.indd 1
02/05/2013 14:19
“A SIMPLE APPROACH
is always the name of the game for me, with
LOCATION the only thing that REALLY CONCERNS ME
when on the bank”
Crafty Carper 048-052_Seasons_CC190.indd 2
49 02/05/2013 14:20
The Finer Points Darrell Peck
D
A
R
R
E
L
L
P
E
C
K
ANGLER PROFILE
Darrell Peck ........................... Age 31 ........................... Hometown
Chelmsford ........................... Occupation
Angling consultant ...........................
This month Darrell takes a close look at some of the more technical points within his angling. We’re sure it will open your eyes to how the mind of this carp-catching machine really works, as it’s the little things that make a big difference.
I
UK PB
65lb 4oz ........................... Favourite venue
North Met Pit ........................... Rods
DF Infinity 12ft 3.75lb ........................... Reels
Daiwa QDX ........................... Alarms
Delkim Tx-i
82
n this article I’m going to go into detail about some
WATCH THE LEAD IN FLIGHT
Even though I have extreme confidence in the anti-
of the finer, more technical
We all know that a tangled rig is
tangle properties of any of my chosen rigs, I still
counterproductive and should be avoided
watch the rig like a hawk during flight, just to be sure.
points within my angling. I’ll try to explain how and why I do
at all costs. When thinking about rig construction,
What I’m looking for is good separation between the
things the way that I do. Some
it’s the anti-tangle properties that are my first
lead and the bait – a bait rotating on a fully extended
of this is my personal opinion,
consideration, quickly followed by the hooked-
rig is generally not tangled. On the other hand, a bait
and some of it is just stuff that
to-landed ratio. This may sound obvious, but it
that is close to the lead can often be tangled and
has served me well over the
seems these days, some believe that a simple well-
would certainly warrant checking, for peace of mind.
years. What I’ll be trying to get
constructed rig that never tangles isn’t enough to
Ever heard of the double plop? This is when you see
across is how I go about things,
outwit the wary modern-day carp. Well, trust me, the
the separate splash of both the lead and bait. This
so I can sit behind motionless
carp don’t care if you’re using the latest wonder rig.
can’t be achieved in all situations, but when spotted
rods knowing for sure that I am
What matters most is that the carp can get at the bait
it gives me unrivalled confidence. Look for it at short
fishing effectively, but most
and the hook is able to catch hold within the mouth.
to medium range, and especially with Zig Rigs.
of all, with total confidence.
Crafty Carper
082-084_Pecky_CC190.indd 1
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The Finer Points Darrell Peck
MARK THE LINE AND USE THE LINE CLIP Whether I have just flicked out or I’ve marked up an area, I always mark my line with soft pole elastic. I do this next to the reel’s clip or where I have trapped the line with my fingers. This enables me to hit the desired area time and time again with the utmost accuracy by simply recasting to a horizon marker. By placing the line behind the clip at the desired range, the distance I can cast is predetermined. I make sure I anticipate the impact and cushion the lead down, which makes for a smooth cast. This tactic can be super-useful when you’re getting multiple bites or returning to the same swim at a later date.
Mark the line.
Use your line clip.
LOSE THE LEAD I would never advocate losing a lead for the sake of it, but when I think it’s beneficial I do so. When fishing near snags or heavy weed, I very lightly nick the tail rubber onto the Hybrid Lead Clip. This setup has always been very effective for me in these situations and the lead is always ejected when necessary. The fish only has to shake its head and the lead comes free. With nothing to pull the fish down, they often rise up in the water, helping me to draw them over and away from any subsurface obstacles.
Whip level with the hookpoint.
Match the hook and bait size.
WHIP LEVEL WITH
I suffered a lot of losses when I
BAIT TO HOOK SIZE
THE HOOK’S POINT
hadn’t whipped far enough down
I’ve found that
For all my rigs and for
and the bait then swung round
matching the hook
I vary the hook pattern when fishing with either a pop-up or bottom bait
as long as I can remember, I have
the shank. I don’t know why this
size to the bait size is key to a rig’s
always done this. I only really use
is, but I assume the bait somehow
mechanical efficiency, and also to
the Wide Gape and Choddy patterns,
impedes the hook, so I always make
my hooked-to-landed ratio. I use
which have a medium length shank.
sure the Hair exits the knot exactly
a Size 6 with 16-20mm baits and
the bait. When Zig fishing I use
I’ve found that when whipping level
opposite the point after it’s been
Size 8 with 12-15mm baits. I vary
a Size 10 or 12 Mixa hook with a
with the point and with the top of
tightened. This works for me on
the hook pattern when fishing with
tiny piece of 8mm foam – it’s all
the bait brushing the bend, I don’t
basic Knotless Knot presentations,
either a pop-up or bottom bait, but
relevant and should
suffer hookpulls, which for me is
using either braid or coated braid,
the actual hook size is dictated by
look like it works.
very important. In my younger days,
straight through with a soft Hair.
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Most Memorable Rich Chapman
ANGLER PROFILE
Richard Chapman
........................... Age 21 ........................... Hometown
Burton-on-Trent ........................... Occupation
Sales Assistant (Mullarkeys Direct) ........................... UK PB
39lb ........................... Favourite venue
Neve Valley syndicate ........................... Rods
Greys Isoflex 12ft 3lb ........................... Reels
Daiwa Tournament ts5000t ........................... Alarms
Chub Neuron T5
RICH CHAPMAN We’ve asked Derbyshire-based carp-chaser Richard Chapman what he recalls as being his most memorable. It’s one that will capture the imagination, as he seeks out a particular fish from a local club water packed with original stock, many of them older than him.
126
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Most Memorable Rich Chapman
W
henever anyone asks me what my most memorable capture is, I always struggle
to choose just one; some that stand out are not really because of the fish, but the strange situations that often coincide with the capture. This one tops the lot though, not only a mad little lake, but a truly awesome fish to boot. Going back a few years, I had just passed my driving test and was looking a little further afield for venues to target with, hopefully, a few bigger carp. Going on a tip-off from a mate, I had purchased a cheap club ticket with the intention of fishing a littleknown water with a low stock of some really old fish. My ultimate target was the Broken Linear, which, in the past, had topped 40lb in weight, although from what I could find out it was normally around mid- to upper30s. Couple this with the fact that it is jet-black and as old as the hills, and it made it a truly worthwhile adversary to pit my wits against. The lake itself is not big, 3-4 acres at most, and relatively shallow. The gin-clear water allowed you to see most of the lakebed, which was tinted green with a carpet-like covering of
LEFT PAGE First fish from the water and my target. Get in!! ABOVE Although small, the water brought its own set of challenges. RIGHT You could find them in the snags, but catching them was another question. BELOW Leadcore was the choice, but I think lead-free Downfall made a massive difference. BOTTOM To my knowledge, nobody else was using the Chod on this water.
silkweed. Clear spots were non-existent and the absence of carp sightings did little to boost the confidence. The only time you really got to see what you were fishing for was when exploring the marginal snags that provided sanctuary for the wily residents. You could get up close and personal
fished a couple of
Time obviously numbed the memory,
with the residents, but fishing for
nights with nothing to
and the next season I decided to go
them would be suicide in those
show for my efforts.
back for round two. On my first session
conditions. It would have to be a
One bank of the lake
I was lucky enough to turn up to see
case of waiting until they ventured
has what can best be
a local angler landing a couple of fish
out into open water and setting
described as wooden
off the surface. They weren’t any of
traps in preparation for their arrival. The first year I had the ticket, I
huts, which are home to a number of locals, and let’s just say they don’t mind a drink or two. One night’s chances were cut short when a couple of them, in a rather intoxicated state, set sail in the club’s boat. The end result was a couple of wet locals, a sunken boat, and any chance of catching well and truly blown, so I packed up in the morning, feeling
the real biggies, but whilst taking the pictures I couldn’t help but notice how dark and stunning they were. I left him to it, congratulating him on a fine piece of angling, and left to get myself set up for the night ahead. I fished close in for the night, but
“it’s slightly slowersinking and more supple, so you can balance out the pop-up and get it to sit on top of even the fluffiest of weed”
rather dejected. On the following session, as soon as I opened the car
once again I woke up with no fish to show for my efforts. I had waded out the baits so knew that presentation wasn’t a problem, it was just a case
that the fish hadn’t paid me a visit. I had a rethink on my tactics whilst
door I could hear music blaring out
I was away from the lake, and decided
from across the lake. Undeterred, I
the only real option was the humble
set up at the ‘quiet’ end of the lake,
Chod. This was before it had become
hoping that the fish would have the
as widely used as it is today and I
same idea, but by the early hours of
don’t think anyone else was using
the morning it was clear they were
it on there at the time, so knowing
partying all night and I’d had enough – I
I could fish anywhere
packed up and vowed never to return!
where anything showed
Crafty Carper 126-128_MostMem_CC190.indd 2
127 29/04/2013 14:50
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