Crafty Carper February 2016

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No.222 February 2016

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February 2016 | Issue 222 | £4.25

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From small waters

Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!

start planning

consistency is key

keep on moving

Prepare for your next campaign Luke Vallory keeps the bait going Stay mobile on the bank and with help from Dave Lane in to succeed all year round be sure to reap the rewards craftycarper.co

On sale 20th January–17th February 2016

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Crafty Carper /// Issue 222 /// February 2016 /// www.craftycarper.co

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On the cover: A stunning small-water beast for Roman Buczynski.

Editorial James Turner Editor James looks at what’s in

store for you in this issue of Crafty

36

St Leonard’s Competition This month we take a look

at a new range of bait which comes

Carper, and gives a rundown on what

15

Keep Mobile, Keep Catching Rich Seeds Sitting on your hands isn’t an easy thing

to do, especially if you’re like Rich and always

with massive plaudits from around the

on the move. Many times a move has resulted

carp-angling world. Are we impressed?

in a capture for him, so find out how he goes

Turn to page 51 to find out.

about chasing carp at this time of the year.

he’s been up to over the past month.

20

Small-Water Syndrome Roman Buczynski

We’re glad to have Roman back in the pages of Crafty, and he doesn’t disappoint with his feature, where he tries to get the best of some wily old carp living in a very quaint abode.

27

Crafty Carper Under-21s Dan Price checks in with his

monthly blog, as he heads over to a Midlands syndicate for a spot of carping.

Kieran Stokes features in our Stories of Success when he finds freedom after passing his driving test. Bring on the carping adventures and road trips!

31

Crafty Catch Column Sponsored by Sticky Baits

This is the place to get your catch pictures published, so send them in to us, and you’re in with the chance of a great prize from those top guys at Sticky Baits.

39

The Wonders Of Winter Ed Skillz

This month’s carping conundrums are answered by our panel of experts.

If you get your question answered, you’ll receive a cracking prize delivered straight to your door.

47

Carp Food Here you’ll find the latest and

greatest products of carpy cuisine on the shelves of a tackle shop near you, as well as the Editor’s Choice of the month, a tip for winter from Rich Adams, and a crafty tip from our man Joe Turnbull.

51

Carp Food Special – DNA Baits

Fluoro baits are extremely popular, and with this in mind, the guys at DNA have put together a vast range of brightly-coloured bait items. Find out more on page 51.

52

Carp Food Special – RG Baits We managed to go behind

the scenes at the bait-making company which is currently making a great name for itself, and find out all about the baits, the set up, and the production process at RG Baits.

10

Planning Ahead Dave Lane Big-carp angler Dave looks at how he

prepares for the season ahead, including venue

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Consistency Is Key Luke Vallory One of the most consistent

catchers of carp in 2015, Luke Vallory

55

Up Your Hookbait Attraction Mitch Smith

Mitch loves to make a tweak or two to

choice, target selection, and everything that

seems to be carrying his rich vein of

his hookbaits at this time of the year,

goes with it. The planning of a campaign isn’t

form into 2016. Here he details how he

in order to get him a few bonus fish on

a simple job, but it pays to be prepared.

achieves such results all year round.

the bank. If you’re looking for something outside the box, then it’s right here.

4

Crafty Carper

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Contents /// February 2016

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61

83

Our resident fishery consultant takes us

you the low-down on what’s hot and

for creating extremely warm, hard-

you want a lot for your outlay, then

into the world of fish grading and the

what’s not. Plus the Crafty Team give

wearing clothing is Snugpak, and the

the 301 series rods on page 94 are

delivery of fish stocks. It’s nowhere near

you their essential items for this month.

coat we take a look at this month

worth a close inspection, as they

is sure to keep you toasty warm.

totally outperform their price tag.

90

96

Fishery Management: Delivery and

Grading David Smith

as simple as you may think; it’s a big old job to undertake, and I’m sure you’ll find this article to be very informative.

66

Carpers’ Kit We take a look at some of the

best products on the market, and give

87

In Focus – Nash The R3 Alarms have been

somewhat of a hit for Nash over the last

The Question Is

year, so we take a closer look at what

This month’s carping

89

In Focus – Snugpak Highly respected within the

outdoors market, and well known

In Focus – Coleman Something a little different

in the review pages this month,

94

In Focus – Wychwood In the market for some

new rods? If the answer is yes and

Creating Winter Success Simon Crow

Simon has had a very fruitful winter this

you can expect from a set if

as we look at an item which could

year, so we tracked him down to find out

conundrums are answered by our panel

you’re on the lookout for

prove to be extremely helpful if

exactly how he managed to put so many

of experts, and if you get your question

some new alarms.

you’re thinking of taking on longer

fish on the mat over the last month or so.

answered, you’ll receive a cracking prize delivered straight to your door.

78

The TicketMaster We’ve got four day ticket

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sessions, or heading over the In Focus – Petzl Renowned for proper outdoors

hardware, Petzl headtorches have always been a much-loved item of

Channel for a carping holiday.

91

In Focus – Avid Carp Avid are releasing some top-

101

Diary Of An Everyday Carp

Angler Julian Cundiff Jules is back, and catches up on his

quality products into the carp-angling

diary after a couple of months of looking

addition to the range boasts a unique

market, and the new Folda-Cradle is

at tactics. There’s plenty of short

and free fishing offers for every reader

reactive lighting function. It impressed

no exception. Carp care is paramount,

sessions and shedloads of fish too.

to take advantage of. Get on it!

me anyway!

so you need the right kit for the job.

fisheries from across the country in

kit for many anglers, and this new

the pages of TicketMaster this month,

92

In Focus – GoodYear Finding a pair of waders

which fit perfectly can

If you want to get your

favourite carp-fishing magazine through your letter box every month, then this is the place to go. Take out

GoodYear haven’t taken

a subscription and you will receive a

are offering a bespoke made-to-measure service for their new Combi-Neo Waders.

load of the amazing Sticky Baits Krill.

110

Inbox Keep up to date with

the latest news and rumblings

In Focus – E-S-P

on the carpy grapevine, and you

Keeping warm and dry

can also get in touch with us.

on the bank is imperative, and with this in mind, we take a close look at the latest offering from

52

Subscribe

be a struggle for some. this matter lightly, and

93

108

E-S-P – their newest Super Grade Jacket and Salopettes combo.

114

Mega Deals Up for a bargain?

Check out some of the best offers from leading retailers.

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SMALL-WATER

SYNDROME R O M A N

B U C Z Y N S K I

We join Roman Buczynski on the bank, as he targeted a small intimate venue in Oxfordshire. It contains some extremely wise old carp which are known to be a little rig-shy.

A

t first light, Roman pulled

contained a phenomenal stock of large

through the main gates at

old carp. Unfortunately, some of those

Croft Fishery, and after driving

larger ones have now passed away,

along the full length of the venue’s

but there’s still a really good number

otter fence, he parked in the small car

of fish in the lake, including seven over

park close to the side of the lake. After

the magical 30lb mark, with the largest

grabbing a jacket and his polarising

tipping the scales to 38lb 12oz.”

sunglasses, he had a wander around the lake to see if he could find some carp.

“I’d never fished this place before,

if you want to reap the rewards.

isn’t the case. Carp in small venues

Shortly after arriving at the lake,

know their environment inside out,

Roman noticed a couple of bubbles

and as soon as you turn up at the lake,

emerge, just a few yards away from

they know they are being fished for.

some dead pads. Although dead pads

It is essential to go with a good plan

offer little in the way of cover at this

At 2 acres in size, you’d think it would be a piece of cake to find a couple of Croft’s jewels, but with a

but live just a couple of miles away,

biting wind blowing across the lake

so I’ve heard a lot about it. The lake

and temperatures set to plummet, it

is steeped in carp-fishing history in

didn’t look too promising. Many anglers

Oxfordshire, and until a few years ago, it

seem to be under the impression that

was an exclusive 2-acre syndicate that

small venues are easy to catch from,

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but more often than not, this simply

On small waters, it’s a good idea to spread the rods and keep your options open.

Crafty Carper

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Small-water Syndrome

Roman Buczynski

Roman watching the water while keeping disturbance to a minimum on such a small venue.

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The Wonders of Winter Ed Skillz

it has happened before to anglers not

from the moon, and I can see the mist

My mind drifts off. Am I that strange to

the fish. I try to follow the line as I drift,

taking precautions. So please be aware

above the water in the light rising up to

enjoy being out, hoping for the one bite

but it disappears into the thick mist. My

of your safety when it comes to winter

the top of the trees. It is wonderful, like a

that will raise my adrenaline level up to

heartbeat quickens further still, and I

angling, and if you do, you will have a

scene from a Hollywood blockbuster, and

dizzy heights, while fighting a stranger

know this might be the only chance I

wonderful time out there, and hopefully

at any moment something could happen.

on the other end of the line? Maybe it’s

get to catch a fish on this overnighter.

enjoy winter fishing as much as I do.

I’m alone at the lake deep in the forest.

because of the fact that I am addicted

Sitting above 52ft of water, it’s fair

It still amazes me that at this wonderful

to that adrenaline rush. I need to catch

game, and there is always a chance of

quiet that I can hear my own heartbeat.

time of the year, not many anglers dare

carp and be out there, no matter what.

losing the fish while playing it. The line

The darkness is lit by a subtle soft tone

come out to endure the long cold nights.

When I don’t go I feel empty, restless,

continues being pulled into the mist

searching for fulfilment but just not

in front of the boat, and being in the

getting it. My lighter flickers from the

middle of thick fog, I become a little

cold while firing up my kettle. A hot cup

disorientated, but I must be somewhere

of tea will ease my mind, I’m sure.

near the middle of the lake.

When out there, it’s often quiet; it’s so

A moment to savour as she powers away in the darkness.

Did I place everything right, or should

I close in, and as I

I have chosen the other side of the

prepare for the end

plateau I’m fishing? It has been quiet

battle, my main

since I placed the rods 6 hours ago.

line goes into

There is no wind and nothing seems to

the deep

be moving down at my swim. At the first

about 6ft

sip of my tea, the answer comes – my

to the

right-hand rod gets a take. The teacup hits the ground as I jump up and make my way to the rod. I grab it and hurry out into my dinghy, and just a little pressure is applied while I drift towards

No words are needed!

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The Wonders of Winter Ed Skillz

left of me. Every inch I gain on the fish

me at the surface. My clutch is ticking,

in the water. I stand in the mist, holding

is countered with a powerful but slow

and when I try to stop her, the rod is

this beautiful carp in the middle of a cold

withdrawal back into the depths. Every

pulled to the side of the boat and I see

winter’s night. I feel on top of the world,

time the fish stops to power up, I try to

my tip disappearing under the water.

and it’s hard to control such a big smile.

bring her up a little further. It seems to be

I give her more line – I have to play

After a few snaps I release her, and watch

working; she must be tired of this game

along – and after a 20-minute cat-and-

her swim away in the moonlight and back

mouse game, she finally gives up. Tired

to the depths. Now the fight is over, I

from her fight, she slides gently over

start to come back down from cloud nine

the net cord, and now it is time for me

and realise just how cold it is. I remember

to see what I have caught. I lean over

I had thrown away my cuppa, so it’s

the boat to grab the net and a beautiful

time to have another tea, and this time

dark mirror looks back at me. I head

actually finish it to get a proper warm-up.

by now. I stare at the water, hoping to see a glimpse of my heavyweight opponent. She is playing me though, and shows me she really isn’t ready to greet

back to base camp, carrying the fish by

In the morning hours, I catch one

holding her in the water close to the

more before I have to pack up and travel

boat. Going back isn’t that easy without

back home. It is this kind of fishing

sight, but after reaching another part

that powers me up before a hard week

of the shore, I know which way to go.

of work. It is this kind of adventure

I pull her out of the water and into

that lets me dream when I’m not out

my cradle to have a better look. What

on the bank, longing for the next

a beautiful fish! This is exactly what I am out here for, and I put on my waders to get a shot of her

chance to chase such beautiful carp.

Don’t dream your whole life – go out there and live your dream. CC

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CREATING S

W I N T E R

96

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S U C C E S S

Crafty Carper

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Creating Winter Success

Simon Crow

W

inter carping isn’t as difficult as many try to make out. Of

Simon is no stranger to catching carp all year round. Here he looks at the key factors to create a successful winter campaign, while ensuring you receive consistent action along the way and slip the net under some much sought-after carp.

course, it’s hard to sit there

through sub-zero temperatures and long dark nights, and stay motivated, waiting for the moment to arrive.

That, however, is the hardest part, because technically, carp fishing in the colder months is mainly about being confident in what you’re doing and staying on top of the fish.

You don’t need to fine-down your rigs, as some anglers talk about, or drop down to minute hooks and miniscule baits. In fact, that sort of advice is really misleading, and can cost you fish if you are in snaggy or weedy situations. I’ve caught carp in all sorts of wintery conditions, including -20°, in snow and under ice, and in my experience, you don’t need to do much different to what you would normally do at other times of the year.

The mind game is the hardest part because you have to sit and wait with hardly any signs to go on. Carp aren’t as active in the winter as they are in the spring, summer and autumn. Of course they have to feed, but they extend as little energy as possible when doing this, and are likely to stay in the same place all winter. That’s why it’s important to know where they over-winter, because a bait fished close to them is always the best possible chance of catching.

BEST AREAS TO LOOK

Past capture information always helps when uncovering the best places to fish at this time of the year. The chances are that the best winter spot is the same year after year. If you can’t find where this is, look towards the snaggy areas, because carp love to feel safe. If there aren’t any on your chosen water, there will be other features to which they will be drawn. These may be in the way of drop-offs, dying lily beds, margins, or even something as simple as varying depth. On heavily pressured waters, the fish may even find an open-water spot to be the safest holding area. This might be right out in the middle of the lake which only the long-range casters can reach.

The lake I’ve been fishing recently is an example I can use here. It’s a fairly big piece of water for North Yorkshire, measuring 11-12 acres. There are plenty of features in the way of bars and overhanging trees, but these get battered week in, week out. The fish aren’t daft, so they avoid the obvious features and hold up in the deep water out in the middle, where they feel safe.

They have been there for several weeks now, and most anglers know it. The lake has therefore

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