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No.226 June 2016
June 2016 | Issue 226 | £4.25
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REVEALS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIGS
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CRAFTY...
On sale 18th May – 21st June 2016
We have the very latest tackle, baits, techniques and tips that will help you catch more fish this weekend.
— GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH DAVE LANE 09/05/2016 14:02
Ba z L loy d
on the
deck With so many anglers using rigs which utilise a buoyant bait, Baz explains how effective it can be to fish straight bottom baits.
10
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On The Deck Baz Lloyd
By using the boat, Baz has managed to see some interesting things in the way the carp feed, and what they feed on.
D
uring the past couple of seasons,
balanced bait. I would like to have played
hard to eat boilies, and if they are
I have been fortunate enough
around with this sort of arrangement,
smashing it up, then by the time they
to be able to use a boat in my
but the tench would just play table
take in the hookbait it will be too late.
fishing. It has allowed me to really
tennis with my rigs, and the bait would
get up close and personal to the carp,
be wafting around all over the place.
to learn and take in their sometimes
I came to the conclusion that the
I have been using The Krill for a few seasons now, and it has helped me greatly to use a bait in which I have so
predictable, and other times random,
best thing to do was to put on a
much confidence. I have been in many
habits. The most common fad of
straight bottom bait. The fish were
scenarios when I know that should I
modern carp fishing is to fish bright
eating my bait, and lots of it, so why
locate the fish, they will feed on the
baits, often popped up off the bottom.
wouldn’t it work? I know that it is nice
spot. Once they get a taste for it, they
It works, and I have caught loads of
to have some element of buoyancy in
will keep coming back, and that is so
fish doing this, but on pressured lakes
the rig to perhaps negate the weight
important, as is using a bait which
it all becomes a little bit predictable.
of the hook, but do you need it?
you know works. It is not like using
I have noticed some crazy things
I believe that if the fish is eating
a bright high-attract hookbait, when
on my current lake. When revisiting
something which it really likes,
the fish just occasionally take out of
a baited area, I’ve found it has been
providing the feeding situation is
instinct and curiosity. This is actually
completely cleared of every morsel
right, it will keep on eating. It takes
relying on the fish feeding on the
of bait, but the hookbaits remain
a lot of effort for a carp to suck in a
freebies, and picking up the hookbait.
untouched. I suppose the done thing
20mm bottom bait. It isn’t like sieving
in this situation is to use something
through small items such as hemp
like to feed the same too. I
a bit more subtle, maybe a wafter or
and pellets – they really have to work
don’t like adding small items
I use bottom baits on the Hair, so I
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11 06/05/2016 18:36
On The Deck Baz Lloyd
The hookholds are always solid, with little chance of them coming out.
to the mix, and only ever mix a couple of sized baits at most. I think it is good to add a bit of confusion and keep the fish second-guessing, but mixing 16mm and 20mm doesn’t require the carp to feed differently. I like to use baits straight out of the bag, or ones which have been glugged with a bit more attraction. The Krill is a soft bait as it is, and when I use freezer baits on the Hair, it is important to mesh them.
Creating a large aggressive curve helps turn the hook when the fish picks up the bait.
“I know that it is nice to have some element of buoyancy in the rig to perhaps negate the weight of the hook, but do you need it?”
I place the bait inside some ladies’ tights, and make sure they are wrapped around tightly. I then tie it off with some bait floss and blob the end with a lighter. This allows me to fish the baits on the Hair with confidence, without worrying that the birds or nuisance fish can affect the presentation. This is another reason for glugging my baits. Once they are glugged and then meshed, the liquid seeps into the mesh so it can hardly be seen. It almost fuses into the material, and holds extra smell around the hookbait. The rig is also important. For a number of reasons, I use a rig which serves all my bottom bait fishing. The first aspect to it is a stiff hooklink. I use the 20lb semi-stiff hooklink, which helps rest the rig should it be
12
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06/05/2016 18:36
On The Deck Baz Lloyd
Glugging the baits adds further attraction, and it fuses into the mesh.
ejected. I then have a large shrink tube kicker (half a stick), and steam it and mould the bottom section around my thumb. This makes a really aggressive curve to help turn
Big leads prevent being done over by the carp, which is something that.
The Krill is a soft bait which needs meshing to ensure it stays bird- and nuisance fish-proof.
the hook every time. I use this in conjunction with a sharp Size 6 wide gape. The hook and the shrink tubing almost make the gape larger, which easily grabs hold of the carp’s mouth. I then have a good centimetre gap from the rig ring to the actual bait, leaving a nice separation. I favour a large mould of putty a centimetre away from the shrink tube too, which helps drag the hookpoint down. Lastly, and very importantly, I actually colour in the hook with one of the Jag pens. With a pop-up or balanced rig, you can often hide the hook with the bait. With a bottom bait,
Baz colours his hooks to make them less obvious.
the hook lies on the bottom, and an out-of-the-pack hook will stand out like a sore thumb. By colouring it in, the hook is no longer visible, which certainly makes a difference when fishing for pressured clear-water carp. I use this arrangement with a large lead of 5oz, which I feel helps make sure that the hook goes in once the fish takes in the bait. Some of the hookholds I have had have been incredible. Very rarely do I see the hook just nicked in the side; it is always slammed tight in the bottom lip. The first time I played around with this arrangement was on this lake a few seasons ago. I found a nice clean gravel spot, where it would have been blatantly obvious to place a pop-up, so I decided to fish with a boilie on the Hair, with 40 or so baits spread around it. Amazingly, the next morning I landed the biggest fish in the lake, which was a new PB of 49lb 1oz. Again, the hookhold was incredible. I have since gone on to catch a few of the real rare ones on this setup, and I am convinced it is due to fishing something subtle but effective. CC
The biggest fish to grace Baz’s net – a 49lb 1oz mirror taken on this setup.
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13 06/05/2016 18:36
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E L L I S
B R A Z I E R
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DEPTHS A must read guide to catching in deep water
IAIN MACMILLAN
Shows his slick approach to PVA bagging techniques.
DAVE LANE
PLUS FEATURES FROM
Simon Crow Dave talks post-spawning tactics and how to catch.
Joe Turnbull Julian Cundiff
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The competition is open to UK and European entrants only. The winners will be selected at random and will be notified within 28 days of the closing date. No cash alternative available.
TERABITE BED Here’s a fantastic opportunity for eight lucky entrants to win one of Avid Carp’s awesome Terabite Bedchairs. This is a very well-padded bedchair which folds out to be entirely flat, which ensures maximum comfort on the bank. It features a handwheel system so it can be used as a traditional-style bedchair, or the headrest can be slightly elevated if an entirely flat bed isn’t to your liking. The threelegged design gives great support and helps to make this bedchair a pleasure to use with its high levels of comfort. Each individual leg features Avid’s trademark ROCK-STEADY leg locking system, which not only looks the part, but is also incredibly efficient and practical. It stops the adjusted legs from slipping, and keeps the bedchair level. This clever system works by cutting down the amount of rocking on the internal leg, which can be a big issue on other adjustable designs. The frame of the bedchair is finished with a stealthy matt-black finish, and is complemented by the olive green canvas mattress, which features a fleeced section to add to the incredible comfort already on offer. As can be expected with a bedchair of this standard, it comes complete with nonslip mud feet which will sit level on the ground for maximum stability, reducing the risk of the bedchair moving in slippery conditions or when on soft ground. The Terabite Bedchair is really quick and easy to use, and is a more than adequate choice for all anglers who require a great night’s sleep.
START DATE: 12/5/16 – END DATE: 20/6/16
16
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09/05/2016 12:45
T
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Crafty Carper 016-017_Avid_Comp_CC226_V2.indd 2
17 09/05/2016 12:45
W I T TE RONALD DE
PICTURE
Dutch carper Ronald De Witte is a dab hand with a camera. You only have to look through his social media page to see the quality and stunning photos he takes when he’s on the bank, or just outdoors, so here are a few pointers for getting the perfect shot.
With the correct equipment, settings, and knowledge, you can achieve stunning shots.
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Picture Perfect
Ronald De Witte
I
t seems that photography is becoming very important in our hobby. I get asked many questions
about it and the working of the camera, which camera, which lens, etc., so I will try to give a little explanation and, of course, the difference in the photographs, and hope I can answer the most frequently asked questions. Firstly, I want to tell you something about myself and my passion, which I call the hobby in a hobby. I’m a carp angler and a photographer, and you will mostly find me in the woods or around a body of water, taking shots of wildlife or carp. One of my favourites is the kingfisher. I think most anglers love this bird; the kingfisher is the best fisherman I know, and it’s such a fascinating bird to follow. All anglers I know are enthusiastic if they see this little fella sitting on the top of their rod, but photographing this shy bird is a different story. Sometimes it works, but most times, you go to get the camera and it’s too late. Now let’s look at the equipment I use. My camera is the Nikon D7200, which isn’t a full-frame one. I don’t want this because I photograph the wildlife, so I need the crop of 1.4x. I use a Tamron 17-55 F2.8 for the man/ fish pics, and use this on 35mm. For the wildlife, I’ve got the Sigma 500mm F4.5, so let’s see how this works. HOW DOES A CAMERA WORK? To try to put things simply, you could compare a camera to our own eyes. We see things when light enters the eye, which enters through the transparent cornea. It then passes through the opening in the iris – the pupil – which ensures that the right amount of light is transmitted. The pupil narrows in light and becomes wider when it is dark. Then the light passes through the lens. This structure ensures that the image is projected sharply on the retina, which is composed of millions of lightsensitive cells. This catches the light and makes sure that the light image is converted into electrical energy. This electric signal is transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain. The camera is built up a little differently, but the operation is almost the same. So basically, there is: Object – lens – aperture – shutter – sensor – processor – jpg/RAW (photo). APERTURE (F NUMBER) The aperture (F) is actually the pupil of the camera. If lighting is poor, it will be wide open and large (the F number is now the lowest), and when there is a lot of light, it will be a small pupil (the F number increases). However, the aperture does more than our pupil; in fact, it also controls
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37 09/05/2016 10:12
Picture Perfect Ronald De Witte
“THIS STRUCTURE ENSURES THAT THE IMAGE IS PROJECTED SHARPLY ON THE RETINA, WHICH IS COMPOSED OF MILLIONS OF LIGHTSENSITIVE CELLS”
We spend a lot of time trying to catch our targets, so capture the moment with a crisp photo.
the depth of field, so the higher the F number, the sharper the background. Below is an example of this, and the difference between F2.8 and F8. It’s
It’s not always as simple as point and shoot. Sometimes I have to wait for hours and be stealthy.
also different when you use telephoto lenses, because with these lenses, the sharpness line is much narrower. SHUTTER SPEED (INDICATED WITH X OR X/XX) Shutter speed is also important. The more light (the smaller the F number), the higher the shutter speed will be. When the shutter speed is too low, and when you see some movement (a bird or something similar), the picture is often blurred and won’t be as sharp. Sometimes this is the intention, but you need to work from a tripod. Think about the sky full of stars. Normally, I imagine the length of the lens is the minimum shutter speed, although it
doable if there is sufficient light.
doesn’t mean that this is the perfect
When the light is a problem and you
speed. For example, when I’m shooting
can’t make it, you have to open the
with my 500mm telephoto lens, I try
aperture or set the ISO higher.
to get the 1/500 shutter speed for the
On my (Nikon) camera, the setting
best picture hand-held shooting. And
I use the most for the shutter speed
when I use 35mm, I have a minimum
is the A-mode (for Canon cameras
shutter speed of 1/35 to hand-held
this is the AV mode). In short, first
shooting. Ideally you want to have the speed as quick as possible to avoid this movement, but this is only
38
Here you can see how the image changes, depending on the settings of the camera.
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Picture Perfect
Ronald De Witte
LOW - ISO
HIGH - ISO
AF-S = This is what I use when photographing static subjects. AF-C = Continuous autofocus, which is used for moving subjects (e.g. Above: Here you can see how the aperture differentiates, depending on the number at which it is set.
sports, or flying or moving animals). I use the AF-C the most, but
Left: By keeping the ISO lower, the photo is less grainy, making it clear and crisp without any noise.
that’s because I often do nature photography, and for that I need this. Actually, my camera is pretty much
decide how you want to put your
step doubles the shutter speed, but
I normally try to keep it around ISO
always in this position. It’s rare for
subject in the photo. Set the
at the same time increases the grain
200, as this is normally suited to
me to change it because it suits my
aperture (F) in there, and then
size, which actually adds more noise.
the conditions in which I shoot.
photography perfectly. For stationary
check the shutter speed to see if it
This is something you need to watch
is possible for hand-held shooting.
to make sure that it isn’t too grainy.
FOCUS
points, which I will talk about in the
If this isn’t the case, use a tripod.
Certainly, the dark parts of the photo
Most cameras have two focus modes:
second instalment, along with lenses,
will be grainy with a (too) high ISO.
Manual Focus (MF) and Auto Focus
manual mode (M) (often loved by
(AF). Manual focus is something I use
fishermen), composition, and more.
ISO
My rule is to use the lowest
objects, I often play with the focus
Besides the shutter speed and
possible ISO. Most cameras set rather
only very occasionally. Auto Focus is on
aperture, there is one element
high ISO on the automatic mode,
the menu (Nikon), with three options,
learn about photography, as with all
(which is often forgotten) on a digital
which is done to increase the shutter
and here is how I use that setting.
things, but practice makes perfect.
camera that affects exposure. This is
speed, but it doesn’t benefit the
the ISO value, which indicates how
photo. Most of the time, high ISO
AF-A = The camera automatically
your settings, and experimenting to
fast the sensor reacts to the light
can be used so it stays acceptable,
detects whether it should be focused
get the images how you like them. CC
falling on it through the lens. A low
but I never go higher than ISO 1250.
on a moving or static subject.
There is always plenty more to
It’s always worth playing around with
I’ve spent many hours next to water to specifically get the right photo of these stunning birds.
The classic shot – a kingfisher sitting on my rod tip. They sure are camera-shy creatures.
Once you understand and grasp the settings, it opens up a whole new hobby in itself. Left: Perfectly in focus; my reels are sharp and crisp, while the background has been blurred.
value (50 or 100) indicates that it takes a relatively long time to take a picture. A higher ISO value (e.g. 400, 800 or 1600) indicates that it takes relatively short time to take a picture. However, how long it takes exactly depends on the aperture and the amount of light present. A higher ISO can make ‘noise’ in the picture. Each step up is one
Here’s a stunning old mirror I caught in the winter, all in focus, crisp and clear. Perfect.
stop, which means more light. Each
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Crafty Carper /// Issue 226 /// June 2016 /// www.craftycarper.co
7
Editorial – Steve Broad
On the cover: This awesome common fell to Ed Betteridge’s spodding tactics.
This month, editor Steve
Broad has been on the banks
16
of the famous Birch Grove, a
93
Avid Carp Competition This is your chance to win one
of the eight bedchairs we’ve got to give
Breaking The Mould
truly special venue with some
– Josh Rowbotham
incredible fish, and reveals
We caught up with Midlands-based
away, courtesy of the guys at Avid Carp.
angler Josh Rowbotham, to show you how choosing an underrated method can produce more bites.
how he got on with his trips.
10
On The Decks – Baz Lloyd
Going against the growing trend of using pop-ups or wafters, Baz
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Lloyd shows us his bottom bait
CH > MASTER THE METHOD AND CAT
rig and why presenting a bait on the bottom can be so effective.
19
ShallowWater Carping
– Nick Burrage After Nick’s recent trip to
craftyca rper.co
No.226 June 2016
Brocard Large in France, he reveals how tackling a very shallow water can produce large quantities of bites.
June 2016 | Issue 226 | £4.25
24
The Rig Mechanic – Ellis Brazier
In the final part of Ellis’ miniseries, he shows us how to tie an awesome surface bait alternative, which is well worth a read if you’re a surface-fishing fan.
29
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
Mastering The Margins
– Alex Shields On a venue where the odds
ED BETTERIDGE
PERFECT SPODDING MADE EASY
can be stacked against you, Alex shows how his highly effective approach has accounted for numerous big fish from his Essex syndicate.
36 TOM MORRISON
REVEALS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIGS
LEARN HOW TO
PE RF EC T With Ronald De Witte craftycarper.co
PL US
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CRAFTY...
2016 On sale 18th May – 21st June
techniques and We have the very latest tackle, baits, fish this weekend. tips that will help you catch more
WIT H DAV E LAN E — GET REA DY FOR SU MM ER
09/05/2016 14:02
001_Cover_CC226.indd 1
99
The Forgotten Art – Ed Betteridge
With so many anglers afraid of whipping the swim to a foam, Ed
42
The Summer Approach – Dave Lane
The change in the weather means
Betteridge shows why using marker
a change of tactics for Dave, and
and spod rods correctly will help put
he shows us how he adapts his
more fish on the bank for you.
fishing at this time of year.
4
Crafty Carper
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09/05/2016 14:13
Picture Perfect
54 Subscription Offer Avid
– Ronald De Witte
There’s nothing worse than
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June 2016 | Issue 226 | £4.25
THE RIG - THAT -
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LEARN HOW TO
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REVEALS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIGS
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CRAFTY...
On sale 20th April –17th May 2016
With Ronald De Witte
On sale 18th May – 21st June 2016
We have the very latest tackle, baits, techniques and tips that will help you catch more fish this weekend.
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CHG E NI N Y A FR H A IS LID F O H
No.226 June 2016
the photos haven’t come
N WI No.225 May 2016
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— A CARP’S EYE VIEW OF THE UNDERWATER WORLD — READY FOR SUMMER WITH DAVE LANE PLUS — GET
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11/04/2016 15:28
09/05/2016 14:02
EVERYTHING YOU COULD
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR ZIG FISHING We’ve put together a fantastic Zig package in conjunction with the guys at Avid, which is everything you need to catch fish feeding in the upper layers. They can be caught from here at all times of the year, so Zig fishing is truly a tactic that you need to master, and here is the ideal bundle to get you going – you even get a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes. We strongly advise giving Zigs a go during the warmer months. They can be a deadly tactic when fished as over-depth Zigs, and a static surface bait can be much more effective, instead of a controller float, whilst trickling floaters in over the top using a Surface Spod. In the package there
brilliant piece on how to achieve better trophy shots.
POSSIBLY NEED FOR ZIG FISHING
is a selection of Ziglites in different colours to choose for hookbaits, different-sized hooks to suit your angling situations, and a Zig Box to ensure that once you’ve finished tying up the Zigs, you can keep them safely stored – plus much more.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: • • • • • • • • • • •
12 issues of Crafty Carper £51 Avid Black Baseball Cap £6.99 Two Tone Zig-Line 10lb £4.99 Avid Carp Tail Rubber Long £2.99 Avid Carp Zig Clips £3.50 Avid Zig Grub Kit £2.49 Avid Carp Ziglites 10mm Black/Green £3.49 Avid Carp Ziglites 10mm Black/Orange £3.49 Avid Carp Ziglite Barrels 12mm White £3.49 Avid Carp Ziglite Barrels 12mm Orange £3.49 Avid Carp Reaction Hooks Wide Barbed Size 8 £5.25 • Avid Carp Reaction Hooks Wide Barbed Size 10 £5.25 • Avid Carp Zig Box £14.99 • Avid Carp PVA Transfer Tape £4.50 • Avid Carp Swivel Size 8 £2.99 • Avid Carp Surface Spod £7.99
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Tom Morrison
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feeding fish, and Crafty editorial staff writer Tom Morrison explains how his overdepth Zig approach can bank you more fish this summer.
54
Crafty Carper
Crafty Carper
69
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Carp Food This month, editor Steve
Broad shows us Crafty Catcher’s
105
The Great Crafty Debate
Hemp Oil and Sticky Baits’
summer finally here, how
Signature pop-ups, as well as a
does your fishing mindset
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look at Velocity PNut+, Nash’s
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56
The Question Is Ellis Brazier, John
Kneebone, Julian Cundiff, Bev Clifford and Rich Adams answer questions sent in by Crafty readers, ranging from why and when to use backleads, to whether carp eat other fish.
64
CC Under-21s Between a busy
exam schedule, BYCAC champ Dan Price managed to get
bait packs, plus much more.
55 09/05/2016 14:06
We ask our experts: With
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Nuts About Nuts - Steve Broad
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The TicketMaster There are three
Steve Broad takes a look at a variety of different nutty
great venues featured this
hookbaits which are readily
month: Stoke-on-Trent’s
available in the supermarket,
awesome Millbrook Fisheries, Diggerlakes in the southwest, and Leicestershire’s Old Hall Farm. Be sure to take advantage of the free fishing on offer in this issue of TicketMaster.
83
Carpers’ Kit We take a look at
out on the bank for short
what’s new in the world of
day sessions, and Brandon
tackle, including the CaddyCell
Butler recalls a recent visit
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to Blue Pool, where the
STERI-7, Chub’s new RS-Plus
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Contents /// June 2016
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Catch Column Sponsored
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121
The World Of Overnighters
- Julian Cundiff Julian Cundiff explains how he
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Why go to France when you can visit
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LINEAR FISHERIES, NEAR WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE, OX29 7QF 09/05/2016 14:14
The
Fish for FREE and catch with the help of Crafty Carper NEED TO KNOW:
Bailiff’s Tip: Fish for a bite at a time, and Zigs and margin tactics work really well. The fish spend the day moving around the lake into the various bays, so a mobile approach can pay off, although you’ll never be too far away from the fish.
Tickets: Day, night and 24hr
tickets available. Prices: Day – £5; night – £10; 24hrs – £15. Main rules: Barbless and micro-barbed
hooks only; maximum three rods; all anglers must have a valid EA rod licence; unhooking mats must be used. Facilities: Accessible parking; toilet. Address: Newtown Linford
Lane, Groby, Leicestershire. Website: Facebook.com/oldhallfarm2016
EAST MIDLANDS
marginal snags, which
which is ideal whether you
are real hot spots to
just want to do a midweek
fish. The great thing
overnight session, or spend
about this venue is that
a quiet day in the summer
there are still some
sun. Since being taken
surprising fish to be
over by new management
caught, with recent captures which
earlier in the year, continued efforts
haven’t been seen for several years,
to improve the fishery have certainly
Leicestershire
and are still gaining weight. The
been noticed, with plans to continue
Located in the heart of Leicestershire,
fishery offers tickets for days, nights
its development to turn it into a
just outside the quiet village of Groby,
and 24-hour sessions onwards,
truly special day ticket water.
Lake 3, Old Hall Farm
is Old Hall Farm. This fishery is easily accessible, being just a stone’s throw from the A46. Lake 3 at Old Hall Farm is a beautiful water which is well matured, with quiet bays with overhanging
SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHER
To be redeemed at:
Lake 3, Old Hall Farm Leicestershire This voucher entitles the bearer to 24 hours’ free fishing with any 24-hour ticket purchased.
trees and a large island in the middle of the far end. It is the out-and-out
Angler signature
carp venue of the complex with fish to above 25lb, which includes two 20lb+ ghost carp. The lake is around 4½ acres
Bailiff signature
in size and is perfect for all styles of angling, with the fish being very partial to Zigs and surface baits. You can often see the fish moving around the lake and getting into the various bays and
Tickets are only redeemable Monday-Thursday. This offer is valid until 21/06/2016. Offer restricted to one ticket per person. Excludes bank holidays.
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The TicketMaster Team Crafty Carper
SOUTHWEST
too, which makes it a brilliant
enough, there are also several
into a stunning 3.8-acre reed-lined
place to get a bend in the rod
bars, gullies and other features
pool, with carp up to an astonishing
and catch good-sized fish. Ben
to target, which all produce fish,
33lb. There are a whole variety of
Devon
Gratwicke, the fishery manager
and there are approximately 160
purpose-built features, including an
The waters at Diggerlakes
at Diggerlakes, hand-picked the
fish to 35lb and two other 30s to
island in front of every swim, pads,
offer a wide variety of angling
stock from some of the best fish
be caught. Persey’s Pool was dug
and underwater features, which
styles for modern carp
farms around to give the venue a
in 2011 and has now developed
gives anglers plenty to think about.
anglers. There are two lakes
great variety of strains, and there
to choose from, Persey’s Pool
are some truly stunning carp to
and Snail’s Lake, which are
be caught. Snail’s Lake is 5 acres
NEED TO KNOW:
seeds, beans or pulses; no sacking of
set in the countryside of the
in size and features plenty of
Tickets: Day and 24 hours.
fish; no dogs; minimum 12lb mono.
Culm Valley, with fantastic
islands, channels and bays; each
Prices: Adult £10; junior £8; 24
Address: Diggerlakes, Verbeer
scenery and great features.
swim has a selection of features
hours – adult £20; junior £18.
Manor, Willand, Cullompton,
The fish in these lakes run
to fish to, so you aren’t short
Main rules: Two-rod maximum;
Devon EX15 2PE.
to over 35lb, and there are
of choices, and this adds to the
barbed hooks only; every angler
Contact: 07733 223417.
backup 30-pounders and a
peaceful atmosphere. If all the
must have a large unhooking mat
Email: ben@diggerlakes.co.uk
great head of 20s to be had
obvious visible features wasn’t
and 42ins landing net; no nuts,
Website: www.diggerlakes.co.uk
Diggerlakes, Devon
SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHER
To be redeemed at:
Diggerlakes Devon This voucher entitles the bearer to 24 hours’ free fishing with any 24-hour ticket purchased. Angler signature
Bailiff signature
Tickets are only redeemable Monday-Thursday. This offer is valid until 21/06/2016. Offer restricted to one ticket per person. Excludes bank holidays.
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The TicketMaster Team Crafty Carper
NEED TO KNOW: Tickets: £25 per 24hr session
(10.00 a.m.-10.00 a.m.) (longer sessions can be booked if required). Prices: £25 per 24hr session;
exclusive booking £1,600 (eight anglers) per week. Main rules: Barbed hooks only;
two-rod limit; no under-16s; 12lb line minimum; strictly no leadcore; no guests; Zig Rigs are not allowed; no nuts or particles. *Please read full list of rules online* Facilities: Accessible parking;
clean toilet and shower block. Address: Heather Lodge, Cocknage
Road, Rough Close, Stoke-onTrent, Staffordshire ST3 7NN. Website millbrookfisheries.co.uk
are all wood-chipped, which adds to the comfort and feel, plus there is the added security of infrared CCTV all the way around the fishery, and an electric otter fence to protect the prized stock.
STAFFORDSHIRE
the northwest and a great asset
3-5lb in previous years. There
The lake features two islands,
to the area. It’s a great up-and-
are some lovely scaly mirrors and
which gives anglers plenty of
coming venue and one to keep
big shouldered commons to be
options, and allows access to the
Stoke-on-Trent
an eye on. The stunning 4.5-acre
caught too, and between 60 and
islands from every swim (check
Located in the beautiful
lake is set in 8.4 acres of land,
70 of these should be over the
out each swim on the swim map).
village of Wetley Rocks in
and is stocked with over 200
20lb mark by the end of 2016.
As with most mill ponds, the
Stoke-on-Trent is Millbrook
fish from some of the UK’s best
The lake was originally a true old
lakebed is flat and silty in most
Fisheries. The location is
and most well-known fish farms
mill pond and has been completely
places, with depths ranging from
easily accessible, being a
such as Mark Simmonds’ Fisher
renovated, with a properly surfaced
4-7ft, and the margins shouldn’t
mere 8 miles from Stoke and
Pond strain, which range in size
path all the way around the lake,
be ignored, with captures being
only an hour and a half’s
from 8lb up to 29lb. These fish
great disabled access, excellent
recorded on a regular basis.
drive from Manchester. This
are known for impressive weight
shower and toilet facilities, and
With the impressive stock,
makes it a great venue for
gain and have already averaged
immaculately kept swims. These
cleanliness and easy access, this
Millbrook Fisheries
angler-friendly fishery is a great all-year-round venue. There’s always a good chance to get a bend in the rod, and with such good-quality fish, we’re sure that Millbrook Fisheries will go from strength to strength, and could easily soon become one of the country’s top fisheries.
SPECIAL OFFER VOUCHER
To be redeemed at:
Millbrook Fisheries Staffordshire
This voucher entitles the bearer to 24 hours’ free fishing with any 24-hour ticket purchased. Angler signature
Bailiff signature
Tickets are only redeemable Monday-Thursday. This offer is valid until 21/06/2016. Offer restricted to one ticket per person. Excludes bank holidays.
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