Carpworld April 2013

WIN A BRAND NEW TRAKKER LEVELITE BED AND SLEEPING BAG WORTH £440

ISSUE 271 / APRIL 2013 / MONTHLY £4.50

BIG NAMES

ISSUE 271 APRIL 2013

MIKE KAVANAGH

CAMPAIGN PLANNING

PAUL FORWARD MARK HOLMES NICK HELLEUR TIM PAISLEY

Korda’s Neil Spooner proves that being organised is the key to success

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST CARP-ANGLING MAGAZINE

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THE SUPPLE MENT

FOR THE INT E R N AT I O

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ISSUE 114 April 2013

GIANT WA TERS P20 4 Ger man ace Max Noll er t on tack ling Euro pe’s vas CATCH REP t inla nd sea s ORTS B EASTS OF B AVA R I A

SPRINGING

INTO ACTIO N

CARP ANGLING AROUND THE WORLD TACKLING THE BIG WATERS OF EUROPE WITH MAX NOLLERT / ANGLING INTERNATIONAL STEVE BRIGGS BANKS ANOTHER 50 / BELGIAN BEAUTIES WITH GEERT OOMES

P181 All the very lates t and best big-c P190 Steve Brigg arp captu res s has caug ht 50-po unde rs from aroun d from seven dif the world feren t coun tries – here’ s the latest ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 196 IN FOC US: ANGLIN G I N T E R N AT I O 179_ICCover_CW2 NAL 71.indd 1

P199 Solar ’s Geer t Oom s on the hunt for old warri ors from Belgi an wate rs • 210 OVER SEAS DIRECT ORY 21/03/2013 11:47

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Contents

The Carpworld Contents / Issue 271 / April 2013

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Top 20 Carp Captures Simon Crow The weather may have put all but the most hardy anglers off, but for those who have been on the bank, there have been some crackers out, including the UK’s largest fish.

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Think Tank Dave Magalhaes, Phil Hatton, Mark Pitchers and Steve Lilly look at what sort of differences there are between their long- and short-range angling setups.

ON THE COVER Neil Spooner with a cracker of a fish that proves proper planning is vitally important. (See P52).

REGULARS

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Editor’s Comment Steve Broad Steve’s first month as editor has been busy, especially with a weekend spent at Carpin’ On, so just what has he filled his time with?

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Gazette We bring you up to date with all the news and views from around the world of carp angling.

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Bait World Joe Turnbull It’s a packed Bait World this month with a close-up look at all the new bait from Nash and Richworth, plus lots, lots more!

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Historic Carp Waters Chris Ball In its time, Cheshire’s Big Moor Fishery had catches almost equalling those of the mighty Redmire Pool, which put it on the top rung of the carp-fishing ladder.

FEATURES

18

44

Nurture The Passion Adam Clewer How deep does your passion for carp angling run? Adam Clewer looks at how his outlook on life affects his angling.

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Rig World Mike Kavanagh Mike takes his regular look at the world of rigs. Not only does he look at some great rig-making gear, he’s also had a chat with Sean Leverett, who talks of his time on the bank.

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52

The Stars of Star Lane Neil Spooner Neil relates the story behind the time he’s spent at Star Lane Fishery, which nestles deep in the marshes on the coast of Essex, and is home to some very special fish.

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Ask The Experts John Kneebone and Matt Eaton answer questions from readers on when to change your baits and whether adding additives to a bait will spoil it.

Open Access Waters Simon Crow Crowy takes a look at the popular Birds Green Fishery in Essex, as well as a selection of day ticket waters close by.

Frank Warwick on Long-Range Fishing Frank Warwick Frank Warwick has mastered the art of long-range fishing.

It’s all down to technique and the correct use of equipment, as Frank explains.

Carping Allegedly Bill Cottam Bill looks at fame and fortune, slack lines, and why he likes a bit of cream. Add a decent dose of his off-thewall humour and we have a must-read feature – again!

A Season In The Valley Richard Chapman We welcome aboard Richard and he relives his successes and failures on a syndicate water on the banks of the River Nene.

F Word Paul Forward The weather has hit Paul really hard, so it’s been hit-and-run sessions for him. Have they worked? Well, he’s had a couple, so it can’t be all bad news!

The Baiting Game Terry Dempsey In part one of this two-part feature, Terry reveals his baiting secrets and explains the strategies behind his approach.

The Great Bait Debate, Part Two Mark Holmes Mark discusses how he’s applied the knowledge he’s gained on bait to get that all-important edge as the carp begin to move around in the spring sun.

Spring, The Best of the Seasons Nick Helleur What’s your favourite season?

For Nick it’s spring, and here he reveals why as he recounts some of his memorable adventures.

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CHECK OUT OUR SUBS OF F ER ON PAGE 132

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Carp In Focus Here’s your chance to win prizes and all you’ve got to do is send us your favourite pictures. Simples!

158

Retreat Lake Competition You could win a week on a private lake, with accommodation, hidden away from civilisation in northwest France.

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115

Six Of The Best, Part One Matt Ridley In the first instalment of this twopart tale, Matt reveals just how he managed to tempt some of the country’s most iconic carp.

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My Way Roy Russell As a carp angler with over 30 years’ experience under his belt, Roy knows a thing or two – and he’s happy to share that knowledge with us.

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The Show Must Go On Tim Paisley If we told you that over £2,726,000’ worth of carp had been lost to predators in Yorkshire alone, would your ears prick up? Well, the facts speak for themselves!

TACKLE AND BAIT

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How Do They Do That?

Century A throwing stick is just a bit of plastic, right? Wrong! Read this and find out just what’s gone into Century’s new range that is set to be a worldbeater.

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Tackle World In our new-look tackle section there’s eight pages of everything, from Wychwood reels to JRC rods, Nash Zig Bugs to Trakker bedchairs.

IN INTERNATIONAL CARPER Our 36-page International Carper magazine is packed with features from around the world. This month we bring you all the news and catch reports in our regular Echoes From Around The World, plus, Steve Briggs takes a trip to tackle The Beasts of Bavaria at a lake which instils feelings of peace and tranquillity – until the alarms sound, that is! Then, there’s a look at fishing in Germany in spring

by Geert Oomes as he tackles an eight-week intensive campaign on a lake packed with aged warriors.

There’s also part one of a two-part feature by Max Nollert who says,

UP FOR GRABS

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Trakker Competition Here’s your chance to win a Trakker Levelite Bed, and a fantastic Layers Sleeping bag too.

“Carp hunting is surely not the most important thing in life, but for many people it is the most beautiful!” Finish all that off with a look at two holiday venues from Angling International, and there’s something for everyone.

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GAZETTE

The Carpworld Gazette / Issue 271 / April 2013

Carpin4Heroes Adds To the Competition

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arpin4Heroes is now in its fifth year as it continues to raise money for Help For Heroes. Set to be held on 17th-19th May on Great Linford Lakes, Milton Keynes, where participating anglers pay £40 for the fishing, the event is started off with a hog roast and a charity auction, compèred by Jon Bannister, on the Friday night. Although entry to fish the event is now full, the Carpin4Heroes team is introducing exhibition stands, where Team Crafty and Carpworld will be present alongside the likes of Hardy

                 

US JOIN th T 18 ON SA OUR FOR R E FAI TRAD

Now in its 5th year this charity event to raise money through the sport of carp angling just gets better and better... Alongside the fishing match there will also be: Talks by Terry Dempsey, Nick Burrage and Jerry Hammond  Charity Auction  Hog Roast  Raffle  Presentation by Julian Cundiff This is a great event for an even greater cause so if you fancy a good day out in support of our wounded troops then please come along. If you can’t make the event you can still show your support by visiting the website to make a donation or purchase official merchandise

MAIN SPONSORS

www.carpin4heroes.co.uK

FRIday 17th – Sunday 19th May 2013

Great Linford Lakes, Newport Pagnell

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 Put MK14

5AH in your sat Nav

 OPEN 9AM - 5PM

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& Greys, Poacher Baits, Korda, Mad Baits, Nash, DNA and PB Products, Taska, Continental Carping and Deliverance Bait Boats, so there will be loads to see! The trade fair will open on the Saturday, and will include angling stars such as Nick Burrage and Terry Dempsey, who will be giving a talk on

the Saturday night. Gary Bayes (not yet confirmed) and Jerry Hammond are also expected to take to the stage for a Question and Answer session, and Crafty contributor Julian Cundiff will be returning to present the trophies and prizes, to close the event on the Sunday morning.

There will also be a raffle, with some great prizes up for grabs because the event is receiving more and more support year on year from the angling trade.

The captor of the biggest fish from the event will win a oneoff drawing from the event’s official artist – take a look at his

website at www.tcart.co.uk The Carpin4Heroes team thank the anglers entering the event, and the many companies who donate prizes.

“This is a great event for an even greater cause, so if you fancy a good day out in support of our wounded troops, then please come along. If you can’t make the event you can still show your support by visiting the website to make a donation or purchase official merchandise.”

For further info on the event head over to the website www. carpin4heroes.co.uk which also features a short film paying tribute to Help For Heroes.

Hi-tech Venue Set to Open

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new state-of-the-art fishery called Frail Pool, set in the Northamptonshire countryside, will soon be opening its gates to the public. The 6-acre water, which contains roughly 200 carp to over 50lb, is set to become the first venue to remove the guesswork when it comes to fish location.

Each one of the stock has been chipped and anglers buying a new app, imaginatively called Fish Finder, which will be included in the day ticket price, will be able to track each individual fish, thanks to a GPS system.

In the fishery lodge there will also be a large monitor where you’ll be able to follow each individual specimen’s progress around the lake.

The fishery owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told Carpworld: “My team and I understand how precious time has become, and realise that not every angler has several days at their disposal to track down their target fish. So in an effort to make the whole fishing experience easier and more rewarding we’ve introduced the

GPS system that can be accessed via the Fish Finder app on your mobile phone.”

Frail Pool will be opening in the early part of April and ticket prices are expected to be £50 for 24 hours, which also includes access to the new system. For more information keep an eye out for Frail Pool’s new website, which is set to be launched in the next few days.

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Taska Add To the Team

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aska have announced the introduction of some new European anglers to their consultancy team.

Taska’s recent partnership with distributors Big Fish has brought Taska to the Italian carp market, and has attracted the attentions of Italian anglers Ivan Battisti and Matteo Tecchi. Both boiler technician Ivan, and finance worker Matteo, are said to have been very impressed by the innovation and quality of the Taska products.

These signings were closely followed by the acquisition of Belgian ace Dennis Hellings.

Already a consultant for Sticky Baits Belgium, Dennis is well known among the carping scene in his native country, and has a string of impressive captures to his name, with a PB of 67lb 7oz. Dennis regularly targets the 50lb fish found in the local rivers, but also

Dave Chilton and the Knot with No Name At Carpin’ On 2013 Kryston founder Dave Chilton Dennis Hellings is one of Taska’s recent signings, and is looking forward to working with the brand.

ABOVE

enjoys targeting big lakes, such as Madine and Cassien. The 43-year-old angler has said: “When you finally hook that big fish you have to be sure that your tackle will stand firm! I’m convinced of the Taska quality and that’s the reason I said yes when they asked me to join the team. I’m looking forward to working with them and hope we can keep developing innovative tackle.”

revealed a brand new knot which will not reduce the breaking strain of fluorocarbon. A pioneer of modern hooklink materials, Dave showed Carpworld the unnamed knot which he believes has never been demonstrated before. You can see the demonstration now on the Carpworld YouTube channel: simply scan the QR code with your Smartphone to see the exclusive film.

Stonze Sinkers Granted USA Patent

Having the American patent, which we will vigorously protect, along with OMM’s resources, allatrax have announced that will now allow us to build on our business strategy within the they have been granted the patent for their Stonze range American retail market and fulfil the need for the product and of fishing weights within the USA. the ever increasing demand.”

Made of natural stone, the Pomeroy is also the director Stonze weights offer a more of operation for new company environmentally-friendly Lone Angler alternative to toxic “Since winning the Ltd., alongside lead weights. As award at ICAST, it was founder Trefor recipients of the obvious to us that West, owner prestigious ICAST the American angler Mike O’Neill, award, the Stonze was quick to identify and well-known range marked and appreciate the specimen angler Pallatrax as the first positive aspects of Tony Miles. At the British company to our Stonze weights” company’s launch be a recipient in the in March of this year, it was American awards show history. promised that the brand would Pallatrax managing director, produce a range of quality and inventor of the Stonze, fishing tackle and luggage. The Simon Pomeroy stated: company has now launched “Since winning the award at its brand new, comprehensive ICAST, it was obvious to us that website – www.loneangler. the American angler was quick to identify and appreciate the positive co.uk – which will showcase the British-made products. aspects of our Stonze weights.

P

COMPETITION WINNERS from Carpworld February issue 269 The Cranium-Crushing Crossword Competition These three winners each receive a Carpworld hoodie and hat.

Tom Coulson, Aldershot, Hants.

MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE ON SURREY SYNDICATE 10 places are available on a 20-man exclusive Surrey syndicate.

The venue is a 6-acre very private estate, which has recently been restored because it has not been fished properly for many years.

The lake is stocked with original Leneys and the largest caught to date is a 31lb common, with more known fish not yet caught!

12-month ticket (with no close season) First year £700 and £500 thereafter.

Estimated stock of 100-120 fish, ranging from 10lb to 30lb+.

VISITS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call Martin on:

Brian Mintern, Farncombe, Surrey.

07704 147098

Matt Smith, Dunstable, Beds.

(No time wasters please)

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FEATURE

R I C H A R D

C H A P M A N

Richard Chapman gives a warts-and-all account of a year tackling a busy syndicate water on the banks of the River Nene, reliving his successes and failures.

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A S e a s o n in T h e Va lle y R i c ha rd C ha pm a n

MAIN IMAGE

Another good fish was safely in the sack.

Banana Common at 31lb 6oz.

BELOW

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have been surprised. After having a y the end of March 2012 I had quick sulk and contemplating heading finally managed to slip the net elsewhere, I grabbed my walking boots under my target fish in my local and set off on a couple of laps. My syndicate water. This had drawn a line fears were well-founded because nearly under that chapter and allowed me to every swim was taken, but I hoped concentrate on a new challenge. This there would be a few guys packing came in the shape of a new syndicate up shortly. I kept on looking as the that I had joined in the Nene Valley. sun rose, and slowly the other anglers It is an interesting water made up started to wake up, so I could punish of an assortment of bays and points, them for a bit of info and a brew. which in total is probably around 20 As it turned out, there was a lad in a acres in size and has in the region 80 swim called Second Point, and he had carp in there. At the right time of year managed to bag a couple of decent fish, there can be up to seven fish that are including a real big ’un at over 40lb, over the 40lb barrier, with the majority but on the last night the action had of these being commons up to 44lb; quietened down. The fish had been held there is also a big head of backup up in the middle area known as the 30s in there, so it is a truly amazing Triangle, which can be fished from a stock, especially for the Midlands number of swims, and although it gets a The only problem is that at times it lot of pressure, the carp do seem to like it can get quite busy, as you would expect there. I was still hoping to see something on a water of this quality, and this was for myself so kept on wandering, but a bit of a shock to the system, having they had really gone to ground. When just had an intimate 2-acre water almost I did finally see one show it was exclusively to myself for the past six in the Triangle, so it was months. I’d taken a drive up a case of finding out to familiarise myself with who was leaving. the layout of the lake, “My knowledge The lad on and on that first of any features Second Point had trip it looked very out there at the time already had his barren, without was very limited, but swim reserved anything showing I wanted to keep by someone else, itself, and from disturbance to so with that out talking to other a minimum” of the equation I anglers, I found there knew that Ed, who had been very few fish was fishing First Point, caught so far that season. was off, so I dumped a bucket My first trip up with the behind his bivvy and proceeded to rods fell on the penultimate day of drink all his tea! There were a couple March, and I had a couple of days of shows whilst he was packing down, left off work. I always try to save up although they were more towards a bit of holiday for this time of year Second Point’s water, but it helped and had got a week and a half to get the confidence no end, and as much some fishing in. It had started well, as he didn’t want to go, I was thrilled with a brace of 30lb commons, and to see him barrow off (sorry mate!). my target fish at just under 40lb from My knowledge of any features out another water in the first few days, so I there at the time was very limited, hoped that my luck would continue. but I wanted to keep disturbance to a I decided to make an early start minimum. A quick lead around showed so I would be able to have a good that the weed was yet to take hold and walk round at first light, but on anything there was relatively low-lying. arrival I was greeted by a full Keeping things simple, I just spread out car park. Not what I was three rods on little Choddies, with a few hoping for, but it 16mm freebies scattered in the area of was a Saturday so each. As the day wore on the fish seemed I shouldn’t to be moving in my direction – it was looking better and better for a bite by the minute. I even updated my Facebook saying it looked ideal! Within half an hour of a decent fish showing bang on my left-hand rod, it had pulled Apri l 2 013 C a r pwor l d 37

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FEATURE

A D A M

C L E W E R

Is catching fish at all costs, or catching the biggest fish in the lake, the be-all and end-all of your carping desires? Or does the passion run deeper? Adam Clewer looks at how his outlook on life affects his angling.

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N u r t u re T h e P a s s io n A d a m C lewer

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he natural world shows us clearly that nothing lasts forever. This is perhaps most evident in the transformation of the seasons. I love fishing throughout the year, and although it is certainly lovely to feel the warmth of the sun on your back on a warm summer’s day, there is something special to be found in all the seasons. The breathtaking frosts of an early dawn, the much-awaited warmth of spring, the summer heat at midday, and then autumn when the leaves quickly change from crunching crisply under foot to becoming sodden and sludgy, and finally, winter visits us once more. As anglers we see it all, and view it usually whilst waiting patiently behind a rod and reel (or three).

I have angled during all the seasons and experienced the best, and worst, of it en route. In the depths of winter I have woken (several times) to a frozen lake. Throughout the spring I have suffered April showers that

“This passion, which has led many a man to depart a warm house, has, for some, become quite goal-orientated” have flooded both my tackle and shelter. In the height of summer, on several occasions, the allure of surface-fishing opportunities has appealed to me so much I’ve done it without applying sunscreen – which has resulted in sunstroke. And in the autumn the suggestion of warm days, with the idiocy of failing to foresee the cooler nights, have meant I have fished ill-equipped, and suffered a shivery night or two.

However, I still keep going back!

This passion, which has led many a man to depart a warm house, has, for some, become quite goal-orientated.

Whilst there’s nothing wrong with having aims and aspirations, I wonder if the pursuit of success has tainted our beloved pastime to some degree.

Some anglers talk of ‘smashing up’ waters with abhorrent satisfaction in their tones. I suppose using such hyperbole makes an individual feel good about themselves. For many, every new venture, be it a new water, or the beginning of a new season, starts with such thoughts. Targets and goals are set, campaigns premeditated and strategies for success contrived – all, of course, leading to the success stories of which dreams are made.

In some ways there is nothing wrong with that. In other ways, I wonder if we are missing something. Whilst for many angling is nothing more than a hobby, selected to emancipate us from the bustle of ordinary life, could the fervent pursuit of achievement unintentionally subvert us?

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RIGWORLD

M I K E

K AVA N A G H ’ S

Th in kin g An gler s Sh o cker Bo o ms

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his month in Rig World, MCF, Thinking Anglers and Korum provide the goods to stir your thoughts, as does Sticky Baits’ consultant Sean Leverett in part one of his Tackle Box Talk, taped on the bank at CEMEX Sutton 2.

However, I can’t begin without first praising a few of the articles in February’s issue. As soon as I get my copy of Carpworld, I now immediately turn the pages to Bill Cottam’s brilliant monthly contribution Carping Allegedly. When I first suggested to Tim that an occasional series of Grumpy Old Carp Anglers, similar to the TV series Grumpy Old Men would go down well in Carpworld, what I had in mind is precisely the type The other article I became enthralled of stuff Bill writes about modern-day with is entitled Fenland Jewels by Martin carp fishing. Not that I’m suggesting Lawrence. I don’t know about you, but Bill is a grumpy old man, but the kind of I sometimes find articles centered on observations he makes about the often ‘how I caught’ a bit too similar to one comical way we carp anglers perform, another. Generally, I think it’s because (including himself ), and then transfers writers who have a story to tell tend to them, tongue-in-cheek, onto paper use what I would term well-worn carp so brilliantly, is far more entertaining language and phrasing. Not so with than poking a sharp stick or wielding a Martin, who, in my opinion, has a unique tarred brush. Please keep it going Bill, modern style and it’s terrific mate! way of phrasing the The other article I “Being able to obvious that puts a thoroughly enjoyed, describe your perhaps selfishly, was a n g l i n g e x p e r i e n c e s different light on the Paul Klinkenborg’s a n d t h e a t m o s p h e r e subject and draws you hook, line, and sinker Thirty Years On. in a way that into the moments After a 21-year grips the reader’s that lead up to each break from writing imagination capture. Nowadays, in Carpworld, Paul nowadays is a being able to has returned with a rare skill” describe your angling memory-provoking experiences and the atmosphere in a piece that took me back to when I way that grips the reader’s imagination started carp fishing seriously in 1978. is a rare skill – I think he’s got it!

Although Paul’s recollections start in One of the things that came across 1981, his description of the type of in Martin’s article is how he sticks with equipment we had to rely on back then, three reliable rigs for the majority of and the conditions we fished in, had me his carp fishing; the same approach is reminiscing and grinning from ear to used by Sean Leverett, as will come to ear. He couldn’t have described those light in his two part Tackle Box Talk times any better or more accurately, further on. Bearing that in mind, let’s when carp fishing as we know it now was being truly pioneered. I, too, miss take a look at the rig products I’ve got in front of me this month that might just the mystery element Paul, I just hope help you to adopt a similar approach. you’ve agreed to write some more about A good place to start is with Thinking those times so that today’s carp anglers Anglers and the Ultimate Chod Rig.... can understand what they’re missing.

Thinking Anglers have gained a big reputation for supplying bespoke rig components and accessories in which carp anglers can have confidence.

That confidence comes from knowing that the two guys behind the company are none other than Steve Fantauzzi and Ben Hamilton, both top anglers with an enviable list of big carp to their name. Steve and Ben formed Thinking Anglers in 2005 because they wanted to produce top-quality fishing equipment that does what it says on the tin, and to their own design. They have certainly done that, and caught plenty of big carp whilst using it. Amongst an ever-increasing range of products, Thinking Anglers were the first company to supply Chod Ring Swivels, Hook Ring Swivels, and the Shocker Booms we are going to look at next. Going forward, I’m sure we can expect more quality products from Steve and Ben, and if they live up to those they’ve produced already, you definitely won’t be disappointed.

The thinking behind the Shocker Booms is quite simple. There has been a lot of talk of carp falling off the Chod Rig soon after a take; one of the reasons for that could be that when the hooklink is pulled up to a standard buffer bead next to the lead, the proximity of the lead, combined with the lack of give in the buffer bead, is compromising the hookhold.

To combat that possibility Thinking Anglers have come up with the 2ins Shocker Boom, which accomplishes two things. One is that it prevents the hooklink from getting too close to the lead, and two, it acts as a shock absorber when pressured by a hooked fish. To get that right they didn’t just

ABOVE The groundbreaking Shocker

Booms, Chod Ring Swivels and tiny Oval Clips complete the ultimate Chod Rig.

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ABOVE The Xpert Power

pattern that has taken its lead from the S3 and its superb pedigree.

ABOVE Using all the components, you will

achieve this very effective Chod Rig.

choose any old silicone tubing, because generally, when having to withstand pressure, silicone tubing tends to split.

They spent time sourcing silicone tubing that is tough, yet flexible enough to do the job consistently. Both Ben, Steve, and their customers have been using Shocker Booms for some time now, and they are completely satisfied they have made all the difference to the ratio of carp hooked to carp landed.

Chod Ring Swivels and Oval Clips

Apart from the Shocker Booms, the Chod Ring Swivels, with double flexi-rings mentioned earlier are another superb addition to the setup because they encourage the curved hooklink to make a full 360° turn with enough flexibility to catch hold no matter from what direction the carp approaches the rig. The Size 11 Chod Ring Swivels feature a tough barrel construction, are finished in jet-black with welded flexi-rings, and aren’t about to let you down. The final link in the setup is the equally strong and perfectly sized Oval Clip to which for attach the lead, which, in actual fact, will suit a number of other uses.

I asked Ben if he had any extra

tips on how to get the best out of the Shocker Boom Rig, and this is what he told me: “I prefer not to pull the Shocker Boom all the way over the Oval Clip; this allows more movement around the lead and stops any thought in my head of the rig sticking up awkwardly once landed.

I now use the Chod Ring Swivels for everything, from Hinge Stiffies and Chods, to straight bottom baits, and it means no more tying of loops at the leadcore end for the Helicopter setup I use for 95% of my fishing.”

I can see why Steve and Ben’s customers regard the rig pictured as the ultimate Chod Rig, because it all makes sense, as does Ben’s tip about where the Shocker Boom should be positioned to allow the lead more freedom. If I were a Chod Rig user I would have no hesitation in choosing all the components featured, because I can see by their build quality that I could have every confidence in them.

If you would like to see more of Thinking Anglers’ latest products, you will find them on their new website that has just gone live and looks brilliant (5th March): www.thinkinganglers.co.uk

Ko r um Xper t Hook Ra n g e

Just recently I received the new Korum Xpert range of hooks to mull over, and I must say they do look good. You wouldn’t necessarily associate Korum with specimen carp hooks, although before Avid Carp (Korum’s specialist branch) hit the carp world with a bang, their seamless S3 pattern hooks were superb! Unfortunately, the S3 has been discontinued, but the seamless hook eye design was spot on and reduced the risk of knots being damaged in a poorly finished join. All good things come to an end, but taking their place are the Xpert Hooks, and this is what Mat Woods, Korum’s manager, had to say about them: “The Xpert range of hooks is the result of endless research and rigorous testing. In the Korum Seamless hook range, we had three patterns that were quite popular. The S3 was by far and away our flagship hook, and the pattern is loved all over the world. The lightergauged S4 was also well received, but it was always felt that a more general pattern was needed – something with a straight point and more generic shape.

The S5, meanwhile, was our tough, rugged shape that was based on popular barbel-fishing patterns. It had a thick wire, and subsequently the sharpness suffered. It seemed that anglers preferred other patterns with a less curved shank, so it was something we wanted to tackle.

As modern fishing evolves, so must the tackle we provide, and we decided to take the opportunity to revise and improve the hook patterns, as well as their strength and sharpness. After over two years of searching, we eventually found what we were looking for, and devised three patterns based around the most popular specimen-fishing Apri l 2 013 C a r pwor l d 75

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FEATURE

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D o in g I t M y Way Roy Rus s ell

be crucial on waters like St John’s is the first 24 hours, and this is an important learning curve for me.

You have to watch everything and everyone because this will reveal facts such as bite times, ranges, tactics employed, and even baits to try. If all around you are on similar methods, which you do find happens even on busy day ticket waters, then you can do something different. Observation and learning to read any water is key Linear Fisheries, near Oxford, is a to success, and some anglers have it popular day ticket venue with several in abundance and are just born with a natural gift, like any top sportsman waters holding some truly awesome carp. or sportswomen. I don’t class myself Roy explains how he achieved success as anyone special, but I prefer to on these tricky and popular lakes. suss things out for myself and that way I have nobody else to thank for ver the past 30 years, most of any success I have on any water. my fishing has been focused On my first trip to St John’s I found on day ticket waters around myself in the middle of the Social the UK. In 2012 I was once again back Bank with anglers either side of me, in Oxfordshire after a 15-year absence and the lake really was full to capacity. from the area. The last time I fished My first few hours were spent just down in this area was when I was observing what was going on around targeting the Linch Hill complex, and me, the ranges at which anglers were I must say it’s there that I experienced fishing, and the bait and tactics they some spectacular fishing, both with were using. This gives me a mental the anglers I met and the fish I caught. picture of what lines I need to try, Petals, which sadly died later on after I either short or long, and what I am up on once I feel I have caught what I pulled off the venue, was the only fish ABOVE I think the more you absorb your against. Next step is deciding what bait want.

This may sound a bit blasé but that eluded me from Christchurch. surroundings and take to go with; I am not the type of angler I just like fresh challenges from my This time around I was just a notice of the lake, the better you fish and who puts all his eggs in one basket and personal fishing, and I think life is too few miles around the corner on the enjoy it. Mornings I do tend to take a large selection with short to spend years on one water and Richworth Linear Fisheries site, were I sat with a brew, watching the lake me at all times. Any good matchman just keep repeating the same captures. had fallen in love with some of its fish wake up are special. will have a tray of assorted baits and My sights were firmly fixed on Linear that I’d seen in the brochures and on LEFT My first result on Manor was I am no different because I treat my and some of its residents, and I hoped their website. Day ticket fishing is not rewarded with a day ticket fishing like fishing a match it wouldn’t be long before I would for everyone, I know, but for me it’s soaking from my mate Carl Humpage, anyway. A typical be holding one of an easy way of targeting fish I fancy, with the wife in on it those beauties. trying to catch from different behind the camera. “ Y o u h a v e t o w a t c h session for me will see me with My first trip down venues around the country. everything and a multitude of to Linear couldn’t The ease of just being able to everyone because have got off to a worse t h i s w i l l r e v e a l f a c t s different size and turn up, pay my money like types of pellet start – I couldn’t even anyone else, and fish for such as bite times, and particles, get a peg on Manor what I want, is perfect ranges, tactics hookbaits, Farm where I fancied for my style of fishing. employed, and maggots, liquids, starting my campaign, Records or prize fish even baits to try” groundbaits and and I had no choice from exclusive syndicate different sizes of boilies. Even casters, other than to have a go on my next waters don’t interest worms and pinkies will be used on target venue on the complex, St John’s. me, and I have fished venues if I think more of a natural My first impressions while walking a few over the years. I approach is called for. If I walk around around the lake helped me start to form tend to get bored a lake and see everyone using similar a plan. What was obvious was that and move baits, which can happen, I try to use there were no areas where the fish could something different and away from hide, everywhere was within reach of the norm. On this occasion I noticed a cast. I knew it would all come down anglers were using similar tactics, to the right tactics, feeding patterns, with either particles, pellets or boilies, and bait, like a lot of the venues I come so I chose to go for maggots, across. The first thing I have found to

R O Y

R U S S E L L

DOING IT

M Y WA Y

O

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MAX

NOLLER T

“Carp hunting is surely not the most important thing in life, but for many people it is the most beautiful!”

F

or me, autumn has always been the very best time to fish for carp. A time when the storms so prevalent at this time of year see us huddling behind, or sometimes in, inadequate shelters on the giant waters of Europe. For me it is carp fishing in its purest and most exciting form. Everyone has their favourite sessions, memories of success and failure, sometimes exhausted

and starving, or even with massive expectations for the next trip. I still return home to my little village on the banks of the River Moselle, full of hope.

In the last year, I have been fishing four times, with each session lasting between 4-8 days. I wanted to concentrate on one water, which I had only visited once, about 10 years ago.

Each trip was done with two anglers,

who had never seen the water before, and I was in my element revealing the lake’s secrets. In the following piece I want to retell the tales of our adventures. So here’s a quick breakdown of the events and facts before I go into more detail of my time on the water.

Overall, we spent 20 days on the lake, which is an impressive 1,100ha.

We blanked for 10 days of this time

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B ig Wa t e r A dv e n t u res Ma x No ller t

but caught during periods of six days and four days, although unfortunately we experienced several losses. It was heaven and hell all in one rollercoaster ride of emotions. The lake is full of snags and obstacles of all descriptions, all of which are covered in mussels, more than I’ve ever seen on any other water. This was fishing in the extreme, and without using subfloats and breakaway rigs with rocks instead of leads, we wouldn’t have managed to bank any of the fish we hooked.

The result for all this effort was just seven fish, weighing 5kg, 17.5kg, 21kg, 22kg, 22.2kg, 24kg and 25.5kg – but there’s more to the story than you can

possibly imagine. I had to change my style of fishing drastically, so much so, in fact, it was like learning all over again.

It’s an art learning how to lower a rig with a breakaway rock attached into 7-8m of water without it tangling. These rigs were often left in place for between 36-48 hours so they needed to be spot on so the angler had no doubts. The mussels were so severe that we even had to add long lengths of rig tube to our leaders. Everything on the lakebed was coated in these line-cutting menaces, it was ridiculous and necessitated the use of these tactics! I learnt that a hook with a straight point, such as the Hayabusa European Boilie Hook I preferred

using, was not so ideal for these carp.

The fish had very hard mouths, which seemed to turn hookpoints, but a swap to hooks with an inturned point seemed to solve the problem, with Fox, and Carp ’R’ Us ATS hooks appearing to be more than enough for the job.

Three of the five 40s I actually banked after the line had been cut.

“How did that happen?” I hear you say. Well, let me explain.

Thanks to my anchor, which I used like a grappling hook, I managed to catch my trailing line, then I quickly knotted the two ends back together. Thankfully, the carp gods smiled, and I was able to continue the fight and land my prize, a Apri l 2013 C a r pwor l d 205

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