FREE
FISHING FOR EVERY READER THIS MONTH
craftyc arp
er.co
No.234 February 2017
catch
GET
more
UPS
- OUR P O P OR Y
ES R U ICT
F
P
o n day t ic ket
ven ues
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
ALSO INSIDE Feb 2017
ELLIS BRAZIER CARL & ALEX SMITH
Issue 234
SCOTT LLOYD JULIAN CUNDIFF
£4.50
HOT HOLIDAY DESTINATION CARP FISHING IN THAILAND MADE EASY
DIVING FOR THE TRUTH A CARP’S EYE VIEW OF YOUR TERMINAL TACKLE
UNDERSTAND SINGLES DISCOVER THE RIGS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
craftycarper.co
On sale 18 th January - 14thth February 2017
IAIN MACMILLAN DAVE LANE
M AG G OT S — A R E T H E Y R U I N I N G O U R WAT E R S ?
001_Cover_CC234_V2.indd 1
09/01/2017 16:58
Crafty Carper /// Issue 234 /// February 2017 /// www.craftycarper.co
7
Editorial
On the cover: Carl Sharp with a stunning Merrington mirror.
This month, Steve recounts
his venture to the newly opened Teakettle Fishery, for a social
34
23
After some fantastic winter success on the venue in the
talks about An Evening Of Carp,
difference. Situated just a 2-hour drive from
past, and with a reputation of good form in the colder
which will soon be upon us.
Bangkok airport, you’ll find 17 different exotic fish
months, Carl returned to Merrington to experience
species to catch, with weights reaching over 350lb,
some more great winter action. Here’s how he did it.
Hot Holiday Jurassic Mountain Resort
This month’s Hot Holiday Venue is one with a
Mastering Merrington
and an enjoyable day’s pike
Carl Sharp
fishing with some friends. He also
and it’s all set in beautiful, tranquil surroundings.
9
Zig Theory Dave Lane
Fishing Zig Rigs is an incredibly effective method during the colder
FREE
months, when fished correctly,
FISHIN G FOR EVERY READE R THIS MONTH
something that Dave Lane knows too well. Here he shares his knowledge on how to get the best out of them.
16
Coffee Break Interrogation
This month, we managed to get
er.co
No.234 January 2017
in touch with Carl and Alex of
craftyca rp
YouTube fame, and grill them with our interrogation questions. Grab yourself a brew, sit back, and
catch
GET
more
UPS
POFOPR YOURES R U
PICT
on day tick et
ve nu es
enjoy what they had to say, plus there’s some great imagery.
29
The Great Crafty Debate The water is gin-clear on
a lot of venues, with very little evidence of fish activity, so how important is it to ensure that all the rig is perfectly concealed on the lakebed? Our panel of experts consists of Loz East,
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
Marv Wait, Scott Lloyd and Mike Bridges. Here are their views.
37
The Truth Is Out There Ellis Brazier
With small baits and maggots being a great winter tactic and the current fashion, Ellis Brazier reveals why it is important to know your venue and the small species which live in there. Here he explains why you should understand what
ALSO INSIDE
goes on below the surface.
IAIN MACMILLAN DAVE LANE ELLIS BRAZIER CARL & ALEX SMITH SCOTT LLOYD JULIAN CUNDIFF
CARP FISHING IN THAILAND MADE EASY
DIVING FOR THE TRUTH
A CARP’S EYE VIEW OF YOUR TERMINAL TACKLE
£4.50
UNDERSTAND SINGLES DISCOVER THE RIGS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
th On sale 18 th January - 14th February 2017
HOT HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Feb 2017
Issue 234
craftycarper.co
M AG G OT S — A R E T H E Y R U I N I N G O U R WAT E R S ? 09/01/2017 14:43
001_Cover_CC234_V2.indd 1
100
Diving For The Truth Andrew Gardner
In a day and age where we put so much effort into
53
Understanding Singles James Salmons
43
Carpers’ Kit We have some of the
latest tackle in the industry, from some of the top manufacturers. This month we look at Fox’s Easy Shelter Camo, which is perfect for travelling light and looks great too. There’s also tackle from Chub, as we look at their Vantage Five-Season Sleeping Nag, plus lots more.
50
The Berkley Guide To Knots
Connecting things together is
When anyone talks about cold-water carping,
something that anglers do an awful
trying to camouflage our terminal tackle, one thing that
you automatically think about single hookbaits,
lot, whether it’s simply tying on a
hasn’t changed a great deal is leads and their coatings.
but do you actually use them? James discusses
hook or attaching a leader. Knots
Andrew Gardner takes to the depths of Wraysbury to
how and where to use his favourite rigs
make it all possible, so it pays to
see how much difference these coatings make.
for presenting a bait all on its own.
have a selection in your armoury.
4
Crafty Carper
004-005_Contents_CC234.indd 1
09/01/2017 16:09
Contents /// February 2017
81
9
Maggots – Friend Or Foe?
Linear Fisheries is one of the busiest day ticket venues, and has recently put a restriction on maggots. We decided to ask people from the carp-fishing community, including fishery owners to anglers, for their opinions on maggots.
87
Carp Food In our Carp Food section
this month, including an insight into the latest from RG Baits. There’s also a great tip from DNA’s Mark Dunwell about catching in the cold, plus bait from Nash, Sticky Baits and Mainline.
16
93
Catch Column This is the place to get
your catch picture published, so send them in to us, and you’re in with the chance of a great
KEEP CALM AND DRINK MORE TEA
prize, courtesy of Sticky Baits.
105
Flick The Switch Julian Cundiff
It’s freezing cold and you’re struggling for a bite. Many anglers would sit around and wait it out, but Julian Cundiff has some tips to help entice a bite, which can sometimes be just like flicking a switch.
110
CC Inbox
57
74
Fishing Kev Grout
around the carp-angling scene,
to get amongst the carp, Tony
Kev has a superb knowledge
plus have your carpy questions
had to rethink his approach,
of behaviour in carp and their
answered by Team Crafty and win
and instead of following the
nutrition, from his ongoing career
some prizes, courtesy of NGT.
crowd, he found his own
as a fishery management lecturer.
winning formula to make the
He shows how he utilises his
most of a special venue.
wealth of information to his
Paradise Found Tony Smeets
After initially finding it tricky
My Approach To
Keep up to date with
Winter Carp
all the latest news and views from
113
Mega Deals There’s always a
bargain to be had in Mega Deals,
advantage to tackle the challenges
64
The Question Is…
of winter, which we all know too
from some of the leading retailers
This month’s panel of
well can be a very difficult time
in the industry, so check it out
of year to put fish on the bank.
and pick up some great offers.
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER August 2016 | Issue 228 | £4.25
r.co craftycarpe
craftycarper.co
001_Cover_CC228.indd 1
THIS YOUR BEST CARP FISHING HOLIDAY WITH JON MAC
PERFECT SELFIE
MASTER SELF-TAKE PHOTOGRAPHY + YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE KIT
08/07/2016 11:47
more
RES
PICTU
on day ticket
v e nu es
AND WHY THE EFFORT
EQUALS THE
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
REWARDS
ALSO INSIDE RICH SEEDS / IAIN MACMILLAN JACK FUNNEL / RICH ADAMS
moor lane, witton, birmingham, west midlands, b6 7hh enquiries@fostersofbirmingham.co.uk
ELLIS BRAZIER / LOZ SMART JAKE WILDBORE / SCOTT MASLEN
ALSO INSIDE
& JULIAN CUNDIFF
TECHNIQUES
TACTICS
On sale 21 st September – 18 th October 2016
VENUES
FISH CARE
BAIT
Oct 2016
WHY THE PULLING POWER OF PELLETS WILL CATCH YOU MORE
£4.25
CARP FISHING IN THAILAND MADE EASY
Dec 2016
Issue 230
12/09/2016 15:49
PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL WILL PUT MORE CARP ON THE BANK
+
A GUIDE TO LOOKING AFTER YOUR CATCH WITH ED BETTERIDGE
HOW TO GET RESULTS FROM ONE OF THE BEST COLD-WATER BAITS
Issue 232 £4.25
O U R G U I D E TO T H E B E S T C A R PY C H R I S T M A S P R E S E N T S
001_Cover_CC232_v3.indd 1
Feb 2017
Issue 234
SCOTT LLOYD JULIAN CUNDIFF
craftycarper.co
DISCOVER THE CARPERS’ PARADISE OF LAKE CHIRA ON GRAN CANARIA
HOW TO GET AN EXTRA EDGE USING A BAITING POLE
IAIN MACMILLAN DAVE LANE ELLIS BRAZIER CARL & ALEX SMITH
HOT HOLIDAY DESTINATION
DIVING FOR THE TRUTH A CARP’S EYE VIEW OF YOUR TERMINAL TACKLE
£4.50
UNDERSTAND SINGLES DISCOVER THE RIGS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
M AG G OT S — A R E T H E Y R U I N I N G O U R WAT E R S ?
001_Cover_CC234_V2.indd 1
09/01/2017 14:43
07/11/2016 16:57
Crafty Carper 004-005_Contents_CC234.indd 2
0121 344 3333
catch
GET
PS P-U R YOU POFOR
winter
www.fostersofbirmingham.co.uk
FISHING FOR EVERY READER THIS MONTH
ADVENTURE ABROAD
06/06/2016 MAKE 16:41
T H E V E R Y L AT E S T TA C K L E , B A I T S , T E C H N O L O G Y A N D T I P S
TO SURVIVE THE
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
+
FREE
LAYER CAKE
HOW TO CATCH CARP UP IN THE WATER WITH TOM MAKER
+
HOW
RE
PICTU
craftycarper.co
20
HOW TO TIE THE AWESOME FLICK RIG THAT IS CATCHING EVERYWHERE
001_Cover_CC230_v3.indd 1
AND RIGS
IAN STOTT UNVEILS HIS SIMPLY AWESOME TANGLE-FREE SETUP
09/05/2016 14:02
- dave lane -
FREE
PS P-U R YOU POFOR S
PS
with dave levy
TACTICS
001_Cover_CC227.indd 1
No.234 January 2017
harvest
FREE
YOU R PICTUR ES
TECHNIQUES
TIE THE BEST SOLID PVA BAG EVER WITH IAIN MACMILLAN
On sale 18th May – 21st June 2016
MARK WATSON REVEALS ALL
+
H E V E R Y L AT E S T TA C K L E , B A I T S , T E C H N O L O G Y A N D T I P S — GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH DAVE TLANE
001_Cover_CC226.indd 1
POP-U FOR
TACTICS
REVEALS EVERYTHING LITE INSULATED BOOTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ZIGS
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S CRAFTY...
We have the very latest tackle, baits, techniques and tips that will help you catch more fish this weekend. HOW TO TACKLE LARGE WATERS craftycarper.co
the
autumn
S E S SI O N
BY PREBAITING
TOM MORRISON
10 PAIRS OF
JULIAN CUNDIFF
MORE Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
WIN
r.co
No.228 August 2016
CATCH
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
LEARN HOW TO
PERFECT PLUS
ONE OF THREE NASH BROLLIES >>
craftycarpe
No.227 July 2016
PERFECT SPODDING MADE EASY
FISHING FOR EVERY READER THIS MONTH
With Ronald De Witte
craftycarper.co
recently had a new lake record.
ED BETTERIDGE
No.232 December 2016
and Majestic Pool, which has
FREE
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
Lake being in focus this month;
WIN
WITH DAVE LANE
craftycarper.co
East Delph Lakes, with the Front
ONE OF FOUR CHUB FLATBEDS >>
July 2016 | Issue 227 | £4.25
ENJOY SCORCHING SUMMER ACTION
No.230 October 2016
venues this month: Barston;
£45
MASTER THE METHOD AND CATCH >
S IR A 00 C H £10 E D TH WOR
June 2016 | Issue 226 | £4.25
Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
TicketMaster offers
free fishing on three fantastic
WIN
IN
B
No.226 June 2016
70
The TicketMaster
W
12 THAT’S ES ZIN MAGA R RED FO DELIVE
er.co
when fishing busy day tickets.
On sale 20th July – 23rd August 2016
getting advantages over others
£17.99
craftycarp
how to achieve a better cast to
THE PRICE OF 10!
On sale 18 th January - 14thth February 2017
with questions ranging from
craftycarper .co
This month, they’ve been tested
12 ISSUES FOR
On sale 22nd June – 19th July 2016
a vast amount of knowledge.
craftycarper .co
of highly-skilled anglers with
er.co
Kent and Loz East, a selection
craftycarp
Craig Leyland, Rob Tough, Jed
On sale 23 rd November - 20 th December 2016
experts consists of Ellis Brazier,
6x c500 gas
5 09/01/2017 16:09
DAVE LANE
ZIG THEORY
Fishing Zig Rigs is an incredibly effective method during the colder months, when fished correctly, something that Dave Lane knows too well. Here he shares his knowledge on how to get the best out of them.
Crafty Carper 037-041_Zig Theory - Dave Lane_CC234 1
9
05/01/2017 09:22
CARPIN’ ON 2017 The Carp Show! 11TH & 12TH March. Five Lakes Resort, Essex
A great day out for only *£10.00. Under 12s go free (*Booking fees apply)
R ENTE O T FREE -DRAW
A ait MEG f tackle & b
0’s o bs! £100 r gra up fo
HAVE YOU VISITED THE BEST UK CARP EVENT OF THE YEAR?
IF NOT, WHY NOT?
This year, Carpin’ On is in its 16th year and it’s gained a great reputation along the way. It’s the show hat has always been known as the one organised for carp anglers, by carp anglers! Carpin’ On is a great day out and is your chance to rub shoulders with your favourite angling personalities.
CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS! www.carpinon.co.uk CarpinOn2017_A4_DPS_CC232.indd 1
07/11/2016 17:07
KEVIN GROUT
MY APPROACH TO WINTER CARP FISHING With a superb knowledge of behaviour in carp, and their nutrition from his ongoing career as a fishery management lecturer, Kev Grout shows how he utilises this to tackle the challenges of winter.
74
Crafty Carper
074-078_My_Approach_To_Winter_Carp_Fishing_CC234.indd 1
06/01/2017 16:09
Crafty Carper 074-078_My_Approach_To_Winter_Carp_Fishing_CC234.indd 2
75 06/01/2017 16:09
TheCarpStore F O R M E R LY T H E A N G L I N G P U B L I C AT I O N S S H O P
TheCarpStore TheCarpStore
FANNING THE FLAMES
Ian Chillcott £30.00 +£2.95 P&P The tome begins way back in 1966 when the initial spark ignited his carp fishing passion, and explains a little more about the man himself. The story of the journey, however, starts at the very moment he pushed his barrow away from the swim at Frimley where he achieved his lifelong obsession of catching a common equal to Walker’s 1952 record.
D AN BR EW N
EVERY BIT OF BLUE
THE CARPERS’ HIGH
Frank Warwick
Ali Hamidi
£30.00 +£2.95 P&P
£20.00 +£2.95 P&P
This book has a technical aspect combined with the humour, antics and stories that we have come to expect from Frank. He allows us glimpses into his private life and shares some of his incredible thought processes which have made him the person he is today. The book offers readers thoughtprovoking information and a lot of ‘laugh out loud’ moments.
Is it a biography? Is it a technical book? Is it anecdotal and storybased? Quite simply, it’s all these things rolled into one. With a diverse geographical chapter base, from as far away as Japan, to Paris, Ockendon, and even Turkey, this book brings variety by the spodful as it charts how Ali achieved many of his finest moments and angling highs.
F O R M E R LY T H E A N G L I N G P U B L I C AT I O N S S H O P
TheCarpStore
CARP NOW AND THEN 25th Anniversary Edition Rod Hutchinson
BIVVY THREE - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
£32.95
WAS £30.00
ROD HUTCHINSON PAPERBACKS
FALLEN KINGS Dave Levy
TheCarpStore Tim Paisley
BES SELL T ER
Carp Book & The Carp Strikes Back
£30.00 +£2.95 P&P
£12.95 £2.95 P&P
NOW £20.00
+£2.95 P&P
NE W
+£2.95 P&P
D AN BR EW N
THE ADVENTURES OF CARP ANGLER
Simon Crow £34.99
IN PURSUIT OF THE LARGEST
MY RED LETTER DAYS Matt Hayes
MONSTER CARP
Terry Hearn
£20.00
NOW £10.00
£24.95 +£2.95 P&P
+£2.95 P&P
+£2.95 P&P
NEW
WAS £30.00 FREE P&P
NEW FROM ROD HUTCHINSON
The Carpscene Years & Thoughts On Bait £2.95 P&P
SPECIA L OFFER
BEST SELLER
£29.95
BLACK MIRROR CULT THE SYNDICATE VOL 2
Mark Cunnington £12.95
SEASONAL TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES AUTUMN/WINTER N EW Rob Maylin & 2016
Friends
+£2.95 P&P
RIVER’S END
+£2.95 P&P
NEW SERIES
MORE FROM THE BIVVY
Rob Maylin
Tim Paisley
£29.95
WAS £30.00
+£2.95 P&P
NOW £20.00
£29.95
£27.95
+£2.95 P&P
D BRAN NEW
IAL SPEC OFFER
GREAT GIFTS FOR ANGLERS BOOKS • DVDs • CLOTHING • GIFTS • MAGAZINES
024-025_APMailOrder_CC234.indd 1
09/01/2017 11:11
HUGE RANGE OF BOOKS & DVDs ONLINE SPECIAL OFFERS - SAVE UP TO 60% MULTI SECTION FRYING PAN
ANGLERS’ LOGBOOK
Ridge Monkey
NGT
£16.99 £19.95
WAS £9.95
NOW
+ £2.95 P&P
£7.95
£2.95 P&P
* Also available in XL
CRAFTY MUGS This brand-new quality ceramic mug is the perfect gift for you or the angler in your life, for use at home or on the bank!
£5.95 £1.95 P&P
TRAKKER MERINO SOCKS
CARP PILLOWS
- Available in 2 sizes: UK 7-9 & UK 10-12 - Materials: 40% Wool, 40% Acrylic, 15% Polyamide, 3% Cordura Polyamide, 2% Lycra Elastane
FROM
£9.95
£13.99
£1.95 P&P
KS
N
SANDWICH TOASTER
RIDGEMONKEY BIVVY-LITE CASE
£8.99
+ £1.95 P&P
THE TUITION DVD Iain Macmillan
£5.99
+ £1.95 P&P
SCALES MUG
£2.99
This brand-new scale pattern ceramic mug is the perfect gift for you or the angler in your life, for use at home or on the bank!
+ 50p P&P
WAS £14.99
NOW
FOX Chunk Stonewash Marl Olive T £14.99
£7.95 inc. P&P
£5.95 £1.95 P&P
SHORT SESSION SUCCESS Julian Cundiff
GREETINGS CARDS
Angling themed
BIG BRAND CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FROM…
FOX Chunk Stonewash Khaki T £14.99 ALL £1.95 P&P
ORDER ONLINE AND JOIN
OUR LOYALTY POINTS SCHEME Log on and visit www.thecarpstore.com for full terms and conditions of the loyalty points scheme Look out for this symbol – it will tell you the potential points you will earn if you purchase the product online
NEW 2016/17 CATALOGUE OUT NOW CALL FOR YOUR COPY
TO ORDER BY PHONE, CALL 0114 258 0812 OR ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.THECARPSTORE.COM 024-025_APMailOrder_CC234.indd 2
09/01/2017 11:12
IN NEXT MONTH’S CRAFTY CARPER
WE’VE ALL SEEN FISH CRASHING AND JUMPING, BUT WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN? OUR EXPERT PANEL EXPLAIN ALL
CROWY KEEPS US UP TO DATE WITH HIS LATEST ANGLING ADVENTURES AS HE KICKS OFF HIS 2017 CAMPAIGNS.
GOING THE DISTANCE Fishing at long range can have some great advantages, but are you doing it right? Ed Betteridge shows you how.
+
F E AT U R E S F R O M T E A M C R A F T Y, JULIAN CUNDIFF AND MANY MORE!
ON SA LE: W E D N ES DAY 15T H F E B RUA RY
114_NextMonth_CC234.indd 1
09/01/2017 16:37