Inspiration to go out and fish takes its form from many things. It could be from reading a good article in a mag, blog or online. It could be from getting to meet your favorite pro angler on the bank. It could be from watching the a program on television or a dvd.
So what is my inspiration?
In May I took part in Carping 4 Heroes at Welham Lake and met a few great guys including my angling hero Julian Cundiff! I also met a guy called Jonathan Dodds, 'Doddsy' to his buddies. So even though I didn't really spend a great deal of time with him I did get to speak to him and we had a beer together.
So we started the match and had a great weekend. A few weeks later after adding Doddsy to my Facebook I noticed a post on his wall say the amputation went well and he was recovering nicely. He had his left hand amputated and my heart went out to him. I thought his fishing days might have been over but how little did I know of his determination and will to succeed. I think the man is a legend for getting out there, still catching fish and having an amazing attitude towards life.
So my inspiration? Doddsy! Mate when I think I can't do it or when I think I can't be arsed to get my gear out I just look inside and think to myself well if you can still do all of this with what you've been through then I have no excuse to get my arse in gear and get out there!
Tight lines dude.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Friday, 26 October 2012
One of those days!
So as work was a little slow this week I was only in for four hours overtime today (Friday) and decided that it would be an excellent opportunity to head to a local lake and see if I could winkle one out.
Well were do I start? I turned up and as usual my choice of peg was taken so I decided to set up in a little bay which has a few weed beds around it and also with the weather conditions (overcast with a slight westerly blowing) looked bob on! I got down to the peg and began to set up. I put a scattering of NuttaS dumbells and S7 16mm rounds along the weed to my right with my wafter rig in amongst it. And to my left I cast a solid bag with a bright yellow PB wafter into a little spot just past a big weed bed.
So with traps set pretty quickly I had a brew and then was planning on doing another video blog on my PVA bag presentation and mix and how I feel it's important to get the bag as tight as possible etc etc so I grab the camcorder and hey presto the memory card won't read! And so began 'One of those days'
So I decided to recast my PVA rod, as I cast the wind kicked up and I wasn't paying attention, the line wrapped around my butt eye and crack! Of went the bag, leader and all! Good job that lead can come of ever so easy! Anyway after an hour in the peg I saw a few fish top on the far bank. A tricky cast from where I was so I up sticks and moved around the lake to try and get on the fish.
This was a bad idea. As I was setting my sticks on the platform I took a step onto what I thought was the bank, it wasn't. So just below the knee cap came the water on my right leg luckily my left stayed put and I landed on my ass or I would have gone in a lot more. So I got set up again and had another brew to warm me up while I stomped my feet to get rid of some of the water. It's the first time I've gone in to be honest and I hope it's the last!
So the wind changed direction and started to pick up pace and soon I thought a mini tornado had descended on my peg! I put up my brolly just as the rain kicked in and as I lent over for my pegs another massive wind burst grabbed the brolly and threw it 20 yards down the bank, thanks for that! So as I go chasing my brolly I get the only take of the day and as I reach the rod I lift in to nothing! HA could it get any worse? In-fact no it didn't. Not long after I tucked my tail between my legs and packed up. Wet, cold and confused as just as I put my rods away the wind died and the sun came out. I must be cursed at this place!
Anyway to cheer me up the new Parkway Drive album Atlas is on their official Youtube channel so feeling better now!
Peace!
Well were do I start? I turned up and as usual my choice of peg was taken so I decided to set up in a little bay which has a few weed beds around it and also with the weather conditions (overcast with a slight westerly blowing) looked bob on! I got down to the peg and began to set up. I put a scattering of NuttaS dumbells and S7 16mm rounds along the weed to my right with my wafter rig in amongst it. And to my left I cast a solid bag with a bright yellow PB wafter into a little spot just past a big weed bed.
So with traps set pretty quickly I had a brew and then was planning on doing another video blog on my PVA bag presentation and mix and how I feel it's important to get the bag as tight as possible etc etc so I grab the camcorder and hey presto the memory card won't read! And so began 'One of those days'
So I decided to recast my PVA rod, as I cast the wind kicked up and I wasn't paying attention, the line wrapped around my butt eye and crack! Of went the bag, leader and all! Good job that lead can come of ever so easy! Anyway after an hour in the peg I saw a few fish top on the far bank. A tricky cast from where I was so I up sticks and moved around the lake to try and get on the fish.
This was a bad idea. As I was setting my sticks on the platform I took a step onto what I thought was the bank, it wasn't. So just below the knee cap came the water on my right leg luckily my left stayed put and I landed on my ass or I would have gone in a lot more. So I got set up again and had another brew to warm me up while I stomped my feet to get rid of some of the water. It's the first time I've gone in to be honest and I hope it's the last!
So the wind changed direction and started to pick up pace and soon I thought a mini tornado had descended on my peg! I put up my brolly just as the rain kicked in and as I lent over for my pegs another massive wind burst grabbed the brolly and threw it 20 yards down the bank, thanks for that! So as I go chasing my brolly I get the only take of the day and as I reach the rod I lift in to nothing! HA could it get any worse? In-fact no it didn't. Not long after I tucked my tail between my legs and packed up. Wet, cold and confused as just as I put my rods away the wind died and the sun came out. I must be cursed at this place!
Anyway to cheer me up the new Parkway Drive album Atlas is on their official Youtube channel so feeling better now!
Peace!
Thursday, 25 October 2012
First attempt at my own hookbaits.
So a few months ago I had my first attempt at making some NuttaS hookbaits. I decided I wanted neutrality buoyant baits and them to be a different color than my freebies. So I got some dies, liquid food and base mix and had a go, mixed in with cork dust and this is how I got on.
So first of I started with cracking an egg in a bowl and giving it a whisk,
Next I added 15ml of the NuttaS food liquid and 3ml sweet ade
Next came some red bait dye
I started to add some base mix to the liquid and mixed it till it was stiff
Then I started to add cork dust until I had the required amount I wanted
Finally I added more base mix until the paste was soft and malleable
After I got the mix how I wanted it I placed the paste in a plastic bag to stop it drying out and took a well earned break!
So after a break I rolled the baits into the size and shapes I wanted and boilied them for 90 seconds, after drying them on a towel for a few hours I transferred them to an air drying bag for a few days to harden out before adding some glug to a pot and then the baits.
Hey presto a couple of sessions worth of bait in less than an hour. And unique to me.
Quite happy with myself that day and I have more to play with!
Friday, 19 October 2012
Through The Eyes Of A Marshal
So as you will be aware I have some most of the year marshaling a few of the BCAC and UKCC matches and this weekend just gone was the turn of the UKCC final down at Oxlease Lake on the Richworth Linear complex.
As the draw wasn't until 2pm I had plenty of time to get down there from the North. Some people might think that driving all that way for an event you are not competing in is a bit of a waste of time, but hopefully you will have read my previous blogs and know that I am thinking of entering the competition. (Not read it huh? of ya go then, I'll wait........done? Good)
So I arrived at Oxlease around 1.30pm and had the pleasure of seeing some old faces from the BCAC final. Lofty, Ginge, Bonesy and Mr Rob Huges. After parking the car I noticed that most of the competitors where mingling about, Mark Bartlet, Callum Gutteridge, Harry Charington and Kev Hewitt to name but a few and that we were waiting on a few more to turn up. As we were waiting the fun and games began among the marshaling team with Ginge beginning the ever entertaining 'Cock Flicking' game! Ah the things that entertain us so! Bonesy was the first to befall the flick and from that moment on most of us were very keen to know exactly where Ginge was standing!
So the draw was taken care of with out a hitch and the competitors headed out to their swims and we gathered in HQ tent to have a quick briefing and to collect our equipment.
I was given pegs four through to seven to look after with Mad Mark. Mark took the scales and slings around to the far bank and I decided to tag along with Chris and Lofty as they had a walk around the lake to show the lads their swim boundaries. It was nice to have a good walk around the lake before the competition started as when the hooter goes the only time you can really leave your area is for food. The lake is stunning. So very carpy but also huge! At 26 acres it certainly is a big lake compared to what I'm used to but the lads seemed to take in their stride. I'm pretty certain that all of them would have had practice sessions on the lake since qualifying for the final. So after a good walk around I jumped in the car and set up camp in between peg six, Chris Donovan and peg seven, Calum Kletta.
As with all these events I like to get out and have a chat to the guys and see how they are getting on, I never pry for information and never divulge what is told to me. So I headed over to young Calum who was on his own for a few hours at the start as his runner and pals on Team FLE (Team Winners) were held up at work so I decided that I would keep him company for a bit, I'm not sure if I was welcomed but I tried to keep the mood light. As the first hooter sounded to mark the start of the hour of marking and baiting I watched Calum closely and noted the smooth and efficient way that he cast his marker float set up, I also saw the advantages on using a stem as well and even though I don't tend to do a lot of marker float work I will be investing in a decent stem and float set up. The young lad was also pretty handy with a Spod and Spomb! Apart from one occasion where the line wrapped around the butt eye the lad dropped it on the spot every time. Very impressive!
The going was slow on our side to start of with but Calum did manage a few on the first evening. I was only woken up once on the first night and then woke in the morning to my alarm at 5.30! Every morning you need to report your fish to the guys in HQ and as Chris is on the radio from 7am he needs all the information as quick as possible. So with the just the 3 fish to report I managed to get back to sleep for a few more hours. I woke and checked the clock and as it read 8.30 I decided to get my ass up and have a brew before wondering down the bank.
I checked in with Calum, who's mum had turned up and was giving him mother support (which I thought was pretty cool!) and then popped into Chris D's peg, I didn't stop long though as he had been up all night trickling bait into his swim and the poor lad was trying to get some kip before starting again so I wondered up to peg 5 and was met with Mark Foster and his runner Mark and a boiling kettle so another brew was on the cards. He had a few fish during the night and in the sling was a stunning 34lb mirror carp.
As we were stood waiting for the camera crew and watching the water Mr Ian Poole turned up and we all commented on how it looked really good for a bite. About 10 minutes later Mark's right hand rod rattled off and I put the call on the radio. In double quick time Rob Hughes was around filming Mark land another pretty carp from Oxlease and then they had a quick interview. While we where there I gained some tips on photography from Mr Poole which was great. Brilliant stuff and something I really need to look at investing in a decent one as I am a little low on the camera side.
So not much else happened on our bank during the day Saturday but on the far bank it was another story with Jack Stamp and Ryan Need trading fish for fish thrilling stuff over the radio with Bonesy shouting for extra bods to go over and help weigh the fish. By the end of the day it was by no means a one horse race and the top three guys all looked like they could take the win. Come Sunday morning Mark Fisher in peg five had three fish ready for weighing but unfortunately it didn't help gaining him first place but second looked on the cards for sure. The winner though was Ryan Need who put in an amazing effort ending up on 227lb, well done mate.
As the clock ticked down we were in Marks swim and as the hooter sounded and the competition ended we congratulated him and then broke down camp and headed over for the presentation. As I had taken some gear down with me intending to stop on for a long session, myself and another marshal Rich decided a bit of zig fishing down in the area where most of the fish came out for Ryan and Jack was defiantly worth a shot. We dropped our gear in a split swim and headed back for the presentation. It went of with out a hitch and we all said our good byes with high hopes for next years events.
I followed Rich down to the swim where he cast out two zigs at ten feet and six feet where I cast them at eight foot and two foot. Rich was into a fish a few hours into our short session and it turned out to be a right lump at 31lb dead on! Stunning fish. Any way afteer a few hours the temp started dropping and the gate would be locked soon so we decided to pack up and head home.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and the lads really do make you feel welcome. I can't wait for next year and to meet up with the guys again.
Must add, the pictures are not my own and I hope the guys don't mind me using them.
As the draw wasn't until 2pm I had plenty of time to get down there from the North. Some people might think that driving all that way for an event you are not competing in is a bit of a waste of time, but hopefully you will have read my previous blogs and know that I am thinking of entering the competition. (Not read it huh? of ya go then, I'll wait........done? Good)
So I arrived at Oxlease around 1.30pm and had the pleasure of seeing some old faces from the BCAC final. Lofty, Ginge, Bonesy and Mr Rob Huges. After parking the car I noticed that most of the competitors where mingling about, Mark Bartlet, Callum Gutteridge, Harry Charington and Kev Hewitt to name but a few and that we were waiting on a few more to turn up. As we were waiting the fun and games began among the marshaling team with Ginge beginning the ever entertaining 'Cock Flicking' game! Ah the things that entertain us so! Bonesy was the first to befall the flick and from that moment on most of us were very keen to know exactly where Ginge was standing!
The man himself Chris 'Bonesy' Holmes
So the draw was taken care of with out a hitch and the competitors headed out to their swims and we gathered in HQ tent to have a quick briefing and to collect our equipment.
I was given pegs four through to seven to look after with Mad Mark. Mark took the scales and slings around to the far bank and I decided to tag along with Chris and Lofty as they had a walk around the lake to show the lads their swim boundaries. It was nice to have a good walk around the lake before the competition started as when the hooter goes the only time you can really leave your area is for food. The lake is stunning. So very carpy but also huge! At 26 acres it certainly is a big lake compared to what I'm used to but the lads seemed to take in their stride. I'm pretty certain that all of them would have had practice sessions on the lake since qualifying for the final. So after a good walk around I jumped in the car and set up camp in between peg six, Chris Donovan and peg seven, Calum Kletta.
As with all these events I like to get out and have a chat to the guys and see how they are getting on, I never pry for information and never divulge what is told to me. So I headed over to young Calum who was on his own for a few hours at the start as his runner and pals on Team FLE (Team Winners) were held up at work so I decided that I would keep him company for a bit, I'm not sure if I was welcomed but I tried to keep the mood light. As the first hooter sounded to mark the start of the hour of marking and baiting I watched Calum closely and noted the smooth and efficient way that he cast his marker float set up, I also saw the advantages on using a stem as well and even though I don't tend to do a lot of marker float work I will be investing in a decent stem and float set up. The young lad was also pretty handy with a Spod and Spomb! Apart from one occasion where the line wrapped around the butt eye the lad dropped it on the spot every time. Very impressive!
The going was slow on our side to start of with but Calum did manage a few on the first evening. I was only woken up once on the first night and then woke in the morning to my alarm at 5.30! Every morning you need to report your fish to the guys in HQ and as Chris is on the radio from 7am he needs all the information as quick as possible. So with the just the 3 fish to report I managed to get back to sleep for a few more hours. I woke and checked the clock and as it read 8.30 I decided to get my ass up and have a brew before wondering down the bank.
Marks 34lb Mirror
As we were stood waiting for the camera crew and watching the water Mr Ian Poole turned up and we all commented on how it looked really good for a bite. About 10 minutes later Mark's right hand rod rattled off and I put the call on the radio. In double quick time Rob Hughes was around filming Mark land another pretty carp from Oxlease and then they had a quick interview. While we where there I gained some tips on photography from Mr Poole which was great. Brilliant stuff and something I really need to look at investing in a decent one as I am a little low on the camera side.
So not much else happened on our bank during the day Saturday but on the far bank it was another story with Jack Stamp and Ryan Need trading fish for fish thrilling stuff over the radio with Bonesy shouting for extra bods to go over and help weigh the fish. By the end of the day it was by no means a one horse race and the top three guys all looked like they could take the win. Come Sunday morning Mark Fisher in peg five had three fish ready for weighing but unfortunately it didn't help gaining him first place but second looked on the cards for sure. The winner though was Ryan Need who put in an amazing effort ending up on 227lb, well done mate.
Ryan Need, worthy winner. Well done mate.
As the clock ticked down we were in Marks swim and as the hooter sounded and the competition ended we congratulated him and then broke down camp and headed over for the presentation. As I had taken some gear down with me intending to stop on for a long session, myself and another marshal Rich decided a bit of zig fishing down in the area where most of the fish came out for Ryan and Jack was defiantly worth a shot. We dropped our gear in a split swim and headed back for the presentation. It went of with out a hitch and we all said our good byes with high hopes for next years events.
I followed Rich down to the swim where he cast out two zigs at ten feet and six feet where I cast them at eight foot and two foot. Rich was into a fish a few hours into our short session and it turned out to be a right lump at 31lb dead on! Stunning fish. Any way afteer a few hours the temp started dropping and the gate would be locked soon so we decided to pack up and head home.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and the lads really do make you feel welcome. I can't wait for next year and to meet up with the guys again.
Must add, the pictures are not my own and I hope the guys don't mind me using them.
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Short Day Session
So I went to Stillingfleet the other day armed with a kilo of DNA S7 baits. The plan was to fish over a baited particle patch and an S7 patch.
I didn't get a touch on the particles and all my fish fell to the right hand rod with S7 wafters. I hope you enjoy the video, the quality isn't the best but and neither is the sound for which I apologize. It was an of the cuff idea as I took my camcorder down to Oxlease for the UKCC and had left it in my bag so thought I would give it a go.
If you think it's shite then let me know what needs improvement as I quite enjoyed it and might make a few more on my new water.
I didn't get a touch on the particles and all my fish fell to the right hand rod with S7 wafters. I hope you enjoy the video, the quality isn't the best but and neither is the sound for which I apologize. It was an of the cuff idea as I took my camcorder down to Oxlease for the UKCC and had left it in my bag so thought I would give it a go.
If you think it's shite then let me know what needs improvement as I quite enjoyed it and might make a few more on my new water.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Forums and Facebook!
I have to admit to being a social junky! I love browsing through Facebook and Twitter and reading through various forums but recently I have seen the darker and unpleasant side to social networking. I know I wanted to keep my blog free of unpleasantness but I have something to say.
Before I begin on what will most likely turn into a rant I must say that I don't give a witches tit which bait company you use, where you buy your tackle or what brand it is and who you fish with. All of those are your choices and are done for one reason or another. Whether it is you have 100% confidence in the bait, or are trying a new one. You get the best service from the tackle shop you use and your mate is always giving you tips or is great at making a brew not one person has the right to tell you that you can not do that!
I have seen some absolute shocking shows of ignorance and jealousy over the past year and it shames me to call them fellow anglers. Several times while perusing through a well known northern forum I have been met with hostility for mentioning the bait company I use, I have seen other people ask about bait companies and they have been met with the same comments 'Don't use them they are shite' 'Their boss is a wanker, wouldn't use them if it was free' 'They cut their bait down, so the flavors are no way near as strong as on the telly, false advertising that plus it's shit.' Just a few I can remember from memory.
I use a variety of tackle and buy from various different places but one story that shocked me recently was one of various members of a local tackle shop. The story goes that the shop stocks a certain bait company and that people wearing apparel of a different bait company where heckled and given abuse for supporting this company. Now if the stories are true then I would never use them again as that behavior is unacceptable but we all know how things can and do get blown out of proportion. But the jury is still out on this one and I will give the shop the benefit of doubt as they have always given me good service.
One incident I did fully witness was one of the companies recently launched a new range and along with this came a promotional video. Now the video was made up from a large amount of catch photos and some of them were accidentally mixed up. With in hours of this video going live a person decided to slander the company calling them liars and cheats even after an apology was made by the companies owner. Instead of going direct to the company via a private message he publicly slagged them of on both Facebook and a northern forum. Bang out of order son, bang out of order!
I too have felt the abusive nature of folk. When you ask a simple question on a forum and are hammered down by people who think you are not worth the light of day. It makes me quite angry. I am always keen to share any information on bait, rigs, venues, spots, anything if I am asked. I feel sorry for the young beginners out there as it must be an absolute nightmare trying to sift through the bull that is posted on most forums these days.
One recent shocker that I witnessed was on one of the leading anglers Facebook feed for a top tackle manufacturer. This chap is out making a living and trying to teach and help the young and old about this sport of ours and all they get is abuse from small minded individuals who threaten these guys with physical violence and mental abuse all with an extremely shite grasp on the English language!!
I really can not understand why there is so much jealousy and bitchiness in the sport. We all are here for one reason and that is to catch carp. Big carp or small. We love the sport but hate each other? I really can not get my head around it! Hopefully one day we can all just get along and if I ever turn into a hater then I will quit the sport and take up golf!
Anyway rant over! Onto the next topic!
Before I begin on what will most likely turn into a rant I must say that I don't give a witches tit which bait company you use, where you buy your tackle or what brand it is and who you fish with. All of those are your choices and are done for one reason or another. Whether it is you have 100% confidence in the bait, or are trying a new one. You get the best service from the tackle shop you use and your mate is always giving you tips or is great at making a brew not one person has the right to tell you that you can not do that!
I have seen some absolute shocking shows of ignorance and jealousy over the past year and it shames me to call them fellow anglers. Several times while perusing through a well known northern forum I have been met with hostility for mentioning the bait company I use, I have seen other people ask about bait companies and they have been met with the same comments 'Don't use them they are shite' 'Their boss is a wanker, wouldn't use them if it was free' 'They cut their bait down, so the flavors are no way near as strong as on the telly, false advertising that plus it's shit.' Just a few I can remember from memory.
I use a variety of tackle and buy from various different places but one story that shocked me recently was one of various members of a local tackle shop. The story goes that the shop stocks a certain bait company and that people wearing apparel of a different bait company where heckled and given abuse for supporting this company. Now if the stories are true then I would never use them again as that behavior is unacceptable but we all know how things can and do get blown out of proportion. But the jury is still out on this one and I will give the shop the benefit of doubt as they have always given me good service.
One incident I did fully witness was one of the companies recently launched a new range and along with this came a promotional video. Now the video was made up from a large amount of catch photos and some of them were accidentally mixed up. With in hours of this video going live a person decided to slander the company calling them liars and cheats even after an apology was made by the companies owner. Instead of going direct to the company via a private message he publicly slagged them of on both Facebook and a northern forum. Bang out of order son, bang out of order!
I too have felt the abusive nature of folk. When you ask a simple question on a forum and are hammered down by people who think you are not worth the light of day. It makes me quite angry. I am always keen to share any information on bait, rigs, venues, spots, anything if I am asked. I feel sorry for the young beginners out there as it must be an absolute nightmare trying to sift through the bull that is posted on most forums these days.
One recent shocker that I witnessed was on one of the leading anglers Facebook feed for a top tackle manufacturer. This chap is out making a living and trying to teach and help the young and old about this sport of ours and all they get is abuse from small minded individuals who threaten these guys with physical violence and mental abuse all with an extremely shite grasp on the English language!!
I really can not understand why there is so much jealousy and bitchiness in the sport. We all are here for one reason and that is to catch carp. Big carp or small. We love the sport but hate each other? I really can not get my head around it! Hopefully one day we can all just get along and if I ever turn into a hater then I will quit the sport and take up golf!
Anyway rant over! Onto the next topic!
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Preperation
So I have a 48hr session planned for October at Oxlease Lake on the Richworth Linear complex in Oxford. This is a session that will be following on from the marshaling at the UKCC final, I am thinking that this lake sees so much pressure all the time that a weekend where only 14 anglers are on the lake should have them moving about quite confidently with me then flicking a few rods out on the Sunday till Tuesday.
Now I've never been on Oxlease Lake and have no idea on what the bottom is like or what features there are to fish too so for the main part I can't do a massive amount of prep on the lake itself. All I can do is make sure my gear is ready. So I have been rummaging through my tackle bag and trying to condense the amount of crap I have in there! It's amazing how much gear you collect over the course of a season. I have managed to acquire 4 Spombs! (Thank you Mr n Mrs Spomb!) A few marker floats from margins around lakes. An old torn groundsheet for that "just in case!" And other odds and sods! So a lot of it has gone into the shed for when its needed.
So today after sorting through the bags and car boot and getting the rods in their sleeves built up and ready I made a few rigs up for my session. As I have (at this moment) decided to go for a spombed area with a pva bag on top of it then I made some short KD rigs for my small pop ups and balanced tigernuts. But as can always be the case anything can happen and I have enough gear in my tackle box to cover everything. He says hoping!
Anyway with more tubs of hook baits than I probably need and plenty of particles and plastic baits I think I should be ok. This is a session I really am looking forward to. I also have a good book with me just in-case!
Now I've never been on Oxlease Lake and have no idea on what the bottom is like or what features there are to fish too so for the main part I can't do a massive amount of prep on the lake itself. All I can do is make sure my gear is ready. So I have been rummaging through my tackle bag and trying to condense the amount of crap I have in there! It's amazing how much gear you collect over the course of a season. I have managed to acquire 4 Spombs! (Thank you Mr n Mrs Spomb!) A few marker floats from margins around lakes. An old torn groundsheet for that "just in case!" And other odds and sods! So a lot of it has gone into the shed for when its needed.
So today after sorting through the bags and car boot and getting the rods in their sleeves built up and ready I made a few rigs up for my session. As I have (at this moment) decided to go for a spombed area with a pva bag on top of it then I made some short KD rigs for my small pop ups and balanced tigernuts. But as can always be the case anything can happen and I have enough gear in my tackle box to cover everything. He says hoping!
Anyway with more tubs of hook baits than I probably need and plenty of particles and plastic baits I think I should be ok. This is a session I really am looking forward to. I also have a good book with me just in-case!
Saturday, 6 October 2012
To pre-bait or not to pre-bait?
With winter looming many of us will be tucked up at home rather than on the bank but how many of us carpers will be out and fishing through the winter?
I have decided to do a winter baiting campaign on my local lake with the intention of putting in 1-2 kilos a week in a few 'spots' around the lake and while there whack out a few hi-viz pop up's for a few hours at showing fish (if they show themselves that is!)
Some may think that this is a waste of time and money and to fish over this pre-bait for a session (24hrs+) rather than leave it for a free feed, others will think it is unfair to other anglers that may come to the lake and fish a different spot whilst the fish are on my spots feeding on freebies. They would be doing that anyway if I was fishing (hopefully!) so to me that argument is moot. I believe that the fish will come in and feed, not get hooked and then leave, come back and repeat and build up a great deal of confidence and then when it does come to me being able to get on the bank for a long session then the chances are greatly increased on me hooking one of the residents.
Hopefully after winter I will be able to share some results with you and it will have been worth the effort and cost. But when you get a cracking deal buying in bulk then it really doesn't cost the earth to do a winter baiting campaign with a good quality boilie. The S7 from DNA is my choice of winter bait and from what I have heard and seen it makes a cracking all year bait and should really get those carp munching all the way through the cold snap.
So we will see if the pre-baiting works and if so I will have something else to write about!
Tight lines.
I have decided to do a winter baiting campaign on my local lake with the intention of putting in 1-2 kilos a week in a few 'spots' around the lake and while there whack out a few hi-viz pop up's for a few hours at showing fish (if they show themselves that is!)
Some may think that this is a waste of time and money and to fish over this pre-bait for a session (24hrs+) rather than leave it for a free feed, others will think it is unfair to other anglers that may come to the lake and fish a different spot whilst the fish are on my spots feeding on freebies. They would be doing that anyway if I was fishing (hopefully!) so to me that argument is moot. I believe that the fish will come in and feed, not get hooked and then leave, come back and repeat and build up a great deal of confidence and then when it does come to me being able to get on the bank for a long session then the chances are greatly increased on me hooking one of the residents.
Hopefully after winter I will be able to share some results with you and it will have been worth the effort and cost. But when you get a cracking deal buying in bulk then it really doesn't cost the earth to do a winter baiting campaign with a good quality boilie. The S7 from DNA is my choice of winter bait and from what I have heard and seen it makes a cracking all year bait and should really get those carp munching all the way through the cold snap.
So we will see if the pre-baiting works and if so I will have something else to write about!
Tight lines.
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Up to September
So as mentioned before the majority of my time on the bank this year has been spent marshalling the BCAC and UKCC in various locations across the UK. I first saw the advert for the marshalling on the BCAC website and as I was looking at entering the competion at some point then marshalling would give me an insight into how it all works.
So my first event was a BCAC eliminator at A1 pits on pit 6 and I was introduced to Chris 'Bonesy' Holmes. First thing I must say about Chris is how welcoming he made me feel and funny the guy is! Pure legend and cracking angler. He put me on the Trent bank and I had the pleasure of meeting Jason Cann and Jerry Bridger from team Crafty Carper! I had such a laugh listening to them banter with Bonesy and also Jason's bag of goodies was an epic sight! The Doctor down in the bottom corner swim was far too intelligent for me but was a nice chap. And then I had the round winners Phil Bury and Joe Hubble who showed me so much. From rigs to setting bobbins and casting at range. I had a fantastic weekend and was delighted with the fish caught and another highlight for me was taking pictures for Jerry and Jason of the big common Jason had.
The next event for me was at Poolbridge Farm in York for the UKCC. Again I had a great weekend with Mick in charge this time with his boy Lloyd. I met some great guys and even though Bobby and Kieran didn't make it through the lads had a few nice fish and Bobby's big ghostie was a stunner.
The following event was again at Poolbridge Farm in York but this time it was for the BCAC and what a weekend it was. Wind, rain and Bonesy on fine form! Haha. I really enjoyed the weekend and also got chatting to a few guys around the lake, Daz and Vinny from DNA, Lewis and Alexi from Fox and Kris and Graham from Crafty Carper. Must admit that these guys know their stuff and was great watching them work. Kris and Graham where a great pair of chaps. Chalk and cheese springs to mind with these two! Kris was a right bag of nerves and G was as calm and cool as anyone I've ever met! Again I learnt a lot from them including G's epic Chod rig.
So after the eliminators came the semi-finals but unfortunately I couldn't make either of the semi's. But I did make it to the final of the BCAC at Broadlands lake in Southampton. First of I have to say what a stunning venue. Absoulutly stunning. The only thing I would say about the place from an 'day ticket' point of view is the amount of pegs and proximity of them. I understand that they need to meet the supply and demand area of their business plan but having 4 pegs in less than 10 yards is a wee bit too much in my eyes. Anyway other than that the place is stunning and although I didn't see any carp grace the bank on my section of the lake I did see some catch photos and there are some gorgeous fish swimming in those waters. This time I got to meet some 'Stars' as I would call them. Ian Poole was floating about taking photos and chatting to the competitors and Rob Huges was with the Sky Sports cameras and interviewing the guys. I was lucky enough to watch a zig rig tip from Mark Hutchinson, brilliant stuff, loved it.
I also got to meet Lofty and Ginge as well as the other regular marshals. The grub was cracking and the banter just as good. I got to have a good chat to the Nash guys there too and have decided on my purchase with my tackle vouchers!
So was it worth it? Damn straight it was. Will i be back next year? Try stopping me!
After the final at Broadlands I finally managed a few short sessions, one to Stillingfleet this time using S7 Dumbells and I had 2 small Commons. The other was an overnighter to Ladywoods which was a hard night and unfortunatly ending up being a blank. But never fear for Autumn is here and I plan on getting out soon, even if it is just for pre-baiting at Shipton. Oh and I have the UKCC final to marshal and a sneaky 48hr session on the lake after!
After the final at Broadlands I finally managed a few short sessions, one to Stillingfleet this time using S7 Dumbells and I had 2 small Commons. The other was an overnighter to Ladywoods which was a hard night and unfortunatly ending up being a blank. But never fear for Autumn is here and I plan on getting out soon, even if it is just for pre-baiting at Shipton. Oh and I have the UKCC final to marshal and a sneaky 48hr session on the lake after!
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