CARPologyMagazineIssue

PART THREE
097

Looking at your Instagram feed in 2020, it was clear that “It was actually reading one of Adam Penning’s fan-
tastic diary pieces in CARPology that ignited the piezo
your buzz was back with a bang, but it wasn’t always like that led to me getting back out. I keep in regular contact
with Adam, and we often share the buzz of captures
that; did you have a year or so out? either with a call, a photo or an over-excited video of us
with one in the net. On reading this particular article,
“In 2018, I hardly fished at all! I had a couple of trips to I was reminded of the lake he’d been targeting the year
St Ives, but as previously mentioned, I just wasn’t fired before. Suddenly, I found myself going back through old
up enough to try and get my head to the level of desire WhatsApp messages about some of the other inhabit-
required for such waters, and no doubt a hardcore, ants of the lake in question to inspire myself. I remem-
obsessive campaign - something which, at the time, I bered how much he’d enjoyed the place and being that
was trying to move away from! In my mind, I had spent it was free fishing, it seemed like the perfect water for
enough time on my own, and knowing how addic- me to use, to attempt to reacquaint myself with our
tive special lakes can be (combined with my addictive beloved pastime.
personality), I had to get myself out of there before it
kicked in. Clearly, though, the force of the complex had “Within 18hrs of arriving at the guesting water, the
already got its invisible roots into me, and I was soon buzz had returned in full. I caught the biggest carp in
dragged back the following year for another go. the pond: an absolute unit at 51lb and a UK personal
best. Suddenly, I was reminded of the incredibly pow-
“The summer of 2019, I fished three nights a week erful feeling that comes with catching such a huge fish.
for a month, all on the Meadow and was rewarded I was literally shaking for two hours! I try to look for
with four fish up to thirty-pounds - I think I got lost signs in life, and by catching that one, it felt like I was
in ‘Planet Festival’ for the remainder of the summer being encouraged back into this direction. Elliott Gray
and enjoying the good life! 2019/2020 was my first full drove up from Essex with his wife and son to do a bit of
winter in the UK for five years, and I had de-climatised filming for Cypography, not the Mother’s Day Gemma
myself to the point that not only did I not want to go had in mind, I’m sure, ha ha… I guess that’s a typical oc-
fishing, I didn’t even want to be outside.” cupational hazard when married to ‘Elbow’!

What reignited your passion for carp fishing then? “After reigniting the fire that trip, we were placed in
full lockdown! I honestly felt like a caged animal that’d
“The trouble with staying indoors for so long when you had a taste of freedom, but now had to return to its pen!
are an outdoors person, is that the inevitable happens
and you get yourself down, so by the time spring ar- “Once we were allowed out again, I returned to the
rived, I was itching to get out fishing, to immerse myself guesting pit and caught the one I most wanted. It was
in nature’s energy and also to give my mind something another extremely lucky capture to be fair. Not only
to focus on. The trouble I had at the time, was that I was
skint and literally had no tickets whatsoever.

098

was it a pretty rare fish in terms of captures, but it was How did you find fishing these larger lakes compared to
also an immensely unique creature, unusually dark what you had been used to?
and covered in shimmering round scales and a true
Cambridgeshire relic of the highest order! By now, the “I guess mostly, it was a lot more tiring. Wherever I fish,
lake was mobbed - literally one in, one out - and I was the most important factor for me is to be fishing where
itching for a proper adventure, rather than a camping the fish want to be, and I need signs from them that let
session on a packed pit! I decided to deploy Plan B, and me know what to do. Obviously this is even more criti-
packed and set off St Ives-bound.” cal on big pits, and therefore it was tiring work fighting
my way round the bramble-laden paths in the heat of
Can you tell us a bit about the complex and what made the summer, doing my best to search out those much-
needed sightings. Often, I’d be up from 4 a.m. until mid-
you want to fish it? night, clocking up a crazy number of steps in that time,
so yeah, it was definitely more tiring than the smaller
“For those that aren’t familiar with it, St Ives is made up lakes I was used to. I guess I could have made it easier
of a multitude of lakes, all with varying stocks and levels for myself by focusing solely one one lake, but I was
of difficulty, but I think it’s fair to say none of them are enjoying the options and it made it feel like even more
easy. It really is a true carp anglers’ paradise. Every lake of an adventure… obsessive Joey was back in the game!”
has a character of its own, and every corner you turn
there’s a super-carpy view - or a barbecue! There are Ha, ha! So has the nature of the lakes meant you have ap-
decades of fishing to be had there over all of the lakes, proached the fishing any differently tactics-wise?
and untold numbers of big fish to target. Couple that
with relatively quiet banks, and you can see why I soon “Not at all to be honest. My approach has been simple,
fell in love with the place - hats off to Gordon who has at least most of the time. I like to keep everything mini-
created such a mecca! mal as far as disturbance is concerned. Where possible,
I’ll simply fish for a bite with either a single pop-up or a
“The two lakes at the top of my hit list were Long solid bag. I think sometimes, as anglers, we get too hung
Reach and Meadow/Fjords. The Meadow is made up of up on fishing particular spots, and in some cases, we are
4 different pits, each joined by channels and totalling simply making it easy for the fish to know that they are
over 100-acres. The biggest section is Meadow, which being fished for. If a carp comes across a single hookbait
is a 50- to 60-acre square. The majority of the stock or a single solid bag, all its attention is on that, with
were put in at 5 to 15lb by VS Fisheries, and in the last 10 nothing else to compare it to, so not only do bites often
years or so they have thrived in their rich environment, come quicker, they come easier. Once you’ve had quick
clearly having taken advantage of the lack of pressure
during that time. In fact, the majority of them are now LEFT BIG PITS… HARD WORK BUT
thirty pounds-plus! Along with the stocked fish, there REWARDING WHEN IT ALL COMES RIGHT
are also a few originals, the biggest of which (that has RIGHT ONE OF THE MANY GEMS FROM THE
been caught at least) is the famous Round Brown, an-
other classic historical Cambridgeshire fish. ST IVES COMPLEX

“Long Reach is next door and I believe that’s around
35-acres. It has always had a reputation as the kind
of water that makes grown men cry! It’s one of those
places where everything is against you: speed boats
(seriously restricting where you can fish); tons of weed;
bream and eels; shallow, sharp bars; buoys; savage
brambles that grow faster than kelp; and swims where
you take your life into your hands every time you get a
bite… not forgetting the elephant mosquito infestation
in the surrounding ditches… oh, and carp that go miss-
ing for years on end!

“The stock in Long Reach was fairly low numbers-
wise, but super high in quality. The main prizes in-
cluded an immense mid-forty common, missing for
four years, and the Big Fully, which was the first that
got my attention, years previously when I saw a picture
of Mark ‘Boots’ Johnson with it. I didn’t know how big
is was, but it was the kind of fish for which size simply
didn’t matter, and pure perfection! It had done only two
captures in nine years, so it was about as rare as they
come! There was also Starburst, which had been up to
43lb, and Mutleys which had also been 40lb-plus, so
there were more than enough really special ones to go
at, along with about 25 other older ones and 20 recent,
smaller stockies. To be honest, I didn’t actually bother
researching the back-up stock, deciding that it would
be more fun to just see what came along - it heightened
the buzz of catching fish I had no idea existed!”

099

conducive for catching. A speedboat passed, and just
as I was pondering where the fish might be hiding to
avoid such commotion, one rolled in the wake! Within
ten minutes of putting a rod out, it was away, and I soon
had my first Long Reach carp in the net. Catching one
quickly from a notoriously difficult lake is a huge con-
fidence booster, and even though it was one of the new
stockies, I was more than happy.

“The next morning I had another bite. Although I
didn’t land the second fish, two bites on my first night
were enough to make me realise that they were more
than catchable! I guessed a little injection of fresh ones
into the pit created a bit of competition, and just may-
be, it would make the impossible a little more possible!

“There are too many stories to recall here, but all in
all, it was a mega year. On Long Reach, I managed 27
bites in 45 nights. I landed 22 fish, including Mutleys,
the Big Fully, and a 36lb common that I had no idea
existed. On the Meadow, I ended up with 12 fish up to
40lb. Seven of these were thirties - that was in about
twenty nights - and lastly, three from Shallow, so yes, all
in all, it was an extremely successful little campaign!”

TOP A 36LB COMMON THAT I DIDN’T EVEN How often were you going?

KNOW EXISTED “Once I got the buzz back, I was hooked. I had already
begun filming all my captures, and the stories leading up
BOTTOM CAMBRDGESHIRE’S VERY OWN BABY to them, and doing this gave me a sense of purpose again,
I knew that I wanted to start my own project, but after
BLACK, MUTLEYS. WHAT A CREATURE! a three-year break from the scene, I needed to catch a
few to start building my profile and my confidence again.
bites from tricky waters, it makes you not want to sit
there waiting for days on end, and I find it much more “Lockdown gave me a good excuse to be out doing it
interesting to keep on the move, so rather than bait and too. Fishing became my life therapy in the summer of
wait, I much prefer a more ‘Joe-active’ approach. 2020, and I immersed myself in it fully. I guess I also
saw it as an opportunity. I had making up to do, so had
“Also, once I have spent an hour plumbing and anoth- no qualms with doing four nights most weeks. Occa-
er hour spodding, it often feels like I’ve killed the swim. sionally I’d do six if I fancied staying on. My record was
On tricky waters, I’m only ever looking for one bite at a nine nights, but that was a mixture of the Meadow and
time, so minimal baiting is the way for me. I still intro- Long Reach, and in multiple swims. What can I say?
duce the bait I’m using, but it will be in small amounts I was loving being shut off from the gloomy reality of
here and there on my walks. That way, in my mind, they COVID and fishing was my remedy! Clearly, it helped
are finding small amounts of it all over the lake, so not that I had nothing else going on in my life and no one
only do they get a taste for it, they also become used to else to have to worry or think about, and I’d often go
finding it. Therefore, when they come across my hook- fishing with just enough money to cover my fuel and
bait, they’ll hopefully take it without question.” food. I’m not sure I could have kept up that level of
commitment if I wasn’t working towards the new film-
How has the fishing been? ing project, as I would have just been beating myself
up about not having work or money, so knowing there
“If I’m perfectly honest, it’s been the best year’s fish- was also an end goal with what I was doing, justified my
ing I’ve ever had! On my first trip, I had a 30lb mirror level of obsession (in my mind at least!).
from the Meadow after dropping onto the end of a new
southerly. I thought it was going to be simple, but it “In total, I did about 75 nights on St Ives between the
soon proved me wrong - big-pit carp can be cruel and end of May and the middle of November. Before that,
unpredictable at times! I don’t think I’d exceeded 70 nights in a year, and that
was back when I was 16 or 17. I’d always fancied a little
“I soon found myself venturing over to Long Reach dabble at full-time angling, so it was nice to give myself
on a mega-hot afternoon, after hours of endlessly look- a taste of it while I wasn’t working or in a relationship.”
ing for an opportunity. Standing in the shade, lapping
up a refreshing easterly breeze, I was considering call- Could you talk us through the methods and rigs you’ve
ing off the session early and returning the following
week when conditions would be less intense and more been using, and your pre-baiting…

“A bit of everything to be honest. Mostly, it’s been about
getting on fish and being where they want to be and/or
feed. I soon came to realise that on the Meadow, you are
wasting your time if you’re not seeing fish - certainly
in the spring and summer at least. Often, they would

1 00

either be preoccupied with hatches, or out in the mid- You had a couple of big hits in the autumn; could you talk

dle well out of range, so it was a case of being as alert us through them and the run-up to them?

as possible in the morning and attempting to get some “As it was cooling off, I had a couple of slow sessions on

baits as close to them as possible for their morning Long Reach. I’d still been keeping an eye on the Meadow

feeding spell - once that was over, you’d be pretty much throughout the year, but had told myself I would only

wasting your time. have a proper go if I was blessed with a good opportunity.

“So tactics-wise, it was mostly bags and singles, but One afternoon on Long Reach, one of the members, Lee,

that changed later on in the year as the naturals be- stopped for a chat. He’d lost his fishing buzz a bit, so I was

gan to disappear. Long Reach was also super rich with trying to fire him up. A new north-westerly wind had just

naturals, but if the fish were showing, then most of the picked up, so I said, ‘Have a look in Dead Body Corner;

time they were reachable, and to be honest, if they were they might get on this new wind and if you see one, you’ll

showing they were catchable. There were times when soon be raring to go.’ Later that evening, I noticed a photo

they didn’t seem to move, and occasionally a couple of he had posted of the swim, so I messaged him to see how

days would go by without me seeing anything, so I con- he was getting on. He’d actually seen a good handful by

vinced myself that was when the otters had been about. that point, and being as I was on a two-night blank with

The reaction of all the birds on the lake is clear when the nothing to go on, I made plans to check out the area my-

otters are around; they are either massively on edge or self the next day, knowing he was only on for one night.

simply nowhere to be seen! I expect the carp also pick “The following morning, the kit was in the car by 8

up off these vibes, spread their own fear to other fish a.m. and at 8.10 a.m. I sat on the side of Lancaster Point

when such predators are about, and hence don’t show. with 350 metres of water between me and Lee on the

“One night I was standing in the swim next door looking far bank. I’d seen a lot of fish earlier in the year between

as I had heard something show, when in the darkness, one those two swims and out of reach, and had planned to ask

lumped out about 60yds from Gordy if I could open up a new

where I stood. Instantly, there swim, but alas, I got distracted

was a rustle in the reeds and with Long Reach. As I wandered

out came an otter, which then “I’D WAITED ALL YEAR FOR down the Road Bank, a little gap
headed directly for the fresh rip- caught my attention, so I took a

ples, so I can understand their THIS OPPORTUNITY AND closer look. The little gap sud-
lack of jumping for joy whilst liv- DIDN’T WANT TO MISS OUT. denly turned into a lovely swim
ing in fear of being mauled by a with a space in the reeds just

big-clawed, sharp-toothed fury IT WAS TEMPTING TO JUMP big enough for the rods. I could

gangster! I guess that is another STRAIGHT IN THERE, BUT see that it wasn’t freshly cut and
reason why I felt it was so critical I DECIDED TO PLAY THE hadn’t been fished for a good
to stay mobile, and also a reason few weeks… result! Apparently,

why it was hard to find fish in LONG GAME AND GAVE it was a swim many years be-
the edge or in the bays of Fjords. IT ANOTHER HIT OF BAIT fore that had grown over. If I’m
They must feel slightly on edge honest, I fished like an idiot that

at most times, to the point that I BEFORE DOING A COUPLE OF day. I had it in my head that I

decided we are the lesser evil to NIGHTS ON LONG REACH...” needed to put a load of bait out,
them, so they would probably be but in reality, I went against all

more inclined to feed in the day my normal rules and probably

than at night. I proved that the- fluffed a very good chance of a

ory to myself in the end, as out of quick bite.

over 40 bites on the complex, only one came after dark! “On the second morning, I caught a 36lb mirror which

“Thankfully, I am now at stage in my angling where I prompted me to put in a good hit of boilies, tigers and

have two rigs that cover 90 per cent of what I do. These hemp before leaving. I spread these over a big area to

are a solid bag with a 3.5-inch hooklink, a big hook and help keep the big, scaly chunks there as long as possible.

a tiny pop-up; or a Spinner Rig either with a stiff boom Initially, I was going to leave it a good four or five days

on a helicopter, or a softer, fluorocarbon boom and a before I returned, but over the next forty-eight hours,

lead clip. The other 10 per cent of the time, it’s short, I couldn’t stop thinking that someone else might capi-

beefed-up Zigs or a Flouro Combi. The Spinner does talise on it if I wasn’t careful - I’d waited all year for this

nearly everything you would want a rig to do and can opportunity and didn’t want to miss out. It was tempting

be fished over all kinds of lakebed, so it perfectly suits to jump straight in there, but I decided to play the long

an opportunistic, minimal-disturbance mobile ap- game and gave it another hit of bait before doing a couple

proach. Although not at all stealthy, when it comes to of nights on Long Reach, then returning to put another

the crunch, a solid bag is an absolutely devastating way hit in on my way home. I knew the longer I could keep

of presenting a small hookbait with a short hooklink them feeding in that area, the more I might catch. Like I

and a big hook. It’s a perfect one-suck parcel which they said, I don’t have one set tactic; it’s good to be a jack of all

simply cannot deal with… the hooklink reacts to which- trades and to know when to utilise certain techniques,

ever way they approach it from, and tightens to the lead and so the autumn bait-and-wait plan began.

as soon as they mouth the bait. I’ve watched them nail “You know at Christmas when a child gets loads of

themselves on it instantly on multiple occasions, so it’s presents and they open them so quickly that they for-

a tactic I have the utmost confidence in.” get who they were from… well, that’s exactly what that

101

ABOVE SOAKED TO MY SKIN, BUT IT DOESN’T MATTER: I’VE GOT ONE HELL OF A CARP IN THE RETAINER!

first session was like… it’s all a blur! I managed five fish now, will you continue fishing on St Ives through the
in two nights, including the first stocky to go over the
magical forty-pound mark - a mega result for me, and colder months?
a massive milestone for Gordon who had invested so
heavily in the venue all those years before. “Since mid-November, I’ve had to put my own fishing
on the back burner and focus on filming other features
“Before leaving, I spread another 5 kilos of Link and 5 for Carp Angle. I would have continued up there, but
kilos of tigers over the zone. I think I managed 28hrs at for now I need to put my energy into this new pro-
home before it got to me and I was back on the A14 and ject. Thankfully, I have enough diary stuff to get me
heading north for St Ives! The first evening, I could see through the first few months and it’s not critical for me
fish showing out at range, probably 200-odd yards out, to be doing any hardcore fishing until the spring. I say
so I decided to put a couple of kilos of boilies out as far as thankfully, as I’ve de-climatised myself from our grim
I could with the stick. I’d been given a new Mainline bait winters and I find it hard to feel inspired to fish long
to try, so I mixed it 50-50 with the Link and gave it all a sessions. Carp fishing on hard waters is a lonely, weird
good coating of Smart Liquid, hoping that it might drift game as it is and I think I’d send myself mad if I fished
with the undertow and send a signal out into the lake. all year round with the intensity that I did this summer
and autumn! I’m a sociable person and I feed off meet-
“As the evening progressed, it looked like they were ing new people and sharing stories. This year has been
getting closer, and the following morning, I saw three the most unsociable year of my life and I’ve got some
shows in the throwing-stick zone. Unusually for me, making up to do on the partying and travelling front,
I chose not to fish for them, and instead, just let them once I’m back in a position to be able to. In an ideal
have breakfast on me in the hope that they would share world, I’d be away from January until May every year if
the good news and bring back some friends the follow- I could. The world is a big old place and life is too short
ing day. The plan worked perfectly, and within 27hrs of to be sitting cooped up in a bivvy for endless hours in
fishing the new area, I’d had 6 bites and had landed 4, horrendous conditions - for me at least!”
this time up to 37lb. What I love about these sessions
so much, and indeed the lake, is that every fish is dif- Do you have a favourite angling memory from the sum-
ferent… it really is like a box of chocolates. with such
a variety of stunning, mint-conditioned carp, of which mer of 2020?
many are yet to even see a hook. Special times indeed!”
“Without doubt, it has to be catching the Big Fully from
For the past few winters you’ve headed to Asia until Long Reach. I was four nights in and after blanking
through two, I had three fish over the next two mornings.
springtime. With that not really being an option right The weather was bang on and the atmosphere of the
lake was electric. I just had a feeling something special

102

was going to happen, so decided I’d be a fool to go home. What are the most important aspects of carp angling to

That afternoon, I stood in the swim chatting to another you nowadays?

guy called Lee, who was fishing the Meadow. As we stood “It’s all about being as proactive as possible, and keep-

there, the bobbin on the right-hand rod smashed into ing disturbance to a minimum. I’ve seen firsthand how

the butt and I took the leap of faith down the slope of pressure affects carp in small lakes, and it’s the same

death! Just as with Mutleys, the power of the fish was with bigger pits, if not more so on some occasions, so

nothing short of immense as it wrenched the rod over the less I do to make them aware of my presence, the

and inevitably kited towards the ‘buoys of death’. greater chance I have of catching. Also, there’s the

“The day before, I’d had a bite while having pictures obvious one of them wanting to be in different parts

taken with a fully scaled 22lb fish, and it had managed of the lake at different times of the day, so by getting to

to get itself deep into a huge weedbed just behind the know those little areas and trickling a bit of bait in on

spot. I ended up getting in the boat, and once above it, I a regular basis, I can often come across opportunities

slowly winched it up inch by inch, frantically ripping at for quick bites - as they say, you make your own luck!

the ‘weedberg’ with my hands, before finally scooping “From a personal enjoyment level, I definitely prefer

up a 27lb linear. Thankfully, I had stashed the boat in quieter lakes where it’s more me versus the fish, rather

the gap next-door, so as soon as this one stopped just than me versus a shedload of other mega-keen anglers.

short of the buoys, I put the rod on the rest, donned my Most of all, though, I like catching particularly special

lifejacket and ran round to the boat before paddling it fish that often go a long time between captures.”

to the swim to grab a net, my mat, and most important-

ly, the rod. It was drizzly and calm, which was a result, People often refer to the past as the good old days, but

as the boat was light and flighty at the best of times! It would you transport yourself back twenty or thirty years

was a good job it was light and manoeuvrable, to be hon- if you could to carp-fish in the ’80s with fewer people and

est, as there was no oar. I’d tried quieter banks, or are you quite

to bodge something up the day happy with 2021?

before with a landing net pole “I think you get a bit of that in all

and a floatation sling, but soon “WITHIN A COUPLE OF walks of life, don’t you? It’s the
realised it was far easier to lay same in the party scene… ‘It’s not

at the front and paddle freestyle MINUTES, I HAD SEEN IT like it used to be back in the day,’
with my arms. Pulling myself out TWISTING AND TURNING, blah, blah. I call it ‘nan talk’… ‘It
was easy; I simply used the rod. wasn’t like that in my day…’ To

As I got above the fish, it immedi- AND ALL I COULD SEE be honest, I’ve never been one

ately popped out of the weed and WAS A MASSIVE BLACK to live in the past. Life should be
suddenly, I was in a ridiculously about embracing the moment,

hairy situation. MIRROR WITH BIG WHITE for that is all we truly have. Of

“Imagine this: a square of boys LINES APPEARING AS IT course, the game has changed,
just five yards away and a ramp BENT AND REVEALED ITS but whatever you want from it,
in-between them chained at all it is still there somewhere if you

four corners, and I’m in a boat MANY HUGE SCALES...” look hard enough. There are still
getting towed around by a stu- untapped waters, and there are

pidly powerful unseen leviathan still ‘hush hush’ syndicates re-

below! Within a couple of min- served exclusively for old Vic-

utes, I had seen it twisting and tor Mildews who only want to

turning, and all I could see was a massive black mirror mix with others like them, so they can bitch about the

with big white lines appearing as it bent and revealed young ’uns spoiling the game and the bloody Instagram

its many huge scales. I now knew exactly what I was generation… ‘I would’ve caught that bugger by now if it

attached to, and for the next five minutes pleaded pa- wasn’t for those pesky kids,’ …you know the type!

thetically for it to give up, as I did my utmost to steer “Anyway, what I am getting at is fishing - and life - are

it away from the underwater obstacles of doom! I’m what you want to make them. Find what you like and

gutted I didn’t have a GoPro on my head to capture the focus on enjoying that, rather than just wasting nega-

moment, as it really would have been amusing listening tive energy complaining about what you don’t like. It’s

to me begging it into the net. As it went in, I let out an a powerful trick, and one that could save you money on

almighty ‘Yes! The Big Fully!’ I’m rarely one to shout, tablets from the doctor! Like these numpties that spend

but on that occasion, it fully warranted it, and with that their life watching YouTube videos to see what bitchy

epic battle and level of buzz, it’s hard not to let out some comments they can make. They’d be far happier if they

form of vocal relief or celebration. just commented on what they did like. Anyway, I’ll get

“Dave Robinson came down to do the honours with back down off my preachers’ soapbox. Going back to the

the cameras. There are only two people I know who question; no I wouldn’t. Bedchairs were rubbish back

admire special carp as much as I do, and that’s Adam then, and hooks were as blunt as anything!”

and Dave. This was one that Dave had always wanted

to see on the bank, so he was more than happy to take a Now, on to some big news: you’ve also been busy work-

massive detour on the way home after filming a hectic ing on your new project, Carp Angle. Tell us more! Where

session at Linear with Tom Maker. As you can see, he did the idea come from?

did me proud with the photos… legend!” “I toyed with the idea of doing my own thing when El-

103

ABOVE IMMACULATE IN EVERY WAY AND JUST THREE CAPTURES IN TEN YEARS

liott took over Carp-TV, but at the time, I’d lost my buzz to create a pilot show to try and please enough compa-
for the scene and needed a break from it all. When I nies for them to want to support it, but I soon realised
caught the fifty, we did a piece to go with it for Cypog- they’d want blood for very little, and ultimately it would
raphy regarding why I’d drifted away from the scene, end up being more advertising. One of the companies
what I’d been up to, some thoughts on life etc. Well it expected me to use different set-ups just to get different
must have resonated with a lot of people, as I was sud- gear on screen regularly. Sorry, but that’s just not me.
denly inundated with messages from anglers saying
how much they enjoyed it and that they’d missed me on “So we’re hoping to win over the viewer’s respect
screen. I also had a lot of people messaging to say they enough for them to want to support the next issue each
liked Cypography, but they missed me, so I should do month with a personal contribution, a ‘pay as you feel’
my own thing again. As I’d considered it anyway, get- honesty box if you like. The greater the budget we have,
ting that kind of feedback and encouragement felt like a the better the shows will be that we produce - we’ve
massive push from the universe and it gave me the faith already had invitations for a few really interesting Eu-
and confidence that I could pull it off. ropean adventures next year.

“At first, I considered just putting out a regular diary “As far as regular content goes, each show will be
and seeing where that went, but when Elliott told me made up of three main features: an in-session piece with
he was changing his format, I decided there was a call a guest angler, a ‘winner stays on’ match, and a campaign
for another monthly show in the style of Carp-TV, i.e. a diary. As well as those, there will be a multitude of short-
mixture of anglers and features, almost like a magazine er features each month consisting of tips, tactics and
in television format. I’ve been told I’m easy to watch, entertaining stories from a large range of well-known
and people seem to enjoy my light-hearted and posi- anglers. I think what people warmed to with Carp-TV
tive outlook on life and fishing, I think I just like to help was the personal side to it with me interviewing people.
keep people happy in life, and this kind of platform It’s not an easy task at times, as everyone is different, but
seems to give me an opportunity to do that. I seem to make most people feel pretty relaxed in front
of a camera, and you can bounce off each other. Asking
“So yeah, the concept is purely and simply to provide people to present to a camera doesn’t always work - de-
a show that informs, inspires and entertains. I want to pending on the angler, of course.”
keep it 100 per cent independent and free of any adver-
tising or sponsorship. There’s enough stuff on YouTube So who can we expect to see in this first episode?
already with the hidden (and not so hidden) agenda of
selling tackle and bait, and I wanted to go against the “The first show starts off at Fryerning, where I was cra-
grain in an attempt to keep it real. Originally, I was going zy enough to once again set myself the ridiculously tall
order of catching a single, a double, a twenty, a thirty

1 04

and a forty! It was something I had tried only once, back a wage and give us something to do that we have a pas-
in the Carp-TV days, and I’d managed the full pack back sion and a talent for, then I am sure other opportunities
then. Could lightning strike twice? You’ll have to wait will pop up along the way.
and see. Aside from that, we’re out on the bank with the
Master of the Pole, Oli Davis, who gives a masterclass “The dream would be to get enough contributions
in the use of the much-debated Bushwhacker, plus, the each month to keep it on YouTube, as it’s there where
first of Joe Bloggs, and the beginning of my campaign we can do the most good. Ultimately, as well as enter-
on the mighty St Ives, along with a shedload of stories tain people, we would love to inspire others to get into
and tips from Adam Penning, Alan Blair, Oli Davis, Nick the sport for the good of their mental health. We know
Helleur, Ian Russel and Dave Lane.” how much fishing can benefit us in so many ways, and
there’s an untold number of people on the planet who
Do you feel any sense of pressure to make it happen when can benefit from it. If we put it onto a website with a
subscription, we will reach only those that are already
out filming these shows, or are you just used to that now? super keen, but if the super-keen people can contribute
a small amount, we can all help to get others on the
“There’s always a sense of pressure, for sure. It’s rare bank with something positive to focus their minds on.
that everything falls perfectly into place, but when it So many people have struggled at some point over the
does, it’s a satisfying feeling! One of the main issues last year or two mentally, and it’s important to recog-
when making Carp-TV films was the time limit. Nick, nise that this kind of thing is normal and just a part of
the cameraman and editor, had a lot of other jobs on and life that we have to get through. Sharing it with others
often I was given four days a month to firstly try and find can really help with that, so ultimately we want to do
someone who was free those days, and secondly to try our bit for humanity and people’s mental health by ris-
and make a feature good enough to put out. With Carp ing awareness of the benefits of our sport.
Angle we’ll have more time to commit and will therefore
be able to go the extra mile where required.” “As mentioned previously, a lot of the content already
out on YouTube is designed to promote a particular
Do you have a long-term goal with Carp Angle? brand to reinforce sales. My goal with Carp Angle is to
do my utmost to keep it as non-commercial as possible,
“I’ve never been great with long-term goals; I seem to and ultimately make people smile, laugh, and most of
have a phobia about commitment - ask any of my ex- all, give them the buzz to get out fishing themselves…
girlfriends! So I guess I tend to just focus on the now, if we can achieve this, then even if we don’t make any
and at the moment, my goal is to just try and make it money, we’ll be happy!”
work. I don’t expect to get rich, but if we can make it pay

BELOW PROBABLY THE BEST CARP I’VE EVER BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO MEET

105







@harrywayebarker
CC Moore TV

ALL FOR THE JOURNEY

The conversation flows and some
special fish make a timely appearance
as Harry Waye-Barker continues his
summer campaign in Cambridgeshire…

BY

H A R RY WAY E - B A R K E R

PHOTOS BY

H A R RY WAY E - B A R K E R A N D F R I E N D S

OLD HABITS, LUCKY CHARMS AND MORE THAN A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC

MORNING ON THE WOOLPACK

1 09

MEETING GOOD FRIEND, RICHARD, EN
ROUTE TO THE WOOLPACK FROM NORWICH,
I WAS FULL OF ANTICIPATION. RICH WAS
TO JOIN ME AS A GUEST A FEW TIMES
A YEAR, AND AFTER I’D GIVEN HIM THE
HEADS UP THAT THE LAKES WERE FISHING
WELL, HE WAS AS KEEN AS EVER TO TAKE
U P T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y. A S I H AV E S A I D S O
MANY TIMES BEFORE, THOUGH I ENJOY
F I S H I N G F O R M YS E L F, I T ’ S A LWAYS N I C E
TO H AV E S O M E CO M PA N Y F R O M T I M E TO
T I M E , PA R T I C U L A R LY I F YO U M A N AG E S O M E
SUCCESS, AS BEING ABLE TO SHARE THE
M O M E N T, M A K E S I T T H AT M U C H B E T T E R .

S trangely enough, I often enjoy the We stood and observed for some time, looking for
journey to the lake; it gives me time telltale signs, but could make out only a slight change in
to clear my thoughts and focus on colour on the lake’s surface towards the southern end.
the angling ahead. Often, that pe- Something had happened or was going on down there,
riod of travel and separation from and we made our way around the western bank to find
the world, can cleanse the mind out what we were missing.

ahead of the sole task in hand, that Dawn was breaking over our shoulders, and the birds
were in full song. The noise included that from the same
of locating a few carp. family of sparrowhawks I’d heard on my previous trip.
They’d taken sanctuary on the narrow spit between
It was still dark as I rolled along Cow Lane and down Lake 7 and Lake 6, and more remnants of food were to
be found along the path.
to the complex. I dipped the lights at the gate and crept
WHAT A START… THE LITTLE LIN
into the fishery (a superstitious habit of mine) trying to

make as little noise as possible as I arrived on the scene.

It probably counts for nothing, but I’m sure we all have

odd habits that seem to stick when it comes to our carp

fishing. My approach makes me feel as though I am an-

gling properly and causing minimal disturbance to the

wildlife, and of course, other anglers.

Rich and I peered out from a little stalking swim on

Lake 7, closest to the car park. I love to watch from this

spot; it offers a beautiful vista over the lake. All was quiet

and there was barely a ripple on the surface. It had been

one of those calm, still summer nights when you can

hear a pin drop. All of a sudden, I heard a warning call as

a startled moorhen scampered out from the tall Norfolk

reeds to our right. It scuttled over the water, signalling

our arrival to the rest of the lake’s inhabitants.

1 10

“CHAZ TURNED TO
ME AND WINKED.

HE ALREADY KNEW
THAT IT WAS A FISH
CALLED ROSIE, AND

I S U D D E N LY F E LT
NERVOUS FOR JIM.”

ROSIE
WAS
FINALLY
JIM’S!

111

A HAPPY MAN “ANOTHER HEAD ROSE AND
SMILES ALL ROUND
FELL AGAIN IN THE SAME

AREA. EXCITEMENT WAS

BUILDING. THERE IS NOTHING

BETTER THAN SEEING SUCH

OBVIOUS SIGNS OF FISH

P R E S E N C E A N D AC T I V I T Y.”

Just as we turned back to the water, a sloped head rose
and fell along a middle zone towards a swim named the
High Bank. We waited patiently and looked over the water
in the murky twilight. Foamy bubbles hung on the surface,
remnants of previous shows and always a sign at that time
in the summer when the water temperature is well up.

Another head rose and fell again in the same area.
Excitement was building. There is nothing better than
seeing such obvious signs of fish presence and activity.
We wandered round to the High Bank itself as the shows
continued. Securing the swims with whatever we had in
our hands, our minds were set.

The day wore on and the activity subsided. All we could
do was hope that they would repeat the performance the
following morning. We hadn’t gone overkill with the bait
and were confident in just giving them a dusting of crumb
and mixed sized tuna baits sprayed across the general
marks. They were happy to be there, and given the time
of year, we knew they would have enough about them to
seek out the baits if they were up for some food.

Later in the day, we sat watching the sun dip down
behind us on Lake 8. This area of Cambridgeshire is
famous for big and beautiful skies, and this particular
evening didn’t disappoint as oranges, golds and reds
gave way to a purple hue just on dark. Before long, the
beers were flowing, as they so often do with Rich (always
a great laugh) for company. Given what we had seen dur-
ing the morning, we were full of expectation.

Finally, after putting the world to rights, I retired and
slept heavily, waking just before first light to take a leak,
using the time also to have a listen at the front of the
swim. It was nothing but reassuring to hear a ‘sloop’ and
to know that they were back. Suddenly, the left-hand
rod let fly and I slipped on my waders hastily before
walking to the front of the shelf. It was quite eerie out
in the water at twilight. Fortunately, the fish hadn’t gone
overly mad, but I was still well aware of the heaviness of
its moves as it kited slowly from left to right. Not want-
ing to bother with the head torch, I could just make out
the ripple on the surface as a weighty fish made its way
towards the net. At the first time of asking, I managed
to stretch out with the net and land what was obviously
a good-sized carp. Flicking the head torch on, I looked
down in the mesh. A flash of scales revealed its identity
immediately: a magnificent old original and a fish I’d al-
ways wanted to catch: the Little Lin. I was feeling pretty
chuffed and well awake by this time!

Having retained the fish safely just as dawn broke, I’d

112

RICH AND A WOOLPACK ORIGINAL

just got up on the bank when my middle rod screamed amongst the jungle-like Canadian pondweed clearly vis-
for attention. I lifted into a fish that instantly put me on ible from the High Bank area. It was fascinating to watch
the back foot as it ploughed down the lake in a headlong the fish drop down and seek out the crumb in 10ft of water,
run. A long and drawn-out fight continued as I won- often sensing just one bait amongst a mountain of weed.
dered whether I might be lucky enough to be attached to
the monstrous VS Fisheries strain carp called The Boss, Rich and I were just about to go and get the stalking
which is known to ramp off. The fish, however, turned rods when another member and friend, Jim, arrived. He
out to be a long torpedo of a mirror at just over 33lb. explained that he’d been baiting the area and, fair play to
him, he’d been putting the miles in walking and baiting.
Giving Rich a yell, we weighed the Little Lin and mar- I’ll certainly be doing much more of that next season, as
velled at its beauty: a mid-thirty original with incredible it’s the way to go with three lakes at your disposal. As the
colour, over forty-years-old and still in fantastic condi- afternoon wore on, the fish slunk away from the corner
tion. (These carp really are a credit to the owner, Andy’s, and we made our way back around to the swims.
hard work over the previous 11 years.) While Rich and I
spent the morning watching over our zone as the fish Just as I got back, I noticed Chaz from across the lake
continued to show their presence, we were both sur- filming Jim on Lake 6. I gave Rich a call and asked if he
prised that neither of Rich’s rods had seen any action. wanted to go and see what was going on; I hadn’t seen
Perhaps he was a little short of their feeding line. He was any of the Lake 5 or Lake 6 fish, so it would be nice to
already planning a change for the following morning, have a look. We crept up behind Chaz, whilst Jim was out
should circumstances repeat themselves. in the lake battling with what was obviously a good fish.
Chaz turned to me and winked. He already knew that it
W e made use of a scorching hot was a fish called Rosie, and I suddenly felt nervous for
day, observing some of the Lake Jim. I knew how much he wanted that carp and to see it
8 stock from the High Bank. It ripping about in the weed was incredible. A real battle
was incredible to witness, at had ensued and it lasted well over 25 minutes, the fish
seemingly in control the whole time. I hoped that Jim
one point, a group of the big- could eventually tame it and that we’d be able to see it.

gest fish in the lake all together. Finally, Rosie appeared on the surface and Jim drew
his net under the most gorgeous carp I’d ever seen. It
Many of the stock were covered in clay streaks and it was such a special fish, and I could see why Jim had been
willing to dedicate so much time to it. Cheers rang out
was apparent that they had been visiting a corner.
113
Rich crumbed up individual baits and flicked them in

OVER 40-YEARS-OLD. JUST INCREDIBLE “WE WERE BOTH BUZZING TO

and Jim composed himself after the most ridiculous SEE SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE OLD
fight I’ve had the pleasure of watching.
CARP. AGAIN, THE FISH
With the fish in safe hands, I did some filming for Jim
with my SLR camera. It was a joy to record the image WAS AN ORIGINAL, AND
of such a beautiful old carp. Rosie looked so young for
her age and incredibly, she often goes uncaught for two WELL OVER 40-YEARS-OLD.”
years or more.
bank. Fortunately, the battle was fairly trouble-free, and
Celebrating the banking of Rosie with a barbecue and as the fish’s circles got smaller, I took the opportunity
beers, we talked about some of the other special residents to don the waders before making my way out to scoop
across the Woolpack complex. I’d always loved looking at up my prize.
pictures of the Lake 7 Fully, and spoke to another friend,
Dave, about his capture of it the previous year. What a fish! I couldn’t quite believe it… the Lake 7
Fully was mine! After talking it up so much the night
Rich and I returned to the west bank of Lake 7 and got before, it was a magic moment. I shouted to Rich and
our heads down for an earlier night. Having to flick the he came scampering round. We were both buzzing to
rods out in the dark wasn’t ideal, and I was cursing the see such an impressive old carp. Again, the fish was an
extra beers! I felt like I’d been asleep for only a couple of original, and well over 40-years-old.
minutes, when I was woken up by Rich as he exclaimed
that he’d caught a common. I walked like a zombie along I grinned from ear to ear as we shot a few pictures and
the bank to his swim and watched in a daze as he han- marvelled at the imprinted scales that ran like armour
dled the fish care superbly. It was a cracking common plating along its flanks. These carp are so special. I was
and again, an original. I’d woken up enough to operate blown away with how the trip had gone, and being able
the camera and clicked away at Rich’s 33lb Wooly com- to share my captures with friends amplified my feelings.
mon, one that I didn’t recognise, but which I could tell Rich had been quite the lucky charm throughout his
was an old one. I was chuffed for Rich too; he deserved it! guest trips to the Woolpack… he could certainly come
more often!
I drifted off until my early alarm at 4 a.m. It was just
getting light and I lit the stove. Sipping my coffee in the HARRY WAYE-BARKER
morning, I was just thinking about the previous day,
when my left-hand rod ripped off with a single tone.
There was no time for the waders this time as the fish
was flying, so I made do just standing high up on the

1 14

I’D TALKED
THE FULLY UP!

1 15



ESP-CARPGEAR.COM

HARDWARE ESP JUMPER 2021

NATTY KNITWEAR HARDWARE
FROM TEL AND ESP
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117
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FEB 2021

HARDWARE ROD POD AV I D C A R P. C O M

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When packed down it is small rather than applying pressure 1
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2

1. THE LOK DOWN CAM
LOCKS WON’T BUDGE A
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BUILT-IN SPIRIT LEVELS AT
BOTH ENDS OF THE POD!

W E R E A L LY L I K E

l The cam locks: they really
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l It’s very posy, but the built-in
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l Thanks to the low centre of
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1 18 FEB 2021

CARP TACKLE

HARDWARE LUGGAGE
1

2 W E R E A L LY L I K E
l The price point. When you see these
items in the flesh, you too will agree at how
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l We love the Brew Kit Bag - a lovely neat
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3

4

HARDWARE INFINITY SYSTEM LUGGAGE  Daiwa are making a big The sister product, the Low
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TO INFINITY luggage range. They’ve [2], boasts the same hard-
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slide underneath a bedchair.

1 20 FEB 2021

56 DAIWASPORTS.COM
8 7

10

9 11

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leads, leaders, surface gear or Moving on to rod holdalls, the 12ft Five Rod Holdall shorter-rod revolution then
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a hard lip all the way around 13ft. If you want a bit more

FEB 2021 121

HARDWARE BEDCHAIRS

HARDWARE INDULGENCE SLEEP SYSTEMS

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1 22 FEB 2021

NASHTACKLE.CO.UK

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1 23
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sleeping on either the smooth
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lower sleeping position. demands of the modern carp ALL BEDS COME WITH A Indulgence Winter
Across the SS3 and SS4 angler. A USB connection HOST OF NEAT, USEFUL Shroud Compact
range all the adjustable legs at the end head allows you FEATURES, SUCH AS THIS Filled with hollow fibre, this
are spring-loaded, which to store a powerbank on MESH SIDE POCKET shroud adds an extra season
means they shoot out with the underside of the bed to the rating of a SS and can
no fuss and can be operated in a designated pocket and lay on top of the duvet or be
one handed making setup on route your phone-charging propped up.
uneven ground a doddle at cable neatly through the
the touch of a single button. mattress. You also get a mesh Indulgence Mattress
valuable pocket on the side Sheet Compact
5. Loads of features for storing essentials like Fitting over the mattress,
your phone, keys and alarm these washable sheets help
Each Indulgence Sleep receiver. Extra-large hinges keep your bed clean and
System features the same on the beds also mean they provide a cooler sleeping base
selection of neat extra fold perfectly flat in transit in warmer weather.
features that show Nash have for easy stacking on a barrow
really thought about the or even a boat. Nash Bed Buddy
This compact chair sits atop
HOW BIG IS YOUR FISHING WAGON? both Wide and Standard beds
and has adjustable back support
Hatchback/saloon Estate/van I only fish urban waters through buckles and webbing.
near public transport
(while listening to DnB) FEB 2021

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under 30? bad back?

YES A motorised barrow is… Essential

Ever camo Not necessary Do you always
taped anything? have a pudding?

NO YES YES

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1 24

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www.nashtackle.co.uk

FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH SIXTH
VERSION, VERSION, VERSION, VERSION, VERSION, (AND
OCTOBER 1953 TO 1955 1955 TO 1958 FINAL)
EARLY VERSION,
1952 1954 1958 LATE
1958 TO
1966

1 26 FEB 2021

1

HARDWARE ROD COLLECTOR

COLLECTIVE MADNESS 2
VINTAGE (AND ICONIC)
CARP ROD COLLECTING

Jonathan Savory looks at carp anglers’ passion for collecting tackle, and
considers that most iconic of vintage rods: the B. James & Son Mk IV…

W HY DID THE COLLECTOR cross the tors, some more than others. Me? Well, I captures or sunrises, you have to admit,
road? The short answer that I gave up resisting it a long while ago. I’m a it’s a bit odd (sunrises, because I collect
don’t know, but they were prob- lost cause. Show me a ten-foot, two-piece those more than captures… make what
split cane and I’m a quivering wreck. you will of that!).
ably in search of a holy grail of
More of a man in the face of such en- You may already know that Chris Sand-
some kind. Either that, or they needed to counters is my good friend, Chris Sand- ford owns the rod, the one that caught
ford. Has he always been so stoic? Well, Clarissa, and made by Walker’s own hand
get to their psychologist’s appointment. he’s been collecting a good few more years from a single piece of Tonkin cane, flame-
than I have, and I’m sure, that prior to tempered, split, planed, glued, and fin-
As anglers, we are all collectors of sorts, his maturing into a wise and considered ished in that magical garden shed where
collecting type, at one time he chomped he made the stuff of dreams. The rod be-
and are all after our own personal holy every bit as I do to ‘get it bought’. Indeed, came the blueprint for virtually every
only recently, he revealed the fact. A very carp rod produced between 1952 and the
grail. No matter whether we’re collecting rare and early MK IV carp rod had become early ’70s. Some legacy, with 15,000 made
available, one of the first batch. They by B. James alone, and probably at least
fantastic captures, unforgettable memo- made only around 20 of those, way back the same number by the other makers
in 1952… the holy grail! “Get it bought!” to the same blueprint. Wow! That just
ries, beautiful sunrises, rods, reels, bite said Chris, “we mustn’t let it get away… doesn’t happen anymore.
who knows where it might end up!”
alarms, bobbins, or combinations of eve- Tackle manufacturers are wiser now.
And there it is, as if proof were needed, They know the truth: that we’re all col-
rything, we’re still collectors, and some of that collecting leads to madness, and lector tackle-tarts obsessed with the lat-
that all collectors are mad… me included, est ‘new development’. Likewise, we all
us get utterly obsessive about it. and probably you too! It doesn’t have to know we’re being drip-fed, and that next
be tackle; even if you’re just collecting year’s new development could equally be
What drives it? Goodness knows. It

certainly isn’t much to do with common

sense! Here I sit in my man cave (I hate

that term, but it’s an uncomfortable

truth), surrounded by rods, reels, paint-

ings, floats, prints, monkey climbers,

books, fishing-related CDs(!), vintage

baskets and bags, bite alarms, magazines;

it goes on. The floats have spilled into the

kitchen. The reels have spilled every-

where. The rods stand sentinel, peering

at me, disdainfully. I haven’t started on

stuffed fish (yet), but to do so may herald

a death knell, rung by my other obses- 3

sion that is the beautiful Rachel. 1. WALKER’S MK IV NO.1,
PICTURED SIDE BY SIDE
There, I mentioned her; maybe that’ll WITH THE MATCHING MK
IV ROD HE MADE FOR BB
earn me a stuffed pike? Just a small one.
2. TWO EXAMPLES OF
This addiction occupies more of my THE VERY FIRST BATCH
OF COMMERCIALLY
time than fishing does, but it holds me AVAILABLE CARP RODS
EVER PRODUCED. THESE
so firm, that I doubt I’ll ever escape its LEFT AN ENDURING
LEGACY, AND ARE AS
grasp. Thankfully, I’m in good company. RARE AS HEN’S TEETH!

3. JONATHAN WORKING
ON THE ‘CLARISSA’ ROD

Try explaining to a non-angler why we so

passionately pursue a fish, to simply let it

go. Most will shrug; they’ve heard it all be-

fore, and no matter how many more times

we repeat ourselves, they’ll never get it.

Try explaining a collector’s mentality to

an angler, though, and most will get it.

Why? Because, as I said, we’re all collec-

FEB 2021 127

HARDWARE ROD COLLECTING

released today, but if they did, what would just broken, it was obliterated, and the er built it, yet still it sends me all aquiver
they sell to us next year? It wasn’t like new one stood for nearly 38 years until when I see it. Why is it so important?
that back then, so the MK IV remained Yates caught the Bishop in 1980. Well, the fact that it caught the record
the pinnacle of carp tackle for nearly thir- is almost a side issue; its real legacy is
ty years, and rightly so, for it’s a great rod, But back to the point. Chris (Sandford) the impact it had on carp fishing. Before
one of the most iconic rods of all time, and owns the rod that caught Clarissa. We the MK IV, there was no commercially
perfectly designed to the brief: to land got chatting and he invited me over to available carp rod; indeed there was no
large fish on light tackle, and to accurate- say hello, share a cuppa and see the rod. tackle of any kind specifically designed
ly cast a light bait such as freelined bread It’s funny how, when you’re really into for the pursuit of carp. Until then, carp
paste or potato. Titter not ye young ’uns. this kind of stuff, a fishing rod can com- fishing was regarded as a futile pastime;
That’s what they used, and to good effect pletely knock you sideways. But that’s they were deemed virtually impossible
too! It’s difficult to argue with a 44lb carp exactly what it felt like, and not just the to hook, and even harder to land. Walker
from 1952, an age when a double was a first time, every time since. I suppose was determined to overturn this think-
very respectable fish, a twenty an abso- that’s the collector mentality again. ing, but first he needed a suitable rod.
lute monster, and anything above that
simply mythical. When Walker caught A year or two after that first meeting, The MK I, II and III were built as de-
Clarissa, Bernard Venables said, “We Chris asked me if I’d carry out a sym- velopments of existing rod designs, then
didn’t know such monsters existed.” Clar- pathetic restoration of the Clarissa rod, rejected. For the MK IV, Walker went
issa was monumental. The record wasn’t and I can now say that I’ve been lucky back to the drawing board and designed
enough to have got closer to the very fi- a bespoke taper using his engineering
bre of that rod than anybody since Walk- pedigree. The result was a success, and in
capturing Clarissa on his own, purpose-
First Version FIRST BATCH designed rod, he not only proved that
RODS INSPECTED large carp could be hooked, but crucially
YEAR: OCTOBER 1952 AND SIGNED that they could be landed. With that,
BY WALKER Walker didn’t just change the face of carp
‘Built to Endure’ first batch, HIMSELF: GREEN angling, he created it.
inspected and signed WHIP (LEFT),
personally by Richard Walker. JASPER WHIP Walker was something of an angling
Trumpet-shaped handle, (RIGHT); CLARET philanthropist. He is famed for replying
shoulder collar, ‘Built to WHIPPED personally to all correspondence to his
Endure’ transfer label, B. EXAMPLES weekly column in Angling Times,and
James’ ‘Ealing London’ DO EXIST, NOT that in the days of the handwritten letter.
address transfer, hook- PICTURED He was equally generous in his sharing
keeper ring. Translucent of knowledge; he publicised the taper
milky agate butt and tip measurements of his MK IV design, and
rings, spigotted ferrule, while only the B. James & Son of Ealing
non-branded rod bag. Most rods carried Walker’s name, virtually
of these examples feature every other rod builder crafted their own
very dark green (almost version. Understandably, the B. James
black) silk whippings, yet rods are the most widely sought these
some are claret silk, others days, although it has to be said that some
black/gold ‘Jasper’ (the (not all!) of the other makers’ rods are
Jasper, or two-tone whipping not only as good, but better, and with
was originally black and their added rarity they have become, in
white, the white turning to some cases, quite valuable. Generally
a dark gold over the years speaking, though, it’s the B. James rods
with the discolouring of the that attract the interest.
varnish). Blanks supplied by
the famous Bob Southwell So what’s the deal if you’ve got a MK
(also known as ‘The Captain IV kicking about, or if you’re interested
Croydon’), regarded as the in buying one? Well, I’d say that if you’ve
finest split-cane blank builder got one, cherish it and use it; it’s a much
of his time, and possibly of nicer experience than you might imag-
all time. Pictured are the ine. Don’t be concerned that it feels a
Jasper (1) and Green (2). little on the floppy side. That’s action,
Value? Well, these are not power. One day I’ll prove the point
rather like hens’ teeth. in a video, but basic physics say you ex-
Values range from £1,500 ert more pulling power with a through-
for a poor example in need action rod with a low test curve, than one
of restoration, £2,000 for with a tip action and higher test curve;
a tired ‘user’, to £3,000 to it’s basic torque. With a MK IV, you’ll be
£4,000 for good examples. able to feel the fish like you have done on
With two people bidding in no other rod; it’s an absolute joy. That
the same room, who knows? said, I use carbon most of the time. You

1 28 FEB 2021

can’t be casting a decent-sized lead or any kind of bag with a 2020DIEnCSEtoMreBsER
MK IV! But for margin fishing, stalking and floater work, I’d go
with a MK IV every time. I do not have to dress in tweed to do
so, nor do I need to wear a funny hat! I’m not trying to be some
kind of traditionalist, I just like them, and they’re a pleasure to
fish with. They look beautiful. They’ve got soul.

So numerous are the different makers’ versions of the MK
IV, that there’s a whole book to write on that; indeed one day,
I’ll get around to finishing it. But for now, let’s stick with the
B. James version…

The first batch of twenty or so produced in late 1952, were
inspected and signed by Richard Walker himself, and as you can
imagine, these are highly prized, sporting the early ‘Built to En-
dure’ logo and with Walker’s signature along the blank. Further
rods exist with the same logo and handwritten signature, yet
not actually written by Walker. On the whole, these are genuine.
The signature is no fakery, and no attempt was made to make
it appear as if it were from Walker’s hand. Demand simply
dictated that, after that first batch, Walker did not have time to
personally sign every rod - neither Walker, nor B. James could
have foreseen the new interest in carp angling that Walker’s
record would generate. After the rods with the original logo
and handwritten signatures, B. James started using a transfer
depicting Walker’s signature.

Various recognised versions of the MK IV split-cane rod ap-
peared until 1966, when cane finally succumbed to the new era
of glass fibre. It must be remembered that in the fifties and six-
ties, whilst craftsmanship was of a high level, brand and prod-
uct consistency were nothing compared to what we are used
to today. Often, I hear of collectors talking of specific handle
lengths for the MK IV, or ring spacings. The thing is, no such
specifics exist. If I were to stand all my MK IV rods together in a
row, the differences in handle length and ring spacing would be
immediately apparent. Indeed, in the main feature picture for
this article, all the rod butts are exactly aligned. As you can see,
the handle lengths are all different, as are the positions of the
transfers, rings and whippings. Yet, despite these slight varia-
tions, there are certain recognised versions, as featured in the
leading photograph, left to right, as detailed below:

Second Version SECOND VERSION RODS IN GREEN AND
CLARET, FROM NOW ON THE RICHARD
YEARS: 1953 TO 1954 WALKER SIGNATURE IS A TRANSFER

Trumpet handle, green Value? These are very
or claret silk whippings, sought after, particularly
shoulder collar, B. James (although for no real reason)
‘Ealing London’ address the green-whipped ones.
transfer, clear agate butt and Values range from £350 for
tip rings, spigotted ferrule, a poor example in need of
non-branded rod bag. Blanks restoration, £500 for a tired
supplied by Bob Southwell. ‘user’, to £750 to £1,000 for
really good examples.

FEB 2021 1 29

HARDWARE ROD COLLECTING

NOT MANY OF THE THIRD VERSION 5TH VERSION: HYBRID ONION
RODS EXIST, THEY WERE ONLY
PRODUCED FOR ONE YEAR… Fifth Version

TOP: ‘MRS MURGETT’ CLOSE WHIPPING AS YEAR: 1958
SEEN ON THE THIRD VERSION ‘EALING’ RODS
WITH THE ONION HANDLE - THESE ARE RARE. ‘Hybrid’ onion handle (it’s a bit like a
MIDDLE: CLOSE MECHANICAL WHIPPINGS squashed onion!), claret whippings,
AS SEEN ON SOME OF THE FOURTH VERSION shoulder collar, B. James ‘London England’
ONION HANDLES. BOTTOM: ‘STANDARD’ address transfer, amber agate butt and tip
WHIPPING SPACINGS; MOST MKIV RODS HAVE rings, standard (non-spigotted) ferrule,
SIMILAR SPACING TO THIS, BUT SPACING branded rod bag. Not featured in any of
DOES VARY FROM ROD TO ROD the previously published lists, yet I’ve seen
enough of this variety to be confident
THE RING PATTERNS AND MATERIALS it warrants being a recognised version
CHANGED THROUGH THE YEARS; HERE ARE in its own right. Of a heavier taper than
SOME OF THE COMMONLY RECOGNISED previous rods, by all accounts in response
EXAMPLES: FAR-LEFT AND CENTRE-LEFT: to variations in the rigidity of Tonkin cane
MILKY/CLEAR AGATE STAND-OFF BUTT RINGS, supplies at the time, they provide a slightly
BOTH ON FIRST BATCH ‘BUILT TO ENDURE’ sturdier feel, yet with the same forgiving
SIGNATURE RODS CENTRE RIGHT: CLEAR action. One of my favourite stalking rods.
AGATINE CRADLE BUTT RING FEATURED ON Values range from £150 for a poor example
TRUMPET HANDLES, 1953-54. FAR RIGHT: in need of restoration, £225 for a tired
AMBER-COLOURED AGATINE CRADLE BUTT ‘user’, to £400 for really good examples.
RING FROM 1955 ONWARDS

AN EXAMPLE OF THE KEEPER-RING
AS SEEN ON ALL VERSIONS EXCEPT
VERSIONS THREE (THE LATE EALING
ONION) AND SIX (THE DOUGHNUT).
OFTEN THE RING ITSELF IS MISSING,
LEAVING JUST THE FITTING THAT
ATTACHES IT TO THE ROD

Third Version by Bob Southwell. Very likely to have a Southwell 6TH VERSION: DOUGHNUT
close concentric inter- blank. Add the wonderful
YEAR: 1955 mediate whippings by Mrs Murgett to the mix Sixth (and final) Version
the famed Mrs Murgett, and you’ve got a truly
Onion handle, dark claret wife of fishing columnist, beautiful and rare fishing YEARS: LATE 1958 TO 1966
ring whippings with al- Frank Murgett. Examples rod, an absolute joy to
most black intermediate of Nora Murgett’s rod use, and at a lesser price Doughnut handle, claret whippings
whippings, no shoulder whipping only seem to than the earlier trumpet throughout, no shoulder collar, B. James
collar, B. James ‘Ealing appear on these Ealing/ shape. Values range from ‘England’ address transfer, amber agate
London’ address transfer, onion examples. Highly £200 for a poor example butt and tip rings, standard (non-
amber agate butt and tip sought after, rarely seen, in need of restoration, spigotted) ferrule, branded rod bag.
rings, standard (non-spig- very very collectable. £400 for a tired ‘user’, to Values range from £125 for a poor example
otted) ferrule, branded Value? Get an early one £700 to £800 for really in need of restoration, £200 for a tired
rod bag. Blanks supplied of these and you’re still good examples. ‘user’, to £325 for really good examples.

Fourth Version 4TH VERSION: LONDON ONION And there it is, everything you need for
time travel to BC (before carbon). There’s
YE A R S : 1 95 5 TO EARLY 1958 time, Bob Southwell was no longer a lot more besides B. James, and it’s my
supplying blanks, and all whippings duty to warn you, this is a very, very slip-
Onion handle, claret whippings were being done mechanically. pery slope, but, it’s one I’ve enjoyed slid-
throughout, shoulder collar, B.James However, the rods themselves were ing down and hopefully I’m nowhere near
‘London England’ address transfer, still of excellent quality. Close- the bottom yet! One thing though, as my
amber agate butt and tip rings, whipped versions (mechanically, not good friend Mr Sandford reminded me
standard (non-spigotted) ferrule, Mrs Murgett) were still available, as the other day, there is one absolutely es-
branded rod bag. was green whipping, although only sential factor in this collecting lark: if you
Value? I’d put this one as the go-to by special order. Values range from have a partner, they must be a saint!
rod for those who want a genuine MK £150 for a poor example in need of
IV feel, for a modest price. By this restoration, £225 for a tired ‘user’, to JONATHAN SAVORY
£400 for really good examples.
FEB 2021
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THE BIG QUESTIONS How do you fill them? slightly heavier and has a the Spider Spod name and
larger carrying capacity. were only released after
These look a bit different to Those four mirrored panels The Competition benefits three years of research
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devices that needs to be Developments launched
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the design where the available spod, with fins
X-Spods need to be seen for stability and holes
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from a mix of rubber and
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1 34



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This boat has a built-in sonar? That’s the one. This one is
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Ah, they’re the castable
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CARPOLOGYTV
- TO WATCH OUR

VIDEO REVIEW
OF THE NEW
BAIT BOAT 2.

1 36 FEB 2021

NEWDIRECTIONTACKLE.CO.UK

Sounds handy, but isn’t it That sounds neat but Android - gives you real-time without the autopilot
difficult to turn it on & off if what’s the range on the GPS monitoring so you can upgrade, the ND Bait Boat
it’s mounted under the boat? Deeper like? 30yds and see exactly where the boat 2 is controlled using a very
then it stops working? is on your venue and save compact one-handed device
The Deeper Chirp has an hotspots for future use. If leaving you free to pay
inductive on/off response, No, you’re completely you splash out an extra £199 attention to the line leaving
meaning it turns itself on wrong. It’s 100m when using you can get the autopilot your rod. The thumbstick
automatically when placed the phone app, but you bolt-on upgrade which equips directional controller is super
in water and it turns itself can buy a New Direction your vessel with the ability intuitive and triggering the
off automatically once dry, Wi-Fi Sonar Range Extender to plot a course to and from boat’s hoppers or hanging
so you needn’t worry about which gives you more than an unlimited number of pre- hook is super simple.
inadvertently running down double that range. It’s really selected spots without any
the battery. There’s also an impressive stuff. need to touch the controls. Err, what the hell is the
easily accessible charging port ‘hanging hook’?
to charge it using a USB-C Any other toys on this boat? WHAT?! That’s amazing.
cable and a powerbank. So I don’t need to juggle The rear of the boat
New Direction’s own app - holding the controller and features a hook on which
which can be run in tandem my rod? you can attach your rig. It is
with the Deeper display on operating remotely using the
Exactly. You can feather controller so you can drop
A TOP QUALITY BAIT and mend your line with your hookbait independently
BOAT, HOUSING precision. Though even of the loosefeed in the main
DEEPER SONAR hoppers, which can be a real
TECHNOLOGY? THIS W E R E A L LY L I K E edge when trying to trip up
COULD JUST BE THE wary carp just off your main
BEST BAIT BOAT ON l The range. Unlike some devices, baited area.
THE MARKET! this can send back a signal from
up to 200yds away. I luuurve this boat! Anything
l The autopilot bolt-on is brilliant. else I should know?
l And the ‘hanging hook’ is a very
clever way to present your rig The Bait Boat 2 runs on a
away from the baited spot. single lithium-ion battery
placed in the centre of the
boat between both hoppers
for even weight distribution.
It has a capacity of 1.5kg per
hopper, and both can be
opened independently. It’s
propelled by two motors, has
two large front headlights
and rear LEDs and it weighs
in at just 5.5kg. Check out
newdirection.co.uk for all the
prices and spec.

1. THE BUILT QUALITY AND FINISH IS SECOND-TO-NONE
2. THE HAND CONTROL IS AS SIMPLE AS IT GETS TO OPERATE
3. BOMBS AWAY!

1 2 3
137
FEB 2021





HARDWARE SPOD KIT

HEAD TO OUR A WINNING
YOUTUBE SPODDING COMBO
CHANNEL -

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ACCOMPANYING
VIDEO REVIEWS.

HARDWARE WINNING COMBO

SPOD PARTNERS
RECON SPOD ROD
VADERX 8000 REEL

This Sonik pairing is all you need for baiting up. Here’s
everything you need to know…

1 40 FEB 2021

1 Okay, so it’s got line, but SONIKSPORTS.COM
is it up to the hard work W E R E A L LY L I K E
2021 LOOKS LIKE being another stellar year for Sonik, who of spodding?
have created a strong reputation for selling quality, in- l The fact Sonik will
novative gear at sensible prices. Their kit isn’t cheap and It’s a proper powerhouse kit you out with an
cheerful, they offer genuinely useful and progressive de- which retrieves 1.1m of line awesome spodding
signs with plenty of pedigree - as this combination of spod with every turn of the handle set-up for sub-£150!
rod and matching reel ably demonstrates. and has a total of six ball l That the VaderX
bearings. You also get two 8000 RS Reel comes
THE BIG QUESTIONS casting power of a standard spring-loaded line clips and pre-loaded with 30lb
12ft spod rod. And speaking Sonik’s Quick-Torque drag braid. There’s not only
What have we got here, then? of grunt, it’s got a meaty system which is very handy a monetary saving but
4.5lb test curve so it’ll when letting off line to a time one too!
This is the Xtractor Recon handle large spods and big release a marker float to the l The Xtractor Recon
12ft Spod/Marker rod and the marker setups with ease. surface. The graphite body 12ft Spod/Marker
VaderX 8000 RS spod reel… and rotor is strong but light, rod packs down to
Have you already spooled while the oversized twist- just 50-inches.
Hang on, that rod up the reel too? free line roller keeps that
doesn’t look big enough braid in order. It also comes 1. IT’S A SPOD ROD WHICH
to be a 12-footer! with adjustment washers to PACKS DOWN TO JUST
perfect the line lay if you 50-INCHES YET HAS A
Ah, well that’s because No, it comes pre-loaded choose to use mainlines of MEATY 4.5LB TEST CURVE!
it’s got a retractable butt with braid - which is a real different diameters. And 2. WHEN EXTENDED,
section, so it packs down to godsend and saves you a few speaking of which, it can hold IT MEASURES THE
just 50-inch (127cm), which quid too. Sonik have kindly 370m 0.30mm line, or 220m TRADITIONAL 12FT
is the same as a two-piece bestowed the spool with of 0.40mm line. 3. BEEFY AND PRE-LOADED
10ft rod. That means you 200m of top-notch 30lb WITH 30LB BRAID. WE
can easily pair this with a braid, so attach a shockleader Sounds impressive. Does LOOOOVE YOU, SONIK!
scaled-down set-up but and you’re ready to go the rod match it?
still have all the grunt and spodding or feature finding. 2
Twinning the VaderX 8000
RS with the Xtractor Recon 3
Spod/Marker is a great
partnership. The rod has a
progressive power delivery
that rewards casters of all
abilities and a slightly longer
handle to really maximise the
leverage you need to send
big payloads out to those
long-distance spots. It comes
with a 50mm ringing pattern
using super-light M-Series
DL black guides and an anti-
frap tip, plus a 20mm DPS
reel seat to house even the
largest big pits.

Also on display is a line-
friendly contoured clip, a
slim Japanese shrink-rubber
handle and a laser-etched butt
cap bearing Sonik’s S logo.
Vari-Taper joint construction
keeps everything rigid and
aligned during the cast and,
thanks to that telescopic
butt, the whole thing packs
away neatly for easy storage
and transportation.

How much will it set
me back?

You’re going to loooove this…
The reel has an RRP of £54.99
and the rod’s suggested
price is £89.99, representing
fantastic value for money.

FEB 2021 141

HARDWARE TERMINAL TACKLE THINKINGANGLERS.COM

HARDWARE PRODUCT UPGRADE 1. Camsoft 25lb Gravel Brown 

NEW THOUGHTS TA’s popular coated braid has a new name. 1.
NEAT PRODUCTS Previously known as Camskin, there’s
now the Camsoft and Camstiff.
The Thinking Anglers product line keeps growing This one’s the standard
with more neat and well-thought out items version and despite its
high breaking strain
and knot strength
it has a relatively
low diameter and
flecked camo
pattern for
stealth. £14.99

2. Camstiff 35lb Silt Black 2.
3.
The new stiffer version of the coated
braid is great for producing anti- 5.
tangle and anti-eject rigs. It easily
straightens out with the application FEB 2021
of steam and has the same strength,
pattern and diameter advantages as
its Camsoft stablemate.

£14.99 (20M)

3. Long Anti-Tangle Sleeves
Green and Brown

These clever elongated anti-tangle
sleeves help push hooklinks clear of
your lead and keep everything apart
during a cast - but they also have a
neat extra feature. Three ribs at the
tapered end are perfect for moulding
putty over securely. A simple but
clever twist on a classic product.

£3.99 (10 PER PACK)

4. Oval Rubber Bead
5mm Tungsten

With a bore narrow enough to hold
on leadcore without slipping during
a cast, these beads have a host of
applications when it comes to setting
up safe rotary rigs. The tungsten
versions are heavier ones and sit
alongside standard 5 and 8mm oval
beds in the TA range.

£4.50 (10 PER PACK)

5. Tungsten Droppers XL

These new larger Tungsten Droppers
slide onto your hooklink to keep
everything pinned down on the
lakebed. Sold in packs of nine, the XL
versions can be used to counterweight
large pop-ups or keep your rig on the
bottom in turbulent water.

£3.99 (9 PER PACK)

4.

1 42

WATERPROOF*

100-200 SERIES

THE NASH EVA WATERBOX RANGE IS THE MOST COMPLETE MODULAR
STORAGE SYSTEM YET DEVISED FOR ORGANISING EVERYTHING YOU

NEED TO CATCH CARP – FROM THE SMALLEST RIG BITS TO THE
LARGEST ACCESSORIES.

WWW.NASHTACKLE.COM
*Waterproof - excludes zips

BEFORE WE SIGN OFF FOR THE MONTH… C A R P O L O G Y // F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 // I S S U E 2 0 6

HOLD THE BACK PAGE 06

OUR 10 BIG Pointless new tackle items
PREDICTIONS We’ve had a brainstorming
FOR 2021… product meeting and come up
with a selection of unnecessary
01 items we could see in 2021.
Venetian blinds for your bivvy;
Fishing’s mainstream an unhooking mat with built-in
popularity continues vanity mirror; wrapping sticks
2020 was a crap year for with GPS-enabled Alexa to
everyone and everything - tell you how far it is to the
except fishing. Licence sales hotspot; and ‘spindle granules’
soared and Bob and Paul to chuck inside your brand-new
brought angling to millions reels to make them sound like
of BBC viewers. Television classic churners.
executives love to cash in on
a bandwagon so expect 2021 07
to bring us Mark Pitchers
in a vat of slugs on I’m a Breakthrough overseas venue
Celebrity and Scott Lloyd From Cassien in the 1980s, to
on Masterchef. Ali Hamidi Raduta in the 1990s and Rainbow in
will still get overlooked for the 2000s, we’re always searching
SoccerAid, though. for a mystical new overseas carp
mine to plunder. Covid might yet
02 the late Jan Porter’s trailblazing scupper everything, but surely it’s
‘man in red’ getup through to the the turn of the untapped stillwaters
The future of the carp record modern oranges and lime greens of of the USA to get some proper
It’s easy to forget that despite three Guru and Matrix, competition anglers time in the spotlight.
UK venues producing fish over 70lb have led the way. Surely 2021 is the
(including Wingham’s monstrous time for a carp brand to go bold 08
83-pounder), the official British and put down the boring green and
carp record is still Dean Fletcher’s brown colour palettes? Comeback product of the year
capture of the Parrot at 68lb 1oz. Fashion is cyclical and angling’s
When Grenville inevitably becomes 05 trends generally come round
the fourth water to produce a 70 more than once - be it chunky
(behind Holme Fen and the Avenue), Podcasts knits, Chods, DPM camo or
we reckon that official record might Will our appetite for angling podcasts beards. On that basis, perhaps
finally fall - potentially in 2021. continue throughout 2021, or will the 2021 is the year of the sensibly
bubble burst? What happens when sized freespool reel. After all, that
03 they all run out of interesting guests? big-pit reel you use on your local
Perhaps some format changes and a one-acre commercial is probably
The carpiest non-carp move away from standard interviews a tad overgunned…
species of 2021 will have to follow. Korda certainly
We’ve had the year of the perch have the budget to do a ‘Tupac at 09
and the year of the grayling, but Coachella’ and create a hologram of
now there’s a new species set to departed legends like John Wilson A new phrasebook
take over your Instagram feeds. The and Dick Walker… Last year you might have caught
gudgeon. Carl Smith (of Carl & Alex a scaly banger during the loveliest
fame) set-up a Gudgeon Society Picture courtesy of @IcarpCic of times, bruv. But in 2021 fishing
Facebook group as a bit of light- needs a new lexicon. We’re
hearted fun, but it passed 2,000 pinning our hopes on a new
members at the end of 2020. We’re region ending the Essexification
boldly predicting this year will be of carping. So maybe we’ll have
gobio gobio’s time to shine! some ‘boss’ captures, ‘gurt lush’
sunrises or ‘reet mint’ socials.
04
10
An injection of colour?
Match anglers have way more fun More luxury venues
when it comes to angling attire. From It seems 2020 was the year of
angling from a hot tub. If your
weekend-break venue didn’t
have a fizzy bath and log cabin
in your swim then what was the
point in even going. Someone’s
going to have to up the ante this
year, so we’re predicting lakes on
turntables. You don’t move swims.
The swim moves to you.

Right, see you next month…
(that’s from the 18th February.)

1 44



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