Let the fun begin

 The traditional freshwater angling season drew to a close, on Tuesday, as I spent a very enjoyable session down on the farm irrigation reservoir. Three and a half, rain soaked, hours saw me land five "scamp" Commons, the heaviest being around seven and a half pounds. Great fun on the 12', 1.75 lbs t/c Specialist Barbel rods and Nash GT 4000 reels, thus exactly what was required. However, as I would really like to land a "double" figure Carp in every month of 2023, I've decided that for the next six weeks the kit, to be employed, will be even more in keeping with my quest for enjoyment. My C&DAA membership only allows me to use two rods (my choice) and so I will be using two Duncan Kay 11', 1 lbs 10 oz t/c rods with an ABU Cardinal 55 on one and a 155 on the other. Proper "old school" gear but that's where it ends. Everything I use between my reel and hook comes straight out of the Carp Faggots book of, logo ridden, brain dead, Youtube driven, "How to do it so you look like a "Carpy Carper" volume that is akin to their version of The Holy Bible. What's it called? Oh yeah, a Korda/Nash/Fox/Ridge Monkey Youtube offering - take your pick. Sadly this is where I'm at, I've now morphed into a raging "tackle tart". What I have to say, in my defence, is that modern tackle is manufactured to such a high standard that only a complete fool would ignore these advances. I certainly have a bias towards Nash, but then again I am able to recall the times when Kevin and I could have a chat over a "pasting table" adorned with weigh slings and carp sacks whilst he was trading as "The Happy Hooker". What Danny Fairbrass has achieved with the Korda brand is nothing short of miraculous. Never met the guy but he seems to be decent enough, as viewed on social media platforms, and the company certainly caters for the whims of these unthinking sheep with aplomb? 

So there you have it. My terminal tackle and rig materials are all products of these, high profile, companies. I'm happy to pay "Carp Tax" because I know that quality control hasn't been compromised in the quest for that extra dollar. The guys who founded these companies are serious, and successful, anglers so share the aspirations of their customers? Much of the peripheral kit, however, is manufactured by far less prestigious brands like Kodex, Korum, Whychwood and NGT. Not that a Carp has any opinion about such matters, they don't see them until they've been landed. Fish care is not compromised because of these choices but my status within the local Carping circus might take a hit due to the lack of "carpy" logos. How will I cope? Got it in one! Absolutely no desire to join the ranks of a bunch of folk who have no concept of angling beyond the pursuit of this, non-native, species! 

There can be no denying that Carp have, just like Zander and Wels Catfish, been a huge part of my, UK, angling adventure since it began way back in 1963! Over the years I have enjoyed some amazing times in pursuit of these, introduced, fish. What hasn't happened, however, is that I've lost sight of the importance of other species within the bigger picture. Sadly, it would appear that modern anglers have been steered towards Carp without an appreciation of the spectrum of other angling opportunities available to them. Still, it is not my place to question how others derive enjoyment from their own angling experiences, just to say that I won't be singing from the same hymn sheet.

Bev and I took a drive across to Sturry, this morning, in order for me to renew my C&DAA membership for the coming year. The club house is a magnificent building and the process was a painless exchange of paperwork and £82 (OAP membership!) which gives me access to all the club, coarse, fisheries but with a limit of two rods which, of course, is all I require. The River Stour remains the key attraction for me, yet the venues at Littlebourne and Minster offer challenges which tick all the right boxes. I was chatting with Camo, down at the shop, recently and said that if an angler can't catch Carp at Minster then they seriously need to consider taking up golf! It's a piece of piss. They're a population of ravenous scamps which can be tempted to feed in the most un-carpy conditions. Fun fishing, no more, or less, and under no circumstances to be taken seriously, yet just the job when enjoyment is the major reason for being on the bank. The fishery rules prevent the use of boilies, nuts and pellets (Halibut, Trout or otherwise) plus there's a no Spod or Spomb rule! How could anyone catch a Carp under such a regime?

Even in March these dumb fish can't resist a tempting particle bait.

Well "there's no point getting old if you don't get artfull?" My bait choices will remain on a "need to know basis" but rest assured they don't break any club rules. No-one else will be able to copy what I'm doing, because my offerings are prepared by me, at home, using a slow cooker. Particle fishing has always been a massive part of my Carp angling experience, yet has become even more important since the discovery of the fish residing in the drains and dykes of the East Kent Flatlands. Can't use a spod or a Spomb, doesn't matter a jot as I've never owned such contraptions. My Nash Bushwhacker baiting pole system allows me to present my baits, both accurately and with minimal disturbance, up to twenty-four metres out in the pond. As the weather starts to warm, the opportunity to offer floating baits will become a more realistic proposition. All change to a single rod, 5 lbs b.s. line a size 10 hook combined with a, Dick Walker, split cane Mk IV Avon rod and the trusted Allcock's Match Aerial centrepin. Absolute kids stuff - let the fun begin!