Progress report, enforced change and a target up-date

Just after 08.30 hrs, this morning, I took a drive down to Camo's (Carp Cabin) to drop off my original pair of Duncan Kay Carp rods so that Mark Plank could give them a quick service and replace the duplon handles with cork versions. What this will mean is that, for the foreseeable future, my Carp angling will involve using my pair of 12ft, 1.75 lbs t/c "Specialist Barbel" rods. That they are a foot longer, and 2 oz heavier in t/c, than my Duncan Kay's, shouldn't pose too many issues beyond the fact that I've not used them in nearly ten years!

I set up the "Specialist Barbel" rods on the rod-pod in our back garden
just to see if they would be suited to this particular piece of bankside hardware.

The "double in every month of 2023" caper is going splendidly. Thus far I've had no problems in achieving this target, although June did prove to be a bit perilous. My actual tally, to date, is thirty-three over ten pounds, thus one more than I managed in the period spanning March 1983 - March 1993! Two things need to pointed out here. One I didn't "Carp" fish this entire period, just the winter of '83 - 4. Secondly, Carp have never been easier, nor more widespread, than they are today and this is certainly true in East Kent. So as I move into August, and beyond, what is it I'd like to achieve? Obviously, that primary target of a "double" in every calendar month, isn't up for discussion but, could I amend the target, somewhat, by now looking to capture fifty doubles during the period?  Taking this thought process one step further, would it be possible to equal my best tally of "twenties" in a season? I only need another four and have certainly managed that out on the flatlands and what about getting that PB? Knowing that Sandwich Coarse Fishery certainly has such Carp, I feel sure that I have access to a C&DAA club venue where such fish reside and there is always the RMC loitering in the background, particularly whilst Bev is away with her daughter and the grand-kids!

Okuma CBBF 5000 - the only bait-runner reels I've ever owned.
Cheap as chips, less than £25 each, they come with s spare spool.
Just to put this into some context, a spare spool for my Nash GT 4000 reels
would cost more. Carp tax - you know it makes sense?

Whilst my bankside appearance might not be of "Carpy" standards, the important part of my kit is 100% as good as I can make it. To this end, I spend ridiculous amounts of time watching absolute toss-pots, talking bollocks about products and methods which catch more anglers than ever they do Carp. What is important to note is the fact that in amongst this cess-pit of product placement youtube dross, there are absolute gems to be discovered by anyone willing to sift through the crap. 

Heavy bobbins and a very short drop!
I only own these ridiculously expensive bite alarms (Nash Siren R3's)
due to an award from Fujifilm SIS, via their suggestions plan.
Back leads, tight lines and confidence in the rig presentation is what
really  matters?
. For this insight I'm indebted to the guys at Korda and Nash

Bite indication and rig mechanics remain my key focus. Whatever I can do to refine any aspect of these fundamental pieces of the "Carp fishing" jigsaw will never be too much trouble. Just recently I've started to use the "D" rig, with outstanding results. I make no claim to be particularly gifted, as an angler, but this very simple rig has got so much going for it when prepared my way. I use mono for the hooklink (12 lbs bs Diawa stuff) and a size 6 Gardner "Covert Dark Mugga" size 6 hook (barbless!), with a Nash bait screw. 

I'm not prepared to get too involved in my bait choices and such like, but will see the year out before spilling the beans? There's a clue there if you get my drift.