CarpForum Thread : The best of it...! : Carp Fishing Forum




[Log-In] or [Register]	Advertise to thousands of anglers a day! Click HERE to see how



Home	Search		Help / FAQs	Rules / Usage

Who's Online	Member List	Articles	Gallery	Weather

New Posts: 0

The best of it...!
[Log-In] [Register]

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#77 9 Mar 2023 at 2.28pm

In reply to Post #76
Great Post...

Especially the part about field sports ,I totally agree with that....

That's really what my heading was about ,enjoy your fishing ,in whatever spectrum of it that you enjoy. Whilst you can..

I look around, in the beautiful countryside where I have grown up,it's being destroyed, at a fast rate,those, Who can afford to live here,mainly,are not people of green fields or the countryside,they call the shots ,money talks ..and as I said ,ruined in mine eyes..

The developers it seems ,they can do what the hell they like,no tree or green space is safe..

It is what it is ,the urbanisation of the lovely countryside,..

Very very depressing, I have to say..

levigsp

Posts: 523

#76 9 Mar 2023 at 12.41pm

So I must say some people live in a different world to me.
I remember the rivers running funny colours as dye from paint factories of clothes dyers leached in.
Toxic Chemicals were common place in rivers across the UK. The Seven Trent water catchment was the one I saw the most and it was so polluted in the 50/60s that there were regular fish die offs, I saw this on the Tyne, tees, Derwent, Trent, Colne, etc etc.. Yet now rivers like the Trent and Derwent etc have salmon! well if thats what pollution does, great.
The Rivers are full of BIG fish, I have a friend who was born and raised in south london/kent, reached the age of 70 without a single Barble or chub over 2lb, in the past 6 years he has had his first 6lb chub a a few fives, also he has managed 4 Barbel, all double figure, that would never have happened in the 50s,60s,70s,80s.
Carp fishing has changed beyond my wildest dreams and its not for me the modern form, but they are still waters out there that can be targeted.
New places like Sonning, Yately and Wraysbury are harder to find, but not impossible, I was one of the first on W1 and a few more since and its the type of angling I loved, I dont fish these types of places now, not because they dont exist, but because Im too old to do it.
The Biggest threat to angling now is the over abundance of fish predators and disease in carp. What I will say is this, in my lifetime the fieldsports I have followed and practiced have been eroded by well meaning but deluded politicians following the advice of cranks. They have already stared on Angling and will not stop till all fieldsports are gone.

500kg

Posts: 157

#75 5 Mar 2023 at 8.39pm

I must say that I miss the days of when maintenance on a lake didn't mean knocking down all the trees around it and building chip bark swims everywhere. Anybody caught fishing a chip bark swim with a rod pod and a splash mat should also be banned from fishing (along with people who use overwraps on their bivvy).

sexonlegs

Posts: 34

#74 5 Mar 2023 at 9.27am

In reply to Post #71
** The old days of fishing soind absolutely awful to me, unless you were in the clique. People hiding tactics and rigs from people they called friends, full timers living on the banks, point blank refusing to even look or talk to people who weren't in your Carp club. I'm sure it was great if you were among the chosen ones, but for everyone else it sounded miserable. **

quietoldcarper

Posts: 32

#73 22 Feb 2023 at 6.07pm

It's what you make of it for sure.

I fished yesterday, only one on the lake, peace and quiet in nature and a 7lb Tench for my trouble. More than happy with that.

But that's the right lake for me and it's taken a lot of time and effort to find it. Some of the places I used to fish I would never go back to. Not just because they've changed but because what I want has changed too.

Clobersauraus

Posts: 765

#72 13 Feb 2023 at 7.16pm

I agree, fishing is what you make of it….

I only fish 2 syndicate waters, One is local to me fish aren’t the biggest, but nice lake and nice lads.. the 2nd is a few hrs drive better stamp of fish and again a good bunch of lads…..luckily enough both are only 12 members so you might bump into one other angler when ur fishing, but not that often…we do have calendar apps so you sort of book on, you dont have to, its just we all find it better if you know how many’s on before you plan your trip, but generally if 2 are booked on they just book other dates.

So i fish my tactics, some times i float fish on the local water for the carp smaller fish, not quiet a runs water but quiet easy, like to use one of them Polaris floats.if you can get a few feeding you can have a pleasant time on the float, you deffo convert more pick ups into hooked fish.

I understand if you’re on the day ticket waters, you do get the idiots, which i do not have to encounter, but each to their own.

Fish as you want to fish and let everyone else do there own thing… there is a few gems still knocking about, a local water literally a 10 min walk from my house, has a lake in the middle of the farmers field, over 35 years ago i fished the lake as a kid, 50p through the farmer letter box to pay, and caught plenty of mixed species, it was a very popular lake at the time, and if you didn’t get there early you wouldn’t get a swim….every now and then people used to hook into a monster at the time, and i never was there was any of these beasts were caught. I often walk round the lake with the dog, and for the last 10 years at least i have never seen anyone fishing it, last summer on morning i seen a 5-6 carp roaming around the margins, they must all have been 20+ in size, i think some of these may have been the monsters from my childhood when they were maybe lower doubles, the lakes not to big and with no anglers bait fir donkeys, i do intend to try to catch a few of these fish, but don’t have the time for a 3rd water. It still only £2 to the farmer per day.

Leeroyjenkins

Posts: 3856

#71 13 Feb 2023 at 2.15pm

In reply to Post #66
Couldn't agree more.

The olschool carping pages on FB crack me up. "Fishing was better when we used to carry everything on our bike" posted by some guy who now only fishes lakes with Lodges and uses a powerbarrow. It seems like most of the things people have fold memories of, there is absolutely nothing stopping them doing it today. It was better when we rolled out own bait on the bank/slept on a deckchair. Nobody is stopping any of these things, just go do it.

Maddock and Nash etc are the ones responsible for making carp fishing commercial. The very people who are lorded by the people who complain about modern fishing, it was literally ruined by their own kind

The hypocrisy is baffling.

The old days of fishing soind absolutely awful to me, unless you were in the clique. People hiding tactics and rigs from people they called friends, full timers living on the banks, point blank refusing to even look or talk to people who weren't in your Carp club. I'm sure it was great if you were among the chosen ones, but for everyone else it sounded miserable.

Anyway, I'm off to get my kit sorted to go chasing after a 50lb common

Beyonce

Posts: 1471

#70 13 Feb 2023 at 1.11pm

In reply to Post #69

TCarper

Posts: 3900

#69 13 Feb 2023 at 12.23pm

In reply to Post #68
It was my fault it was a double post. Typed that out on the beach eating breakfast, two absolute sorts walked past… Got so excited I tapped the submit your reply button on the iPad twice 🤣

Beyonce

Posts: 1471

#68 13 Feb 2023 at 12.01pm

In reply to Post #67
Thank you

Edit…this post was pointed at TCs post on good fishing still being out there for all who can be bothered to find it.

TCarper

Posts: 3900

#67 13 Feb 2023 at 11.45am

To Ken & Bean Laden, both of you keep your chins up. There is always hope.

More than 15 years ago now I was at work plastering and I blacked out for no reason. Over the next few weeks I blacked out more and more. I was admitted to hospital. After rafts of tests… At first I was told I had furring of the main artery to the brain. Terminal.

After many more invasive tests. This was a misdiagnosis. I was diagnosed with something called Pheyocromocytoma. One of the rarest types of tumor/cancers. Basically a tumor on my adrenal gland. Once it grew to a certain size, the gland would shoot out to much adrenaline, my BP would go through the roof and I would black out.

I spent two months in a cancer ward. I spiraled into a terrible depression. I had to tell my then teenage son I was very likely going to die in the next few weeks. Because of where your adrenal gland is situated, the outcome for that type of tumor is normally terminal. The tumor was removed. I have been absolutely fine ever since.

I could not work for almost two years, I lost everything. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. While at absolutely rock bottom with no money whatsoever I started SHB.

It changed my life forever.

I wish you both all of the best xx

TCarper

Posts: 3900

#66 13 Feb 2023 at 11.44am

The best of it?

We have never had it better! It’s human nature for older folks to look back with rose tinted spectacles….

So much doom & gloom. It’s all out there if you can be bothered to get up and go look for it. I am currently fishing for a carp that will blow the carp community away if it ever comes to public light. Unquestionably the best carp swimming in the UK IMO.

It’s free fishing. No expensive tickets, just hard graft. Everyone wants it on a plate…. But carp fishing for the truly special ones does not work that way.

It’s all out there….

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#65 12 Feb 2023 at 5.20pm

In reply to Post #61
So sorry to hear Mate, take care of yourself, hope all goes well.

Mr-Bean-Laden

Posts: 2213

#64 12 Feb 2023 at 4.48pm

In reply to Post #61
So sorry to hear that Ken, I wish you all the best. It can certainly be dark and scary at times.

I'm recuperating after a couple of operations and not up to fishing yet. Chemo and radio start in a few weeks then its wait and see.

At best I may be able to go fishing in July. My spring French trips are cancelled.

AideyKaye

Posts: 901

#63 8 Feb 2023 at 9.58am

In reply to Post #1
I guess if you avoid anywhere well known that has been fished by well known salesmen, you can still have an element of peace or "the unknown", or even both.

Sadly, often the above is only achievable by being in places you shouldn't. Even that was under threat during lockdown as people went on google earth asking the whole world who/what owned that bit of blue they have found.

Many didn't believe it then, but the likes of Korda ensured that Carp Angling became "cool", which brought all and sundry to the banks. Ever since around 2003, Kordas aim was widespread exposure, so they could fill the lakes with potential consumers, which encouraged greed from many lake owners who have done **** all since 2003 yet put their prices up by 500%.

As said before elsewhere, Linear and it's ilk was no busier than the local club lake until the sheer amount of media on both screen and magazines.

That's progress for ya.

Midweeker

Posts: 74

#62 7 Feb 2023 at 8.06pm

In reply to Post #1
Interesting. If you've been in the game a wee while I suspect your thinking on this is quite negative. I have and mine is. However, put yourself in the shoes of someone relatively new to carp fishing. The youngsters have access to loads of good information and access to big fish. When I first started I had limited information and could only fish for doubles with the occasional 20. It's easier to look back and think, it was nice learning the hard way, fishing badly, with crap gear but let's be honest if we'd had access to an easier path we'd have probably taken it.

KenTownley

Posts: 30593

#61 6 Feb 2023 at 1.00pm

In reply to Post #34
Very sorry to hear that, mate. I share your worries, as I am treading that same path, confronting the Big C.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#60 6 Feb 2023 at 11.01am

In reply to Post #58
That's right Nick..

There are a few quarries locally ..some have adits that literally run from the mine into the sea, and or in many cases the river itself..I have a farmer ,small holding friend who wants to build onto of an existing garage,a small store for feed ,because of phosphates, he can't do it,the build..its really small..

If anyone is interested, you can go.on YouTube and watch subscribe to 'Ben o cam',this guy goes underground in defunct mines ,wheals the lot..

Very ,very interesting,...not far from St Austell, is Wheal Martyn ,you can visit this place and it will show you the use of water and the drying of China clay,which the area is famous .

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#58 6 Feb 2023 at 10.07am

In reply to Post #54
I was watching Countryfile last night, the mine drain adits don't help; full of tin, iron oxide, lithium, copper, and various other metals, an acidic pollution going into rivers and watercourses.
While some of the adits are 'cleaned', some are definitely not

Beyonce

Posts: 1471

#57 6 Feb 2023 at 9.53am

In reply to Post #55
Perfect analogy! A few on this forum could benefit greatly from the wisdom of Chicken Licken.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#56 6 Feb 2023 at 9.05am

Talking of Chicken..Chicken farms ,have ruined the river Wye.

alpha-male

Posts: 187

#55 6 Feb 2023 at 8.53am

Its like reading The Sky is Falling Down – The Lesson of Chicken Licken on here.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#54 6 Feb 2023 at 8.45am

In reply to Post #53
Well said..

My local rivers are FULL of phosphates,from run off of agricultural land and other amenities..including inadequate sewage collection..

And your are not allowed to even build an extension without an investigation at the moment..

The rivers I refer to are Camel ,Allen ,Inny ,Paradise, Jordan and Valency,these are the ones I know about..

However ,all this pales into insignificant green washing,when the regional development plans kick in ,places like Charlie boys Nansleden ,nr Newquay is just the start ...

I'd suggest people enjoy the remaining green fields whilst they can ,as this is part of massive changes to our lives...over 100 councils across the UK have silently signed up to this,...and the 15 minute city is integral to this..

Speaking generally tol one and all.you don't believe me ,do some simple reading and researching...

Enjoy ,your perceived freedom and countryside,whilst you can..things are moving faster than I realised,and the information given to.me 3 years ago is now a coming reality..

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#53 6 Feb 2023 at 7.58am

In reply to Post #50
I disagree with what you say, and I'll explain why.

The rivers are in a cr@p state, that is literal. We have predation, invasive species, pollution, over abstraction and lower numbers of fish, and losing available water space on the banks, that is not as many places to fish.

From personal experience I have seen Suffolk and Norfolk rivers go downhill, fewer big fish, less fish all together.

The media 'whores', to be honest I can switch off. I don't care if my 'Facebook friend' Joseph Bloggs puts every fish on Facebook, I can stop following his page, or Instagram. I can stop following Nash Tackle, Nutrabaits etc.

Now I am a member of a syndicate, but equally I can still fish other waters, be it day ticket or even free, and I do. I may be a carp angler, but I also fish for other species, Chub, pike, roach and even tench.
The media behind them is not as high profile.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#52 6 Feb 2023 at 0.17am

In reply to Post #50
Hello JF...I think in the context of what you are saying ,you are most likely correct ,however my experience suggests otherwise..

My local rivers are very polluted
My local fisheries ,that are formerly lovely viable ecosystems have been predated by cormorant ,otters not to mention rampant ruination of the countryside I hold so dear ,and of course the Tourist industry all these things have a marked effect on places I used to go and enjoy..

Will youngsters be able to access these places?..Will the Green terrorists,stop us fishing..

And I have to say with all this talk of 15 minuite cities and total,potential control of people's freedom of movement ,which is a looking like becoming a real thing under the guise of Green washing ,by the WEF ,and now being potentially implemented here ,even in sunny Kernow ,talk is of restriction of movement we take for granted ...

So,no ...we have had the best of it ,because the writing is on the wall,regarding immense changes ..stuff that most disregard as NUTS,is for some going to change how you and me live our lives.. if it comes to pass..

I wish people would look at what is happening in other countries..,

Time will tell,time will tell all...history is circular..

sundance

Posts: 6760

#51 4 Feb 2023 at 4.05pm

In reply to Post #50
Agreed. I have 3 lakes and a small river within cycling distance to me
Full if roach rudd chub pike perch etc.
I'm on Facebook groups that show people catching all those species.

They are still there.

johnnyfubar

Posts: 1632

#50 4 Feb 2023 at 12.48pm

In reply to Post #1
Hi Wandle

"we've had the best of it"

Sorry, but I've heard this before and I totally and wholeheartedly disagree.
The only way the statement makes any sense is if you get yourself embroiled and obsessed with multimedia online content, "instant angler" and the "get in there" crowd. (Which funnily enough I'm doing right now)
There are 1000's of anglers out there who wouldn't dream of promoting a water or a catch online, the old days of "secret agents smothered in secret sauce" have been back in force for at least a decade. (the Austrian guy who refused to claim a national record because he doesn't like a circus)
Too many lakes yet to be explored, too many unknown carp out there, the best is deffinately yet to come

Best
Jon

scozza

Posts: 17777

#49 2 Feb 2023 at 7.33pm

I read through this and some of it is laughable

Fishing is a magical pastime and a very personal experience for me and always will be. The things that makes me laugh the most are all these media whores and gob *****s trying to tell you how to do it. The only rules other that set by the water (yawn) are dictated by the angler himself, That’s it, end of, whether that’s the bloke sat with Argos gear enjoying his time on the bank or somebody sat with 10k of gear. It’s all about the pleasure you take out of it ain’t it?

The difference nowadays there is a breed that want to stuff everything down peoples throats for financial gane (the greedy ****s) or to be a “name” (the fame seekers) so before anybody starts spouting off they really need to think of the people and if they are interested because for me 99% of it is utter bollox

The reality is, if anybody truly thinks that some of these clowns are superior anglers they have not got a clue what they are talking about, just like the idiots spouting their *****. 99% of people are legering baits for carp, the biggest asset is how long you can sit their for. The percentage of top quality anglers is very small, it’s become a pastime full of idiots trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes for their own gains

AaronB1992

Posts: 337

#48 2 Feb 2023 at 6.39pm

In reply to Post #46
I count myself very fortunate to have grown up trotting for Grayling on the Avon before moving on to carp. I'll happily admit probably 80% of my fishing is for carp, however I truly enjoy that other 20%, and am hoping to spend more time on other species this year

alpha-male

Posts: 187

#47 2 Feb 2023 at 11.17am

But of course, no one on here will judge you whatever your fix...

bigappleslice

Posts: 521

#46 2 Feb 2023 at 10.39am

myself i cnnot comment on what was, but i do see a common trend where its carp or nothing else.
ive fished for as long as i can remember, i moved into carp fishing and ive had some lovely fish up to 32lb. my wife gave birth last year to my beautiful twin girls, ive been fishing twice in 12 months. the carp gear has dust on. the fishing i wanted was stick float, fiberglass rod and a small reel, mixed bag hoping for a big roach/perch to top the day off. i bet 50% of the anglers i know couldnt plum the depth or shot a float, and thats scary....

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#45 1 Feb 2023 at 11.41pm

And.. thanks to all.the replies,I thought I'd get some good feedback on this..

I've always been like this...asking questions others might not ask.,just ask my history teacher,Miss Axton years ago ...I wanted to know about the Holocaust,why,why,why I wouldn't stop asking ...

Stay curious...or everything is mundane..,remember always dig ,below you might not like what you find ...but you have satisfied yourself ..or opened Pandoras box..

Best W1

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#44 1 Feb 2023 at 11.34pm

In reply to Post #34
Andrew ,your post definitely puts everything in. perspective,I sincerely wish the very best for you...

Adam

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#43 1 Feb 2023 at 8.50pm

In reply to Post #42
Proper Reminiscing!
Music wise I'm all over the place, things like Darude and Sandstorm, 2Unlimited, Culture Beat, proper old school nightclub tracks, but I also like Queen, Iron Maiden, Ac/Dc, Bon Jovi, Guns'N'Roses, along with Peter Gabriel, The Levellers, Pat Benatar, and some Tchaikovsky like the 1812 Overture or Beethoven.

I agree that day ticket waters have come on on the access for disabled anglers, but I can honestly say that many of the waters I've fished since 2000 or even before, whether club or syndicate weren't too bad for disabled anglers, from Nazeing, Earith, Ardleigh, Barham B pit even Alton and the current syndicate as where I fished or fish I could and can frequently unload from the car right behind the swim. I think that possibly I notice and reflect it more from that point more now as I fit into that category.

I do miss the 80's and 90's for fish and fishing other than carp, but as you've pointed out, fish for your own satisfaction and your pride, not for social media 'likes'.

mal

Posts: 8986

#42 1 Feb 2023 at 5.23pm

Some nice memories on here

Mr beanladen, sorry to hear that and I add my best wishes to you.

With regards to the thread topic, I think every generation thinks they have it 'best' don't they?

If you take music for example, today's youth think Billie eilish is the best, but others on here might go for tori Amos at her peak, or Kate Bush, or Janis Joplin or Dame Vera Lynn for some of you...

Lewis Hamilton is the 'best', but he's no Schumacher and he couldn't drive Senna's car, nor Stirling Moss' or Fangio's

Messi, gullit, Cruyff, Pele.... all the 'best'

In a decade or so there'll be anglers reminiscing about the first bait boats or how lucky they were to fish one of the syndicates that were so well run. Ask a disabled angler if they'd rather fish today or 30 years ago when they couldn't access so many waters.

Angling remains huge in terms of participation and while many might give up a 'fad' many will become the next 'older generation ' just like some on here. Not me of course. I'm still a youngster in comparison

Appreciate the positives we have and avoid the circus - real or media - and you'll be ok

mushageez

Posts: 130

#41 1 Feb 2023 at 3.15pm

In reply to Post #1
There's all types of angling available in the UK and Europe and many lakes to suit your style. its open to everyone and on a day ticket fishery you can find all levels of angler and sometimes this can be an issue for certain anglers. Which is understandable.

The old guard still post on here everyday / week and also moan about social media destroying fishing.

tazi

Posts: 4794

#40 1 Feb 2023 at 12.33pm

In reply to Post #34
Sorry to hear this mate and wish you the very best.

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#39 1 Feb 2023 at 9.59am

In reply to Post #34
Take care of yourself, enjoy what you can and I hope all goes well for you.

Frenzy

Posts: 11403

MODERATOR

#38 31 Jan 2023 at 9.04pm

In reply to Post #34
well that's put a few things into perspective and a stop to moaning what one wears to a carp show or baiting poles!!!

May i wish you all the best and hope you get out there!

BlankasorusRex

Posts: 5248

#37 31 Jan 2023 at 8.09pm

In reply to Post #34
I hope you can continue fishing in some form and wish you all the best for the future.

Singlebleep

Posts: 2208

Site deviant...

#36 31 Jan 2023 at 7.56pm

In reply to Post #34
That’s **** mate. Really feel for you ☹️

Defiant.one

Posts: 4330

#35 31 Jan 2023 at 7.51pm

The best of it?

You ask some thought provoking questions Adam! I do all kinds of fishing from River, Pike/Cat, Grayling, and will happily fly fish for anything that comes in my range. Reading the posts below I must be lucky as it just seems the same as back in the so called “Golden days of the 80’ & 90’, it’s probably because all the 5 waters I fish are run on a none profit basis, run purely for pleasure.

But when talking to many anglers from all branches of the sport on the bank – Carp fishing seems to be the one many believe has got ruined, and one word always crops up in the conversation “Greed”

Mr-Bean-Laden

Posts: 2213

#34 31 Jan 2023 at 7.50pm

In reply to Post #31
I'm 58 and I have a very similar background to you. I was planning to retire next year to do even more fishing but cancer may have put an end to that so realistically I'm also likly to be planning an exit

ocelot

Posts: 1802

#33 31 Jan 2023 at 7.41pm

In reply to Post #31
Kevin's still at it mate, fished against him several times on the Weaver in recent years, Autumn 21 was the last time I spoke to the big man.

#1 The best of it is always when you're doing it, regardless of era. Things will always change that's life, crack on.

scozza

Posts: 17777

#32 31 Jan 2023 at 7.26pm

In reply to Post #31
Last paragraph

Enjoy your fishing pal

Singlebleep

Posts: 2208

Site deviant...

#31 31 Jan 2023 at 7.17pm

Quite an emotive subject as Adam well knows

Well done for bringing up as a discussion 👍

I think as a whole - yes, the best has gone, but what is left is also heartening in some respects.

General fishing: Yes it has declined due to more ‘instant’ and attractive’ pursuits. But amongst club waters there are still junior clubs and individuals trying to help. Not as good as the 60’s - 80’s but not totally dead. I take my grandkids fishing, both singly and as a ‘family day’ so all is not dead, but certainly not as it was.

Match Fishing: Not what it was. In the 50’s to late 80’s it was massive.Various leagues aiming to put individuals or teams in National events. Big news type write ups in Angling Times making some anglers nearly household names. Most people still remember Benny and Kevin Ashurst, Ivan Marks,, then in later years Dave Harrel (sp) JanPorter, Bob Nudd. I was into match fishing, then into ‘Spezzie Fishing then into carping.

Spezzie Fishing: Vanished mainly but still some people engaged under the radar. Not carp these days but big barbel, chub, crucians, bream and pike. Some good anglers landing specimin roach from the rivers also. I like to believe some of these captures are venue specific meaning that they are not ‘out there’ like big carp captures but I also think that part of the ‘ under the radar’ approach is deliberate to avoid the circus like carping has become.

Carping: yes deffo: you can argue that bigger fish are being landed but at what cost. It’s now a multi million pound circus.The early days have gone, reading Kevin Maddocks and practicing how to get out of a sleeping bag to hit a take is now replaced by an angling ‘celebrity’ explaining how the latest bit of kit costing hundreds will now catch you fish. Virtually everyone wants to be famous, speaks in a strange language of’wraps’ and is sponsored.

I’m now 66 years old, been doing carping since binning match angling, going through the spezzie stage then going full carp inthe70’s. I’m now planning my exit. I do a week at time on what is a ‘proper’ syndicate not a glorified ‘members only’ lake making someone a living or profit. I see virtually no one during the week on lake as it “only has fish to high 30’s” so the mongs either keep away or don’t get through the membership filters. I’m starting to struggle a bit in the winter months but will keep on going, maybe just doing April - Nov as I get older. However, when the time comes I will sell the gear, buy a small van and put the Bedchair in the back and do a couple of days at a time on tranquil, little fished rivers, revisiting my childhood but with a few good pubs taken in as well. One thing for sure, on little fished rivers it’s still as good as ever 👍👍

scozza

Posts: 17777

#30 31 Jan 2023 at 5.37pm

In reply to Post #22
its more about social media likes, hash tagging

Exactly that #****ers

NickGordon

Posts: 3121

#29 31 Jan 2023 at 4.44pm

In reply to Post #1
Weird!
I had the same conversation with a 70year old angler myself on the bank yesterday while he was working a lure around the lake.

I've aged and watched times change, how fisheries have developed or regressed, been lost through inaction or purchased by big money and become lost to clubs.

As a spotty youth, around 35years ago I was spoilt with personal best chub of 5lb, tench of 9lb, bream to 8lb and a 20lb carp was still a dream, although I had just caught my first ever 20lb pike, and 2lb roach which are still my target today.

My children have all been brought up fishing, my eldest daughter has caught carp to over 20lb, my son has caught 4lb chub and my youngest daughter has also caught roach, perch and bars of soap tench herself.

Carp fishing has become the biggest winner, but in my view, also the biggest loser; where anglers learn no or limited skills, but have become clones of a fashionista.
The 20lb carp dream has become not only easily reachable, but almost every water has them in numbers and other species are almost vermin.

The rivers are now often unfished and frequently unfishable; pollution and predation, abstraction and weeded over.
The joys of taking the kids out to the park lake or club venue for a couple of hours float fishing after Sunday dinner are gone. Waters wrecked by criminality, anti-social behaviour, just lost to fishing or overpriced tickets.
I do have one exception to the overpriced ticket close to me at Bromeswell, but its more small carp than most other fish species.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#28 31 Jan 2023 at 10.56am

In reply to Post #27
Overpopulation for sure..

(It's ruined now where I live)...

Stokebloke

Posts: 515

#27 31 Jan 2023 at 10.52am

In reply to Post #26
Regarding the countryside I'm with you on that, it's vanishing at a scary rate. Overpopulation !
I'd love to know what they class as a 'green space.'

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#26 31 Jan 2023 at 9.27am

In reply to Post #24
Both posts above good..

I can't speak for others,but myself it's not all about catching fish of whatever species you are after, for me ,its deeper..quiet corners of countryside is what does it for me..I'm really happy then...

I seen earlier,that there are plans to make sure that everyone has access to green spaces,within a 15 min walk of where they live,I find that interesting as I note ,in this area its turned into a big housing estate,building is being allowed on some beautiful areas..complete opposite to what is being pushed in the media..

I often wonder what our lovely British countryside will look like,in years to come..in that respect, I think we have had the best of it...

Stokebloke

Posts: 515

#25 31 Jan 2023 at 9.12am

Think there will definitely be a North / South divide on this one, which will probably be down to southerners being spoilt for choice. All that lovely countryside you used to have (before they started building on it of course,) with what seemed like bits of blue dotted everywhere. Not so for us 'oop north'. We had to make do with what was available or travel. Now I have access to fishing far, far better within walking distance from from my front door than what we used to have. I can drop on the cut for some quality caster Roach, run a float down the Trent ( that used to be no more than an open sewer) for Chub, Dace and the odd Trout,and local club waters with Carp up to 30s. If one wants something bigger then better waters are only a taxi ride away. I now fish syndicate and club waters with access to fish I could only dream of forty years ago, all within a forty-five minute drive.
Do your research and find some nice fishing, it's out there. For me these are the best times.

BlankasorusRex

Posts: 5248

#24 31 Jan 2023 at 8.28am

In reply to Post #22
Couldn’t have put it better myself. Is there a nail on the head emoji?

BlankasorusRex

Posts: 5248

#23 31 Jan 2023 at 8.28am

I think really what’s changed is the waters that I see as entry level. By that I mean you start fishing so you go to a day ticket cos you don’t realise that things like syndicates are even a thing. Now going back thirty years those waters like linear were empty. I remember myself and my cousin having the whole of hardwick to ourselves for a whole weekend. That was normal. I remember being only one of about six people on St John’s for a weekend. Those sorts of waters are now a circus. Then as you move up the ladder a bit with experience you start to join local clubs. They were still fairly quiet back in those days. They were cheap. We fished waters all weekend with only a handful of guys on them. These day tickets and clubs have become rammed out circuses.

So people say we had the best of it back then. But fast forward to today. I’m fishing quiet waters, full secure, for some of the biggest carp in the country, on cheap tickets, can fish swims where I wouldn’t see another angler all weekend. I dropped a 30man syndicate last year, fully otter fenced, tree lined, lilley pads, cost £100 a year. I fished it every Sunday from Nov-Apr and never saw a single other angler.

There’s loads and loads of waters out there that still are like it was thirty years ago. It’s just they are kept away from the masses. But if you do a bit of digging, ask the right people, conduct yourself properly then they open up for you. If you think it’s all about social media and bruv/geez/bro then expect to be fishing the circus waters for the rest of your life.

Frenzy

Posts: 11403

MODERATOR

#22 31 Jan 2023 at 7.46am

In reply to Post #1
Angling as we knew it has all but disappeared.

its more about social media likes, hash tagging, you tubing, fishing behind fenced with hoards of others catching in over stocked ponds that charge a fortune.

or is it that bad?

there are still some wonderful waters to fish away from all that rubbish, finding them isn't easy, but they are out there if one doesn't want instant gratification

RKB

Posts: 1335

#21 31 Jan 2023 at 7.31am

In reply to Post #13
"nowadays you need hundreds to even try the sport, plus access to decent places"

Last few years during summer, if you spend £10 in Angling Direct they were giving away a free 4m whip with rigs on winders etc which makes it slightly more accessible; decent places is more difficult, however there are plenty of commercial venues where kids can catch a fish a chuck and whilst I wouldn't want to fish them, it's not a bad starting point for getting youngsters into it.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#20 30 Jan 2023 at 10.59pm

In reply to Post #19
At the moment ,angling is being heralded for the betterment for mental health,which is great..

Recently we have seen a Hedgefund mega bucks,who owns a lot of Dartmoor,now he's stopped wild camping on his land ,destroying people's access to lovely wild country..and removing people's perception of freedom,freedom from the pressures of modern society..

As always,this could have a cost, a precedent in more ways than one..

I'm glad I got my son into fishing and the outdoors,...but...I think...in his lifetime,maybe mine as well,our enjoyment, and access to so called wild places will diminish, and become very urbanised,in fact ...where I live ,most would say its rural ,it was,not anymore there seems to be a tangible shift ,to link the countryside very quickly with urban ideology....

If you love the country,enjoy every second that you can....

55s

Posts: 533

#19 30 Jan 2023 at 10.41pm

In reply to Post #16
Spot on - in my day we fished because it was a done thing, it wasn’t promoted as an alternative to knife crime, gangs or play station. That is the way fishing is directed at the moment, and with our new ‘vegan’ and otter friendly mentality- fishing will eventually become collateral damage. Such a shame, that our younger generation may not experience the great outdoors, mud, stick floats and trying to untangle the mess behind a fixed spool reel - the biggest issue they will face is turning something off and on again or restore factory settings. Thank god I’m old and thank god I had girls who are more interested in make up, too tok than unhooking a jack pike.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#18 30 Jan 2023 at 8.49pm

In reply to Post #17
Funnily enough you should say this,as today I've seen traces of someone trying to do the very thing...

( longlines)...

I removed em...

sundance

Posts: 6760

#17 30 Jan 2023 at 8.43pm

In reply to Post #16
I see. The way things are going we.may be angling for protein.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#16 30 Jan 2023 at 8.32pm

In reply to Post #15
I think what 55 means is ,angling will die because it will become political, politically incorrect to angle,...or woke if you will...thats what I think he means,

Time will tell, my humble opinion is ,it'll happen before then (50 yrs)..

sundance

Posts: 6760

#15 30 Jan 2023 at 8.26pm

Like a lot these emotive issues they are steeped in nostalgia.

I bet we could.find angling articles from 90s 80s 70s and 60s with similar sentiments.

I would say the commercial carp puddles are the opposite of 'woke.'

The guys trying to keep the rivers clean are 'woke'. Feargal Starkey is 'woke'

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#14 30 Jan 2023 at 8.10pm

In reply to Post #13
Nice Post,and I think you hit that nail on the head ...

Woke....yep,...you are right..!

55s

Posts: 533

#13 30 Jan 2023 at 8.05pm

In reply to Post #1
100% we had the best of it and just can’t ever see the clock turning back.

I’m 55 (ironic really) and my dad was an occasional fisherman, who took me and there were free stretches of river a cheap day tickets (Horton Kirby) we never caught much, but one week a local gave us some 18s to nylon and suggested a smaller float and suddenly it was one a chuck - we then branched out a bit and just fished for fun through until I was about 14 when I started carp fishing.

Most family’s in my day had a ‘rod in the loft’ or a mate with some fishing gear, nowadays you need hundreds to even try the sport, plus access to decent places - yes there’s dads and lads lake but again it’s so commercial- I remember climbing trees, wandering off and coming back to a deep hooked gudgeon that had spent 20 mins on the hook.

Looking back now we regularly caught perch, roach, Rudd, Chubb, eels, bream all in a day, now I don’t know how you could get this and any parent taking a kid to a carp puddle is a bit like going to Alton towers, fun for a day - hooked for life, probably not. Great shame but the sport will die a natural wokey death in the next 50 years.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#12 30 Jan 2023 at 7.37pm

In reply to Post #10
Your right it has gone...

But it's good to hear of some young people trying it out..my question is ,now though ,is access,not just in monetary terms,...I've seen a lot of places closing various reasons...just hope these young people can get to carry on,..I think politics will.play out here...I don't know..

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#11 30 Jan 2023 at 7.34pm

In reply to Post #9
Similar to you ,cept I was lucky in that all.my uncles ,and one grandparent was an angler..so I was surrounded by it from birth literally ..

So I kind of got immersed into.it,either that or hunting ,one or the other..

AaronB1992

Posts: 337

#10 30 Jan 2023 at 7.30pm

In reply to Post #4
They are about mate. I visited a new water for me this weekend (Badshot Lea, Farnham Angling). Not my normal sort of water, but I'm trying to force myself to get used to busy lakes and stop being so miserable 😂

However what I really enjoyed seeing was 2 or 3 youngsters dotted around the lake with parents / grandparents. Maybe 12 / 13 years old, enjoying fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

Whilst I think the fishing people enjoyed 40 years ago has gone, and truthfully even the fishing I truly enjoy is hard to come by at only 30 years old, the youngsters coming through now have a wealth of waters to fish from, plenty of big fish and several ways of getting the information to get them on there way.

Whilst some may see this as a bad thing, there are so many other things for kids to be interested in these days, any way of drawing them to the sport is great.

mark1009

Posts: 4519

#9 30 Jan 2023 at 7.27pm

In reply to Post #4
My dad took me fishing when I was 7 I got the bug and within 5 years I had learned a lot and joined a junior fishing club I was teaching my dad when I was 12 didn't fish for carp until I was 15. Caught my first 20 in 1975. I'd still prefer to catch a big roach by design than a big carp. These days it's a harder challenge.

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#8 30 Jan 2023 at 7.26pm

In reply to Post #6
Yep...

I've always thought and maintained every species is relevant,so today I fished the mixed species lake,above me is the main carp lake,mixed species lake,nice grass swims ,carp lake...looks like the wremacht have been encampt.on it..

That the difference...I like carp but ,they not the only viable species..

deaffred

Posts: 4818

#7 30 Jan 2023 at 7.22pm

In reply to Post #5
Yep Wandle but who would actually appreciate other species these days the way the sport is portrayed endlessly regarding carp

deaffred

Posts: 4818

#6 30 Jan 2023 at 7.21pm

In reply to Post #4
Probably been priced out and have discovered women 🫢

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#5 30 Jan 2023 at 7.19pm

In reply to Post #2
Fred ,I've been out fishing today,I was after roach..but caught 15 carp on a swingtip,some decent fish ,on a quiet lake, I didn't want any carp at all,just a few nice roach...

Most would have been happy with what I caught,but I wasn't I wanted roach,proper silvers..

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#4 30 Jan 2023 at 7.15pm

Local to me is a complex of lakes..

There is only one youngster I see fishing them,the rest are much older and retired..

I taught my son and about 3 or 5 youngsters who are now in their mid twenties,the only one who still fishes ,is my son...

What I'm saying is,....no youngens coming through that I can see..

mark1009

Posts: 4519

#3 30 Jan 2023 at 7.09pm

In reply to Post #1
Seems to me, nowadays you need to have pots of money to have what we had years ago. Unless you are very lucky to know the right people. In which case you probably are in the same economic bracket anyway. Not many people have access to the kind of fishing we had 45 years ago.

deaffred

Posts: 4818

#2 30 Jan 2023 at 7.08pm

Yep I think he is correct we have had the best of it .

Now it’s a circus , exorbitant cost for waters to fish .
Crowded venues.
All species considered trash except carp with todays ilk.
All the gear no idea .
No etiquette.
Fish at all costs .

I’m not adding more as I don’t fish anymore for the last 5 years .

To me I have better use for my time and money .

wandle1

Posts: 7234

#1 30 Jan 2023 at 6.54pm

Someone, recently said to me ,'we've had the best of it'...

This was in conversation with a lifetime angler,whose around 70 yrs old ,the conversation we had seemed to cover ,the environment, the rivers ,tackle ,lakes ,predation and technology..social media and the countryside..access and transportation.

What do you think,have we had the golden years...and what's in store for the younger angler of today..


	Reading ALL pages




Stickies General Discussion Sponsor Posts/Updates CarpForum FishIns Tackle Reviews Rigs Bait Catch Results Venues (UK) Venues (Foreign) Classifieds FAQs and Help Feedback to CarpForum NON Carp Stuff	Consent Preferences Advertising disclosure
© Copyright 2002-2025 - www.CarpForum.co.uk	contact : webmaster@carpforum.co.uk