What's yours?
I'm aiming for 100 carp and of that 5 are to be 20lb +
There is a lovely mirror that's 26lb that I would really like.
I'm aiming for 100 carp and of that 5 are to be 20lb +
There is a lovely mirror that's 26lb that I would really like.
In reply to Post #1
I'd settle for 5 fish and one being a 20😂😂
I'd settle for 5 fish and one being a 20😂😂
In reply to Post #1
To fish more than this year, but that's my target every year.
Not always successful.
To fish more than this year, but that's my target every year.
Not always successful.
In reply to Post #3
I'm with you on that one mate!!
Fished Feb blanked, on Horseshoe now fingers crossed
Always matches fish And hard do both with young family etc
But buying season ticket here end Feb so No excuses and able come go as please with my son 👍
Would love a Hs 30 and Hs tench 10 lb 👍
I'm with you on that one mate!!
Fished Feb blanked, on Horseshoe now fingers crossed
Always matches fish And hard do both with young family etc
But buying season ticket here end Feb so No excuses and able come go as please with my son 👍
Would love a Hs 30 and Hs tench 10 lb 👍
To fish a lot more than this year that's for certain. Like most people I'd like to land a couple of proper bigguns. A real big girl would be really nice. Not that I'm greedy, oh no actually I am.
In reply to Post #1
To catch carp out of Alton Water in Suffolk.
A 375 acre reservoir just outside Ipswich with an unknown stock of originals and some VS stock fish gone in over the past few years.
To try and hope, possibly catch a 2lb roach out of there as well would be nice.
To catch carp out of Alton Water in Suffolk.
A 375 acre reservoir just outside Ipswich with an unknown stock of originals and some VS stock fish gone in over the past few years.
To try and hope, possibly catch a 2lb roach out of there as well would be nice.
A 20+ on the fly
In reply to Post #1
To spend more time on the bank. My wife has a new job that means she will be away at least one night each week, so I'm hopeful of more and longer sessions
To spend more time on the bank. My wife has a new job that means she will be away at least one night each week, so I'm hopeful of more and longer sessions
In reply to Post #8
Beside spend more time on the bank my main target is fishing more active than camping. More surface fishing, stalking and first time giving zigs a go
Beside spend more time on the bank my main target is fishing more active than camping. More surface fishing, stalking and first time giving zigs a go
Definitely more time on the bank , and hopefully catch something.
In reply to Post #1
My target is to catch a double figure carp off the top every month.
Hopefully my normal lake will open soon after an extensive refurb that has taken a year or so. I will buy a season ticket there again but probably will still continue fishing different lakes as it's good to have that extra challenge of finding the fish.
Good luck to you all.
My target is to catch a double figure carp off the top every month.
Hopefully my normal lake will open soon after an extensive refurb that has taken a year or so. I will buy a season ticket there again but probably will still continue fishing different lakes as it's good to have that extra challenge of finding the fish.
Good luck to you all.
In reply to Post #1
To spend more time on the bank and take full advantage of opportunities that may arise.
To spend more time on the bank and take full advantage of opportunities that may arise.
To spend more time fishing and less time at work.
In reply to Post #1
To catch a carp in every month of the year, get a casting lesson, catch 10x20lbers, and a trip to france.
To catch a carp in every month of the year, get a casting lesson, catch 10x20lbers, and a trip to france.
Just to keep enjoying my angling as much as ever.
Hi Darren
For me it's to get back to the start of it all, what got me excited in the first place, the adventure, the learning, the outdoors the dumb experiments that didn't work and the even dumber ones that did, etc, not why I do it now.
2019 really made me realise how much I've got embroiled in the modern carp scene, I've become bitter, cynical, made some bad posts on here, and I'm not really doing it now for the special reasons that started me on my journey.
Gonna enjoy every fish, scale down my rods, reels and line and develop my own tactics for my venues.
All in all I'm gonna be retro Jon and I'm really looking forward to it now that I've finally opened my eyes to where I am at and what carping has now become.
Best
Jon
For me it's to get back to the start of it all, what got me excited in the first place, the adventure, the learning, the outdoors the dumb experiments that didn't work and the even dumber ones that did, etc, not why I do it now.
2019 really made me realise how much I've got embroiled in the modern carp scene, I've become bitter, cynical, made some bad posts on here, and I'm not really doing it now for the special reasons that started me on my journey.
Gonna enjoy every fish, scale down my rods, reels and line and develop my own tactics for my venues.
All in all I'm gonna be retro Jon and I'm really looking forward to it now that I've finally opened my eyes to where I am at and what carping has now become.
Best
Jon
In reply to Post #1
To get out a lot more, I can count on one hand the amount of days I spent on the bank in 2019.
To get out a lot more, I can count on one hand the amount of days I spent on the bank in 2019.
To get out more in 2020 and to reduce the amount that I take with me. Have in the past taken all but the kitchen sink
In reply to Post #17
To be a busier angler,crank up the rods a bit more so I can cast further if needed, most will mock but am realistically going to linear probably 4 times for 2 or 3 night sessions and find some space and catch a couple of 20plus fish. Won't be out much at all I don't think.
To be a busier angler,crank up the rods a bit more so I can cast further if needed, most will mock but am realistically going to linear probably 4 times for 2 or 3 night sessions and find some space and catch a couple of 20plus fish. Won't be out much at all I don't think.
To spend more time on the bank... not very original but true... and hopefully catch some nice fish
In reply to Post #1
To get out as much as I can, to enjoy the journey, as well as the destination, whilst maintaining a healthy work/family/fishing balance. 😀
To get out as much as I can, to enjoy the journey, as well as the destination, whilst maintaining a healthy work/family/fishing balance. 😀
2019 was the year that I got back in to fishing and joined a syndicate. I honestly no idea how much time etc. I would be able to spend on the bank, what the lake would require and how it would fish etc. It turns out that my fishing consists of mostly day sessions, perhaps one every two weeks. Odd 24 hour if I'm lucky. Venue is tricky with loads of weed, lillies and water cabbages.
So for me my 2020 goal is to really get better at that sort of fishing. Be more mobile, bait smarter, get better at presenting in those conditions, and hopefully catch more fish!
I'm also planning a 3 day session somewhere to celebrate my 30th birthday, goal there is to give myself a chance to catch a 30! Orchid lakes is currently in my mind but all suggestions welcome!
So for me my 2020 goal is to really get better at that sort of fishing. Be more mobile, bait smarter, get better at presenting in those conditions, and hopefully catch more fish!
I'm also planning a 3 day session somewhere to celebrate my 30th birthday, goal there is to give myself a chance to catch a 30! Orchid lakes is currently in my mind but all suggestions welcome!
To actually spend less time carp fishing and more time doing other forms of angling that i did in my younger years
So more time flounder and bass fishing
even going to have another bash at mullet fishing
And try and spend some evenings on the river
So more time flounder and bass fishing
even going to have another bash at mullet fishing
And try and spend some evenings on the river
In reply to Post #22
I would have a read in the venues section about Orchid
I would have a read in the venues section about Orchid
In reply to Post #24
Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for the heads up!
In reply to Post #23
Not going to be working in January and possibly Feb so got a few things lined up. A 2lb river Roach in a bag full is the early Jan target. Off to East Africa middle of Jan got a 36 hour Broadbill/Marlin trip booked. Got a chance of a billfish fantasy slam, been close before. A couple of single days for tiger's/bulls if they're about. Probably get to Costa Rica in Feb if the work situation allows. Go for a big tench in March as always and got somewhere close for good Perch if conditions are wrong for the tench. Carp from April/ May, hoping for a ticket somewhere quiet. Barble from June. Then see what itch needs scratching from them on. Good luck and tight lines.
Not going to be working in January and possibly Feb so got a few things lined up. A 2lb river Roach in a bag full is the early Jan target. Off to East Africa middle of Jan got a 36 hour Broadbill/Marlin trip booked. Got a chance of a billfish fantasy slam, been close before. A couple of single days for tiger's/bulls if they're about. Probably get to Costa Rica in Feb if the work situation allows. Go for a big tench in March as always and got somewhere close for good Perch if conditions are wrong for the tench. Carp from April/ May, hoping for a ticket somewhere quiet. Barble from June. Then see what itch needs scratching from them on. Good luck and tight lines.
In reply to Post #26
All of a sudden my single planned overnighter seems somewhat less exciting lol.
Enjoy mate
All of a sudden my single planned overnighter seems somewhat less exciting lol.
Enjoy mate
In reply to Post #27
It is what it is mate, you come across as an angler so know you've got to take advantage of the cards you're dealt at the time. If it wasn't Marlin it'd be the local canals.
It is what it is mate, you come across as an angler so know you've got to take advantage of the cards you're dealt at the time. If it wasn't Marlin it'd be the local canals.
In reply to Post #26
That sounds like some tremendous fishing right there... I'm off to La Gomera for a three day trip after bluefin tuna in March, right in prime season and on the new moon too... Average size is 450-600lb... 👀🤣 What will you target in Costa Rica? Sails, or Tarpon perhaps..?
That sounds like some tremendous fishing right there... I'm off to La Gomera for a three day trip after bluefin tuna in March, right in prime season and on the new moon too... Average size is 450-600lb... 👀🤣 What will you target in Costa Rica? Sails, or Tarpon perhaps..?
In reply to Post #29
Hope they're about when you go Toddy. Only hooked a bluefin once off Madera in the early 90's, proper brute it was 600lb + estimated. Hook pulled after about 45 mins, the only way I can describe it was like being attached to a car going over a cliff when it repeatedly crash dived. Epic power, good luck.
It's tentative Costa Rica but I'll be after Rooster fish and sails on the fly mate.
Hope they're about when you go Toddy. Only hooked a bluefin once off Madera in the early 90's, proper brute it was 600lb + estimated. Hook pulled after about 45 mins, the only way I can describe it was like being attached to a car going over a cliff when it repeatedly crash dived. Epic power, good luck.
It's tentative Costa Rica but I'll be after Rooster fish and sails on the fly mate.
In reply to Post #30
I've had 40 or 50lb tuna on fly and spinning gear that pull hard enough. 600lb must be like hooking another boat
I've had 40 or 50lb tuna on fly and spinning gear that pull hard enough. 600lb must be like hooking another boat
In reply to Post #30
Yeah, the skipper asked upon booking if our group are all physically fit, as apparently they're the hardest fighting fish in the ocean... There's a part of me absolutely excited to be going, and another part that can only be described as akin to trepidation in potentially hooking up to something so big and powerful..! I tend to have this with every big game trip that I've done though, so it's perfectly normal... 🤣
The Roosters look like fun, incredible speed and such an exotic looking fish... Costa Rica is a potential destination for the future as it offers a lot for a family holiday with a bit of fishing mixed in... It'll be a few years ‘til I can do another blue water type trip after this one, as the cost involved means it's a very occasional treat, but with any luck GT's are also on the list at some point... I'm just trying to tick off a few species and experiences over a lifetime... Good luck!
Yeah, the skipper asked upon booking if our group are all physically fit, as apparently they're the hardest fighting fish in the ocean... There's a part of me absolutely excited to be going, and another part that can only be described as akin to trepidation in potentially hooking up to something so big and powerful..! I tend to have this with every big game trip that I've done though, so it's perfectly normal... 🤣
The Roosters look like fun, incredible speed and such an exotic looking fish... Costa Rica is a potential destination for the future as it offers a lot for a family holiday with a bit of fishing mixed in... It'll be a few years ‘til I can do another blue water type trip after this one, as the cost involved means it's a very occasional treat, but with any luck GT's are also on the list at some point... I'm just trying to tick off a few species and experiences over a lifetime... Good luck!
In reply to Post #32
GT on the fly is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of man against beast.
Not the biggest or most powerful, but simply awesome
GT on the fly is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of man against beast.
Not the biggest or most powerful, but simply awesome
In reply to Post #30
Went to Los Cabos in Mexico this year and caught a rooster fish about 10lb of the beach on a lure ..... The thing was ridiculous so lord only knows what the 30/40lb ones go like ... Was also luckily enough to go to Barbados this year as well and had Tuna, Barracuda and Wahoo on a boat nothing big but great fun
Went to Los Cabos in Mexico this year and caught a rooster fish about 10lb of the beach on a lure ..... The thing was ridiculous so lord only knows what the 30/40lb ones go like ... Was also luckily enough to go to Barbados this year as well and had Tuna, Barracuda and Wahoo on a boat nothing big but great fun
In reply to Post #32
My advice on any of the big tuna species is fight them hard. I'm sure they have a recovery rate over 10 times quicker than humans, with lactic acid etc. So a minute rest for you is 10 to them. It's hard work! Billfish do their own thing I've found, pile the drag on and let them go early, hopefully they go airborne and tire themselves out. Big bulls and tiger's are the worst for me, long heavy and slow power you can't bully them. Make sure you're safe at all times with these big fish and enjoy it
My advice on any of the big tuna species is fight them hard. I'm sure they have a recovery rate over 10 times quicker than humans, with lactic acid etc. So a minute rest for you is 10 to them. It's hard work! Billfish do their own thing I've found, pile the drag on and let them go early, hopefully they go airborne and tire themselves out. Big bulls and tiger's are the worst for me, long heavy and slow power you can't bully them. Make sure you're safe at all times with these big fish and enjoy it
In reply to Post #1
A 15lb Barbel (already had a 14 on only my 2nd session on the Trent) and a 30lb carp.
A 15lb Barbel (already had a 14 on only my 2nd session on the Trent) and a 30lb carp.
Mines to try and catch one of each species of freshwater fish at half its record weight or over. Bit of a challenge for me but it will get me out and varies it up.
In reply to Post #15
My goal is to fish more haven't really fished for the last couple years cant even remember last time I caught proper fish was 3 years at least
My goal is to fish more haven't really fished for the last couple years cant even remember last time I caught proper fish was 3 years at least
In reply to Post #37
Now that really is some target! Some real tough ones to achieve singularly, let alone the full set.
Now that really is some target! Some real tough ones to achieve singularly, let alone the full set.
In reply to Post #39
I agree
Good luck with the little ones, gudgeon etc.
I think Matt Hayes did a show where he tried to catch one of each of the native species and those little ones were tricky to find.
I agree
Good luck with the little ones, gudgeon etc.
I think Matt Hayes did a show where he tried to catch one of each of the native species and those little ones were tricky to find.
I need to have a good sort out of my gear and sell the rest
In reply to Post #41
Targets this year to include getting out on the bank more and to take my son fishing for the first time.
Targets this year to include getting out on the bank more and to take my son fishing for the first time.
Aim for 2020 is to catch a UK 30lb, a french 30lb anything larger would be a huge bonus
In reply to Post #43
Trying hard for my 40th forty.
Trying hard for my 40th forty.
In reply to Post #1
Gotta try and nab one oht of my local river this year, not many in there but there is a 5-6 week period weather depending where you can spot them in a certain area. Had 1 2 years ago nothing last year although I was close a few times. Also looking at getting on broom big pit I'd be happy with a fish or 2 out of that without knowing anything about the place
Gotta try and nab one oht of my local river this year, not many in there but there is a 5-6 week period weather depending where you can spot them in a certain area. Had 1 2 years ago nothing last year although I was close a few times. Also looking at getting on broom big pit I'd be happy with a fish or 2 out of that without knowing anything about the place
In reply to Post #45
My goal is to catch any a UK 40+ common, a French 70+ and to stop buying different bait on a whim when I already have a bait that I have full confidence in. LOL.
My goal is to catch any a UK 40+ common, a French 70+ and to stop buying different bait on a whim when I already have a bait that I have full confidence in. LOL.
In reply to Post #37
I've set myself a similar challenge, mine is to “Tri-Fish” for different species – as in catch a species on Ledger, Float & Fly. Obviously with some species it's going to be almost impossible to achieve, but some species like Carp & Pike will also be relatively easy, should make the year a interesting challenge.
I've set myself a similar challenge, mine is to “Tri-Fish” for different species – as in catch a species on Ledger, Float & Fly. Obviously with some species it's going to be almost impossible to achieve, but some species like Carp & Pike will also be relatively easy, should make the year a interesting challenge.
In reply to Post #1
So 2020 passes today how did you all do?
Even with fisheries closed fir a few months I managed 65 carp so missed my 100 target but I did manage 5 20's
So 2020 passes today how did you all do?
Even with fisheries closed fir a few months I managed 65 carp so missed my 100 target but I did manage 5 20's
In reply to Post #48
I didn't fish as often as usual, but did continue to enjoy my angling.
I didn't fish as often as usual, but did continue to enjoy my angling.
In reply to Post #48
2020? Had 58 x 20+ in total. All day sessions, didn't do a single night. Five waters fished. Considering I couldn't fish March to May and have had to fish local a fair bit, I'll take that. Previous year I had 137 over 20, so shows the difference when you have less choice of where to go and getting into decent spots is a challenge...
2021? Just to get back to normal and be able to fish where I want, when I want. Be nice to see people back at work as well - one of my prime waters has been a bit if a rat race this year to get into decent swims. At least we could fish, that's the main thing.
Tight lines to you all for 2021
2020? Had 58 x 20+ in total. All day sessions, didn't do a single night. Five waters fished. Considering I couldn't fish March to May and have had to fish local a fair bit, I'll take that. Previous year I had 137 over 20, so shows the difference when you have less choice of where to go and getting into decent spots is a challenge...
2021? Just to get back to normal and be able to fish where I want, when I want. Be nice to see people back at work as well - one of my prime waters has been a bit if a rat race this year to get into decent swims. At least we could fish, that's the main thing.
Tight lines to you all for 2021
2020 was good for me, only didn't fish between March and may like everyone else but fished every 2 weeks other than that from January, don't no how many doubles around 20/30 20lbers and the most memorable session was a crazy session where I had 28 fish to 31lb in 3 days when the lake only did 2 other fish to 14 anglers was mental. Also managed to finally break the 30lb common mark in august with a 32lb stunning scale perfect common only fish I had in 4 days but still was over the moon with it.
2021 just want to get back to some sort of normality and can go when ever I want without worrying about anything, got my new syndicate to look forward to may hopefully 👍
2021 just want to get back to some sort of normality and can go when ever I want without worrying about anything, got my new syndicate to look forward to may hopefully 👍
In reply to Post #48
I missed out on the 2lb roach I wanted.
I did manage a few carp over 20lb out of Alton Water, along with a 20lb pike, caught on a pollan.
My year didn't turn to hell until after lockdown was released when I was made redundant, and fishing the reservoir went out the window when I stood up to some Eastern Europeans who cast over my rods 2 days on the trot with pike lures. They had no landing nets or unhooking mats, hmm! When I remonstrated and pointed this out, I was the one in the wrong...
I spent a few weeks chasing my tail looking for and attempting to catch barbel in the Wensum after spotting a big fish near The Dolphin and Anglian Water.
I then got into a quiet East Anglian syndicate which has been a bit tough.
I missed out on the 2lb roach I wanted.
I did manage a few carp over 20lb out of Alton Water, along with a 20lb pike, caught on a pollan.
My year didn't turn to hell until after lockdown was released when I was made redundant, and fishing the reservoir went out the window when I stood up to some Eastern Europeans who cast over my rods 2 days on the trot with pike lures. They had no landing nets or unhooking mats, hmm! When I remonstrated and pointed this out, I was the one in the wrong...
I spent a few weeks chasing my tail looking for and attempting to catch barbel in the Wensum after spotting a big fish near The Dolphin and Anglian Water.
I then got into a quiet East Anglian syndicate which has been a bit tough.
In reply to Post #52
My fishing this year been a disaster I had a 20lb common some decent looking carp up to 20lb as well from a local lake then it got hit by a big fish kill and a big one that went in from another lake that had oxygen problems dies along with a double figure beam,and the lake wasn't that big but it held some nice fish and even catching in the winter was a possibility.
Unfortunately a sewage leak and wiped loads out I had to send pictures to my mate so they could identify them via FB.
2019 was my better year had 6 carp from local can up to 32lb right in the edges of the closer towpath side great fishing can't wait ti April comes again so I can do it all over again already drawing up plans.
My fishing this year been a disaster I had a 20lb common some decent looking carp up to 20lb as well from a local lake then it got hit by a big fish kill and a big one that went in from another lake that had oxygen problems dies along with a double figure beam,and the lake wasn't that big but it held some nice fish and even catching in the winter was a possibility.
Unfortunately a sewage leak and wiped loads out I had to send pictures to my mate so they could identify them via FB.
2019 was my better year had 6 carp from local can up to 32lb right in the edges of the closer towpath side great fishing can't wait ti April comes again so I can do it all over again already drawing up plans.
2020 disaster every time went to lake packed, and when I did get on blank, hopefully 2021 will be better just keeping the fingers crossed 🤞
2020 a mixed bag. Had some nice fish. My new lake is great, added to the club lake I fish I'm happy with my fishing. Considering the situation some good things happening. 2021 starting badly. I live in a tier 3 area but both my lakes are now in tier 4 areas so can't go, I fear it's going to take a long time to improve. Going to have a lovely garden by April. Happy New year.
In reply to Post #26
Caught a couple of Blue marlin, a few nice Sails a couple of sharks and something I've never caught before a Mako in January. Our sister boat was out with us one day on a flat calm ocean when it hooked a 500lb Blue about 100 yards away from us. This thing went airborne over 20 times looking and sounding like a 500lb bomb hitting the water. After about 40 mins the Tiagra 50w it was on seized solid! They had to cut the line, hold the Marlin and join it to a new rod and reel with minimal line on! Safely tagged and released in the end.
The rest of my angling year went tits up as I'd imagine it did for many. Rammed lakes so had to be canals and rivers which I enjoy anyway. See what this year brings.
Caught a couple of Blue marlin, a few nice Sails a couple of sharks and something I've never caught before a Mako in January. Our sister boat was out with us one day on a flat calm ocean when it hooked a 500lb Blue about 100 yards away from us. This thing went airborne over 20 times looking and sounding like a 500lb bomb hitting the water. After about 40 mins the Tiagra 50w it was on seized solid! They had to cut the line, hold the Marlin and join it to a new rod and reel with minimal line on! Safely tagged and released in the end.
The rest of my angling year went tits up as I'd imagine it did for many. Rammed lakes so had to be canals and rivers which I enjoy anyway. See what this year brings.
In reply to Post #1
Get going on my new syndicate which hasn't been fished for over 30 yrs, no one really knows whats in it apart from decent carp have been seen.
Get going on my new syndicate which hasn't been fished for over 30 yrs, no one really knows whats in it apart from decent carp have been seen.
In reply to Post #48
Obviously missed March, April and part of May due to lockdown. Then just as we were allowed back the fish decided to spawn on one of my waters. The other one was rammed with people on furlough so you couldn't get near the fish most of the time.
Managed 4 nights for 1 low 20 up until June and then put my back out meaning I couldn't physically carry my gear to the car let alone barrow it round a lake. Things got progressively worse and I suffered a prolapsed disc and sciatica at the start of August. It's still not right now and I'm still on loads of medication, hoping it's sorted by March / April this year and I can get back on the bank.
Not the best of years to be honest
Obviously missed March, April and part of May due to lockdown. Then just as we were allowed back the fish decided to spawn on one of my waters. The other one was rammed with people on furlough so you couldn't get near the fish most of the time.
Managed 4 nights for 1 low 20 up until June and then put my back out meaning I couldn't physically carry my gear to the car let alone barrow it round a lake. Things got progressively worse and I suffered a prolapsed disc and sciatica at the start of August. It's still not right now and I'm still on loads of medication, hoping it's sorted by March / April this year and I can get back on the bank.
Not the best of years to be honest
In reply to Post #13
Are you to blame for Covid / Furlough?
Are you to blame for Covid / Furlough?
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