Need to get a lottery ticket pronto after what happened last week - this is a totally true event . . .!
Was coming to the end of a relatively successful 48hrs on my new syndicate water after what has been a significant break from carping . . . bait and rigs all working well and starting to get into the fish, I'd even managed to dry all my kit out from the previous days deluge. Things had pretty much gone to plan from swim selection to tactics and I was starting to ‘unlock' the lake sooner than I thought . . .'still got it', I smugly thought to myself.
Had pretty much packed up everything with just the three rods left splayed on the ground, resting on their handles and with clutches loose as usual – one more fish would be greedy but good! Another new member stopped by and we chatted a bit, swopping tactics and general experiences. As he walked off I stared at my rods considering the age old conundrum at last knockings . . .'which rod do I reel in first?' Both the right and middle had taken fish, the middle rod at 3am in the eye of the storm, the right hand the day before. No brainer, the left hand margin that had been left in place for nearly the entire 48hrs would be first to go.
And then, just like a car crash it happened . . . .I took a step forward to pick up the ‘unlucky' rod when the middle rod lurched forward, the handle briefly getting stuck on the edge of the timber sleeper that demarcated the landing platform and then the rod itself bending down and into the lake before being pole vaulted up and into the depths of beyond.
The water immediately in front of me had a steep shelf and was at least 9ft deep - for a split second I thought that's it – dive in after it now! . . .and then in the same instant the thought subsided as the seconds passed and I realised it was game over . . .a cherished, British hand built rod and oldskool Jap built reel both from the 90's lost forever . . . . . F********CK! The whole lake must have heard me rage for the next 2-3mins as my mind was racing. New water sh*t . . do I tell the owner/bailiff or keep schtum . . sh*t . . can't replace that gear m8 . . .sh*t . . .f*ckin noddy angler . . . .sh*t . . .what if it's the biggun and it gets tethered. . .sh*t . . . .what do I do now . . .sh*t – ssshhhh******ttt!
An old member who'd moved into the swim next door came over to say hello after obviously hearing my rants . . .'everything alright fella?' Like a child I immediately recounted my woes, and he looked at me with a half serious / half about to burst into hilarious laughter type look on his face. ‘Your call if you don't want to tell the owner mate' he said. ‘You can trust me . . I'm not the type to tell tales'. Not that I didn't trust the guy but I knew he worked closely with the owner on odd jobs etc and had been a bailiff himself in the past . . .much as I wanted to believe him I'm always of the view that total honesty is usually the best policy either way. . ‘nah I'm going to tell him right now' I said – ‘better that way and I'll take whatever medicine is thrown at me'.
I was having visions of a biggun going belly up somewhere a week or so later– and my vintage rod and reel being attached.– a witch hunt would probably ensue from the owner and it wouldn't be long (looking at some of the spangly basia-esque-wand combos that most of the other members used) for him to ascertain who the lake nod actually was . . . .I slumped off back to my swim kicking everything in my path to pack up the remaining bits and then go and find the owner who was elsewhere on the lake doing some maintenance.
5 mins later and just as I was strapping down the barrow the old member in the next swim shouted out my name . . . . .he must have a fish on I thought and maybe needed a hand with something . As I jogged the 50yards or so over it looked like he was into a fish – fairplay I thought – bet he's lobbed one over to one of my spots that I'd shared with him the day prior. ‘Think I've got something here mate' he said with a wry grin on his face. He was definitely reeling something big but being incredibly careful at the same time. ‘Can you reel in those other two rods mate' he said, ‘don't want to get those two tangled' . . .
And then, much like in life the world flipped on its head once more. His helicopter set up had bought in some line – a very dark brown/green tone that looked distinctly like the Synchro XT Loaded I'd respooled with only a few days ago . . . .could it be? I grabbed a towel from his bivvy and took hold of one end of the caught line and started to wrap it around my arm between my palm and elbow. I eventually unhooked his end tackle and kept hand lining like a man possessed. . . . . the previous 20mins of absolute dismay started to disappear (it reminded me of my very first rave experience under the influence in 1989 but I'll leave that one for another day).
Was coming to the end of a relatively successful 48hrs on my new syndicate water after what has been a significant break from carping . . . bait and rigs all working well and starting to get into the fish, I'd even managed to dry all my kit out from the previous days deluge. Things had pretty much gone to plan from swim selection to tactics and I was starting to ‘unlock' the lake sooner than I thought . . .'still got it', I smugly thought to myself.
Had pretty much packed up everything with just the three rods left splayed on the ground, resting on their handles and with clutches loose as usual – one more fish would be greedy but good! Another new member stopped by and we chatted a bit, swopping tactics and general experiences. As he walked off I stared at my rods considering the age old conundrum at last knockings . . .'which rod do I reel in first?' Both the right and middle had taken fish, the middle rod at 3am in the eye of the storm, the right hand the day before. No brainer, the left hand margin that had been left in place for nearly the entire 48hrs would be first to go.
And then, just like a car crash it happened . . . .I took a step forward to pick up the ‘unlucky' rod when the middle rod lurched forward, the handle briefly getting stuck on the edge of the timber sleeper that demarcated the landing platform and then the rod itself bending down and into the lake before being pole vaulted up and into the depths of beyond.
The water immediately in front of me had a steep shelf and was at least 9ft deep - for a split second I thought that's it – dive in after it now! . . .and then in the same instant the thought subsided as the seconds passed and I realised it was game over . . .a cherished, British hand built rod and oldskool Jap built reel both from the 90's lost forever . . . . . F********CK! The whole lake must have heard me rage for the next 2-3mins as my mind was racing. New water sh*t . . do I tell the owner/bailiff or keep schtum . . sh*t . . can't replace that gear m8 . . .sh*t . . .f*ckin noddy angler . . . .sh*t . . .what if it's the biggun and it gets tethered. . .sh*t . . . .what do I do now . . .sh*t – ssshhhh******ttt!
An old member who'd moved into the swim next door came over to say hello after obviously hearing my rants . . .'everything alright fella?' Like a child I immediately recounted my woes, and he looked at me with a half serious / half about to burst into hilarious laughter type look on his face. ‘Your call if you don't want to tell the owner mate' he said. ‘You can trust me . . I'm not the type to tell tales'. Not that I didn't trust the guy but I knew he worked closely with the owner on odd jobs etc and had been a bailiff himself in the past . . .much as I wanted to believe him I'm always of the view that total honesty is usually the best policy either way. . ‘nah I'm going to tell him right now' I said – ‘better that way and I'll take whatever medicine is thrown at me'.
I was having visions of a biggun going belly up somewhere a week or so later– and my vintage rod and reel being attached.– a witch hunt would probably ensue from the owner and it wouldn't be long (looking at some of the spangly basia-esque-wand combos that most of the other members used) for him to ascertain who the lake nod actually was . . . .I slumped off back to my swim kicking everything in my path to pack up the remaining bits and then go and find the owner who was elsewhere on the lake doing some maintenance.
5 mins later and just as I was strapping down the barrow the old member in the next swim shouted out my name . . . . .he must have a fish on I thought and maybe needed a hand with something . As I jogged the 50yards or so over it looked like he was into a fish – fairplay I thought – bet he's lobbed one over to one of my spots that I'd shared with him the day prior. ‘Think I've got something here mate' he said with a wry grin on his face. He was definitely reeling something big but being incredibly careful at the same time. ‘Can you reel in those other two rods mate' he said, ‘don't want to get those two tangled' . . .
And then, much like in life the world flipped on its head once more. His helicopter set up had bought in some line – a very dark brown/green tone that looked distinctly like the Synchro XT Loaded I'd respooled with only a few days ago . . . .could it be? I grabbed a towel from his bivvy and took hold of one end of the caught line and started to wrap it around my arm between my palm and elbow. I eventually unhooked his end tackle and kept hand lining like a man possessed. . . . . the previous 20mins of absolute dismay started to disappear (it reminded me of my very first rave experience under the influence in 1989 but I'll leave that one for another day).
In reply to Post #1
Gloriously and like Excalibur rising from Dozmary pool a tip eye, then another, then another, then the butt ring . . .then the reel itself!
I grabbed the end of the previously cursed rod with my other hand and passed it to the old member who had stashed his own kit out of the way. ‘You'd better take this' I said – ‘maybe the fish is still on?' I mused. He carefully reeled in the long loops of excess line wrapped around my towel clad arm and to both our surprise no birds nest / no loop knots. . . . I watched a familiar bend in my rod take on its full battle curve and he confirmed . . .'fish on – do you want your rod back?' With a massive grin on my face I immediately said ‘no chap . . . . . .think it's probably your fish now – just be careful with the clutch –it's a little sticky . . . .' The next 10mins were pure joy and pain as the fish was expertly played all the way to the net. . . .F**CKIN YES! . . .I screamed at the top of my lungs. . . .'F**CKIN YES!'
Nearly 25lb of hard fighting mirror sat in the cradle and a very ‘lucky' rod & reel were carefully placed in the bush adjacent. A sense of utter relief overcame me . . .not the biggest fish in the lake but definitely one of the most valuable. Graffs were taken and we agreed to share the spoils . . .never have I been so glad that the chap had even bothered to pub chuck over my line (or maybe he was just casting one to the spot?) . . .either way I don't care and will be forever grateful – intact fish / intact rod. I eventually calmed down and drove home singing to ***** 80's pop on the radio . . . . . . .relief! The idiotic nature of the whole thing has made me laugh since and as I write this but maybe that's what fishing is all about - loss / gain and every emotion in between - its good to be back!
I've learnt two lessons from the escapade . . .
1 – Always get your reels and clutches serviced after a long break. . .and
2 – Don't be such a f**kin noddy next time . .!
Gloriously and like Excalibur rising from Dozmary pool a tip eye, then another, then another, then the butt ring . . .then the reel itself!
I grabbed the end of the previously cursed rod with my other hand and passed it to the old member who had stashed his own kit out of the way. ‘You'd better take this' I said – ‘maybe the fish is still on?' I mused. He carefully reeled in the long loops of excess line wrapped around my towel clad arm and to both our surprise no birds nest / no loop knots. . . . I watched a familiar bend in my rod take on its full battle curve and he confirmed . . .'fish on – do you want your rod back?' With a massive grin on my face I immediately said ‘no chap . . . . . .think it's probably your fish now – just be careful with the clutch –it's a little sticky . . . .' The next 10mins were pure joy and pain as the fish was expertly played all the way to the net. . . .F**CKIN YES! . . .I screamed at the top of my lungs. . . .'F**CKIN YES!'
Nearly 25lb of hard fighting mirror sat in the cradle and a very ‘lucky' rod & reel were carefully placed in the bush adjacent. A sense of utter relief overcame me . . .not the biggest fish in the lake but definitely one of the most valuable. Graffs were taken and we agreed to share the spoils . . .never have I been so glad that the chap had even bothered to pub chuck over my line (or maybe he was just casting one to the spot?) . . .either way I don't care and will be forever grateful – intact fish / intact rod. I eventually calmed down and drove home singing to ***** 80's pop on the radio . . . . . . .relief! The idiotic nature of the whole thing has made me laugh since and as I write this but maybe that's what fishing is all about - loss / gain and every emotion in between - its good to be back!
I've learnt two lessons from the escapade . . .
1 – Always get your reels and clutches serviced after a long break. . .and
2 – Don't be such a f**kin noddy next time . .!
In reply to Post #1
Awesome story mate,enjoyed reading that
Awesome story mate,enjoyed reading that
Unbelievably amazing story.
Great read and pleased you were reunited.
Great read and pleased you were reunited.
In reply to Post #2
Brilliant story and well written for my enjoyment too. Glad it all worked out in the end.
Brilliant story and well written for my enjoyment too. Glad it all worked out in the end.
In reply to Post #2
Loved that! Another similar write up next week please!
Loved that! Another similar write up next week please!
In reply to Post #1
It reads like the intro to a new chapter of "the syndicate"
It reads like the intro to a new chapter of "the syndicate"
In reply to Post #2
Well done Chris wonderful happy ending mate great write up I was there with you lol
Well done Chris wonderful happy ending mate great write up I was there with you lol
In reply to Post #7
In reply to Post #6
. . not sure I could cope with any more fishy dramas . . .honestly you couldn't make that up so I'm hoping there wont be any more installments for some time . . .!
. . not sure I could cope with any more fishy dramas . . .honestly you couldn't make that up so I'm hoping there wont be any more installments for some time . . .!
In reply to Post #10
Those raves must have been epic.
Those raves must have been epic.
In reply to Post #2
I've had a reel bungy in before ... and somehow retrieved it in a similar way casting a weed rake out about 20 yards and it caught the tip eye and managed to get it back.. no fish still on though
I've had a reel bungy in before ... and somehow retrieved it in a similar way casting a weed rake out about 20 yards and it caught the tip eye and managed to get it back.. no fish still on though
In reply to Post #2
Great story
Maybe he casted in that area to try and pick your line up?
Either way, good result, rod back
I do exactly the same, lay them on the ground, last thing to pack away. I have also have a couple drag about before but none in the lake. I always make sure the drag is fully off, and lay them on the handles if that makes sense so the spool is clear of the ground.
Once fishing next to a mate. He had left one of his tournies locked up, fish on, rod gone. Thankfully he waded out, picked the rod up and landed the fish
All in the memory bank moments, you can smile about them afterwards. I once had a fish in the night, put the rod back on the spot and went back to bed. Forgot to put the alarm on. A while later all my mates alarms going off, him going crazy, I woke up to find my right hand rods spool quietly buzzing away
Sorry mate, couldn't stop it
Great story
Maybe he casted in that area to try and pick your line up?
Either way, good result, rod back
I do exactly the same, lay them on the ground, last thing to pack away. I have also have a couple drag about before but none in the lake. I always make sure the drag is fully off, and lay them on the handles if that makes sense so the spool is clear of the ground.
Once fishing next to a mate. He had left one of his tournies locked up, fish on, rod gone. Thankfully he waded out, picked the rod up and landed the fish
All in the memory bank moments, you can smile about them afterwards. I once had a fish in the night, put the rod back on the spot and went back to bed. Forgot to put the alarm on. A while later all my mates alarms going off, him going crazy, I woke up to find my right hand rods spool quietly buzzing away
Sorry mate, couldn't stop it
In reply to Post #13
. . .problem is scozza this has NEVER happened to me before . . .I'm not the worlds most naturally talented angler but like Terry Hearn has always said its all about percentages - on this basis I'm OCD about everything and have been doing and relying on things the same tried and trusted way for many years . . .like simply putting rods out on the deck at the end of the session . . .
To be fair a long break from any sport does make you rusty and **** does happen however unfortunately annual reel servicing is now going to be added to the list of OCD items . . .that or some spanking new ones . . .or perhaps just putting them away before the sticks / pod . . . . . .my brain hurts!
PS. First thing to assemble and last thing to put away is ALWAYS the landing net - very bad kharma if not . . .lol
. . .problem is scozza this has NEVER happened to me before . . .I'm not the worlds most naturally talented angler but like Terry Hearn has always said its all about percentages - on this basis I'm OCD about everything and have been doing and relying on things the same tried and trusted way for many years . . .like simply putting rods out on the deck at the end of the session . . .
To be fair a long break from any sport does make you rusty and **** does happen however unfortunately annual reel servicing is now going to be added to the list of OCD items . . .that or some spanking new ones . . .or perhaps just putting them away before the sticks / pod . . . . . .my brain hurts!
PS. First thing to assemble and last thing to put away is ALWAYS the landing net - very bad kharma if not . . .lol
In reply to Post #14
A couple of times I've set up, sat down and after a while think oops! I've not set up the landing net
A couple of times I've set up, sat down and after a while think oops! I've not set up the landing net
In reply to Post #1
Fishing quite a few carpy commercial type waters I've lost count of the amount of rods I've pulled in for people.
No one believes you when you say the carp will have it in a blink of an eye but they are quick.
Fishing quite a few carpy commercial type waters I've lost count of the amount of rods I've pulled in for people.
No one believes you when you say the carp will have it in a blink of an eye but they are quick.
In reply to Post #2
Mega story mate! Buzzing for you
Mega story mate! Buzzing for you
In reply to Post #2
In reply to Post #14
Push a bivvy peg in front of the reel stem,it will save you anymore drama
Push a bivvy peg in front of the reel stem,it will save you anymore drama
In reply to Post #14
Might want to get some money on the lottery then pal
OCD and fishing, don't get me going. For me the landing net handle has to be the correct way up so I can see the badge, if not I am destined to blank
Funny though, I guess we all have our little routines 
Might want to get some money on the lottery then pal
OCD and fishing, don't get me going. For me the landing net handle has to be the correct way up so I can see the badge, if not I am destined to blank
Funny though, I guess we all have our little routines
In reply to Post #2
Good read mate and lucky on not losing that custom rod!
Good read mate and lucky on not losing that custom rod!
In reply to Post #20
. . .the truth is I'd seen 3 magpies at the beginning of the sesh . . .the last morning prior to the 'incident' I actually only saw one . . . of all the OCD things single magpies are the worst . . .
. . .the truth is I'd seen 3 magpies at the beginning of the sesh . . .the last morning prior to the 'incident' I actually only saw one . . . of all the OCD things single magpies are the worst . . .
My mate had a similar experience on a lake in France about 10 years ago, he caught and landed a 44lb Grass Carp and hooked the landing net over the jetty pole while he sorted out the scales.
The carp jumped out of the landing net and dragged his still attached Terry Hearn rod and Basia off into the lake, disaster!
After hours of him and his fishing partner looking for the rod out in a boat to no avail he was resigned to having lost it all into the 40+acre lake.
About 12 hours after the incident one of his other rods was off with a fish and he took to the boat to land it,imagine his surprise when he reeled into his own rod and reel with the CARP STILL ON!
it was an amazing result and fish after all, it really made the trip 👌
The carp jumped out of the landing net and dragged his still attached Terry Hearn rod and Basia off into the lake, disaster!
After hours of him and his fishing partner looking for the rod out in a boat to no avail he was resigned to having lost it all into the 40+acre lake.
About 12 hours after the incident one of his other rods was off with a fish and he took to the boat to land it,imagine his surprise when he reeled into his own rod and reel with the CARP STILL ON!
it was an amazing result and fish after all, it really made the trip 👌
In reply to Post #23
Although these occurrences are noddy nightmares at the time they definitely add a layer of excitement to the game!
. . have had the exact thing happen to me in France in terms of big grass carp specifically - I'd caught one and landed it when the other rod went off . . .it too jumped the net that was staked out in the spreader but again the clutch had been loosened and I had a mate on hand to pick up the rod and 're-land' it . . .both fish were landed for a brace trophy shot but could have easily gone the other way!
Although these occurrences are noddy nightmares at the time they definitely add a layer of excitement to the game!
. . have had the exact thing happen to me in France in terms of big grass carp specifically - I'd caught one and landed it when the other rod went off . . .it too jumped the net that was staked out in the spreader but again the clutch had been loosened and I had a mate on hand to pick up the rod and 're-land' it . . .both fish were landed for a brace trophy shot but could have easily gone the other way!
I had a floater rod dragged in whilst I was tearing up some bits of bread for hookbaits. My dad had some spinners in his bag - after a few casts he caught the line.
Rod/line was snagged up on something (line eventually broke) but we got the fish in safely.
Rod/line was snagged up on something (line eventually broke) but we got the fish in safely.
What a great post
You should think about doing some writing mate.
You should think about doing some writing mate.
Surely the morale of the story is to leave your rods on the rest? How long does it take to pack away a few rod banksticks or a pod? Bit silly if you ask me.
In reply to Post #27
. . .possibly . . . . . .however if you've fished as long as I have you'll know how many chances/takes actually do occur at last knockings - ie. when everything but your rods and landing net have been packed away. Your choice of course as to whether you do it or not - most carpers I've ever fished with do . . .especially if they're facing a blank . . .its very much like 'just one more cast' when you're float fishing . . .
. . .possibly . . . . . .however if you've fished as long as I have you'll know how many chances/takes actually do occur at last knockings - ie. when everything but your rods and landing net have been packed away. Your choice of course as to whether you do it or not - most carpers I've ever fished with do . . .especially if they're facing a blank . . .its very much like 'just one more cast' when you're float fishing . . .
In reply to Post #1
What an absolutely amazing story, told beautifully. Thanks for sharing 👍
What an absolutely amazing story, told beautifully. Thanks for sharing 👍
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