I'm currently having a cracking season so far and have had some great results from unpopular swim. I've been keeping things to myself and am catching regularly from a tricky lake. Apparently the biggest fish in there is a 30lb common but I've already had a 31lb 10 oz mirror from there. I've not told anyone anything and am keeping all these captures to myself and seem to reaping the rewards by doing so. In fact I give misinformation to other anglers to get them away from my spots lol. I've noticed these days that alot of people cannot wait to share info of captures to other people it's crazy too me. Do any of you do the same and be seceret squirrels on your lakes or do you share info with other members.
In reply to Post #1
The standard reply when piking is ‘nah, nothing mate', or if the mat is wet, ‘just a jack'.
The standard reply when piking is ‘nah, nothing mate', or if the mat is wet, ‘just a jack'.
In reply to Post #1
hundred percent agree with you mate ! too many people are media whores and want to try and prove they can catch a carp. Id much rather keep it all to myself and no body know what i am doing or having , off course you have a couple of trusted people you show and tell but i make sure they are not on the same water.
hundred percent agree with you mate ! too many people are media whores and want to try and prove they can catch a carp. Id much rather keep it all to myself and no body know what i am doing or having , off course you have a couple of trusted people you show and tell but i make sure they are not on the same water.
the club I'm in very big club,some bloke can't wait to put pics up on their Facebook page or forum....God knows what they gain by it...20 or 30 likes or thumbs up from people they don't know.....that water then sees a big influx of anglers and then the ones that put the pictures up moan coz they can't get on there......unbelievable breed some people
Some lakes are that busy you can't. I had a great weekend 7 fish with most pegs taken and almost all blanked. Next morning a fair few came round to ask me what I'd had off as they watched me land them.
But this year I've approached the lake different. Fished very long 160+ yards most weeks and only a few on there can do it. I've kept the fish and bait at range. A few have dropped in behind me and blanked.
I've got nothing against people sharing their captures and why not Aslong as they don't mind the busy lakes and what comes with it.
But this year I've approached the lake different. Fished very long 160+ yards most weeks and only a few on there can do it. I've kept the fish and bait at range. A few have dropped in behind me and blanked.
I've got nothing against people sharing their captures and why not Aslong as they don't mind the busy lakes and what comes with it.
In reply to Post #1
Carry on enjoying yourself fella and keep it to yourself.
Carry on enjoying yourself fella and keep it to yourself.
If people could only keep things to themselves then a lot of the BS that now comes with carp fishing would ease up. The internet has a lot to answer for. It seems some people value a few likes or a few quid off some bait over their privacy and dignity.
In reply to Post #1
unless your my mate,its "couple of tinkers mate" all the instagram/ facebook/ media whores.,
are usually the ones that are moaning "its rammed out" i know lads that are so called sponsored anglers that are so stressed if they blank/ don't have a30 . this sport is my hobby and i fish for myself and thoroughly enjoy it. unlike a lot on my syndicate.
unless your my mate,its "couple of tinkers mate" all the instagram/ facebook/ media whores.,
are usually the ones that are moaning "its rammed out" i know lads that are so called sponsored anglers that are so stressed if they blank/ don't have a30 . this sport is my hobby and i fish for myself and thoroughly enjoy it. unlike a lot on my syndicate.
In reply to Post #4
Had exactly the same on a lovely quiet lake,some doughnut did a facebook page.He posted pics all over it and the water got ruined
Had exactly the same on a lovely quiet lake,some doughnut did a facebook page.He posted pics all over it and the water got ruined
Totally depends on the lake and situation. I've had both scenarios where you get the media whores, but also fish a syndicate that is very much ‘us' against the fish, and info sharing with likeminded anglers is all part of it.
I am however from the generation that got nothing for free regards info and can say that some of the people I met back then that did help, changed me to plough your own furrow, but underpinned with some absolute brilliant tips.
I am however from the generation that got nothing for free regards info and can say that some of the people I met back then that did help, changed me to plough your own furrow, but underpinned with some absolute brilliant tips.
In reply to Post #1
It's your fishing if you don't want to talk about it then it's nobody else's business.
Most people want a to save a penny on bait and tackle so hash tag everything
It's your fishing if you don't want to talk about it then it's nobody else's business.
Most people want a to save a penny on bait and tackle so hash tag everything
In reply to Post #9
Same here although a free public stretch of canal made the mistake of putting my PB canal carp on social media and next thing you know stretch was busier than before and some carpers recognised me,never again any one asks tell them “no nothing mate”.
Had another one where I fished the laje by the same stretch of canal I had that fish from and I had the scratters(you know the ones can of cider in hand fag in other this was at 6am as I was packing up )”had anything mate”told them “no” ge laughed said “it's an easy water”,well I never seen him fishing it and it's not an easy water so f@uck off!!!
Same here although a free public stretch of canal made the mistake of putting my PB canal carp on social media and next thing you know stretch was busier than before and some carpers recognised me,never again any one asks tell them “no nothing mate”.
Had another one where I fished the laje by the same stretch of canal I had that fish from and I had the scratters(you know the ones can of cider in hand fag in other this was at 6am as I was packing up )”had anything mate”told them “no” ge laughed said “it's an easy water”,well I never seen him fishing it and it's not an easy water so f@uck off!!!
In reply to Post #9
That's exactly what happened to this lake a couple of facebook carpers got down there and exposed the place to all and sundry but it's quietened down now I think they have moved on to other lakes now and a few got banned for fishing dangerously.
That's exactly what happened to this lake a couple of facebook carpers got down there and exposed the place to all and sundry but it's quietened down now I think they have moved on to other lakes now and a few got banned for fishing dangerously.
Rule no1 never tell anyone anything, absolutely nothing. I keep my captures to myself, occasionally it can be embarrassing to have been seen to catch one and say "No" when asked to be told I have. But, same as when asked what I have had, the fish loses a good few pounds and it was only a small one.
On the lake I fish, people will move in next to you straight away if you get one of the "Big ones", but I do not understand that logic, the events has happened and its not going to happen again.
A couple of years ago, I let slip what bait I was using, I could not believe it a few weeks later when two of the anglers came into my swim holding pots of bait up saying "Look what I'm using" with big grins on their faces.
On the lake I fish, people will move in next to you straight away if you get one of the "Big ones", but I do not understand that logic, the events has happened and its not going to happen again.
A couple of years ago, I let slip what bait I was using, I could not believe it a few weeks later when two of the anglers came into my swim holding pots of bait up saying "Look what I'm using" with big grins on their faces.
The first rule of carp club is ....
Etc.
Etc.
In reply to Post #15
A certain video maker rinsed nazeing meads ,you cant get on there now 😡
A certain video maker rinsed nazeing meads ,you cant get on there now 😡
In reply to Post #1
Agree with 55s - totally depends on the lake and how often it gives up its residents . . Personally think the secret squirrel thing is a little old hat these days although those that still attempt to deceive (to little or no benefit) soon get found out anyway and then look a little daft.
My current water has a rule that all fish need to be graffed (on both sides) / weighed and uploaded to an FB page within a week of capture; its a relatively new syndicate and this is for the lake owners to be able to track stock growth and condition etc. Its a rule for all so therefore fair and has nothing to do with being a superstar as the page is for members only.
This does not deter lots of members still purposefully either taking shots at night / at weird angles / on the mat only in an attempt to keep their swim locations quiet - its only a 10 acre lake ffs!
Agree with 55s - totally depends on the lake and how often it gives up its residents . . Personally think the secret squirrel thing is a little old hat these days although those that still attempt to deceive (to little or no benefit) soon get found out anyway and then look a little daft.
My current water has a rule that all fish need to be graffed (on both sides) / weighed and uploaded to an FB page within a week of capture; its a relatively new syndicate and this is for the lake owners to be able to track stock growth and condition etc. Its a rule for all so therefore fair and has nothing to do with being a superstar as the page is for members only.
This does not deter lots of members still purposefully either taking shots at night / at weird angles / on the mat only in an attempt to keep their swim locations quiet - its only a 10 acre lake ffs!
I keep my captures to myself and occasionally a select few members....
However mainly, I'm so secret squirrel, i convince myself I didn't catch anything and if i can still remember the fish when i get home, I immediately book hypnotherapy to erase my memory and tear out the notes from my “anorak book” as they wife calls it.
However mainly, I'm so secret squirrel, i convince myself I didn't catch anything and if i can still remember the fish when i get home, I immediately book hypnotherapy to erase my memory and tear out the notes from my “anorak book” as they wife calls it.
I make it a thing to never ask anybody if they caught anything whilst fishing, just a hello and good luck. If they want to tell me about their success or failure then so be it. I wish more people were like me:XD
I'm very lucky in that you are more likely to be congratulated for catching rather than someone jump in your swim or bait. We sometimes compare rigs, very few of us do exactly the same. I don't know (or care) what other members do baitwise, although I don't keep my bait secret, it's a great swan attractor...
We also have our own syndicate FB page, for all captures, carp, tench and pike, and a full portfolio of stocking records and albums. We are given a grace period to upload captures to it, or are allowed to send pics over to the syndicate owner if we are not FB friendly. The captures is so the growth rates can be checked, whether it's a stocked fish or an original.
The grace period is obviously so no-one jumps in a 'hot' swim, but with the way the fish move around there really is not a hot swim. Sure I think everyone goes to some extent to hide the background if they can, but I think we all know pretty much where anyone was fishing.
There is also very little backbiting; not everyone is in agreement, there is the occasional personality clash, but most of the time we all get on.
We also have our own syndicate FB page, for all captures, carp, tench and pike, and a full portfolio of stocking records and albums. We are given a grace period to upload captures to it, or are allowed to send pics over to the syndicate owner if we are not FB friendly. The captures is so the growth rates can be checked, whether it's a stocked fish or an original.
The grace period is obviously so no-one jumps in a 'hot' swim, but with the way the fish move around there really is not a hot swim. Sure I think everyone goes to some extent to hide the background if they can, but I think we all know pretty much where anyone was fishing.
There is also very little backbiting; not everyone is in agreement, there is the occasional personality clash, but most of the time we all get on.
In reply to Post #20
if you shout to loudly fish grow legs
if you shout to loudly fish grow legs
In reply to Post #20
Sometimes you just have to protect your hard work
However if your somewhere where you can share each others success it's great.
Sometimes you just have to protect your hard work
However if your somewhere where you can share each others success it's great.
Strict publicity bans, the way a venue is run and a well vetted membership tend to resolve most of the issues mentioned here... Open access waters and day tickets are a totally different kettle of fish...
In reply to Post #23
I read through these posts and the "Problems" seem to be the same no matter were you are, I had a enquiry out of the blue from a guy asking if he could be considered for place on one of the lakes, this is the reply he got, which kind of sums things up.
Thanks for your enquiry, yes I do own the lease on that lake, along with others that are run as one Private Fishery.
The past few years with the way things are going in Carp Fishing we vet and check everyone thoroughly prior to being offered a place, as there's quite a lot of moaning *****s, alcoholics, drug addicts, and then you have the "Korda Type" that nobody can stand being on the bankside with.
If your one of those who are also sick of the above, then feel free to call me
Kind regards Keith
I read through these posts and the "Problems" seem to be the same no matter were you are, I had a enquiry out of the blue from a guy asking if he could be considered for place on one of the lakes, this is the reply he got, which kind of sums things up.
Thanks for your enquiry, yes I do own the lease on that lake, along with others that are run as one Private Fishery.
The past few years with the way things are going in Carp Fishing we vet and check everyone thoroughly prior to being offered a place, as there's quite a lot of moaning *****s, alcoholics, drug addicts, and then you have the "Korda Type" that nobody can stand being on the bankside with.
If your one of those who are also sick of the above, then feel free to call me
Kind regards Keith
In reply to Post #24
Some of the public lakes around my area and within a 10/15 mile radius won't tolerate anybody they don't know as some big fish in them lakes have been knob to sprout legs that's why some people on these lakes get suspicious of new comers
Some of the public lakes around my area and within a 10/15 mile radius won't tolerate anybody they don't know as some big fish in them lakes have been knob to sprout legs that's why some people on these lakes get suspicious of new comers
In reply to Post #24
The majority are interested in what they can get; those who run things are interested in what a potential member offers...
The majority are interested in what they can get; those who run things are interested in what a potential member offers...
In reply to Post #1
Now, I don't mean to be contentious and your post may be ironic but you have just posted about your successes on the lake you are fishing on a public forum where people can identify you and the area in which you live. Have you just given the game away by posting this? I appreciate that your name and location may not be accurate but loose lips sink ships and all that...
Now, I don't mean to be contentious and your post may be ironic but you have just posted about your successes on the lake you are fishing on a public forum where people can identify you and the area in which you live. Have you just given the game away by posting this? I appreciate that your name and location may not be accurate but loose lips sink ships and all that...
In reply to Post #24
Sounds fair
Sounds fair
In reply to Post #20
Sounds very much like the arrangement on one of my syndicates. The guy that runs it wants all captures photographed and posted within 6 weeks of capture to keep a record of what is coming out and to monitor growth rates and health of the stock. In regards to bait and rigs, I cannot remember that coming up in any conversation I have had or overheard. People congratulate each other on captures, everyone willing and happy to help with weighing and photos if needed or requested, and in general very little bitchiness.
Sounds very much like the arrangement on one of my syndicates. The guy that runs it wants all captures photographed and posted within 6 weeks of capture to keep a record of what is coming out and to monitor growth rates and health of the stock. In regards to bait and rigs, I cannot remember that coming up in any conversation I have had or overheard. People congratulate each other on captures, everyone willing and happy to help with weighing and photos if needed or requested, and in general very little bitchiness.
Completely different carp world now 
Gone are the days when you had a bit of success and your friends and everybody on the lake knew you were doing well and you would share the results with the world (Angling times and the Anglers mail) etc. then, Along came forums and then a LOT of people who are simply wanting instant gratification and fame, killed it for me because the reality is ,nope
The reality is everybody REALLY knows who's deserved what and who's does not, that's carp fishing , in and around this there is a LOT of ********. The sad thing is, there is absolutely no reason for it
Gone are the days when you had a bit of success and your friends and everybody on the lake knew you were doing well and you would share the results with the world (Angling times and the Anglers mail) etc. then, Along came forums and then a LOT of people who are simply wanting instant gratification and fame, killed it for me because the reality is ,nope
The reality is everybody REALLY knows who's deserved what and who's does not, that's carp fishing , in and around this there is a LOT of ********. The sad thing is, there is absolutely no reason for it
In reply to Post #2
Used to have a great laugh with the owner of a lake I fished a long time ago. He'd come round in the morning for a cuppa and a bacon roll, often he'd notice a wet mat in the swim, conversations went something like this:-
'Had one then?' 'No mate, mat blew in the water' 'It's flat calm!' ' Yea storm blew itself out!'
'Had one then?' 'Just a bream' 'There are no bream in here' 'Sorry I've always been s**t at fish identification'
'Had one then?' 'No mate, mat blew in the water' 'And your weigh sling?!' 'It was a strong wind!'
All done tongue in cheek, he respected that not everyone wanted to publicise their catches.
Used to have a great laugh with the owner of a lake I fished a long time ago. He'd come round in the morning for a cuppa and a bacon roll, often he'd notice a wet mat in the swim, conversations went something like this:-
'Had one then?' 'No mate, mat blew in the water' 'It's flat calm!' ' Yea storm blew itself out!'
'Had one then?' 'Just a bream' 'There are no bream in here' 'Sorry I've always been s**t at fish identification'
'Had one then?' 'No mate, mat blew in the water' 'And your weigh sling?!' 'It was a strong wind!'
All done tongue in cheek, he respected that not everyone wanted to publicise their catches.
In reply to Post #31
Had a guy on our syndicate who was totally the opposite,he would tell you he had caught when he hadn't
Had a guy on our syndicate who was totally the opposite,he would tell you he had caught when he hadn't
In reply to Post #1
I had 47.08 common and three different 30's from a lightly fished water a couple of years ago and still haven't told anyone other than the missis. If I had gobbed off, half the carp fishing population of Cambridgeshire would decent on the water. Only a handful of people fish the place and none seem to know what is in there or even catch anything. Most times I fish it, i'm the only person there. The bubble will burst one day, but so far, so good. Sometimes, you really have to keep below the radar and even sow miss-information to keep people off the scent.
I had 47.08 common and three different 30's from a lightly fished water a couple of years ago and still haven't told anyone other than the missis. If I had gobbed off, half the carp fishing population of Cambridgeshire would decent on the water. Only a handful of people fish the place and none seem to know what is in there or even catch anything. Most times I fish it, i'm the only person there. The bubble will burst one day, but so far, so good. Sometimes, you really have to keep below the radar and even sow miss-information to keep people off the scent.
In reply to Post #33
Too true, enjoy it to the maximum whilst you can.
That nice piece of escapism and paradise soon changes once the circus arrives.
Too true, enjoy it to the maximum whilst you can.
That nice piece of escapism and paradise soon changes once the circus arrives.
In reply to Post #19
I'd love to but my syndi you're quite visible in most pegs. When first joined lots asking for my number , turns out it's like friggin jungle drums as soon as you caught anything , even watching thru bins at how many wraps you're fishing into gaps, more blokes angling with mobile phones than rods, couple big fish out they all turned up, soon deleted most of em I'll tell you 😡😡😂😂
I'd love to but my syndi you're quite visible in most pegs. When first joined lots asking for my number , turns out it's like friggin jungle drums as soon as you caught anything , even watching thru bins at how many wraps you're fishing into gaps, more blokes angling with mobile phones than rods, couple big fish out they all turned up, soon deleted most of em I'll tell you 😡😡😂😂
In reply to Post #21
Aye, has happened a few times in our area hasn't it, or 'hitch hike' or wander into the river.
Brantham, Chantry, Barham, ICI, SWP before it was run properly, Alderson, Causeway, Thwaite, Needham Lake, Bosmere and the Gipping all had fish moved into and out of them.
Aye, has happened a few times in our area hasn't it, or 'hitch hike' or wander into the river.
Brantham, Chantry, Barham, ICI, SWP before it was run properly, Alderson, Causeway, Thwaite, Needham Lake, Bosmere and the Gipping all had fish moved into and out of them.
In reply to Post #22
Always found it funny when a guy catches and puts the capture straight on Instagram and it's obvious to the rest of the members where he is. Then he wonders why he can't get back in the swim!
Always found it funny when a guy catches and puts the capture straight on Instagram and it's obvious to the rest of the members where he is. Then he wonders why he can't get back in the swim!
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