For me the mystery in carp fishing sadly disappeared a long time ago , un-fished lakes , corn, luncheon meat , having the lake to yourself has been replaced by long stay anglers , bait boats , chemically induced baits and a plethora of rigs.
Don't get me wrong as I only started in the early eighties , circa 82 dabbling with high protein paste baits and boilies , so I'm not by any means a Chris ball or Chris Yates that was fishing for carp in the 60/70s , but the change since the early 80s and now is profound.
Watching the Terry Hearn Christmas video today , he mentioned those magical times and how we were lucky to be part of them. Today just doesn't hold the buzz anymore like back then , it's a very expensive sport now . All lakes packed to the rafters with anglers fishing for named fish and those lucky enough fishing for sponsors.
As I no longer fish in this country for carp I guess I am out of the rat race , I only fish in Austria these days and that's recently been invaded by the New carp or instant carp anglers brigade.
Do you think that the industry will continue to grow exponentially.?
What sort of future does carp fishing have .?
Will the animal activists succeed in getting the sport banned.?
Don't get me wrong as I only started in the early eighties , circa 82 dabbling with high protein paste baits and boilies , so I'm not by any means a Chris ball or Chris Yates that was fishing for carp in the 60/70s , but the change since the early 80s and now is profound.
Watching the Terry Hearn Christmas video today , he mentioned those magical times and how we were lucky to be part of them. Today just doesn't hold the buzz anymore like back then , it's a very expensive sport now . All lakes packed to the rafters with anglers fishing for named fish and those lucky enough fishing for sponsors.
As I no longer fish in this country for carp I guess I am out of the rat race , I only fish in Austria these days and that's recently been invaded by the New carp or instant carp anglers brigade.
Do you think that the industry will continue to grow exponentially.?
What sort of future does carp fishing have .?
Will the animal activists succeed in getting the sport banned.?
No, fishing isn't going to be banned.
I think that just like most things, technology has made the pastime much more accessible, (gear and media) therefore there are more people doing it which means it will inevitably change (+ the covid factor).
I'm trying to be less cynical these days because life is far too short to be worrying about what others are doing but if you look hard enough and put in the effort you will always find what you really want.
I think that just like most things, technology has made the pastime much more accessible, (gear and media) therefore there are more people doing it which means it will inevitably change (+ the covid factor).
I'm trying to be less cynical these days because life is far too short to be worrying about what others are doing but if you look hard enough and put in the effort you will always find what you really want.
In reply to Post #1
Obviously carp fishing has changed massively over the years, but I also think that us older (I'm 60) anglers have also changed. We moan more for a start. Everything that was special about carp fishing in the 70's and 80's is still out there if you look. You can still use the old baits and methods if you choose and you can still find quieter waters if you set your sights on catching the same size carp that you craved back all those years ago.
Basically live and let live and do what makes you happy.
Obviously carp fishing has changed massively over the years, but I also think that us older (I'm 60) anglers have also changed. We moan more for a start. Everything that was special about carp fishing in the 70's and 80's is still out there if you look. You can still use the old baits and methods if you choose and you can still find quieter waters if you set your sights on catching the same size carp that you craved back all those years ago.
Basically live and let live and do what makes you happy.
In reply to Post #1
I think unless you are willing to do a "guesty", pay three or four figures for a small "syndicate", or find a ticket which has a quiet river then your options are limited.
It is what you make of it, but you can avoid the circus. You just have to either pay for it, sit out the blanks, or jump a few fences to find it.
I think unless you are willing to do a "guesty", pay three or four figures for a small "syndicate", or find a ticket which has a quiet river then your options are limited.
It is what you make of it, but you can avoid the circus. You just have to either pay for it, sit out the blanks, or jump a few fences to find it.
If you fish waters that have no history of big fish ,float fish for carp in the margins using corn n meat etc the fun is still out there and the peace n quiet ,
A lot of carp anglers avoid those places ,also you mention about angling being restricted, well good point because when trail hunting ,and various forms of shooting are restricted beyond viability ,angling will be surely in the antis sights....it won't be yet ,maybe but its coming ..
Remember, is not about whether you agree or disagree or think angling ,catch n release is morally superior to other field sports ,....its after ,what are those pesky antis going to do next..
I live in the countryside, my finger is on that pulse ..watch this space ....
in the future .. ....
Just enjoy yr fishing on your own terms you don't know what tomorrow will bring ..
A lot of carp anglers avoid those places ,also you mention about angling being restricted, well good point because when trail hunting ,and various forms of shooting are restricted beyond viability ,angling will be surely in the antis sights....it won't be yet ,maybe but its coming ..
Remember, is not about whether you agree or disagree or think angling ,catch n release is morally superior to other field sports ,....its after ,what are those pesky antis going to do next..
I live in the countryside, my finger is on that pulse ..watch this space ....
in the future .. ....
Just enjoy yr fishing on your own terms you don't know what tomorrow will bring ..
In reply to Post #5
I agree.
I've found a couple of very quiet waters this year and in their own way have enjoyed both greatly.
One I won't continue with next season because it's quite small and 'swimmy'. But the other has been like a step back in time - old fashioned rules, good attitude/etiquette from other members and a decent challenge.
Mystery and the unknown is still out there, just a little harder to find which is part of the fun.
I agree.
I've found a couple of very quiet waters this year and in their own way have enjoyed both greatly.
One I won't continue with next season because it's quite small and 'swimmy'. But the other has been like a step back in time - old fashioned rules, good attitude/etiquette from other members and a decent challenge.
Mystery and the unknown is still out there, just a little harder to find which is part of the fun.
It's still there if you look hard enough.
Don't be a sheep, forget Korda, social media, named anglers, sponsored anglers and all the hyperbole.
Do your own thing, look around, take stock, be different. And also remember back in the days you are looking for, a 20lb carp was a fantastic fish.
A different approach maybe to appreciate more what is available
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How about trying something radically different?
Sometimes you have to seek out swims and lakes that are not easily accessible so the sheep don't try. Without a boat this corner swim is not fishable, as is most of the lake.
You may have to travel to seek your dreams.
Don't be a sheep, forget Korda, social media, named anglers, sponsored anglers and all the hyperbole.
Do your own thing, look around, take stock, be different. And also remember back in the days you are looking for, a 20lb carp was a fantastic fish.
A different approach maybe to appreciate more what is available
width=500>How about trying something radically different?
Sometimes you have to seek out swims and lakes that are not easily accessible so the sheep don't try. Without a boat this corner swim is not fishable, as is most of the lake.
You may have to travel to seek your dreams.
Magic can still be found, just takes a lot more planning these days & sometimes a different approach to keep things fun.
Carp fishing has turned into a bit of a beast, I prefer the quieter times but it show's no sign of slowing down.
Think the issue for the anti's is the shear numbers, entry & scale of waters makes things very awkward.
Plus some of the Kent lakes I have fished over the years have had their share of nutters who would only to willingly have a word in their shell-like!
Carp fishing has turned into a bit of a beast, I prefer the quieter times but it show's no sign of slowing down.
Think the issue for the anti's is the shear numbers, entry & scale of waters makes things very awkward.
Plus some of the Kent lakes I have fished over the years have had their share of nutters who would only to willingly have a word in their shell-like!
In reply to Post #7
Lovely top photo.
Lovely top photo.
AI tells me that 934000 fishing licenses were bought in 2025 and the recreation fishing industry is worth between 1.5 and 2 billion a year.
So I'd say based on the various taxes that generates, the haters will remain just that
So I'd say based on the various taxes that generates, the haters will remain just that
There will never be a justifiable reason to ban angling, on the contrary, I do hear that it has been a suggested method of calming and relaxation from Gp's..!
But, it has changed out of all recognition over the last 30 years. Some for the better, i.e. far better tackle, ability to fish at longer distances, ability to get some attraction out there, comfort is obviously far improved, but at the huge expense of popularity. Memories of being on Horseshoe and Linch, & big reservoir's, in the mid-late 80's, often the only one there, free to try anywhere on the lake you could get the gear to as no barrows existed then, no tracks around the lakes to drive about. Nice memories, all of them, even if the fish were quite small most of the time, they all counted.
This is pretty rare these days, but it does exist still, just. For how much longer, no idea. For me as a kid, who was literally in awe of Chris's Redmire mirror on the front of the Angling Times my mum picked up every Wednesday from the newsagent in the local town (which is now pretty much derelict sadly) it is the mystery that I miss the most, probably the reason I fish where I do in France and make every effort to keep locations to myself..
But, it has changed out of all recognition over the last 30 years. Some for the better, i.e. far better tackle, ability to fish at longer distances, ability to get some attraction out there, comfort is obviously far improved, but at the huge expense of popularity. Memories of being on Horseshoe and Linch, & big reservoir's, in the mid-late 80's, often the only one there, free to try anywhere on the lake you could get the gear to as no barrows existed then, no tracks around the lakes to drive about. Nice memories, all of them, even if the fish were quite small most of the time, they all counted.
This is pretty rare these days, but it does exist still, just. For how much longer, no idea. For me as a kid, who was literally in awe of Chris's Redmire mirror on the front of the Angling Times my mum picked up every Wednesday from the newsagent in the local town (which is now pretty much derelict sadly) it is the mystery that I miss the most, probably the reason I fish where I do in France and make every effort to keep locations to myself..
In reply to Post #11
Even when you do find a little piece of heaven ( I did,a few years ago)some numpty has to post on social media.It then gets spotted by the local bank tramps who turn it into a circus.It is a shame people have to show off everything they do and not just fishing,cant be doing with it
Even when you do find a little piece of heaven ( I did,a few years ago)some numpty has to post on social media.It then gets spotted by the local bank tramps who turn it into a circus.It is a shame people have to show off everything they do and not just fishing,cant be doing with it
In reply to Post #1
Kommercialism, greed and fame seekers killed carp fishing for me and will for everyone else eventually. Done to absolute death by the former, the cycle will eventually change, as they do
Ultimately it's all down to the individual for me and what you want out of the pastime. Where I live, an untampered lake with a 20 in is still a special fish, a 30 is something else, there are still a few waters about but they are getting very thin on the ground, the pastime is so popular, some folks are trying to find special places like mentioned and some ,as standard, are trying to exploit them for their 5 minutes of fame sadly.
Myself, I have a few waters that I still fish for carp and rarely see anyone else, I also do a bit of social fishing with mates for a catch up. The rest of my fishing time I now find myself preferring to be on the rivers, like reliving my youth, people are much more laid back, there's lots of water to go at and you can still find the peace and tranquility that's great about this pastime for me. Variety is the spice of life, do a bit of sea spinning too when I go away
Went with my mate fly fishing a couple of months ago, he said I should try it and we could start and go together, sat behind him for a couple of hours watching, and thought nope, not yet
Kommercialism, greed and fame seekers killed carp fishing for me and will for everyone else eventually. Done to absolute death by the former, the cycle will eventually change, as they do
Ultimately it's all down to the individual for me and what you want out of the pastime. Where I live, an untampered lake with a 20 in is still a special fish, a 30 is something else, there are still a few waters about but they are getting very thin on the ground, the pastime is so popular, some folks are trying to find special places like mentioned and some ,as standard, are trying to exploit them for their 5 minutes of fame sadly.
Myself, I have a few waters that I still fish for carp and rarely see anyone else, I also do a bit of social fishing with mates for a catch up. The rest of my fishing time I now find myself preferring to be on the rivers, like reliving my youth, people are much more laid back, there's lots of water to go at and you can still find the peace and tranquility that's great about this pastime for me. Variety is the spice of life, do a bit of sea spinning too when I go away
Went with my mate fly fishing a couple of months ago, he said I should try it and we could start and go together, sat behind him for a couple of hours watching, and thought nope, not yet
In reply to Post #12
Same happened to me a small group only of us had lake to ourselves for about 4 years catching some stunning but not massive carp and keeping quiet. Two brothers then joined and posted anything and everything about the place on facebook and club forum. Its now tripled in price the fishing are getting battard and the catch at all cost anglers ruining the place. The amount of fish that have been tethard in snags is shocking. I never understood why people need to shout about places and ruin it for everyone else.
Same happened to me a small group only of us had lake to ourselves for about 4 years catching some stunning but not massive carp and keeping quiet. Two brothers then joined and posted anything and everything about the place on facebook and club forum. Its now tripled in price the fishing are getting battard and the catch at all cost anglers ruining the place. The amount of fish that have been tethard in snags is shocking. I never understood why people need to shout about places and ruin it for everyone else.