holiday special
our guide to the best fishing destinations for 2018
ISSUE 328 JANUARY 2018
HOW TO KEEP
IN THIS ISSUE ian chillcott
CATCHING
daren norman greg ellis darren belton
PA U L F O R WA R D
BRITAIN’S BIGGEST CARP-ANGLING MAGAZINE
r iv e r s e asons Tony D avies us throu -Patrick takes gh the c hanging faces of the gian t water w ays of F rance.
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carpworldmagazine.com
THIS ISSUE KRISTOF CUDERMAN P51 carpworldmagazine.com
Banks 70lb+ fish from six different countries.
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MYLES GIBSON P87
Has an awesome end-of-year session on Dinton Pastures.
jan 2018 Issue 328 £4.75
DARRELL PECK P57
Gives you the low-down on how to use Zigs this winter. 11/12/2017 14:18
C O N T E NTS
ISSUE 328 | J ANUARY 2 0 1 8
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cover story
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EDITOR’S COMMENT
FROM THE BIVVY
In Steve’s final editorial he looks back fondly at his time at Carpworld, and thanks all the contributors, advertisers and you, the loyal readership.
We take a look at what’s happening in the world of carp fishing this month… Got something to share? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CAR P WO R L D
CAR P W ORL D
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ON A ROLL
RIVER SEASONS
Tinpot enjoys a fantastic start to his year, and rides a fantastic run of success on what he believes to be a little piece of carp fishing heaven.
Globetrotter Tony shares his adventures on the many rivers he’s fished and takes us on a journey through the changing face of the seasons.
DA R E N ‘ T I N P O T ’ N O R M AN
T O N Y DAV I ES - PA T RI C K
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BAITWORLD
ASK THE EXPERTS
We take a look at what’s new in the world of bait including DNA Baits, Successful Baits, Premium Carp Food and Essential Baits.
Our panel of Experts answer questions on smell and colour of bait, how to beat the crayfish, plus what to add to your PVA bags.
CAR P WO R L D
CA R P WORL D
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REFUSE TO BE ORDINARY
VENUE HUNTER
It is easy to join the crowd, but it takes everything to stand alone. By being different in your angling and bait choice, you will increase your catch rate.
If you fancy a change and want the chance to join an up-and-coming syndicate then have a look at Teakettle Fisheries.
M I K E B R I D G ES
ST E V E BROA D
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A DREAM COME TRUE
PECKY’S PROGRESS
Kristof re-tells the tale of his epic session on Sumbar. A trip that saw him achieve his goal of 70lb+ carp from six different countries.
As we welcome Harry and Isabella into the world, Darrell discusses Zig fishing and why, and how he believes it works in real life fishing.
K R I ST O F CUD ER M A N
DAR R E L L PE C K
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THE HIGHS AND LOWS
KINGSMEAD CHAOS
Fishing is never straight forward as Darren reveals as he guides us through his year, and the ensuing rollercoaster ride.
Newly-crowned Facebook Carp Angler of the Year Greg, reveals the trials and tribulations of his Kingsmead campaign back in 2016/17.
DA R R EN B ELT O N
G R E G E L LI S
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F WORD
AUTUMN CARNAGE
When you’ve been struggling, then start to catch one carp a session, and finally it all starts to come together, is the story of the last month for Mr. F.,
The change of season has heralded a new beginning ,and as the weed growth on Black Swan receded the fish have obviously been on the hunt for food.
PA U L FORWA RD
M Y L ES G I B SO N
top pick
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MAKE A WISH
RIGWORLD
YouTube sensation Salvatore, from Italy, heads for Slovenia for a return trip to a water that’s off the radar and experienced success beyond his wildest dreams.
This month we look at products from Nash, Avid, Custom Angling Solutions and Prologic. Plus, Ellis Brazier takes a look at a brand new presentation.
NOMAD BY FA TE (S A LVA TORE PE RRON E )
R I G WO R L D
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ACTION STATIONS
After managing to get out on the bank for the first time last month after major surgery Chilly has pushed the barriers by doing a night session.
Attila and friends enjoy a week of fine food and excellent fishing on one of Hungary’s brand-new commercial carp lakes.
IA N C H IL L C OTT
AT I L L A P I N K E
top pick
FOSTERS PRICE £229.99
top pick
NIGHT VISION
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ADVANTA DISCOVERY CCX DPM 1 MAN BIVVY OVERWRAP
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HOLIDAY GUIDE
TACKLEWORLD
In our 9-page special we take a look at some of the very best holiday destinations for 2018 and give you the very latest information
This month we look at the Tackle Box’s new Darent Valley rod range, Powa Pacs, Iceatope, Military 1st, Coleman, Wychwood, TF Gear, Mitchell and JRC.
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CA R P WO R L D
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ECHOES
STILL CARPING ON
All the latest catch reports from around the globe – don’t forget to send yours via our website: carpworldmagazine.com
Tim takes a look at his two-week session on Etang du Bois in France, and the reality of a blank trip in what can only be described as horrendous weather.
C A RPW ORL D
T I M PA I SL E Y
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FOSTERS PRICE £134.99
- Term apply
top pick 0121 344 3333 WWW.FOSTERSOFBIRMINGHAM.CO.UK.CO.UK UNIT K MOOR LANE WITTOMN BIRMINGHAM B6 7HH
put a bend in your rod with this month’s 9-page holiday special - p123
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feature
kristof cuderman
a dream come true
Well known big-fish angler Kristof Cuderman re-tells the tale of his epic session on Sumbar in Croatia. A trip that saw him achieve his goal of catching 70lb+ carp from six different countries. But, there is a twist in the story.
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11/12/2017 11:42
f ea t ur e
I
went on my last long fishing trip of 2017, at the end of October. I’d got a 10-day fishing session on Lake Šumbar, in Croatia, booked. It is a session that I am going to have great memories of which will last forever. This was simply because I improved the world record I hold by adding another country, I have now caught carp over 70lb (31.7kg) from six different countries. I decided to spend the last of my longer fishing sessions of the year with my good friend Srečko, on a lake I have already been to several times – Lake Šumbar, which is now famous worldwide. Autumn fishing is always special as the weather tends to change very quickly. It was not any different this time around. It went up to 20 in the day, and all the way down to only 6 during the day. Nights were cold, below zero sometimes. In my opinion, quick changes are usually never really good for fishing but it was different this time. The first days on the lake were sunny and strategy for several very important reasons. Firstly, anglers put a lot of bait into this lake all year around, which means that in the late autumn the carp are already ready for winter. They have already stored enough fat by the autumn, so they stop feeding so actively. The second reason is that we were hoping smaller amounts of bait would attract less carp, but the ones it does attract are going to be the careful big ones. As I’ve already mentioned the lake is baited a lot, so we were thinking smaller quantites of better quality boilies could bring us some advantage compared to other anglers. Last but not least, we had a 10-day fishing session ahead of us which means we were not in a hurry to attract the carp’s attention quickly. Smaller carp are usually the ones who react to large quantities of bait while the big carp wait and hang back.
TOP: Autumn sunsets are the prettiest. ABOVE: My first bigger carp – 22.6kg. RIGHT: New Hot Fish & GLM boilies did well.
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warm, with temperatures constant and the carp were not very active when it came to feeding. They were sunbathing on the surface during the day, and only some of them dropped to the lakebed during the night in order to feed. I can say 2017 has been very successful for me when it comes to fishing. All my fishing sessions have been good, but I was still kind of missing that cherry on top to be able to say that the session was perfect. I was really hoping that this fishing session at Šumbar would be the one, and luckily for me it was. Our strategy was to feed boilies, corn, and hemp the first day, and only use boilies for the rest of the time. We picked this
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DARRELL PECK
PeCKY’S
PrOGreSS
As we welcome Harry and Isabella into the world, Darrell discusses Zigs and why, and how, he believes they work in real life fishing.
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f ea t ur e
above: Just like that two becomes four. below right: Bundys a very deep water where finding the right depth was crucial.
F
inally, it’s happened, Natalie and I became parents on the 24/10/17, two babies Harry and Isabella Peck. Obviously, it’s an emotional time and I don’t mind admitting a few tears were shed with their arrival. Thankfully both babies and mum are well and as a family we are adjusting to these life-changing times. It’s a strange feeling, I have always avoided responsibility and suddenly I have taken on the ultimate one. For the first time I feel guilty for even wanting to go fishing! Luckily Natalie’s parents are nothing short of heroic and their help over these coming years is certainly going to be a huge asset to the family. As you might imagine I haven’t managed to do much fishing over these past three weeks, but that’s not to say I haven’t been at all. I’ve done a couple of short sessions here and there when Natalie’s mum has stayed over in my place! I’ll save that until next month, as Steve has asked if I could write a little on cold-water Zig fishing.
write about, I think of as ‘lure’ fishing. All I am attempting to do is position a hookbait at the correct depth in the right position where it has the best opportunity of being swam past and I don’t believe what it smells of has much bearing on whether the carp are willing to take it. I am thinking more along the lines of black foam mimicking natural food items such as beetles, snails, and the like, or coloured foam just generating interest by its out of place existence. For me this type of Zigging is best suited to clearish water, and cannot be compared to spodding over them and creating that classic day-ticket approach.
Spodding over Zigs is mostly irrelevant to the type of venues I fish because the difference is that on the lower stocked places carp generally move away from angling activity compared to the sort of carp that actively come to the sound of the Spod to compete for food. When I am Zigging I am often not thinking of feeding carp. I am just hoping one will inspect my hookbait with its mouth, purely because it’s in their way and occasionally they do. Over the years I have always thought that deep water/waters come into their own at the tail-end of the year. The logical reasoning behind this theory is that the deeper the water the longer it takes to cool, and that they hold onto some warmth as the cooler weather arrives. Bundys pit in Peterborough is at the extreme end of this scale, with the main depth being around 55ft. Year after year in Carp-Talk I would notice this venue producing coldwater biggies and, as a result, I found myself joining on the winter ticket in December 2013. The general consensus of opinion was it would fish up until late January when the water had cooled, and then the action would dry up and this is pretty much what I found. Through December I was finding my feet with just a couple of losses for my efforts and it wasn’t until January that I actually caught. On this particular session I had four fish to 35lb, all on the bottom in 42ft! The following week I was in the same swim on the same spots with lots of fish showing in and around the area but the buzzers remained silent. In my mind I was fishing efficiently and if they were on the bottom
In this piece I am not going to go ‘all scientific’ and try to explain thermoclines, but what I want to do is tell a few stories of when, how and why I think Zig rigs have been successful for me. Hopefully these stories and my thoughts might ring true with some of your own findings, and if not still help others to have the confidence to target carp up in the water during the testing months ahead. What I would like to get across to start with is that the Zig fishing I will 58
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MYLES GIBSON
AUTU MN
CARNAGE The change of season has heralded a new beginning for Myles, and as the weed growth on Black Swan has receded and the fish have obviously been on the hunt for food, our man has capitalised on this with a certain amount of style.
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above: This dark old 27lb 12oz common was the first bite from the bay. bottom: The fish seemed to move out at range, which meant going back to distance fishing.
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arrived on the Monday at first light and didn’t see much in the bay where I half expected them to be, but it seemed lifeless, the fish must have moved on elsewhere. The lake was getting quiet now and I had a good look around. The weed contractor had taken a good 700 tonnes of weed out of the lake, but had run out of time and there was a large collection of it in one of the bays. It was the first time during the two seasons that I had fished here that you couldn’t be affected by other anglers. The way the wall of weed sat blocked off the opposite swims and commanded a big area; there had to be carp there and sure enough, after ten minutes I saw one. There was quite a lot of fizzing on the edge of the weed and within the next half an hour I must have seen a good five or six shows. I put the water bottle down and shot back to get the barrow. I hadn’t fished the swim before, so I had to have a good lead around. With around 8 acres of weed up to the surface in front of me, I set about casting around the edges in the hope of finding something clear. It took a while and there was a lot of weed around, even though it wasn’t visible from the surface. I eventually found some nice spots, flicked the marker out and went out to bait with the boat. I wanted to bait it really tight so applied a kilo of chopped boilies over each spot. Nothing happened during the night, but when I woke up as it was getting light I heard something break the surface. I could make out the ripples coming in towards me, so swung my legs off the bedchair and watched as it got light. Half an hour later and after two fish showed bang on the spot, the bobbin
smashed up into the blank and I was in. It turned out to be a lovely 27lb common, really dark and quite plump too. Nothing else happened that morning but I did see quite a few fish fizzing and showing over an area in the middle of the bay. When it went quiet, I had a flick around with the lead and found a nice, clean area. I decided to reposition one of the rods to this new spot and baited quite heavily with around 2kg of Krill. That night the rain came in and it was hammering it down, to the point where you couldn’t hear anyone if you were on the phone. It must have been around 11.00 p.m. when the repositioned rod ripped off and I braved the weather to land a 20lb 2oz common. That was the last of the action that trip, but I felt good knowing that the fish seemed
a bit more up for it in comparison to how they had been, and the drifting weed was no longer causing chaos. I was back the following week and planned to pick up where I’d left off. I got the rods back on the spots and I sat up quite late that night, but didn’t hear a thing. It was the same story in the morning, no shows and not a single bubble appeared. It was different conditions to the previous week, the wind was no longer pushing in the bay, it blew out of it and with some strength too. I needed a move and went around to the golf course bank, which took the brunt of this 30pmh wind. A few lads laughed when they asked where I was going, but I was sure that the fish would be there. I couldn’t fish to the usual spots some 170 yards out so I had to find a few new areas and, with it not being fished that much, it gave me confidence that the fish would be out there. I got three rods sorted at around 110 yards out, which was as far out as the conditions would allow me to fish. The wind smashed in during the night and at around 11.00 p.m. the middle rod was away. I had upped the bait and I was sure they were searching for it after not being fished heavily for a while. I landed the fish, which turned out to be a lovely 28lb common. The following morning, I could see a couple of fish showing out at range, before another one head-and-shouldered at the back of the spot where the lefthand rod was positioned. No less than ten minutes later that rod was away and it was a nightmare playing it in such a wind. Still, thankfully everything went well and I soon
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HO L IDAY GUIDE
HOLIDAY GUIDE
We take a look at some of the best holiday venues for 2018 and how to choose the one that will give you the best chance of action.
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H O L I DA Y S P E C I A L
DOMAINE DE LA
RIBIÈRE HOLIDAY BIG-CARP FISHING AT ITS BEST Ribière is known for its big carp – just look at the catch reports in Carpworld, or watch the current Fox Edges DVD which features Ribière – with over 450 fish and a lake record of 84lb, so it’s no surprise that it’s on most people’s big-carp-lakes-to-fish list. The lake has two fish over 70lb and 10 fish over 60lb, with the average being over 40lb. Since its takeover by English couple David and Heidi Cooper, it’s rapidly being established as one of the top summer holiday-fishing venues in France. Ribière is set within 80 acres of impressive woodland in the heart of the Limousin national park and minutes from the Dordogne. It’s a 7-hour drive from Calais and is well worth the trip, as the site and countryside are simply stunning. The lake itself is tree-lined, and with the mist rising on a cold morning, it can take your breath away. The site is fenced, and within the boundary there is a whole host of wildlife, including deer and wild boar, and an array of birdlife, from buzzards to cuckoos.
FAMILIES WELCOME – ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL Ribière caters for holiday anglers who want a bit more from their venue, and there’s a warm welcome from the on-site owners. Accommodation is first-class – traditional French-styling with a contemporary feel. With six studio gîtes for couples/young families, and the wooden chalet for families of four (or six with the annexe), there is ample room for small groups or big families. The chalet is close to the swimming pool, which is heated and ideal for relaxing during the hot days. All accommodation is equipped with self-catering facilities and en-suite bathrooms. Bed linen, towels and cots are provided within the price. The accommodation is located just a short walk from the lake. There are swings, slide and a trampoline for the younger children, as well as play areas and other facilities to entertain the kids on site. There is a beginners’ pond where you can leisure fish for roach and perch, etc.
LOCAL FACILITIES There are ample opportunities to explore the local region and the Dordogne. For couples, you are on the doorstep of some of the best French vineyards. Limoges boasts great porcelain, history, shopping and eating out. For the history buffs, there is plenty to do, including the Richard the Lionheart trail and Oradour-sur-Glane. For families, there is go-karting, the zoo, aquatic centre, high ropes, canoeing and outdoor swimming in three local public lakes, right on the doorstep. We can provide maps and help with the planning of your family holiday.
HOW TO BOOK There is limited availability for 2018 and we are booking fast for 2019 and 2020. Find out more at: www. ribière.co.uk or telephone the booking hotline: +44 (0)7872 302446.
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~ FISHERY FACT FILE ~ – 450+ carp to 84lb – 200+ fish over 20kg/44lb – 10 pegs set in 22 acres of stunning woodland
– Lake exclusive available for 2018 and 2019 – Range of accommodation for all needs – Food package available – Toilets and shower block, Wi-Fi and power
– Swimming pool and sauna – Food package available from 2017 – Particles and boilies available for sale
– 5 minutes south of Limoges – English family-run with direct bookings
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IN THE FEBRUARY ISSUE
the notorious big pit Greg Ellis lifts the lid on fishing the challenging North Met
wh
IAN CHILLCOTT
PA U L F O R WAR D
PA U L M A L L IN SO N
TALKS CHALLENGES, BUCKET LISTS AND FUTURE TARGETS!
PAUL RECOUNTS HIS LAST MONTH’S FISHING.
RECALLS HIS CAMPAIGN ON A NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE PIT CONTAINING JUST TWO CARP.
ON SALE: FRIDAY 19 TH J AN UARY 2018 S U BSCRI B E NOW TO HAV E NE XT M ONTH ’S ISSUE DE LIVE RE D TO YO UR DO O R! WWW.GIFTS4AN GLE RS.C O.U K
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