Adventures with Snowman

[BOF]

Throughout Yorkshire there are loads of small mill dams. You know the things, about 40 yds Square, and largely unappreciated by the bigger clubs. Undeveloped and largely ignored.
Well, Snowman took Rickylo and I to one such place the other day, to see what can be done if your club has the will, and the imagination.
We arrived separately, each with our own ideas as to what we needed. I of course, despite all the good intentions, took enough bait and gear to outfit the other two as well. Ahh we all live and learn.
Snowman was on the far bank, near the inflow, in the full force of the wind, clutching 6 or 7ft of stalking rod. I knew he was there because I could see the top of his head, as he lay on his Carp unhooking mat, almost below the level of the surrounding wall.

Rickylo was at least set up reasonably sensibly, on the opposite bank, in front of a sheltering hedge of Holly bush. I too took the sensible approach, by fishing just down the bank from him, in the lee of an even thicker bit of holly.
It was not long before I noticed that Snowy was well into a Carp, and a good sized one, judging by the bend in the rod, and the gestures from him that his wrists were aching.
Eventually he netted what proved to be a double figure Common. This being the 4th or 5th fish of the morning for him, all caught fishing floating dog biscuits just at his feet.
Hence the rather low profile approach. ;D
Meanwhile Rickylo had also had a nice Linear, again caught from the surface. Although I think it was on Crust this time.
What did I do? I set up, only to find I had managed to buy the only sinking Chum Mixers in the world !
Typical eh?
So I set up again, this time with a waggler rig, and fished on the bottom.
Bites galore ! I had a beano.
Ok, nothing above four or five pounds, and mostly just under the pound. But fish all day, just like on a Commercial.
Which was the deliberate policy of the club concerned.
After all why loose membership to commercial Carp venues, when you can set up your own, on a water that really doesn't have the size to be anything else?

Is it any wonder then, in a time of falling club memberships, this club has a waiting list as long as your arm?
It just needs the right small water, and a bit of vision.

BOF

[Bluey]

Nice post BOF.

Just goes to show what can be done with a bit of imagination and hard work. Big up the club concerned.

I was also surprised to read that carp were taken on floating baits still. I mean, it's supposed to be the depths of winter isn't it? A spell of warmish winter weather was just the ticket to get the carp feeding, and up in the water too.

Well done fellas, sounds like a good day was had by all.

[snowman]

Yes the carp were taking floating dog biscuits. I found out the other day when a 'chubbing' trip was cancelled due to the Calder rising rapidly.

I visited this local club water and threw in some bread. The carp were on to it in an instant just like koi carp at an aquarium.

It was nice fishing and a good confidence boost after some dreadful sessions on the rivers.

The biggest went 10lb 4oz and was great fun on a 7ft lightweight stalking rod and an old Rapidex 'pin.

Snowy.

[Finny]

Nice one boys ;D

[BOF]

I know its Winter, the calendar tells me it is. But like Snowy said the other day, we had a late Spring, (very late), and so far this Winter, there has been ONE night of frost. One night where the temperatures dropped below zero.

Therefore, the fish still think its only Autumn !

So get out there, and fish like its still October. Its baggin time. ;D

BOF