Hello All and welcome to the next installment of my blog, Why Use Fluorocarbon Carp Rigs! Sorry I haven’t posted in a while, life here at Cally’s Carpy Customs has been MANIC with orders and being a one man band I had to sacrifice the blog! BUT WE ARE BACK!
This week I would like to talk about some advantages of why to use fluorocarbon as a hooklink material. As some of you may have seen, recently I launched my own range of fluorocarbon rigs with the aim of creating some rigs that are not yet available on the ready made rig market. My fluorocarbon rigs include supple hair versions, ronnie and german boom sections and even the good old IQ2 ‘D’ Rig. Right, let’s get into this!
The name ‘Fluorocarbon’ may sound familiar because this is made up of a wide range of compounds including Fluorine, Chlorine and Carbon as well as synthetics made from Hydrocarbons!
In the carp fishing world, it’s associated with polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). It’s extruded in a single strand similar to nylon filament, but because fluorocarbon’s molecules are more tightly packed, the line is denser and noticeably heavier by size. It is also different to mono in visibility, stretch and durability all of which affect how it performs underwater!
Advantages of Fluorocarbon
Low Visibility – One of the greatest advantages of fluoro is it’s practically invisible underwater. This is because fluoro doesn’t distort light passing through the line which gives you a massive edge when fishing in clear water or when targeting pressured carp!
High Abrasion Resistance – Fluoro is very rigid when it is compared to other carp fishing lines, giving it the ability to encounter many sharp objects like rocks and gravel without suffering breakages or rig failure!
Sensitivity – Because fluoro is made from harder (tighter packed molecules) than mono, the line transmits a greater level of vibration.
Waterproof – Everyone has tried a coated braid rig and knows that after a certain time in the water the rig changes colour. With Fluoro, this doesn’t absorb water which means this has the same strength, sensitivity and handling below the water as if it was on the bank in the dry. From first to last cast your fluoro will act the same!
Less Stretch – As fluorocarbon has less stretch the hooking potential is increased and will provide you a stronger hookset.
UV Resistance – Fluorocarbon is UV resistant with no side effects compared to a monofilament which will weaken in UV over time.
Flourocarbon Carp Rigs Available:
Below is a list of fluoro carp rigs I offer in my range! Alongside these I offer Combi Rigs which is a mixture of fluoro and coated braid which gives you the best of both worlds!
As you can see from the above, there are plenty of advantages to using fluorocarbon in your carp rigs. In my opinion fluorocarbon is the way to go when fishing for wary or pressured carp and can really give you the advantage you need! If you don’t already use a fluorocarbon rig or have one in your kit then I would strongly advise having a think about one of the products above even if it is just to try, believe me you won’t be disappointed.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about anything to do with fluorocarbon then why not use the box below to ask me a question!
Happy wednesday carpers, hope you are all well! Life at Cally’s Carpy Customs has been manic recently having posted our best month in July with our Handmade Rigs flying off the shelf! We have many more NEW PRODUCTS coming soon including Flourocarbon Rigs and Cally’s Leaders so make sure you keep an eye out!
I was sitting here watching my usual YouTube channels like Parker Baits, Wetlines, Fresh Fishing and many more and the usual content arose. What is the best food to have on the bank? I am a great lover of my food and I definately don’t let this slip on the bank. So here are some of my ideas of must have items for the best food experience on the bank!
This was one of my first finds when trying to be inventive on the bank when it comes to food. This design is so simplistic and easy to use, simply just sit on your stove and get perfect toasties or paninis everytime! My favourite is Cheese and Onion toastie!
Similar concept to the Ridge Monkey Toastie machine before however this is more simplistic. This product makes the perfect toastie every time! Little Tip: You can even cook a steak perfectly in here! Must have in any overnight anglers bag!
This amazing piece of kit gives you so many options when it comes to preparing food on the bank. I use this to cook a fry up having the seperate sections for your different food items! Absolute game changer!
This set is all you need to prepare top quality meals on the bank! For just a small price get this 3 piece set including a saucepan with lid, frying pan and kettle! Bargain!
AND.. Don’t forget a good cool bag to keep your items fresh! This bag is great for quick overnight sessions where you are taking one or two meals. The bag is lightweight and helps keep your food cool!
Summary
Being well hydrated and nourished on the bank is crucial to a good fishing session! It helps with energy levels, staying alert and increased concentration on the bank! Make sure you get your kits and utensils today!
It’s that time of the week again, it’s Wednesday and its time for another blog! Sorry for there being no post last week, It was my birthday last Wednesday so me and my partner went away for the week in a fishing lodge where I managed to have over 40 carp to high doubles! It was a great week and I am now back refreshed and ready!
For the last couple of months I have been working hard to bring you the best handmade rigs on the market to cover all types of fishing at a reasonable price. Throughout working on the standard rigs, I have been asked several times for Solid PVA Bag Rigs. I am now pleased to announce I have released my own range of PVA Bag Rigs. There are seven rigs to choose from where you can select your colour, hook size and hook type! Read below for more information!
Thanks for taking the time and looking at my new products! Within the first few days of being live these have been flying off the shelf! Couldn’t have asked for a better start! All these rigs have been tried and tested by myself so I have the greatest confidence in their potential! If there are any other PVA bag rigs not mentioned or you would like to ask any questions then please send me an email, DM me on insta or facebook, give us a call or fill out the form below! I am happy to chat specials or anything else carp fishing!
Hope you enjoyed this weeks blog and tune in next week where I am going to tickle your taste buds!
It’s Wednesday, Sun is out and it’s blog time! Hope everyone is having a cracking week and enjoying the beautiful sunny weather we have at the moment! Last week I wrote a blog on CC Moore and the pellets they have on offer. If you haven’t read this blog yet then you can check it out here!
In this week’s blog I want to speak about up and coming YouTube Creators in the carp fishing world and who’s videos I am buzzing to watch each week! Me, myself, as a small business owner and an inspiring youtube creator spend alot of my week watching growing smaller Youtube creators; who are on the grind and releasing great videos. I am currently beginning to post Venue Videos, Hints and Tips plus Reaction Videos on my youtube channel. Make sure you go and check it out! Today I am going to talk through my Top 5 up and coming Carp Fishing Channels that I watch week in week out! I will start off with my 5th rated upcoming Youtube channel up to 1st being my favourite channel and content!
Welcome to Caravan Carpers! We are a pair of brothers who have a passion for all things fishing and love having a laugh while doing it! Carp Fishing 2022.
Content: Honest and professional product reviews Upload Rate: Uploads 2-4 times per month
The reason I like Caravan Carpers so much is their unbiased opinions on different products. Often before making a purchase of fishing gear I check to see if these guys have done a video on this product. Well worth a sub for the information and opinions they provide!
Two lads based in the north east with a huge passion for fishing! We’ll take you on our fishing adventures be it locally, across UK or even France. Our first love is carp fishing. Having started out feeder fishing, we’ve now stepped things up a gear and target specimen carp. Recently we’ve started to delve into the world of pike fishing and who knows, in the future we may even hit the sea! Also, watch out for a monthly product review series we’ve just started. We love to have a beer on the bank and whilst we’re fishing you can expect a laugh or two. Make sure to subscribe to follow the journey!
Content: Venue sessions on a variety of different waters Upload Rate: Upload nearly every week
These two guys are very down to earth and provide videos on a variety of carp fishing. From match venues to specimen lakes and product reviews these guys provide it all! They upload regularly and make the effort to provide good quality videos for everyone to enjoy. Like other brands they have a section called ‘Beer of the Session’ where they try a different beer on each video. Great content guys and keep grinding!
Helping YOU Catch More Fish by “Sharing” videos of my fishing, Day Ticket. LIVE Streams from the Bank, How to’s, Cackle Hill, Wylands, Linear fisheries, Mousehole, Videos and many more along the way, Real Unbiased Fishing Tackle Reviews, Useful fishing Tips, Carp Rigs and Helpful How To Fishing Advice.
Content: Venue sessions including socials with their well known ‘Cider of the Sesh’ Upload Rate: Approximately 2 times per month
Like other anglers and brands in this list they are located in the south east of England providing venue reviews with tips and tricks. What I like about this channel is they are a normal bunch of lads who have a passion for carp fishing. As noted above they have created a section in their videos for ‘Cider of the Sesh’ where they ask viewers to send suggestions of Ciders they should try on their next adventure. They also have a section called ‘Bivvy Bistro’ where they produce food on the bank. These down to earth guys are a very good watch and really make you feel like part of the video. Must watch in my eyes!
Hi, I’m James. I Am A Carp Fishing Enthusiast. This is My Channel Everything Carp Fishing. My videos Are filled with guides, tactics and tips. I Have been fishing for over 16 Years and have picked up a few tricks or two. Join me on my adventures, watch my vlogs and follow me on social media. Come with me as we explore new waters and reliable venues.
Content: Venue sessions using ‘carp basics’ bait Upload Rate: Videos approximately once per week
This channel is one of my favourites to watch as this includes videos I feel very engaged with being a Carp Angler in the south east of England. He visits venues in the south east including Monks, Orchard Lakes and Cottington to name just a few. James is a very enthusiastic angler who lives and breathes carp fishing which really shows in his videos. James recently joined ‘carp basics’ where he uses their bait on all his sessions. I have watched this channel for a long time and the editting has improved greatly, each video is a fluent watch with great content! Top watch James!
Two brothers from the UK Southampton England uploading every Sunday at 7:30pm! Fishing, Cars and anything else we see suitable for the channel! Hit subscribe and stay tuned on the channel.
Content: Venue sessions at different waters using their own bait range ‘Parker Baits’ Upload Rate: Every Sunday @ 7.30pm
What is there not to like about this YouTube Channel? I look forward to every sunday at 7.30pm to tune into their latest upload on all types of venue. Ben and Tom started their own bait brand called Parker Baits which they use on all their sessions. Parker Baits was founded in 2020 and their mission is to provide superior fishing bait products combined with unrivalled customer service. Each upload is edited to a superb level and each video keeps you engaged and excited. On the Youtube Channel, Ben produces the main load of the fishing Vlogs. He explains everything about the venue he is fishing, what tactics and bait he is using and what spots he is choosing. Certainly for me an excellent watch week in week out and look forward to hearing his signature catchphrase each week. Keep smashing it boys and keep catching those ‘Nossa’s’!
Summary
Having watched Carp Fishing videos on Youtube for a few years I have become quite particular in the sort of content I like to watch. I look for engaging content (even when there’s a blank) with individuals or brands who show passion in the Carp Fishing world. All 5 of these channels show these key traits that it requires for making it on YouTube and keep viewers coming back for more! If you haven’t subbed to any of these channels or atleast gone and checked them out then make sure you do!
If you have any questions related to this blog or any other blog for that matter feel free to fill out the contact form below, DM me on insta or facebook or ping us an email!
Hope you enjoyed this read and until next time, tight lines all!
Happy Wednesday Carpers! Hope you are having a fantastic week! In this weeks blog I am revisiting a topic I briefly covered in a blog a couple of months back when I reviewed CC Moore range as a whole and the different products they offer. This blog will go into more detail around what pellet they offer and how I use these products in my own fishing!
CC Moore are considered one of the most well known bait brands in the UK having worked with some top class anglers like Mark Pitchers and Harry Charrington to name just a couple! I have been using CC Moore now for well over 15 years, even when the Mainline Cell phase smashed all waters in the south east of England I continued to use their products! This is because, in my opinion, they are far superior to anything else on the market!
This week I am going to talk to you about their pellet range and then go into more detail around the 6 different products I use in my fishing!
As you can see above CC Moore have a vast range of pellets. There are different varieties in their range, from the pellets that compliment their boilie ranges to the Natural Bait pellets like Belachan, Squid, Krill and Bloodworm!
Highly attractive bloodworm pellets, rich in soluble attractants derived from powerful natural extracts – a superb year-round loose feed.
These dark red Bloodworm pellets are one of the best natural bait flavours that CC Moore produce. What is Bloodworm? I hear you ask! Bloodworm is the bright red aquatic larva of a small midge found around rivers and lakes, the blood of which contains haemoglobin allowing it to live in poorly oxygenated water where silt has built up! Alot of waters I fish are caked in deep silt, so this deep, savoury, natural bloodworm aroma pellet work really well in being IRRESISTABLE to carp! I use this as part of my spod mix, especially in the late winter/early spring!
A naturally attractive, soluble fish protein-based bait. Pacific Tuna combines highly nutritious and appetite stimulating ingredients to create a simply irresistable, year round big fish bait.
Have you ever smelt Pacific Tuna? No? Well your in for a treat! These highly pungent and attractive pellets contain the same powerful liquid attractors as the Pacific Tuna Boilies and Paste. These pellets are low in oil and highly digestible making them perfect for all year round use! Like the bloodworm I use these as part of my spod mix especially on waters I know fishmeal baits are primarily used. Coupled up with the Pacific Tuna Boilies these can be a lethal pairing!
This blend of 4, 6 and 8mm betaine-boosted halibut pellets is rich in digestible protein and high quality fish oils. It is ideal for all loose feeds and easily absorbs liquid foods.
This Betaine Ultramix is very new to my bait bag! Having fished some local private waters I was lucky enough to see the loose feed the owner used whilst there was periods of no fisherman; It looked incredibly similar! These pellets have medium to high oil content so in my opinion are best used in the summer when the carp are active. Little tip, I couple this up with the Live System 6mm Pellets as loose feed when fishing over a bed of pellets with a Live System wafter! PERFECT!
Outstanding ‘bag mix’ comprising our most successful mini pellets and fry crumb – bursting with powerful attractors such as soluble fish proteins, oils and amino acids.
The mini ultramix is crammed with different pellets and ‘expander’ pellets including Betaine, Halibut, Trout and Krill! Due to the different sizes of pellet they breakdown at different times leaving a constant trail of attraction in the water. For me I couple this up with the Oily Bag Mix to make the ultimate PVA bag mix!
This highly effective bag/stick mix has a rich ‘fishy’ profile derived from protein and oil-rich pellets, salmon fry crumb, krill meal and soluble fish proteins.
In my opinion this is the number 1 PVA bag mix on the market. Having introduced PVA bag fishing into my inventory within the last few years I was on the search for an attractive and effective pre mixed bag mix and looked no further than this Oily mix. Contained in this mix are Betaine, Halibut, Trout and Krill pellets with Salmon Micro Feed and Pure Krill Meal. What more could you ask for? Just jam packed attraction with different ingredients which break down at different times.
These incredibly effective, attraction packed pellets create a fast and strong feeding response on even the most pressured venue. Literally oozing soluble attractors and an irresistable, peppery squid aroma and taste, these pellets are ideal for use in PVA bags and are easily personalised with liquid foods.
Squid is a ‘cephalopod’ that is present in many of our seas and oceans which provides both human and animals sources of protein, amino acids, zinc, magnesium, selenium and vitamins. These 2mm Pellet I use in my PVA mesh bags as a little ball of high attraction. These have a deep, savoury, squid aroma combined with a peppery meaty taste provide a ultimate pile of attraction which can tempt in large pressured carp!
Summary Overview
CC Moore are by far in my opinion ahead of the game when it comes to not just pellet but their whole range! What I like about CC Moore is they have 3 different main flavours in Live System, Pacific Tuna and Odyssey XXX which cover the main basis of carp baits. Sweet and Fishmeal. To add to this they have the whole range from boilies, pellets, liquids etc all in the same flavours so you can really enhance your fishing using similar products in all different ways!
There pellet in particular covers all basis of carp fishing. Whether your looking for a bag mix, a good pellet/boilie combo or a natural bait; You will always find something you love at CC Moore. As I previously said I have used CC Moore for 15 years and have never questioned the quality or range.
If you have any questions about anything I have mentioned in this blog or about any other CC Moore products then please get in touch via the contact form below, DM me on Facebook or Instagram or send us an email!
Happy Wednesday everyone and welcome to this weeks installment on my blog! Last week I spoke about the importance of a good pair of polarized sunglasses which will help you spot carp easier and protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays. If you are interested and haven’t read this yet then you can do so here!
This week I am going to speak about a club I am a member of and review the waters that they hold! I have been a member of Crowborough & District Anglers Association on and off for the past 18 years having joined as a young angler with my Dad when we first moved to the area! I learnt most of my fishing on these waters and know most like the back of my hand! They hold the right to many different lakes and streches of river which will tickle many different anglers appetite!
In this review I will speak about my knowledge of the lakes, what each lake holds and a few hints and tips along the way!
Pennybridge
This was a water that the club developed itself in the mid 1990’s under the guidance of our former webmaster Roger Funnell, with the help of the National Lottery. At the time we believed we were the first club in the country to undertake such a project.
It opened to members in the summer of 1997. Since then it has proved to be a very popular water. With two very accessible disabled swims, a large car park, toilet, and as the location of the clubs’ annual Junior Day, this really is a water that appeals to everyone.
This is one of my favourite pleasure waters held by this club. I have spent many afternoons here on this beautiful lake fishing for its larger residents; Crucian and Tench. Back in the day this use to be the place to go for a 4lb + Tench but these seem to have died out but I will not give up! My tip is simple fishing with a whip or a ledgered luncheon meat on a feeder rod for the larger species.
Scaland Wood
The club has enjoyed the rights to this water since 1978.
Since then the water has gone from strength to strength and in 2009 the club had the chance to purchase the water, which it did. In 2010 a wind break was constructed behind the dam and the roadside bank treeline was thinned out during 2012-13.
Soon after this the car park was reinstated, a short hard path made down to the lake and a compost toilet constructed. This water has now had further improvements during 2017 with defined raised pegs, improved path ways and an extension to the car park. It is a water all members should feel proud of.
This lake is where I self taught myself alot of what I know about carp fishing. This is the perfect place to go if you want a variety of captures from carp to roach and bream. Recently an airator has been installed to introduce more oxygen into the water and increase the carps appetite! HOPEFULLY!
Oast Farm
The club negotiated the rights to this water during November 2017 with it having previously been a day ticket water for many years. Some members will already know of it as a prolific Carp water!
There is plenty of onsite parking and a farm shop, cafe and toilets, the owners are offering members a deal on take out food of a sausage or bacon sandwich, tea, coffee or apple juice and a slice of flapjack for £5.
The lake is approximately half an acre with depths to 6ft.
This lake proves to be popular for those wanting a bend in the rod. Large hauls can be had on this lake when feeding including some of the lakes larger relatives!
Wirgol
When the club first gained the opportunity to fish this water it was little more than the iron age work hole from where it gained its’ name. Under the leadership of the then Water Management Officer Henry Russell the lower Wirgol I was opened in 1985. A year later and after much work by Henry and his merry band the upper Wirgol II was opened. Members from the 1990’s will remember that each summer a bale of barley straw would be seen floating around as it helped to remedy the problems caused by algal blooms.
In 2005 the dam on Wirgol I was reconstructed, which also helped increase the volume of water.
Both waters have always been popular with Carp anglers although there are many other treasures swimming around beneath the surface.
Here there are two waters Wirgol I and Wirgol II. Both hold stocks of carp and other species if you don’t mind a little walk with your gear! In my opinion I would fish here more often but the walk puts me off!
Underhill
The club has been fishing this one acre lake since 1991. Back in those days the water was plagued with lilies and weedgrowth. But over the years, the club has worked hard to enhance the fishery and improve the bankside environment. It has now evolved into an excellent general fishery and co-hosts the summer series of Junior matches.
This lake is very picturesque and holds a good stock of loads of different varieties of fish! During my younger years this used to be one of the Junior Matches favourite venue due to the variety and the sizes!
Mill House Farm
This water first caught the eye of a Committee member while out dog walking in September 2012. It was finally opened to the members in August 2015. During the intervening period the water was transformed under the guidance of project leader Dave Flint. Several trees were removed from the water. Areas of inaccessible bankside were transformed and new swims were established. The water quality was tested, the lilies were thinned out and the stock was assessed. We believe it is a water with an interesting shape and plenty of different swims that will suit different styles of angling. The access to this water was greatly improved in 2017 with a hard road now going all the way from the entrance to the car park and some new gates, there is also now a hard path from the car park almost to the waters edge.
This is a very interesting lake. I have only recently started to fish this but it holds a few gems. With only 4 known carp (possibly 5 but not confirmed) this lake provides an interesting challenge for those experienced carpers. I am on the hunt for one myself and will continue to pursue!
More House Farm
The Club acquired this three water complex in the Spring of 2016. Each water has a unique personality and offers something different to the other two.
There are many lakes on this complex which CDAA members have some right too!
Gabriels
The club first acquired fishing rights here in the autumn of 2012. Members are allowed to fish with one rod on Oak Lake (Monday to Friday only), Silver Lake, Swallow Lake and Hare Lake. In addition there is one and a quarter miles of the River Eden to fish.
Like previous this fishery has a few lakes open to CDAA members but please check their website before attending.
Danesfield Wood
This is a pretty little water hidden away in the woods which the club first acquired it in 2007.
Despite a collapse in the dam in 2010 the water has gone from strength to strength. After the dam was rebuilt the club restocked the water with 453 Common, Leather and Mirror Carp between 1 and 2lbs in June 2011. It’s about an acre in size and up to five feet deep and it is a wonderful stalking water.
Various works have taken place here over the past couple of years with new swims created and the one on the dam made safer.
This lake is great for a bit of stalking. This lake is jam packed with carp so is great for anyone looking to get a bend in their rod
Claygate Lakes
The club secured the rights to fish here as of the 2nd January 2019. CDAA members can fish the two match lakes (Sophie & Eva) with a single pole or rod as part of their membership,
if you wish to use a second rod there is a £2 charge. The fishery advise that you contact them before travelling to fish on a weekend as they hold a lot of matches at the venue and there may not be any pegs available. To fish the specimen lake (Amy) you MUST prebook with the fishery who will apply a £2 discount to any ticket you purchase, provided you make them aware that you are a CDAA member.
I have never fished this lake but I have heard good reviews from match fisherman with the hauls that can be had. Worth a go if your a on the hunt for species or to get a bend in the rod!
Weir Wood Reservoir
The Club first gained the rights to this one and a half mile long, 280 acre reservoir in 2001.
Since then it has proved to be a popular water with match anglers, Trout anglers and Pike anglers in particular.
The Club has been a member of the Rother Fisheries Association since the early 1980’s. The Association was formed in 1872 and has the rights to twelve miles of the River Rother and a stretch of the Royal Military Canal. There are several sections of river that are detailed below.
Robertsbridge to Udiuam Udiam to Bodiam Newenden (Downstream) Potmans Heath to Blackwall Bridge The Royal Military Canal (Iden Lock to Appledore Dam)
Eridge Stream
The club first acquired the rights to this pretty stream in 1976 thanks to our former Water Management Officer, Henry Russell. Our stretch of this stream goes on for about a mile. For those who enjoy chasing Trout and Chub, this is the perfect getaway.
Overview
CDAA is a great platform for all different types of anglers. It holds waters suitable for different types of fishermen from your seasoned carpers to your match fisherman. Young, Old, Disabled, Roamer or Like to sit tight, then they have something for everyone! I would reccomend this club to anyone as it is only £55 for the year! What a BARGAIN.
The club is run by some great people who I have met on the bank alot of times. They are always willing to pass on their knowledge and happy to help anyone that wants to improve!
If you would like to know anything else about CDAA then you can check them out here!
I have alot of knowledge on their waters so if there is anything from this blog or any other blog for that matter then please don’t hesitate in getting in contact. I am ALWAYS happy to help! You can DM me on Facebook or Insta, Email me or fill out the form below!
Happy Wednesday Everyone. We are halfway through the week and only a few more days till we can get back out on the bank for the weekend! Last week I talked about Rods, Reels and Alarms! Carp Fishing Essentials for Beginners. If you haven’t read that blog yet then you can do so here!
This weeks blog is going to be something a little different; Mental Health! As it is Mental Health Awareness Week I feel the need to tell you about my story and how fishing has helped me with my Mental Health. I have severly suffered with my Mental Health over the last 8 years since my brother Tom passed away at the age of 19 with a rare form of cancer called Sarcoma. I will talk about my story and how Fishing has helped me with recovering!
My Story
Growing Up
Throughout my childhood me, my brother and my dad were keen sportsman all participating in cricket and football for our local clubs. In between these we loved to go fishing and spend many funny nights on the bank. One funny story was we were fishing at The Belfry in Hailsham one cold and wet night when my brothers rod screamed off at 1am in the morning. A dazed Tom ran out of the bivvy with no shoes and fell down the steep bank just stopping himself from falling in the water. Covered in mud and soaking wet he lifted the rod to find there was no fish. Turns out he lifted the wrong rod as he smashed into his pod when falling and was unsure which it was. Much to his delight my Dad lifted his other rod and was in. Funny times and one that will stay with me for years!
When we grew older me and my brother started to fish with his friends on overnight socials at local lakes. One time me, my brother and 4 of his mates fished Barretts Park Farm Fishery in Heathfield. I had just purchased a cheap bivvy as it was the first bit of kit that I got in a bundle pack. Well all 6 of us hid away in this small square bivvy when the heavens opened. We quickly found out that my new bivvy was in fact not waterproof and we got soaked all night. We awoke the next morning to a river running through the tent which I can only describe as being as big as the Thames…. Slight exaggertion there!
In May 2014 my brother found a lump on his neck so my parents quickly booked him an appointment at the doctors. He was told everything was fine and that he had suffered with a virus which was in turn making his glands swollen. He was given antibiotics and sent home and was told that if things hadn’t improved in 2 weeks to return.
Things did not get better and he returned to the doctors. They told him that he should have tests and a biopsy on the said lump. Things were getting serious now so we decided to use our private health insurance to get the test results back quickly. Tom had 3 different tests under private healthcare before we even got a letter for his first appointment through the NHS. Crazy what money can buy!
We recieved the results from the tests… It was not good news!
Tom had a rare form of cancer called sarcoma which attacks your glands causing cancerous tumours in his neck. If you would like to know more about sarcoma then check out this link!
Me and My Brother
Tom underwent multiple waves of chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the Royal Marsden in Chelsea to reduce the size of the tumour with the aim for removing it via operation. What he had to go through I would never wish upon my greatest enemy. Deep down we could all see he was loosing his battle!
I returned from work one evening to find my dad looking rough and upset in our family home. I had been living by myself for weeks whilst my parents stayed with my brother in hospital. By the look on his face I could tell this was very bad news. He continued to tell me that there was nothing else they could do for Tom and it would be days or weeks before he passed. I was in shock and froze going to bed that night numb, no emotion or feelings.
I awoke the next day where I informed my work and moved up to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea to spend the last few days with my Brother. We had our ups and downs whilst there but there were moments I will never forget in my life!
On the 17th December 2014 our whole world came crashing down as my Brother Tom sadly passsed away after a short fight. This hit me like a ton of bricks and I hid my emotions for the sake of my parents as I felt I had a job to keep them going through life. And this is where my struggles with Mental Health started!
My Struggles
Throughout my brothers struggles I saw someone I love loose there life to a condition that no one could help. No matter what we or the hospital did the cancer took over his body and took his life. In my brain I couldn’t work out how a healthy young man like my brother had been taken by the big C and made me question my own health.
This is where I was diagnosed after persuasion that I suffered with Health Anxiety. Health Anxiety is described as:
Health anxiety is an obsessive and irrational worry about having a serious medical condition. It’s also called illness anxiety, and was formerly called hypochondria. This condition is marked by a person’s imagination of physical symptoms of illness.
Or in other cases, it’s a person’s misinterpretation of minor or normal body sensations as serious disease symptoms despite reassurance by medical professionals that they don’t have an illness.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Experts aren’t sure of the exact causes of health anxiety, but they think the following factors may be involved:
You have a poor understanding of body sensations, diseases, or both of these things. You may think that a serious disease is causing your body’s sensations. This leads you to look for evidence that confirms that you actually have a serious disease.
You have a family member or members who worried excessively about their health or your health.
You’ve had past experiences dealing with real serious illness in childhood. So as an adult, the physical sensations you experience are frightening to you.
Health anxiety most often occurs in early or middle adulthood and can worsen with age. For older people, health anxiety may focus on a fear of developing memory problems. Other risk factors for health anxiety include:
a stressful event or situation
the possibility of a serious illness that turns out to not be serious
being abused as a child
having had a serious childhood illness or a parent with a serious illness
having a worrying personality
excessively checking your health on the internet
This is something that I am still working on and I still struggle with everyday life now. It’s not an easy fix but I am making strides in the right direction and on the path of recovery!
How Fishing Can Help Mental Health
During my battle fishing has really helped me in starting to get back to the real world and help me overcome my fears and beliefs. Here are 7 reasons as to why fishing is good for your mental health!
First Nights on the Bank after Mental Health Struggles
1. It’s Great For Your Physical Health
Did you know fishing is a great form of physical exercise! According to the World Health Organisation’s recent case study:
Due to the varying levels of physical exertion in angling, it is a pursuit that allows you to enjoy a more active outdoor lifestyle. Many people enjoy the great outdoors and getting up close to nature. This includes exploring many different waterways whilst taking in the local wildlife and scenery. Many UK waters have an abundance of fish species that you can pursue and marvel at their individual natural beauty and habitat.
The physical intensity from a day on the water will benefit your body and mind. You can enjoy setting up rods, repeat casting, playing fish, walking a shoreline or standing all day in a boat. Meaning you can set the physical intensity of your day based on your own physical fitness. So no matter your level of fitness you can burn those excess calories!
2. Physical Health Recovery
While we now know angling can help increase our physical health. According to Angling Research, it can also have specific benefits for those recovering from ill-health. According to a recent Angling Research study:
“A growing body of research has pointed to the positive effects of green environments on physical recovery”
So fishing can provide the environment required to help physical health recovery; by providing increased movement at a pace that suits you. The psychological benefits of being in green environments or the way we like to put it, being in the great outdoors, can help improve your attitude and provide a feel-good factor.
3. Increased Concentration
Fishing ‘fascinates’ attention, allowing anglers to concentrate for long periods of time effortlessly. People who participate in angling become so absorbed in the sport that there is no room for other thoughts and that sort of singular focus serves as a mental break for other things that may be causing you frustration in the everyday fast pace of modern life.
4. Reduced Stress Levels
Fishing provides a form of relaxation by providing a distraction from everyday life and according to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols:
“ being ‘near or on water’ for any amount of time lowers stress and anxiety, boosts our well-being and happiness and lowers heart and breathing rates, among other benefits”
Angling also provides moments of excitement with the unpredictability of catching which helps with concentration and helps you focus. which reduces the chances of boredom.
5. Increased Vitamin D
Escaping to the outdoors and feeling connected to nature can boost feelings of well-being and can improve your mood. It can also help top up your vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in your body, keeping your bones and teeth healthy. As well as boosting your immune system and has even been linked to fighting depression.
6. Improved Self-Esteem
Fishing like most hobbies requires a certain amount of skill to master different tactics and techniques over time. This form of active learning and development can provide a sense of purpose and motivation whilst boosting your self-esteem.
7. Social Engagement
According to Angling Research:
“The quality of people’s social relationships has been found to be one of the most robust predictors of well-being”
Angling is a great form of socialising with family or friends. The ability to pass down angling knowledge from grandfather to grandson or father to daughter. Or even, fishing in the company of close friends can provide a sense of connection or belonging that you require.
Even if you prefer to fish alone, you can still engage with angling communities through various digital platforms ensuring you stay connected and have a sense of belonging in a like-minded community.
Overview
Mental Health is at the highest peak due to the pandemic and more and more people are struggling with mental health. I have first hand experience of this and I am still working through my struggles. Fishing is helping me block out the boredom and provide me with the oppurtunity to get out the house and in the fresh air!
This is the reason I started this business because of my love of fishing and having to terminate my job due to my Mental Health Issues!
If you would like to ask anything about the issues I have raised in this blog or would like to talk about anything then please feel free to fill out the form below, email me or DM me on Instagram or Facebook. My inbox is always open and if any of my customers, readers, followers, passers by, ANYONE needs to talk then my inbox is always open!
I hope you will all take something from this heart felt blog.
Last message from me. Be NICE to EVERYONE as you don’t know what is going on behind the scenes and what people are struggling with. Reach out to your friends and be there for everyone. Even the most happiest of people can be struggling inside!
Happy Wednesday Everyone and hope you are having a cracking week! Last week I did a review on Hastingford Fishery where I rated the owners, accomodation, fishing and the general location! If you are looking for a fishing holiday and haven’t read this yet then go check it out here!
It has been a MANIC week for me as I have been adding loads of new products to my online store including glugged boilies, stringers and crushed boilie PVA. In this blog I am going to be looking at one of my original products; The PVA Pellet Balls. When I first introduced these to my online store I had to decide on what Pellets I had all faith in selling. I am going to walk you through why I chose these 10 brands and why these can help improve your carp fishing but most importantly improve your catch rate!
At CC Moore, we have a passion for quality. With decades of experience and knowledge within animal nutrition and feed formulation, you can be assured that every single bait developed within the walls of CC Moore has been created with skill, experience and optimum attention to detail. With established products including Live System, Odyssey XXX and Northern Specials catching the huge number of carp now, decades on, you can be sure the products you are using are designed to deliver optimum attraction and performance time and time again. Every bait here at CCMoore is quality controlled. We have an extensive, knowledgeable testing team, from anglers to bait scientists who put every product through its paces.
Pellets In my Range: Live System 3mm, Pacific Tuna 2mm, Odyssey XXX 3mm, Squid 2mm, Belachan 2mm, Betaine HNV 4mm, Krill 2mm, Bloodworm 2mm, Mini Ultramix 1-3mm, Mini Halibut Mixed, Trout 3mm and 4mm.
CC Moore are one of the more well known brands in the carp fishing world. I have always used their boiles and pellet in all my fishing as each bait leaks attraction into the water column and are packed with lots of attraction. The pellets in particular break down fairly quickly and release a huge scent into the water. I always tend to find that a little PVA mesh of CC Moore pellets is often enough to create a mouthful of highly attractive food. Sometimes less is more!
The name Dynamite is instantly recognisable all around Europe for producing quality bait, in fact your success with our products is at the heart of everything we do – it’s that simple! Our fundamental concept ‘bait made by anglers for anglers’ has served us well for many years and stands true today even though our output and market have grown considerably since our arrival on the bait scene in the mid 90’s.
Pellets In my Range: Robin Red 2mm and 4mm, Marine Halibut 3mm and 4mm, Red Krill 2mm and 3mm, The Source 4mm, Carp Pellets 2mm and 4mm, Betaine Green 3mm and 4mm, Amino Original 2mm and 3mm, Tiger Nut 4mm and Complex-T 4mm.
Anyone that is into any sort of fishing will have heard of dynamite as they cover all sorts of fishing bait. In terms of carp fishing they have boilies, pellets, additives, particles, spod/bag mixes, accessories and merchandise. They have a huge range of pellets which have proven success hence why it was a no brainer to include in my range.
Hinders are a fourth generation family business that has been trading for over 90 years. We have been dedicated to Fishing Bait and Tackle for the last 15 of those building a reputation for producing quality bait that catches and gives you the angler total confidence. We now focus entirely on making and distributing the Hinders Brand of Baits through our own website and bait store located in Swindon as well as supplying an ever increasing number of retailers in the UK and beyond.
Pellets In my Range: Ultimate PVA Mixed, Pellet Combo Mixed and Elips 4mm.
Now this comapny were very new to me and I only found out about them through my local tackle shop. The owner is actually a hinders consultant so I decided to do a little digging. Having read some of his catch reports on various lakes it was plainly obvious that the pellet mixes were smashing hard waters with multipe large carp in a session!
Talk Carp Bait and before long the name Mainline Baits will be mentioned. This is because since Mainline Baits was founded it has been synonymous with the highest quality carp baits possible, and the capture of carp from all over the world. Mainline’s concept of offering the angler a fantastic bait whilst at the same time offering the carp a valuable food source ensures that all our baits stand the test of …time when used on any water, so much so in fact that repeat captures on the same bait are normal as the carp just can’t get enough; summer or winter makes little difference.
Pellets In my Range: Cell 5mm, Essential Cell 5mm, Activ-8 5mm, Hybrid 5mm, Fuzion 5mm, New Grange 5mm and The Link 5mm.
Mainline have played a huge part in my carp fishing over the years. Their Cell range has caught me bag fulls of 20lb carp and even my FIRST 30lb carp was caught on Cell! There pellets really compliment their frozen boilie range due to the matching flavours. Mainline are one of the leading brands in carp fishing and will continue to be into the future!
Proud manufacturers of the most unique bait ranges on the planet… With us, baits means two things; SUPERIOR QUALITY – If it’s not the best, it’s not going in! We purchase fresh, raw ingredients direct from suppliers around the world to guarantee our products remain unrivaled. UNIQUENESS – Use the same, get the same results. Every single product we supply is made from scratch, by us! Meaning you will never find another variation of our products under any other brand. Choosing us WILL make you stand out!
Pellets In my Range: Citrus Nut 4mm, Cream Seed 4mm, Bio Marine 6mm, Salmon Micro 2mm and Hydro Fish Mixed.
Telling the truth I knew nothing about Munch Baits when I first launched my website but it was suggested by a good friend of mine. I did some research on Munch Baits finding multiple reviews online of catch reports where carp were caught on waters that hadn’t produced fish in weeks! This is why I decided to give it a chance in my range of pre-tied pellet balls.
Established by carp fishing legend Kevin Nash, and dedicated to providing the very best in tackle and bait for modern carp anglers and specimen hunters. Nash Tackle has developed a market leading position based on their innovative cutting edge carp fishing tackle design.
Pellets In my Range: Citruz 2mm, Scopex Squid 2mm, Instant Action 2mm and the Key Feed 2mm.
Nash are one of the leading carp fishing brands out there! I mean who hasn’t read the story of Kevin Nash! Nash seem to have different ideas and release alot of innovative products. For example the Citruz range they have released is different to anything I have seen on the market!
Nutrabaits was established in 1986 with an ethos based on quality, where every ingredient used within the product range has been painstakingly researched and included solely for meaningful reasons. That ethos still exists today, the end result being a range of baits that continues to set the standard in both quality and effectiveness. It is no exaggeration to say that Nutrabaits was instrumental in changing the view of commercially available carp baits forever and we continue to be proud of our record of producing baits that anglers across the globe can fish with total confidence…
Pellets In my Range: Trigga 2mm and 4mm, CO-DE 2mm and 4mm, Trigga Ice 2mm and 4mm, BFM Krill & Cranberry 4mm and BFM Salmon Caviar & Black Pepper.
Nutrabaits is another brand that I didn’t know alot about although I had heard of them before. Reading up on their flavours I thought they were very innovative and didn’t follow the trend of the carp fishing world. They had created their own unique flavours which were very interesting and is the reason why I chose to put them in this range!
Established in 2010 by Ryan Heaton and Greg Myles, RGBaits initially started out as more of a hobby than a business, with plans to roll bait for a small group of angling friends only, a single machine set up in a parents garage is where it all began. With both partners in full time employment away from the angling industry back then, occasional evenings and weekends were spent stood behind the machine rolling the odd kilo here and there, a somewhat far cry from a major scale bait manufacturing outfit. With time, word spread about the services RG had to offer and after receiving numerous enquiries over the possible supply of bait, it was decided the sale of bait was to be made public.
Pellets In my Range: The Formula 6mm, Vita-Lac 3mm, Prime 3mm, Hot Shrimp & Liver Mixed and The Formula & Arctic Crab 3mm.
RG baits are one of the newer carp fishing bait brands having only opened its doors in 2011. Since then they are growing into quite a unique brand having created their own flavours which are smashing waters. On instagram I quite regularly see large carp landed on their baits!
Welcome to Sonubaits, the bait brand at the very forefront of modern bait design, delivering innovative ranges of baits with the help of a world class team of match, carp and specimen anglers. Our enviable line-up of consultants has the very highest demands from the bait they use and have all been involved in the ongoing development of our bait ranges. Our ingenious and irresistible baits continue to dominate venues around the World.
Pellets In my Range: Fin Perfect 2mm and 4mm, Bloodworm Fishmeal 2mm and 4mm, S-Pellet 2mm and 4mm, Pro Feed 2mm and 4mm, Halibut 3mm and 4mm plus Robin Red 2mm and 4mm.
Mainly known as a match carp fishing brand, sonubaits have also produced loads of UK’s bigger carp! Their standard pellets are the best around leaking loads of attraction into the water column!
Here at Sticky Baits our primary focus is, and always has been, to produce high quality products – so take a look around our new look site, the home to endless quality content, quality pictures and of course more importantly, quality bait that really speaks for itself.
Pellets In my Range: Bloodworm 2.3mm and 4mm, The Krill 2.3mm and 4mm and Manilla 2.3mm and 4mm.
I love Sticky baits because of the simplicity of their range. They have 3 main types in their range and they concentrate all their efforts into making these the best available. In particular, I like their boilies because they are 16mm and slightly larger than others on the market! The pellet flavours fully match any of their range!
All PVA Mesh Bags are available in quantities 10, 25 and 50. For alternative pellet or quantities please fill out the contact form on the product pages.
If you have any questions about my PVA mesh bags or any other products I offer then please feel free to contact me via email, facebook or Instagram. Alternatively you can use the form below and I will get back to you within 24 hours.
Welcome to the next installment of my Blog. Thank you to everyone that read the last blog on ‘Why I Use CC Moore‘, if you haven’t read it then you can here! This turned out to be my most successful blog to date! Since writing this blog, I have been speaking to CC Moore and I am now a CC MOORE TEAM MEMBER! I am very much looking forward to continue using this wonderful bait!
Anyway onto this weeks blog! A few weeks back I visited Hastingford Fishery in Sussex where me, my partner and parents spent a weekend in their lodges where I fished for 48 hours! In this blog I am going to review the owners, accomodation, fishing and surrounding areas to give anyone looking for a lodge fishing holiday in sussex an idea of what to expect!
Me, My Partner and Parents
Owners
The owners Geraldine and Mark were very helpful through the whole stay and prior to arriving when making the booking. When we arrived we were greeted by Mark who showed us to our lodges and explained how everything in the lodges worked! Mark himself built these lodges and manually put all the mod cons in which is absolutely amazing work. This used to be a working farm but since retiring he has built this complex, however he has kept some cattle and sheep. Even one of the cabin’s was insulated with his own sheeps coats!
Farmers SheepFarmers Cattle
They both were so helpful throughout our stay and as they live on the complex they were always willing to help to make our stay as comfortable as possible. Mark would reguraly come and check in whilst we were outside to see if everything was ok! You can see and feel the passion for making their guests welcome!
In summary I would rate the owners 5/5 having done everything for us to make our stay one of the nicest fishing holidays we have been on!
Accomodation
Entrance to Roach Lodge
Both my partner, parents and I stayed in these fishermans lodges right on the side of the lake. There are 4 huts on the complex named Roach, Carp, Tench and Perch. The Fisherman’s huts have a minimum 2 night booking (3 nights Jun, Jul and Aug), and has everything you need although with Carp and Roach huts there is a short walk to your private shower and toilet unit. (There is also a small ‘portaloo’ hut right outside those 2 huts for those ‘caught short’ moments). Perch and Tench huts (overlooking top lake) are slightly larger, have full kitchens and ensuite facilities. The lodges on the bottom lake are lake side and can be fished from right outside your lodge!
View over the complex
As stated above the lodges have all the mod cons you need including fridge, freezer, hob, table and chairs, bed, tv, log burner, wifi and plenty of space! Upon arrival we had a welcome basket which contained croissants, bread roles, fresh milk and orange juice, butter, tea and coffee! It was just what we needed to get started and feel comfortable.
Inside the Fishermens Hut – Roach
The lodges on the bottom lake have a balcony overlooking the lake where you can see the carp and goldfish cruising on the top! The balconys come with a external log burner, barbeque, table and chairs plus some stunning views!
In summary I would rate the accomodation a 4.5/5. It was all you needed for a wekend getaway, It was great to be in the outdoors! If you like a soft comfy bed then this is your place! The bed was very soft however for someone who likes a harder bed it felt slightly uncomfortable but you can’t moan at that can you!
Fishing
Bottom LakeTop LakeThird Lake
There are 4 lakes (all spring fed). One is the original fishing lake, with large common and mirror carp plus perch and grass carp, The second is their newly built (2018/19) large lake, which has more breeds of fish and has matured nicely. This is stocked with common and mirror carp, golden and blue orfe, perch, green and golden tench, chub, roach, rudd and gudgeon. Their 3rd lake is about a year old and has Carp and Orfe. Plus at the very top is a natural ‘wild swimming’ pool for those adventurous enough. Fabulous views to the South Downs from here.
Fishing is available by the day from 8am – 8pm/dusk and by night (hut residents only) – 8pm/dusk to 8am. Visiting anglers please see fees list. For day ticket anglers there is a unit with toilet/shower and kitchen facilities. All anglers must show a current fishing licence and abide by their rules.
View from my swim
As me and my partner were in roach I was lucky enough to be able to fish right outside our lodge. I started off with my tried and trusted Ronnie Rigs which I quickly found out was not the right choice if i wanted to get through to the larger carp. There are alot of carp between 1lb and 3lb in the lake which proved to be difficult to get past!
The first evening I started to think about how I could potentially get past the smaller carp. I tied some Snowman Rigs to hopefully fish more effectively with a larger hookbait. I used a Stick Baits Krill Boilie with a Nash Key Cray pop up and a bag of mixed pellet to attract the carp into the area. The reason I used these are the Sticky baits boilies are slightly larger than other bottom baits at 16mm which gave me a larger hookbait.
Snowman Rig w/ Sticky Baits Krill Boilie and Nash Key Cray Pop Up
This proved to be incredibly successful as I managed to get through to the larger carp and landed 2 mirrors which were in immaculate condition.
15lb 5oz Mirror10lb Mirror
In summary I would rate the fishing a 4/5. I don’t think the larger stock is huge in either lake but the fish were in immaculate condition and the lakes were kept in tip top shape.
If you would like to see my video about fishing at hastingford then please go check out my youtube channel!
Surrounding Areas
There is plenty to do out in the countryside here at Hastingford Fishery. There are four other accessible lakes for walking around and which are away from the rest. Perfect for a wander round with or without your dog, with places to sit and enjoy the space and tranquillity with lovely views as well.
Dogs are welcomed but must be kept on leads around the lakes and farm. There is always an empty field (shown on arrival) for excercising. In addition, and for ramblers and hikers, there are several public footpaths leading to Buxted, Rotherfield and beyond.
For outside refreshment, Hadlow Down has a very good ‘locals’ drinking type pub, and Buxted has 2 very good pub/restaurants, (The White Hart and The Buxted Inn) as does High Hurstwood (The Hurstwood). In 5 Ash Down there is The Pig and Butcher and in Blackboys The Blackboys Inn. In Crowborough the nearest is The Wheatsheaf in Mount Pleasant which does good food. For those wanting ‘posh’ or just to walk, there is Buxted Park, on the outskirts of Buxted, off the A272. The Kings Arms in Rotherfield is very good. In Crowborough you have The White Hart, The Blue Anchor and The Cross (Wetherspoons), plus The Bricklayers Arms. The Crow and Gate on the edge of Ashdown Forest is excellent for dog walkers.
Lewes is just a 20 min drive; Brighton 35 mins; Eastbourne 35-40 mins and Tunbridge Wells 20 mins. For local shopping Crowborough (10 mins drive) Uckfield (10 mins) and Heathfield (10 mins) are very good. London is around 1 hour by train from Crowborough or Buxted or 45 mins from Tunbridge Wells main line station.
Summary
Overall I would rate our experience of Hastingford Fishery a 4.5/5. We really enjoyed our weekend in this peaceful complex. It was everything we needed to kick back and relax! The accomodation had everything we needed, the owners were very helpful, the fishing was good and the views were AMAZING! We liked it that much that we have booked to go back for my birthday in June.
