Let’s set the scene for my story. Having got into carp fishing back in the early 90s I am at an age where I have heard lots of stories. Myths and legends are what I love to hear about, but little did I know that one day my name would be mentioned up there with the word “legend” … at a local runs syndicate.
Back in 2014 I was on a syndicate Bawburgh in Norfolk and just going about my business, fishing alone most of the time. I was approached by some friends to fish a charity weekend to raise money to for the charity “Help the Hero’s”. The organiser was struggling to get anyone to pick up the gauntlet to do a large BBQ, and anyone who knows me will know I love a good BBQ and a carp social, so the invitation was quickly accepted. Coston Lakes in Norfolk was where the weekend was due to take place, well run day ticket and Syndicate complex.
With the weekend finally arranged, we all arrived eager to get a good swim. As it was me doing the BBQ on the Saturday night, I called dibs on a swim near the cabin, my lucky peg no. 2.
The daytime came and went, and after the sunset we all gathered for the BBQ and the long-awaited raffle. This year some really good prizes had been donated from tackle to bait, and I spotted a 24hr pass on the syndicate that was part of the day ticket lake which I had had my eye on for a while. I had heard a lot about this venue, but it was dead men’s shoes.
The raffle was in full flow, lots of bait and tackle had been allocated, then the start of my journey happened. I heard a voice repeating itself while I took a swig of my beer”no. 2 who has no 2? …...”. I gazed and shouted, “me it’s me!”. An envelope was passed to me and I eagerly opened it. I stood for a while like time stood still, as the realisation dawned on me that I had won the Syndicate 24hr…. The next few moments a couple of syndicate members came over to introduce themselves. Then Barrie, who had donated the gift of 24hr pass came and introduced himself. He asked where I had been fishing, and a few other questions, it felt like I was having an interview for a high paid job, not a pass to fish a water! Whatever I said must have passed muster as he gave me his number told me to ring him to arrange a date.
I called Barrie a few weeks later and we agreed I would have weekend in September, when the fish would be packing on the weight. I knew nothing about the lake, other than the biggest fish was an older English common called Roid that tipped scaled around 39lb+.
Barrie called week before the planned trip to say he had spoken to Bailiff and I could have two nights if I wanted as weekends had slowed down, which I quickly agreed to.
The mid-September weekend arrived. I was going to fish a venue with a big common and having made a bold statement (under the influence of too much beer at the BBQ I would catch this fish) I needed to try and at least not to blank.
I was met in the carpark by Barrie and his son Rob. Barrie had already chosen our swim for the weekend; it was called Willows and was near the cabin and commanded a good slice of one of the banks. Barrie showed me around the facilities and a cabin that would put some hotel accommodations to shame. Barrie said that as I was staying two nights, Saturday night was takeaway night.
So, the weekend scene was set, Rob came and helped me set up, I think mainly to check out what gear I had and rigs but also to make sure my bait was correct. I knew Sticky Baits were the going bait on lakes … but I took Cell, as it had never let me down.
I got my marker float out and started to explore the swim. Rob returned and suggested a couple spots that should be a good start, I had found a hard area around 9 wraps out, Rob was not convinced saying no one fished that area and I should probably concentrate on far bank areas.
I took his advice for two rods but for the third, well I went with my old man’s instinct laying a cell bang on the hard spot. I had a run late Friday night, off one of the far bank spots. Rob was soon at my side along with Barrie but disappointingly I managed to lose the fish close in.
Saturday was spent swapping stories and drinking beer and making new friends, and come dinner time rods were brought while we ordered a takeaway.
After a nice evening I was keen to get my rods out so said my good nights and headed back to my swim. Rods in place I settled down for the night.
At 3.15 Sunday morning my third rod sprang into life. A couple of beeps then one toner, I was on it quickly. I knew I had to get this fish under control having lost the last one. First to Join me was Barrie grabbing my net, and for the next 10 mins time stood still. Finally, Barrie did the honours, and I gazed into the net to see a big common. Barrie said he needed to get Rob; I heard the two of them talking in the dark. Both looked into the net one either side. I said everything ok. Rob said do you know what you have done, I said well I know it’s a carp. He replied by saying, “you realise that’s not just any Carp it’s ROID, honestly how did you do that”.
The fish was safely sacked to allow some pictures at first light. I sat up all night with the fish. Dawn was one of Septembers finest, the sun shone brightly and after weighing the fish a number of times Rob confirmed weight at 38lb 8oz. Rob was chief photographer and took some great pics. Word soon spread about my capture and the phone messages soon followed as the pictures hit social media.
So, from a raffle prize to taking the big prize common… what a weekend that was.
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