Tactics behind the week’s best fish
Rutland angler bags 14 fish from Kent day-ticket lake
ROB O’Brien banked an early-morning brace of 40lb commons as part of a 14-carp day-ticket haul.
The Rutland angler praised the power of teamwork as he bagged up on Elphicks North Lake in Kent.
The two-night session was part of a bait-team social and, having come first in the draw for swims, Rob paired up with Perry Alabaster to target a spot at one end of the lake.
“I was hoping to get into some deep water where the fish were showing,” said Rob.
“Luckily I was first out of the draw and got the swim I fancied, that gave me a corner of water in the deep end and also a piece of the middle of the lake.
“After a quick chat with Perry we decided the best way to approach the fishing was to share a spot from either side of the lake and have a rod each on it.”
Perry caught a fish almost immediately and the pair took it in turns to walk round and introduce a handful of bait after each bite.
The plan clearly worked for both anglers, with Perry ending up catching 23 fish to 38lb 2oz.
Rob also got in on the action and by sunset had caught fish of 35lb and 32lb. Three twenties, including two 28-pounders, followed the next day from open water before the session ended on a high.
“At about 1am I lost a fish at the net, but having got my rods wrapped and marked on the horizon I recast and this rod went at first light,” said Rob.
“What felt like a heavy, plodding fish rolled into the net without much fuss! I then had a look at it and was gobsmacked by its length, and knew it was a good one.”
The fish was weighed at 41lb 10oz and placed in a retainer while Paul Monkman was summoned from another swim to take photos.
“As Paul was nearly there,” said Rob, “the left-hand rod that shared a spot with Perry had a drop-back as the fish came towards me. After a quick reel it was on, and with a growing
audience it was netted. It took the scales to exactly 40lb – what a trip!
“The total was 14 carp, but the best part was sharing a great 48 hours with some top lads from team DNA and seeing how working together can sometimes bring excellent results.”
Rob fished DNA Wraysberry pop-ups tipped with maggots over a bed of maggots coated in S7 Hydro Spod Syrup.