The secret Society of Carp Anglers.

Guarding treasures is a game that has been played by children and men alike. The Carp Angler is no different. Our treasure is solitude and large carp that hold beauty only time can create. Dark tail fins, with a dull orange body and weathered scales scattered down the flank. Never let anyone know where he lives. This is the Secret Society of Carp Anglers.

Carp Angling is not an inclusive space. It is a space filled with tale, misinformation, back biting, and secrets. Why is the angler so protective, and how do we penetrate his amour and get that ticket that we are desperate for.

There are lakes across the country which hold carp so desirable, that nobody speaks a word. A joy that could be shared with all, is shared with a select few. But why, why is it so challenging to get that ticket on the syndicate. Even some clubs are becoming a closed shop.

As you apply references are taken. Your Facebook and Instagram profile’s are stalked. Your friends list and pictures scrutinized. All to protect what in my opinion is considered to be theirs.

The big issue is the Carp Angler seeks to pursue carp in solitude. They wish to target carp in the natural environment, fishing within nature as opposed to outside of it. The guarding of lakes and the fish that swim there is considered an act of preservation. The need to preserve the fish’s health, the anglers solitude, security and etiquette. New members represent danger to old hands.

Overcoming the cynicism, suspicion and passive nature of those that fish these waters is hard enough. There are those that beg, those that try to woo with tales of angling captures from prestigious venues, and those that try to befriend and to wheedle their way into the secret society of carp anglers.

The most repulsive is the wheedler. The complementor. If you heard him speak you might think he was trying to woo an attractive lady. This approach is fruitless, unless the person listening has narcissistic tendencies, and or have a need for power and control. Then and only then will the wheedler be successful. But where is his dignity. He has sold it. He has bowed down to a man and offered to clean his feet.

The one who woos with tales of angling captures risks being considered a know it all. Truly unwelcome at any lake. This practice may work on some syndicate leaders. Those that desire respect align themselves to those that they feel should be respected ! None more so than the man who has ‘caught them all’. Be careful with this tactic. You might just be described as a pregnant gold fish by all those that overhear how amazing you are !

The beggar is considered weak and desperate. Oddly enough, is usually a pretty decent bloke who angles to himself. He stays away from the crowd. The beggar is the unknown man. The greatest danger to an old hand. The beggar should mix in moments of despair with nuggets of angling gold. He should share his knowledge timidly. He should compliment when the times is right. The beggar should must be polite, respectful and knowledgeable. He still has zero chance of gaining a ticket.

The only way.

There are two elements to the only way. One is to be known to the person who will grant you permission. The other is to angle hard. Catching fish and gaining a reputation for politeness, general angling etiquette, and being an all round decent bloke will land you the tickets. There are of course strategic moves which help you. Joining the local syndicate which is easy to get on will give you access to other anglers who have probably fished other syndicates. When you meet the members, or when you are at the tackle shop network as much as you can. Ask the other anglers where they fish and who has a ticket. You never know they might just be your best mate, whose keeping the secret hush ! Ask work colleagues. I even got a ticket once sat in the sauna. I had been sitting next to the syndicate leader for several years without knowing he had a decent lake in the local area. As soon as I heard him mention fishing…….. Bingo, do you fish then mate ? ”Yeah I run a syndicate”. From there you mix a bit of sophisticated wheedling with being half decent and your away.

When you do get information, create a library of names of those who fish at the lake. Seek out where they fish. Get known to them. When the time is right and your plan is in place. Ask nicely and be gracious if the answer is no. You never know you might get a call the following year.