I was first introduced to carp fishing by my dad
back in the mid 80’s I was only about 10 years old then and have been in love with the species ever since.I cut my teeth so to speak on lakes such as Hainault, The Chase and South Weald. Which back then were in their hay day. These lakes were notoriously difficult to fish but once you mastered them the rewards were terrific I can remember putting five 20’s on the bank in one week at the Chase front lake which at the time was close to impossible.
As I got older I started to spread my wings fishing lakes such as Nazeing Mead’s, Boyer’s and one of my all time favourites Cathagena where I banked the ever elusive Mint at 34lb. I also broke my PB bream at 14lb 10oz which was some fish. I must confess there are not many carp waters in East Anglia and the South I have not dabbled a rod in.
Of late I have been turning my attention to the well renowned carp water Aquatels at Basildon, I must confess this water did at first really test my skills, but by pure chance on a cold, wet and windy day whilst making my way down to the bank I bumped into Simon who as ever was watching the lake for signs of fish. He offered me a seat under his brolly just as the heavens really opened up and it was while we were doing what carp fisherman do best when not actually fishing, and that’s talk about carp fishing.
It was during this conversation that Simon started to explain about his new bait company (Essex Carp Baits), it was his enthusiasm, openness and sheer drive whilst explaining the set up of the company and how he was going for bait quality above all else, that really impressed me so when he offered me the chance of becoming one of the bait testers I jumped at the chance. Which has turned out to be one of the best decision’s I have ever made.
I’m testing the C.I.A mix range of baits at the moment and have banked over 20 carp in the last two months alone from Aquatels which as anyone who knows the water will tell you is no mean feat to say the least.
As I have got to know Simon better, my first impressions of him were spot on and I’m proud to include him in my circle of friends and as for the baits, Essex Carps Baits are producing, well you would have to be mad not to give them a try, they really do work.
Chris Smith.
