
I started fishing at the age of 6 when my father took me out to the local canals and rivers around Worcestershire. My interests progressed from there to catching as many fish in a day as I could, to wanting to catch bigger fish.
My first carp came from a local canal on floating crust over 20 years ago and weighed in at 2lb. The fight was like nothing else I had ever experienced and the spell was cast – my passion for carp had begun. The following year I set out to pursue carp on a local 20 acre gravel pit, where I caught many doubles and the largest fish in the lake graced my net twice in my second year.
I have now been angling for carp for 22 years cutting my teeth on 'doubles waters' in the Worcestershire area where I caught my first 20, moving on to the Guy Lakes Syndicate in Oxford, the Great Linford Lakes Complex where I caught my first 30. I have since caught over 40 UK thirties to a personal best weight of 38lb 14oz and am currently fishing The Carp Societies Farriers Lake.
I have a young family and a full time job so like many of you, I have limited angling time. For the last 8 years the majority of my angling has been on mid week work nights, where dedication to the cause has earned me a good number of fish that I otherwise would not have caught. I have earned a good reputation on the waters I have fished of catching more than my fair share of fish for the rod hours put in.
I have been using Mistral Baits for the last two years with outstanding success, catching on a variety of baits, predominantly from the Advanced Range, on every water that I have used them. I am able to fish with complete confidence, not having to worry about whether the bait is working, leaving me to concentrate on presenting a sensible rig in the right location.
I am a firm believer that application of a good quality bait is a key ingredient to success and am consequently proud to be associated with Mistral Baits.