Adios Amigo

wanderer · Feb 16, 2016

Right lads, i have put this thread on a carp orientated website, but i am a specimen angler by nature and not a carp specialist, so my multi species guys on here, i have much more in common with, so i wish to ask you the same question. When is it time to call it a day on a certain venue, is it when you have caught the biggest declared fish, or do you remain with that sneaking suspicion that something bigger may be concealed in the depths, or is it like me, you fish elsewhere but you just love the venue, tell me your thoughts guys.

Derek Gibson · Feb 16, 2016

Over the years there have been several waters that have captivated me, a love affair if you will. But even though the said waters have rewarded me with some outrageous fish, there comes a time when one ''must move on''.

The determining factor for me has always been repeat captures. Once these reach an unacceptable level ''it's'' time to go. Other than that it would be the arrival of the ''circus'', beginning with the occasional face and culminating in very short order with the entire troupe.

In angling nothing seems to corrupt more than the lust for big fish.

barbelboi · Feb 16, 2016

Like Derek, 'Over the years there have been several waters that have captivated me' but you seem to get to know when it's time to move on to a new challange...............

Peter Jacobs · Feb 16, 2016

Totally agree with both Jerry and Derek; when a venue is no longer a challenge or if it has lost its' magic for me then it is time to move on . . . . .

Lord Paul of Sheffield · Feb 16, 2016

there will always be a couple of places I'll keep going back to but then there are other places I've fish and have no interest in fishing again - the reasons are various - a nice places ruined by the arrival of a group of idiots that began fishing there - they were friendly enough but left rubbish everywhere, moved swims several times in a session and always with much noise and fuss

another place I've not fished for a couple of year was a small pond that was rumoured to hold a 2lb rudd - after nothing but stunted one I gave up

peterjg · Feb 16, 2016

I used to fish a lake for carp. I fished it hard for around 13 years doing literally hundreds of nights on there. It was a beautiful, secure place with some very big carp. However; although I had not caught all of the carp I had had enough (eventually).

I moved away in 2013 and, what with my growing interest in roach, don't miss the lake at all. A new challenge, discovering and exploring new lakes, rivers and canals is enthralling.

Ray Daywalker Clarke · Feb 16, 2016

I have two venues I have fished for 48 years, and there is always a surprise, they are rivers.

As for still waters, I like to move between a few each year. I get to set up for 2 or 3 day sessions targeting the species I want to catch from the venue. There are those that i like to fish for the odd day, just because i like the surroundings, they are out the way and very peaceful

Bob Hornegold · Feb 16, 2016

I have fished the Lea Valley for over 60ty years, I will never get fed up with it and along the way I have caught some decent fish.

The species does not bother me, the term Specimen Hunter covers for me every species, including Carp.

There seems to nowadays be a categorisation of different disciplines, it's nonsense, the only thing a Real Specimen Hunter wants do is catch specimen fish of any species.

I have fished for all Coarse species and have loved every minute of it, be that Carp, Tench, Pike, Eel's, Catfish, Perch, Chub, Barbel Roach, Rudd, Dace and Bream.

The venue matters little, it's the species that count and putting a title to yourself limits you enormously which seems a great shame to me.

The founding Father of Specimen fishing, Richard Walker, would no more call himself a Carp Angler than any other type of single species angler !!

Bob

Keith M · Feb 16, 2016

When I find myself just going through the motions and no longer enjoying myself as much as I used to do there, because the magic it used to have on me has started to wane; that's when it's time to move on to fresh challenges and scenery.

Keith

chub_on_the_block · Feb 16, 2016

Good question Wanderer...it almost gets to the core of "why do you go fishing". At least the follow on bit of "how do you choose where to go" bit.

I tend not to focus too heavily on one water at the exclusion of all others - i find it gets a bit stale. Once i feel i have cracked it to some extent I will move on - but i will usually go back maybe years later. This can be disappointing, like seeing an old friend who has maybe lost his sense of humour or taken up golf.

robtherake · Feb 16, 2016

It depends on the place; some waters have a magnetic appeal that has little to do with big bags or personal bests. I do feel, though, that the mind's eye paints a prettier picture of the past from time to time and that our memories aren't as reliable as we like to think. Many times I've returned to old stomping grounds to find that the essence that captivated has leaked away. Of course, it never helps if the crowd has found the place or there has been some sort of vandalism disguised as progress.

terry m · Feb 17, 2016

'Tis a great question.

I echo what others have said about sometimes you know when to move on. Strangely this has never happened on a decent sized river. I am convinced that I will go to my grave well before uncovering all of the secrets that the Avon, Stour or Frome have to reveal.

Stillwaters are more of a known quantity.

wanderer · Feb 17, 2016

The mystery of the river, i get that big time, never somewhere i will leave, good luck my friend.

Graham Elliott 1 · Feb 17, 2016

After so many years in the Thames Valley the last couple of years have been a revelation.

Trent, Test, Itchen, Warks Avon, Hants Avon, Stour, Frome, Wye.

Mainly having a good rest from the barbel as well.

Tomorrow; Builth Wells for the Grayling. Too long spent on rivers I loved, sometimes going through the motions.

New ones to discover. Re-invigorated.

Graham

steve2 · Feb 17, 2016

I gave up on my regular Pike water because of too many repeat captures. Even if some were over 20lbs. My new water as got me wondering should I go back to the easy life, I have only caught 4 fish in 8 trips but I know they are in there somewhere so I will stick at it.

slaphead · Feb 17, 2016

Because of walking difficulties, my choice of waters is limited.

However, as long as I can find a nice spot, I'm happy.

Adios Amigo

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