Daiwa Sports Ltd

How lucky can you be, I've had so many memorable moments, I'm having trouble deciding. August 2007 and a trip to Etang Meunier near Limoges takes some beating. I had 42 fish, with 15 of them over the 40lb mark and two over fifty. Going back in time a bit I can remember Martyn and I having a fabulous trip to Etang de la Horre in central France where we both had Pbs, in the same session, or a stunning mid twenty pike from a Yorkshire gravel pit, on a still, frosty, winters morning comes to mind. A large perch from Lincolnshire, caught as the sun was setting, or the near fifty pound carp caught for the Discovery TV cameras when filming an episode of Carp Crew 2.
I was very lucky to be fishing the Norfolk Broads during the 60s. Some of the Bream and Pike fishing on the Broads was out of this world, as was the Cod fishing from Caister and Great Yarmouth North Beach.
Strange as it might seem, the fish I would probably nominate as my most memorable is far from being the biggest I have ever caught. I always wanted to catch a carp in the snow, and my chance came about four years ago. I managed to get to the lake, Messingham Sands, very slowly and carefully. I was the only one there, and half the lake was frozen over. Having made the trip I decided to stay and fish. As the day wore on it got colder and the rest of the lake started to freeze over. I sat there knowing it was a race against time. Would I get a take before my lines were frozen in. With about an hour to go I got my take. It shot off under the ice, sending ripples all over the lake, my net was frozen to the ground, it was total panic.
I really wanted that fish. I stood in the margins, frantically trying to play the fish back into open water and free my net at the same time. It all came good and I had my carp in the snow, a nice double. In minus temperatures, I was damp with sweat, but as the camera clicked it was a real magic, never to be forgotten, moment.

Rods: My rod choice is the Infinity Magnum 2.75 tc, I don't usually go for the heavier test curve rods, finding the responsiveness of the 2.75 tc suits me better than the heavier models.

Reels: I like the Basia's for their smooth clutch and lightness.

Accessories: My main luggage is a mix of the Infinity Carryall and the Mission Rucksack. Sensor line is on the majority of my spools. The 12lb and 15lb are my usual carp lines. I cannot remember one occasion over many years when they have let me down.

Two really.
1) I love carp fishing on the surface (Floater fishing). The chance to see fish responding to my baiting tactics, often very close up, and then presenting a bait without spooking them is a great way to fish. I've had some really exciting session fishing on the surface. Not always for the biggest fish in the world, it's much more about peace and quiet, and being at one with the countryside. That moment when you watch the carp move to your bait, the slurp as it goes in, and the explosive swirl of spray as the fish realizes it has made a mistake and bolts for freedom never fails to get the adrenaline going.
2) At the other end of the scale I also love long session fishing abroad, particularly France. This gives me the opportunity to plan a baiting strategy, and build the swim up. It's particularly rewarding when you know you are getting it right, the fishing comes good, and you have several days in front of you.