I never understand why anglers compare themself to others when they are catching carp and you are not.  There are many factors to take into consideration.

Firstly, the amount of time the other angler has had to walk around the lake – even a quick 30 minutes every other night can give a person a lot of information about the water.  If they can time it with the morning or evening show-time when the carp give themselves away.  This knowledge gained can be used for that one night a week trip they do and gets captures every time.  Don’t get me wrong and no disrespect to them.  My point is, if you’re only able to fish one night a week and don’t have the luxury or means to take a walk like the other person can, you’re clearly more likely to blank than the other person.  Therefore, comparing yourself with them is pointless.  Knowledge is a big factor in catching carp, but if you can only get eyes on the lake when you do you 1 night a week or fortnight etc, it’s going to be hard work and you will blank more than the person that takes those walks around.

You have to also consider when you arrive compared to others.  If you’re the first and get the opportunity to walk about at the right time every trip the fish are more likely to give themselves away.  The anglers who arrive at last light and half the swims are taken, you will struggle, don’t compare or worry that others are catching more.  You can learn from this and pick the area that’s never fished, find that perfect spot and start to bait that area and I can say that if it’s a quiet swim, the fish will go there, you never know, they may be there already!

Hot swims – are only hot because there is always someone in it.  The likely hood of them catching is increased by the hours the swim is fished and the constant supply of bait.  You need to create one of your own, keep it under your hat, and reap the rewards.  There’s a good chance that even if people spot fish in your area, 80% of anglers will still go to the hot swim regardless, simply because it’s free and there’s a chance to fish there.

It’s quite simple the anglers who live on the lake will gain more knowledge and more of an understanding than the once a month angler.  Unfortunately, we can only go when we can and that shouldn’t affect the way we view these people or their abilities.  Fishing can be compared to any sport, effort equals reward.  Just like say golf, the more you go – the better you become.  There will always be the exception to the rule and you have to expect that as well.

The point of my rumbling is… fish for yourself and only you, never compare, it’s just pointless and will demotivate you.  Enjoy fishing for what it is and remember why you started on this journey and relax enjoy the freedom, wildlife, nature, etc.

I only fish syndicates these days or if I fish a club lake it’s only in Winter times.  I just want to be free and at the moment with all that’s going on in the world, it helps my mind and keeps mental health on the straight and narrow.  Fishing is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable if it’s not then you are taking it way to seriously.  Effort does equal reward, but enjoy it, it shouldn’t be a burden on your life.  I used to think it was all about catching and to some respect it is, but it isn’t; enjoy your surroundings.  We should not forget how lucky we are, as a hobby (obsession) this takes us out onto the countryside and we see things that many don’t.  My best example is, how many people say to me that they have never seen a kingfisher or a shooting star, the list goes on.

I hope some people read this and understand it.  Your fishing may improve, but it’s good to remember it’s not about them, it’s about you.

Until my next rumblings!

Richard

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