Elliott Gray

Lakes Rigs Carp Advanced

Elliott Gray reflects on his first spring on Burghfield where strength in his tackle was of the upmost of importance, where he was fishing for one of the hardest fighting fish in history.

One thing you realise very quickly when fishing the likes of Burghfield, is the necessity for strong kit. Never have I fished a lake before where the thought of hooking your target fish terrifies you. Many will have heard the stories of the epic battles endured whilst attached to what is undoubtedly the greatest carp that swims in the UK today, and they’re nothing short of incredible. In my head I’ve prepared myself but I doubt anything will really prepare you for that moment if you’re ever lucky enough to put a hook in that fish. One thing’s for sure, all hell is going to break loose.

The mighty yet dating Burghfield.

Burghfield boasts problems at almost every angle, whether it’s buoys, snags, islands or weed, the chances are you’ll have at least one of those to deal with, and usually two or three of them! Often, you’re fishing at range too, which only adds to issues the above can cause. In a nutshell, you have to think about a lot more than just hooking the carp, landing them is never going to be easy.

With all this in mind, I went in heavy from the outset and haven’t changed yet. I’ve been an avid user of Sub Braid since the very first batch we received at Korda way back when, so that was my first choice in terms of main line. Not only is it bomb proof, but it’s ideal for achieving the right bite indication should I fish long. Attached to that I’ve been using long, 50lb Sinking Arma Kord leaders and then to that, 8ft of leadless leader. So, from the rod to the rig it’s really strong stuff. It has to be.

Strong tackle is absolutely paramount.

I didn’t change much in terms of the rigs, opting for my usual, which is pretty beefy anyway; size 4 Wide Gape X’s in the Kamakura variety and 20lb N-Trap. I have absolute faith in both of these and that’s so important on a pit like this.

The trusted rigs.

The fishing has been quite varied, as it often is in the spring and I’ve caught fish both out the weed and over clean gravel. The spring was fun with fish to upper 40 but the summer has been a bit of a grueler but I’m loving it so far and hopefully, the next bite isn’t too far away.