SUPPORTING THE TRUST

It’s been a busy few weeks at Baitworks HQ but one date in the diary that myself and Mark were looking forward to was a 24 hour session, here in the Cotswolds with a chap called Graham Backhurst. We’d pledged this session to the @angling_trust auction as a thank you for all the great work they do to protect our beloved pastime. Money was raised for a great cause and Graham arrived on Monday with a big smile and a bucket load of enthusiasm. Firstly the water in question isn’t easy and nothing is a given, plus trips like this do come with a slice of added pressure, we really wanted this to go well. After a slow lap and a good chat we’d located some feeding activity and it was game on. Ten minutes later Graham had a rod in position. No leading, no spombs, just a little 12mm Heat with a pinch of Pro-Flow crumb gently lowered close to the coloured water, good angling. After only ten minutes Graham endured a battle to remember and as I waded out I could see a heavily platted mirror twisting and turning in the crystal clear water before I engulfed it into the net. What a start, what a carp, all 35lb of it. This quick bite set the tone for the rest of the trip. Graham went on to land another 4 lovely carp, some stalked inches from the bank as big floppy tails waved away, while others were caught behind rods after the perfect anglers dawn. The trip was incredible on all levels, I did the pizza and cold cider run as the sunset, we put the world to rights around a fire and the carp kept coming. Graham was one of life’s good guys and this trip simply reminded me that embracing other peoples success is a good as catching them yourself. Thanks again Graham you made this trip one to remember and thanks once again to the AT for the relentless work they do for all anglers and our waterways. IT-works.