Gaz Fareham explains why the Soft Boom Hinge aka 'The Cobra' is his go to rig - sharing his vast knowledge on the most effective set up to catch bites.
Question 12
I’m guessing by now Dinton was on the radar?
By this point I’d been offered my Dinton ticket a couple of times. I did actually have a Black Swan ticket a few years before, but with my twins being born and a business to run, I only managed a few nights. Obviously, Dinton has changed a bit now, but back then, you could afford to turn the ticket down, knowing full well you wouldn’t need to wait too long for another chance. After Wasing, I went to Lodge Lake, which ended in a very short campaign of about two weeks. I managed the two fish I really wanted, a big common which I had twice, and a really cool mirror known as Blackjack in four night’s fishing. Again, getting to the lake and baiting as often as I could. I had nowhere to fish after that, but luckily, back then, although I was still 48th on the waiting list for White Swan, a lot of people would turn the ticket down. Long story short, it wasn’t long before I was down at the Dinton office waving my money in Hilary’s face.
Question 12
I’m guessing by now Dinton was on the radar?
By this point I’d been offered my Dinton ticket a couple of times. I did actually have a Black Swan ticket a few years before, but with my twins being born and a business to run, I only managed a few nights. Obviously, Dinton has changed a bit now, but back then, you could afford to turn the ticket down, knowing full well you wouldn’t need to wait too long for another chance. After Wasing, I went to Lodge Lake, which ended in a very short campaign of about two weeks. I managed the two fish I really wanted, a big common which I had twice, and a really cool mirror known as Blackjack in four night’s fishing. Again, getting to the lake and baiting as often as I could. I had nowhere to fish after that, but luckily, back then, although I was still 48th on the waiting list for White Swan, a lot of people would turn the ticket down. Long story short, it wasn’t long before I was down at the Dinton office waving my money in Hilary’s face.
Question 13
You mentioned fishing Black Swan, but had you ever had a go on White prior to getting your ticket?
I had done a ‘guesty’ with Chris Beasley in March but had been walking it from February. As soon as I knew I had my ticket, I started spending the odd day down there. I remember a week before my ticket started, I was sat watching 40lb linears jumping clean out of the water. The day before I could start on there, I went for a walk and there were carp bonking out everywhere, typically the next day it was dead! That first week was horrendous, you wouldn’t think there was a fish in the lake.
Question 13
You mentioned fishing Black Swan, but had you ever had a go on White prior to getting your ticket?
I had done a ‘guesty’ with Chris Beasley in March but had been walking it from February. As soon as I knew I had my ticket, I started spending the odd day down there. I remember a week before my ticket started, I was sat watching 40lb linears jumping clean out of the water. The day before I could start on there, I went for a walk and there were carp bonking out everywhere, typically the next day it was dead! That first week was horrendous, you wouldn’t think there was a fish in the lake.
Question 14
They can definitely be moody fish.
They can be yeah. It did start to pick up later that week, but we had a big cold snap come in and I blanked that first trip. Unbelievably, after that I went on to catch every trip right up until my last couple.
Question 14
They can definitely be moody fish.
They can be yeah. It did start to pick up later that week, but we had a big cold snap come in and I blanked that first trip. Unbelievably, after that I went on to catch every trip right up until my last couple.
Question 15
I had heard whispers of your results on White Swan. What were you doing differently?
It was ridiculous really. Previous to getting my ticket, it had been doing bites, but mostly on zigs, which people were keeping ‘on the quiet’. I went on there for my second trip and decided I would try something which I’d done well on elsewhere and they responded to it. It was just good timing, I guess.
Question 15
I had heard whispers of your results on White Swan. What were you doing differently?
It was ridiculous really. Previous to getting my ticket, it had been doing bites, but mostly on zigs, which people were keeping ‘on the quiet’. I went on there for my second trip and decided I would try something which I’d done well on elsewhere and they responded to it. It was just good timing, I guess.
Question 16
So after that initial trip, how did it play out?
The next couple of trips, I was getting around the lake fishing singles and I’d had a couple of small ones. People were still nicking the odd fish on zigs but the weed was starting to get up and I knew they’d respond to bait. I think a big part of my success on White was the spots I’d present my bait over. They were often small spots which were created by the carp and not by anglers. I would spend so long leading about initially, that people thought I was mad. One particular trip, not long after the start of my ticket, I had been leading for what seemed like hours and had to have a break. I had seen fish there that morning, and although I did find some larger clearings, I wanted ‘that’ spot, something which felt like had been created naturally. After taking a break and going for a walk, I came back and carried on leading. There were a group of anglers gathered on the opposite bank, giving me grief and throwing their arms in the air. Eventually I found that smooth, silty spot I was after, just big enough to squeeze two rods on. I spodded out a good amount of bait and in total, with the lead work, this must have taken a good three hours. I could hear the jeering and laughter coming from the guys opposite. I sat down and couldn’t believe it when half an hour later, one of the rods tore off! I ended up having six over the two days. I knew the fish wanted to be in that zone and would come back to it regardless of me leading. I’m fairly sure if I’d settled on the more blatant spots, it would’ve been a completely different trip.
Question 16
So after that initial trip, how did it play out?
The next couple of trips, I was getting around the lake fishing singles and I’d had a couple of small ones. People were still nicking the odd fish on zigs but the weed was starting to get up and I knew they’d respond to bait. I think a big part of my success on White was the spots I’d present my bait over. They were often small spots which were created by the carp and not by anglers. I would spend so long leading about initially, that people thought I was mad. One particular trip, not long after the start of my ticket, I had been leading for what seemed like hours and had to have a break. I had seen fish there that morning, and although I did find some larger clearings, I wanted ‘that’ spot, something which felt like had been created naturally. After taking a break and going for a walk, I came back and carried on leading. There were a group of anglers gathered on the opposite bank, giving me grief and throwing their arms in the air. Eventually I found that smooth, silty spot I was after, just big enough to squeeze two rods on. I spodded out a good amount of bait and in total, with the lead work, this must have taken a good three hours. I could hear the jeering and laughter coming from the guys opposite. I sat down and couldn’t believe it when half an hour later, one of the rods tore off! I ended up having six over the two days. I knew the fish wanted to be in that zone and would come back to it regardless of me leading. I’m fairly sure if I’d settled on the more blatant spots, it would’ve been a completely different trip.
Question 17
I know from personal experience, it can get a bit intense on there, but you obviously didn’t let that get to you?
It can get intense yeah. There’s a lot of good anglers on there that are all after a handful of fish, some of them are only after one or two. Knowing that some of these fish only do one or two captures a season and sometimes less, adds to that intensity. But you just have to go in there and do your thing, if you let other anglers control your fishing, you’ll just end up hiding in a corner with no fish to go at. Get in the mix I say and just enjoy it. You don’t need to be an arse about it, but that’s just the nature of White Swan.
Question 17
I know from personal experience, it can get a bit intense on there, but you obviously didn’t let that get to you?
It can get intense yeah. There’s a lot of good anglers on there that are all after a handful of fish, some of them are only after one or two. Knowing that some of these fish only do one or two captures a season and sometimes less, adds to that intensity. But you just have to go in there and do your thing, if you let other anglers control your fishing, you’ll just end up hiding in a corner with no fish to go at. Get in the mix I say and just enjoy it. You don’t need to be an arse about it, but that’s just the nature of White Swan.
Question 18
Obviously a lot happened in that one year on White, but what were your stand-out captures or sessions from that season?
There were a couple of really special trips. The first being a crazy hit out of peg 65. I was actually in Disney Land Paris on a ride with my daughters that afternoon, then just before midnight that same day, I had Triple Row in my net. That was the first of some really special fish I had that trip. Although Triple Row was an absolute beast of a carp, at 49lb 10oz, and a new PB, the next bite blew me away. It was a fish known as ‘3D’ – a crazy looking carp; one which I didn’t even know existed. To this day it is still one of my favourite captures from White Swan. It just seemed liked one of those sessions though – I went on to have a few more fish including a mirror known as Two Tone and another mega one, the Box Common.
Question 18
Obviously a lot happened in that one year on White, but what were your stand-out captures or sessions from that season?
There were a couple of really special trips. The first being a crazy hit out of peg 65. I was actually in Disney Land Paris on a ride with my daughters that afternoon, then just before midnight that same day, I had Triple Row in my net. That was the first of some really special fish I had that trip. Although Triple Row was an absolute beast of a carp, at 49lb 10oz, and a new PB, the next bite blew me away. It was a fish known as ‘3D’ – a crazy looking carp; one which I didn’t even know existed. To this day it is still one of my favourite captures from White Swan. It just seemed liked one of those sessions though – I went on to have a few more fish including a mirror known as Two Tone and another mega one, the Box Common.
Question 19
What was the other stand-out session then? Surely that was going to take some beating!?
After that trip the fish started to spawn, so Simon closed the lakes for a month, like he does every year. I decided to use this time to prep a few swims, not just for the opening but for the remainder of the summer really. By picking a few swims, I could still get about the lake depending on the conditions. In theory, the spots wouldn’t blow as quickly, as I wouldn’t be fishing the same spot week in week out. It was hard work though, on one occasion I even roped Chris in to giving me a hand. With two Spombs going out, it got the job done a lot quicker. Cheers Chris! (laughing)
After the lake reopened, I took part in the draw and with a stroke of luck, came out second. I decided to fish a swim known as Harvey’s. Interestingly, this was the only spot which I had made through baiting as when I had first leaded about, I couldn’t find anything amongst the thick weed and almost gave up on it, but I still really fancied the area. By now though, the spot had been turned over by the fish and after a few trips the lead went down with a crack. That opening night, I ended up losing a good fish and then landed my second bite which was Jon’s Common, another one of the really special ones, and one that doesn’t do many captures. I actually caught it again 6 days later, from a spot I’d been baiting at the opposite end of the lake would you believe!
I was happy with how the baiting had worked, so kept these swims constantly topped up. A couple of weeks later, I remember being at work and was getting messages from the lads fishing, telling me I had to get there, as the fish had turned up in numbers on the end of a fresh wind. I arrived at the lake two days later and was told by a couple of mates that the fish had moved out of the zone and were down the other end, along with all the anglers. As I stood at the end of the lake, which was now empty of anglers, a good fish slid out not far from one of my baited spots. I was fairly sure I knew what carp it was; it was a good fish and was a distinct orange colour. I decided I’d fish there for my first night. As the evening wore on, I’d messaged a couple of close mates telling them what I’d seen, it went from being fairly sure of what fish it was to being 100% sure that it was ‘Son of Triple Row’. I remember getting a text from Scott Lloyd that read “Tick Tock”. He hadn’t been fishing White, but was coming back, so it was a little friendly competition, I guess. Like I say, you’re all after the same few fish really and he’s a capable angler. Anyway, I didn’t need to worry too much as the ‘Son of Triple Row’ was in my net a few hours later. Once again, I was just blown away. If I’m being honest, I’ve never been emotional when catching a carp, but that one had me. I think it was because I had seen shots of that carp before even getting a ticket and knew I wanted it – in that sense it was my first real target fish. I had joined for that carp and that was the first time I’d done that. That capture was my 30th fish from White, and in all, up until that point I had done 30 nights for 37 bites during the spring and summer. I did a couple of blanks trips afterwards but if I’m honest after the ‘Son’ I felt like I was done on there for the time being.
Question 19
What was the other stand-out session then? Surely that was going to take some beating!?
After that trip the fish started to spawn, so Simon closed the lakes for a month, like he does every year. I decided to use this time to prep a few swims, not just for the opening but for the remainder of the summer really. By picking a few swims, I could still get about the lake depending on the conditions. In theory, the spots wouldn’t blow as quickly, as I wouldn’t be fishing the same spot week in week out. It was hard work though, on one occasion I even roped Chris in to giving me a hand. With two Spombs going out, it got the job done a lot quicker. Cheers Chris! (laughing)
After the lake reopened, I took part in the draw and with a stroke of luck, came out second. I decided to fish a swim known as Harvey’s. Interestingly, this was the only spot which I had made through baiting as when I had first leaded about, I couldn’t find anything amongst the thick weed and almost gave up on it, but I still really fancied the area. By now though, the spot had been turned over by the fish and after a few trips the lead went down with a crack. That opening night, I ended up losing a good fish and then landed my second bite which was Jon’s Common, another one of the really special ones, and one that doesn’t do many captures. I actually caught it again 6 days later, from a spot I’d been baiting at the opposite end of the lake would you believe!
I was happy with how the baiting had worked, so kept these swims constantly topped up. A couple of weeks later, I remember being at work and was getting messages from the lads fishing, telling me I had to get there, as the fish had turned up in numbers on the end of a fresh wind. I arrived at the lake two days later and was told by a couple of mates that the fish had moved out of the zone and were down the other end, along with all the anglers. As I stood at the end of the lake, which was now empty of anglers, a good fish slid out not far from one of my baited spots. I was fairly sure I knew what carp it was; it was a good fish and was a distinct orange colour. I decided I’d fish there for my first night. As the evening wore on, I’d messaged a couple of close mates telling them what I’d seen, it went from being fairly sure of what fish it was to being 100% sure that it was ‘Son of Triple Row’. I remember getting a text from Scott Lloyd that read “Tick Tock”. He hadn’t been fishing White, but was coming back, so it was a little friendly competition, I guess. Like I say, you’re all after the same few fish really and he’s a capable angler. Anyway, I didn’t need to worry too much as the ‘Son of Triple Row’ was in my net a few hours later. Once again, I was just blown away. If I’m being honest, I’ve never been emotional when catching a carp, but that one had me. I think it was because I had seen shots of that carp before even getting a ticket and knew I wanted it – in that sense it was my first real target fish. I had joined for that carp and that was the first time I’d done that. That capture was my 30th fish from White, and in all, up until that point I had done 30 nights for 37 bites during the spring and summer. I did a couple of blanks trips afterwards but if I’m honest after the ‘Son’ I felt like I was done on there for the time being.
Question 20
Madness! I don’t think anyone would deny that’s pretty good going. I know there are a few others in there that you didn’t catch, so will you be returning anytime soon?
I’ll be back. I did have a little go last year for one of the others I really wanted and I’m fairly confident I lost it. If I was stood on the bank, I would have been 100% sure, as I would’ve seen it. But it was on its moon phase, in an area it likes, and it was a big fish. I was chest deep in water and it was so close to going in the net, but the hook pulled at the last minute! But yeah, I’ll definitely be back on White at some point.
Question 20
Madness! I don’t think anyone would deny that’s pretty good going. I know there are a few others in there that you didn’t catch, so will you be returning anytime soon?
I’ll be back. I did have a little go last year for one of the others I really wanted and I’m fairly confident I lost it. If I was stood on the bank, I would have been 100% sure, as I would’ve seen it. But it was on its moon phase, in an area it likes, and it was a big fish. I was chest deep in water and it was so close to going in the net, but the hook pulled at the last minute! But yeah, I’ll definitely be back on White at some point.
Question 21
I guess we’d be silly to not touch on Black Swan, seeing as we’re sat here now. How have you found it over here – it’s very different fishing is it not?
Completely, but I’ve been really enjoying it all the same. Fishing at range isn’t something I’ve done loads of, so that’s been fun at times. I had a really good year last year and caught some really nice fish, including a new PB and my first fifty, a fish known as the ‘Unknown’. Hopefully this year, one of those big linears will turn up!
Question 21
I guess we’d be silly to not touch on Black Swan, seeing as we’re sat here now. How have you found it over here – it’s very different fishing is it not?
Completely, but I’ve been really enjoying it all the same. Fishing at range isn’t something I’ve done loads of, so that’s been fun at times. I had a really good year last year and caught some really nice fish, including a new PB and my first fifty, a fish known as the ‘Unknown’. Hopefully this year, one of those big linears will turn up!
Question 22
Before we finish, I’ve noticed a similar thread throughout your angling and that is the amount of prep and effort you put in. How do you find the time with a young family and a business to run?
I just try to use my time wisely. I make sure I’ve always got plenty of my trusty ‘Low Rider’ rigs tied and plenty of quality bait in the freezer. I’ll often walk the lakes early in the mornings before work and bait on my lunch break, or between jobs. When I’m at work and it’s looking good for a bite, or there’s a certain moon phase I want to fish, I just make sure I get that work done. If that means working longer days to ensure 5 day’s work is finished in 3, then that’s what I’ll do. As for family, I’ll do a couple of nights a week, occasionally three, but only through spring and summer. The rest of the year is spent with them and that’s why I do it that way. I couldn’t do it for 12 months of the year. If I’m doing it properly, then I’m burnt out by autumn anyway!
Question 22
Before we finish, I’ve noticed a similar thread throughout your angling and that is the amount of prep and effort you put in. How do you find the time with a young family and a business to run?
I just try to use my time wisely. I make sure I’ve always got plenty of my trusty ‘Low Rider’ rigs tied and plenty of quality bait in the freezer. I’ll often walk the lakes early in the mornings before work and bait on my lunch break, or between jobs. When I’m at work and it’s looking good for a bite, or there’s a certain moon phase I want to fish, I just make sure I get that work done. If that means working longer days to ensure 5 day’s work is finished in 3, then that’s what I’ll do. As for family, I’ll do a couple of nights a week, occasionally three, but only through spring and summer. The rest of the year is spent with them and that’s why I do it that way. I couldn’t do it for 12 months of the year. If I’m doing it properly, then I’m burnt out by autumn anyway!