It’s time to EVOLVE

TIME TO EVOLVE!

In my thirty plus years carp angling, like many of us, I have seen a massive evolution of end tackle components. The majority of it has been revolutionary and aided the capture of many a carp. But there is a reasonable proposition now that has become over engineered, and just gimmicky. There is only so many times you can reinvent the same wheel, right?

Carp angling for me is an addiction. As an addict, I am constantly processing thoughts and engineering ideas in my head on how I can outwit the carp. Since becoming a dad thirteen years ago, my preparation and attention to detail is significantly more important to me so I can maximise every minute from my next session on the bank.

We all know, building up knowledge, watercraft, good bait, weather and good ole lady luck all count towards a photo album of well-earned carp. But end tackle and the presentation of it, is a vital and key component. We all want every edge, to ultimately put those percentages and marginal gains in my favour.

In life, I am a ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ type of guy and I will only change or tweak things if I can see the obvious advantages staring straight at me. I have no problem changing things up, but that initial lightbulb needs to go off first. Like I said, my time on the bank is precious to me and I will only take calculated decisions with that invaluable time.

After six fantastic years representing Gardner Tackle, it was time to move on after seeing my closest friends Lewis and James both moving on. That period of my life, I will remember fondly but I was becoming inquisitive to explore what James was up to. I knew him well enough to know, for him to leave GT it must be for something special.

James slowly walked me through a pandora’s box (aka a cardboard box) of Evolves initial end tackle range and that lightbulb was bright. Not only could I see this was no gimmick, I could instantly see how those important percentages were going to aid my angling and derive end results. A shake of the hand and a sample pack of bits was entrusted in to my possession.

My rig presentation does and has varied over the last ten years while angling on waters such as Welly, Wasing, and a variety of RDAA waters. I do angle to the situation in front of me, but I have become a loyalist to the helicopter and inline drop off systems. I didn’t mind a lead clip, but I just didn’t historically favour it. All of my waters during this 10 year period have been very weedy so the versatility of the helicopter suits me.

I am currently in my second year on RDAA Farnham Flint. The 25 acre pit is divided up by an array of islands, bays and channels. Every swim offers different depths, distances and features. You could literally place a bait in so many carpy looking areas it’s crazy. Year two is always more productive than year one, for obvious reasons. Patterns in captures, fish habits and just general knowledge from lessons learnt.

My first session after the James handshake and a midweek play with the new Evolve bits, was the imminent weekend at the end of March. I was really keen to apply the new bits immediately, so opted for stiff hinges on the helicopter set up as I would be casting 100+ yards within the particular swim I opted for. The swim itself was caked in deep mud and my bivvy had to be positioned on a tiny peninsula to avoid the majority of the mud. But, I had seen two fish at range and had to endure it.

After a quiet night, kettle was on and the first coffee of the morning consumed. It was a lovely crisp morning, everything looking perfect. Then, a subtle roll, then another. Then another subtle roll and the odd liner. Then 7am’ish and my middle rod signalled a one toner. After a fairly brutal fight, I safely landed a beautiful scale perfect mirror at 35lb 2oz.

That was my first trip out for 6 weeks, and first this year back on to the 25 acre club lake. Not an abundance of carp in the lake, and first time out using Evolve Tackle. Absolutely buzzing and already brimming with confidence.

After I pushed pics of this special looking carp on the socials, it was suggested I enter it into RDAA fish of the month which I did go on to win. Martin Salter, former MP for Reading West, kindly presented me a nice plaque and a gift voucher which I donated to a friend’s cancer charity.

I am already loving being surrounded by likeminded, and just good humans. That is the DNA of Evolve Tackle and long may it continue.

Be lucky, Carl.