Guesting, shhhh - Pt 1

Every year as the close season approaches on many of the big name syndicate waters, many of you will be looking for somewhere to angle during the spring, and as many waters will be rammed out with the fair weather anglers, decisions have to be made, do you rough it with the hoards on a busy day ticket water, or find some peace on an inland ocean that only gives you a slight chance of a fish?

There is an alternative, "Guesting". "Guesting" is the correct terminology, not "Poaching" as some people call it, poachers steal fish, mainly salmon, but other species too. People who go guesting, go for the fun and challenge of, sneaking onto a lake after dark, and creeping away as the sun rises in the morning, a thrill that can only be matched by the buzz you used to get from a "Chase" as a kid.

These days the number of waters suited for this type of angling are limited, but sailing clubs and water sports lakes are my favourites, they offer some un-fished water with the un-known stock, just what you need to add to the thrill. This guesting lark is not just about the fishing, it's about the planning too.

Things to think about when looking for a "Guesting water":-

Location, you need somewhere to park, not too close to the venue (otherwise it might draw attention to yourself), and this parking area needs to be close enough to the lake's better fishing areas, so you don't have a 2 mile hike each way.

Swim choice, this is crucial, you need to have a swim tucked away in the bushes, off the main path, but also somewhere away from marker buoys and anchor ropes (if there are boats on the lake). Cutting holes in the bankside foliage with just enough room for you rods to poke through!! If you can find somewhere that has a southerly or south westerly wind blowing into it, you could be on to a winner.

A partner, you need one of these, it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable, plus it's an extra set of ears and eyes, looking for fish and lake owners / security. Plus, they stop you oversleeping in the morning, and can take the pictures of your catch (if you get one).

A few other handy hints, travel light, split the essential items between the 2 of you, 1 mat, 1 camera, 1 set of scales etc. this means you have lees equipment on show, less to carry round and less to pack up quickly should you get rumbled. Also, use old tackle, if your fishing a lake that has a 6' brick shit house for an owner, who hates anglers, you may need to leave most of your kit behind and give it legs. You don't want to be leaving your Amorphous's and Tournaments for him to take home!!

Take a few visits to the place before you plan to fish, find out what time the gates are closed, who is the keyholder and what car do they drive (so you know what to look for in the morning). Check for an escape route (just in case). And also this will give you an idea of the areas the fish show in after the boats have gone away. If your approached during your "recce" missions, say your walking your dog, and it ran onto their land, just wander around calling "Fido" and then leave sharpish. It's also worth stashing some bait at the lake, and maybe some tea gear, this way you limit the amount you carry with you each trip.

Remember, leave no litter, try to limit the number of people who know exactly where you are fishing (you don't need visitors), and don't get caught. Items of tackle worth having :- Flame proof lighter (no flicking of flint in the darkness). Camo Bedchair cover (no need for a brolly, plus it makes you blend in more). Camo Netting (stashed in bushes, and put up only when your there). Insulation tape (to put over the speaker covers of your buzzers, to limit the noise). Camo Duck Tape (if in doubt, cover it with duck tape).

The rewards are there, it takes some hard work, but when that LED comes on in the middle of the night, there could be an un-caught 30 on the other end???

Alan Cooper

Next week - Part 2 - Guesting Tales