Hardy & Greys - Alnwick, England

More Fun Off The Top!

"It's well-known that the older I get, the less I like to do dull in my fishing. That's why I'll always go for the most entertaining techniques that I think will work on any given day. So that's why Carp on crust absolutely float my boat.

"I thought I knew pretty much everything there was to know about the method but long-time friend Ian Miller taught me a thing or two. We fished with the same gear - the Hardy Marksman Avon 11'6' rod is hard to beat for the job - but this time had wives, girlfriends and a young spaniel on board as well.

"Initially we struggled. The Carp were inquisitive but spooky. It wasn't until Ian put on a couple of truly massive pieces of crust with the hooks totally hidden inside pressed on flake that the take developed. After that, it was pretty well a fish a chuck - or at least three fish before we decided that enough was enough. But what beautiful Carp they were. And caught in the best company on THE most fun of methods.

"We fish for fun and great tackle can enhance that fun massively. That's where the Hardy Marksman range of rods comes into the equation. I find when I'm using these rods, my own ‘fun' level rockets. You just get more satisfaction out of using great gear."