Catch Reports
The Black Mirror
Posted in Catch Reports on 04th July 2008‘Brief statement by Mike Willmott’
"As many of my friends and customers have been aware, for the past 4-years I have been concentrating my efforts on to a large Berkshire gravel pit in pursuit of what many anglers believe to be the ultimate challenge in carp fishing – the elusive but magnificent Black Mirror.
At 7.15am on July 5th 2008, after clocking up literally tens of thousands of miles travelling back and forth to the venue, coupled with an enormous amount of sacrifices in my personal life, I finally managed to reach out and touch my dream by landing the great fish at a weight of 52lb 10oz.
It was an incredible journey with some exceptional tales attached. Perhaps one day these might just be told but this is not the time or the place, and in respect for the lake, its inhabitants and those still pursuing their goal in life, I have decided against publicising this fish within any magazines.
I would however like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who has supported me throughout my campaign and given me the encouragement and inspiration to succeed. Special thanks go out to my family and friends, but I would also like to thank E.S.P, Daiwa and Dymag Specialist Tackle for supporting me with their excellent range of products, also, Dave Gawthorn for providing photography assistance at such short notice and Saul Gardiner for his technical assistance".
Images protected by Copyright © Essential Products 2008
Bag 'n' Stick Mixes
Team Essential member Wayne Lindsey with one of two 40lb+ commons caught within a week by increasing attraction levels in his baited area.
Since the publication of numerous articles on PVA stick mix presentations, the use of dedicated mixes to facilitate for this style of fishing have become very popular indeed. The main principle behind this type of presentation is being able to place your hook bait smack bang in the middle of a concentrated parcel of food.
In many ways, it's the perfect way to achieve absolute pin point bait presentation around your baited rig, and there are times when it can be an absolutely deadly method. This type of presentation can often lead to an extra bite or two when perhaps single hook baits or stringers fail to achieve the desired results. The extra attraction of tiny particles breaking down around your hook bait will send out a cloud of food that will not only provide a bigger visual target for the fish to see, but will also send out effective food signals into the surrounding water.
