|
|
|
|
|
|
Murston near Sittingbourne was the first water I seriously fished for carp. When we moved down from London in 1966 I had only ever fished one or two waters - mostly The Hampton Court Longwater, Bushy Park. I began by fishing for Bream and Tench and was fortunate to meet (my now lifelong friends) Mick Whitehead, Peter Bethune, Roger Goodger, and Ian Bruce. These four really showed me how to fish and I owe them a great deal, for it was they who set me on the road to catching bigger fish. I met Roger, Peter, and Mick one miserable stormy night at one of Murston's Three Lakes; it was my first attempt at night-fishing and I had gone equipped with only a groundsheet and my father's 'city gent' umbrella to fend off the elements. When they found me, crouched under a bush in the middle of the night, soaked to the skin and close to tears it was the seminal moment of my fishing career for from that moment on I not only found out how to catch fish - I had discovered true and lasting friends.
Sunset at Murston, Sittingbourne Murston had three lakes at that time all of which held carp although it was only the Second Lake which had any kind of reputation for them. Prior to my fishing there Roy Parfitt of Gillingham, fishing with his friend Dr.Rex Elgood were the only ones who had ever caught carp. I had been night-fishing the Second Lake with Peter, Roger, and Mick and we had caught a fair number of Bream and Tench and also one or two reasonable Rudd. As was my habit I decided to make my last cast an experimental affair and baited with a huge piece of breadcrust which I cast as far out as I could - right into the centre of the lake. This had been in position only fifteen minutes or so before a screaming take (and 'churning' reel) nearly dragged the rod into the water! I managed to hook the fish - but nearly had apoplexy when it charged off like a mad bull...... Unfortunately this fish was lost but it did inspire me to take up carp fishing and from that moment on I have rarely fished for anything else.
23 lbs. 12 ozs. carp, Murston, 1979 Murston was a pit which had been excavated for its Blue Clay, used in the production of bricks by a local brickworks. Heavily reeded and very muddy, it still produces carp to this day but has suffered greatly at the hands of the local council (and it has to be said, an inept controlling fishing club) who decided to ignore the fact that the place was a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and establish a Gypsy Site nearby. I have at odd times re-visited the lakes and been appalled at what I have found; formerly a calm, peaceful and attractive environment, it is now a dirty, rubbish-strewn tip of a place - old burnt-out cars, broken bedsteads and the dross of a dysfunctional community have completely ruined what for me was a haven. When I think of how it used to be it makes me want to cry...........................
|
