Following some welcome debate and questions regarding the carp syndicate at Ravensthorpe we have collated some questions and answers.
Please also refer to the carp syndicate rules (available on our website) for further information or forward any additional questions to fishing@anglianwater.co.uk
Q. Is the carp syndicate a trial?
A. The carp syndicate at Ravensthorpe is not a trial. We have been aware that there is a head of carp in Ravensthorpe for many years. Over the past couple of years we have surveyed the water and we now know there are a significant number in the water. The carp are growing in size and last year were on average 25-28lb. There are some bigger carp also in the water, the largest known being 38.12lb although there may be bigger.
Q. Were the carp stocked?
A. We (Anglian Water)did not stock any carp in Ravensthorpe but believe carp have been put in the water many years ago. If the carp syndicate is successful and we feel in the future that we need to stock some more carp this is something which we could potentially do. We stock carp into some of our other waters so have reputable suppliers in this area.
Q. Will Ravensthorpe be policed 24/7?
A. There is currently a Ranger on duty at Ravensthorpe from 7.30am until dusk. This will not change when the syndicate is introduced. We chose to limit the syndicate to 30 members as we have found this works really well for self-policing on our other syndicate waters. The syndicate members will be paying a premium so will themselves be very protective over the water. There will be systems in place to report any rule breaking or poaching. The syndicate members will all be invited to events prior to the session starting so they are fully briefed on the rules. This will also enable the carp anglers to become familiar with each other and also give us the opportunity to discuss etiquette when fishing with other users groups present including fly and predator anglers and walkers.
Q. How will you prevent trout being caught?
A. As per the rules (available on our website)the baits allowed at Ravensthorpe are limited to prevent trout feeding on them. The minimum size of the boilies is 18mm. This has been tested on the water and no trout took these baits at this size.
Q. Will the carp anglers have to use fishing platforms?
A. The carp anglers will be able to use the fishing platforms currently in situ at Ravensthorpe. They will also be able to use the small half of the reservoir which is currently out of bounds for trout or predator anglers. We are planning on creating some swims in this area so carp anglers can use this area especially if the main body of water is busy with trout or predator anglers. From our survey we found that the small half of the reservoir is where the carp tend to frequent during certain times of the year so we are expecting this to be a popular area for the carp anglers.
Q. Can the carp anglers use the fishing boats?
A. Carp anglers are welcome to use our boats if they wish(at the same hire prices as for trout or predator anglers). We imagine that carp anglers may wish to assess the depths and look for under water structures rather than fishing from a boat but we will gauge the interest in boat fishing.
Q. Will there be a limit on the number of carp anglers allowed to fish each day?
A. No, there wont be a limit. From experience5% of course syndicate members are on a water at any one time so this would be on average 1-2anglers a day based on a syndicate of 30 members.
Q. What happens if a carp angler targets trout or a trout angler targets carp?
A. The rules for trout anglers have not changed. If a trout angler catches a carp/pike/perch/bream etc from any of our waters we would expect that the fish is carefully returned to the water. We would not however allow trout or predator anglers to target the carp or vice versa.
Q. What bait is permitted?
A. The following bait is permitted at Ravensthorpe Water for carp syndicate members:Boilies (18mm minimum)Particles (fully prepared)Trout pellets, nuts or any other form of bait is strictly not permitted
Q. Will spodding be allowed?
A. Bait boats and spodding are not permitted.
Q. How far will a carp angler be allowed to cast?
A. Whilst the water is open to boat anglers from 8am until dusk (approx.) carp syndicate members must consider where they are casting their lines. Boats must stay 50 metres from a bank angler so carp anglers are not permitted to cast further than 50 metres when boats are in the area. When there are no boats on the reservoir or at night the casting length is unlimited.
Q. Will there be any change to stocking of trout at Ravensthorpe?
A. No, we are not planning on changing the way we stock Ravensthorpe with trout. Please refer to our stocking policy on our website for more information.
Q. Is this the start of any method fishing at Ravensthorpe?
A. We are not planning on introducing any method fishing at Ravensthorpe. Understandably anglers are concerned about introducing a carp syndicate particularly as Ravensthorpe holds a long history of fly fishing for trout. Having a syndicate of 30 carp members on the water will actually help us police the water as we have found at Hollowell and Taverham Mill. We are deliberately not opening the water up to day carp fishing in order to preserve the water and fish stocks.
Q. Is the introduction of a carp syndicate an income making initiative?
A. This year our trout suppliers increased their prices by 25%. This was on the back of a 9% increase last year and probably further increases in future years. All our other costs such as engine hire, fuel, resourcing has also increased in line with inflation this year at around 10%. We have worked closely with all our local clubs over the past six months to communicate the increasing cost pressures and to understand their views around what they would like to see at the fisheries whilst continuing to be sustainable. For the 2023/24 season we have increased our day and season permit prices (not by 25% I am pleased to say) and held our boat prices (at Rutland, Grafham and Pitsford) but we have had to make some changes to either increase our revenue or make efficiencies to subsidise our increasing costs. Along with stocking a larger number of 750g trout rather than 900g trout the carp syndicate was discussed with the clubs to understand anglers views. We are extremely passionate about our fisheries and are driven to make sure they remain sustainable. This means that sometimes we have to make difficult decisions. The carp syndicate will bring in welcome revenue particularly to Ravensthorpe. We have had quite a lot of interest so far from anglers, many who fly fish for trout as well as carp fish. As you can imagine anglers with a keen interest in fly fishing and carp fishing would be ideal syndicate members at Ravensthorpe.
AW Fisheries Team