A look behind "The Green Gate"

This weekend I was very privileged to be able to spend time behind the famous, but little talked about, Green Gate. A veritable maze of pits, small, large, some very famous but all unique and all make up what is one of the most exciting fisheries I’ve ever been lucky enough to visit. There is something for everyone and the thing I liked the most was the camaraderie, passion and general way of life that these carpers show and enjoy. I’ve visited Yateley in the past and seen similar, another unique group of anglers who have a strong passion for a collection of waters local to them, although Yateley involved a lot more tea drinking. I almost felt a bit like Ross Kemp, the series where he visited various gangs around the country, these angling groups also have their own traits, their own uniqueness and that, I think, is very important. I just find myself lucky enough to have been able to taste the delights and meet the wonderful people, even fish a couple of those fabulous waters and catch my first Colne Valley carp.

It all started with Baity from the Carpy forum inviting me down to the valley for a guest session. I jumped at the chance and, little by little, word spread of my guest invitation and it gradually turned into a forum social. Not only would I be meeting for the first time people I’d only chatted to from behind a computer screen, I’d get to fish two of the glorious CV pits and spend time with passionate anglers who welcomed me into their realm. I met Baity on Friday afternoon who took me to the local Harefield Angling to purchase a ticket and stock up on a few bits I needed. I’m always amazed how little I leave tackle shops with but how much my bank balance gets dented. The shop used to be tiny but has expanded into a very impressive emporium of everything the angler could need. After a quick stop at the shop for milk we made our way to Pit 1 and the first leg of my CV journey.