Angling Articles 

Happy New Year from all of us at Summit Tackle 🎣

We hope 2026 is off to a cracking start and that the new season already has you dreaming of tight lines and unforgettable sessions on the bank. As we ease into the year ahead, we’re kicking things off by handing the pen to team member Sam, who’s sharing the story of his epic final angling adventure of 2025. 

Sam Walton- What an end to a fantastic year! 

Before the year was out I wanted to put my skills to the test during winter on my beautiful Estate Lake syndicate. Working in education it was the annual ‘Christmas half term’ so I had a few spare nights to my advantage. Breaking up on the Friday mid-day was great as I could get to the lake just before dark. I have found over the years that last light can be a great time to locate carp. I always spend time watching the water to see if I can spot anything to target. Sadly, nothing gave itself away so I decided to fish an area with a touch of deeper water. The lake is shallow but there are a few zones that are slightly deeper and that is where I started. 

I decided to put all my eggs in one basket and fish 3 rods on a spot. Maybe not my usual tactics but I did this because I have learned from experiences on this lake that the fish group up and go around together so I thought with the cold snap arriving having all 3 rods together could be effective if they turned up. The spot was clean enough for 2 rigs so I deployed 2 on the bottom and a naked chod just off the side. 6 spombs of small bits over the spot and I was fishing. I decided to fish one rig just off the side of this baited area as I have had great success with picking up bigger fish in that location. Is this because the wary old carp maybe feel safer feeding in these areas? The night passed uneventfully with nothing to show for my efforts. I woke up multiple times during the night to listen out and look for activity but nothing materialised. I remember putting 3 spombs of bait over the spot just as first light broke just to make sure there was food out there for the morning period. 

Just as I was beginning to think bite time had been and gone the middle rod burst into life and I was greeted with my first carp of the session. The rod was clipped up and back on the spot. Now normally after having a bite you would think to get some more bait out there but I decided not to because I thought there could be another chance from these 2 rods. Suddenly the naked chod on the side of the spot was away, I lifted into it and I was playing my second carp of the session. A few moments went by and there they were, 2 beautiful carp to my name. I took a few snaps of them and decided to send them on their way. 

What a great start to the trip and one I was thoroughly enjoying . So I guess the story continues… The remaining day passed motionless in true winter fashion but I was over the moon to have been successful. Everything was ready for the second night ahead. With the action slowing, I took a lot of time to ensure everything was prepared, new rigs tied and fresh bait ready. It was a case of just clicking repeat! One thing I did change on the second night was the amount of bait I added. I decided to go with 10 spombs instead of 6, this was to try and prolong any feeding that was happening over the area.

3am and my alarm buzzed into life. The middle rod again produced the bite which was a confidence booster for the spot. Although it was a small fish it added more fuel to the fire. I remember not casting the rod back out as it was pitch black and i was more than happy with just 2 out there. Unfortunately, nothing else happened apart from a few hours of sleep. My phone alarm woke me and the kettle was lit. Typically just as the morning brew was made the naked chod on the edge of the spot was away. I then couldn't believe it when the bobbin hit the blank on the remaining rod. Both rods away at the same time! I just had to stay calm and get one in at a time, it’s very easy to panic in this situation when you’re fishing alone but from my experience, I feel it’s best just take your time and do one at a time and not pick up both rods. This is a fantastic example of why fishing rods close together can result in multiple bites. My camera was set up and put in place to photograph 2 beautiful winter carp. 
( pics attached ).

I came to the conclusion that I was going to pack up after catching 5 stunning Estate lake carp. Catching 5 at any time of the year is a great success but to do it in the middle of December is the reason I don't hang the rods up - quiet banks and carp at good weights is what drives me In winter. My motivation was high to return after Christmas and I did just that!

I had one last night before the new year, to end the year with something special under my belt. I had a feeling that if I could get back in the same area I was in a couple weeks prior, I had a great chance of catching one and that was all I wanted, just one last 2025 carp. Temperatures dropped to nearly 0 degrees and I was left wondering, but these are the moments where fortune favours the brave and boy did it! What came next was special.

First light broke, the kettle was roaring and 2 or 3 beeps later, the bobbin I was sat watching lifted. Excitement grew as I was playing what felt like a dead weight, the carp didn’t seem to do much. I started to think it was a big ball of weed on the line. Thankfully as it got closer I realised it was a ball of weed but with a big tail emerging from it. Once netted I started to pull the weed apart to reveal my prize. Pulling the weed off the line was like opening a Chrstmas present all over again! It just got better and better. All I could see were huge scales and the fish blew my mind. I just didn’t expect to catch such a historic original estate lake carp at that moment. In the bottom of my landing net was one of the lake's gems and a truly special 35lb fully scaled mirror. Unfortunately, as I was on my own I didn’t feel it was right to keep hold of the fish for a long period of time to try get perfect self takes so I decided to take a short clip of the moment. Link here Instagram ( samwa1ton ). I cherished the moment and took it all in. The next morning I awoke to -3 temperatures and a frozen lake which signalled the end of my 2025 fishing adventure. 

What a way to end 2025, roll on 2026!

Don't forget to follow @summittackle across social media platforms, as well as, Sam @samwa1ton to keep up with all his angling adventures!

Sam's tried and true kit!

Team member Sam’s angling kit reflects a no-nonsense approach built around strength, precision, and reliability on the bank. At the core of his setup is the SS - Thumb Lock Colosseum Bank Stick, giving him rock-solid stability and quick adjustment no matter the terrain. This is paired with the SS - Colosseum Butt Rest, which securely cradles the rod while allowing smooth pick-ups when a take materialises. To complete the setup, Sam relies on the SS - Colosseum ADJ Bobbin Kit, offering clear, adjustable bite indication that keeps him fully in tune with what’s happening in the swim. It’s a compact but confidence-inspiring selection of kit that Sam trusts session after session—shop his kit here.

SS - Thumb Lock Colosseum Bank Stick https://www.summittackle.com/products/colosseum-bank-stick-thumb-lock?_pos=2&_psq=thumb+lo&_ss=e&_v=1.0

SS - Colosseum Butt Rest https://www.summittackle.com/products/copy-of-summittackle-colosseum-stainless-butt-rest-24mm?_pos=1&_psq=butt&_ss=e&_v=1.0 

SS - Colosseum ADJ Bobbin Kit https://www.summittackle.com/products/colosseum-bobbin-kit?_pos=1&_psq=bobbin&_ss=e&_v=1.0