What Is A Carp Fishing Syndicate? And How To Join One

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  • Carp Fishing Syndicates are becoming more popular than ever
  • Need advice on syndicates and fishing club comparisons? 
  • Find out more about what a syndicate is and how to join one

Fishing syndicates started in the 1980s and are becoming more popular every year. Anglers can join a syndicate allowing exclusive access to fish-specific lakes or rivers.

Upon application, potential members are interviewed, and once accepted, they are granted access to fishing the syndicate for a yearly fee.

Most syndicate waters are mainly targeted for carp fishing and, to a lesser extent, other species such as pike, tench, and barbel.

What Is A Carp Syndicate?

A carp syndicate is an exclusive members-only fishing venue. The quantity of members in a syndicate varies but is capped to a ratio of the number of pegs of the specific water. This number usually varies between 20 and 100 for most syndicates. 

In the majority of cases, they are rented venue/s from a landowner for a specific number of years or alternatively owned by the syndicate owner.

These fishing venues are predominantly lakes. Certain groups include a few river stretches, but these are not very common.

Many promote their own stocking of carp, which include carp varieties such as common, mirror, leather, and grass carp.

Why Do Anglers Join Syndicates?

The main reason anglers join is to catch their personal best carp (PB). These anglers are sometimes referred to as specialist anglers.

Typically most groups would have their largest fish well above 40 lbs to attract the members to join. However, the quantity of fish over 30 lbs is another factor. Another main point is that these carp are originally UK-born fish, not imported from overseas.

Syndicates are not an exclusive “club”. There is some stigma around syndicates and their members. The main reason is jealousy from others, usually because of the long waiting list and the difficulty of becoming a member. It also helps significantly if you know a member already in the syndicate, which gives it a somewhat “gifted feel” to be a member.

There is little purpose for joining if your trip is only a 6-hour weekly affair on the bank. This is for those who spend 24 to 48 hours (sometimes a week) on the lakes and are pretty dedicated anglers!

Syndicate Advantages And Disadvantages

Being a syndicate member does have many advantages.

They offer a lot more than just big fish, the venues are much more safe and secure. While you are fishing, you can relax and fish in peaceful surroundings.

Syndicate lakes and surroundings are well maintained and managed to very high standards.

Advantages:

  • Be less expensive than day ticket waters
  • The quality of the fish will be much greater
  • The chance of catching your PB!
  • Have far fewer members
  • A close-knit relationship with fellow members
  • Fished less often, giving less stress on the fish 
  • They will be around for many years, due to long-term agreements with the owner
  • Kept clean and tidy
  • Much more privacy
  • Secure and safer
  • An opportunity to be involved with the running of the syndicate 

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than joining a fishing club
  • Lack of fishing in different venues and locations
  • Not meeting other anglers
  • Fewer opportunities to learn different methods and styles
  • Potentially catching the same fish  

Tip: Try to check the number of members versus the number of venue pegs available. This will indicate that the syndicate is not overloaded and you are guaranteed a fishing spot.

How Do I Join A Carp Syndicate?

Most syndicates have their own website or social media page where you can fill in a contact form to express interest in joining.

Once completed you are most likely to have an interview and be asked various questions on carp, your equipment, and fish care. This is to assess your knowledge and skill level.

Typically, even after passing the interview, it is likely to have a long waiting list. Some that I know have 2 or 3 years of waiting time! And for some of the best ones, you will find that even the waiting list is closed due to high demand!

For example, their websites quite often have a message on their joining page such as this comment on waiting lists:

“We have over 180 people on the waiting list and have closed it for the foreseeable future. We don’t envisage the list moving very quickly and even those at the bottom are unlikely to ever get a ticket.”

Usually, the interview process is a simple and honest assessment of you. For most syndicate owners it’s not about how good you are as an angler, it’s how you contribute to the group. Being respectable to the fish and also the other members play an important role also.

It can be difficult to join as a member sometimes, especially if you don’t know anybody already on the syndicate. In most cases, I would suggest applying for two or three syndicates and seeing which one accepts you first.

How Much Does It Cost To Be A Syndicate Member?

The cost ranges vastly depending on the size and type of fish stocked in the lake. Secondly, basic supply and demand drive the cost structure.

Midweek-only fishing tickets are cheaper than choosing full year-round access memberships, but not all will offer this option. Some will offer various numbers of lakes, and others greater exclusivity. In most cases, the average yearly membership is likely to be a minimum of 500 pounds and as much as 1500 pounds. 

What Are The Fishing Rules In A Syndicate? 

Pretty long in many cases!

Generally, the list is exhaustive and far more rigid than a day ticket waters or general fishing. All the general fish care requirements are a must but using specific types of line, hooks, baits, and rigs is almost always highly regulated and non-negotiable.

Rules vary at each syndicate. Some other rules may include the following: 

Where Are The Well-Known Carp Syndicates?

Below are a few links to some well-known syndicates in the UK.

Embryo Angling – around twenty locations, mainly in the home counties and midlands. One of the largest groups of syndicate waters in the UK.

CWA Fisheries – four locations in the Berkshire, Hampshire, areas.

XL Carp – three locations known as Fryerning fisheries in Essex.

Chilham Mill Estate – carp and fly fishing based in Kent.

Essex Carp Syndicates – four locations in the heart of Essex.

RH Fisheries – five locations based in Shropshire.

Arrow Meadow Fishery – eight lakes in five Locations around the Midlands.

Final Thoughts

I have never been a syndicate member but they do hold a place in fishing. As an alternative to a day ticket or a club membership, they are a great option for some serious anglers.

They offer anglers the opportunity of a lifetime to catch their dream fish in safe and beautiful surroundings.

Please remember that even at syndicate venues, anglers must hold a valid Environment Agency Licence.

If this article was helpful, take a look at this relevant article on What is an Angling Club? And how to join one is an excellent option for those unable to join a syndicate.

Steve Fitzjohn