In relation to sound, noise is not necessarily random. Sounds, particularly loud ones that disturb people or make it difficult to hear wanted sounds, are noise. For example, conversations of other people may be called ‘noise’ by those not involved; any unwanted sound is always, noise. Carp hate noise - period. Carp are not dolphins. We can’t train them to jump through hoops, or to swim with children, they have no more intelligence than any other species of the same evolutionary group. I know that I have just alienated myself but bear with me! Carp have excellent hearing and a heightened sixth sense for danger, brought about by a million or two years of evolution. The carps a- fore mentioned capacity to detect sound is the main factor in your blank sessions; and is the carp’s main weapon-carp hear you when you are on the water. The science Sound travels faster in liquids than in gases because molecules are more tightly packed together. In fresh water, sound waves travel at 1,482 meters per second (about 3,315 mph). That's well over 4 times faster than in air! Several water-dwelling animals rely upon sound waves to communicate with other animals and to locate food and obstacles. The reason that they are able to effectively use this method of communication over long distances is that sound travels so much faster in water, carp use sound extensively. This ability is made possible in carp by the ‘Weberian bone structure’ which is unique to the Carp species. The Weberian apparatus functions by transmitting auditory signals straight from the gas bladder, through the Weberian ossicles and then

straight into the labyrinth structures of the inner ear. The structure essentially acts as an amplifier of sound waves that would otherwise be only slightly perceivable by the inner ear structure alone. With the added function of the swim bladder as a resonating chamber, signals are amplified to noticeable levels giving Carp excellent hearing. The next time you’re on the water, smashing the granny out of it with your marker, crashing around in the margins or spodding like it’s going out of fashion, remember- you have just given yourself away! There are several factors which when combined will help you blank, but its noise which is the most important factor to consider when you’re out chasing big carp. Before bait, rigs, flavours and the latest tackle, noise is the most important. Location is a contender for the top spot, but its noise that will end your session before it has started if you are not very careful. Avoid it, and people who produce it at all costs! Avoiding the noise: The noisy club is made up of carp forum commentators for the most part. Bait testers, flavour tasters, the advance party, syndicate hopefuls, magazine addicts, gurus and part- time industry experts make up the rest of the club. They can be found on every water in country; promoting their latest ‘wonder bait’ with its ‘active’ this and ‘attractive’ that. As a Carp angler, you need to set up in area away from this club, in an area that affords you some silence if possible. It’s gonna be difficult, simply entering through the gates of any new water will be daunting enough for you, and the unwanted noise, the bedlam of splashes and crashes, the hue and cries, and the irritating, inarticulate, hum is hard to get away from. But try to escape the noise at any cost if you can, and your catch rate will increase dramatically. On the subject of bait, I’m lucky enough to live with a scientist; she has tested most of the bait available on the market for me. I can report her findings with confidence; there is no miracle bait and no magical ingredients! However some bait is structured and built with good fundamental science. The difference between a crap bait and carp bait ain’t rocket science my friend! In conclusion, there is no magic bullet- no short cuts. It takes time, effort and knowledge to catch carp consistently. Catching big carp requires a determined, structured approach mixed with the wisdom gained from years of experience. Time on the water, a carp bait and good location is vital. But it’s making sense of the noise that will give you a real edge on any water, Good luck and tight lines TT