As I covered at the end of Part 1, writing is a great way to make a good first impression when trying to get into a carp fishing syndicate as it gives you the opportunity to get down all your good points. If you’re not great at it, ask a friend or family member to read it once you’ve finished it and don’t be afraid to ask for a bit of help.
So, what do you need to get across? A syndicate leader is basically looking for somebody of good character who will;
- get along well with existing members
- put in some graft to keep the place looking nice
- not live on the water tying up swims
- respect and look after the stock
- always do their utmost to promote good angling and etiquette on the bank
It’s vitally important to remember that good manners cost nothing; make sure you don’t come across as ‘the big I am’. Be humble and doors are much more likely to open. As such, don’t just say you want a place and ask how to get one… instead, word it to ask how you could go about being potentially considered for a place – often it’s not what you ask – it’s the way that you ask that counts!
Tell the person a bit about yourself. Why are you looking to join a syndicate? If it’s because you want to fish for quality stock in relaxed surroundings with likeminded anglers – then say so! This would make you the same kind of person as the rest of the members and it’s all about letting them know how well you would fit in. If you work, tell them a bit about what you do. If you have family tell them a bit about that, too. You may not think it, but such things can make all the difference. From my perspective as a syndicate leader, if the person has a job, spouse and family, then I know they’re living a busy life with other responsibilities, which in turn means they’re not going to be camping on my syndicate lake 24/7!
Being up for a bit of graft is also a big plus. If you’ve been involved with helping out on other waters in the past, say so. It all helps to build a picture. There’s nothing worse than having a member who’s not prepared to do their share. Back when I was trying to get into syndicates I always used to offer help, irrespective of getting a place on the syndicate. It helps to show that you don’t expect something for nothing. I once managed to get onto a syndicate where I knew nobody, by constantly asking if I could come along and help on work parties. Syndicate leaders are often in need of a bit of labour and it’s a great way to meet some of the other members to try and gauge how well you’d fit in. I offered my services four times over the year and worked my backside off on each occasion. I did my best to get along with the existing members on each work party, without going overboard, and low and behold, I got accepted for a place the following year – despite there being many more people above me on the waiting list. I later found out that the syndicate leader had put a different one of his most trusted members with me on each of the work parties in order that they could all see what I was about and report back. Going the extra mile paid off!
Once you’ve made your contact, be patient, but also try to think one step ahead. The more you can stay in contact with them – without stalking them – the better your chances, as each contact you make gives them the opportunity to get to know you a bit more.
Make sure you join us for the final part as I highlight the different kinds approaches made to me; from the poor right through to those which tick all the boxes from the outset, which in turn will allow you to formulate the perfect first impression.
Julian Grattidge
February 2013
