Meet The Team

Who are the Northern Monkeys and what are they all about? Good question really; the original Northern Monkeys were founder committee members of the Excalibur AC Carp Syndicate. The Syndicate was formed back in 1994 to run carp angling on Blackwood Pool; the small club water still controlled by Excalibur. Founder Members involved in the syndicate included; Shaun Docksey, Darren Docksey, Dave Miller, Shaun Lawlor, Darren Deakin, Julian Grattidge, Paul Smith, Chris Knapper, and Martin Johnson. Over the last twelve years most of these members have been fishing together on carp waters up and down the country in pursuit of ... [full story]

Julian Grattidge is never happier than when fishing the banks of Capesthorne Top Pool, which he ranks as one of the finest carp waters in the country - and he should know! Julian once edited a 780 page ‘where to fish’ book in association with Angling Times. Editing the book meant travelling all over the UK to view waters for inclusion in the book, many of which he was lucky enough to get the opportunity to fish! Julian now works for www.AnglersNet.co.uk, the UK’s leading ‘all discipline’ angling website. Julian’s work on the site involves reviewing products, writing articles, and ... [full story]

Stoke based angler, Chris Knapper, has become a familiar face on a number regional big fish waters over the last few years since taking up the sport after meeting up with fellow Northern-Monkeys members on Blackwood Pool. Chris has become a highly accomplished angler in his own right possessing a deep understanding of watercraft and strategic angling; skills which have seen him bank a number of specimens from waters including; Capesthorne Top Pool, Birch Grove and countless lumps from his local water, The Swamp.   Chris is an active member amongst local clubs and currently holds a Committee position within Excalibur ... [full story]

Rich Gillett, Aka ‘Chesh’ joined the rest of the Northern-Monkeys team fishing the Top Pool during the 2004/5 season. Rich currently resides in Crewe but originally hales from the West Midlands. Rich has spent time on a number of regional waters over the last few years and recently joined the hallowed ranks among the Blackwood ‘Massive’. Rich has banked no small amount of specimens over the years and once formed part of the successful ‘Five C’s’ Carp Syndicate on Anglers Paradise. Rich has also been doing a bit of travelling to Yateley and more recently, Blue Pool. [full story]

Paul Smith, affectionately known as ‘Miffer’ to all his friends. Miffer is effectively the ‘daddy’ when it comes to all things monkey, and his presence on the bank is guaranteed to raise the mood during any session. Paul is Excalibur AC Chairman and holds tickets for several other regional waters. Although Paul has banked thirty pound carp from venues such as Redesmere, he still rates his favorite water as Birch Grove; scene of some memorable adventures over the years. Miffer with a nice Birch Grove lump. [full story]

With Julian winding-down operations on the Top Pool, it would appear Phil Wain, aka ‘Phil Highlander’ has taken up the vacant post of ‘site furniture’. Phil made the Top Pool his main target during 2005 and banked a couple of stunners along the way - no doubt many more will follow. Phil is a highly accomplished angler with many impressive captures under his belt and recently completed a mammoth ‘Boothsmere Uncut’ series covering his time on the north-west mere during 2003/4 which will soon be featured in the articles section. [full story]

Nige Weston, aka ‘Blank’ is the latest edition to the team, and what he may lack in years, he certainly makes up for with enthusiasm! Nige has been a familiar face on the website for some time now and after banking his first UK twenty back in 2005 followed up with the capture of a cracking Redesmere common during the opening week, it would seem we couldn’t deny him a place in the team any longer! Nige works behind the scenes with Julian running the Northern-Monkeys website and has also written a number of articles covering his exploits on a ... [full story]

Shaun Docksey, aka ‘Captain Flash’ is an experienced all-rounder with an impressive list of PB’s for most coarse species. In past years Shaun spent a great deal of time successfully fishing the regional match circuit, but now spends any available time pursuing specimen carp. Shaun is without doubt the joker of the group, always there with a witty comeback and never failing to wind-up anybody stupid enough to fall into his trap!  Captain Flash with a Birch Grove common [full story]

Steve Baker has been a keen angler since the age of eleven and has banked some impressive specimens along the way. Steve spends quite a bit of time travelling around from water to water and holds a number of club and syndicate tickets. Steve recently joined SOTAS and hopes to get amongst some Capesthorne specimens when time permits. Steve was one of the fist members to sign up with the Northern-Monkeys forum and has helped many members with his extensive knowledge of regional waters. [full story]

The gallery below displays some of the fish taken by NM regulars. If you would like to read about the tactics and methods used in the capture of some of the fish below, visit the articles section. They don't come much better than this! 23lb of golden common for Julian Grattidge - Sep 2005 Julian Grattidge with a 17lb 8oz common - Sep 2005 Julian Grattidge with a mint 21lb 2oz common - Sep 2005 Julian Grattidge with 21lb 4oz mirror - Sep 2005 Julian returns a mint 20lb common - Sep 2005 Julian with stunning fully ... [full story]