How do you get into a syndicate?

[kermit]

I was mulling things over the other day and became curious as to how one goes about joining a syndicate in this day and age?

Firstly (before all the complaints start!) this thread is not about me trying to join any syndicates. I am more than happy with the club waters I have access to and I'm not scrounging for details of any syndicates (be they in Cheshire, Essex, the Queen's back garden or on Jupiter!). I am just curious as to how people have managed it and whether it is as 'secret squirrel' as some would have you believe?

So, are syndicates publicised in the angling press/websites? (I've not seen many on the web and don't read the magazines). Or is it a case of knowing the right people, having the right contacts and practicing special handshakes? Or is it a far simpler approach than some would have you believe and readily available to the average carp angler prepared to research venues and ask nicely?

With regards to syndicates and in the tradition of Cadbury's Creme Egg adverts: "How do you do it*?"

Mike.

*being as vague as you like with the syndicate details!

[Cheshire Set]

Mike, I feel I am fairly well placed to answer your question, there are very few (if any?) syndicates in this area that can be accessed by simply asking nicely or writing off and waiting I am afraid, though I cant speak for those down south.
There are people on this and other forums that dont like to be told this but the fact is to join a good syndicate in this area you need to be known by several of the existing membership, and your reputation needs to be that of a conscientious and dare I say it 'time-served' carp angler. Its a comfort factor for both those running and fishing the waters in question.

[ThunderCat]

From my experience ( i used to be in a trout fly only syndicate water) its just about being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people. It "can" be a bit secret squirrel depending on the quality of fishing available i've found. With the top notch syndicate venues the places get snapped up lightening quick ! and they tend to go to friends of members so to speak, maybe you could find advetisements up for lesser quality places, i'm sure i've seen some around somewhere.

[Julian Grattidge]

Undoubtedly there is a case for getting to know people who are already in, or are involved with running a syndicate, but even that’s no guarantee. Much better to just go about your business, be polite, courteous and considerate to others you come into contact with, and in time, the chances are the opportunities will come and find you.

I’ve been in a number of syndicates over the years; some I got into by being in the right place at the right time, some through being proposed or referenced by friends (or those I’ve struck up friendships with on the bank), and some I’ve done my homework on and pestered them to death with my enthusiasm until they’ve let me in!

I don’t think there’s any one way that will work every time, however, effort on the part of the would be syndicate member will rarely be wasted.

I have seen several syndicate places advertised over recent years, as well as being asked if I know of any suitable people for those in the process of setting one up. Some do have website too, you just have to find them! Just a case of keeping your ear to the ground really. For example, I know somebody who is starting a couple of syndicates near to me at the moment. He has a clean sheet for potential applicants, and whilst I know he will be totally rigid in selecting those he feels are right for his waters, it just shows that they are not always tied up by friends, associates, and those in the know.

J

[Stig]

At the start of what these days is a long road to obtaining membership to a syndicate the best tips i can give you and they are

1) Politeness

2) Good manners

Keep those 2 at the top of your list and sooner or later you will obtain your membership

[aphplumb12]

iam in an open syndicate you pay your money any time and your in your ticket lasts 12months from when you join.but most other syndicates you either get on a waiting list for a thew years or get a recomendation from someone you know who fishes the syndicate.either way it can be hard im 6 months into a two year waiting list for a popular nw clubthen its wether they offer you a ticket

[Chesh]

just to add my own tuppence worth... as the old saying goes... "its not what you know but who you know "

esepcially with some of the hush hush syndicates.... you may get a few PM's etc.. .about them on here. i know i have sent a couple to a few guyys and they have given me info etc... on who to get in touch with etc... you scratch my back etc..

no harm in asking a few questions matey, get your face known or even better go to work parties on other lakes.. talk of the town usually when theres few people around etc..

[Teddy Lad]

It seems to me that alot of the syndicates ive veiwed and wished joining, the applicants seem to be chosen by the amount of money they are willing to donate. How wrong is that! In an ideal world it would jus be first come first served an its a true fact that alot of these syndicaes (no names mentioned) Like to have who they know an who is eligible not first come first served!! Just lately i joined a certain syndicates website and as soon as i started askin questions, my profile was removed from the website an i cannot get in. SAD!!

[Hotshot]

Blame the idiots mate, no decent syndicate wants people who have no angling etiquette, upsetting other members and such, or people who could lose the water for them by leaving litter, gates open, cutting fences or trees, so they rarely take the risk of letting in a new lad who no one knows.
Cant blame them really when you see what goes on, on club waters.
A proper syndicate has a minimum of members who are vetted, a minimum of rules and a cost that covers the lease and the general up keep of the lake, not to make people rich.
A "syndicate" where by you just hand over your dosh if a place is available or you get the address, write off, when you name comes up your in, is not a syndicate, its just called that because its sounds better than an "open to all season ticket" which in reality is what it is.
The waters that im a member of "invite" you to re-join each year, your place is not a certainty, its a get out clause, a subtle way of saying if we let in a bad apple by deception or you mess up through the season you wont be welcome the following year, they are not a clique, just well run with the fish, surroundings and anglers peace and pleasure first and foremost. They baliff themselves as every angler is like minded and experienced. Many waters are like this, these are the ones you want to join as they are a real privilage to fish, but as has been said, you do need to know current members or at least be able to provide references from other reputable syndicate leaders, something that has certainly helped me, if you have 15 years experience or more and fished around, why not aplly for the BCSG, that can aslo help your cause to some degree.

[Teddy Lad]

You know what fella youve just made me think from another point of veiw, if i was a member of a lake quiet an such a privilidge to fish i doubt id want an "bad apples" joining so yes i knw where they are coming from , stupid to never think of it like that really!!

And as for the bscg , me being only 19 i dont think that would secure me a membership!
The reply would be insufficent expiereince i can see it now haha!!

[Hotshot]

if i was a member of a lake quiet an such a privilidge to fish i doubt id want an "bad apples" joining so yes i knw where they are coming from

Thats the fair way of looking at it mate, put the boot on the other foot so to speak. If its any consolation its only in the last 6/7 years that doors have opened for me, once you get in one decent water, you get to know the other lads, who are usualy in other syndicates, who as you fish with them will be "sussing you out" who then may well give you the address of their water and will vouch for you, before you know it you are offered that ticket too......and so the ball begins to roll, thats how it works. The only trouble is, is getting on the ladder and then affording them all because some come quicker than you would like but you usualy only get the offer once, so I rarely turn them down.
A golden rule, is if you have to ask for the address, you have very little chance of getting in, wait to be offered is the best policy.

[Teddy Lad]

^^^^ Yer i Know what you mean! Nice one. As long as the list is im going to jump on the wyreside syndicate its the only one i know and like you said get talkin to the lads.i dont do so bad on the other waters up their! Nver really bothered with wyre an bamtons!!

Originally Posted by Hotshot

if i was a member of a lake quiet an such a privilidge to fish i doubt id want an "bad apples" joining so yes i knw where they are coming from

Thats the fair way of looking at it mate, put the boot on the other foot so to speak. If its any consolation its only in the last 6/7 years that doors have opened for me, once you get in one decent water, you get to know the other lads, who are usualy in other syndicates, who as you fish with them will be "sussing you out" who then may well give you the address of their water and will vouch for you, before you know it you are offered that ticket too......and so the ball begins to roll, thats how it works. The only trouble is, is getting on the ladder and then affording them all because some come quicker than you would like but you usualy only get the offer once, so I rarely turn them down.
A golden rule, is if you have to ask for the address, you have very little chance of getting in, wait to be offered is the best policy.

well said m8 totally agree with you