Not a CarpChip app user — a microchipping-only story

Ashby Ville Syndicate: how microchipping changed stock management for a 27-acre syndicate

The background

Ashby Ville is an established 27-acre specimen carp syndicate in North Lincolnshire, managing a carefully developed stock of approaching 100 carp, including fish into the upper 30 lb bracket. The syndicate started working with CarpChip in early 2026 on the microchipping process and its suitability, and we worked closely with the committee to help and support their plans.

A committee of five took over the lease of a local lake they had fished for nearly 40 years. The lake itself had never really been managed and, over the years, had been treated as a passing thoroughfare for other fisheries. The carp locally moved around a lot, and that was always at the back of their minds when they took over the lease.

They started progressing the upkeep, turned it into a syndicate, and — with a lot of man hours and effort — managed to get a good membership base of people they trusted. Then it was time to look at the stock. Their original thoughts were around 80 fish, so they used every penny earned into restocking and a baiting programme.

Why they looked at microchipping

When they looked at the baiting programme, the committee were not fishery managers and did not have a lot of knowledge on quantities. While doing research they came across microchipping.

They felt that not only might chipping work as a deterrent to fish stealing, but it would also be a great way of knowing if the food they were putting in every week was doing harm or good. There was trepidation amongst the bailiffs and the committee, but after walking through the process and giving clear instructions it went very smoothly indeed. The first time was daunting, but it really was easy and the fish did not react, which they were all pleased about.

How they record catches today

The syndicate keeps a simple Excel spreadsheet to record captures, including weight gains, repeat captures and the chip numbers. They take pictures of both sides of the fish, stick labels on the spreadsheet and send them to a WhatsApp group dedicated to chipping. The information is then gathered and presented to the committee in their meetings.

Identification is easy with the numbers: they keep a dedicated file on Facebook that shows the chip number, weight and pictures of the fish. This is open to all members on the private group so they can check which fish they caught and when it was last caught.

Currently they have five people trained and competent in chipping — it is that easy. They all carry a set and chips and can be called any time. The recording and distribution to the committee is perfect as it helps them do a weekly catch report for members so they know how the lake is fishing.

What they have gained from microchipping

• Permanent identification for every carp — new stock is chipped on introduction
• Members actively report any carp that has not been chipped
• Repeat captures can be weighed against history, so any weight loss triggers immediate action
• Better understanding of which pegs are fishing well and which are not, so baiting can be adjusted
• A managed, carefully developed stock the committee can account for fish by fish

“The reservations some of the lads had have disappeared and the members are happy with it now too, and actively call us if they catch a carp that’s not been chipped. Luckily we haven’t seen any weight losses from repeat captures, but if we do then the chipping will enable us to act immediately and plan a course of action for rectification.”

What is next for Ashby Ville

The syndicate is planning a netting in the near future, which will enable them to carry out a mass chipping programme. They are also chipping any additional stock they introduce.