r ne ls Gard o spo m ur e fro o y n up w li Fill h ne t wi
HOOK PATTERNS EXPLAINED Are you selecting the right tool for the job?
craftyc
arper.c o
No.201 May 2014
May 2014 | Issue 201 | £4.10
ARE SINGLES OVERRATED?
17 or und er? your chan Don’t miss ce to ente the bigge r st junior ca rp match in th e UK
Ian Chillcott gives his opinion on the single hookbait approach
Entry form inside
WHICH CHOD? Get Crafty... GET CATCHING!
Find out the difference between naked and leadcore versions
INSTANT ATTRACTION
TACTICAL BAITING craftycarper.co
Darren Belton on how to feed for success on a variety of waters
Tie the Perfect D-Rig Learn the skills you need inside...
On sale April 23rd – May 21st 2014
Leon Bartropp reveals how using liquids can boost your catch rate
PLUS SHAUN HARRISON TIM PAISLEY IAIN MACMILLAN TEAM SOLAR JULIAN CUNDIFF DAVE LANE 001_Cover_CC201.indd 2
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Crafty Carper /// Issue 201 /// May 2014 /// www.craftycarper.co On the cover: Ian ‘Chilly’ Chillcott shows that giving ‘em some bait really does pay off.
CRAFTY COLUMNISTS
7
Editorial James Turner
Editor James looks at what’s in store for you
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49
hookbait approach, so we let him have a little
for his first feature of 2014 he’s looking at
rant to tell us what he really thinks about
hook patterns. Ever wondered which hook is
them – although he has caught using them!
perfect for which rig? Mitch will tell you.
No Single Solution Ian Chillcott
Chilly really doesn’t like to use a single
in this issue of Crafty Carper as spring is
All You Need To Know About…
blossoming, and you can also see what the
Hook Patterns Mitch Smith
lads have been up to over the last month.
Big Mitch is back in the pages of Crafty, and
123
Diary of an Everyday Carp Angler Julian Cundiff
The man who never sleeps has, as ever, been working hard, playing hard, and fishing even harder. If you’ve ever thought you haven’t got time to fish, see how Jules goes about it. OUT AND ABOUT
114
Hot Holiday Venue – Cretelakes
This month we take a look at a complex across the Channel which seems to be producing some awesome captures. If you’re on the lookout for a quality holiday venue, then look no further. INTERACTIVE
31
Crafty Catch Column This is the place to get your catch
pictures published, so send them in to us, and you’re in with the chance of a great prize from us here at Crafty. All the runnersup will also receive a goody bag.
74
The Question Is This month’s carping conundrums
are answered by our panel of experts. If you get your question answered you’ll be receiving a cracking prize delivered straight to your door.
60
British Young Carpers’ Angling Championship
Are you under 17? Want the chance to become the British Young Carpers’ Angling champion? If the answer is yes to both, then head to page 60 to find out how to enter.
59
Gardner Competition We’ve got over £400 worth of main
line to give away from those lovely guys at Gardner Tackle. It’s the time of year when you need to be respooling your reels, and it’s all here to win.
116
Subscribe
69
85
The D-Rig has become very
to your door. This month we’re offering
not just a case of throwing in
popular, but every now and
an awesome Zig-fishing package from the
as much as possible before
then you see something a
guys at Nash, and we’ll also show you how
you start angling. Darren looks
little different from the norm.
to use it.
at how to bait for a variety of
This month Marcus reveals his
different waters and situations.
version of the Balanced D.
Tactical Baiting Darren Belton
When it comes to baiting, it’s
The Balanced D-Rig Marcus Howarth
Fed up of going to the
newsagents? Let us deliver Crafty straight
120
Inbox We’ve got all the latest news
from around the carping world so you can keep up to date with what’s been going on.
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Contents /// May 2014
9
130
Five-Minute Interrogation
FEATURES
Jakub Vágner
The Knowledge Dave Lane It’s the second part of our series with
Another angler is in the interrogation hot seat, and this time it’s our friend Jakub who gets grilled.
Dave Lane, who imparts his knowledge
However, I don’t think we’re anywhere near as scary
and reveals how he has utilised his
as some of the fish he usually catches.
experience over the last month.
14
CARP FOOD The Day-Session Approach Shaun Harrison
After a very successful day session with Shaun in the last issue, we got him to look at how he
63
Carp Food Here you’ll find the latest and greatest
products of carp cuisine that are on the shelves of a
approaches short sessions and manages to get
tackle shop near you, as well as an offering from Joe
more than one net wet in the process.
Turnbull as he looks at the more natural approach.
23
67
My Favourite Liquids Leon Bartropp When it comes to utilising liquids to
good effect in your angling, there’s one person
Carp Food Special – Simply Baits We got hold of a selection of freshly rolled
boilies from the guys at Simply Baits to give them
who does it a lot. We asked Leon to give us the
a proper inspection. Find out what we think on
inside information on his favourites.
page 67.
26
CARPERS’ KIT
The Great Crafty Debate This month’s panel of experts give their
opinion on how they think the mild winter we’ve had will affect the fish and the fishing for the rest of the year.
43
Carpers’ Kit We take a look at some of the best
products that are new to the shops, and give you the low-down on what’s hot and what’s not. Plus
Naked vs Leadcore Iain Macmillan
the Crafty Team give you their essential items this
Chods are written about all too often,
month.
but how many times have you seen a full comparison from an angler who utilises a naked one and a leadcore Chod for two totally different reasons? An interesting read from Ting Tong.
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109
In Focus – Nash Heading off to France this year and
want to live in luxury? Or do you just like the finer things in life on the banks in the UK? Read our
Crafty Carper Under-21s
review of the Nash Double Top Big D Bivvy – it’s
2013 BYCAC champion Tom Kerr checks
epic.
in with his monthly blog, and there’s also a story from Max Leggett who went in search of a couple of monsters. Overnighters rule!
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111
In Focus – Fox With spring showers being the order
of the day up and down the country at this time of
Moving The Goalposts Tim Paisley
the year, you won’t want to get caught out in the
If you like Tim’s writing you’re in for a
rain. This review for the new Fox Rain Suit may just
treat because he hits the pages of Crafty again. This month Tim looks at the re-examination process, as well as his findings on glaçons whilst fishing in France.
100
be of interest to you.
113
In Focus – Taska Being able to drop the lead while
fishing a Chod can have huge advantages, so this
Ten Top Tips Solar Team
month we take a look at the Taska Chod Release
We’re always looking for ways of
System. Not only that, we got Mark Hogg to give us
helping you up your catch rate, and this month
the details of putting it through its paces before it
the Solar Team have put together their ten top
was produced.
tips to help you catch more carp next time you’re out on the bank.
129
Mega Deals If you’re up for a bargain then you’ll
103
definitely want to turn to page 129 to check
Day Ticket Answers
out our Mega Deals. We have some of the best
Tom Morrison
offers from the country’s leading retailers.
Tom heads off to a busy day ticket water to help you make the most of your day ticket angling. They can be a true minefield, so take heed and give yourself the best chance possible.
Crafty Carper 004-005_Conts_CC201.indd 2
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TACTICS.
The Day-Session Approach After a very successful day session spent shooting a feature with Shaun Harrison for issue 200, we got him to outline how he achieves so much success in such a short space of time.
D
uring February I had a
on the quiet I had caught a few over
photo shoot booked with
the past few weeks. I’d managed
editor James; after writing
to go unnoticed, despite not seeing
in the very first edition of Crafty Carper, I had been asked if I would
another fish caught whilst there. I returned home and logged on to
contribute to the 200th edition,
all the weather report sites I could
17 years on from my first article.
think of. The next day everyone was
After checking what I had written
forecasting warm weather – well,
the first time around, it seemed fitting
warm for February. I’d been receiving
to talk about rigs because I still use
a little action but never felt as though
ones very similar to what I mentioned
I had got the location sorted, but with
all those years ago. I have been writing
the way the weather was turning I
regularly for various magazines for
was sure there would be a few fish
over 25 years now and usually do all
starting to congregate in the slightly
the writing and photography myself,
shallower water out of the wind.
but I must admit it takes me a while to
The following morning I walked the
get close-up macro shots sorted on my
dog and had a leisurely drive to the
own. So I took advantage of the offer to
pits to meet up with James at
have a cameraman alongside me to do
9.00 a.m. I’d said there was no
some close-up rig and rig-tying shots.
rush because the bit of action I’d
Knowing that it’s always good
been receiving had been during the
to put a fish on the bank for the
afternoon period. It was just about
cameras, I arranged to meet James on
9.00 when I made my first two casts
a productive water I had not previously
with a Mini Spomb on my soft Free
fished. Bearing in mind we were still in
Spirit ES rod, and the third cast
mid-February, I thought it sensible to
had the Spomb removed and
have a drive over to the venue on the
replaced with a 1.5oz lead and
afternoon before the shoot and have a
baited rig, which was soon
quick look. I wanted to cast around with
sailing out to land amongst
a lead to give me a better idea of where to head the following morning, and form a plan of attack, so I did just that. I drove over there but I’d made a major mistake. The venue was rammed – I’d forgotten it was half-term and the kids were off! I drove to one of the other trickier waters on the complex and sat and watched. I was there for a couple of hours but saw nothing, and then the phone rang to confirm everything for the next day. I explained the situation and the fact that we would probably be better off shooting the pictures on the harder but quieter venue. I was quick to add that I definitely couldn’t guarantee a carp in mid-February, although RIGHT Shaun bagged this 27lb+ mirror on his day-session tactics before I even turned up!
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The Day-Session Approach Shaun Harrison
ABOVE I turned
up to see Shaun hoisting out his third of the day, and it was only around 9.30 a.m.!
LEFT Shaun
cracked on with the weighing and it was another 20.
BELOW This was
the sight for the majority of the day, but who’s complaining?
the spread. I placed the rod on the rests while I let the line settle before clipping the indicator on, and the next rod was
"I could hardly believe the action I was getting, and could hardly believe it even more when a third carp was hooked before I managed to get my third rod out"
ready with a Mini Spomb clipped in place. Suddenly the first rod was
without topping back up with the Spomb (which proved to be a mistake). I had prepared the second rod with a Mini Spomb, which was cast twice to
scatter bait to a silted area I had found. The third
away and fish number one was hooked.
cast was with rig and bait. I was just
I couldn’t believe my luck – but the
removing the hooklink from the third
cameraman wasn’t there yet. The
rod so as to be able to do the same
fight was quite protracted and I was
with the Spomb, when the second
really careful because it was the first
rod required urgent attention. A 19lb
carp I had hooked on the PB Anti-Eject
15oz specimen took a liking to the
hooks. I needn’t have worried; the
double Pimple Pop offering, this time
hookhold was as good as it gets, and
purple and yellow over a scattering of
the fish wouldn’t have fallen off even
Magnum Duo and Magnum White bits.
if I played it for a week! I folded the net over
I could hardly believe the action I was getting, and could hardly believe it even
an obvious upper-20 and
more when a third carp was hooked
never lifted it from the
before I managed to get my third
margins, preferring to
rod out. The third fish was weighed
give it a breather after
at just over 20lb as James arrived.
the long scrap. I didn’t
He seemed impressed that I had
want to retain the fish
a second fish on the bank, and even
longer than letting it get
more so when I looked at him with
its breath back, so I told
a sly grin and mentioned it was my
James I would weigh
third and I still hadn’t got the third rod
it and get the pictures
out yet! Eventually, all the rods were
done. The scales read
out on the most productive approach
27lb 1oz and soon it
I used last winter; two or three casts
was swimming away.
with a Mini Spomb on the rod followed
The two Pimple Pops
by a rig replacing the Spomb.
(pink on top of white) I
I won’t detail each individual capture
had caught it on were
but I managed to land
still intact, so I recast
seven carp during the
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15 07/04/2014 13:42
No Single Solution When it comes to fishing singles, many anglers do it to good effect. However, one man who really doesn’t like it is Ian Chillcott; he favours his baiting approach every time, so we find out exactly why.
ANGLER PROFILE.
Ian Chillcott Age 53 Hometown
Aldershot Occupation
Angling journalist UK personal best
53lb 12oz Favourite venue
Melchbourne Estate Lake Did you know...
At the age of 14, Chilly played the violin to a full house of 2,500 people
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No Single Solution
Ian Chillcott
P
robably one of the most touted phrases in carp fishing is ‘location, location, location’.
Making sure you are in the right area of the lake to catch a carp is one of the most important aspects of any carp angler’s life. You can use the most advanced rig on the planet (or so the writers tell you) and the best bait around, but if there isn’t a carp there to be caught you can be sure that the landing net isn’t going to get wet. If you think it’s boring to keep on about location, then you may well be alarmed to hear that there is a lot more to it than just being in the right area. Once you have located some carp to fish for, you have to then find the ideal place from which to get the bite you so desire. There are probably a hundred and one things you can do once the fish have been found, and one
LEFT Casting at
showing fish with a single hookbait is probably the most ineffective way I have ever fished.
BELOW It wasn’t
until I introduced bait that I got a bite from this 34lb leather.
ABOVE I do use bright hookbaits
from time to time, but they make little difference to my catch rate.
machines, and they are also very efficient at feeding. They possess the most advanced filtration system, which
of the most usual tactics is to cast a
is saying ‘good angling’, and we get
works without them having to think
single hookbait at them. I would never
to thinking it is the most devastating
about it, and it is this that makes them
suggest that single hookbaits don’t
tactic there is – but I don’t think it is!
so good at eating. Rather like when
catch carp, they obviously do, but I
Yes, I agree that if you can see definite
the fish are spawning, carp can forget
can’t help thinking they are not the
evidence the carp are feeding, then a
even the most fundamental survival
be-all and end-all of things to do for
bait cast carefully into the area may
instincts in an attempt to get the lion’s
every situation, and I will tell you why.
well be the tactic to use, but as a
I have lost count of the number of
long-term tactic I can think
times I have launched a single hookbait
of nothing I would
at showing fish, but the amount
rather not use. Let
of times it has been successful is
me explain. Carp,
pitifully painful. When they do work,
in essence,
infrequently, it seems that everyone
are eating
share of the food on offer. If we can get them feeding well, or more preferably,
competitively, then “Rather like we are much when the fish are more likely to spawning, carp can get a bite. A forget even the most single hookbait fundamental survival is never going to illicit instincts in an attempt to competitive get the lion’s share of feeding, and the food on offer” is more likely to be picked up out of curiosity. And whilst it is grazing in such a way it is unlikely that you will hook the carp, however advanced you think your rig is. It hasn’t thought its way around hook avoidance; I will never believe there is a carp on this planet that can do that, it simply ejects the hook as it would any other debris that is picked up from the bottom of the lake when feeding. I will come to rigs in a while, but firstly I would like to talk about the colour of the hookbaits and how, very often, we are told this is important. Sorry, but I don’t believe that either. We are continually bombarded with anglers telling us that camouflage is important in carp fishing. In their opinion, this is directly related to the fact that carp can learn by association, i.e. the more you confront a carp with the same situation, the more likely it is to think its way around the problem, and therefore you won’t get a bite. I would suggest, from my experience, that yellow, white and pink are just about the most
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37 07/04/2014 14:41
All You Need To Know About Hook Patterns Mitch Smith
Curved Shank For the most popular hooks used, it’s a toss-up between curved shank and wide gape hooks. They lend themselves to many refined rig mechanics; even the 360 Rig can be built around a curved shank hook. It’s a very good shape when the fish are a bit riggy and have seen everything available. I always choose one with a slight in-turned eye, a nice straight point and very strong wire, which is a great shape when you want the hook to stand away from the bait. Always use a PVA nugget, or use them within a solid bag because the shape easily picks up debris from the bottom.
RIGHT Curved shanks can be used for many variations, such as a 360 or a Withy Pool Rig.
Extra-strong Snag Hooks Now these are my personal favourites. They are usually made of a slightly thicker wire so there won’t be any chance of them bending. A straight eye and point make this shape good with shrink tube when creating line-aligners. If you are fishing a situation where you need to hook the fish and apply maximum pressure to keep them out of snags and bushes, etc., then these are the ones to use. Don’t think that a larger hook is stronger because these hooks work well with sizes 6 and 8. Use up to a Size 4 when using two 18mm boilies or a large Snowman, but try to leave the Hair a little longer.
RIGHT A snag hook using a long Hair can create a very strong setup that catches well into the flesh, allowing you to hang on with loads of power.
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All You Need To Know About Hook Patterns Mitch Smith
Longshank With these you can make some excellent Blowback Rigs, where small rings allow the bait to move back up the longer shank. I always use longshank hooks when I know the fish’s mouths may have a fair bit of damage. Longshanks create a lot of problems for the carp once they are in the mouth cavity, so again, a flexible Hair or a Hair with a lot of movement allows the extra length in the hook catch hold of flesh. As with the snag hook, try to use with some protection for the point when casting, such as a PVA nugget. Long Hairs with longshanks are also a little prone to Hair tangles, so a nugget helps alleviate this problem. LEFT A longshank hook with a
Blowback setup and a nice long Hair is good for fish with mouth damage or fish that are wary.
Wide Gape This pattern seems to be very popular and can be used in many rig situations; they are suitable for sticks and bags and have good flesh-catching properties. Use with commercial line-aligners or shape your own with shrink tube. These are good general all-rounders with a Knotless Knot or KD Hair Rig, excellent with Zig Rigs and also for floater fishing; like the longshanks they offer anglers good hooking facilities just from the awkwardness of the shape in the mouth cavity. Beware though, because poorquality wide gape hooks can easily spring open if the correct wire is not used or the forge is poor. Slight in-turned eyes and beaked points increase the hooking ability of any wide gape hook. They are not the best hooks to use when fish have damaged mouths because the short shank creates more pressure and can turn out easily. LEFT A wide gape pattern hook offers good hooking potential, and is a great all-rounder.
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51 09/04/2014 15:42
BYCAC IS BACK! With thoughts of the summer to come, there’s one thing that’s on our minds for August – and it should be the same for all young anglers. It’s the Korda British Young Carpers’ Angling Championship. Here’s what you can expect, as well as how to enter…
Mon 4th – day S 10th unday Augu st
1
BYCAC Moves Venue
This year the BYCAC has moved. While still
staying on the Linear Fisheries complex, the home of the competition will be Oxlease, which is where it all began 11 years ago. Oxlease holds
5
Event Format
two known 40s plus a good head of 30s, so there’s
As always there will be four day-only
every chance of catching a personal best.
eliminators; these run from Monday 4th August until Thursday 7th. You will be entered into one of the eliminators and fish
2
Prizes Galore!
from 9.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m. The top eight
The champion takes home a cheque for
anglers who catch the biggest weight of
£500 and a bundle of prizes equal in value
carp qualify for the exciting 48-hour final
from tournament sponsors Korda, plus loads of
(which begins Friday 8th August until Sunday
other goodies from the numerous other high-
10th) to fight for a place on the podium.
profile sponsors. There are also prizes for the fastest fish, the biggest fish, and section winner prizes throughout the eliminators and the final. Plus each entrant will receive a cracking goody bag, so no one goes home empty handed.
3
6
the head marshal, there will also
on his own. No, he will be joined by a crew from
be the chance to meet Ali Hamidi
Sky Sports, which covers the final weekend.
from Korda. Julian Cundiff is always
Your victory will be screened for your friends,
on hand for the prize-giving, and each
family, and anglers all around the world to see.
Meet the Stars
See Yourself on TV!
If it wasn’t enough that top
The angling world will be watching, and Ali
carp angler Simon Crow will be
Hamidi won’t arrive onto the banks of Oxlease
year there are always some top-name anglers putting in an appearance and having a wander around, chatting to some of the competitors, including the likes of Tom Dove and Jake Wildbore.
4
60
Sponsorships
Spomb are great supporters of the British
The winner will not only bag
Young Carpers’ Angling Championship,
£500 worth of gear, they’ll also get
and they continue with their backing this
themselves a year’s sponsorship with
year. They are offering each competitor
the main event sponsors, Korda. Not
products from their range, which will be
only that, they will be invited to write
part of the goody bags that are given
their very own monthly blog for Crafty
to all competitors. There are now three
Carper magazine. With Crafty and Korda
Spombs in the range, so there is definitely
behind the victor, who knows which
one for every baiting situation or distance
company might want to get their hands
you want to fish. A top-quality product
on the services of the winner…?
from great people. We love a Spomb!
Crafty Carper
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ENTRY FORM
7
Name:
Become the British Champion
You get to stand at the centre
Address:
of the podium, holding aloft the BYCAC 2014 trophy, safe in the knowledge that you have earned all the bragging rights, not to
Postcode:
mention all the gear and prize money you’ll get your hands on.
Contact Tel: Email Address: Date of Birth: Venues Fished: For more information on the event, scan the code with your Smartphone to visit the official BYCAC website.
NEED TO KNOW: What: Korda British Young Carpers’ Angling Championship 2014. Where: Oxlease on the Linear Fisheries, near
Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire OX29 7QF.
Personal Best Carp:
When: Monday 4th August-Sunday 10th August 2014. Who: Anyone aged 17 or under on August 1st 2014. Parent or
Most Memorable Session:
guardian over the age of 18 must be present at all times. Cost: £39. Entry: Fill in the form or download the entry form from bycac.co.uk
For more info visit: bycac.co.uk BYCAC 2014 Sponsors and Supporters
Why would you like to take part in the British Young Carpers’ Angling Championship 2014?
Title sponsor
T-shirt size (please tick one) M L XL XXL
Media sponsors I confirm that I will be aged 17 years or younger on August 1st 2014 Signature of participant:
Clothing sponsor
Venue sponsor
Official weighmaster
Name of parent or guardian who will be accompanying you to the event:
I would like to enter my son/daughter/dependant in the British Young Carpers’ Angling Championship 2014, which is to be held at Oxlease Lake in Oxfordshire Signature of parent or guardian who will be accompanying you to the event:
Fastest Fish sponsor
Biggest Fish of the final sponsor The cost of entry to the BYCAC 2014 is £39.00, which is payable either by cheque or credit/debit card. Cheque payments I enclose the sum of £39.00 by cheque, made payable to Angling Publications Ltd. (tick if appropriate)
Section Sponsors
Credit/Debit card payments Please debit my account the sum of £39.00 (tick if appropriate) Cardholder name Address
Carp Care Sponsors Card number
Event Supporters
Expiry date
/
Issue number
Security code Please send this completed form to: BYCAC 2014, Angling Publications Ltd., Regent House, 101 Broadfield Road, Sheffield S8 0XH. Please note that on cancellation of entry into the event no refunds will be given. If you do not wish to receive further marketing information from Angling Publications Ltd. please tick here
60-61_BYCAC2014_CC201.indd 2
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P U B L I S H E D B Y A N G L I N G P U B L I C AT I O N S
K C BA MAND BY DReEprinted
14
for 20
GREAT GIFT IDEA S FATHERS FOR ’ DAY
JUNE 15 TH
M
y Misspent Youth is the story of a young lad who dreamt of catching big carp above all else. The story charts Darrell’s carpangling life so far, from early beginnings at the little-known Essex Quarry aged 17, to holding his own amongst some of his idols at some of the UK’s toughest circuit
TheCarpStore
waters. Read how Darrell catches some of the UK’s best-known carp, including the incredible Two-Tone from Conningbrook, Yateley Car Park’s Arfur, Heather and pals, and the Fat Lady from St. Ives. Darrell’s determination to succeed, along with his obvious natural gift for catching carp, shines through in this deliberately honest tale.
£30 + £2.95 P&P
B O O K SF O • RDMVEDRSL Y• T C I NL G • PGUIBF LT ISC • H LE OATNH G ING A TM I OANGSASZHI N OEPS
O R D E R O N L I N E W W W. T H E C A R P S T O R E . C O M O R C A L L 0 1 1 4 2 5 8 0 8 1 2 MMY_Reprint_CC201.indd 1
04/04/2014 10:03