CW286 sample

OVER £2,600 WORTH OF PRIZES UP FOR GRABS INSIDE !

N WI

INCLUDING AN RK LEISURE GOLD CARD WORTH £1,000!

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ISSUE 286 / JULY 2014 / MONTHLY £4.50

INSIDE

DARRELL PECK’S HUNT FOR THE BURGHFIELD COMMON

SOUTHERN BEAUTIES

carpworldmagazine.com

BRITAIN’S BIGGEST CARP-ANGLING MAGAZINE

Andy Muir reveals his most memorable captures from the last decade

THE

c ar pwor ld maga z in e. co m

TIM PAISLEY

NEW HORIZONS

RIG WORLD

Putting together Frank Warwick’s new book and the memories that it has stirred

Mark Hogg tells the warts ’n’ all tale of his first season on a water in Cambridgeshire

Our man Mike Kavanagh dispels the myth that Chod Rigs need to be curved to catch

ALSO INSIDE CARP NEWS AND FEATURES FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

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MAGAZINE

FOR THE W ORLDWIDE ANGLER

Issue 129 July 2014

CASSIEN SUCCESS P161 Adam Pennin g banks a new bes t from the his tor ic French venue

ECHOES AROUND THE WORLD

FISHERY FOCUS

A N A M E R I CA N A DV E N T U R E

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CONTENTS

The Carpworld Contents / Issue 286 /

July 2014

99

Rig World Mike Kavanagh Can curved, stiff hooklinks actually reduce the chance of catching fish? Mike thinks they could, and reveals why several top anglers are switching to straight links for rigs such as Chods and Withy Pool Rigs.

FEATURES

16 O N T HE C OV E R : Andy Muir’s been tackling big carp for many years – with some considerable success! Turn to Page 33 to find out more.

REGULARS

6

Editors’ Comment What has our illustrious editorial team been up to over the past month? Have the carp gods been kind to them? Find out on page 6.

9

Gazette All the news and views from around the carp-angling scene to keep you up to date with what’s going on.

55

Bait World featuring Joe Turnbull Chats with Nick Helleur and Allan Parbery, and a new miniseries by Mark McKenna, who reveals all you need to know about fishmeals.

116

Pecky’s Progress Darrell Peck Darrell discovers just how difficult the carp are to find on Burghfield. He’s up against Mr F, and they both have eyes on the Burghfield Common. Who’s going to bag it first? The race is on…

25

A Long Way From Home (Part 2) Keith Supple Keith’s efforts eventually pay dividends and Crayfish Pool starts to give up her bounty.

Can he catch the one fish he wants before he closes the gate for the final time?

33

Memorable Captures Andy Muir Andy has been very successful on the big-fish scene, and here he reveals how he got into carp fishing, and the exciting journey that it’s taken him on, culminating in the capture of a true monster of a carp.

41

The Cat Sat On The Mat Ellis Brazier Which emotions does the successful carp angler come across every day? How about jealousy, defeat, hatred and the classic double-cross?

Ellis is familiar with all these emotions, especially when the fish of his dreams is captured by another angler.

49

The Mill Pool Rob Nunn Running a successful water takes a lot of hard work and good management, but the future of Holbrook Mill Pool looks secure.

Rob tells the story of how the lake has been transformed into the beautiful water it is today.

76

History in the Making The Horton complex is being transformed into a haven for carp anglers. The new owner takes us on a walk around the complex to see what’s going on, and there’s also the chance for someone to win a Gold Card for the waters.

85

F Word Paul Forward Paul’s been busy tackling Burghfield and Paddlesworth this month. It’s been a time of mixed fortunes for our regular diarist, but the sight of his ultimate quarry has set his heart racing.

107

Diary Of A Carpaholic Simon Crow It’s target number one, and the biggest fish in the lake ends up in the net for Crowy as he gets to grips with the Tyram Hall syndicate in Yorkshire.

116

Line Lay Explained Good line lay on our reels is something we all take for granted. It’s often hard to grasp exactly why good line lay makes a difference to your fishing, but it’s one of the most important aspects of distance fishing.

131

Wishing (If I Had A Photograph Of You)

Mark Hogg Mark has been trying out a new venue in the hope of tempting some of the scaly beasts that call it home. Here he reveals the trials and tribulations he had to endure on his journey.

137

Bivvy Tramps Blog Kes Waterman Everybody, practise the mantra: ‘Long Hairs rule!’ So says Kes, but what the heck is he on about? It’s all double Dutch to us, but apparently the kippers will be on the bank if you adopt the use of Karp-speak!

141

Still Carping On Tim Paisley It’s not only writing books that’s hard – actually editing them and getting them into production can be equally as bad. Frank Warwick’s latest tome comes under the watchful eye of Tim as he prepares the book for production.

TACKLE WORLD

121

Tackle World This month we take a look at a whole load of gear, including reels and a new pop-up unhooking mat from Fox, Kodex carp rods, bedchairs from Stillwater, barrow bags from Chub, gear from Shimano, ACE, Taska, Ashima and

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Greys, plus a whole range of floats from MCF. If you’re a tackle tart these are the pages you should turn to first!

85

UP FOR GRABS

68

JRC Competition Two lucky readers will be sleeping in comfort with a new deluxe bedchair and bivvy combination in this superb £1,100 competition.

76

Horton Lakes Competition You can win a £1,000 Gold Card to fish the Horton complex. All you have to do is read the feature on page 76 to find out how to enter.

PAGE

72

81

Cygnet Competition Everyone knows Cygnet make some excellent bankware, and we’ve got the OK to give some away to readers in this cracking competition.

92

Ask The Experts Our panel answer questions on a variety of subjects, all sent in by readers. If yours is the winning question of those featured you’ll be getting a cheque for £250 in the post!

97

Carpworld International Championship How do you fancy going on holiday and coming back £10,000 richer? This is not a joke, it’s the first prize in the Carpworld International Championship which is open to everyone and will be held at Fishabil in October.

112

Fishabil Competition Fishabil will be the home of our Carpworld International Championship, but if you can’t make the event, how about winning a free trip for you and a friend?

SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINE TODAY! Receive over £50 worth of gear from Taska when you take out a subscription to Carpworld

IN INTERNATIONAL CARPER If you’re looking for a good

THE

MAGAZINE

FOR THE WORLDWIDE ANGLER

Issue 129 July 2014

holiday venue, there are two to take a look at in this month’s International Carper, plus a lovely feature by Adam Clewer on fishing in the USA. This is one country that’s yet to discover the

CASSIEN SUCCESS P161 Adam Penning banks a new bes t from the his tor ic French venue

‘art’ of carp angling, so find out

WORLD ECHOES AROUND THE

FISHERY FOCUS

P149 All the news and catches from all over the globe as spring slips into summer

P168 Mark Gooch takes an in-depth look at the popular holiday venue Vaulaurent

TURE A N A M E R I CA N A DV E N

how he got on. Next up we bring you Part 2 of our look at Cassien with Sean Leverett. This iconic

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P171 Adam Clewer searches for unspoilt fishing in the land of plenty 23/06/2014 10:59

water is really hard at the best of times, but since it’s been days only – well, what can we say?!

As usual, there’s all the big-carp captures from around the world in Echoes, and to round off there’s our directory of overseas holiday venues for you to peruse. And don’t miss out on the chance to win a holiday to Fishabil. Check out the competition on page 112.

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NEWS

The Carpworld Gazette / Issue 286 / July 2014 PRODUCT NEWSI MOVERS AND SHAKERSI

Pencil in Penning for Kryston Dave Chilton of Kryston has announced that Adam Penning has joined the company. Dave told us: “Adam needs little introduction to the carp world, and not only is he a highly successful thinking angler but also one with a vast knowledge of the industry. Being a long-term user of Kryston, Adam “We are thrilled to have such a respected carp angler representing us as an ambassador for our specialist products”

is no stranger to our products. During the filming of our forthcoming DVD, his thought process and professionalism immediately shone through. His emphasis on attention to detail is remarkable, thus proving why he is so successful. Adam will, amongst other things, be assisting us with future product development whilst continuing his highly regarded carp tutorials. We are extremely proud that Adam has chosen to represent Kryston, and thrilled to have such a respected carp angler representing us as an ambassador for our specialist products.”

Diem Luggage Hits High Street Fans of the Diem clothing range will be pleased to hear that the company is expanding into carpers’ luggage. The luggage has heavy-duty materials, good, strong zips and a well-thought-out design. We’ll bring you more in-depth reviews when we can.

In the meantime take a look at diemangling.com to check out the range.

MOVERS AND SHAKERSI

Matrix Take Over MCF Matrix Innovations has announced that it will be taking over the tackle side of MCF Products. As many of you will know, both these companies are highly regarded in their respective fields, and the combined power of the two companies will enable Dennis McFetrich, who founded the MCF company, to keep up with production of his range, which has now been moved in-house to Matrix. The rebranded MCF range is now available and a new website at mcftackle.co.uk gives full details.

DAV E C H I LTO N

FOR SALEI

Home of Lancashire’s Biggest Carp For Sale Pendle View Fishery, the mixed trout and coarse fishery which claims to stock Lancashire’s largest carp, is up for sale. The sale includes three lakes, an owner’s house, two holiday lets, café, workshop and hatchery. The fishery has a turnover in excess of £123,000 and is offered for sale at £795,000. Angling takes place on three lakes, which all enjoy a spectacular backdrop of the famous Pendle Hill. The specimen lake covers 8.3 acres and holds a 47lb common, along with good stocks of carp in the 15-30lb weight

range. There is also a fly-only lake and a coarse/match lake, plus stock ponds. Holiday accommodation is on site in chalets which sleep up to six, and there’s a café with offices, a workshop/hatcher, and toilet and showers. To finish off, the owner’s accommodation comprises a kitchen/dining room, lounge, utility room with shower and hall on the ground floor, and three bedrooms (one en suite) and a family bathroom upstairs.

Contact Fenn Wright on 01206 216555 for full details, or visit the website: www.fisheries4sale.com

IT’S NOT FUNNY... MUCH!I

Big Breaks for Burrage and Warwick Everyone needs a bit of a break in life, but we can’t help but think that Nick Burrage and Frank Warwick have gone a little bit too far! First up is Nick, who’s broken his ankle.

It happened while he was on Frisby Lakes, taking a starryeyed angler on a tuition trip.

Apparently he slipped and hurt his ankle. Nick, being the trooper that he is, carried on and got the guy catching before going to hospital the day after for a check-up – only to find he’d broken it! Nick ended up miles away from home with his foot in plaster.

Not to be outdone, we hear that our good friend Mr Warwick, who was fishing at Acton Burnell, had a call from our Mr Paisley,

who was chasing copy for his forthcoming book. Not wanting to endure the wrath of the Big Dog, Frank packed up quickly and headed for home – but not before breaking his nose whilst trying to set up his barrow! Apparently, the handle stuck – and Frank, being Frank, put a ‘little bit of extra pressure’ on it to free it up. It came off and hit him in the face, dislodging some teeth and breaking his nose. He told us: “ I straightened my nose myself but it’s not right and it keeps bleeding. I suppose I’ll have to go to hospital at some point to get it sorted.”

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Gaz et te

F: facebook.com/CarpworldMagazine / T: @CarpworldMag BAIT PRODUCTIONI

Build a Bespoke Boilie

OBEI

There’s nothing like making your own boilies, and German company Boilie Design markets a large range of manufacturing equipment for both home and business use. Marco Bottenberg, the head of Boilie Design, has several systems that groups of anglers, or even individuals, can use to make bait at home. Starting from as little as £800, the equipment can roll between 140-180kg per day, which, for a group wanting to bait up as a team, can be well worth the outlay. Marco’s website has full details including a video of the equipment in use.

The video can also be found on YouTube.

Visit www.boiliedesign.com for more details.

BOOK NEWSI

Every Bit of Blue Talking about Frank and his forthcoming book, do you remember when you were a kid, looking at maps and investigating all the blue bits to see if they held fish? Well, that’s the meaning behind the title of Frank Warwick’s book which is now in production at Angling Publications. The book charts Frank’s life through the memories and pictures of some of his most successful times on the banks of various lakes, from the serene meres of Cheshire to the huge Continental waters. The book is now in the final stages of production and its 360 pages will be packed with what Frank’s famous for – catching big fish! It’s not all catch reports though, as Frank’s famous for his stories – and what fantastic stories they are too. If you think you know Frank, think again, because this book is full of the wit that Frank exudes, and his stories of life on the bank will certainly entertain.

Frank has also added several technical chapters, Every Bit of Blue and because he’s a master bait technician, everyone will be able to learn from Frank’s vast experience.

The book will be available for pre-ordering soon; keep an eye on Carpworld and visit thecarpstore. co where you’ll find hundreds of books and carpy goodies to look at, plus some cracking subscription offers for Carpworld and its sister mag, Crafty Carper. Be the first in the queue er for what will certainly be the read of the year.

Angl Carp a My Life As

Frank Warwick

OBE for Services to Angling Mike Heylin has been awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to angling over many decades, and in particular for his role as chairman of the Angling Trust for the first 5 years of its existence, as the new unified representative and national governing body for all anglers in England.

He retired as chairman in 2013, but remains as a director on the board of the Angling Trust and a committee member of Fish Legal, which acts as the legal arm of the Angling Trust in England.

Mike Heylin OBE, director of the Angling Trust, said: “I am so proud that angling has again been recognised today. I have felt humbled and honoured to be able to put something back into a sport I have loved all my life.

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust & Fish Legal said: “Mike has given so much of his time to protect and improve fish and fishing.

He is, without doubt, one of the most kind and generous people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.”

COMPETITION WINNERS from issue 284 ASHIMA COMPETITION Prize: A selection of goodies from Ashima.

Jonathan Smith Westbury, Wiltshire.

Richard Mikes Stevenage, Hertfordshire.

GREYS COMPETITION Prize: Three 12ft 3.5lb Greys Aircurve rods.

Ronnie Wilson Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

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TECHNOLOGYI

Taska App Takes Off Those busy boys at Taska have been even busier than usual following the launch of their new rig app. Apparently the app was the number one free sports app on Google Play in the UK for nearly 3 days and it reached number 17 in the world on the iTunes app store. It’s now available for iPads as well as virtually every Smartphone on the market. It comes with free updates and has lots of lovely rigs and tactics for you to peruse at your leisure. The Taska team will be launching more apps in the future apparently, so keep an eye open for them.

Membership Available on Surrey Syndicate Places are available on a 20-man exclusive Surrey syndicate for the June 2014 - April 2015 season.

The venue is a 6-acre lake on a very private estate that has recently been restored and restocked with a good head of 20lb+ carp .

Estimated stock 120 - 150 fish, upto 32lb.

PRICE FOR THE SEASON IS £700.00 VISITS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call Martin on:

07704 147098 (NO TIME-WASTERS PLEASE)

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FEATURE

D A R R E L L

P E C K

PECKY’S PROGRESS Our man carries on with his Burghfield adventure, discovering just how difficult the carp are to find on this sprawling venue. He also sets eyes on the Burghfield Common in the flesh, and manages to catch a few too.

I

am properly buzzing for my fishing at the minute; everything in my life takes a back seat as the selfish drive to catch the almost uncatchable carp completely overwhelms me. At times the lengths I’ve been going to can only be described as insane. The miles I am walking, the lengthy barrow pushes through the stingers and bramble-infested pathways are not what some consider carp fishing to be about. The thing is that with a challenge of this magnitude you can only hope that the effort you

put in will get rewarded. Honestly, on this occasion I don’t expect to come out victorious any time soon, what with the history of this particular fish and the vast amount of unfishable water. I’d have to be arrogant or stupid to say I am going to catch it.

That said, it’s these facts that make this target what it is, and I think the fear of failure is part of the draw.

A lot has changed since the last piece I wrote, in particular my perception of how these carp like to move around the pit. Obviously at first I knew nothing,

only what I’d heard and read, but it’s nothing like seeing it with your own eyes over 15-20 nights’ fishing. The biggest realisation I’ve made is that my effort counts for nothing if the fish don’t come to the fishing grounds.

The fish in Burghfield spend a lot of time where you can’t get to them and that is THE biggest problem when considering your approach. These days it seems angling pressure is the biggest factor on how carp behave, and in my opinion, they spend their whole lives making it a priority to avoid us.

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P e c ky ’ s P ro g ress Da rrell Peck

in willow fluff, and at first it looked devoid of life. Then, just as I was writing it off, I saw the water rock. I moved in closer for a better look, and from behind a sparse tree I could see a decent-sized fish pouting its white lips and flaring its gills. It looked a 30-pounder, and the more I watched, the more my eyes widened. I slowly climbed into the tree to get a better view, and it wasn’t long after this that I realised I was watching THE Burghfield Common. Its mouth was the giveaway – huge and quite white in appearance. Having just read Sharpie’s book, the picture was clear in my mind; it was definitely her. What are the odds?

My first up-close sighting and it was the Common. She looked quite interested in the bits and pieces on the surface.

She was swimming up to them Unfortunately, some of “I slowly with purpose, like she was Burghfield’s key areas have climbed into about to take, only to pull been lost to angling. Swims the tree to get a out at the last moment. In such as The Compound, b e t t e r v i e w, a n d hindsight, a piece of floating Bomb and Mouldy Point, it wasn’ t long after crust right there and then which all face into the this that I realised might have been all I central main body of I was watching needed. At the time though, open water, are now out of THE Burghfield catching it wasn’t really a bounds, which effectively Common” thought. I was just trying to stay creates a massive safe zone that out of view, but I managed to get a the fish need not leave. Trust me, couple of quick snaps on my iPhone. they know this, and I have to except When it did dawn on me that I that at times I will be camping. I know needed to react, I literally ran back that sounds like moaning, but it’s not, it’s to the van, drove the mile back to my just my perception of the bigger picture. kit, packed, barrowed back to the van, Anyway, back to the actual fishing. unloaded the barrow, reloaded the van, I’ve had an amazing month, not to drove back to the other car park reloaded mention the capture of the most the barrow, and then barrowed half a astonishing-looking common of mile to my chosen peg. The whole affair my angling career. I’ll kick off with took some time but she was still where what happened after the capture of I’d found her. At this point she was those two 40s last time around. sitting still, just enjoying the sun, and I As the sun rose higher in the sky, BELOW A single rod facing into the thought the best plan was to set up in the mist was quickly burnt off and main open water The Roots Swim. Again, in hindsight, replaced by blue skies and rapidly from Barnet’s. rising temperatures. The fish reacted immediately, as if they’d been waiting for it. They appeared on the surface way out in the middle, all with one thing in common – they were all heading left from my position on the Rawlings Bank.

The ones I could see were probably just the tip of the iceberg, groups of three and four grey backs just breaking the surface, heading towards the Cottage Lane end. Although I’d just caught from my position I knew this wasn’t to be ignored.

I had a quick trot around the other end and spotted a few carp arriving amongst the many islands. There were a few places that I felt could produce a bite or two. I walked on a bit further, into a stagnant-looking bay that was covered

this sighting had come too early for me. I knew nothing about this part of the lake, i.e. patrol routes or spots, and I picked the swim on the basis that I’d read of a capture from there, and the fact that she would have to pass me when leaving this small bay. To cut a long story short, she did come past that evening; she bumped my line mid-channel and gave me a liner.

I’d picked the far bank and she came through nearside, not that I think she would have fed, but I guess I’ll never know. It was exciting stuff, I can tell you.

The following week was the May Bank Holiday weekend. I arrived on Sunday 4th and was greeted by a very busy lake. I could have waited until the Monday, which would have been much quieter, but with Paul Forward and Dave Lane due down, I was hoping to gain a little advantage. Midweek it hadn’t been too busy, but when there are anglers of this calibre all trying to get on the fish, it can pay to arrive first.

I walked the lake like a lunatic that Sunday, but to be honest it was a complete waste of time. I had a good idea where I thought the bulk of the fish were, which was in the centre of the main lake.

It was effectively an unfishable zone, and no matter how many times I walked the Cottage Lane end, that wasn’t going to change. In the end I settled for a night on Speed Boat Point, with the odds of a bite being slim to none. I blazed three pop-ups out towards the various islands in front, but in all reality, I knew it wasn’t going to be there come dawn. That night, over a few cans, I repeatedly checked the weather and asked myself what I expected to happen next. The fish were in the middle as usual, but in 36 hours’ time a strong WSW wind was forecast. I was all packed up by 5.30 a.m. then

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FEATURE

HISTORY IN THE MAKING A

WAL K

A R O U N D

THE

HO R TO N

We take an in-depth look at the six lakes that make up RK Leisure’s Horton Complex, and give you the exclusive chance to win a Gold Card that will give you unrivalled access to these historic waters.

W

includes Horton Church Lake, e are now entering a Kingsmead 1, Boat Pool, Crayfish Pool, new era in terms of The Island Lake and The Fridge Lake fishery management. (a stock pond). The Horton Complex After the demise of is arguably one of the best-known CEMEX Angling, a phoenix rose from fisheries in the country, known for the ashes in the form of RK Leisure, producing very large carp which is the brainchild of and catfish. Stock-wise, Raphael Khalili, and the venue holds over Jamie Gold. This new “...the venue 50x 40lb carp and fisheries company holds over 50x recently produced is investing heavily another fish of in the sport, and 40lb carp and 50lb+ (Starrys at a RK Leisure is at recently produced massive 51lb 2oz), the forefront of another fish plus grass carp at this after purchasing of 50lb+” 52lb 6oz. Horton Wraysbury 1, also includes some of Wraysbury 2 and Jones the largest British wels Pit back in 2012. RK catfish, with sizes up to 85lb. This Leisure has now added the entire Horton Complex to its portfolio in the is a long way from 1990 when 58 carp, including seven 30s and a 40-pounder latest six-lake buyout. RK’s purchase

ABOVE The distinctive

Orange Chops from the Boat Pool.

CO M PLE X

were moved from Longfield and rehomed into the Church Lake Regarding facilities, the clubhouse and shower blocks were originally built in the mid-’80s when Horton was a trout farm. They have now been fully refurbished, with a state-of-the-art kitchen, games room, log burner and modern shower facilities. Inside there’s also a 2,000-litre fish tank, which holds some of the very fish that come from the lakes. Electric security gates have also been installed, with a fob system to gain entry. Security is paramount so RK has fenced the entire venue and invested in complex CCTV systems, so anglers can fish feeling secure. The aim is for RK to create the best possible experience for its members, and the bailiff team is always on hand to help.

Each lake on the Horton Complex has a small syndicate of 40-60. However, there is also the exclusive Gold Card Complex Ticket, which is up for grabs and will allow you to fish the entire Horton Complex – all five lakes.

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H is t o ry in the M ak ing

BELOW They don’t come much better-looking than this stunning linear.

Kingsmead 1 (30 acres)

This water has finally produced its first 50 named Starry’s, at 51lb 2oz, which is the venue record at Horton.

Kingsmead 1 is quickly becoming one of the top big-fish waters in the country, holding approximately 200 carp, with at least 60 of these going over 30lb and more than 25 going over 35lb. At the right time of year there are over 15 different 40s to target in this superb water, and also a number of big commons.

Kingsmead 1 members now have full use of all the

Horton Church Lake is one of the highest profile carp waters in the country. The list of famous anglers who have trodden the banks is the veritable who’s who of the carp world, and includes Dave Lane and Ian Chillcott, who have both pitted their wits against these historic carp. The history of the lake certainly adds a certain attraction for many of the anglers who want to fish this water. It holds over 100 carp, 16 over the 40lb mark, with at least 31 fish breaking the 35lb barrier. The venue also holds a number of grass

carp, including a specimen that held the British record at 52lb until it became non-classified.

The Horton Church Lake is by no means an easy challenge, though the few who get it right can reap the rewards. Some of the famous named fish include Tetley’s Common, which last came out just over the 40lb mark. This fish has disappeared and reappeared with gaps of over 2 years and more. Then there’s the ever-special Missing Mirror. This is by no means a huge fish, but the fact that it has only been out twice in 16 years says just how elusive it can be.

Could this be one of the hardest fish in the country to catch?

facilities at Horton, including the new lodge, shower and toilet blocks. The fishing on Kingsmead 1 can be tricky at times, but extremely rewarding if the angler puts in the time and effort. Regular anglers and bailiffs recommend a stealthy

approach and good observation, with typical captures coming by casting to showing fish with single hookbaits. Most people struggle when starting on this lake, but don’t give up because once you get into the swing of how the fish react, you can have some good results.

Horton Church Lake (15 acres)

BELOW The biggest in the lake: Starry’s at 51lb 2oz.

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S E A N

L E V E R E T T

Lac deSt-Cassien

Sean Leverett continues his French adventure and starts to experience some spectacular action, and bank some amazing carp.

Part Two

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I

knew it was a big fish by the way it was stripping line off me at an alarming rate. Praying that it came up in the water, avoiding the sharp rocky shelf, I kept the rod nice and high, and made my clutch as tight as I could get away with. I was on my own in savage conditions, and I knew that netting whatever was on the end was going to be no easy task.

I tried to bring the fish round the corner of the point I was on, in the hope it would stop the net from flying away in the winds. However, I ran the risk of the line going near a shallow rock shelf that was just a couple of feet underwater and around 20ft out.

Thankfully, without too many dramas, the fish was soon safely in the net. It was a big fish too. We got her up on to the bank, in an area that was surrounded by bushes and free from the blustery winds. The fished weighed an impressive 51lb 10oz, a proper Cassien carp and absolutely stunning. The wrist of its tail was littered with tiny starburst scales, something you would expect from some of the older strains in England. We did all the pictures, recorded some video footage, and back she went. That afternoon consisted of very little fishing and plenty of drinking. We toasted with a bottle of champagne, and ate like kings.

I added a further fish to my tally that afternoon, albeit a small mirror of around 20lb. All in all it was a superb day and certainly one that I will never forget. Simon moved in to

my right that afternoon and bagged himself a 37lb mirror. It really was just one of those days when the fish only had feeding on their minds.

The following day I felt rough, really bad; I think the lack of food and drink, and mainly sleep, had caught up with me. I decided to have a day off, chill out, and start afresh the next day. That day Adam and Dan went into Ellis Point, and Adam managed a couple of fish, although they were slightly smaller ones.

The following day I was unsure of where to go, and ended up walking round the South Arm for hours and

ABOVE Check the scale pattern of this one – incredible.

RIGHT It didn’t take long for Adam to get in on the action.

Over 51lb of awesome Cassien mirror. I was simply blown away.

BELOW

1 6 2 C a r p wor l d J u ly 20 14

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