INTRODUCING THE STUNNING WORLD CARP CLASSIC VENUE 2012
Discovering Lago di Bolsena
Preview of WCC 2012
For the first time, the World Carp Classic will be staged in Italy, in the breathtaking setting of Bolsena. Allow us to introduce you to one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe..
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Since its launch in1999, the World Carp Classic has been held in France, but as the event has gained momentum and worldwide interest, it seems only logical to change locations to recognise the huge gain in popularity that carp fishing has seen throughout Europe and the world. We aim to hold the event in as many countries as possible, to share the unique atmosphere and friendships it brings.
Anyone familiar with the World Carp Classic could perhaps be forgiven for overlooking the huge challenge that it is to organize and stage such an event, simply because very little of what it takes to make it successful is actually visible.
There’s a very good reason why there are so very few events that have ever come close to matching the scale and quality of the World Carp Classic. One of the biggest challenges is taking the decision to move venues, as we are again this year to Lago di Bolsena in Italy. On each occasion we were subsequently reminded very aptly that every action has a reaction. Of the past moves, the competition first relocated from what is traditionally seen as its spiritual home, Lac de Madine, to the nearby Lac Amance. On reflection, it was perhaps a bold move to take the event to Amance, as it was a venue which was at that time pretty much an unknown quantity. However, the lake had a growing underground reputation with European anglers and in fact, the now World Carp Classic Head Marshal, Andy Chambers penned an article for this very magazine covering his exploits there which, for many anglers, was the catalyst that inspired them to take part in the World Carp Classic at Amance – as indeed it did for myself. (Thanks Andy!)
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Picture this.. A typical view of historic Bolsena ( As we have discovered, the move from one venue to another always creates a stir, but as these were still the early years nobody was prepared for the response to the announcement that the event would subsequently move from Amance to the mystical Lac D’Orient. It really was quite remarkable but, on reflection, if you consider the outlook of most big water carp anglers it shouldn’t have been too surprising at all. After all is said and done, the psyche of an angler, who enters such a major event as the World Carp Classic, is most often that of a big fish angler, and a chance to fish legally from restricted areas on the then famous ‘Bulldozer’, was considered by many to be a much-welcomed tick on the list of places you
Comfort and joy.. One of the many fantastic swims around Bolsena
Bolsena, Italy 2012, the challenge ahead..
(left). Event founder, Ross Honey and our Italian agent Emiliano Gabrielli most want to fish before you die! After a brief but enjoyable love affair with rock hard Orient - and duly noting that a few years had since passed - the announcement that the event was to be transferred back to its much-loved ‘home’, Madine, created yet another big reaction. There is no doubting the popularity of Madine and that was where the event was to remain until 2011. To say that the response to the event being staged on Lago di Bolsena in Italy has been massive would be greatly playing it down. However, if you’re in need of a little dose of contagious inspiration please read on. There isn’t a remedy for your affliction but if you need it, hopefully the following will provide more fuel to stoke the fire.
‘To say that the response to the event being staged on Lago di Bolsena in Italy has been massive would be greatly playing it down’
Located around 150km north of Rome, this truly massive volcanic lake covers 144km2 of water and it has a massive 53kms of bank space (that’s around 34 miles in English money!), most of which is fishable. A huge percentage of bank has never been fished from, at least not legally, but this will not be the case for the event as we have been granted dispensation to peg areas that are outside the normal fishing zones. As most anglers will appreciate, it could be a huge bonus to draw a peg in such an area, regardless of it being an unknown quantity. Said to be the cleanest lake in Europe, Bolsena has incredibly clear water but whether or not this clarity will have any effect on rig presentation is perhaps debatable. You have to remember that the fish, due to living in this vast expanse of water, are not pressured, and given that huge areas of the lake are never fished, it’s reasonable to assume that some, if not most have never encountered rigs at all. That, of course remains to be discovered, but on other such colossal venues it has rarely proved to be to be a problem. It is also worth noting that most Bolsena carp are caught in daylight hours, which is a good pointer as to what little effect water clarity has on these particular fish. There is one aspect of Bolsena which is really encouraging to ensure a fair competition; the fact that there are no large bays or obvious holding areas. This fact supports what locals say, in that the carp are very nomadic and move constantly. This of course creates the perfect scenario for a level playing field, with the ‘luck of the draw’ factor reduced
to practically zero influence. This provides the potential for it to be a truly great competition and it could all come down to a combination of good angling ability and quality bait presented in the most suitable manner. Only time will tell on that, of course, but it looks set to provide a truly engaging contest. The lake is in fact almost exactly 10 times bigger than Madine, which is impressive by any standards but, with several good access roads skirting its perimeter, a high proportion of competitors will be able to drive to the peg they draw. Parking next to the swim and being able to fish right out of the back of the car is a seldom enjoyed luxury. The logistics for Bolsena are greatly simplified by the available access and with no islands or difficult-to-reach peninsulas being involved, everyone’s life will be made that much easier, be that anglers, marshals, event officials or media. In regard to the fact that there will not be any islands used, there is the added bonus that there will be much less boating activity. Boating competitor’s right across the lake, along with their many tonnes of angling equipment is hopefully a thing of the past.
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Preview for Bolsena 2012
Setting the scene .. the towns around Lake Bolsena
Bolsena: Host Town and home to bivvy city The centre point and host Town for the event is the historic and picture-postcard town of Bolsena, which overlooks the coastal plains from the north-eastern shores of Lake Bolsena, 350 meters above sea level. The area is steeped in a rich history which extends as far back the Etruscans who established themselves in the region around the 8th century B.C. As a result, Bolsena has a great wealth of interest to offer visitors along with its outstanding vistas. The views are often breathtaking, and without doubt this jewel in the heart of Italy will continue to impress all who venture to visit the area.
Marta: A night with the pasta party girls!
Caption.. Not exactly sure where this is Ross ... can you let me know?
Located on the south-west shore, this town is the base for the lake’s professional fishing fleet – situated almost directly opposite to Bolsena on the north-eastern shore. For the Saturday night preceding the event, the town square will close and a stage will be set up for bands to entertain the crowds, with the rest of the square dedicated to pasta stations and drinks bars – it should prove to be a really good night out. Prior to the festivities, the national flags of the participating countries will be officially welcomed and received by the Mayor and local residents who will be fully involved in the evening. All participants will be invited to an evening of celebration and partying, along with the heady combination of the pasta-party girls and cocktail girls (who will be out in force). It has all the makings of a night to remember... or perhaps one to be forgotten!
Gradoli: Step into Town and enjoy the view
Montefiascone: Cathedral City with an incredible view Located on the highest point of the volcanic ridge surrounding the lake, almost 2,000 feet above sea level, Montefiascone proudly overlooks Lake Bolsena. The town, with ancient history dating back to Etruscan times, flourished in the Middle Ages around a fortified rock and it acquired importance as a safe haven for the popes. There is a cathedral dating back to 1519, and just outside of the city on the road to Bolsena stands the famous double basilica of San Flaviano. Montefiascone is well worth a visit if not for its historic buildings the superb views across the lake, not to mention the wine ‘Est Est Est’, for which the City is famous.
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Situated on a hill a few kilometers from Lake Bolsena, its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when a castle was built there: the castle could only be reached via a series of steps (in Latin, gradus, hence its name). Only few traces of the castle now remain, including a defensive tower and the entrance arch. In the 15th century, Gradoli came into the possession of the House of Farnese, and a palatial residence was built there. If not for Gradioli and the other towns mentioned, there would not be an event in Bolsena, as each share a boundary with the lake and has granted us special access and permission to fish the sections within their specific boundary.
Capodimonte: Medieval town with charm On the north-east shore, around eight miles north of Bolsena, lies Capodimonte with its splendid Farnese Fortress overlooking the town and the beautiful beaches below. The old town is located high above the lake and is definitely worth a visit. Competitors who draw pegs around Capodimonte are in for a very pleasant experience, with easy access to much of what is on offer in the restaurants and bars along the waterfront.
As with every new venue, there is always an element of the unknown, but as World Carp Classic veteran Steve Howard explains, this year’s event is set to be an exciting experience, and Bolsena will not disappoint. Here are a few pointers from our Editor… Lake Bolsena is big, and is therefore a worthy venue for the competition and a big test of any carp angler’s skills.
As with any large water it will be hard to fish, even the smallest wind on the lake can make it difficult and the carp will move around a lot, there are no large bays or reserves to hold them. This will make for a much more even Big and event – no one knows where the winning peg beautiful.. A will come from as many new and unfished perfect example areas will be tried for the first time. of what Lago di The Event common carp record is a fish Bolsena has to of just 23kg, caught from Madine some years ago and it is guaranteed to be broken this year offer. many times over. The weather is likely to play a big part in the competition, this time of year. It will be hot, possibly very hot, and so competitors will need to come prepared, as mentioned earlier it can also get very windy, so it may not be possible to use a boat all the time and this will create the need to cast from the bank. Many carp are caught this way. For those who fancy having some practice before the competition begins, carp fishing on the lake is very accessible, night fishing is allowed but must be booked in advance. There are some 25/30 night fishing pegs spread over a large area of the lake that cost in the region of 60 Euros a week to book and can easily be fished by two anglers which means it is only 30 Euros per angler per week which is very reasonable. Details on how to go about booking the fishing can be found on the local fishing shops website the address of which is www.freetimebolsena. com. It will not all be hard fishing though, before the competition starts it will
WCC Itinerary Bolsena 2012 Friday, August 31st
First competitors arrive and registration
Saturday, Sept 1st l Registration l Water taxi for competitors
by local fisherman l Pasta and cocktail Party In Marta l Entertainment with Musicians l Coach travel returns competitors back to Bivvy City
Sunday, Sept 2nd l Registration
l 19.00: Opening Parade In
It wasn’t built in a day..
The ancient town square of Bolsena will close especially for the flag parade preceding the opening ceremony. A chariot, as used in the blockbuster film Ben Hur, will lead the parade drawn by majestic white horses. Awaiting the arrival of the procession will be a Roman fanfare to herald in the competitors for the official opening ceremony, and this is where the famous World Carp Classic atmosphere really kicks in. I guess that you probably need to experience it to fully understand the scale of emotional buzz, but you’ll just have to trust me here; the incredible atmosphere generated by the tense anticipation and excitement of contestants is very special indeed.
Bivvy City, Bolsena Style..
You will be amazed by just how much the Bivvy City at Bolsena has to offer. Located within the fenced grounds of the large complex of Lido Camping Village, there are plenty of opportunities to hire motor homes, bungalows and lodges. With an integral supermarket, cinema, swimming pool, bar, restaurants, and sports facilities, there remains little doubt that this year’s bivvy city is going to be something quite special. Also, for those who would prefer to spend a few nights in the luxury of a hotel, there are two excellent hotels within a very short stroll of bivvy city, one of which has a superb restaurant which is open to all. Indeed, the residents of the splendid Hotel Royal are traditionally directed just across the road to the
impressive Hotel Columbus restaurant, and invited to dine there!
Tackle your problem..
Locally, everything you could possibly need can be easily obtained. Situated in Montefiascone, just a short drive south along the shore from the town of Bolsena is an extensively stocked tackle shop, ‘Freetime Bolsena’, which also provides a tackle hire service including a variety of boats, outboards, batteries and a battery charging service. Any items that conform to the World Carp Classic boat regulations can be purchased or hired at Freetime.
The heat is on..
Temperatures during this period can often be fairly high, so it may perhaps be prudent to pack the Ambre Solaire. It may seem obvious, but it is still worth mentioning that anything between 20-30C can often feel very much hotter than it does elsewhere and if there are clear skies you might then consider that it would have been worthwhile taking an opensided brolly or some other form of shade– providing, air-permitting structure such as a gazebo. Just sayin’… slip slap slop n’ all that. On a more personal note, I am looking upon this trip as having the potential to be a truly fantastic stand-alone experience with the opportunity to see some amazing sights, savour the delights of the delicious cuisine and learn a bit more about the culture. Then, if that isn’t enough, there’s always the World Carp Classic experience and fishing for some amazing fish in an inland sea… not a bad little bonus, I’d say. Embrace that thought and perhaps I’ll see you there! Steve Howard World Carp Classic Media Officer.
‘It can sometimes become very windy and if it does it may not be possible to use a boat. Although this creates the need to cast from the bank, many good carp are caught this way.’
WCC official prize tabe
be party time when everyone will be able to enjoy the Italian culture, food, wine and beer. This is what makes the event – Carp anglers coming from all corners of the globe to meet old friends and make new friends. It is why so many come back year after year and even moreso this year with the prospect of fishing and competing at Lake Bolsena.
Bolsena l 19.30: Opening ceremony In Bolsena l 20.00: Peg draw
Monday, Sept 3rd l 12.00: Competition
Commences
Thursday, Sept 6th l VIP function for local
officials
Saturday, Sept 8th l 09.00: Event finishes l 14.30: Prize giving
Ceremony
This itinerary is a provisional guide. For full updates log on to www.worldcarpclassic.com
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A world unites ..
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After 14 successful years, the World Carp Classic has become a truly international affair, with over 37countries taking part, and it’s still growing! A huge ‘thank you’ must go out to all of our event sponsors and suport partners, without whom this would not have been possible.
Facts about the WCC
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6 Million pageSPONSORS views on The decision to relocate the World SUPPORT SPONSORSl There were over SUPPORT SECTION MEDIA PART SPONSORS SECTION SPONSORS the official website at the time of the event Carp Classic event from France SUPPORT SPONSORS SECTION SPONSORS SUPPORT SPONSORS SECTION SPONSORS SUPPORT SPONSORS SECTION SPONSORS last year. SUPPORT to Italy after 14 years, was a huge SPONSORS SECTIONSponsors.. SPONSORS Section undertaking, but as we SPONSORS have SUPPORT MEDIA SECTION SPONSORS already mentioned, the competition About Lake Bolsena: “Lago di Bolsena” ... now attracts competitors from over SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS SUPPORT SPONSORS SPONSORS l Lake BolsenaSPONSORS is 10 times biggerSECTION than SUPPORT SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS SECTION 37 countries, and it seemed only the previous venue, Madine. natural to recognise this by giving others the chance to host. l The lake has a surface area of 144kms SUPPORT SPONSORS SECTION SPONSORS For those of you who are not fully aware sq, 53kms of bankSIDE space, a central depth EVENTS PARTNERS of Bolsena, or the World Carp Classic event of 151m and is located just 65 miles from SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS itself, here are a few facts about the new Rome. SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS venue, the lake and what will be involved in SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS EVENTS PARTNERS l ItSIDE is nicknamed by locals “Il Lago che SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS this year’s competition.
si Beve” (The Lake that you drink) for its crystal waters. EVENTS l After 14 years,SIDE this is the firstPARTNERS time the l Bolsena Is Italy’s largest lake formed in World Carp Classic has been held In Italy. the crater of an extinct volcano. l 160 pairs will compete. l It began forming 370,000 years ago SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS following the collapse of a caldera into a SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS l 30 countries will be represented. deep aquifer. The two islands were formed SIDE EVENTS PARTNERS l 12 countries are running National by underwater eruptions following the qualifying events. SUPPORT SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS SECTION SPONSORS Media Partners.. collapse of the caldera. l There is a £70,000 prize table. lThe lake is supplied entirely from the l A huge opening ceremony will kick off aquifer, rainfall and runoff and is bordered the event. on one side by updated forms of the l There will be an on site management Roman consular road Via Cassia. team of 60 people during the event. l Types of fish currently present in l The town Squares of Marta and Bolsena Lake Bolsena: Eel, Crucian Carp, Carp, will be closed for the official Chub, White Fish, Lattarino, Pike , Perch, function. Black Bass, Sunfish , Catfish, Rudd, Tench and some others of little interest to fisherSIDE EVENTS PARTNERS Media coverage .. men. l There will be over 11 Sponsors and TV crews on site during partners .. the event. l JRC are the official l There will be over 50 World Carp Classic title international journalist sponsors, and have been on site. for the past 7 years.
General WCC facts..
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Review of Madine 2011
Well deserved.. Champions, Jens Gassen and Thomas Muller, took the 2011 title to become the first ever German pair to win the event with a hugely impressive total catch of 377.6kg.
As we bid farewell to France and the magnificent Madine, here’s a look at the hightlights of last year’s event ... and it what an event it was! The World Carp Classic 2011 held on Lac de Madine, France, as it had been in the previous few years - saw yet more new records established. With a record number of 20kg plus fish (20), several more than ever before and a higher average weight, we signed off from Madine on a massive high note. The event began with high winds battering the shores of Madine and the English pair of Dan Moorcroft & Colin Gray were the main benefactors of these conditions, putting fish on the mat right from day one. Dan and Colin fished steadily throughout the competition and ultimately gained 2nd place for their fine efforts. When asked for a quote after the prize giving ceremony they said: “To be up on stage and to hear our national anthem playing is one of the proudest moments of our lives” The first fish of the competition was caught by a Romanian angler but, although the Romanian pair of Emilian Paraschiv & Nelu Capitanu were event leaders at the time, they were later disqualified for several breaches of the rules. Another Romanian pair, Gabriel Popa & Ion Nitu had a much nicer outcome in the event, as they claimed 3rd place overall with, amazingly, five carp of over 20kg for a total of 102.8kg. Now that is a really impressive haul of big carp! Jens Gassen & Thomas Muller of Germany were the greatly deserved eventual winners and World Carp Classic Champions 2011. When your luck is in, it’s in, and as they had caught
the 2nd fish of the event in the form of a fine 21.5kg mirror, due to the disqualification mentioned above, that fish was elevated to the prize-winning status of first fish! However, more significantly, that fish was to kick off what was an incredible run of fish as Jens and Thomas took the tournament by the scruff of its neck on day three and added 10 more carp to their already impressive tally. After the closing ceremony, the pair said: “Having fished from the same peg two years ago, we knew the swim well and where the best spots were. We are delighted to be the first ever German team to win the World Carp Classic and setting a new record for the biggest ever total weight of carp caught is a real bonus. It is a very proud moment for us and we are looking forward to celebrating our win” Jens and Thomas weighed in a staggering 377.6kg of carp, including new PB’s and four 20kg plus carp to 24.2. Their catch also ensured Team Deutschland1 victory in the Pairs event, in which they caught over 200kgs more than their nearest rivals and 2nd placed Team CC Moore.
French connection.. Ultima Section Winners, Lambert and Brack from France with their prize carp, and receiving their certificate, above. Hungarians Zoltan Kovacs and Andras Szigetsfalvi taking Biggest Fish in Section award, top.