World Carp Classic 2019 Official Magazine by Angling Spirit

INSIDE

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

40 YOU GOTTA

HAVE FAITH Karel Nikl is a true believer in positive thinking.. and a little luck

28 CATCH OF

THE DAY.. A small snapshot of some of the 2018 beauties caught on camera

WCC INFO THINGS YOU

SHOULD KNOW... 18 ROLL OF HONOUR

Round-up of last year’s top three and 1998-2018 Roll of Honour

38 THE WILD,

WILD, EST .. Six page picture special capturing the spirit of the WCC and Madine

NEEDLE POINT

Bianca Venema wears her true heart on her sleeve

20 2018 PRIZE TABLE

29.8kg of pure gold Jasmine Schuster shares her and Rene’s story of landing the Biggest WCC Fish so far

Over £70,000 worth of prizes up for grabs ..You know you want it!

32 2019 QUALIFIERS Meet the South Africans and the Dutch who will be challenging you this year

38 WPC19 PARTICIPANTS 50&51 OFFICIAL GUIDE MAP TO THE EVENT 86 A WORD TO THE WISE

A message from your Head Marshal, Gary Palmer

to the World Carp Classic 2019

t gives me the greatest of pleasures to once again welcome everyone to the majestic Lac de Madine, the spiritual home of the World Carp Classic.

Following on from the personally emotional event held here in 2018 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the World Carp Classic, it occurs to me that the opportunity to celebrate our 21st birthday should be of no less importance. With the rich history of the event that we are blessed with now behind us, the WCC family gathered here this week – in friendship and in competition – are sure to celebrate in style. The famously renowned WCC atmosphere certainly has no comparison in the carp angling world and with that camaraderie in mind, enjoy the experience, create new friends and add more great memories. It is at times like this, during these moments of “joie de vivre” that I find myself taking a moment to reflect back over the years. Amongst the very special moments enjoyed by all, a tinge of sadness exists for those who have sadly passed, and are no longer with us. Life is very precious, and that remains very firmly in my mind. I would like to encourage you too, to take a few moments to reflect. As you will be aware, we have reduced the number of swims for this event. This was carefully considered to be the way forward. It means less pressure upon the carp, provides participating anglers with more space and, at the same time, it will increase the prospect of claiming a WCC title for everyone. There cannot be any doubt about the undeniable global impact of the event and to highlight this global interest, this year the 2018 champions from New Zealand and Australia will be here to defend the title, alongside challengers from the USA, South Africa, Canada and Russia and a

great number of other European countries. Indeed, the WCC has come a very long way since its inception in 1998. But it doesn’t end here, it begins here!... There are some very exciting plans in place for the future! It is with great pride and gratitude that I welcome our sponsors to Madine. The important role sponsors play in events such as this should never be underestimated or understated. Sponsors and event partners are the lifeblood and heartbeat of the competition, make no mistake. Please show your respect and support for the WCC Sponsors . On the point of WCC support, it remains a fact that the success of this event relies heavily upon the marshals and stewards, my own personal WCC Team, and media teamworkers. They depend on your full cooperation to do their work well and thus ensure that we are all able to enjoy our time here. As always, maintaining the ethos of the WCC is of paramount importance. It is a prerequisite to participation in the event that we each accept our role as an ambassador for the sport. Fish well, with integrity, honesty and pride for those who you represent and if you honour the rules and follow your moral compass, you will have fully earned the respect that you deserve. Good luck everyone!

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

‘‘

Welcome

TOURNAMENT FOUNDER

The WCC has come a very long way since its inception in 1998. But it doesn’t end here .. it begins here!

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SPONSORS DARYL HODGES

DYNAMITE SPONSOR n behalf of Dynamite, Carp Spirit and all the sponsors a big welcome back to another WCC at the amazing Lac de Madine.

WCC turns 21 this year – a traditional coming of age for most with big celebrations. The 28th September will see big celebrations for one lucky pair of anglers – I say lucky but you need more than luck to win a competition of this nature! As all of you know who have fished here before, a week on the banks of Madine can be a tough long hard slog and is definitely not for the faint hearted. And I don’t just mean the weather – we have seen thunder storms and winds that will blow your bivvy away (literally) and extreme heat that would burn a lizards back and let’s not get started on ‘the dark side’! Whatever the conditions are this year, as a pair of anglers you can expect some hard

work! Hard work if you are amongst the fish and catching, but even harder work if there are seemingly no fish in front of you! With the 3 fish rule you have to stay focused, keep trying, changing tactics maybe, finding new spots and most of all keeping positive - otherwise you may as well go home! It’s amazing how much a positive frame of mind effects your fishing! Of course luck can play a part at the draw and everyone has their favoured areas – but look at the recent years where fish have come from – it really has become more widespread. At Dynamite we are hoping for some of that luck – it might be a case of lucky 7! This will be our 7th year involved working with Ross and his team – it seems a long time since Bianca and Lizette smashed the 2013 event in style at Bolsena using a mixture of the new Red Amo boilie, mixed particles and dark method groundbait/pellet balls. The Dutch ladies will be back this year to have another crack at Madine after finishing

a close second in 2015 from a very unfancied peg down the far narrow arm of the lake. I’m sure Rene and Jasmine from Austria fishing for Dynamite/Carp Spirit will be hoping for just that bit more luck as well this year – finishing third last year – only an agonising few kg behind the winners…but still setting an impressive new WCC record big carp at 29.8kg using our longstanding classic Source and Crave boilies! Whatever the outcome I’m sure it will be a strongly and closely contested week as usual. I’m looking forward to seeing some old and new faces alike and from all the sponsors I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best of luck. Stay lucky and enjoy yourselves!

Whilst writing this welcome piece it is with a heavy heart – a very good friend and colleague at Dynamite Richard Nicholls sadly passed away in July following a car accident leaving a wife and two young boys. I know many of you won’t know Richard but he was a great fisherman and a top guy and instrumental working with myself in Marketing, design and New Product development. To say it’s a huge loss is an understatement and he will be sorely missed at Dynamite and by all who knew him. RIP Rich.

‘‘

n DARYL HODGES HEAD OF MARKETING

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WCC CHAMPIONS 2018

NZ DREA

choice bro! Last-minute team changes p

New Zealand, new champs .. WCC 2018 Champions, Marius (left), Thomas (centre) and Jacques (right), celebrate the news of their win as only they know how

AM TEAM

proves shear genius for Team New Zealand

It takes a lot of guts to cross half way around the globe for a team competition, when just weeks before you didn’t have a team. However, fortune favours the brave and fate brought Marius Koekemoer, Jacques Niehaus and Thomas Thibaud together. Here are their stories...

MARIUS’S STORY ..

ne of the proudest days of my life was winning the World Carp Classic 2018 on its 20th anniversary.

It all began when I was living in South Africa, where my passion for big fish turned into an obsession. I followed the WCC for years, saying to my friends, “I will be there one day!” Everyone laughed at the notion of even fishing the event. My family emigrated in 2007 from South Africa to the beautiful New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa. Aotearoa is the Mãori name for the country of New Zealand, which translates as “land of the long white cloud.” I thought that my carp fishing days were over. I sold all my gear in South Africa as there was no indication that there were any Koi Carp in NZ. After a few years in New Zealand I met a few coarse fishing anglers and found a few clubs to my delight. I joined the Wagglers Coarse fishing club in Auckland and quickly learned to think big. Koi carp in NZ are an ornamental strain of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and the NZ record is 26lb... but far bigger fish have been killed by bow hunters. Fish weighing over 20kg have been seen in the Waikato river and farmers have told me of finding koi over 1.2 meters long after floods. In 2016, I contacted Ross Honey to see what can be done to get New Zealand to the WCC. It was clear from the start that we will never be able to fish the WCC without full sponsorships. We managed to get sponsors in 2017 and headed for the WCC. We probably could not have picked a worse year to join the event as the weather was shocking with hurricane Irma’s tail sweeping over Europe as the WCC started. Winds over 120km/h hammered us from all angles. I think 7 teams went home by the 3rd day. The beach and dam wall were right in the fury of Irma. (I should have seen that coming as my motherin-law’s name is Irma.) We lost both our bivvies on the second day and Ross did his magic to get us another bivvy. Meanwhile, it turned out that our sponsor-provided fish finder didn’t work. Without a fish finder in open water our task was impossible as wind and rain did not allow us to go looking for spots with leads; we were in trouble from the start. Our beach section produced 2 carp between 10 teams in 112 hours of fishing. We learned more in 5 days of extreme fishing at the WCC than most people will in a lifetime. We took our experience home and built on what we learned. We entered the WCC Australasian Qualifier in 2018 and won the 5 day event. When Gareth Edwards had to pull out of the WCC Team, Jacques Niehaus stepped in and we knew from the start we had a team together that could win the

event. Our problem was finding a 3rd member, and we knew we would not be able to fish the WCC without a significant sponsor. Two anglers pulled out weeks before the event and we were stranded. Lars Bood managed to convince Thomas Thibaud to join us a week before the event started. He had not competed in a tournament in his life, but he did have the experience of fishing many lakes in France. He also brought an awesome bait sponsor in #Vitalbaits, and all the gear we needed. We made a formidable team. A week before the event we formulated a game plan chatting online into the late morning hours. We stuck to the plan from day one through the end and delivered the goods, winning the WCC Qualifier Australasia & World Carp Classic 2019 in the same year. Since our victory at the WCC18, carp fishing has doubled in New Zealand and Australia. So many migrants to New Zealand don’t know we have carp and sell their gear before moving here. Once in NZ they need to buy everything again, and we don’t even have any carp tackle shops in NZ and AUS. Instead we import everything we need from UK and SA and help each other where we can. Earlier this year we entered The Carp Fishing World Championships for the first time in history. Bloemhof Dam - South Africa. Team New Zealand arrived in South Africa in February with only 2 experienced anglers and 4 development anglers, up against the world’s best anglers from 24 countries ready to take part in the 72 hour carp section against the world’s best anglers. We ended 4th in Zone A, 3rd In zone B and 11th Zone C. I fished Zone A and we were 2nd after the first 24 hours. Bad weather played a huge part in the games and we had to leave our 4 rods in the water during a massive storm. We had only time to save our gear and tents before the storm arrived. We were allowed to fish after 5 hours and all 4 rods had fish on the line, but the fish on the lines made a massive snag in our swim. All four lines broke and after that we dropped to 3rd. We were landing 1/5 fish caught. The last morning we were in fierce combat with the Ukraine team in 4th. 5 min before the end they landed a fish that was 300g heavier and we dropped to 4th. Another tournament left us dreaming of what could have been. The New Zealand team wouldn’t be able to fish any tournaments at all without our generous sponsors, as we need all the help we can get. Our next target is the IBCC 2020 and we would greatly appreciate your support! We would like to thank our current sponsors: VitalBaits , Jochym Marine and PB Products that sponsor Thomas. MARIUS KOEKEMOER

I thought that my carp fishing days were over. I sold all my gear in South Africa as there was no indication that there were any Koi Carp in NZ

NEW ZEALAND DREAM TEAM

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WCC CHAMPIONS 2018

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

WCC CHAMPIONS 2018 NEW ZEALAND DREAM TEAM

THOMAS’S STORY .. Life is made up of encounters, exchanges – a human labyrinth that constantly evolves during our lifetime and sometimes takes us on paths we would not even think to venture down. How can it be that three guys, separated by thousands of miles, with a different culture and a different language, win the most prestigious Carpfishing competition? It all began on September 5th when Lars Bood contacted me – we met at the Carp Reims show on the PB Products booth and hit it off. He asked me if I would be interested taking part in the World Carp Classic by joining the team from New Zealand. I’m not a fan of competitions and this one was in less than 2 weeks! He finished convincing me by phone and I asked for a week’s holiday at the last minute ... THANK YOU BOSS! Now I had to prepare everything in a hurry. My equipment for the big lakes was in order, Nicky from Vital Baits sent me emergency baits and Marcel from PB Products handed over a small package to Lars. In the meantime, I got to know Marius and Jacques via facebook and we listed the materials needed. First and foremost, I discovered that they are ultra motivated. It takes courage to cross half the Globe to compete in such an uncertain outcome.

The two weeks have now passed and everything is ready, I take to the road on Saturday night to arrive on the Sunday morning where I find Lars and my two friends at HQ.

After coffee with Ross, we finalize the registration and take No. 15 for the draw positions. Then there’s an afternoon meeting with Christophe Courtois of Media Carpe before going to find Martin and Nikolaj who provide us with a Fishmaster 350 and a foolproof boat, which is essential on a large lake such as Madine. Following the opening parade – a multicoloured, multicultural mixture of anglers from around the globe – the 2017 champions are welcomed and a long procession forms. Flags of many nations fly in the wind, multilingual conversations are exchanged and in no time barriers are broken, we all share the same passion. We don’t have to wait long for the peg draw where we draw Peg 76 – the same peg held by last year’s winers: Tim Paisley, Lee Jackson and Benji Fiqherlauser with whom we take a picture just before .. premonition? In the evening we decide to sleep near the harbour dock to be first to leave on Monday morning. We take this opportunity to get to know the restaurant – great hamburgers and a good glass of red – and talk strategies and analyze the peg, but the majority of the conversation is getting to know eachother more. Upon waking, we inflate and load the tyres before we’re taken to the island. As soon as we arrive at our peg, Jacques immediately surveyes the entire area, Marius riding the bivouac and I prepare the rods and bait. We then take the time to analyze the position, work out fishing angles and set the strategy ... once it’s been put in place, we would stick to it until the end.

Water babies .. The organisers are faced with three dazed kids plunging into cold water that hardly wakes them up.

The rest of the day is relaxing and we fall asleep quickly at night. All is calm – which is surprising with so much pressure. My only worry is the food supplies, as Marius and Jacques can devour a sausage and 6 eggs for breakfast. At this rate, our store will be empty in 3 days! Suffice to say, it’s a coffee for me ... we’re not the same weight and size lol. Then we have a debate, as I don’t want to move the lines – it’s always better to leave these if they’re on a good spot if conditions are bad. 6pm our rod shakes and freezes us all! Marius and I head to fight this first fish. There’s little wind and it’s calm – ideal! Marius seems a little stressed ... what if this is his only fish? We are like two kids staring at the line plunging into the water waiting for the surprise at the end – this is the part of fishing I love, imagining that the water is a mirror that only our dreams

won’t pierce. We dream until the explosion of a huge common on the surface. Marius panics and loosens the brake, how stressful !!! We regain control and she ends up in the net. This first fish fills us with joy and weighing 21.2 kg, it motivates us for the next events. We quickly put the rod back on the spot before night falls, during which, Jacques is given his first French fish in the form of a 17.5 kg mirror. What a night, what a pleasure – two beautiful fish and their first French carps. I’m delighted for them and these two catches bind us indefinitely, we are just three individuals linked emphatically in one being: a team! We start the third night filled with confidence. Jacques is the first on the rods (he’s not afraid to run barefoot in the forest and in the mud, after all he’s Australian!). While he keeps the pressure on the fish, Marius and I are busy preparing the

First place is both a blessing and a poison. It’s like holding a specimen at the end of the line... you’re happy to see it, but as long as it is not in the net, the fear of the losing it is still there

boat. The fight is short and intense. We leave nothing to luck with this third fish and a goodsized common joins the net. Karol and Greg, the two Marshalls of the island, are quick to arrive as usual – thank you to them, who, despite the lack of sleep, cross the forest in the middle of the night to come and weigh the fish. Without them, there’s no competition! Finally, weighing displays 20kg all round. This third fish propels us to 1st place with a total weight of 59.7kg. We know this is not enough. Last-minute takes are usually won with more than 60kg. We keep our heads on our shoulders and don’t rush. There is only a rod on the spot, but no matter what, we never stretch out at night – a boat trip plus a reboot always delays the keys or cancels them completely ! At 4am, the last rod on the spot unwinds, it’s up to Marius to take it. We go by boat and quickly

find ourselves above the fish. The fight is not exceptional and the beast rises quickly to the surface, when we see the mass, the huge yellow mass get on the flank and we are speechless! The first pass in front of the net is the right one and we pull together to get it on the mat. It lodges right in and I know from experience that it’s well over 25. We hug eachother above this beauty that may just be our key to victory. We inform Jacques by walkie-talkie and he immediately calls the marshals. The weighing is done quickly, but the scale reaches its maximum ... 27kg !!! The fish joins the bag while we wait for the morning’s weigh-in. We won’t sleep! At dawn, the marshals return with Ross, Rob and the film crew. A real anthill unfolds to immortalize the moment, the needle blocks on 27,2kg ! We take a beautiful shot in the water facing

the rising sun before working on preparing the equipment. There is no longer a rod on the spot: with mounts, boat and bait we set sail as a single entity and a look and a gesture is all we need. At noon everything is perfectly tense. Our three biggest fish accumulate a weight of 69kg, an almost assured podium, a dream! Fatigue can’t take the smile off our faces, the sun cannot dim the shine in our eyes and we take full advantage of the moment. We receive messages of support from all over the lakes, from our families, our friends ... thank you all. The afternoon is quietly broken with the visit of Pete Castle who comes to take some pictures, Agnès de Dometic, with whom I can converse in French (it’s good!) and endless, honest laughter between Marius and Jacques. We watch as out competitors to the right and left of us are putting in vast quantities of bait,

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WCC CHAMPIONS 2018 NEW ZEALAND DREAM TEAM

which, at this point in the competition would do them no favours, but good for us. This fourth night brings us a small common of 12lbs or so. Friday comes and we are still on cloud nine. The classification has changed little, but stress gradually beats us and sleep and hunger are hard to find .. first place is both a blessing and a poison. It’s like holding a specimen at the end of one’s line... you’re happy to see it, but as long as it is not in the net, the fear of the losing it is still there. Your body is under the effect of a maelstrom of emotions, a hormonal trance keeping us in a state of semi-reality, losing our bearings and turning us into ghosts awaiting their blessings. That evening, the weather changes. The sky darkens as does our morale – the wind could rise and at any time shake the rankings. And that’s what happens ... at section 50, the great team Jasmine Schuster and Rene Jauker catch the biggest fish of the competition at 29.8 kg, making a meteoric rise to 3rd place. Stress wins us over as a 20+ fish could change everything. Ross and the film crew pass shortly after midnight, which further increases our level of nervousness. I struggle to follow the conversations in English and need to be focused on my fishing. Fortunately, shortly after they leave, we get a touch that changes our minds.

It’s my turn to take the rod and it’s the longest fight – the fish holds the bottom and is impossible to take off – so much so, that Jacques prepares the gloves thinking it’s a catfish. When we see the orange mass on the surface, our hearts start racing ... maybe this is the fish that would ensure our victory. Alas, it is much smaller than we thought! From this moment we can’t sleep, seconds become minutes, minutes become hours – after all, ulimately time is only a value that fluctuates with the sandstone of our emotions.

6:30am and we take the 100 steps – attentive to the slightest movement. We see the boat heading towards the small island – where several teams have been dangerous in this area. Marius and Jacques crack and let out a few tears. I try to reassure them, surely we must be on the Podium?

The good luck messages are on our phones and my best friend Kévin, who has supported me all along, sends me “it’s good!” The boat is heading towards us! We let out our joy, all the pressure, all the stress disappears instantly to give way to a state of bliss and excitement ... we hug eachother then Marius grabs a flag and floats it in the air with all his

might. The organisers are faced with three dazed kids plunging into cold water that hardly wakes them up. The joy is immense and we immortalize the moment with the capture of the night. Now we have to store everything away and load it into the tyres. It’s the same very freindly gentleman as before who brings us back to port as we chat. It’s his daughter’s birthday, so we offer him our last bottle of Bordeaux. Arriving at the descent boat, we are applauded and helped to unload. There is no jealousy. We have little time before the awards, so we savour a short shower, a good meal while our cell phones keep recieving messages. At the awards ceremony we are moved and the words are hard to find. The prizes are nothing compared to everything we won this week – nothing is more valuable than human reward! A victory is never the effort of one man, or even three, it is the culmination of a common work where a gesture, a word, a look and a thought brings the energy needed to realize your dreams. At the World Carp Classic you may not take any carp, you may not win the title but you will share unforgettable human moments. Thanks again to everyone ! Thomas Thibaud

JACQUES’S STORY .. Winning the World Carp Classic last year was one of the proudest moments of my life. The road to Lac de Madine not only led me to a memorable Carp Angling experience, but also led me to cross paths with amazing people across the carp angling world.

That evening, the weather changes. The sky darkens as does our morale – the wind could rise and at any time shake the rankings. And that’s what happens ...

Fleecing the competition .. the awards ceremony was emotional and words were hard to find

People with the same passion, same drive and determination to catch and conserve these amazing fish. I made great friends and mates at Madine and really looking forward seeing them all again this year. Returning home to Australia after the World Carp Classic, all my focus and preparation shifted to the FIPS World Carp Championships, held in February 2019 during the Sports Fishing World Games in South Africa. This time I would represent my home country Australia. The competition were held over 72 hours. All Carp over 1.5kg counted towards your Pegs total weight. Each National team consisted of 3 Peg pairs/duos. No boats allowed, only casting and feeding with Spods, Spomb’s, catapults etc from the bank were allowed. These championships was always going to be very tough and competitive, with 24 of the best carp fishing Nations in the World participating. After an intense 72 hours with very little sleep, myself and my peg-mate caught 185 Carp, weighing a total of 508kg. We won our sector and finished 3rd Overall out of 72 Peg pairs/duos. Our Australian National team, finished 4th overall out of the 24 Countries participating, just missing out on a podium finish by the smallest of margins. Finishing 3rd overall individually and winning the Bronze medal was a great honour for me. Making this achievement even more special was the fact that we did this at the Sports Fishing World Games which only comes around every 4 years. After returning to Australia, my focus and preparation again shifted again to the Australia & New Zealand Bank Angler Trans Transmen (B.A.T.T) Carp Championships which was held in April 2019 at Blowering Dam, New South Wales. This Carp Championship is hosted in Australia between the top Carp teams (Duos) from Australia and New Zealand. During these Championships, teams battle it out over 4 days (96 hours) to determine who would be TransTasman Champions. The 6 biggest fish combined weight determine the winners. Myself and my peg mate had a great start landing some quality carp before sunset on day one. We continued to gain momentum as time went on. We landed one fish after another and managed to lead the competition after the midway point. It was a battle to the end, but we managed to hold on to our lead and win the Australia & New Zealand Trans-Tasman Championships. This topped off an amazing year for me in competitive Carp angling. Definitely the most successful Carp Angling year of my life. My achievements for 2018/2019 are: 2018 World Carp Classic Champion; 2019: FIPSed World Carp Championships, 3rd Overall individual; FIPSed World Carp Championships, 4th Overall Team Australia and Trans-Tasman Carp Championships, Champion. Who knows what this year will bring. Of course, defending and retaining the WCC title will be a dream – I will do my utmost to help my team achieve this and hopefully retain the title. Good luck to everyone participating at WCC2019. Tight lines and good luck this year! Thanks you to our sponsors Vitalbaits, Jochym Marine and Ross Honey for the support. Jacques Niehaus

2000 Champions: Paul Harrison & Paul Watts, England Weight: 81.3kgs Team Event: Team Cobra/GB Baits, England Weight: 114.3 kgs 2001 Champions:

T Stunnenburg & R.Bredenbeek, Netherlands Weight: 164.4kgs Team Event: Fishermans World, Netherlands weight: 258.9kgs Biggest Fish: Sam Oakley & Barry Mann England Weight: 21kgs

2003 Champions:

Mark Gardner & Jo Gardner, England Weight: 67.35kgs Biggest fish: Hans Sissingh and P Vermeulen Netherlands. Weight: 1.6kgs

2004 Champions:

Mick Hinson and Tony Kirrage, England Weight: 85.35kgs Team Event: Birch Syndicat Carp Team, Wales Weight: 20.85kgs Biggest fish: Brian Warwick & Michael Perry, Wales

2005 Champions: Keith Turner & Clive Hicks, England Weight: 35.5kgs Team Event: GB Baits, England Weight: 31.6kgs Biggest fish: Mavis Unwin, England. Weight: 17.4 kgs 2006 Champions: Mariusz Chiach & Jarowslaw Plochoki, Poland Weight: 80.85Kgs Team Event: SBS, England Weight: 23.5kgs Biggest fish: Eddie Matthews & richard Bradley, England. Weight: 23.5kgs 2007 Champions:

Jean Pierre Becker & Yves Hauk, France Weight: 22.1kgs Team Event: Carpworld, England Biggest Fish: Jean Pierre Becker. Weight: 22.1kgs

2017 Champions... Tim Paisley, Lee Jackson and Benji Petutshnig-Fisherlauser

2008 Champions: Andrew Judd & Peter truckle, England Weight: 140.4kgs Team Event: Carpworld, England Weight: 89.6kgs Biggest Fish: Pascal Gallon, Luxembourg. Weight: 23.7kgs 2009 Champions:

Rob Tough & Tom Duncan Dunlop, England Team Event: Carpworld, England Biggest Fish: Axel Wacker, Germany. Weight: 28.9kgs

2010 Champions: George Czonka & John Roberts, England Weight: 216.2kgs Team Event: team Renmar Latvia Weight: 167.7kgs Biggest Fish: Mikulas Elek & Pavel Snevajs Weight: 27.4kgs 2011 Champions: Jens Gassen and Thomas Muller Germany 337.6kgs Team Event: Team Deutschland, Germany. Weight: 409kgs Biggest fish: Aivars Rudzinskis & Varis Lazo, Latvia Weight: 25.3kgs 2012 Champions:

Peter Micula and Norbert Pongracz, Romania Weight: 329.9kgs Team Event: Thomas Vanek & Peter Hofierk, Cz Republic; Andrea Campanini & Filippo Mongrandi, Italy; Stuart Downing & Rob Nunn Weight: 382.8kgs Biggest fish: Peter Micula & Norbert Pongracz, Romania Weight: Weight: 22.5kg

2013 Champions:

Bianca Venema & Lizette Beunders,

Netherlands Weight: 366.5kgs Team Event: Andre Pieters & Craig Wood, Bianca Venema & Lizette Beunders, Netherlands. Wim Hanegraaf Dave Kesseler Weight: 366.5kgs Biggest fish: Krzysztof Mroz, Poland. Weight: 22.6kgs

2014 Champions:

Andrzej Walczak, Gabriel Starzec & Krzysztof Chamusko, Poland Weight: 166.2kg Team Event: Carp R Us, Poland and Czech Republic Weight: 181.8kg Biggest fish: Brit Terry Houghton of Spomb. This is the WCC record common carp caught to date. Weight: 23.9 Kgs

2015 Champions: Larysa Switlyk, Hans Sissingh Mattie Curfs 61.6 kgs USA/ Netherlands (3 biggest fish) Team Event: Team Carp Connections Weight: 61,6kgs Biggest fish: Viktor Lehrner, Austria. Weight: 26.2kgs 2016 Champions: Karel Nikl, Jan Dadak and Jakub Kumsta, Czech Republic Weight: 58.6kg Team Event: Karel Nikl, Jan Dadak and Jakub Kumsta, Czech Republic Weight: 94.1kg Biggest fish: Jacek Wojciuch, Poland Weight: 21.6kg 2017 Champions: Tim Paisley, Lee Jackson and Benji Petutshnig, England Weight: 72.2kg Team Event: Karel Nikl, Jan Dadak and Jakub Kumsta, Czech Republic Weight: 74.6kg Biggest fish: Lee Jackson, England Weight: 25.5kg

2018 WINNERS

1998 Champion: Paul Raymant, England Weight: 127.15lbs Best Lady: Cathy Bell, England Weight: 30.3lbs Biggest Fish: John Craven, England Weight: 49.5lbs

WORLD CARP CLASSIC

ROLL OF HONOUR 1998-2017

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

Overall Champion’s.. New Zealand’s Jacques Niehaus, Marius Koekemoer and Thomas Thibaud take the trophy with a total of 69Kg on Peg 76

We are very proud of our Champions and celebrate their great achievement, as they have rightly gained a highly respected status that many aspire to have. There is always a great atmosphere amongst the competitors who have spent a year planning and preparing for this year’s challenge. The question on everybody’s lips is, who will be crowned this year’s World Carp Classic 2019 Champion?

Overall 2nd.. Belgium’s

Frank Martel and Thomas Adonis from Peg 89, just took the lead from Jasmine and Rene with a total catch of 66.4Kg

Record breakers! With a total catch of 65.9Kg taking them to third position, René Jauker and Jasmine Schuster’s biggest trumph was their record-breaking fish of 29.8kg ... almost a decade since current record holder Axel Whacker’s 28.9Kg. You did it guys!

n 10:00: Bivvy City at Lac de Madine opens its

doors to welcome WCC19. (By sports hall at 55210 Heudicourt Sous Les Cotes)

n 15:00 – 19:00: On-site Participants

Registration

Saturday 21st September n 09:00 – 18:00: On-site Participants

Registration

n 15:00 – 17:00: Casting Competition n 18:30 onwards: Pre event welcome party

with catering and look back through the years with WCC family and friends

Sunday 22nd September n 09:00 – 12:00: On-site Participants

Registration

n 16:00: Official Official Picture followed by

official Flag Parade n 17:15: Official Opening Ceremony n 17:30: Official Peg Draw

PRiZE TABLE

Friday 20h September

WORLD CARP CLASSIC 2019

2019 EVENT ITINERARY

Z I R P M U MINIM TERN N I N A E B

Monday 23rd September n 07:00: Anglers invited to go to their swim n 14:00: Start of the competition – 114 hours non

stop (from WCC18 defending champions’ swim)

n 20:00: Broadcast of daily event up-date

Saturday 28th September n 08:00: End of competition n 14:00: Closing Ceremony followed by Prize

Giving.

! S’ R plus T I T O

PE au, COMPRIZES mbe irit y Fla p Sp b , Car s n ided it prov n Heato mite Ba e a b n Reu and Dy

World Carp Classic 2018 Champions n Title: “Champion of the 2019 World Carp Classic” Trophies AND a £15,000 cheque. n Plus! Unique golden Reuben Heaton scales n Plus! Lowrance fish finders and equipment,Dynamite Bait products, Carp Spirit prizes, Dometic products, Flambeau Products AND Eagle Claw Products, n Plus! A year of international PR and Marketing as the World Carp Classic Champions, Invitations to have guest appearances at international anglings shows, a 4 page feature in the 2020 event magazine, a promotional video made about a year in the life of the WCC 2019 Champions.

Second Overall winners n Trophies and a £3000 cheque. n Plus! Dynamite products up to the retail value of €1,000 RRP*. n Plus! Dometic products, Flambeau Products, Eagle Claw Products, Lowrance fish finders, Reuben Heaton Competition scales AND Carp Spirit prizes.

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM plus SURP ! RI VIP P EGS FZE ROM DO AND METIC LOWR ANCE

. . S U L P ! 0 0 0 , 0 ! 7 £ R F A O E E Y L ZE TAB AL STAR FOR A N O I T A N Third Overall winners

6 Section Winners

n Trophies and a £2000 cheque. n Plus! Dynamite products up to the retail value of €500 RRP*. n Plus! Dometic products, Flambeau Products, Eagle Claw Products, Lowrance fish finders, Reuben Heaton Competition Scales, Carp Spirit prizes.

n Trophies, AND £2,000 in sponsors products

Team Event Winners First Place

Trophies Plus! A holiday at Fishing Resort Du Der from Carp Connections.

Second Place

Trophies Plus! A holiday at Fishing Resort Du Der from Carp Connections.

Third Place

Trophies Plus! A holiday at Fishing Resort Du Der from Carp Connections. * For Dynamite prizes follow the link to get details and T&C’s

WCC19 Biggest Fish

Trophy Plus! Dynamite products up to the retail value of €600 RRP*

WCC19 Sportsmanship Award Trophy WCC19 Champion of Champions Trophy Dynamite Baits ‘No Fish Prize’ n Any anglers unfortunate enough to ‘blank’ during the week will have a chance to be drawn at random to win €300 RRP* of Dynamite Baits from their product range.

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D R O C RE S R E K BREA

ené and I arrived at Lac de Madine on the Friday, giving us a couple of free days to settle in before the competition and catch up with old and new friends. There’s such a strong community here at the Classic, it doesn’t feel like a competition.

After the flag parade, we all gathered in the big hall for the peg draw. The strain was growing. Our draw position was 53. At the beginning, I was really relaxed, but suddenly I got this bad feeling, so we went outside to take a breath. As a couple, we know each other well and René took one look into my eyes and realised that I wasn’t feeling good about the draw anymore, so he said that he would deal with it. As we went back inside the hall, Ross announced our names and we approached the stage. René reached into the box, my fingers were crossed. PEG No.. 50! Wow what a relief! Many of the other participants and media teams congratulated us on this draw, but that not necessarily a good omen to be honest – at the Lac de Madine, there is no easy place to fish and land a carp easily. Anyway we were really happy with our peg and looked forward to the coming week. At 5.30am on the Monday morning we set off with both boats fully loaded – we actually had to leave a third of our tackle and equipment behind they were so loaded! As we headed for our peg on the Big Island, it became clear that the hot summer days had created weeds, weeds and more weeds close to the surface. All around our peg was tree stumps and as we jumped into the water, more tree stumps .. about 20 of them directly under the surface that you couldn’t see. It made no sense in conditions like these to fight with the engine through the weeds and stumps, so René knew we had no choice but to row for the week.

2pm and the competition kicked off. The first thing we do on such a huge area of lake with so much weed, is to take the time to find the right spots. And that’s what we did. René spent hours on the boat and found some good spots with the echolot. We prepared a mix of between 18 to 26mm Source and Complex-T Boilies from DYNAMITE BAITS, with some Tigernuts and Source Liquid, then Rene placed the rods. Tight lines! The first night was rather quiet, but not 24 hours from the start, we landed the first carp. 19,30kg was the marker on the scale. Our first mirror carp during the competition. During the night, another one at 14,40kg. Yes! This was a much better start than expected. If only it could go on like this, we thought! The next day passed without any action. Then we were told on the Wednesday evening, that the limit buoys were not for the competition anglers. On one hand, we now knew we could go further out, but on the other hand it would have been nice to have known this before the middle of the competition! Anyway we had to deal with it. We left 2 of the 4 rods at the successful spot, and

NEVER GIVE UP #2

WCC BIGGEST FISH ... EVER!

It’s been 10 since Axel W years the WCC Big acker broke ge with his bea st Fish record st o Sadly, Axel’ f 28.9Kg. whacked by s been Rene Jauke Austrians Schuster wi r and Jasmine th A NE BREAKING 29 W RECORD .8Kg!

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NEVER GIVE UP #2

WCC BIGGEST FISH... EVER!

The long haul...well it’s definitely over 20!

varied the other ones to give them more space. Once positioned, we placed 3-4 handfuls of boilies on top and then waited for the longed-for 3rd fish. The penultimate night passed faster than expected. Friday morning – and the last full day until the end of the competition. We unfortunately couldn’t hang on to the initial great start and had blanked the last 2 days and. Keeping an eye on the results, it looked like we were down from 5th to 15th place. But we still had trust in our spots, trust in our products and of course we still trust in ourselves. Never give up! Well, there’s nothing I can say except that it was worth it! Our tactics worked! At around 9pm our receiver made two little noises. AND THERE IT WAS ... THE FISH THAT MADE HISTORY. Rene will never forget this night. Out of sheer emotions and joy, we cheered so loudly, even the marshals in the forest could hear us. The scale’s display exceeded the 29+. What an indescribable feeling, when all the hard work you’ve put into a long week pays off. After Ross Honey, Daryl Hodges, Pete Castle and Rob Hughes arrived with the media team, It was officially announced ... 29,80kg!! This old, cracking Madine-Mirror was the biggest fish of this year’s event. Not only that, after 10 years, the World Carp Classic Record Fish had been broken. It was an incredible moment. With one fish, we moved from 15th place to the top 3 and the nerveracking hours of the competition began. Just a few hours later, we were down to 5th place. The other teams also knew how to fight and struggled on without any sleep. Finally, around 3am, the receiver made the some noise again and René managed to land our last carp of this event. The ranking was really close between the first six teams. This carp added 16,80kg to our catch. You can’t help thinking .. what would have happened if the fish had also exceeded the 20kg limit, what would the result have been then? The Marshals arrived early morning to record the weight, just before the final whistle. Now it was safe. We had achieved what before we could only dream of. We are so proud to have made Austrian WCC history. The prize ceremony was particularly special – full of celebrations and lots of laughter with the other winners and participants. Ross Honey also had some fun and called us to the stage twice in a row! Right after we received the award for the Biggest Fish of the event, we headed all the way back through the crowds to our seats, when he called us back on stage, making us walk all the way back to the stage to receive 3rd place. What for a bombastic moment, we will never forget. It was only after a few days of being back home, that we finally realised what we had achieved as a team and as a couple. There really is something special sharing such joyous moments with your lifetime partner. We keep going over

what happened in our heads ... we did it! There was a little luck on our side .. like the day Pete Castle visited us at our peg to take some “memory shots”. One picture he shared had the headline “A Big kiss for a Big Fish” ... well, if that wasn’t a premonition... We have so many highlights from that week – all the support and all the great comments and wishes from friends and anglers was incredible. It really touched us, that we were able to create something for Austria. We would like to say again, a huge thanks to, that was awesome. Many thanks! We wanted to save this amazing moment – not only in our memories, but save it forever on our bodies. René and me love tattoos. They are part of our lives and anyone who knows us, knows that the World Carp Classic event is very special to us too, so what better way to show this than with a tattoo? Our slogan “Never give up” graces my foot and René saved this moment with the one-off 20th anniversary logo. Now, we are full of enthusiasm and excited about this year’s event. And curious ... aren’t you? Bis zur nächsten World Carp Classic! See you to the next World Carp Classic! René & Jasmine

Keeping an eye on the results, it looked like we were down from 5th to 15th place. But we still had trust in our spots, trust in our products and of course we still trust in ourselves .. Never give up!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A big kiss for a big fishâ&#x20AC;?... Premonition or not, the scales never lie and it was official .. 29.8Kg! The World Carp Classic record fish of all time

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WORLD CARP CLASSIC LEAVES A

LASTING IMPRESSION Now that’s what we call committment! For most, it’s enough to go home with memories or even an award ... not for these guys!

What a calf! Andreas Papesch from Bait Service Austria, was determined to hold on to the memory for a lifetime by having the whole of his calf covered.

A proper thigh slapper! You may have read in the previous feature, that Rene and Jasmine both decided to get a tattoo as a celebration of their joint success ... Jasmine’s graced her foot while Rene opted for the WCC Juibilee logo as his memento.

Bianca wears her heart on her sleeve.. Not only were Bianca Venema and Lizette Beunders 2013 WCC Champions, they were also the first female WCC Champions ... definitely worth a keepsake!

Catch of the day

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pause for a while to appreciate what this event is all about

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM 30

Caught in a moment.. World Carp Classic photographers, Pete Castle and Dorien van de Kuilen capture priceless moments during last year’s event. Pete said .. “As well as spending the days photgraphing some amazing fish, I also record the angler’s experiences; moments in time, frozen forever in an image.”

QUALIFIERS

2019 WORLD CARP CLASSIC

SOUTH AFRICA Roodekoppies Dam

Out of Africa .. Carpenterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Captain, Michael Steyn with the Biggest Fish of 13.76kg (main image). Erik Potgieter from Specimen Style (left)

Through extreme heat and difficult conditions, the race for the top spot at the South African Qualifiers pushed anglers to their limits, but it was the underdog team, The Carpenters, who crept their way to the title

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ON TOP OF THE WORLD A

fter a long 5 year break from the World Carp Classic the time came for South Africa to get back on the World Carp Classic qualifier circuit.

The swims were littered with “snotterbelle” grass which made for a very tough environment to fish in. This was Wild African Carp Fishing at its very best and Daryl Thompson from Carpy AF

Early in April 2019 the WCCSA was held at Roodekoppies Dam in the North West province of South Africa where 25 of the best Carp Fishing teams competed for the top spot and a place in Team SA who will represent South Africa at Lac de Madine, France for the World Carp Classic Tournament 2019. Because of its ideal location and large numbers of carp Roodekoppies Dam has become a popular venue for Carp fishing tournaments in South Africa. The WCCSA Event was held on a stretch of the Dam that had never been fished before. This piece of land is owned by the government and forms part of the local Nature Reserve which has been out of bounds to anglers for most of the Dam’s existence. The WCCSA organisers obtained permission after heavy negotiations with the Parks board and once the permission was awarded the bank was cleaned and swims were cut into the overgrowth to accommodate 25 teams. The welcoming event started early in the morning on the 30th of March, as teams arrived for their registration. Everyone received gift bags that included items like t-shirts, baits and other promotional items. Throughout the day there were a number of team building activities such as precision casting, boilie target throwing and other fun items that kept the teams entertained. Anglers from all over South Africa got to showcase their skills and enjoy quality fellowship before embarking on their first World Carp Classic SA adventure. After a very high energy opening ceremony and peg draw which included a delicious “spitbraai” (South African Barbeque) dinner, the teams were allowed to head out to their swims. What made this year’s event so special was the fact that none of the teams have had any prior experience of this part of the dam and no one really knew what to expect from the fishing. All the swims were littered with dead trees and “snotterbelle” grass which made for a very tough environment to fish in. This was Wild African Carp Fishing at its very best. Another big playing factor was the Blue Algae that laid thick on the bank. Once the teams were set up on their pegs it was up to them to create paths through this unpleasant sludge in which to move in and out of the water. Waders played a vital role in the 2019 event. As the whistle blew on the first morning it was just a matter of minutes before the first fish was caught. Eric

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SOUTH AFRICA Roodekoppies Dam

Only just begun .. Winners, Team Carpenter, with Captain Michael Steyn, Vice Captain Tyrone Leemans and 3rd angler Quinton Nell. Team Jurassic with their 13kg common (right)

Potgieter from Team Specimen Style was first to weigh in a fish, and this fish set the bar pretty high for South African standards at a weight of 11.9kg. The dam is known to produce large numbers of carp in the 8 to 9kg range with a few bigger fish inbetween. The first day saw a few incredible fish being landed including some beautiful mirrors. Both Karpioene teams were off the mark early on and started weighing in fish from the get go. On day 2 the media team had a call for a big fish on peg 8. It was the gents from team Carpy AF who had landed a monster 12.64 common in the bay which bumped them into first place. This would turn out to be their position on the leaderboard that they needed to defend throughout the tournament. In typical Roodekoppies fashion there were fish being caught left right and centre throughout the days and nights. Fish of every shape and size imaginable. On day 4 in the heat of midday the media team had another call that the guys from Team Jurassic had just broken the biggest fish record. They had managed to catch a pristine 13kg common in the heat of the day. This fish unfortunately only held the biggest fish title for a few hours as the evening around sunset there was another call and this time on peg 9 Morne du Plessis had managed to bag himself a 13.45kg Common from the bay. The race for the top spots was truly on as anglers fought their way through extreme heat and tough conditions. The organisers had decided to pause the Live leaderboard for the final 12 hours of the tournament. This created an element of surprise for all the teams and it was truly anyone’s game as the difference between the first 6 positions was less than 3kg. On the final day we had another 13kg common from the Bearded Anglers which bumped them up a few spots but it was still Carpy AF in the lead heading into the final night. While all the teams fought hard there was one team who crept up the rankings without much notice. An underdog team called “The Carpenters” fishing on Peg 14 had come up with a different strategy on how to catch

the bigger fish from Roodekoppies Dam. It was all or nothing at this point. Team member Tyrone Leemans had put his Deep Sea fish finding skills to practice and went out in search of just one monster. After a long search they located 3 big fish cruising almost on the opposite side of the dam. They quickly mouse trapped a rig in amongst them and headed back to shore. Within minutes their alarms roared off and they knew this was one of those bigger fish spotted during the drop. At around midnight on the final evening of WCCSA 2019 they had managed to land a 13.76kg Common which allowed them to steal the lead from Carpy AF.

SA Leaderboard:

1. The Carpenters 2. Carp AF 3. The Bearded Anglers 4. Karpioene 2 5. Jurassic Carp 6. Karpioene 1 The Tournament Director Charles Horlick alongside his wife Tanya with the help of Media Coordinator Eugene Kruger and various other team members have put together an outstanding event for South Africa in 2019. Next year can only get bigger and better with more sponsors showing interest in the event for 2020. To follow the World Carp Classic South Africa Qualifier vist www.sacarpclassic.co.za and like their facebook page.

An underdog team, “The Carpenters”, fishing on Peg 14 had come up with a different strategy on how to catch the bigger fish from Roodekoppies Dam. It was all or nothing at this point

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NETHERLANDS CARP CONNECTIONs

GOING FOR GOLD WCC tickets are fast becoming like gold dust .. there’s only106 available and many of them will be spoken for. This is why qualifying events like those held at Resort Du Der, play such an important role After twenty years of the WCC, getting a place into the event has now become pretty difficult as they have become rare. Already the total number has been reduced to 106 – a number that fits Madine so well!

Therefore no-one can just buy as many tickets as they want. To start with, the previous year’s winners have a priority entry. Then there are eight international qualifiers from which entries are given to the national champions. Those who joined the previous competition have the privilege to claim their place on the participants’ list again for the following year. If there are any remaining places that have not been snapped up, then those spare places are released to anglers on the waiting list. This is why qualifiers will become more and more important within the WCC’s future, for the only way to enter the world final will be that you’ll have to qualify. You have to be good to become the best!

n Dutch Qualifier The first World Carp Classic Qualifier ever, was organised in 2010, on the banks of the 150acre Sloterplas in the center of Amsterdam. How much fun it was to build a bivvy city on the upper deck of a huge concrete parking garage! The opening ceremony and buffet were held in a chic restaurant with terraces and a lake view. What a mistake that was – 80 carp anglers, ready to hit the banks, in a gentile place white table cloths, silver spoons and candlelight ... That was ten years ago

and how happy we were with the biggest fish going just over fourty pounds then. Two years later, event organisers Carp Connections moved the qualifier to the Fishing Resort Du Der in France. The brand new Resort was already famous for its huge stock of big fish. This was also the time when the qualifing rules were changed and the biggest three carp on their catch report allowed the winner to move on to the world finals. The BIG3 was born.

n Fishing Resort Du Der Right up north, on the mighty Lac Du Der Chantecoq, you’ll find a 150 acre complex containing four lakes stretching between twenty and thirty acres. JRC, Berkley, Penn and Greys lakes hold a stock of 1500 carp with loads of 40’s and 50’s and at least ten 60’s and five 70’s. These big fish lakes, make Resort Du Der such an exiting venue for a BIG3 event. The association between WCC and Carp Connections (the Resort management), goes back to the very start of the WCC and will endure until the end of days for sure. Hans Sissingh: ¨It is an honour to invite the three best teams, winning the WCC Carp Connections Team competition, to our Resort¨.

n Biggest fish

The management .. Resort manager and event organiser Has Sissingh

The prize for the Qualifiers Biggest Fish, is sponsored by Dynamite baits, so lets talk biggies. The heaviest carp in these last ten years came from JRC lake, with a good 30 kg. the monster called

2013 WCC champs, Bianca and Lizette, returned to The Resort and one of Berkley lake’s beauties was even named after Lisette .. “Beunders”

Bucket list .. Dynamite Baits provide the Prize Biggest Fish, so you know you’re on to a winner “Fifty Shades”, took Richard van Leeuwen right to the trophy. That was in 2017, the same fish did 76lbs. this year and is about to crack the magic 35kg. limit. JRC lake holds two more 30+kg fish. Berkley lake however, also contains two 30+kg carp. PENN lake has just one but several fish that will soon ‘jump over the moon’ !

n Beunders

In the year 2013, Lisette Beunders and Bianca Venema won WCC Bolsena. Their Shimano Dynamite team also won the WCC Team event that year and therefore were invited to fish The Resort. This resulted in a week’s session never to forget.

Within this decade of experience, the organisation of the BeNeLux/French Qualifier – as organised by Carp Connections – now holds firmly. Progress on the banks: Our loyal bunch of adult and experienced angling Marshals, like Hans Kuijten, Daan Uijen and Randy Muts are managed by head marshal and 2015 WCC champ Mattie Curfs. Progress in the kitchen: haute cuisine chef, Maarten Gommers (team captain Carp Connections II) both for the opening and on peg catering. Progress in Media: Patrick Verbeek and his media team filming and edititng the whole event. Progress in venue: the Resort has now achieved recognition for being one of France’s best fisheries. We’re constantly working hard to improve and the WCC Qualifier is now used as an example for qualifing organisers all over the world. Next year’s WCC Qualifier at Fishing Resort Du Der, is nearly sold out with just two more French tickets to sell! The last few years has seen Carp Connections deliver qualifying competitors who do pretty well in the finals too ! May our 2019 qualifier winners, Bokkem and Snaaijer catch some good ones at Madine !

2019 WORLD CARP CLASSIC

n Ten years of progress

A fish called Beunders! Winners of the 2019 Dutch Qualifying event, Bokkem (main image) and the Theunissen Brothers from Belgium (top right). Both teams will be heading to Madine this year

QUALIFIERS

In the years after that, the ladies returned to The Resort and one of Berkley lake’s beauties was even named after Lisette, “Beunders”. This fish brought good luck to Michel van Bokkem and Erwin Snaaijer, for they caught “Beunders” at 54lbs and it took them straight to the pole position to win the event and join us at Madine this year!

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AUSTRALIA Captain

WCC19-029 Aymeric Beaulavon

CZECH REP.

Vice Captain

3rd Angler

Captain

Vice Captain

3rd Angler

Travis Neenan

WCC19-030 WCC19-064 WCC19-065 WCC19-066 WCC19-078 WCC19-098

Radek Bis Dynamite Karel Nikl Champions 2016 Karel Nikl Junior NIKL & Carp’R’Us Robert Rizman Tomas Slavik Jiri Sladek

Jaroslav Vesely

Karel Racak

Jan Dadak NIKL & Carp’R’Us Martin Hrdy

Jakub Kumsta Erik Voltemar

Michal Jelinek Petr Korbicka Michal Savruk

Milos Mezek

Vice Captain

3rd Angler

AUSTRIA WCC19-026 WCC19-039 WCC19-054 WCC19-073 WCC19-099

Captain Patrick Paier Markus de Buigne Bait Service Austria Stefan Eisenberger Jasmine Schuster Dynamite Manfred Paar

Vice Captain Stefan Darnhofer Andreas Papesch

3rd Angler Dominik Kreiner Stefan Strasser

Gemot Hofer Rene Jauker Biggest Fish Josef Ruthofer

Jan Doleschel

Captain Thierry Podevijn Frederic Van Rysseghem Hainaut Peche Martin Sterckx Joel Wauthia Wesley Van Laere Tom Mertens Jean Mark Errolen Dieter Smulders Peter Machiels Laurens Wagemans

Vice Captain Ronny Geens Christian Gilbart

3rd Angler Candy Scheerlinck Laurent Mortellet

Tom Sterckx Frederic Laroche Bart Rombouts Johnny de Poorter Stephanie Dennison Michael Smulders Jakob Schulpen Ken Vangheel

Davi Sterckx Jean Pierre Capitte Michel Devaux

Vice Captain

3rd Angler

Nick Dilissen Andy Nuyts

BULGARIA

Captain

WCC19-079

Pencho Zlatev

Peyo Peev

CANADA

Captain

WCC19-095

Maxime Theriault

Vice Captain

Sidi Rachid Lalami

3rd Angler

DENMARK

BELGIUM WCC19-015 WCC19-023 WCC19-024 WCC19-031 WCC19-051 WCC19-059 WCC19-089 WCC19-090 WCC19-091 WCC19-092

Captain

WCC19-017

Frederik Vagning

Rasmus Harboe

ENGLAND WCC19-002 WCC19-003 WCC19-005 WCC19-008 WCC19-009 WCC19-010 WCC19-012 WCC19-018 WCC19-034 WCC19-035 WCC19-041 WCC19-048 WCC19-053 WCC19-055 WCC19-056 WCC19-068

Captain Vice Captain Paul Sharman Paul Butler Gary Fordham Steven Fordham Jon Scoffield Richard Smitton David Mark Pendegrass John Stembridge Robert Saunders George Withers Jack Lamb Brian Byford Keith Turner Clive Hicks Champion 2005 Champion 2005 Darren Hilton Sam Causer Carp Couture Kirstin Wiley Chris Wilson Sam Prue George Csonka Champion 2010 Thomas Wright Darren McLaughlin Bryan Houghton Lee Merritt Tim Swain Andy Swain Ian Russell Mike Franklin Jasper Giles Justin Giles Daren Venables Lee Jackson Champion 2017

3rd Angler Stephen Payton

Carp Couture John Lamb Jonathan Hughes

Irina Ungureanu Mark Wallis Terry Houghton Rob Tough Champion 2009 Bruce Larg John Little

WCC 2019 PART

ENGLAND WCC19-093 Dynamite WCC19-102

NEW ZEALAND

Captain Steven Coe

Vice Captain James Buckler

3rd Angler Mick Bowman

Mark Bines UK Carp Colours

Stacey Rosendale

WCC19-001

Marius Koekemoer Jacques Niehaus DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

Captain Julien Kehlert Lionel Braun Jean Philippe Prajsnar Patrick Saliermo SCP Raymond Friley Philippe Hermal Grand Est Alexandre Barone Dometic Yannick Villemain Carp Spirit

Captain Thomas Muller Champion 2011 Christian Meller Kai Pommeranz Stefan Pschierer Christian Reese

Vice Captain Jonathan Rothe Remy Ensminger Christian Bel Robin Perthuis

3rd Angler Michel Rothe

Richard Keller Fabien Hermal

Romain Chevrier

Elouan Pinvidic

Bruno Lioret

Vice Captain Stephen Freeland Friedrich Mahler Timo Koppermann Paul Pschierer Boris Reese

3rd Angler Florian Halder von Meinem

Captain

WCC19-044

Gyula Somogyi

Vice Captain

Thomas Thibaud

Vice Captain Krzysztof Mroz Jaroslaw Gulej Kszysztof Kozber Wojciech Kedzierski Sebastian Tuszynski Marcin Garbarz Andrzej Walczak Champion 2015 Wojciech Janoszek Dariusz Lesznar Bartosz Celny Dariusz Kulczyk Karol Olejnik Bartlomiej Czechowicz Przemyslaw Hedrych Bartosz Rakocy Maciej Krawczyk

3rd Angler Michal Majewski Robert Budzinski Karol Majewski Tomasz Krupa Lech Luczkowski Bartek Troner

Tadeusz Kwiatkowski

Grzegorz Turowski Robert Hajdo Tomasz Janula Lukasz Dominiak

Vice Captain 3rd Angler Evgeny Kiselev Stanislav Starovoytov Sergei Shevchuk

SOUTH AFRICA

3rd Angler

WCC19-036 WCC19-038 WCC19-040 WCC19-042 WCC19-045 WCC19-063 WCC19-097

Anna-Maria Kollo

Captain Manuel Li Greci Giuseppe Lunadei Silvio Bussoni Dynamite

Captain Leszek Rutecki Jacek Wojciuch Marcin Mizera Henryk Kolender Arkadiusz Kozaryn Leszek Ataman Krzysztof Charmuszko Champion 2015 Damian Procek Mariusz Niedzwiecki Patryk Karwot Slawomir Wasilik Jaroslaw Dabroski Marcin Kosz Marek Krawczyk Dawid Wysocki Andrzej Chlasta

Captain WCC19-019 Aleksei Tretiakov WCC19-020 Vitalii Medvedev

ITALY WCC19-047 WCC19-060 WCC19-088

3rd Angler

RUSSIA

Christoph Baacke Chris Riedl

HUNGARY

Vice Captain

POLAND

GERMANY WCC19-011 WCC19-037 WCC19-046 WCC19-062 WCC19-103

Captain

WCC19-004 WCC19-006 WCC19-022 WCC19-025 WCC19-032 WCC19-043 WCC19-050 WCC19-057 WCC19-070 WCC19-072 WCC19-074 WCC19-075 WCC19-076 WCC19-082 WCC19-087 WCC19-096

FRANCE WCC19-021 WCC19-052 WCC19-069 WCC19-077 WCC19-080 WCC19-101 WCC19-104 WCC19-105

Vice Captain 3rd Angler Giancarlo Binatti Attilio Bassi Giovanni Borgognoni Massimiliano Bonizzoni

Captain Anthony Nell Charles Horlick Darrel Thompson Stefan De Bruto Divan Potgieter Deanen Pearce Michael Steyn

Vice Captain Francois Sinden Graham de Wavrin Wayne Louw Petrus De Bruto Arno Potgieter Pierro van de Weyer Tyrone Leemans

3rd Angler Rynard Lukas Nigrini Riaan Opperman Patrick Loots Petrus van Rensburg Andy Sindy Steyn

SLOVAKIA

MONACO

Captain

Vice Captain

3rd Angler

WCC19-058

Jonathan Oehler

Lungu Liviu

Andrei Cristian

Captain WCC19-083 Peter Hofierka

3rd Angler Martin Votocek

Vice Captain Kristjan Cic

3rd Angler Primoz Grcar

SLOVENIA

NETHERLANDS Captain WCC19-014 Jacob Bakker WCC19-016 Hans Sissingh Champion 2015 WCC19-027 Maarten Gommers Carp Connections WCC19-028 Richard Van Leeuwen WCC19-033 Brian Charles Raats WCC19-061 Koos Megens WCC19-071 Sint Brouwer WCC19-081 Benjamin Drenth WCC19-084 Wim Molendijk WCC19-085 Geert Snijder WCC19-094 Michel van Bokkem WCC19-106 Bianca Venema Champion 2013

Vice Captain Milan Seda

Vice Captain Jan van den Berg Guillaume Pawtowski Carp Connections Daan Uijen

3rd Angler Robin Pool Melchior Sissingh

Dennis Nijland Dennis Ludwig Dimitri Fannes Ronald Brink Ed van der veen Peter Molendijk Gerwin Kempers Erwin Snaaijer Lizette Beunders Champion 2013

Peter Borninkhof Taco den Boer

Randy vd Haterd

SPAIN WCC19-007 WCC19-013

Captain Juantxu Arias Robledo Alvaro Hernandez Dominguez

Vice Captain 3rd Angler Iban Villarroya Dario Castillo Asin Dominguez Daniel Alaguero Martin

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Harry de Ruiter

Dynamite

Captain WCC19-049 Bostjan Bercon

Captain WCC19-086 Johann Barnard

TICIPANTS

Vice Captain Candice Barnard

3rd Angler

Vice Captain Denys Fylyppov

3rd Angler Iurii Usyk

Vice Captain Mark Metzger

3rd Angler Olivier Even

UKRAINE Captain WCC19-067 Pavlo Matviienko

USA Captain WCC19-100 Bence Matisz

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FAITH, HOPE CLARITY If you ever needed proof of the power of positive thinking, then Karel Nikl is your man ... his desire to win, his humility and strong belief in himself left him in no doubt that he would one day take the title

f there is a fishing muse, then the most powerful of them came to me. She gave me an amazing gift, to understand fish, love them and have a relationship to the water and nature around it.

I have been wandering around ponds, rivers and lakes since my boyhood. Even today, when I go out with my daughter, we almost always go somewhere where I can see the water and watch the fish. If I remember correctly, nobody in our family was dedicated to fishing. Nobody except me. So needless to say, I had to learn every angling skill by myself. And I have to admit that I was learning very fast. I was lucky enough to learn a lot from old, skilled fishermen. It did not take a long time before I was catching way more than them. Sometimes these fishermen would wake up earlier than me and head to their hotspots – only to sit on the peg where I had fished a day ago. You can imagine how disappointed and angry I was when I saw them, but I couldn’t do anything. So, I found another place and started to fish there. The best satisfaction came when I caught more fish than they did. It didn’t take a long before I began to measure my skills against other anglers at local competitions. That was almost forty years ago, in the depth of communism, so it was very difficult to find any decent fishing competition. One well-known event happened every year at my hometown of Kolín, at river Elbe. It was a famous competition, with over two hundred competitors from the whole Czech Republic. I loved this event so much! But because I managed to achieve very nice results every year, I felt that I had to search for something else, something bigger.

Taking my first risk .. I suppose, that during the time I was starting to specialise in carp fishing, Ross Honey would not have known that one day he would be organising the World Carp Classic. If I think about it, his level of testosterone had to be at its highest then, so he would have been fully focused on other projects other than fishing! A few years down the line, The World Carp Classic was established – and it’s been an unbelievable 21 years. When I heard about WCC for the first time, I wanted to participate so bad, that I helped to establish a Czech competition named Carp League – only to get to WCC. I managed to get there eventually in 2004 when the WCC took place at Lac de Amance. It was also the beginning of my professional career, as I had started working in the fishing industry, only four years before. It was very difficult to leave the business that I shared

Small wonders .. this little roach caught at the WCC14 meant more than anything to me with my partner and start working in a completely new venture. Difficult especially as I knew I had to feed my wife and my son. But, deep in my heart, I felt that I had to risk it. Now, after about twenty years, I know that it was worth it. Today, our company employs nineteen staff. We have a lovely shop, a well-stocked warehouse and what’s more, we do wholesale, import and export. And I am more than thankful for it.

My WCC early days .. My first year at the WCC was also my “carpless” year. I caught only one small roach. But this small roach was more than just a roach. And The World Carp Classic was more than just a competition to me and still is. It’s the special feast when anglers from all around the world can meet together at one place and share their experiences, skills and stories. The unique atmosphere of the whole competition and both ceremonies are so special, that only this alone can be reason enough to take part. I love to meet new anglers. Every contact can enrich you with something new. There’s always plenty of useful information about lakes and rivers in foreign countries, big carps and unforgettable stories that show me a brand-new side to carp fishing. This knowledge has also helped me in future fishing expeditions. But knowledge is not the only thing you get ..

Tales of the unexpected .. The number of experiences that one can have at this special event is mind-blowing. I’m sure that every competitor could easily write a book, filled with tales from the WCC. And, on that note, I would like to share one of the most memorable stories that I have ..

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Power of belief .. I had to wait over ten years to reach the title of WCC Champion

Probably the most important thing is spending time with the great people in my team.. your team is something you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overlook if you want to get closer to first place

It happened in 2017 at Lac de Madine with my team members Jan Dadák and Jakub Erhart. We were fishing at peg 84 in the unpopular middle of the island. This peg was well known as a “No fish peg” throughout the WCC’s history. It’s almost unbelievable, that our team changed history and caught several really big carps there. On the last day, we were missing one carp over 20kg to get to the top of the leader board. We were having a rest after lunch and waiting for some action when suddenly the blistering strike on my left rod pumped adrenaline into our veins. Jakub and I jumped to the boat and went out to the wavy lake. After a while, we stood over the place where my line directed to the bottom, into some snag. I am sure that all of you can imagine this unpleasant situation. I knew that my prayed-for big mirror was stuck somewhere down there. We were anchoring the line for over 15 minutes. At the point I had started to give up, Jakub decided to try one last option to get out of the snag. We drove a boat about thirty meters from the obstacle so the line was not at a right angle above it. We could only go on one of two sides and try to get the line out of the snag by itself. I asked Jakub which side we should go to? Left or right? He replied to the right! We set out with a slightly stretched line, making a big half arch then suddenly, the line loosened. “S***! The line has broken!!!” “But wait! Maybe it’s still there ?” “Oh yes! It’s on!”. And the rodeo had begun. That fish was incredibly strong. So strong, that I had started to think that it was a catfish. The monster was constantly pulling down to the bottom and my power began to diminish. After more minutes of the fight, I finally started to lift the fish up to the surface. My rod was bent into a proper bow and I was reeling more and more centimetres of shock line into my big pit reel. It must be a catfish! Standing on the boat, I was looking down into the depths waiting to see a big cat’s head. That mixture of emotions I felt was unforgettable. Suddenly I spotted the body of big carp. “A carp! It’s a CARP!” I was screaming to whole lake. And then, my knees started to shake as never before. The level of adrenaline was at it’s maximum. I was so nervous. Luckily, the ATS hook was sitting perfectly in the middle of carp lip and when the carp was laid on the surface, I knew that he was mine! My net was only a few centimetres in front of the carp when it fell off my hands. The emotions I had at that moment can only be compared to a strong bolt of electricity mixed with a feeling of sparse diarrhoea in the pants! Luckily, I caught the net handle in another second and managed to get the tired mirror into the net. That huge blast of emotions we experienced on the boat was unforgettable. This 23kgs of Madine mirror catapulted us on the top of the leader board (Photo 4.) and we were only a step away defending first place from the previous year. But the fight is not won until its over and we were facing the final night with many skilled teams all around the lake. At big competitions like The World Carp Classic, it’s usual that the last night can change everything. And this time was no different. Our dream, to hold WCC Champion title for a second time, was smashed by Lee Jackson, Tim Paisley and Benji Petutshnig-Fisherlauser. During that last night, Lee managed to catch a carp over 25kg which was more than enough to win.

I know that I will talk with more famous anglers and share our skills together. Most of them are wonderful people, prepared to answer all of the questions we can ask or at least willing to pose in front of the camera for a quick selfie! I really regret that I have these communication barriers, as I would certainly be more inquisitive. The third important factor is the edge needed, that I have managed to achieve thanks to The World Carp Classic. I have learned so many new things thanks to this event and visited many beautiful lakes, where I would not have fished before. One of the most beautiful places that I visited was Lago di Bolsena in Italy, which is a lake I’m sure I would never have visited on normal occasions.

Still learning, dreaming and believing! “To be the best”, is probably a natural part of ourselves. During my first year at the World Carp Classic, I had a great desire to win. But I had to wait over ten years gain the title of WCC Champion. It did not come to me “by itself”, but by desire, faith, and a dream that I will win one time. And the human factor is only a small piece in this puzzle. You need to have a good hand at peg draw, a good team, good weather conditions and many more. One last, very important thing.. I am a person who believes in the power of his thoughts and dreams. If you’re humble, have faith and a put in a lot of effort when going for the challenge, it will be worth it. Sooner or later. The fact that I work in the fishing industry, or that I became the WCC champion, is proof of this to me. Also, I have fulfilled other dreams that I wanted in my life in this way and I believe it will go on. One such dream is to win The WCC a second time or become a Champion of Champions a second time. That’s why I still learn new fishing skills, dream and believe. n

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KAREL NIKL FAITH, HOPE & CLARITY

Standing on the boat, I was looking down into the depths waiting to see a big cat’s head. Suddenly I spotted the body of a big carp. “A carp! It’s a CARP!”

n Karel Nikl World Carp Classic champion 2016 Third place at World Carp Classic 2017 Champion of Champions 2017 Triple winner in the team competition

What has The WCC given me? The first and probably most important thing is spending time with the great people in my team. The team itself is something you can’t overlook if you want to get closer to first place. As I mentioned before, the second thing is the strong connection to the event and getting to know new people. I wish I could speak in more than one language, so I could communicate with anglers more than I do.

Mirror, mirror .. this 23kgs of Madine mirror catapulted us on the top of the leader board

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‘‘

THE WILD WILD EST

or those of you who know Madine, you’ll agree that it’s a beautiful, yet unpredictable venue to host a fishing tournament. Madine’s weather is notorious for being as cruel as it is kind. Bivvys, rods and even boats have been lost to the lake’s storms .. usually carrying a little pride away with it. And, predictably, as quickly as they arrive, the winds can drop in an instant. The clouds part, letting the sun break through. A sun that can stab at every white, untouched part of your body. Parts you forgot you had. Any Scot reading this would understand. And just as diverse as the weather, are the anglers who descend on Madine for this one week in September – itching to get started, excited to challenge themselves and test what they’re capable of. They’ve been preparing for this all year, so if the weather won’t behave .. neither will they. WCC competitiors are an ecclectic bunch – old, young, men, women, some are model material, others not so much – but they all have one thing in common; It doesn’t matter where you hail from, or what you do for a living, or what age you are or how you look, they just all want to be here, for this week only and for the World Carp Classic. Like Madine, they all share a wild side that’s bursting to get out. When I look through all the thousands of pictures that have been taken over the WCC years, I always think of the Wild West for some

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THE,WILD,WILD EST

reason. I think perhaps the ‘roughing it’ in bivvy’s (although some set-ups are like mini estates and better-equipped than my kitchen), the surviving-it through the elements and the escape from the normal 9-5 life is what draws most event-goers. And, of course, the competition! You don’t enter an event like this if you’re not going to compete, but from what I can see by browsing Ross’s collection of years and years of work, fishing plays only a part of the bigger picture. I’m not an angler (although I did once attend a WCC event in Bolsena a few years ago ... but that’s a whole other story!), so forgive me if I’ve missed the point a little, but what I see is the diversity of people roughing it together. The fun they have – even if they don’t catch one bite and there’s not a dry day in the week. These competitors don’t take themselves seriously at all (some maybe should from some of the images I’ve seen) and I can honestly say, that in all the years I’ve worked with Ross on the Event magazines, I think I’ve seen maybe two miserable looking people. Not surprising that I’ve never seen them since! To get a better sense of the humour that’s clearly obvious in many of the

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM pictures, I called Ross and asked if he could think, off the top of his head, of any particularly funny moments I could mention in this piece. After a very long pause – I could actually hear his torment over the phone, he said: ‘Oooooh Lucy, there are so many, I can’t even ....’ A few hours later I put the phone down on him with pen cramp! But just before poralisis completely set in, I did manage to note a couple his tales. One year at Madine, the storms were so bad that one guy’s tent was completely swept away during the night, while he was under it. Ross later came upon the man sheltering and shivering under a chair. The bivvy never to be seen again. Another story that makes Ross smile, is the one about ‘The Bear in the Woods’. Many tales of this creature have been told on dark nights behind the canvas and one in particular, told by Steve Howard as wild grunting noises could be heard outside the tent, scared the man to such an extent that Steve had to finally give in and confess it was wild boar terrorising the camp! In a little way, a very little way, I wish I did fish sometimes, because I can see the bonding it creates and the friends it makes. All of you are here by choice and all of you will walk away when the week is over with great stories, new friends and maybe even an award or two, I hope so. The pictures over the last few pages, taken by very the talented photographers on Ross’s staff, capture the spirit of Madine perfectly ... a stunning location, filled with fun and good people. I hope you all have a wild time, because Madine deserves it. n

THE,WILD,WILD EST

Pictures: World Carp Classic photographers, Pete Castle and Dorien van de Kuilen

YOUR WCC GUIDE LAC DU MADINE

OFFICIAL MAP 2019

Bags of confidence ... never bettered, never changed

The Source is just one of Dynamite’s premium boilies and has been responsible for capturing some of the biggest carp in Europe over the years including the WCC record fish in 2018. Find out a bit more just why it’s so good...

t’s said that behind every great man, there’s a great woman...(apparently!) - Here at Dynamite, we prefer to say that behind every great angler, there is a great bait!

The Source was developed by Dynamite in 2002 in conjunction with the UK based carp legend Terry Hearn. It very quickly became obvious that something ‘very special’ had been created. From the start, it was a bait that proved to have an incredible ability to catch big carp, regardless of the type of water or where. “When it came to fishing The Source for the first time, there was no need to embark on a lengthy baiting campaign, to get it ‘established’”, Terry said. “It just worked.” Since its creation, it’s been responsible for landing so many PB’s and some of the biggest, most sought after carp worldwide as Dynamite anglers Radek Bis can testify with his Czech river PB at 29.2kg and Alex Hager from Austria with Gandolf at 31.7kg in 2018. The Source has recorded anglers’ captures in over 30 different countries that we know of from Canada to Japan and its world-wide appeal probably makes it the best-selling boilie in the world..! More recently it was responsible (alongside The Crave) for helping capture the biggest carp of the 2018 WCC Final, a fish of 29,8kg, caught by Rene Jauker & Jasmine Schuster. The actual recipe for The Source has always been a closely guarded secret and will remain so. The base mix is a combination of high-quality LT (low-temperature) fishmeal, which is oozing with essential amino acids that carp actively seek out when feeding. The Source also contains three of Haith’s premium

SUCCES THE SOURCE

SS IN A BAG ... STILL GOT IT!

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Personal Best... Austrian Alex Hager with Gandolf at 31.7kg in 2018

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SUCCESS IN A BAG DYNAMITE BAITS

From a good Source.. Bianca Venema and Lizette Beunders became the first female WCC Champions in 2013 bird foods - including one of Terry’s all-time favourites - Red Factor. This helps give the bait an open-texture, allowing the bait’s flavours and attractors to quickly disperse in the water. The open texture, also means that the carp are able to eat much more before they become full, a huge advantage when it comes to holding carp in the feed area for longer. Terry is a massive fan of Haith’s Robin Red, which helps give The Source its distinctive colour, and also helps enhance the flavour profile. Dynamite also added a ‘secret blend’ of unique water-soluble attractants, enhancing the bait’s flavour/taste profile even further. It is this secret recipe that gives The Source its highly distinctive meaty smell with unique spicy undertones. Terry explained “it’s one heck of a bait! - I’m happy to take The Source anywhere.”

The Crave ..

Even though The Source had started to change the world regards using quality carp baits, Dynamite collaborated again with Terry Hearn in 2012, when they developed The Crave. Unlike The Source, (‘meaty/spicy’) The Crave is a shellfish-based boilie containing two different, yet brilliant fish-meals - tuna and anchovy. The Crave also contains a concentrated watersoluble shrimp paste and two of Terry’s all-time favourite secret flavours that help create a unique and highly attractive bait. By combining these potent flavours with a range of top-quality bird foods, The Crave offers true all year round appeal and instant attraction, and another winning bait. “At first I thought about adding these additives to The Source, but then I reasoned that The Source was already loaded with really good stuff, plus, why change an already winning formula?. “I really wanted to develop a new boilie that included the special winterised salmon and shrimp attractor as I knew from years past just how well this worked.” Taking over a year of additional development, prior to the bait’s launch in 2013, a lot of time and effort went into getting The Crave absolutely spot on. During one of the first times using the final bait, Terry baited a large, eighty-acre low-stocked Oxfordshire gravel pit with just six-kilos. After

Red devils ... Terry Hearn working on The Crave (above) and landing a lean 43lb 4oz common (right) leaving the pre-bait two-days to ‘work its magic’, he then returned for a quick overnight session. Feeding a further light scattering that first night, at first light he had a take which turned out to be the biggest fish in the pit...a lovely lean common tipping the scales at 43lb 4oz (19.6kgs). Just like The Source, The Crave appeals to both long session, campaign anglers, or day/weekend anglers who require a bait to give them that instant edge. Although they are both brilliant in their own right, when it comes to using them, Terry say’s why make things hard for yourself by choosing one over the other. He simply mixes them 50:50 and gets the best of both worlds.” At Dynamite we say, “If it’s good enough for Terry, it should be good enough for everyone else!” n To find out more about these baits and the more

recent CompleX-T see www.dynamitebaits.com or visit your local stockists.

When it came to fishing The Source for the first time, there was no need to embark on a lengthy baiting campaign, to get it ‘established’ It just worked

The Big One

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN THE RANGE ... For The Source and The Crave:

n Shelf life boilies 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm: 1kg & 5kg bags n 14mm dumbells (shelf & freezer): 1kg n 26mm: 350g bags n 14mm dumbells: 1kg n Base Mix: 1kg n Freezer baits 15mm and 18mm: 5kg bags n Pop ups: 15 and 20mm n Fluro pop ups:10, 15, 20mm n Wafters n Hardened hookbaits

e ... The WCC biggest carp at 29,8kg caught by Rene Jauker and Jasmine Schuster on The Source and The Crave

n Re-hydration liquid attractant:

500ml

n Hookbait Concentrate Dip: 100ml n Feed Pellets in 4mm, 6mm and

8mm: 900g

n Pre-Drilled hook pellets 8, 14,

21mm: 350g (*Source only)

n Stick Mix: 1kg (*Source only) n Groundbait: 900g (*Source only) n Tuff Paste

Having had their confidence rocked a little at last year’s event, Team Ba

E C I V SER L A U ! S k U S bac A d you we’d be ... tol

ollowing the motto “Never change a winning team”, Team Baitservice Austria will be attacking the podium of the World Carp Classic 2019 for the 5th time and they don’t intend to change a thing

Over these past five years, each event has given the Austrian Team so many special moments and memories , they just had to share them ..

Bolsena 2014.. Under the leadership of captain Markus de Buigne, Andreas Papesch and Stefan Strasser competed for the first time as a 3-person team in Italy. At this point, Andreas already had an edge, as he had previous experience of the Word Carp Classic, having come away with an excellent result. Bolsena 2014 will always be remembered by these anglers as the year they managed to gain the lead of the event on the 3rd day. The first interview in the morning with Ross Honey is always a special moment, especially when topped with a live bite. Probably the most legendary video of the World Carp Classic can be found on Youtube: https://youtu.be/iqqW7HnNrcY. Unfortunately, unfavourable wind conditions in the following days, slowed down the course of success and prevented further catches. Nevertheless, the competition ended with a 9th place in the overall ranking and 2nd in the sections.

Novomlymska 2016 .. After a year’s break, the result of the peg draw in the Czech Republic gave cause to rejoice – even though, more was being caught on the neighbour-

ing courts. But already by the first night fish were landing in the net and day by day, better fish were arriving. Although the underwater vines proved an obstacle, by fishing at their best, the challenge was mastered with flying colours through much work and little sleep. Team Baitservice Austria even won the section with one of the last fishes in an amazing finish and achieved 6th place in the overall standings.

Lac de Madine 2017.. The French nature reserve in the Karpela Cont section presented itself as a visually very beautiful location, but also offered a true herbal hell. There were endless underwater vines and hardly any holes suggesting carps. Nevertheless, a few fish were traced and caught. In this situation, the quality counted more than the quantity, because although there were only four catches in total, they put a nice weight on the scales with 21.20 kg, 19.10 kg and 16.00 kg. Thus securing the team 5th place in the overall standings and again the section victory.

Lac de Madine 2018 .. This was the year where the WCC threw so many challenges the Team’s way, that Markus, Andreas and Stefan seriously began to doubt themselves and their skills as experienced anglers Once again, positioned in the French nature reserve – only 2 places away from the previous year – the same obstacles arose with the infamous herbage as in 2017. But this time, holes in the herbal hell could scarcely be found. Unfortunately, the strategy of relying on the tactics of the past events turned out to be pointless. Despite all efforts, 2018

Giving up is not an option. “Come back stronger” is the motto from now on ..

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aitservice Austria have re-tuned and made a pact to keep on going

will be remembered as the toughest year for Team Baitservice Austria, which ended with 2 swans in the strings and a blank result. Although the disappointment is of course great, giving up is not an option. “Come back stronger” is the motto from now on, so victory for Austria remains the top priority.

Lac de Madine 2019 .. Just the thought of traveling to the World Carp Classic as a team behind which many people from Austria stand, is something very special for three anglers. Of course, the Carp God must also be gracious to them and send the fish to their spots. ;-) However, with a little bit of luck, this year’s event will be the most successful so far. The Austrian team is eagerly awaiting to find out what they can do this year. No matter what the outcome, Team Bairservice Austria looks forward to a fair competition, a great time and also wishes all other teams much success. Team Baitservice Austria Markus, Andreas & Stefan

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2019 TEAM EVENT CARP CONNECTIONS

FISH AS A TEAM ..WIN AS A TEAM

The WCC 2019 Team Event adds an extra dimension and an exciting chance for pairs to win a trip to fishing Resort du Der TEAM DOMETIC Company WCC19-101 WCC19-104

Captain Philippe Hermal Alexandre Barone

Vice Captain Fabien Hermal Elouan Pinvidic

3rd Angler Romain Chevrier

TEAM THE GAME Company WCC19-047

Captain Manuel Li Greci

Vice Captain Giancarlo Binatti

3rd Angler

TEAM CARP R US Company WCC19-064 WCC19-065

Captain Karel Nikl Champion 2016 Karel Nikl Junior

Vice Captain Jan Dadak Champion 2016 Martin Hrdy

3rd Angler Jakub Kumsta Champion 2016 Erik Voltemar

CARP CONNECTIONS Company WCC19-016 WCC19-027

Captain Hans Sissingh Champion 2015â&#x20AC;? Maarten Gommers

Vice Captain 3rd Angler Guillaume Pawtowski Melchior Sissingh Daan Uijen Randy vd Haterd

TEAM DYNAMITE/CARP SPIRIT Company WCC19-093 WCC19-106

Captain Steven Coe Bianca Venema Champion 2013

Vice Captain James Buckler Lizette Beunders Champion 2013

3rd Angler

TEAM DYNAMITE/CARP SPIRIT 2 Company WCC19-073 WCC19-105

Captain Jasmine Schuster Yannick Villemain

Vice Captain Rene Jauker Bruno Lioret

3rd Angler

TEAM DYNAMITE/CARP SPIRIT 3 Company WCC19-030 WCC19-088

Captain Radek Bis Silvio Bussoni

Vice Captain Jaroslav Vesely Giovanni Borgognoni

3rd Angler Karel Racak Massimiliano Bonizzoni

Vice Captain Clive Hicks Champion 2005 Justin Giles

3rd Angler Jonathan Hughes

TEAM FLAMBEAU Company WCC19-012 WCC19-056

Captain Keith Turner Champion 2005 Jasper Giles

TEAM CARP COUTURE Company WCC19-008 WCC19-018

Captain Vice Captain David Mark Pendegrass John Stembridge Darren Hilton Sam Causer

3rd Angler

TEAM THE GREEN BAITS Company WCC19-014 WCC19-085

Captain Jacob Bakker Geert Snijder

Vice Captain Jan van den Berg Gerwin Kempers

3rd Angler Robin Pool

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STAY COOL & Dometic is a proud sponsor of the World Carp Classic and will continue to make products designed with the session angler in mind so you can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what you love

good angler knows that timing is everything. Outsmarting any fish on their home turf takes a combination of cunning, resourcefulness, knowledge, and guts. Those who are up to the challenge understand that time spent away from the hunt to wrestle with equipment and replenish supplies means fewer stories to tell at the end of the day. Whether you prefer battling carp in a lake, casting a fly in a wild river, or hunting game fish from a boat, Dometic wants you to spend less time managing your gear and more time catching fish. That’s why Dometic has a range of products made specifically with the angler in mind to help you fish harder, stay longer, and make the whole experience so much easier. Find out our what RV owners, overlanders, mariners, and campers already know about Dometic’s stylish and energy efficient range of powerful products that are rugged, functional, and handsomely designed for people on the go. As we all know, having the right gear for the job is crucial to making the most of your session, leaving you to concentrate on making memories.

Getting Ready for Bite Time..

Prepping for a tournament often includes setting up a solid functional home base for cooking, storing food and supplies, and keeping everyone happy and well-fed. With the Dometic CFX Coolfreeze, anglers can keep drinks, food, bait, and more at the perfect temperature without having to run out for more ice each day. The lightweight but rugged refrigerator/freezer is designed to fit anywhere and keep things at the chilled or frozen, even on the move. With six different size ranges from 38 Litres to 88 Litres, sports fishermen can go solo or feed an army of anglers with ease. The CFX Coolfreeze can be used as a refrigerator or a freezer with a deep freeze temperature as low as -22°C. The digital display and easy temperature control on the unit or via the wifi app makes this fridge simple to manage and reliable in any situation. Pair the CFX Coolfreeze with the Dometic

PLB40, a powerful but compact portable lithium battery, and crack a cold drink no matter how far off-grid you need to go to find the perfect catch. The PLB40 can provide a whole weekend of continuous power to the Dometic CFX Coolfreeze without needing to charge. It can also keep phones, laptops, cameras and any other electronic gear powered up and ready for when you need them. With the ability to recharge via solar power or in the 12 V DC socket of a vehicle, the PLB40 will keep all 12V appliances working during even the hardest and most remote expeditions. The lifecycle of this portable charging station is four times longer than that of most lithium ion batteries and its compact but highly sophisticated design, make the PLB40 a must-have for any fishing excursion. With a built in LCD display and the failsafe assurances to prevent overheating, power surges, and a warning system to make sure it never runs out, it is no wonder the Dometic PLB40 has won multiple design awards. The CFX Coolfreeze and the PLB 40 are the perfect pair to pack on every trip and skip worrying about ice, batteries, and charging devices. You won’t have to leave the bank for the whole session.

& STAY LONGER

The Perfect Catch..

Hooking and landing the big one can take a long time and once in the bag, both fisherman and fish need to keep cool. Enter the Dometic Cool-Ice Green Fishing Boxes. These ice boxes are a carp anglers best friend with their ability to keep closed, cool, and clean for a long time in even the most extreme conditions. Built to take a beating, these carpy coloured coolers can hold an impressive haul and can keep ice cold for days due to the refrigeration grade foam insulation. Bump and drag this cooler over the toughest and most uneven terrain with confidence that the lid will remain locked in place thanks to the unique labyrinth seal design. Head out with enough food and snacks to keep everyone well-fed and hydrated knowing that, quite simply, it works as it should and won’t let you down. The classic but modern design gives the Dometic Cool Ice Green fishing box a time-honored feel and the sturdy construction made from impactresistant materials makes this the only icebox you’ll ever want by your side. The trusty Cool Ice can even be accessorized with a seat cushion and rod holders (which can also hold your drink) to provide the perfect place to sit while chilling on the bank or riding in the boat.

Cool customer.. WCC presenter and avid angler, Rob Hughes, is now an official fan of Dometic

I’ve got both the Cool-ice and the CFX CoolFreeze and they’re great. They work brilliantly. Simple as! As we all know, life on the bank is so much easier with decent kit, and this is exactly that. I didn’t realise how much I needed one until I used one and now I don’t know how I coped without it. Absolute winner. Rob Hughes – TV presenter and renowned carp fisherman

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GREAT GEAR FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS..

DOMETIC COOL-ICE CI / WCI

Two green versions available: n Cool-Ice WCI with adjustable carrier straps n Cool-Ice CI with a modular storage system and many practical accessories.

DOMETIC PLB 40

This market-leading battery system utilizes cutting-edge technology which is a result of years of research and development. The Dometic PLB40 has powerful, integrated Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery cells, providing an energy supply of 512 Wh. Ideal for running powered coolers and other 12 V appliances while on adventures, the PLB40 provides up to 40 hours of cooling time for a Dometic CFX 40W on a single charge. The integrated DC-DC charger offers three convenient ways to charge via: the vehicle 12V socket, solar panel or AC power. The battery’s integrated battery management system protects the PLB40 from under-voltage, overvoltage, short circuiting and overheating for optimum charge time, performance and storage. With this power management system, the Dometic PLB40 has a cycle of life which is up to five times longer than more commonly used lead-acid batteries.

Dometic iceboxes feature an extremely effective insulation system. Fitted with ice packs or ice cubes, they can keep groceries, fish, bait and wild game fresh for several days. Almost indestructible and amazingly lightweight ... the perfect fishing box for your next fishing trip!

DOMETIC COOLFREEZE CFX The Dometic CoolFreeze CFX has some seriously impressive features. Firstly, there’s the CFX Special Electronics which include an intelligent automatic turbo cooler and memory function. Then not only is it suitable for deep freezing down to –22°C but it is also suitable for operation on solar power. Plus, regardless of the outside temperature, this fridge/freezer will provide a first class, superbly quiet cooling performance. You can take this amazing freezer wherever you go! Fitted with heavy-duty details like reinforced corners, stainless steel hinges and a robust lid lining, the high-tech CFX series can withstand the most demanding of loads. The CFX 35W to CFX 100W models give you the convenient option of controlling and monitoring the cooling temperature by WiFi-App.

Dometic is a proud sponsor of the World Carp Classic and will continue to make products designed with the session angler in mind so you can spend less time getting ready and more time doing what you love.

Safety first on the water.. n Boats

Lake Madine is big and even an average wind can create very choppy water. Your boat needs to be up to the job and it needs to have all the safety equipment that is required. We have been having boat checks for long enough now that you should all know you need to have proper lifejackets, horns, bailer, anchor and anchor rope plus, of course, oars to row the boat should the battery run out for the electric outboard. So make sure you have a boat to do the job as the guys at the boat check this year will be much stricter. n Boat Checks

To ensure that all of the boats/security equipment to be used during the competition has been checked and approved by the event organiser and local authorities, all competitors must arrange to have their boat ready to be checked at their swim on Monday morning between 07:30 and 13:30. Once checked and approved, competitors will receive a boat pass that will be securely attached to the boat by the Marshal. Only then will the competitors receive the Official Catch List Form and Security Tag. n Boat Safety

a means to recharge batteries. We are not able to provide charging facilities for you. Some competitors have no idea how long a leisure battery actually lasts when going out into the wind to place baits, I have said this before, rowing will save the life of your battery considerably, leaving you enough power to use when they are really needed – when playing and landing of fish. Not making proper use of your batteries and running out when the carp go on a feeding spree could cost you dearly and even the chance of becoming the champion. n Boat Time

Something else that always seems to crop up each year and I do not know why… This is the allowed time when competitors can go out on the water. It is quite simple; when the hooter goes for the start of the competition! There is no period when you can go out on the water to try your echo sounder or to put markers out, so stay off the water ‘til it is time. We’re here to help .. the Marshals are not just there to moan at you! If you need help with handling carp, a bit first aid, or a dispute, we won’t be far away

Safety whilst out on the water is a major aspect in the rules and lifejackets are an absolute must, not just occasionally but every single time you go out on the water. More yellow cards are given to competitors for not wearing a life jacket than any other broken rule. It really is quite simple - be prepared; given how quickly conditions can change on the lake there will be no warnings given this year, the first time you go out without a lifejacket, you get a yellow card, if you do it again then it is disqualification. n Boat Propulsion

The only means of propulsion for your boat is either by rowing or using an electric outboard. You should ensure that you have enough battery power to last you the competition plus

The number one reason for yellow cards given has been anglers forgetting to wear their lifejackets correctly fastened at all times

MARSHAL

Take it on board .. boat safety is of paramount importance, so be safe and savvy and follow the rules

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR head

THE RULES IN BRIEF KNOW YOUR STUFF

Make sure you are prepared, with enough retaining slings and sacks to manage any situation. Any carp caught must be notified to your local marshal as soon as it is landed so that the fish can be weighed, recorded, photographed and returned to the lake as quickly as possible. It goes without saying that the safety of the carp is of the highest importance and proper unhooking mats must be used, the fish wetted if necessary and not kept out of the water for photographs/ filming etc. any longer than is necessary.

o start with let me introduce myself, my name is Gary Palmer and I am the Head Marshall for The World Carp Classic. I also run the WCC Qualifier at Horseshoe the WPC Qualifier at Grafham Water as well as other major competitions across the UK.

I would like to welcome all competitors to The World Carp Classic 2019. This year is set to be the best ever with a simply amazing venue and superb infrastructure to aid the smooth running of the event! The WCC is not only the number 1 carp fishing competition in the world but is well known for having a friendly family feel to it and we hope to continue this reputation. I am here along with my marshalling team to help competitors throughout the competition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to weigh and validate all fish and to assist you in any way we can, so please treat my team with respect. Anybody shouting or acting in an abusive way towards a marshal will receive an instant yellow card. Any dispute should be reported to the marshals immediately, abusive behaviour towards a fellow competitor is something that will not be tolerated. If you are seen acting in an aggressive or abusive manor towards a competitor you will receive an instant yellow card. The number one reason for yellow cards given at previous events has been anglers forgetting to wear their lifejackets correctly fastened at all times. If you are seen without a jacket, or one that is incorrectly fastened you will receive an instant yellow card, no warnings will be given. All good competitions have to have rules in place to guarantee safety and fairness to all competitors. All teams are in possession of a full set of the rules, so make sure you read them and understand them. The WCC stands for fair play and anyone caught cheating will be dealt with in the appropriate way by either a yellow card, a 24 hour fishing ban or a red card (full ban

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

n Carp Care

A WORD TO THE WISE from all future events) dependent upon the offence. The marshal team will once again be equipped with range finders and night vision to ensure the competition is fair for everyone. When you arrive at your peg please take the time to go and talk to your fellow competitors on either side of you and agree where your half way boundary is. This is the easiest way to ensure that where you bait up and drop your rigs are well inside the boundary of your allocated water. Distance markers will again be in place but these are simply to show the allocated distance they do not act as half way makers. There is no excuse for going beyond the distance or into your neighbours swim. Fish-care is paramount; make sure the fish is out of the water for the minimum time possible. If you have a fish in a retaining swim whilst waiting for the marshal or media, please be certain the fish is retained in deep water and is not in any way stressed. At the end of the event every peg is inspected for rubbish. Any rubbish in the swim is not acceptable and will earn you a red card and the disqualification of all caught fish. Please leave your peg as you found it. But most importantly I look forward to seeing you all and hope your enjoy your competition! Tight Lines! Gary palmer, head marshal

The WCC stands for fair play and anyone caught cheating will be dealt with in the appropriate way

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

KAROL WIATROWSKI: THE WORLD CARP CLASSIC AS The world’s a stage ... Me and Ross the boss!

W E N E H L T A H S R MA WN O T IN A S ’ E R

y adventure with World Carp Classic all started at the WCC Junior 2017 event at Wraysbury Lake in England.

It was during this competition that I knew I wanted to become a part of this great event for carp anglers from around the world. I liked Ross Honey’s approach to carp anglers of the younger generation and we would have long conversations about his future plans and expectations. So, you can imagine I was delighted when, in the summer of 2018, I received an offer to support Ross, his organising staff and WCC Headquarters staff as a Marshal at the prestigious 20th Jubilee Edition of the World Carp Classic at Lac de Madine in France. I arrived a Lac de Madine a few days before the official start date of the competition and helped to set up the sports hall and the surrounding area for the event’s opening ceremony. During this time, I had the pleasure of meeting all the people that support Ross and work tirelessly behind the scenes to make this the great world event that it is. As a young Polish carp angler, I felt so proud to be part of this WCC team and knew I had to do my best to make a good impression. After the preparations for the Opening Ceremony, I assisted with the fishing side of things by establishing border buoys on the water. My mentors – who were preparing me me for the role of Marshal – were Jem, Danny and Greg. They are experienced English Marshals and thanks to their understanding and valuable tips, I knew what I was doing! From the very start, everyone in Ross’s team had shown me great support and encouragement during my debut as a Marshal. And the other Marshals welcomed me without making it obvious I was the ‘New Boy’ – sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience on every kind of topic. I was really grateful for this, as it would soon turn out that all this valuable advice would be put into action during the event. Before the Opening Ceremony, I had the opportunity to meet new and more familiar carp

It’s good to talk ... Part of the experience of bieng a marshal at the WCC is getting the chance to chat with competitors from all over the world

S SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF A YOUNG MARSHAL

anglers from all over Europe – many known for their achievements in the carp world. Actually, one of the first group photos that I took as the teams arrived, was with Team New Zealand – I had the pleasure to be a Marshal of this team, as well as the team from Australia. As the awards were given out at the closing ceremony, I remember having a laugh with the new 2018 WCC Champions as I told them I had a feeling that the photo we took would be a memorable one! I also enjoyed meeting and spending time with the WCC Sponsors and finding out about their products and involvement with carp anglers at the WCC. During the Opening Ceremony, I was given the honour of carrying the Polish flag representing the Polish carp anglers and competitors at the tournament. As a Pole and a Marshal, it filled me with huge pride

and I got such a rush of adrenaline as I placed our flag on the stand with all the other flags representing the five continents of the world. Watching the work of the media team, photographers and all the people involved in the smooth running of the ceremony was fascinating. I was lucky to be in the place where the people responsible for all the event data information was updated daily. I saw how the entire network of communication between the organisers of the event and the Marshals in the sections actually worked. It was an interesting experience to learn about the mechanics that went on behind the scenes .. all invisible to the competitors. Seeing all this information from the inside out allows one to understand why this competition is such a success and appreciate the silent heroes behind

The island is also a fantastic school of survival .. it’s just the competitors and the Marshals. Cut off from land, cut off from problems, cut off from the speeding world. Everyone has time to reflect and calm down

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM Proud moments ... Flying the flag for Poland and being handed the Marshal Integrity Award by Ross Honey

KAROL WIATROWSKI THE NEW MARSHAL

The island itself is a tough part of the competition for both competitors and Marshals .. It’s not easy during the night to overcome hills and slopes, wooded areas and bushes.

this worldwide event. It was here that I realized how many people on so many levels are involved in the production of this wonderful undertaking. Being among the competitors and watching their experiences was also a great moment. Together with them I was able to feel all the emotions during the peg draw. And it was uplifting to hear all the positive comments aimed at the organizers and people supporting the competition. Ross Honey had handed me the responsibility of the largest island of Bois-Gérard on the Lac de Madine. I was there with my mentor, Greg. We spent six days on the island. It was a fantastic experience. The island itself is a tough part of the competition for competitors and for Marshals. Often, both during the day and night, I covered the length and width of the island in order to get to the teams that caught carp. It’s not easy during the night to overcome hills and slopes, wooded areas and bushes. Reaching the competitors, weighing and going back to the Marshal’s base would equal to 2-3 hours which deprived you of sleep at night and we would often be called out during our meals. But it was all worth it when there was a chance of sharing the joy with the anglers who caught a carp and saw its weight on the official scales. We chatted a geat deal with the anglers on the island, listening to their stories about their

preparations for Lac de Madine, their tactics and their strategies they had adopted to succeed in the competition. We always managed to find time to talk with them. Greg taught me many valuable lessons about a Marshal’s responsibilities. I’m feel glad and lucky that I had the pleasure of being with such an experienced person and immediately put these lessons into practice. (photo 3) The island is also a fantastic school of survival. It’s just the competitors and the Marshals. Cut off from land, cut off from problems, cut off from the speeding world. Everyone has time to reflect and calm down. Whilst on the island, I had the pleasure of weighing the victorious New Zealand team’s catch. After returning to the mainland, I found I missed the island – which I liked. The Closing Ceremony had a fantastic setting and a lofty atmosphere. These experiences will stay with me for a long time. Sadly, it was over and after helping to pack up the anglers’ equipment, I also started packing up my own. While packing, Danny, the Head Marshal, came to tell me that I was urgently needed at the sports hall. As I rushed to the hall, I was stunned to be welcomed with a standing ovation from the Marshals and all the people involved in the organization of the competition! As I reached the stage, I heard a lovely thank you from Ross Honey, who presented me the “Marshal Integrity Award”. This award is for one selected Marshal, in recognition of their commitment, integrity, honesty and overall sportsmanship. The prize is awarded at the request of other Marshals and accepted by Ross Honey. What an honour it is for me to be recognized by this amazing international World Carp Classic environment. And as it was my debut as a marshal and the youngest, it was a particularly special prize. Thank you to all competitors, Marshals and organizers for a great adventure, friendly atmosphere, generosity, support and kind words directed towards me. See you on carp waters. n

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK TO OUR ESHOP WWW.NIKL.CZ

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REUBEN HEATON ANDY RACE

euben Heaton has been the official scales sponsor for Angling Spirit carp events for more than twenty years now and when it comes to carp fishing in particular, we know that it is all about the weight.

Scales manufacture and weighing fish is what Reuben Heaton is best known for. From the humblest of pocket spring balances to the top performing match scale, from highly accurate Specimen Hunter analogue dial scale to the latest in digital technology with its 7000 and 9000 series digital scales. The Reuben Heaton brand is synonymous with weighing products that provide the reliability and performance to handle a personal best catch or weigh in at world class events and perform under pressure when thousands of Euro’s or Dollars can rest on a few grams. With most leading carp events now introducing bass tournament style rules on fish weights, runaway pegs no longer steal the show. The chance of success is now a much wider one and most competitors have that opportunity rather than the few who have drawn better locations. With this change in event format, it has become ever more likely that weights will be close right to the final whistle. A lesser known fact, especially if you are a carp angler, is that Reuben Heaton also provides many top-class predator events with highly accurate calibrated fish measures that perform the same role as its legendary scales in terms of length measurement. Whereas carp anglers talk in kilo’s or pounds, predator anglers converse in meters and centimetres, or maybe feet and inches if you are older or come from the US. Events are won and lost on length and, because of the species involved and the angling styles employed, catches in predator events often result in high numbers of smaller fish being caught. During such events, the recording of high multiples of catches down to the last centimetre or even less, puts forward its own logistical and physical challenges especially when measurements are being taken by competitors in different surroundings and those results have to be transferred by phone app to officials. Like the scales, the measures must perform well under use and, like the scales, Reuben Heaton made fish measures are gaining a similar reputation for going the distance, quite literally. One thing that you probably didn’t know however is that Reuben Heaton is very often the official timing sponsor for many local, national and international events. We know all too well that every gram or centimetre counts when it comes to competition results, what we tend not to consider as a first thought though is that both weight and length count for nothing without the correct timing. Both weights and lengths are at the mercy of time and must be recorded within the correct time frame. Even when we hook into that fish of a lifetime seconds before the final whistle, the clock is ticking to make sure that fish is landed and recorded, weight or length-wise, within the correct time frame. Expanding on the traditional more visible roles of weighing and measuring sponsor to include timing as well, has made the Reuben Heaton brand the definitive all-round weights and measures provider. The company first became involved in timing of events at the inaugural British Carp Angling championships (BCAC) over 20 years ago. Having developed a clock design based one of its more traditional aluminium match scales some years previously, the company inherited the role of time

TIME WEIGHTS FOR NO MAN

keeper for the BCAC quite accidentally when it was approached to fulfil the role of official scales for both the BCAC and subsequent inaugural World Carp Classic. Fast forward to today and the latest incarnation of the Reuben Heaton clock is to be made available exclusively to the competitors in the twenty first running of the World Carp Classic event in 2019. Based on the body work and interior design of Reuben Heaton’s highly successful 4000 Series analogue scale, the new 2019 scale clock perfectly mimics the overall design of this the highly successful competition scale know the world over. Unlike earlier models, the 2019 World Carp Classic clock comes compete with external hook and handle features as per the actual scale and is the perfect product to suit any man cave, anglers’ cabin or club house. But enough of the sales pitch, as well as providing competitors with a unique memento of the event, the new 2019 scales clock will also be in action keeping time at the 2019 World Carp Classic event. The official clock sets ticking away at event headquarters, will be the ones that ultimately determine who found the time to win and who was slow off the mark.

Time is precious ... This 2019 Classic clock from Reuben Heaton comes complete with external hook and handle

ALL POINTS BULLTIN TK8 EXTREME

agle Claw has been busy since the launch of its revolutionary Trokar point at ICAST back in 2009. Trokar, the brand that kick started a new wave, that got things moving, truly set the bar for hook design and technology, a bar that has been too high for the rest of the field. Some products can fall into a cycle of monotony, remaining virtually unchanged for years. Why fix something that’s not broken? Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle Co don’t have that mentality and developed a fishing hook that is far superior to anything else that has ever been created, a design that produced a new definition of sharpness, a hook with a geometric triangular point to penetrate faster and easier. They honed all three edges to surgical sharpness, resulting in a hook that penetrates twice as fast and dramatically improves strike-tohook-up ratios. Once the sharpness was dialled in, a team of pro-fisherman to put these hooks to the test. With their input Trokar hooks were made even more superior. A higher carbon, cold forged steel and a bolstered shank design added strength during aggressive hook-sets that meant hitting fish a distance was no longer a risk, the unique heat treatment process added impact resistance and just the right amount of flex to work with the angler and resist breaking when ultimate pressure was required. The result. Some would say the most extraordinary fishhook ever made. Fast forward to today and the legend has grown along with the offering. The Trokar programme has progressed to offer the same control and power for other big freshwater and saltwater species including catfish, sturgeon and others through a much wider range of patterns. For larger carp and catfish, the Trokar range now encompasses traditional styles like the medium wire TK2 and heavy wire TK2HP octopus’ patterns with round bend and medium wire TK2VP Pro-V bend both with curved point. Available in a wide size range from size 6 up to 9/0, the TK2/TK2HP range covers most applications and provides the hook strength to suit. The new TK2 and TK2H sit alongside the already successful TK400 octopus with classic straight point and the specialist TK11 Pro-V Extreme octopus a heavy wire pattern with angled bend and welded eye for ultimate

strength. Both TK400 and TK11 are also available in a wide size range from 6 to 9/0. Barbless patterns are also in development for the future. A much wider range of medium and short shank patterns are now available in the form of the medium wire TK7 and heavy wire TK8. This form of hook is one of the strongest, type for type, of any hook pattern and it was the smallest size TK7 that was the test hook used to develop the highly effective Trokar Magnum HD pattern from the successful Trokar Magnum carp range. The TK7 and TK8 short shank patterns give incredible hold due to their compact design. Small and light enough not to compromise rig weights yet tough enough to provide solid hook holds and withstand the hardest of fights. Both TK7 and TK8 are also available in ringed form as the TK7R and TK8R, with a separate welded ring attached to the hook eye to facilitate specialist hinged rigs. Available in sizes from 2 to 4/0 in TK7 and TK7R and 2/0 to 8/0 in TK8 and TK8R. As Eagle Claw continues to develop its premium Trokar point range, that same development yields improvements and breakthroughs in hook technology that can be applied to its mid-range Lazer Sharp brand. Lazer Sharp now offers needle point versions of the above in the short shank L7 and L8 patterns as well as octopus’ styles in the L2 and L11. From September 2019, Eagle Claw will have a dedicated social media department in the UK and a standalone social media platform under Eagle Claw Europe for all things Eagle Claw and Lazer Sharp and Trokar. A full range of patterns can be seen at www.eagleclaw.com as well as the web site of UK distributer Reuben Heaton via www.reubenheaton.com where the full range of UK stocked patterns are on show including specialist, predator, freshwater and saltwater patterns. ANDREW RACE

TK400

TK8R EXTREME

TK7 EXTREME

TK2

TK2VP

WORLDCARPCLASSIC.COM

Built to fish. built to lasT.. Wisconsin, USA based tackle giant Flambeau, continues to light up the fishing luggage market with its partnership with Angling Spirit and their programme of World Classic events. Leading lights in luggage and plastic storage innovation, Flambeau have built their world class reputation by manufacturing high quality, great value for money products that are built to last. Chris Leibbrandt, former editor of Tackle Trade World, shines a light on WCC’s exciting global partner. One of the little known statistics of the USA fishing scene is that there are carp in 49 of the 50 American states. They got there because in the late 1800s the American government seeded lakes and waterways so that carp could be used as a food source. This may be why the USA’s unfortunate carp population have always been seen as a commodity, rather than the fabulous angling resource that European anglers enjoy. Although this is slowly changing, the progress is slow, the small pockets of enthusiasts do, however, benefit from having a continent of carp fishing, and much of it phenomenal quality, at their disposal. Given that carp are, on nearly every level, undervalued in angling terms in the USA, you may wonder why Flambeau decided to take the bold, strategic commercial step and enter the carp market? There are two major reasons, firstly, they have manufacturing and distribution premises in the UK, and not just anywhere, but my home county, the very heart of the carp revolution, the county of Kent. This means they have access to carp fishing knowledge and feedback so they can do what they do best, listen to their customers and create the storage solutions they want. The second reason is it gives them a foot in both camps: one in the demanding world of US Elite bass angling and the other in, arguably, the home of carp angling in the UK and Europe. As a predator angler for over 50 years, I’ve known about Flambeau products for longer than I care to remember. You’ve probably heard the name Flambeau mentioned by pike and perch anglers, kayak, and boat anglers, all of whom know why Flambeau products are justly famous. I’ve been using their storage boxes for well over 35 years, and in that time cannot remember a time when they let me down. What I haven’t known about is unique to Flambeau and one of their very best features, something they call ZERUST, but more of that later. Carp angling, however, is entirely different from my particular interests, pike and lure fishing. It has different design criteria and, it has to be said, a similarly discerning customer base. During the last few years, Flambeau have been working away, doing what they always do best: listening to what anglers want, and then acting on it. Carp fishing may be a new venture for Flambeau, indeed a whole new sector, but, make no mistake, once this company has decided it is manufacturing for this exacting and demanding sector, they’ll produce winners by exceeding customer expectations, it’s an integral part of what they do. If you haven’t been lucky enough to discover their products, I’ve paraphrased from their corporate literature to give you a background into their company ethos: “For over 70 years Flambeau has been designing, engineering and making products that meet and exceed the needs of businesses, professionals and hobbyists for a wide range of applications requiring

technical expertise in plastics. From the very start, the company combined good, old-fashioned American ingenuity with perseverance and created a company built to last, just like their diverse line of fishing tackle products that meet the most demanding needs of fishing enthusiasts everywhere. Flambeau remains a very sound, family owned company guided by its core values, resulting in a dedication to providing lasting value for their customers. Over 70 years of business success is testimony to the relevance of their offerings to the many industries and customers they serve. For anglers worldwide, Flambeau products always have been and continue to be Built to Fish. Built to Last™.” Flambeau’s beginnings, were, possibly, not what you’d expect. Way back in 1947, William and Ed Sauey, two brothers based in Wisconsin, USA, pooled their limited resources, and taking their combined savings, they formed a company and bought the parts to build an injection moulding machine. Initially they started the company to build toys, and as a life long lure angler, I reckon their first product was just that: a fishing toy. It was, in fact, a plastic topwater fishing lure, the Halik Frog. The success of this innovative mechanical (its legs kicked back and forth as the line was pulled) lure created the basis for the company’s success. The operation grew, sales of the frog helped of course, but they thrived because the injection moulders they created were capable of making a diverse range of many other different items out of plastic. Today, they’re a huge international manufacturing company that produces, amongst many other product lines, fabulous fishing tackle that is employed, enjoyed and appreciated the world over. The company is named after the river Flambeau, where the brothers swam in their youth. The river in turn, was named after the torches that the indigenous Ojibwe Indians used when night fishing. The Flambeau corporation is now both huge and hugely successful, not only because of its successful acquisitions, but also because of its core values, its great products and focus on innovation and value. I asked Mark Spain, Flambeau’s European Manager, a very keen predator and carp angler about the big decision to enter a really tough market place. “Carp anglers, are, in many ways, similar to the USA’s

A F C I T S A L P ??

THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE ETHOS OF

! C I T S A ANT

FLAMBEAU PLASTIC FANTASTIC!

Well, Flambeau, are investing heavily in a complete range of carp products designed in the UK, by UK and international carp angling consultants. The range won’t simply be a selection of their best boxes being reengineered, it will contain a complete range of brand new boxes and modular storage built for purpose and enhanced with a range of complementary range of luggage and soft sided bags. There are also super-tough waterproof satchel cases on the drawing board that will feature the cam locks, ‘O’ ring seals and a complete colour scheme to reflect the stealthy approach adopted and demanded by the very best carp anglers. All of the boxes, satchels and modular storage systems will feature the exclusive Zerust dividers, keeping tools in perfect shape and of course, hooks needle sharp. The final word on this exciting new range and its development goes to Mark Spain, European Manager of Flambeau: “Flambeau was founded and has grown because of our willingness to take on a challenge. The demanding specialist carp anglers are a perfect market segment, meaning that we have to produce the best to satisfy the best. We’re looking forward to surprising those anglers, and the trade in general. They’ll find that we are totally committed to ensuring that we bring products to the market of great value, robust and innovative design, and most of all, that they’re ‘Built to Fish. Built to Last.’” CHRIS LEIBBRANDT

The standout performers, however, are their ultra-modern ‘Ultimate Tuff Tainers’, with the emphasis on ‘ultimate’

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elite pro bass and competition predator anglers,” said Mark, “People like our Flambeau sponsored Bass Elite Pro, Mike Iaconelli, who, quite simply, demands the very best. These pros have to know that every lure, hook or worm is stored perfectly so they can find them quickly and save vital seconds in a bass tournament. Similarly, in competitions like the World Carp Classic, every second saved can mean the difference between a win or a place, a champion or a loser. “Carp anglers are some of the tidiest and meticulous anglers you will find, and we have the storage solutions to make sure they can keep everything in its proper place. Fishing through the night, as nearly every carp angler does, means you have to be confident in finding the right piece of kit, when you want it, ensuring that your essential gear is on hand and is well presented. If the carp turn on or turn up in your peg, you need to maximise those opportunities as seconds really do count. Flambeau are delighted to be delivering our complete range of carp fishing storage products to the demanding angling audience of WCC competitors.” Looking through the latest catalogue, there are some 30 pages that cover every angling discipline: lure, boat, sea, fly, street and kayak fishing. The standout performers, however, are their ultramodern ‘Ultimate Tuff Tainers’, with the emphasis on ‘ultimate’. Tuff Tainers have been around for years, and once you own some, you’ll see why: they just last for ages. They’re not only available in a host of sizes, but they also feature very special adjustable dividers to make an almost infinite collection of variants. The Ultimate Tuff Tainers take the basic concept and crank it up a gear. The tackle is ultra-safe, the boxes closing with cam locking latches, but it’s also protected with the silicone ‘O’ rings, keeping out water, dust, and dirt. The super-reliable cam locks and ‘O’ rings ensure these boxes are 100% waterproof. Whilst waterproofing is a brilliant plus point, if you’re unlucky or not careful, it can count against you. You can also seal water in, particularly when you stow gear before it’s fully dry (and we are all guilty of that from time to time). In any other brand of box this could be a big problem, quickly rusting any of the contents that contains metal, scissors, pliers, tools, and especially hooks. Every serious carper knows that a rusty hook is a blunt hook and ensuring that you have the sharpest hooks means you get more carp on the bank. Flambeau is one manufacturer that have this base well and truly covered with what is probably their most impressive unique selling proposition (USP), and that is ZERUST. Zerust is a type of chemical known as a VCI, a volatile corrosion inhibitor or vapour corrosion inhibitor. First developed in early half of the 20th century, VCIs are a class of chemical compounds that protects against rust by releasing an invisible, non-toxic, non-reactive and odourless corrosion-inhibiting vapour. This vapour coats metal surfaces and components in an ultra-fine film and protects metals including aluminium, brass, copper, iron, nickel, steel, and silver for up to five years. VCIs were initially employed for limited use on few specific items, cleared by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for use with foodware, Zerust exceeds US federal test requirements. It wasn’t long before the fishing tackle trade recognised its potential. The VCI is actually manufactured into the Flambeau compartment dividers (you can buy extra dividers should you need them). By using Zerust, Flambeau are unique in the fishing tackle storage industry. The image of boxes pictured here, with and without Zerust clearly show the benefits. Carp and specialist anglers are, as we know, meticulous in their preparation and tackle storage, and when looking through the Flambeau catalogue, they’ll probably be concerned that the boxes, although excellent build quality and value, do not really ‘fit’ carp angling. Afterall, how would an American lure fishing company be able to understand the extremely exacting needs of the specimen carp angling scene?

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How I caught my PB Monster Carp

Lowrance ambassador Simon Bates shares his secrets on how he caught his 82lb Carp with the help of the Lowrance EliteTi²

orking for Shimano as well as being a Pro Angler means most days involve some type of fishing.

From early spring to the first frost around November, I target Carp, throughout the winter I will switch to Predator Fishing targeting Perch, Pike & Zander. The majority of my angling is mobile quick sessions with a few European long trips too. Since the release of the Elite T²i it’s been my go to unit combined with the Active Imaging transducer, when the opportunity is there to use them on carp waters. Packed away in a grab bag the unit is easy to transport and quick to set up. Over the time I’ve used the Elite Ti² I have become very familiar with it and its features. One of the biggest advantages I find is using the C-MAP Genesis social map, which gives user

generated mapping of waterbodies, I’m then able to download the map to my Elite Ti² and review it, and also add to it when I’m on the water. Knowing the water depths and the features of a water in advance has put me one-step ahead of other Carp Anglers on the same water so many times. Whilst other anglers are out on boats searching for features and looking for spots, I

already know exactly where I’m going to be fishing before I even get to the water! These units are absolutely packed with features that even a carp angler can take advantage of. The Active Imaging transducer gives you the option of CHRIP, high resolution DownScan and SideScan. The high resolution imagery you get from using this is a massive advantage, giving me the ability to see potential snags, vegetation and gravel patches. This unit is a must for me and helped me catch a lifetime record of a carp at 82lb. SIMON BATES LOWRANCE AMBASSADOR

A NEED FORPER

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‘‘

Perspective is an interesting word in the context of competition angling. It is fair to say that it’s not for everyone, and carp angling certainly draws a good number of people to the sport who are basically loners. I can and have been a “loner” on occasion and although it can be quite rewarding, that’s not for everyone either! Perspective is everything and nothing

The word “perspective” bears a very important and meaningful message that you will encounter many times in this feature. In life, not only in carp angling, it is all too easy to allow ourselves to be fooled by the most illogical beliefs that we create in our minds. One, more general, analogy explains it in these terms; “And those who were seen dancing, were thought to be crazy, by those who could not hear the music.”(Friedrich Nietzsche) Another that could easily be applied to carp angling; “The task is...not so much to see what no one has yet seen; but to think what nobody has yet thought, about that which everybody sees.”(Erwin Schrödinger) My own thoughts are that we each view the world through a very small window and because “seeing is believing”, we are therefore unable to learn that other windows will not offer us the opportunity to change our perspectives on how we see the world. In carp angling terms, we would do well to remember that a bat does not see the world as a viper, and that humans do not see the world as a fish does. What this simple thought conveys to us is that things are rarely ever quite what they may appear to be. We create our own reality from what we perceive … in a forever changing perspective. Having first encountered carp at the early age of 6 or 7 around 60 years ago, my interest could perhaps now be considered to be a lifelong learning curve. In that time, though, much has changed within carp angling and so too has my perspective. The most profound changes, it has to be said, are no doubt caused by the thought processes of we anglers, not by the much-lauded and mysterious carp. Carp were once considered to be all but impossible to catch, a myth established and perpetuated largely because of a lack of knowledge, and an absence of genuine practical understanding of the species by the anglers of that era. Certainly, there can be no doubt that the early pioneers of the sport were on a very sharp learning curve, and these anglers had a lot of influence upon others with their personally conceived perspectives, but it has to be remembered that their perspective was, by default, fundamentally that of a total novice. No disrespect is meant there, but it remains an undeniable fact that had they known then what is now known, their perspective would unquestionably have been entirely different to what it actually was back in the day. My own, all too brief, encounter with carp in the early years certainly formed my own perspective, but the catalyst to change that perspective only occurred in 1964, as an invited 12 year old guest of a friend, when I caught a “guesstimated” 12lb common carp - a good specimen at that time - off the top on floating bread crust, in total darkness. It took me all of 2 minutes to set the hook into this probably uncaught carp, and although the memory of that capture is very much treasured, these previously considered “uncatchable” creatures, were swiftly recategorized and placed on the “very easy” to catch, list. A massive swing in perspective, from one based on not much other than hearsay and myth, to what was it was now, based upon the practical and personal experience. Moving forward from that experience I became what I termed a “species hunter” – angling for any sized fish of a specific species, rather than a specimen hunter (looking to target only the biggest of any

RSPECTIVE

It is said that “a camel is a horse designed by a committee” .. and if those of you reading this have ever been an angling club member, you will be very aware of what I’m suggesting here!

Changing perspective... What is your perception of me from this image taken 4 years ago, to what my appearance is now?

given species). That became my endeavour over the ensuing years. During that period, carp were given a wide berth as I underwent a transformation from my earlier freshwater days to my then revitalised passion for sea angling. Sacrilege, I hear you say, but, from my perspective, as an all-round angler, the sheer variety of saltwater species was enticement enough for the then 12-year old version of me! In fact, earlier on in that very day when I had caught the common carp, I had been fishing an estuary close to where I lived and I caught a good sized grey mullet of several pounds - ironically, it was the capture of that very fish that secured my invite (challenge!) to “try” to catch a carp later that evening. In light of my earlier success and buoyed with confidence, it was a challenge I could not resist … With these two captures, my journey into becoming a “species hunter” begun in earnest that day. There was no doubt in my mind, from my perspective, catching the mullet was far more challenging than it had been catching the carp … more to the point, that summer, I had been targeting the big mullet for my entire school holiday. Which, if memory serves me well, was caught on the very last day before my return to school. Weeks of dedication were put in for that capture (there had been others, but nothing of note) whereas the much larger common carp had taken but a few minutes to capture. Perspective is formed so randomly – it simply represents our own ability and willingness to form

beliefs from what is really no more meaningful than the roll of a dice or turn of a card. Both fish were caught as a result of a random outcome, and if neither or either had been caught, what would my perspective have been! Indeed, many years later in 1981, I experienced a period of increasingly jaded interest in saltwater angling, largely because my (personal) success in “species angling” had me scratching my head for new challenges. This odd disenchantment disturbed me more than a little, so I decided to return to my roots as a freshwater angler. More specifically, I took up full time pursuit of carp. Lo and behold, a new challenge had manifested itself in my angling and I was unwittingly to become a “specimen hunter” from that time onwards. Once again, my perspective was about to be dramatically changed. Prior to this, over many years, I had listened to friends wax lyrical about the supreme challenge of catching carp, and my previously held convictions that caused me to class them strictly as “easy to catch”, allowed my ego to convince me of the need to prove myself. Oh what calamity, had I learned nothing in life, or indeed in angling!? More than anything else, I quickly learned that my one-off experience was said to be quite unique at that time. Apparently, it was frowned upon by “real” carp anglers to catch carp off the surface… but who knew

STEVE HOWARD

NEED FOR PERSPECTIVE

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A different perspective... This beautiful scene captures the very essence of my memories of capodimante, Lago di Bolsena, and yet those memories also contain the horrific scenes of one of the most torrid storms that I have ever encountered whilst fishing.

The need for an alternative perspective... In 1987 I gave this era the name “back to basics”. Having struggled on a hard water for a few years, I spent a couple of seasons fishing a very much easier venue. such unwritten “rules” even existed! However, it was their perspective, not mine, and unrepentantly my passion for catching carp off the top, close up and personal, has not diminished at all over the years. Some carp anglers still frown upon the method even today, much to my bemusement but, then again, I have always been “my own angler” and I have developed my angling, ethically, and according to the very best tutors, the fish. Perspective is an interesting word in the context of competition angling. It is fair to say that it’s not for everyone, and carp angling certainly draws a good number of people to the sport who are basically loners. I can and have been a “loner” on occasion, and although it can be quite rewarding, that is not for everyone either! Again, perspective is everything and nothing.

A broader perspective... In 1984, as my journey in carp angling continued with my passion for surface fishing intact, catching carp in all situations provided me with a greater insight and broader perspective of their habits.

“Competition angling”, some say, “isn’t what carp angling is about”, but who exactly defines what is “right or wrong”? Purists have formed their opinions based upon what, exactly? Yes, their own perspective, their view of the world! For me, as an angler who loves to take part in competitions with an ethos such as the WCC, I have always maintained that the extreme challenge that it presents is perhaps even greater than everyday carp angling. From my perspective (actual experience of competition angling) the “barrack-room lawyers” who vociferously oppose anything that doesn’t suit them, are possibly anglers who could represent much more of a “threat” to the sport than even the most poorly run competition! It is said that “a camel is a horse designed by a committee”, and if those of you reading this have ever been an angling club member, you will be very aware of what I’m suggesting here! In terms of perspective; I now understand that my lifetime passion for angling will not end when the time comes to hang up my carp rods forever. Will I be saddened to call it a day? Yes, of course I will! But, you know, those incredible moments, those remarkable snap-shots in time, will be cherished and relived forever and a day, and recounted endlessly to all who care to listen! I wish you all the very best of luck in the WCC 2019. Fish well, enjoy the moment, the camaraderie and above all, create magnificent memories! Tight Lines and wet nets! STEVE HOWARD

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Joining Forces .. this year Forces Carp Classic will link with the WCC and our Pairs winners will be taking part at the World Carp Classic event in Madine

he Forces Carp Classic (FCC) and The Forces Carp Classic UK (FCC-UK) are annual Pairs & Team events. They are both designed to bring together carp anglers from the three Armed Forces (Navy, Army and Air force), MOD/Civil Servants, Emergency services (Fire, Police, Ambulance, Prison Service and Mountain Rescue) and invited guests. The events are also open to any ex serving members of those groups. The FCC event is held each year in October, at the renowned Abbey Lakes complex in France just 2 hours from Calais. In essence, it is a pairs and team competition held over a week, with trophies, cash and prizes available to those lucky enough to win - either their lake, overall or the team event. This format has proven to be the best and gives everyone the chance of winning something from one of the five lakes. We are extremely proud of our event in France as it has grown so much over the last ten years. In fact when we started back in 2009 we had just one lake with 24 anglers. Now we take over the whole complex with all five lakes being used and have had 100 anglers for the last five years. It truly has grown arms and legs, but many people enjoy it that much they book years in advance, so we must be doing something right. The FCC UK event is held in April at the Carp Society on Horseshoe Lake in Lechlade on the

FORCES OF borders of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Again, it is a pairs and team event held over four days for 50 or so anglers, having the same format as the FCC but on just one lake. Yet again, having trophies, cash and prizes for the winners. Although a smaller event it is still very popular attracting our serving anglers, giving them the opportunity to join us on a prestigious lake within UK. Both events bring together many carp anglers from across the armed forces and emergency services. Each event starts with a social get together, the evening before the briefings, draw and start with our renowned hog roast or bbq. All free as part of your entry. Alongside the events we raise money for two special charities - BLESMA (British Limbless ex Serviceman’s Association) and GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital) and to date we have achieved raising some £50,000+ over the years.

The idea for the time you are with us is to have a firm, fair and friendly but keen competition in a great atmosphere either in France or UK. Unique lakes set in beautiful surroundings and the finest of carp to catch. Enjoy the banter with your fellow anglers throughout your stay and hopefully return as many of our anglers do each year. We have a motto that we use when organising these events, which is: Firm, fair and friendly with our emphasis on everyone enjoying themselves as much as possible So far from the reports we have had back from competitors this is exactly what we have achieved and we will endeavour to keep this going. If you want to enjoy a great weeks fishing like no other, then why not join us. Why not come along and see for yourself what exactly all the fuss is about. Email us at forcescarpclassic@hotmail.co.uk for an entry form

Many people enjoy it that much they book years in advance, so we must be doing something right

n To view our 2018 anniversary event please look at YouTube: ‘Forces Carp Classic 2018’. Or contact us at: forcescarpclassic@hotmail.co.uk;

We have a motto that we use when organising these events, which is: Firm, fair and friendly with our emphasis on everyone enjoying themselves as much as possible

NATURE and more information about the events. This year we are also very proud to be associated with the World Carp Classic and we can now announce that our pairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winners from the FCC and FCC UK events will take part in the World Carp Classic events. We are looking to extend our invitation to fish our events to all European military services and emergency services and it is our aim to bring together as many serving and ex-serving members of all armed forces from any nation together. So if you are in the armed forces or emergency services from a different country please get in touch. With the co-operation and support of the team at the World Carp Classic/Angling Spirit we can make some fantastic events for us all to attend. Tight lines and good luck to you all. Russ & Tim

www.forcescarpclassic.co.uk; www.fcc-uk.com Twitter: @forcescarpclass Instagram: fcc3575

MEMORIES ARE M

MADE AT MADINE

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FOR GOD’S SAKE! ... COULD SOMEBODY PLEASE GO AND STAND AT THE OTHER END OF THE BOAT! ‘G’day ... so, someone mentioned something about some New Zealand blokes around here somewhere ... seen them at all?

of them ught enough Ross .. you bo it e lik u yo ad ‘Well, I’m gl ll be eating this week!’ and it’s all you’

‘I’m telling you man ... this spotted giant squid turned up in purple velvet flares, and, like, told the guy with the pumpkin for a head to stop pulling on his arms .. it was surreal, man ..

Apparently the Big Island was having a serious weed problem

IT’S ALL JUST A Proof that what goes on at the World Carp Classic

‘WHAT THE ..!’ Tim was more than a little put out when he ‘Ah yeah, that’s choice mate ... careful not to get it streaky though, yeah. Don’t wanna be looking like sam pakeha, if you get me drift? discovered some b*****d had written all over his flag

Daryl was getting increasingly irritated by the two of them making bunny shapes on the walls during the Peg Draw

Ross just wanted to run up to Tim and grab the mic off him ... he’d been hogging it for ages

They were the talk of Bivvy Town .. three strapping honchos posing down by the banks. The question on every female’s lips ... ‘Who were these guys?’

OH MAN .. I THINK SOMEONE’S LET ONE GO!

A BIT OF FUN

GOOD GOD! WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

should stay at the World Carp Classic!

THAT’S ME RIGHT OFF MY DINNER ...

MAYDAY! MAYDAY! OTHER BOAT ON THE WATER!! OVER!!

HAS HANS JUST WALKED IN?

‘Pssst ... wanna buy some bait?’

As word got out, scientists from all over were flocking to Madine in droves .. what was this new species?

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