2022 Q3 North American Carp Angler Magazine

north american

CARP ANGLER

IN THIS EDITION

2022 Q3

CAG EVENTS INCLUDING: THE CCC FALL BIG 4 AND THE YANKEE CHALLENGE

G: IN D U L C IN S W IE V E T R N E M A N R U O T P TOURNAMENT R A C IOR N U J L A N IO T A N R E T THE ST LAWRENCE IN GE N E L L A H C E T A T S IN A MOUNT EN P O P R A C T C E H T D N A www.joincag.com

EDITOR IN-CHIEF ADDRESS

Dean Brookes

With colder weather now settling into the North East of the country, I find myself looking back at the years successes and challenges, both on a personal and fishing level. This year has seen a lot of change for myself personally as I moved from a central part of Massachusetts to Cape Cod, which is not really considered a Mecca of carp fishing. In fact, I have yet to find any evidence of carp on the Cape, but that won’t stop me exploring.

As I had a busy year with the move and house projects I have had less opportunities to fish, although I have had a couple of memorable trips this year, with several big carp now added to my photo album. I’ve taken more time to plan this year, whether that be making storage areas in my basement to house all my gear or purchasing a small 12 foot boat and turning it into a practical carp fishing boat that I can sleep and fish from; more of this in the next issue.

In this edition we focus on of Regional events and we also have Big 4 results, Essence of Carping Monthly winners and a couple of great feature articles, from home and abroad.

One thing I would like to stress is that carping doesn’t have to stop in the winter! I personally will fish in the toughest of conditions and have seen many carp caught through the ice as well. The key in the winter is to find a spot where the carp hold up, trickle some bait in (not to much) and then fish it for short sessions over a consistent period. If you need additional information, take a look at past issues of NACA as we have lots of articles on this very subject.

As always we rely on our members contributions and I want to thank everyone; both past and present who has contributed to this magazine over the years. Without your input the magazine would cease to exist.

Hope you all enjoy this edition and as always, if anyone would like to contribute; please send any communications or materials to naca@carpanglersgroup.com

Dean Brookes

President Address

is not one of them! nities but sadly carp fishing rtu po op g glin an at gre me so Living in SW Florida offers of afternoons. on Cayuga Lake a couple ck do a m fro ing sh fi t sa y saw me A brief trip to Ithaca in Ma Rudd for my efforts! nage a couple of good size ma did I ht ug ca re we rp While no ca ’s Blackfoot chase the mirrors in Idaho to trip ing sh fi y fl a ing lud carp trips, inc Since then plans for other e renovations. result of delays in our hous a as ed on stp po be to d reservoir, ha rida in the me trips to Texas and N Flo so to rd wa for k loo n ca I d hind us an Hopefully all that is now be g. mbar in Croatia in the Sprin New Year plus a visit to Su sence and and the CAG Facebook pre ing sh fi rp ca to ers om wc ne to attract Meanwhile CAG continues new State Chairs in mbers. We’ve added several me 00 5,0 n tha re mo h wit ever community is stronger than , strengthnt to help attract newcomers wa o wh rs tee lun vo re mo ays looking for recent months. We are alw tection of trophy carp se carp fishing and the pro ea rel d an tch ca ht hlig hig and en the carping community touch by email to be a part of then get in like uld wo u yo ng thi me k. If that’s so with local state & fishery fol p.com to cagstaff@carpanglersgrou s. well as your friends & familie Happy Holidays to you as Photo: Not a Carp… But a

fine European Rudd caught

in Cayuga Lake, NY

Iain Sorrell

Contents

All About Leads part 2

PAGE 6

Bait Tactics

PAGE 14

Fall BIG 4 Results

PAGE 21

The CAG Carp Classic 2022

PAGE 31

Yankee Challenge

PAGE 45

2022 Fishin’ Factory 3 CT Carp Open

PAGE 51

CT Carp Open Winners

PAGE 70

St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament

PAGE 74

2022 Mountain State Carp Challenge

PAGE 77

EIGHT DAYS IN EDEN

PAGE 74

Front Cover: Ryan Munn with a new PB & stunning common at 44lb.

A 1/4 page advert starts from as little as $45 and includes a live link to your webpage or become a Business Supporter and get a Full Page advert in each NACA plus a web banner link on the CAG Website and Forums for only $300 / year.

For more information email us to naca@carpanglersgroup.com

All About Leads Part Two: Specialty Leads

By Iain Sorrell

Long Range Leads Aerodynamically shaped with a weight forward taper they are ideal for getting maximum distance when fishing at long range. The downside is there is less ‘weight’ toward the swivel attachment so initial hooking potential is reduced compared to more compact shaped leads.

Tri-Lobe Flat This distance lead is designed to lift up quickly from the bottom when retrieved. It is ideal when there is an obstacle or ridge between you and the spot you are fishing. The downside is there is less weight near the swivel so it will not hook the fish as readily.

Grippa Leads

A series of bumps around the lead help ‘anchor’ the weight especially when fishing in strong river or tidal flow. The ‘grips’ allow lighter leads to hold in heavier flow than regular smooth bodied leads. In cases of extreme flow due to flooding or tidal you can even zip tie two or three leads to together to make a heavier weight to help hold bottom.

Square Leads One of my favorites. The compact ‘cube’ shape ensures the maximum force ,driving the hook point home, is created as soon as the carp makes contact with the weight. The swivel or in-line versions are equally effective. They are ideal in still waters but a flat pear, tri-lobe pear or similar will also work in slow moving rivers.

Marker Leads

Designed to help you learn key features of the bottom your are fishing. Best used with braid to transmit the ‘feel’ from the lead as it passes over different features like gravel, mud, weed silt etc.

Many include projections to enhance the feel as they bump along the bottom structure.

Oval ‘Roller’ Leads

A much overlooked lead and readily available from most US tackle stores. One of my favorite leads when fishing rivers in the UK. Simply cast out and let the lead ‘roll’ across the bottom in an arc back towards the bank. This is a great way to cover a lot of water in front of you when fishing a river!

COG Leads

Centre of Gravity (COG) Leads developed by Korda are so named because the hook rig is ‘plugged’ into the center of the weight. This helps ensure that the full weight of the lead is picked up when the carp moves off with the bait North American Carp Angler

7

Method Bombs

and

Paste

These come in many shapes but are designed to

allow method mixes, pastes or pellets to be ‘molded’ around the shape of the lead without coming off during casting. I prefer to fish them with short 3-4” hook lengths.

Running Rigs

In Part I we were extoling the virtues of the ‘bolt

You can allow the bait to hang freely on the hook length or bury it inside the method. If you bury the bait then be prepared to ignore the bobbin bouncing up and down and the rod tip being continually knocked as the fish attacks the method ball… just wait patiently for the rod tip to pull around and the fish to hook itself then scream off!

Second: A running rig set up also allows you to maxi-

rig’. But let’s not forget the humble running rig. It’s

mize bite detection. A large rig ring at the lead, a

been around for decades and I’m a huge advo-

lightweight bobbin and the rod pointed directly to-

cate for running rigs as they can offer some sig-

wards the baited hook will all help to reduce any

nificant advantages for which I’ll try to elaborate.

friction that might be felt by the fish. Plus if you sit

First:

Bite detection. When a carp picks up a fixed lead rig, especially on a slack line, then the line will only tighten and register a take if the fish moves away from you.

A well adjusted indicator or bobbin will help pick up the slack but with a running lead set up the line can be easily pulled through the lead swivel and tighten no matter which direction the fish moves, even on a slack line. This can be especially critical in cold water conditions when carp move more slowly or have learned how to deal with fixed lead rigs.

by the rod and watch the bobbin you can strike at even the smallest movement. This might sound a bit extreme but there have been times when this tactic has helped me land some very big fish here in the USA. Also when fished with a lightweight bobbin or indicator and a little bit of slack line it can also create a very effective shock or bolt rig. As the fish moves off confidently with the bait it will soon take up the few inches of slack and then suddenly hit a tight clutch of baitrunner effectively helping set the hook. This is a method I favor when fishing close to weed beds or other snags but again it absolutely requires you to be sat next to the rod ready to ‘hook & hold’ and prevent the fish getting snagged up.

Third:

When the fish is hooked the lead can slide up

Fourth:

A running rig, when set up properly, can use a

the line to minimize the risk of it being used to dis-

much lighter lead (0.5-2 oz) than is usually required

lodge the hook.

for bolt rigs making it ideal for stealthy margin fishing or for weedy conditions.

Three running rig set-ups.

Left: A Square Lead with a Korda Safe Zone Run Rig Rubber which grips the swivel and adds some tension but still allows the lead to slide back up the line.

Center: A Fox Running Clip and Buffer Bead that allows unimpeded free movement.

Right: Enterprise Tackle Safety Run Ring which allows free movement and also lets the lead ‘drop’ if it gets snagged.

I like to look for a ‘big eye’ swivel (like the those on Trilogy leads) on any leads I’m going to use for running rigs. This ensures the line can move through the large ring with the least friction.

Things to Consider…

One of the most important things to consider is how the lead will lie on the bottom and how it will react when the carp picks up the bait.

The shape of the lead will help determine how it lies on the bottom and especially if there is a swivel attachment on the lead.

If you are retrieving your rig and find the hook length wrapped around the lead then you need to make some adjustments to your set-up. First and foremost make sure you ‘stop’ or ‘feather’ your cast before the lead hits the water.

Unusual Leads: The Fledger

Lead is a very dense metal so has the advantage of creating a compact weight with minimal air resistance so makes it ideal for casting. The downside is it will sink deep into soft weed or silt potentially dragging the bait out of reach of a feeding fish or creating the risk of a snag up. So imagine a weight that still casts well but sinks very slowly.

Meet the ‘Fledger’ a clever combination of lead for weight married with cork for buoyancy. I’ve never seen a commercially available ‘fledger’ but you can easily make your own using wine or champagne corks. The first step is to cut down your lead to the required size using a hacksaw. Then drill a hole in the center of the lead.

North American Carp Angler

9

Cut off the head from a wood screw and insert into the hole so the ‘pointed end sticks out. You can then screw it into a suitable cork. You can also add an eyelet screw into the cork to run up and down the mainline.

Alternatives to Lead!

Over many years we’ve all become dependent on lead as the ideal weight. There are however an increasing number of alternatives including tungsten, natural stone and even concrete.

British company Pallatrax have been offering their Stonze natural weights for several years. In addition to being environmentally friendly they fit in with the carp’s natural surroundings, absorb flavors and hold method thanks to their pitted surface. www.pallatrax.co.uk

In Europe Czech company UFO Sinker have created a series of high density concrete fishing weights that incorporate iron magnetite. In addition to be lead free they can also soak up bait liquids to release added attraction. http://ufosinker.com/

If we are going to continue to ‘drop leads’ in key carp fishing situations then we really need to explore these options!

Casting weight!

Modern carp rods are remarkable tools allowing baits to be cast further and more accurately than ever imagined even a decade or two ago.

Lead Putty and Other line weights A key but sometimes overlooked component is the use of lead split shot, tungsten putty or other

There are, however, some important considera-

tungsten components. Adding weight near the hook

tions when deciding what size lead to use with a

rig can be used to ‘balance’ a popped-up bait so it

particular rod.

flies up easily into the carp’s mouth.

Alternatively adding extra weight to help align

So for example with a 12’ 3.25 test curve rod the

the hook point so it hangs point down into the carp’s

optimum range might be a 2.75 - 3.75 oz lead. It

bottom lip to assist in securing a hook hold. The va-

is a commonly accepted “Rule of Thumb” for most

riety of tungsten loaded beads, anti-tangle sleeves,

carp rods that the casting weight equals the Test

line aligners etc can be used to help improve hook

Curve number +/- 0.5 oz.

and rig mechanics as well as help ‘pin’ the hook link or mainline to the bottom helping to keep it less visible and less likely to be moved around by feeding fish.

Kryston ‘Heavy Metal’ stands out among tungsten putty products. Unlike many ‘sticky’ resin based products it is easy to use in both warm or cold temperatures, has a very high density, stays in place and can even be reused many times over.

We often need to cast much heavier weights especially with method / pack wrapped around the lead. If that is the case then we need to modify our cast, especially with fast taper rods, to avoid the risk of breaking it.

When overloading the rod with a heavy casting weight it is important to start the cast slowly and then smoothly accelerate throughout the casting arc instead of ‘punching’ it too hard.

North American Carp Angler

11

um in baits, s only ww.

carp s

carp s ur free ugh, nce Sinceits ng carp st

oad: php?/

Final thoughts…

As you can see there are many leads to choose

Big Carp Tackle: www.bigcarptackle.com

from!

When you are choosing a lead here are some key things to consider:

1. How far are you casting?

Carp Kit International:

2. River or Stillwater?

www.carpkit.com

3. Solid or Muddy bottom structure?

4. Weed or other detritus?

You’re about to discover...

5. How are the fish feeding?

World’s You’re about cles they often move slowly sucking up and blowing greatest to discover... out food. A short rig 3-4” on a heavier, compact lead The last one is probably one of the most impor-

tant to think about. If the fish are feeding over parti-

will help maximize the hooking potential.

If you are fishing over boilies spread out over a

sport

fish

World’s greatest

wider area then the fish will typically move from one

bait to another. In this instances a longer hook link

sport

rig will usually prove the most effective. If you are not sure then why not try different leads on each rod and see the results.

fish

There are a number of carp lead makers and suppliers in the USA here are a few to consider.

get a use:

Trilogy Carp Bait & Leads: www.trilogycarpbaits.com

www.joincag.com

North American Carp Angler

13

Bait Tactics

By Willem Pelser

A lovely South African common carp

Greetings From Sunny South Africa.

My name is Willem Pelser and I’m a South African Specimen Carp angler.

I used to own two small bait companies and was involved with two other and like most of you I’m obsessed with everything angling and especially big carp angling.

I’m a big believer in using natural baits and ingredients and over the years I’ve developed a naturals range of big carp liquid foods, boilie ingredients, stick mixes, pellets and molasses feeding blocks.

Molasses feeding blocks My methods and Tactics sometimes are a bit controversial as I especially love using “Creepy Crawley’s” and hog rigs (monster stringer rigs), which sometimes looks daunting to some and instead of trying new things and exploring new avenues they tend to just keep on following the big bait companies and angling celebs on TV’s methods and tactics.

North American Carp Angler

15

This definitely works, but there are a lot of products, ingredients, methods and tactics out there that no one is really using or talking about, which is why I created my You tube channel, ‘Bait Tactics’ to show people how to make their own super potent baits and ingredients and my favorite hook baits, the beetles and giant fruits.

I also love using plastics to create creature looking hook baits which definitely increases your bite rate and hooksets ,as they normally pick them up very aggressively .

Adding natural baits is a big edge

I’m also a very big fan of using molasses, and

What I love about the molasses blocks is its slow

especially high protein molasses feeding blocks to

breakdown which means you’ve got a solid block of

prefeed areas and constantly keep fish in your tar-

feed constantly giving off food signals and releas-

get areas.

ing small particles up and down the water column.

The molasses blocks can be manufactured with different breakdown times and you can basically

The blocks work for most fish species and you

add anything you want to them, just make sure you

can also custom them into a tilapia or catfish block

do not add unprepared particles , especially grains

by just adding certain extra ingredients.

and nuts.

My main advice to any angler is to always explore, always evolve, always try new things.

Try and think out of the box a bit when it comes to homemade baits and ingredients and especially have a look at the commercial Koi feed industry and the ingredients they use.

We must always remember that especially big older carp are very intelligent and don’t get fooled to often into picking up a hook bait, that’s why in my opinion it is important to mix it up constantly and not give them the same baits and feeds and methods constantly as they definitely start to distinguish certain ingredients and signals as dangerous.

North American Carp Angler

17

My main goal with the You Tube channel is just

If you want more Outa the Box Carp angling

to show everyone how easy it is to make your own

Baits and tactics , please come have a look at the

baits and ingredients and that there are no real

channel and join us down the rabbit hole of big carp

special ingredients that bait companies use that

(and other species) Home Made bait making and

you cannot access as well.

Angling.

The channel is still relatively new, but a lot of awesome Bait making info and Tactics on the way.

Tight Lines and Screaming reels: Bait Tactics - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuR8VZdd6uwvL8AZMfltLaQ DIY Molasses Feeding Blocks - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p5WbC-LeWQ Giant Fruits alternative Hook baits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ652LOEwxc&t=28s Spicy Garlic Beetles alternative hook baits - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ652LOEwxc&t=28s Creepy Crawly Beetle Hook Bait - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L5Yv5pT0hk Fake Bloodworm/Earthworm Cluster Bait - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d56xX2MUeXY&t=10s

North American Carp Angler

19

FALL

BIG 4 2022 The Winners!

North American Carp Angler

21

The Top Ten Winners received Gift Vouchers to spend on the tackle of their choice with our long running supporter Big Carp Tackle.

1st. $300

2nd. $150

3rd. $100

4th. $75

6th thro’ 10th - $30 each *Awarded as Gift Certificates to spend with Big Carp Tackle

1st Place Rafal Wlazlo

5th. $50

2nd Place Blayne Beeler

North American Carp Angler

23

3rd Place Keith Jackson

4th Place Brian Lee

5th Place Chris Matthews

6th Place Rob Michalik

North American Carp Angler

25

7th Place Norman Finke

8th Place Dave Pickering

9th Place Brian Verbitskey

10th Place Ian Tallack

North American Carp Angler

27

Big mirror winner receives $150 gift certificate from Carp Bait USA

Big Mirror Keith Jackson

Big common winner receives $150 gift certificate from Orient Tackle USA

Big Common Keith Jackson

North American Carp Angler

29

The CAG Carp Classic 2022 September 24th 2022 A report by Samuel Williams (CAG Regional Director)

CAG Carp Classic 2022

Saturday September 24th Location: Hudson River, NY Peg Locations: Coxsackie Riverside Park, Dutchman’s Landing & Henry Hudson Park Friday Sept 23 2022: Meet & Greet & Scale Check At the Pegasus Restaurant from 5:00 pm

Saturday Sept 24 2022: CAG Carp Classic Tournament 7:00am - Peg draw & Scale Check @ Chrissy's Diner 8:00am - 4:00pm - CCC Fishing 6:00pm – Dinner Pegasus Restaurant 7:30pm - Awards, Prize Giving & Raffle

For the latest details, rules and registration please follow the link: https://www.carpanglersgroup.com/forum/index.php?/forum/431-ccc-2022/ North American Carp Angler

31

Barry and I were asked if we would host the

Saturday morning, I get my first Messenger

CCC once again on the Hudson River for 2022. We

Message, where is the peg draw being held. at

gladly accepted the challenge!

5:30am. So, I responded with the location pin to Chrissy Diner. I get ready and head towards the

As in previous years the CCC would be pegged at three locations: Coxsackie Boat Launch. Dutchman’s Landing, and Henry Hudson Park.

Diner I get there about 20mins later and it was a cold chilly with a bit of wind still blowing.

I see David Moore van and Stelian Bodgan in

We had a few different challenges to deal with

his car. He had a 2-to-3-hour drive down. I said to

this year which included rearranging pegs due to

him you’re a bit early, he did know what time to be

the renovations at Coxsackie Boat Launch. Sadly,

there. I explained to him about having no breakfast

a fire at Chrissy’s diner also meant the usual break-

at the diner due to it being closed because of the

fast ritual before the peg draw could not take place

fire they had. Stewarts would be open at 6am or

this year.

there is McDonalds down the road. So, I head off to Stewarts to get some supplies.

Once again Barry Howard (CAG Membership Director and Store Manager) made the dinner ar-

At 6:15am the sun starts to rise, and people be-

rangements at the Pegasus Restaurant, ordered

gin showing up. Once Barry arrives, we get things

trophies and t-shirts as well as supplied fuel for the

going starting off with a few more scales being

boat and truck to pre-bait all three locations for 3

checked and certified. The peg draw completed

days ahead of the tournament.

everyone heads off to the three peg locations.

I drew peg 9 at Henry Hudson Park while

Barry

was

pegged at Dutchman’s Landing.

Before I could get to my peg, I helped two anglers find their pegs at Henry

Hudson

Park. Dawid Bak 33 and Jeffry Pirog 32 they were on on the other side of the park. I made sure everyone was in place then set up cast out.

After only 5 mins I get a run am hoping that if nothing else I can get a trophy for ‘First’ carp.

But sadly, all I get is my First Catfish. So, after 3 of those.

I

take

walk

around all the other pegs making sure everyone is ok.

North American Carp Angler

33

Coxsackie Pegs

So, netting at low tide can be a challenge. Slavik Lavik on peg 10 has his 1st run and brings in

When I returned to my peg the tide had started

what turns out to be his biggest carp of the day. I

to come back in. This usually proves a good omen

help him bring in the carp over the wall and into his

for the rest of the competition. At Henry Hudson

cradle. We tare his scale and sling then weigh the

Park there is concrete curved slaps with a row of

carp. It goes 16lb 4oz.

wooden post with metal bars connecting the wooden posts all along the front.

Around 10am I check in with Barry. Nigel Griffin,

As an organizer that’s great news but, as indi-

who is in the same section, is already catching a

vidual angler I’m not doing so great having only had

few carp. I tell him about Ian O’ Connell who may

3 catfish! So I make a cup of tea and have a few

have caught the ‘First’ carp. At this point it sounds

snacks. After the cold start I’m also enjoying being

like everyone is catching.

outside as it’s getting warmer. Then Slavik brings in his second carp 10lbs 7oz.

Nigel Griffin playing a carp

North American Carp Angler

35

It is now 12 noon with just 4 more hours to

Phil Saunders and Steve Clow jump into action

go. Still nothing happening on my line. I’m getting

as David brings in his carp. I get to verify the weight

photo messages from Jerome Moisand showing

and also take a few pictures. David tells me he’s

him holding a carp with a group of children. It’s a

also caught a nice mirror and shows me the picture

brilliant picture! It looks like Coxsackie Boat Launch

on his phone. Well it seems David has caught the

area with its new renovation is attracting more peo-

same Mirror carp that has been caught by 4 a least

ple to the park as well the waterfront.

different CAG members over the last 18 months.

At about 2pm with no carp caught I brought everything in and decided to walk the pegs.

I compared it to all the other photos from previous captures and discover its weight has been with-

I speak to Steve Clow but he’s only had the one

in about 6 oz each time she’s been caught. So now

carp. I then move onto see David Moore when his

we have named her Henrietta, after being caught at

rod goes screaming off.

Henry Hudson.

David Moore with a nice mirror carp

Rita Brown with the biggest carp of the tournament I speak to Rita and Phil and they have been

At the end peg I see Jeffery Pirog but he hasn’t

catching consistently. Rita has been catching some

caught anything yet. He keeps his fingers crossed

good sized carp including the biggest so far at 23lb

with only one more hour to go. I see Dawid Bak,

10oz. I asked to see her score sheet and with some

and his alarms screams and he’s into a fish!

decent she’s a possible section winner.I leave to check on the other pegs with most folk catching a

There is quite an audience watching as Dawid brings in a 19lb 3oz carp.

few fish.

North American Carp Angler

37

I take photos and verified his catch on his sheet, Now in my head I’m comparing his sheet to Rita’s.

I think we will have a close race between Dawid and Rita for the Section win!

On my way back I make sure everyone knows how to get to the restaurant for the dinner and the awards ceremony.

I also ask Rita if she’d caught anymore but she had said no. So finally I get back to my peg and I start breaking down and loading the car up.

After collecting the flags and score sheets I head to the restaurant to begin collating the results from all the score sheets!

Once everyone had enjoyed dinner we began the awards ceremony.

Rita Brown became the first lady to be crowned North American Carp Champion, taking home the coveted trophy with a Big 4 total of 85lbs 8oz . She also took home the North American Carp King Belt Buckle for the Biggest Carp 23lb 1oz.

Section winners Awards went to Henry Hudson Park: Dawid Bak with a total of 11 carp for 148lbs 9oz (just pipping Rita’s 8 fish for134lbs 12oz)

Dutchman’s Landing: Nigel Griffin with 145lbs 12oz.

North American Carp Angler

39

Coxsackie Boat Launch: Jerome Moisand with a whopping 237lbs 2oz of plus his first USA Rudd!

Biggest Mirror went to David Moore

Ian O’ Connell for 1st Carp and

for catching Henrietta at 22.10

Smallest carp at 4lbs even

Overall a total of 101 carp were caught weighing a grand total 1324lbs 10oz.

Congratulations to the all the winner and thank you everyone who took part in yet another successful CCC! A big thank you to Barry Howard and Samuel Williams for all your hard work in organizing and running another great CCC on the Might Hudson River!

North American Carp Angler

41

Brian Vedder with a nice mirror carp

Luis Miguel Angelo with a Hudson River common carp

Phil and Rita with a double up

Steve Clow North American Carp Angler

43

Yankee Challenge Fejzo Akaratovic, CT State Chair

North American Carp Angler

45

After fishing the New York leg of the Yankee challenge, on the Hudson River with my fellow Connecticut Comrades, we were ready for Sam Williams and his NY team to come down and fish our home waters at Harbor Park on the mighty CT River. Connecticut needed redemption, so in the following weeks after the NY leg of the challenge I rounded up some of Connecticut’s finest carp anglers for a day of fun, low water, and hot weather! I was able to get 11 Connecticut anglers including Hunter Atchinson a fine Massachusetts angler who was committed to fishing for CT in both legs of the challenge. Thanks Hunter!

Yankee Challenge NY Leg June 26 2022 Angler Dan Swartout Dan Swartout Dan Swartout Dan Swartout Dan Swartout Total

Team NY NY NY NY NY

Carp Catfish 26 8/16 21 6/16 21 27 19 6/16 115 4/16

Kosta Djordjevic Kosta Djordjevic Kosta Djordjevic Total

NY NY NY

15 13/16 15 14/16 22 2/16 53 13/16

1:15 PM 2:20 PM 4:00 PM

3 3 3 9

Rafal Wlazlo

NY

15 14/16

10:00 AM

3

Ed Jr Ed Jr Total

12.11lbs NY at 11:15 12 11/16 11.5lns NY at 2:15 11 5/16 24

11:15 AM 2pts 2:15 PM 2pts

2 2 4

Overall Points

NY

271 15/16

Karl Pulaski

CT

10 4/16

Fejzo Akaratovic Fejzo Akaratovic Total

CT CT

Jenna Djordjevic Jenna Djordjevic Jenna Djordjevic Total

CT CT CT

22

Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Hunter Aitchison Total

CT CT CT CT CT CT CT

26 12/16 8 9/16 17 11/16 17 12/16 12 6/16 17 14 8/16 113 10/16

Ed Wagner Ed Wagner Total

CT CT

11 19 2/16 30 2/16

2 3 5

Overall Points

CT

212 2/16

33

17 5/16 17 2/16

19 41

Time Points 9:05 AM 9:09 AM 12:00 AM 11:16 AM 2:18 PM

3 3 3 3 3 15

31

3.00

3.00

12:00 AM

2

8:45 AM

-1 2 3

9:15 AM

3 -1 3 5

2:31 PM

9:35 AM 12:00 AM 11:45 AM 11:50 AM 12:40 PM 1:45 PM 3:55 PM

3 2 3 3 2 3 2 18

The Friday evening before the challenge me and Lee Hurn went and marked 10 pegs which would later be 11 to accommodate all our anglers. Peg drawing was a breeze with the landscape of Harbor Park and Lee Hurn’s antics. Peg Draw would be at 7:45 the next morning and fishing would begin at 8:30. Me and Lee would plan to meet up at 5:30 the next morning, but due to some technical difficulties I had at Dunkin Donuts I would arrive a hair late.

Anglers for the second leg of the Yankee Challenge That morning I woke up and was excited to meet

Despite being late we were able to finish the peg

up with all the fine carp anglers coming from all

draw before 7:45 and anglers got an early start to

over the Northeast to fish our challenge.

setting up. 8:30 came and lines were casted across harbor park. Michael Mcdevitt from Massachusetts

I was on time until it was time to get two dozen

(fishing for NY) landed the first carp of the day!

donuts on the way there. After a hiccup at Dunkin I

Throughout the day CT caught several fish but

arrived fashionably late to a restless group of carp

failed to gain a lead on NY’s Dan Swartout who was

anglers excited to catch some CT River Brutes.

racking up carp for NY. He landed the biggest fish of the day and most fish.

North American Carp Angler

47

The challenge winded to an end at 4 o’clock that day. Everyone was hot and exhausted from a long and slow fishing day at Harbor Park which normally has better fishing. This could be attributed to the heat that day and high air pressure. Everyone packed and met at my tailgate at the end for the awards ceremony.

As everyone gathered, I thanked them all for coming, it was such a fun day catching some carp and talking carp with anglers from different states and backgrounds. This is what the Yankee Challenge is all about.

NY won once again with Dan Swartout taking the infamous Yankee Challenge Belt back to Ny. He caught most fish in both states and biggest. He received a medal for biggest fish that day and most carp caught.

Dan also walked away with a bait package donated by Northeast Carp Connections, thanks Fred powers!

Michael Mcdevit was also awarded a medal for first fish caught and Jerome Moisand was given a lead package (Donated by RJ from CT Carp Leads, Thank You!) for biggest Fantail Carp caught that day.

Congratulations Guys, and a big Congrats to Sam Williams and his NY team for taking home the belt and medals! Until next year!

Dan Swartout with his medals and prizes North American Carp Angler

49

2022 Fishin’ Factory 3 CT Carp Open

Kyle Carlson – Tournament Organizer

Tournament Schedule Peg Draw: Tuesday October 25th @ 5PM Middletown Elks Club Peg Arrival: Wednesday October 26th @ 5AM Fishing Starts: Wednesday October 26th @ 7AM Fishing Ends: Sunday October 30th @ 12PM Awards Ceremony: Sunday October 30th @ 2PM Middletown Elks Club

North American Carp Angler

51

The tournament details were announced early

The beauty of a smaller field was that now we

in the year with some proposed changes that I felt

got to cherry pick the best pegs. With 47 proposed

were going to be very popular. We extended the

pegs we eliminated peg 46 and 21 and added 9b

event from 76 hours to 101 hours in hopes of big-

as we were thinking the water would rise up due to

ger fish being caught and giving Phil Nathan’s Big

a lot of rain forecasted for Monday making the cove

Four tournament record of 127 pounds a run for its

a bit more desirable as it usually fishes better when

money! We also changed the buy in amount from

the river levels are higher.

$400 a person to a flat $800 for the team whether or not you were solo or a team.

Anglers started arriving as early as the Saturday

The last thing we did was increase the amount

before to start doing their homework. I was hearing

of teams from 40 to 50 and increased the pegs from

some very positive things regarding the river and

60 to 65. Of course, these changes were met with

the pegs prior to Mondays incoming rain. Monday

some negativity but we all felt they were needed

arrived and so did the rain. Can’t even begin to tell

changes in order to grow the tournament.

you how many people asked me how this would affect the fishing but it was a lot.

As registration neared, we were all gearing up

My answer was simply faster currents and a bit

for an instant sell out. We still had not discovered

more dead weeds floating down river. Was certainly

the needed 60-65 pegs but we were actively look-

going to be tougher fishing but we have had a lot

ing and optimistic that it wouldn’t be an issue. I took

worse conditions in the past.

the day off from work to sit at my computer to log in the registrants as they came in so I could cut it off at 50 once we reached capacity.

Peg draw was at Middletown Elks Club as usual and I decided to make it a very quick and to the point opening ceremony because since it was out-

Registration opened at midnight on 6/13/22

side the marshals and I didn’t want to be draw-

and PayPal notifications were starting to go off in-

ing pegs in the dark. Most anglers seemed very

stantly. By late morning we seemed to hit a snag at

pleased with their chosen pegs and everyone just

30 teams or so. Days went by and as registration

wanted to start fishing!

came to a close we were left with 37 teams. Lots of teams from far away had mentioned the insane gas prices while local teams mentioned the added day was too much to get work off. All understandable reasons that none of us even began to think about in the planning phases.

North American Carp Angler

53

Day One had arrived!!! Some very light rain was

Donny St. Lawrence and Chris Lessard at peg

forecasted for the day just to make camp setup that

15 called in a 27.15 lb common to get their mo-

much more of a hassle but the rest of the week was

mentum going in the right direction, while 80 yards

calling for warm days and 30 degree nights. Water

down river at peg 16, defending champion, Mark

levels had rose up and weeds were plentiful.

Fullbrook weighed in a 23.8 lb common to get his defense run going.

Anglers showed up at 5AM so they could be ready to start fishing at 7AM. The first fish was called

Later on in the day, Norbert Samok and Lasz-

in at 8:30AM from peg 32 Justin Keaton & Tommy

lo Kovacs at peg 25 called in a 24.11 lb common.

Pearson with a 27.4 lb common. At 11:30AM Pawel

Donny and Chris at peg 15 called in their second

Wesolowski and Kamil Augustowski called in their

fish and what a beauty it was! A 27.0 lb fantail carp

first fish at peg 6 (last year’s winning peg) weighing

that not only was a good fish for their big four but

in at 24.15 lb common.

had a very good shot at winning a nice Fishin’ Fac-

The Georgia girls, Christie, Kelly & Tammy called in a 23.14 lb common at peg 27 at 1:30PM.

tory 3 gift card as well!

The very last fish to be called in on day 1 was from Pawel & Kamil at peg 6 with a 26.4 lb common.

Overall and as usual, day 1 was a very slow day as many teams prebaited a lot of bait and were getting used to the current, the tides, the weeds that make this river one of the hardest rivers to fish in the world.

North American Carp Angler

55

Day 2, also known as moving day, had arrived.

Lots of calls were coming in for 22lb to 23lb fish

This is my busiest day as moving day starts at 7AM

(fish have to be 22lb or bigger to be on the big 4

and ends at 10AM. In this time, anglers can move

board) and lots of teams were catching 10lb to 15lb

to any unoccupied peg as long as if they arrive be-

carp to keep them busy.

fore a higher draw order team doesn’t get their before them.

At 10:30AM, Chris Jackson and Scott Russell at

Five teams ended up moving pegs which is

peg 47 called in a 28.8 lb and 26.2 lb common to

about the normal amount. Leaderboard action was

get them in the hunt. Paul Turcotte and Eric Fink-

dead all morning. Peter Sadlon and his son Patrik

bein at peg 35 in Hurd State Park called in their

Sadlon called in a 15.7 lb mirror carp at 10AM to set

second fish at 27.8 lbs.

the big mirror benchmark.

Patrik Sadlon with a nice common

Day 3 welcomed us to 30 degree temps. I don’t think I got out of my truck until noon that day as it was just too cold.

Donny & Chris at peg 15 called in their third fish at 22.1 lbs. Norbert & Laszlo at peg 25 called in another hefty common of 27.6 lbs.

Chad

Harper

who

moved from peg 9 to peg 18 called in his first fish at 22.12 lbs to get his spirits up. Peter and son Patrik, at peg 7 called in their second fish at 23.15 lbs as well as Mark Fullbrook at peg 16 who got into a 23.8 lb common

North American Carp Angler

57

Defending Champion with a fantail common At this stage everyone just wants to get their four fish over 22 lbs so marshals have been weighing a bunch of fish that are just too small. Arnold Farkus and partner Kevin Moylin got into their first fish at peg 42 with a 23.10 lb common.

Dawid Kedzior and Janusz Wesolowski at peg 5 called in their second fish with a 25.15 lb common. Their buddies, Pawel and Kamil at peg 6, followed that up with their third fish at 26.4 lbs. Blake Carlson and John Lilly at peg 33 got on the board with a 23.7 lb common and Chris and Scott at peg 47 called in their third fish with a 22.14 lb common.

Jimmy Sneed and Pat Schunk at peg 31 got on the board with their first fish weighing in at 26.6 lbs and just like that Donny and Chris at peg 15 filled up their big 4 with a 28.4 lber. Pawel and Kamil at peg 6 got another 26.4 lb common to fill up their big 4 board as well and to close out the day. Day three was definitely an eventful day with lots of teams cracking the CT river code and putting up some nice fish! But where were the 30 pounders hiding?

North American Carp Angler

59

Day 4 arrived with some immediate calls to weigh in fish.

Attila Agh and William Cabe at peg 41 called in a 24.6 lb, 26.6 lb, and a 22.14 lb to give them a much needed boost into contention. Norbert and Laszlo at peg 25 called in a 23.6 lb and 24.2 lb to fill up their board.

Jimmy and Pat at peg 31 got their second fish at 25.7 lbs and the Georgia girls at peg 27 got a 23.12 lb common to get them their second fish as did Blake and John at peg 33 with a 27.4 lb common. And then finally, after days of fishing the call came in from Arnold and Kevin at peg 42 with a 30.4 lb common.

Dawid and Janusz called in their third fish at 26.2 lbs. Chad at peg 18 added a 22.6 lb and 25.12 lb to give him three fish on the board. Franklin Santos and Kristina Lovell at peg 19 called in their first fish at 24.1 lbs and Justin and Tommy at peg 32 got a 26.0 lb common to get them their second fish on the board. Action slowed down in the early evening while Lee Hurn spotted a questionable mountain lion on the Horton Farm pegs.

Lee Hurn getting a boost North American Carp Angler

61

As 10PM approached so was our last leaderboard announcement because after that we would be in blackout until awards ceremony. It was still anyone’s tournament to win!

Day 5: The Last Day!

Shawn Rafter and Tanner Smith at Peg 1 called

By the time the marshals got on the clock at

in a 16.0 lb mirror carp at 7:30AM to raise the big

5AM there was only 7 hours left of fishing. This was

mirror bar a bit more. Donny and Chris at peg 15

going to be a very interesting day! Ricky Hards and

who went to bed the night prior leading the event

Hunter Aitchison at peg 4 got into them overnight

added some needed cushion at 7:30AM with a 25.9

weight in a 23.8 lb, 24.4 lb, and a 27.0 lb to instant-

lb common bringing their big four to 108.12 lbs and

ly get them three fish and into serious contention.

the number to beat.

Justin and Tommy at peg 32 got a 23.10 lb com-

We heard stories from anglers who lost decent

mon, Blake and John at peg 33 added a 28.2 lb

fish in the final moments but such is fishing. It was

common, and Jimmy and Pat at peg 31 got a 24.2

time for the awards ceremony!!!

lb common to give all three teams a third fish. Just to put this leaderboard into perspective…by 10AM

Awards Ceremony! The awards ceremony was

13 teams just needed one fish to win the tourney

at 2PM at the Middletown Elks Club. Anglers ar-

and some teams needed just a 22 lber to just jump

rived and quickly bought raffle tickets to support

into the top 4. I know myself and the marshals were

the marshals and to grab a drink and to await the

all hoping for some crazy stuff to happen but it just

results! The results were announced….

didn’t.

North American Carp Angler

63

First Place Big 4: Peg 15, 108.12 lbs, Donny St. Lawrence & Chris Lessard

$12,000

Second Place Big 4: Peg 6, 103.11 lbs, Pawel Wesolowski & Kamil Augustowski $7,000 Third Place Big 4: Peg 25, 99.9 lbs, Norbert Samok & Laszlo Kovacs

$4,000

Fourth Place Big 4: Peg 5, 79.8 lbs, Dawid Kedzior & Janusz Wesolowski

$2,000

Biggest Fish: Peg 42, 30.4 lbs, Arnold Farkus & Kevin Moylin

$1,000

Biggest Mirror: Peg 1, 16.0 lbs, Shawn Rafter & Tanner Smith

$500

Biggest Fantail: Peg 15, 27.0 lbs, Donny St. Lawrence & Chris Lessard

$100

Fishin’ Factory 3 Credit

North American Carp Angler

65

Final Takeaways! What was shaping up in prior

Easier said than done believe me! Kudos to eve-

weeks to be perfect fishing conditions for the CT

ryone who gave it their all and special thanks to

River soon turned out to be wishful thinking.

all tournament staff, our awesome marshals Jason,

With nearly an inch of rain on Monday from a

Lee, Chris and DJ, all of our generous sponsors

storm that followed the CT River exactly from south

who donated to help fund the marshals, the CT

to north all the way on up to VT/NH wreaked havoc

DEEP and Peter Aarristad, Alicia Kennedy, Andrew

along the shoreline by bringing more dead weeds

Nichols and the FF3 staff! This tournament wouldn’t

into the river and by raising water levels by 2 feet.

be possible without all of you!

The current got bad by itself and when you add in the weeds floating down river it became a game

Thought has already begun for the 2023 tourna-

of who could keep their lines in the water the long-

ment and details will be released as soon as pos-

est.

sible. Hope to see everyone there!

Chad Harper with a nice fantail

Raphael Biaginni with a ‘weedy’ common North American Carp Angler

67

Middletown Press, featured the tournament

2022 Fishin’ Factory 3 CT Open Carp Tournament

The Winners!

Donny St Lawrence & Chris Lessard

Donny St Lawrence and Chris Lessard teamed

As Donny says it takes quite a commitment to

up to take on the Fishin’ Factory 3 CT Carp Open

fish the tournament with a the $$$ entry fee and

tournament in October 2022. When we talked to

taking a week off work.

Donny, he said the 5 day / 100 hour tournament

In the draw order Donny & Chris were only 33

was something else for sure. He & Chris felt a little

out of the 37 teams and were worried the best pegs

bit like the ‘underdogs’ and were even a little star

might be gone… then when it was their turn, they

struck by some of the names they were compet-

pulled out Peg 28, a favored Harbor Park location,

ing against but in the end, they were the ones who

but Donny persuaded a less than impressed Chris

came out on top!

that they should put it back and go round again!

Donny’s reasoning was the Harbor Park pegs

Donny says he only started carp fishing about 8

would be competing against one another and they

years when a friend who was catching a few per-

should look at more remote location. In the second

suaded him to give it a try. In only his second sea-

round Chris pulled out Peg 15 which was on the pri-

son he landed a NH state record of 35lb primarily

vate land at Horton Farm. Even though neither had

fishing the Merrimack River and some local ponds.

even seen the peg before they decided to go for it!

Since those first couple of seasons, he’s devoted a

After driving around in the fog and the rain they

lot of his time to carp fishing result in two fish over

finally found the peg at around 5:30am. Except for

40lb including a 46.11 mirror.

the tidal flow and large weed mats the size of a

Until the CT Open Donny had only fished a cou-

Volkswagen everything about the peg was much as

ple of small tournaments in 2021 and the 2022 CT

they expected. A 2-3’ shelf and a nice drop off to

Shoot in May 2022 where he placed 7th.

around 10’ not far out from the bank allowed them

The CT Open was to be only the third time Don-

to fish quite close in. The water temperature was

ny had fished in Connecticut, but his partner Chris

still 57F and daytime 60F but with nighttime temps

fishes there all the time and knows the CT River

down to 30F it created very foggy conditions at

and tidal areas well.

night which made playing and landing fish difficult!

Donny also managed to lose his alarm receiver, so he didn’t get to sleep much especially with the weed continually setting off everyone’s alarms.

The only neighboring angler was 2021 CT Open winner Mark Fullbrook who was in Peg 16. Donny said it was a pleasure to meet him and like so many other carp anglers good to share stories and friendship. As for tactics they each fished 3 rods with straight forward hair rigs using 30lb Power Pro hook links tied to Korda #4 hooks and 5oz leads.

As for baits they used corn or tigers on a couple of rods but most of their bigger fish were landed on 24mm boilies with a pop-up imitation corn topper.

Horton Farm Private Land: Peg 15

Donny fished with Carp Maxx and Chris with Carp Bait USA boilies.

Donny with a nice 27lb common They baited up with split boilies, to stop them rolling away, during the tidal slacks, and used 60-80lb of bait during the tournament. On Day one they had a few smaller fish on corn then Donny had a 27.04 on boilie and Chris also caught his first ever fantail common which turned out to be a beast at 27lb even! So, by 10pm the first day they were heading the leader board.

North American Carp Angler

71

They were catching consistently and at 10pm on

Now both Donny and Chris were getting nerv-

Day Two were still leading but still only had the two

ous… at 4am Donny lost a good fish to a snag and

fish over the 22lb threshold.

thought was that THE fish?

Day Three produced a 22 and a 28.4 to give

At 6am Donny had another run, and this time

them 4 fish and keep them ahead of second spot.

landed a 25lb common to bump up their Big 4 to-

By now Chris was getting excited but Donny told

tal… but was it enough?

him ‘Chill out buddy we don’t need a jinx!’

As the results were announced at the awards ceremony Donny and Chris finally realized they had

At the end of Day 4 and the last leaderboard up-

won the 2022 CT Open Carp Tournament. Donny &

date as the final scores would not be announced

Chris were happy and thankful to the many people

until the awards ceremony. They were still at the

who had been rooting for them and are both ready

top but less than 2lb ahead of second place.

to do it again next year!

Chris Lessard with his first ever fantail at 27lb even!

The Winners! Donny St Lawrence (L) & Chris Lessard (R)

North American Carp Angler

73

2022

19th Annual St. Lawrence International

Jr. Carp Tournament

Draws Kids and Adults from across the state and beyond.

Thirteen year-old Cameron Fuller from Potsdam

was crowned ‘Grand Champion’ at the 19th Annual Jr. Carp Tournament, held July 21 – 23, 2022.

With a total of 91 pounds, 6 ounces for his heaviest four carp, Fuller also caught the largest carp of the tournament at 28 pounds, 4 ounces, and caught the most carp over the two days of fishing with seven weighing a total of 137 pounds, 6 ounces.

The 51 competitors caught and released a combined 132 carp, weighing a total of 2,116 pounds. Fishing locations were in the St. Lawrence County communities of Ogdensburg, Lisbon and Waddington.

Complete results:

Girls 15-18

1st Place: Anisia Bogdan, 75 lbs. 12 oz. (Endicott) 2nd Place: Kaylee Green, 68 lbs. 12 oz., (Potsdam) 3rd Place: Olivia Caldwell, 65 lbs. 7 oz. (Massena)

Boys 15-18 1st Place: Matthew Nolan, 76 lbs. (Norfolk) 2nd Place: Lowen Sero, 69 lbs. 15oz. (Canton) 3rd Place: Tanner Smith, 69 bs. 5oz. (Waddington)

Girls 11-14 1st Place: Danika Sheffield, 59 lbs. (Lisbon) 2nd Place: Josephine Hill, 37 lb. 13oz. (Chase Mills) 3rd: Hayley Cota, 30 lbs. 13oz. (Rensselaer Falls)

Boys 11-14 1st Place: Cameron Fuller, 91 lbs. 6 oz. (Potsdam) 2nd: Gavin Thompson, 68 lbs. 13oz. (Potsdam) 3rd: Ryan Mitchell, 62 lbs. 15 oz. (Rensselaer Falls)

Team Competition 1st Place: One on Baits with 245 lb. 13 oz 2nd Place: The Dream Team with 235 lbs. 12 oz 3rd Place: Cornerstone Services with 217 lb. 7 oz.

Adult Division 1st Place: Terry Debiew with 60 lb. 2 oz The Riley Basford Memorial Sportsmanship Award was presented to Olivia Caldwell (Massena), who showed kindness, teamwork and sportsmanship to those around her on the riverbank.

The tournament began in 2003

“For some, this was

“We have many sur-

and is now organized by

their first time ever fish-

prises in store for the

ing the St. Lawrence Riv-

20th Annual in 2023,

er, for others, this is an

with dates expected to

This year’s tournament was led

annual, multi-generation

be announced by the

by Grand Marshals Cole Mur-

tradition”

end of August”

the Carp Angler’s Group, a northeast

regional

associa-

tion dedicated to Carp Fishing.

ray and Jordan Gilbert, both of Hannawa Falls, and attracted youth from across New York State and Connecticut.

- noted Jo Ann Roberts,

- added Abby McNamara,

tournament organizer.

also tournament organizer.

The 2022 event is hosted by the Carp Angler Group and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

It is part of a series of tournaments supported by a Market New York grant from I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

Tournament Winner, from left to right: Abby McNamara, tournament organizer; Cameron Fuller, Grand Champion, Cole Murray and Jordan Gilbert, tournament Grand Marshals

North American Carp Angler

75

1st Place Team, One on Baits

CLICK FOR INFO

Front Row: Tanner Smith Back Row Standing; Shawn Rafter, Coach, Cameron Fuller, Gavin Thompson, Joey Green

2022 Mountain State Carp Challenge

By Mike Williams

Venue: Lake William, Barbourville, WV The competitors were experienced and well

October 15 & 16: West Virginia was recently graced with its first

prepared and the very model of true sportsmen in

ever CAG sponsored carp tournament, and it was

every sense of the word. Which is not to say that

a huge success.

competition wasn’t fierce. But at the end of the tournament the anglers left it on the field, knowing they

With

teams

from

5

different

states

had given their best with no regrets.

(NY,PA,NC,WA,WV) and included team members

And there was great comradery at the end of the

from as far away as the United Kingdom and South

awards ceremony with everyone picking each oth-

Africa, it was a microcosm of some of the larger

er’s brain and sharing information about their own

events and had a true international feel to it.

tactics and the new venue.

North American Carp Angler

77

The tournament began at 7:00 am October 15th

The venue choice is all a testament to the event

and ended at 2:00pm on the 16th and was held

organizer Derek Williams doing his due diligence in

at Lake William Park in Barbourville West Virginia

selecting the ideal location.

which is just outside of Huntington. The Park was

And the weather couldn’t have been much bet-

well maintained by the city and had nice clean fa-

ter with mild temps and bluebird skies right up to

cilities. Not to mention the location was also easy

the lines out announcement, when clouds rolled in

to get to from out of state and offered a choice of

and it immediately began to sprinkle as if on cue.

lodging and restaurants all within a reasonable distance.

As stated before, the competition was fierce.

And Jeremy Goddard from his own one man”

With Dustin Loftin and his teammate Emil Lenzi of

Team Knot Again” was quick to answer Carp Com-

team “Carp Company” landing two qualifying catch-

pany’s catches with two qualifying mirror carp of

es before noon the first day as well as setting the

his own just to keep it interesting. And interesting

bar for the other anglers in the big fish pot with an

it stayed with “Carp Company” extending their lead

18.74 pound common.

right after dark with a 13.88 pound mirror.

The lake was only 18 acres, so every fisherman could see the others and make out when a fish was

And so it stood, right up to the time for the weigh

landed during the daylight hours even though they

Marshalls to retire for the night, of which I was one,

couldn’t see how big the catch was. This was over-

after that if any qualifying fish were caught they

come by the pictures and weights being posted on

needed to be put in a weigh sling until weigh-in re-

the tournament group site during the first day.

sumed at 7:00 a.m. the next morning.

North American Carp Angler

79

But the anglers had not been sleeping!!! No sir, they had been up all-night strategizing. Putting out baits, deciding on what flavors or baits might just be the winning combo.

Should I try a fruit flavor like strawberry butter-

Should I cast out into the center or maybe fish the margins or some combo thereof?

Did I double check that drag the last time I cast that pole out? No sir they hadn’t been sleeping that much at all. They had been giving it their best.

nut? Or maybe something more traditional, like an-

They hadn’t joined this tournament for any other

ise or vanilla? Or with these fish being relatively un-

reason than to take a shot that they were the best

pressured because nobody in West Virginia targets

on this given day. And the next morning, it showed!

carp maybe a natural occurring bait like crayfish or something fish based?

North American Carp Angler

81

When we resumed the weigh-in the next morn-

After we made it around to the lake the mirror

ing the edge of your seat surprises continued, with

ended up racking up a weight of 14.32 sealing the

team “Carp Company” adding a fourth fish to their

big four for Jeremy Goddard to capture both first

big four in the form of 14.32 pound common to their

place in this winner-take-all tournament as well as

bag. And again Team “Knot again” (I promise there

the landing him the big fish pot with his own new PB

were other teams) answered the challenge in a big

in his first ever tournament.

way. With a 28.84 monster of a common to bring himself within ounces of the leader. Then it went quiet for the next 4 hours.

When at around 12:30pm team “Knot Again” called to say he had landed a fish but wasn’t sure

So, all-in-all, it was a great time. As it is anytime a group of likeminded individuals get together for a

it would make the minimum weight of 10 pounds

common goal. Especially when that

since his scale had malfunctioned and was only

common pursuit is the not so com-

weighing him as 9 pounds .

mon carp.

The Teams!

Big Foot: Craig Cook Knot Again: Jeremy Goddard One-On: Chris Jackson and Scott Russell Hawkins: Jerry Hawkins Yankee Carpers: Barry Howard and Brian Vedder Carp Company: Dustin Loftin and Emil Lenzi

1st Place winner – Jeremy Lee Goddard North American Carp Angler

83

2nd place winners

Prizes and Plaques

Baits for Anglers By Anglers

EIGHT DAYS IN EDEN Written and photos by: Tamás Skaczel

Translated by: Andrea Bánátiné Skaczel

I set off to Thailand alone and with limited English knowledge on the 16th of November, 2021 – I must admit I was very excited. My plane departed from Budapest, and then in Doha I changed plane to Phuket. I had two folders full of certifications with me hoping that everything goes smoothly and I can get to my final destination, Gillhams Fishing Resort.

After landing on the 17th of November, I had to

My fishing started next day, so I decided to look

stay in a quarantine hotel for a night until I received

around. As I was walking around and breathing the

the result of my Covid test. On the morning of 18th

warm and vaporous tropical air, I felt I became one

of November, the taxi driver of Gillhams came to

with nature. I understood why it is so important to

pick me up and take me to the province of Krabi.

take care of this wondrous planet.

We passed through amazing places, the land-

While I was wandering around the complex, I

scape was dotted with palm trees, rainforests and

bumped into a few fishing stands and talked to the

beautiful mountains. As we were heading towards

anglers. Everybody was from England; I was the

the end of our two-hour journey, I got more and

only Hungarian. Everyone was very helpful.

more excited. When we arrived the huge iron gate opened, and I entered the Garden of Eden.

When I arrived back to my room the daily limit

I was received by Sean Gillham himself. After

of my trip waited for me in front of the door: I was

going through the necessary administration, he in-

about to fish for six days, this meant 6 kg (13,23

formed me about the schedule of fishing: the time

lbs) from the boilie with the secret recipe and six

window is between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

packets of halibut pellet.

Then my guide, Kyle McKellar arrived. He asked what my target fish was. I said I was mainly interested in Siamese Carp, but I am eager to catch any species. He informed me that I got one of the best spots on the lake, and we talked through everything.

Biggest Siamese Carp of my first day: 77,16 lbs (35 kg) On the 19th of November I got up at 6 a.m. and

We have to act like this on every single occa-

I was very excited. I took a few packets of boilies

sion, otherwise we cannot get help and we might

and pellets and went to place number 1. Kyle had

lose our dream fish... I didn’t know yet what was on

already been waiting for me with the equipment (it

the hook, I only felt the strong pulling.

is provided here for the anglers), showed me how

For the voice of the whistle Kyle rushed back to

to use it and finally put a black whistle in my hand.

me and jumped into the water with a huge landing net. It was so huge that two men could easily fit

“When you get a bite you strike, whistle, shout

into it. After a big fight my first fish, an Amazonas

place number one – and I will be here immediately

Redtail Catfish came into the surface. I was very

to help you” He did the balling in previously and

happy; I have only seen such a beautiful fish in Jer-

showed me where to throw the baited gear.

emy Wade’s film so far. When the fish was in the net

I put boilie and yellow, tik-tak shaped wafters bait

I jumped into the water and Kyle made pictures of

next to the hook and threw in about 10-14 meters

me with my phone. After the photoshoot we let the

from the shore. Water was 6-7 meters deep there.

beautiful Redtail back into the water, I rebated the

On the other rod I baited frozen fish and threw it

rig and threw it back into the feed area.

to the bankside floating plant.

Fishing finally have started! I was waiting excit-

A biteless period came after. Kyle returned after

edly… While I was thinking, a Hungarian vizsla (a

1-2 hours, took out my fish-baited rig and put on a

traditional Hungarian dog breed) sat next to me!

robust float rig. It resembled a bit of a carping rig.

Then in a few minutes I already had a bite. The

He also brought stick pellet, which was a special

silence was disturbed by full line pull on the heli-

granulated pellet.

copter rig – I must add that 80 lbs multifilament is

This is a well-tried feed here. Kyle prepared it

well-tried here because of the enormous size of the

properly, made some balls (five or six pieces),

fish! I hooked up, whistled, and shouted the num-

and stuffed it into the feeder. He warned me that it

ber of my place.

should always be stuffed hard into the feeder.

North American Carp Angler

87

When we were ready with everything Kyle start-

In the evening I threw back the fish rig next to

ed to throw the balls into the water in hand-throwing

the plants and soon I had a take: it was a fresh-

distance. After the fourth ball he told me to throw

water ray. It weighed 22,06 lbs (10 kg), we let it

the rig to the same area.

back into the water after we took some quick and

The float was set to midwater, to 1,5-meter depth,

safe pictures.

and as I threw to the designated area, he kept on

I rebaited the hook with fish, threw it back to the

throwing the balls. As the float reached the rig depth

plants again, and at 18:20 a bigger Amazonas Red-

the food started to dissolve from the swimfeeder

tail picked it up... This was my first catfish above

and fell on the bait. I waited and watched the float.

44,09 lbs (20 kg). I finished my day with this fish.

Suddenly it disappeared under the water, I felt a strong pull and I immediately hooked it. I knew and felt that this fish is much bigger than the previous one. It aimed open water with enormous strength and a demanding, yet intoxicating play began.

Finally, after half an hour I managed to direct it back in front of me. I felt that it slowly let go and swam toward the surface. Suddenly I got a glimpse of the first Giant Barb of my life! I was very happy and excited.

Kyle jumped into the water again and helped the exhausted fish into the net easily. I made it, it was in the net! Kyle took out the hook from the fish’s mouth and I put the rig aside. Fortunately, the neighboring angler’s wife was walking in my direction and helped taking pictures of my first Giant Barb, which exceeded 72,75 lbs (33 kg). When we were done with the photos we sterilized the mouth, pectoral and caudal fin of the fish. It is a necessary protocol when you catch a carp.

Afterwards, I rebaited the float rig with a single boilie, stuffed a ball into the swimfeeder, and threw it back to the baited area. My first day was successful, I caught four more Giant Barbs above 77,16 lbs (35 kg) with this technique! The last one even exceeded 88,18 lbs (40 kg). I was pleased and exhausted.

My biggest fish on the second day: Siamese Carp, 88,18 lbs (40 kg) I started the second day in the same way: one rod in the bottom, one in midwater. After a few hours, I still haven’t had any bites. I decided to change the yellow, tik-tak wafters-shaped bait as I noticed that I hadn’t had any bites with this colour bait for two days. So, I put on a white pop-up next to the boilie, poured pellet and boilie into a PVA bag, and threw this bait back into the pre-baited area.

While I was waiting, I continued fishing with the float rig. This turned out to be much more successful: only after ten minutes, the third throwing aroused the interest of a large Giant Barb! Just as the float reached the rig depth the fish took it and literally wanted to pull out the rod from my hand. I

hooked, whistled, and shouted. Kyle arrived and watched me playing the fish. I felt it was a much bigger piece. After 30-40 minutes Kyle got it in the net from the water and told me this carp was over 99,21 lbs (kg). I was blissfully happy; I broke my own record on the second day. We took some pictures in a rush.

Then I had a catch again from the bottom, I managed to drive a similar-sized carp into the

After all these I rested a bit, ate, and called some

keepnet. We took some pictures with trouble but

of my friends to share my experience. I only had a few

with joy, sterilized the fish, and let it back into the

hours left from the day, but I could still fish out a large

deep water.

Pacu and an Amazonas Redtail.

Day 3, biggest catch: 59,52 lbs (27 kg) Redtail North American Carp Angler

89

When I took my place on the third day, I realized that Kyle had a day off and Chris Pache was doing his duties but he was just as helpful as Kyle. He left me alone to help others, but I was constantly whistling and shouting my place number.

I caught at least 15 fish from different species: Carp, Catfish, Pacu. I got lots of smaller and bigger fish with a Giant Barb exceeding 110,23 lb (50 kg) and an Amazonas Redtail of 59,52 lb (27 kg) The most special catch of day 4: Alligator Gar

I could only hold this 103,62 lb (47 kg) Siamese Carp with the help of my guide Kyle Mckellar

My fourth day started on the 22nd of November.

It is a real sensation around here, but I believe it

I rushed to my place to start the pre-baiting. Kyle

is a curiosity at home as well. Besides these, I also

returned, but Chris spent a lot of time with me too

caught numerous Redtails too.

as this day was not boring either. At 7:05 all the rig was in its baited area. The lake was in deathly silence.

On the fifth morning I hurried to my place on the shore again. Initially, I caught three or four carps

Then, in the blink of an eye, there was a bite

below 44,09 lbs (20 kg) and a Redtail. But I had a

in the midwater rig. After a short play, my first fish

feeling that a sensational catch is waiting for me

was an Alligator Gar. Chris helped me pull it to the

this day. I continued the tiresome fishing with the

shore. He was surprised that I caught it with boil-

float rig, but it did not work. There were more fish

ie. This day was a real blessing for me as I could

from the bottom, but these were smaller in size.

catch a lot of Giant Barbs including a real Methuse-

I ran out of the stick pellet, so I asked Chris for

lah which was over 116,84 lbs (55 kg). I could also

some more. In five minutes, he prepared the sub-

catch a Chinese Black Carp.

stance for me, I made some balls and started to

All the other anglers and guides were celebrat-

feed a new area. When I finished, I put some into

ing with me, they were more delighted with this

the groundbait feeder and bait on the hook and set

catch than with a Giant Barb.

the rig for one meter.

Record catch of day 5: cca 154,32 lbs (70 kg). Dream record in hand, with the help of guide Chris Pache North American Carp Angler

91

One meter long, beautiful Pacu

I held 277,16 lbs (35 kg) Siamese Carps at the same time!

After throwing in it set into work and started to

were 44,09-66,14-88,18 lbs (20-30-40 kg). I man-

sway as the feed was dissolving. After securing the

aged to catch two more Pacuses with 26,46-33,07

baitrunner I put the rod down and a fish immediate-

lbs (12-15 kg), and obviously, the beautiful Redtail

ly started to pull it... A robust Methuselah hooked

did not stay away. I used one boilie combined with

up. At the end of a fifty-minutes-long play Chris was

white plastic corn; this was effective so far. I hang

waiting in the water to net it. When it appeared on

on the bite indicator, set the baitrunner, and threw

the surface Chris told: “It is an enormous fish”.

the second rig into the water.

I threw a few, but there was no reaction from the

I could only comprehend how much this sen-

fish. As I was standing on the concrete stand with

tence meant on this lake when I was standing

the rod in my hand, I realized that the biggest Black

above the Carp. When I jumped into the water to

Carp of the lake was swimming at the surface by

take a picture of us, we measured the Giant Barb

the plants next to me, with its 3-meter length and

several times and it turned out that it was almost

220,46 lbs (100 kg). My body started to tingle so

154,32 lbs (kg)!

I quickly threw the float rig 50 cm in front of it. I

When we let the fish back into the water, I took

stuffed the swimfeeder; boilie and pellet were in my

out my rigs and decided to finish fishing for the day.

pocket. I threw in the rig again and threw a handful

But as there was only a short day left from my an-

of boilie and pellet on the float so that the Carp hear

gling, I threw back both rigs. I only had a few re-

that something is streaming above him.

maining hours, but I managed to catch two Giant

The water was boiling around the float. I wasn’t

Barbs with 77,16-99,21 lbs (35-45 kg). After the last

lazy; I threw in again and threw boilie and pellet

fish, I was just sitting and chatting with Chris and

on the float too. The baitrunner was off, and then,

Kyle.

just in a second, the float was underwater, and the Most and biggest

fish was pulling the line. I let him take it. I sized up the situation and struck – the fish was so enormous

Siamese

that it had the power to break my rig. The water

Carps were

rumbled and then there was silence. We felt each

caught with

other’s presence for ten seconds. Several people

float rig

hurried to me, they told me they had never seen something like that on this lake before. I was happy and sad at the same time, but I could at least feel the fish for a short time.

I set back in my chair and called my friend János,

Frankly speaking, on the last day I was constantly feeding (almost every hour), I fed everything I had left, and it was successful. I caught lots of Carps, all

who fished here a few times. He told me several times that he felt he had left something in the lake; he also got in touch with the biggest Mekong, the “Big Boy”.

North American Carp Angler

93

I understood everything: this lake always gives you things for a short time just to make sure you return.

I thanked the conversation and finished fishing. I left my spot calmly and in silence because I got the carp I was only dreaming of.

As I walked back slowly to my bungalow, I admired the huge fireflies in the dark. It was a perfect closure. At dinner, we discussed the happenings of the last day with my new friends.

The next morning, I packed my bag and gave my leftover packet of pellet to my new neighbour.

My flight took off in the evening from Phuket Airport, so my new fishing buddy’s Dean Peters, Paul Stanbridge and I decided to go to Krabi to take pictures and buy presents.

There was unbroken silence, nobody whistled, as if the lake was saying goodbye to us.

We set still and sad in the taxi, the only thing that gave us some comfort was that we can soon meet our families and share our wonderful experi-

I am glad that I explored both seaside bays dur-

ence with them.

ing my trip and that I spent eight days in the Garden

Special thanks to Gillhams Fishing Resort for

of Eden. After shopping, we drank a beer on the

doing everything to make my dream come true.

terrace, watched the water and we just knew that

Thanks to my family, my wife, my child, and all my

we would return here.

friends who rejoiced with me for my success.

North America’s Longest Running Carp Organisation with a Dedicated Mission: • To gain acceptance of the carp as an exciting and challenging sport-fish.

• To become better carp anglers, assist others and encourage them to join us.

• To treat the carp with respect, promote the release of trophy-size carp & encourage others to do the same.

• Most of all: Go fishing, Share with others, and have Fun. As a member you will also be adding your voice & support to help CAG continue its efforts to work with State & other organizations to increase the recognition for carp as a sport fish to benefit the angling community

Member Benefits Include: • Full CAG Forum Community Access

• CAG Apparel & Merchandise

• Member Benefits

• New Member Tackle Pack

• Quartely NACA Magazine*

• Fish-Ins, Events & Competitions

*inc Printed Full Color Special Edition Membership is only $20 / Year (+ a one time $5 joining fee) which includes you, your spouse & any children under 18 living in the same household

www.joincag.com North American Carp Angler

The Carp Anglers Group is a non-profit organisation

93