2023 Q1 North American Carp Angler Magazine

EDITOR IN-CHIEF ADDRESS

Dean Brookes

With summer fast approaching I hope you have all been able to get out carping and capture a few early season beauties. My fishing is very sporadic at the moment as work and family have become my main priority. However, I did manage to get out to Spain with the current CAG President, Iain Sorrell. We experienced 3 good days of fishing for Wells catfish, before heading to the Spanish carp mecca, Orellana.

On the trip we experienced lots of wildlife, great food and even a few fish. We also learnt a great deal on Orellana and will be re-visiting in the future to experience it’s vast waters. In this edition we have an article from one of our new friends, Edwin Wouts who lives and guides in the area. Edwin also guides for predator species and we managed a day out with him fishing for zander which were later cooked up to perfection.

In this edition we also have several guest articles featuring anglers for the US and overseas. As we look forward to the summer and Fall we’ll be working on the next printed edition of NACA, so if anyone has an interesting article please send them across.

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

lly well underway for

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Social Media and Website h wit lp he as ll we as s air lookout for State Ch All the best,

Iain Sorrell

Contents

EUREKA MOMENTS

PAGE 6

Carp Care Basics

PAGE 20

Champion of the Queen

PAGE 24

Essence of Carping

PAGE 25

CT Carp Cast Off

PAGE 26

KCCA Harvest Moon Classic!

PAGE 33

St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament PAGE 53 Grand Marshal Announcement!

Fishing beyond Casting Range

PAGE 56

Front Cover: Radek Kula with an absolutely magnificent USA linear of 27lb 4oz.

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For more information email us to naca@carpanglersgroup.com

EUREKA MOMENTS Introduction by Iain Sorrell The Greek mathematician, scientist & astronomer Archimedes who lived around 200 BC is famed for running naked down the street shouting ‘Eureka’ (‘I found it’) when he noticed how the water level rose as he lowered himself into the bath leading to his famed Archimedes Principle on displacement.

Frank Warwick stands out not only as extraordinary angler with an amazing tally of fish but also as a novel thinker and clever innovator. Many of the ideas he came up with the in 80’s and 90’s are still being used successfully today or in some instances even being hailed as new and novel ideas by the current generation of carp anglers. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Frank for many years and better still to be able to call him a great friend. What I can tell you is that Frank’s novel ‘Eureka’ moment ideas work just as effectively across this side of the pond in North American waters.

Enjoy reading the stories and outcomes of these Eureka moments by the man himself!

Eureka

Over my extensive angling life there have been

Moments with Warwick Frank

so many eureka moments that have made substan-

Unlike the USA I hardly ever see carp anglers us-

became something of a voyage of discovery where

THE METHOD

ing the method in the UK. It’s really not very trendy or “Carpy” over here using what many consider primarily a match tactic. But to me I think it’s right up there with the best carp catching tactics of all time.

For many carp anglers their whole world revolves around boilies! They simply cannot imagine casting a rig out with an alternative bait on the end!

Of course we all know carp eat boilies but I am sure as hell they stay on their guard much more when encountering boiled food.

I am fairly sure that if anything else is encountered it is viewed with less suspicion, with that in mind I made it my business in the mid to late 90s to really delve into how to get the best from method feeder fishing,

A mix of pellets, oils and sweetcorn juice

tial differences to my results some obvious some not so obvious, but each having stuck in my mind for various reasons, I will share with you now some of the more memorable ones. in fact I went into the subject in so much detail it I achieved what I can only describe as mind bending fishing results, it left me thinking, how could anything get any better?

My go to method feed started with a base of pellets, mostly 4 mm but I added 2 mm pellets at about 3 parts 4mm to 1 part 2 mm. Sweetcorn and its juices was also vital, the juice from the corn has that magnificent smell that is so unique, you quite simply cannot use that in any kind of PVA bag.

Canned tuna fish in Sun flour oil was also essential and an ingredient that I have used for as long as I can remember. I used as much as I could afford in the mix, then I would add Pidgeon feed in the form of aniseed flavoured mixed particles, crushed tigers and fermented maize all in moderation.

Pigeon Feed, tigers & fermented maize with Robin Red. North American Carp Angler

7

I would keep kneading the method mix in the

Later on I used Enterprise Pop Up Large Sweetcorn

bucket working it until it would bind enough to with-

to balance the maize.To make sure I was on the

stand a decent cast without breaking up on impact

right path I experimented with all manner of hook

with the water.

baits, drilled pellets, various particles including tiger

I used it in conjunction with a 10 inch long rig

nuts, chopped Brazil nuts, maple peas, peanuts,

made with coated braid where the last inch near

and boilies both food baits and fluoros, consistently

the hook was peeled back to allow movement, a

boilies used as hook bait on the method were slow

blow back rig with a hook bait of two or three pieces

as hell. At the time balanced maize was streets

of maize with yellow rig foam sandwiched between

ahead of anything else so that was my choice.

the maize and carefully balanced to create a wafter.

Maize balanced with an Enterprise Large Pop-Up Sweetcorn imitation bait.

From trials I found Spombing over the top of the cast out method slowed the takes and the same went for catapulting balls of method mix to the vicinity of my method ball - that was a washout! These test results were not what I had expected as I thought both options would work very well.

A single tennis sized method ball cast to show-

smashed it! It was incredible, the people on boilies

ing fish or fizzers of any kind or to discoloured water

were both bemused and in shock about what was

proved devastating. It blew the other bait and wait

occurring, it became the talk of the place, on one

approaches into the weeds, and it became appar-

crazy 24 hour spell I had 18 carp which included

ent that a single method ball ticked all of the boxes.

two 40s and the rest were mostly 30lbs to 39lbs,

There was not much disturbance, you could be mo-

yet the lad next to me on boilies had just one carp

bile and proactive casting to any signs of carp like

in this period. I might add that I wound in the dark-

you would with a single hook bait, and it appeared

ness as it was torrential rain and the lad and I were

that once the method had broken down on the bot-

soaked from doing photos, and I’d had enough. As

tom that it was just enough food to get a bite with-

soon as daylight came I got up and cast the rods to

out overfeeding the carp and giving them the option

signs of carp and had basically a double run with

to be choosy. Plus I wasn’t forced to sit it out over

the remaining rod going during the photography.

a bed of bait, which could have been in the wrong spot from the start again reducing effectiveness.

Just as an experiment I tried solid bags and

The water I chose to use this approach on was

mesh bags with a dry mix of similar additives just to

Acton Burnell in Shropshire, a well stocked, big

see if it made a difference. I needed to know, and

fish venue with carp to over 40lbs present. When I

neither were even remotely in the same league,

joined the syndicate and turned up for my first visit I

which somewhat left me scratching my head.

had many well meaning members tell me it was an

I realised, after putting all 3 set ups in the wa-

out and out boilie water and to fill it in with the going

ter, what I thought was happening. On the method

boilie and sit it out.

I was not tucking the hook link into the method ball

That was my idea of hell in fishing terms and

with a short supple link like a match angler would

the last thing I wanted, so I was rather pleased I

do. I was using a long link with the hook covered by

had gone right the other way and chose my single

2 PVA foam nuggets so the hook bait fell well away

method ball approach. I chose a swim based on

from the method ball. Over a 10 minute period the

activity and access to a lot of water so I could fully

method would break down and spread out appetis-

utilise my roaming approach, not knowing quite

ingly with the hook bait looking like a safe bit of

what to expect. But I needn’t have worried, it was

grub that had broken off. It had to be that that was

electrifying really. In the first half hour I caught a 37

fooling the carp.

mirror quickly followed by two mid 20s and then 2 hours later I had a 40lb 9 oz mirror. It was ridicu-

Obviously solid bags and mesh bags or method

lous, better than I could ever have imagined, and

balls with the hook bait buried in the ball were not

the action continued.

doing. So that had to be the only reason. I carried on

I will cut a long story short, by saying no mat-

with the method until it got banned as I was deemed

ter which part of the lake I used it on as long as I

to be putting too much pressure on the carp in the

had got myself on the fish the method dramatically

lake…so not a bad advert for the method is it?

North American Carp Angler

9

TIMING HOW LONG A BAIT HAS BEEN OUT FOR METHODICALLY You can read all the articles you want and watch all the YouTube films you want but none of them can teach you how frequently you should re-cast as every situation and each water is unique, that’s a fact. Of course you can have a decent idea about productive times on your chosen water and make a call on whether to chance a recast or not.

Many anglers prefer to leave the rigs in position at first light as it’s a good time and they fear a re-cast would spook any feeding carp. I would suggest, however it is easy to slip into this type of pattern sometimes with not so much evidence that these types of things are the best option.

I decided a long time ago that guess work, no matter how experienced I am, is not acceptable. After a lot of thought I determined to do something to reduce any guess work to a bare minimum.

I decided scientific tests were required to work out once and for all if going on gut feeling and experience really was the best choice.

So I decided to time how long I would leave between recasts using alarm clocks (mobile phone countdown timers are great for this) and have a more methodical and scientific approach and perhaps learn more from conducting real live tests.

That one Eureka moment was going to be in-

So lets assume you got a swim with no fish in

spired let me tell you. From my extensive use of

the area or at least suspected the swim might well

high attract bright single hook baits I knew only

be devoid of fish do you bait up and wait on every

too well that bites on a freshly cast bait could often

rod or try something different on every rod?

come really quickly, especially if you had got your location right and fish were in evidence in the swim upon arrival.

Well what I tried was using something I knew would work on every rod but put the empha-

Sometimes the luxury of finding the fish was not

sis on when to re cast, so what I did was to use

an option as the lakes would quite often be very

cheap pound shop alarm clocks which is sat under

busy so it was quite often a case of “beggars can’t

each rod, if I was using 3 rods I would set one alarm

be choosers” and I would have to just take any

to go off every 20minutes, the next every hour and

swim available.

the 3rd every 4 hours, when each alarm went off

I would re-cast that particular rod and re set the

nothing was when all 3 rods did nothing usually sig-

alarm, same thing on each rod, keeping notes all

nifying I had no fish in the swim or certainly nothing

the time of action and captures.

feeding in the swim.

Using either solid PVA bags or mesh type bags

The one water in particular where this rule of

or even methods on all 3 rods rod during timing ex-

thumb became more obvious was Cuttle Mill near

periments the sole aim was to see which rod would

Birmingham. I would fish this water on purpose

perform the best as only by doing these type of com-

mainly in the colder months as it had a very decent

parisons can you see if a pattern emerges so learn-

head of carp in a moderately sized water that kept

ing if it’s better to be actively recasting much more

on feeding throughout winter. This was because it

than normal for example every 20 minutes to an

was quite shallow and busy with anglers so had

hour or the more conventional 4 hours plus.

plenty of bait going in to keep the fish interested.

To my surprise the 20 minute rod more often

What I quickly noticed on this water was you

than not made the rods cast less often look stupid,

might get a number of liner type hits on the indica-

totally out fishing them. It was rare to see the op-

tor soon after casting and many people would sit

posite result, the only time the 20 minute rod did

back and patiently wait for something to develop, more often than not it wouldn’t and an hour or two might easily pass before the decision was made to recast. One day I also noticed that newcomers to the lake tended to cast far less than regulars.

What I did by timing recasts was to establish fairly quickly that a bait without a bag or method had a peak active time and that was usually the first 10 to 15 minutes, more so with a bag of any kind.

If you had indicator activity that failed to developed into a run you quite simply had been ****ed over for want of a better term, and it was as though from that point on the hook bait had been marked or singled out as a problem or best avoided.

North American Carp Angler

11

The unique Delkim alarm vibration technology and tension indicators ensure Frank registers even the slightest movement More often than not the old notion of leave it in

super predictable, recasting late morning after the

place nice and undisturbed would result in the time

perceived morning feeding spell and then again

ebbing away culminating in a blank on that rod. It

in the evening before dark for the night. That’s

was almost like a rat triggering a trap and render-

totally predictable and you are not learning much

ing it useless. I think this is happening constantly

from this. When you make more regular recasts

on busy pressured waters but as I have found it

and you take notes you can choose whatever time

happens on virtually every single water no matter

grabs you on each rod or even try every 20 min-

how big or small or the stock levels.

utes against for example 8 hours and 24 hours. As

So by timing the rods and experimenting on various waters I fish I can start getting a very clear

I say it gets very revealing when you start finding out more.

picture of the best frequency to recast. Amazingly most waters are mostly what I call 20 minute wa-

One thing I have found is that no matter where I

ters some are even less. Some of you will no doubt

have started timing rods from English runs waters

disagree and that’s fine, each to their own.

to massive inland seas in Europe or North America

Of course there are exceptions to this where it

a pattern emerges that is usually very different to

may be better to sit on your hands until the carp

the normal time I would normally have recast the

turn up but I guarantee that most anglers will be

rods.

Single Hook Baits

I make no apology

for mentioning the old single hook baits as I guess their use has now

accounted

for

millions of captures across the carp world.

I have been using them for 40 years now and am credited with the idea.

They are not as effective as they were back when I first used them as you can well imagine but incredibly they still keep tripping up carp everywhere time and time again, they will never stop working as if you think about it even a carp approaching a baited area will have to pick up one bait to start with and that in effect is only doing what a single is doing.

So unless carp stop eating boilies, which is not going to happen, carp will always fall to singles.

When most anglers think of single hook baits they automatically think they must be brightly coloured over flavoured high attract types but to me this is just the tip of the iceberg let me explain A single item of food put in the right place is a blindingly simple approach.

So of course it makes sense to make it stand out both in both the visual aspect and attraction wise.

But after years of getting clonked by this type of hook bait don’t you think a more understated bait might be viewed with less suspicion? OK it might not stand out as much in the first instance but the trade-off might be worth it.

North American Carp Angler

13

I realised this in 1982/3 when I was the first

To my eternal gratitude Duncan obtained these

person to ever use white hook baits. Back then

two colours from a supplier in Germany. As soon as

I worked with Duncan Kay at his bait factory in

they arrived I got cracking and made the most glo-

Wellingborough near Northampton.

rious coloured hook baits with these unique dyes.

Duncan asked me did I want anything for my own personal angling that he might be able to source.

I said I wanted white dye and bright fluorescent

Can you imagine having white singles when no one else in the world had any? I wasn’t to be disappointed.

pink, he laughed and thought me a bit mad. But I

When I tried them on Duncans Mid Northants

explained how I had been using single hook baits

syndicate lake for the first time I had 9 carp which I

that were quite visual and cleaning up I thought

think blew Duncans mind, of course it eventually got

white and bright pink hook baits could take it to an-

out and my old mate Rod Hutchinson soon brought

other level.

out Dayglow white dye in his Catchum range.

Very soon many anglers were using white singles particularly on my main water at that time Redesmere in Cheshire. But as amazing as the white was within 2 years bites on white singles had slowed down because of pressure.

So I added blue dye and made a pale blue single by adding the blue dye to the white, incredibly it was like throwing a switch and bites galore were forthcoming.

It was the same when I added green. But then get this jet black singles were also great and I was shocked at how quickly they worked, trouble is boys you can’t go in to the tackle shop and buy those can you.

Contrasting home made hook baits in jet black and fluoro orange Suggested alternative single hook baits: You have to get off your arse and make your own. I mean just getting blue, green and black dyes to make these is not easy but well worth the effort.

Then you need an open mind to use them.

They all work as the carp simply never see these colours and most certainly don’t associate them with danger.

Talking of singles carp won’t hesitate to pick up a single particle hook bait either, they never see this tactic ever. I had loads on single tiger nut hook baits blasted out in splendid isolation on two rods in 40 odd acres of water. They will find them don’t worry

• Brazil nuts (cut in half) • Tiger Nuts • Peperami (the red spicy one) • Sweet Lupins • 20 ml Halibut pellet • Lob worm • Maggots - 20 on the rig • Maize

about that. I’ve also lost count of the hundreds of

• Plastic corn

carp and some of them very big carp on single plas-

• Peanuts

tic corn hook baits, including 7 x 30s and a 40 in a single day once in early Spring North American Carp Angler

15

WORMS

It’s far to easy to dismiss worms and make loads of excuses why they are not worth using and this is in my opinion a huge mistake.

In the right circumstances a worm is easily the best bait in the world. Carp are crazy about them and usually don’t hesitate to wolf them down once they locate them.

Many carp anglers are beat before they have started with worms as I have to admit they are a pain to use and are messy.

They are also prone to being nuisanced by other fish as they are attractive to everything that swims.

About 15 years ago my good mate Jonny Banister brought it home to me when he turned up on Hardwick Smiths with just two rods and a tub full of lobworms. The lake was in the doldrums and nothing had been out for days. It was high pressure, warm, no wind, and everyone was Spombing the place to death. Jon had no reservations and said the worm would smash it. All he did was string a single lobworm on a longish hair and fluoro carbon hook link, and a small mesh bag of 3 ml pallets to stop tangles.

He then proceeded to catch carp constantly whilst all others on the lake blanked me included. I didn’t need a written invitation I had soon ponced some worms of Jon and it was instant like throwing a switch.

Of course, like many I had used worms before on the float for stalking carp but using them on conventional heavy leads on the bottom on carp rigs was not on my radar until that moment.

It very soon became my secret edge where

The kebab rig with several worms threaded on the hair & worms and soil moulded around the lead method style.

I took it to a different level.

I adapted rigs and tactics to make presenting worms more efficient, using chopped worm, worm casts and soil to bait up with. I also used up to 5 whole worms on a single rig in chopped sections which I named my Kebab worm rig, it looks mad but my god they get the lot in and we have had tench over 10lbs on this set up.

My eldest sons UK PB mirror came on a worm rig I persuaded him to try, it was quite amusing as he put worm on one rod and had boilies on the other two. After a few hours of inactivity he came over and said “dad I’m taking the worm off and changing it to a boilie!” I said “why the boilie rods have done bugger all” as I said it the worm rod folded round

PLASTIC HOOK BAITS I well remember the first ever World Carp Clas-

sic match at Madine in France in 1998. Afterwards there was an award ceremony where every competitor was given a packet of this brand new product plastic sweetcorn from a company called Enterprise Tackle.

I can still remember the comments and scorn those products got many thought it was a joke at the time and many discarded their samples onto the floor, I had no such reservations and knew it was exactly what I had been looking for, so I happily picked up all of those dozens of discarded samples.

as the alarm burst into life. The culprit was the big linear in Swan at Bluebell that I had always wanted to catch and it was magnificent.

On waters where I have had cannibalistic Perch and roach, Rudd etc. I have still persevered with worm. But in this instance I use a boilie, usually a wafter, and use worms as a topper so at least if the worms get stripped off you are still fishing. I can’t tell you how amazing my results have been on that

At the time all were unflavoured I simply could

one but suffice to say the addition of worms in com-

hardly wait to try them as well as experiment with

bination with any hook bait makes that hook bait far

flavouring the golden grains.

more attractive.

I was not to be disappointed as we all know there is not a carp that swims that does not love

I recently tried the Fox Armamesh to great effect

sweetcorn. So at last I had a viable useable perfect

for chopped worm mesh bags on a water where

hook bait for the job. Until that point I had had to

small fish were stripping the hook bait of worms

use maize buoyed up with pieces of yellow rig foam

in seconds. I last used the same tactic about 12

that would lose buoyancy as they soaked up water

years ago on another problem venue and just as

and quite often the maize would stain black with

it did back then it worked very well, I must say the

use over the silty meres where I was predominantly

phenomenal pulling power of these worms never

fishing and take on the foul smelling scent of the

ceases to amaze me.

lake bed - hardly what I needed.

North American Carp Angler

17

The new plastic corn was a revelation right from the off and ticked all of the boxes and to my delight took on the smell of my chosen flavours beautifully.

Imitation plastic pop-up corn over a bed of particles.

A great many anglers even to this day cannot

I think, if the truth was known, many of the cap-

get their head around carp picking up fake baits

tures credited to various companies’ boilies have in

and will avoid using them, as we know carp have

fact fell to plastic corn. I cannot imagine how many

no other way of testing baits other than by taking

carp this simple but amazing bait has caught. Sadly

them into their mouth to sample them so the con

there are some cheap plastic imitation baits appear-

trick works every time,

ing on the market which often smell very strange. I would certainly avoid using them and stick with the

I have caught on both the flavoured and unfla-

known brand names like the ones from Enterprise.

voured corn but I much prefer the flavoured variety,

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading some of my Eure-

these are certainly better for night time bites as you

ka moments and find them useful in your own fish-

might expect and I found in winter the glow in the

ing. Perhaps they will also help you discover your

dark yellow maize has been nothing short of sensa-

own Eureka moments but make sure you don’t run

tional. So there’s a good edge for you.

down the bank naked when you have one.

North American Carp Angler

19

Carp Care – An Easy Guide Carp are long lived creatures that while hardy can easily suffer damage from poor handling.

1. Landing a Carp Carp fight long and hard. A good sized net with a small, soft mesh will help make landing your carp much easier. If your net mesh is too big then it can result in the carp’s fins being torn and damaged.

A carp’s dorsal fin has a sharp, stiff ray on the leading edge with barbs which can get caught in a net. If this happens do not pull on the net as you’ll cause more damage.

Simply ease the net material over the barbs to release it.

A long or telescoping handle helps when landing fish from wharfs or high banks. Carp are heavy so when you have the fish safely in the net don’t try and lift the fish with the handle. You can break the net! Simply slide the handle through your hand until you can grasp the net frame and the net material before lifting.

Once the carp is safely in the net the next step is to protect the fish.

2. Protect the fish Unless you plan on weighing your fish then the best option is to keep the carp in the net in the water. Carefully remove the hook, make sure the carp has recovered sufficiently and then release it without the need to lift it or take it out of the water. A quick photo can also be taken and the fish released while still in the water.

If you want to weigh or photograph the fish then make sure you have everything ready BEFORE taking the fish out of the water. If you have to move or carry the fish then a weigh bag or retention sling will help. A heavy duty laundry or other bag that will not tear easily is an inexpensive option.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER hold or carry a carp by placing your fingers in a carp’s gills, eyes, mouth or use a lip grip device such as a ‘Bogagrip’.

This can fatally injure a carp!

Always carry the fish low to the ground. Never stand up holding the fish as it could be fatally damaged if it jumps or wriggles out of your hands!

An area of level soft grass or better still a protective mat (see below) on level ground that will prevent the carp from flopping around on rocks or dirt is essential. The goal is to avoid the fish from losing its protective slime or scales.

A simple yoga mat, small tarp or baby changing mat is an inexpensive choice if you are getting started.

A basic carp mat (left) costs around $10 – 15. More sophisticated mats and cradles will offer even better protection.

Have a bucket of fresh, cool lake or river water ready. It is vital to wet & cool the protective mat before placing the fish on it, especially if it has been in the sun. Pour cool water over the fish to keep it from drying out or getting too hot.

North American Carp Angler

21

3. Weighing your Carp.

NEVER weigh a carp by hooking the weigh scales hook under the gills or holding it using a Boga-Grip!

Only lift-up & weigh the carp in the safety of a custom weigh or retention sling. Even a large laundry bag or a landing net can be used. Just make sure it cannot slide or fall out! Only lift the fish until it is just off the ground. And remember to zero your scales with the weight of the weigh sling, net or bag before placing the fish inside.

A tripod, weigh bar or weigh crook will make lifting your carp, especially if it is a trophy sized fish easier and safer.

4. Photographing your Carp It is best to choose an area to take photos and have your camera set up and ready before you start fishing. That way you will be ready to photograph your fish and return it to the water as quickly as possible and with the least possible stress.

Always kneel down to hold the fish for a photo. Avoid standing while holding the fish or carrying it back to the water in your arms. Always carry the fish in the net, a retainer or weigh bag as this prevents the fish accidentally falling and being critically injured.

Mobile phones offer a great way to capture a photo of you and your prize catch.

5. Releasing your Carp When you are ready to release your fish hold it gently in the water until it has recovered sufficiently to swim away strongly.

Remember - Trophy sized carp can be decades old.

So please handle them carefully and release them.

North American Carp Angler

23

C h a m p i o n of the Q u e e n Since its inception back in 1993, the Carp An-

the sport catch their first carp. Over the years Ed

glers Group “Champion of the Queen” award

has been a dedicated supporter of CAG notably

(sometimes referred as “Protector of the Queen”

helping Barry Howard (Membership and Store Di-

award) has been used to acknowledge exceptional

rector) and attending CAG events near and far

achievements in promoting CAG and carp angling

including the annual Indy Chili Meet.

in North America.

Over the years he’s successfully fished many

It is named after the description given by Sir

carp tournaments and we hope to see him back

Izaak Walton to the carp in his book the ‘Compleat

on the bank after his recent back surgery. We are

Angler’ first published in 1653 “The Carp is the

delighted to offer our appreciation to Ed Wagner

Queen of Rivers: a stately, good and very subtle

by awarding him the Queen’s Award.

fish”.

The Champion of the Queen is nominated by the CAG President and Vice-President and voted on by the CAG Directors.

It is commemorated by an engraved presentation piece and a lifetime membership to CAG Ed Wagner has been a dedicated member since the very early days of the Carp Anglers Group.

He was the NY State Chair starting in 2000 hosting fish-ins and helping many anglers new to

CAG Monthly Photographic Competition ‘The Essence of Carp Fishing in North America’

CAG members are invited to submit photographs that capture what is unique and exciting about carp fishing in North America.

Each month the winner will receive a special prize plus recognition for two runners up.

The photos do not have to be of someone holding a fish (this is NOT a Trophy fish competition) but they should be recognizable as being related to carp or buffalo fishing in North America and should reflect the capture of a special moment.

The ‘essence’ of carp fishing in North America might memorialize a remarkable scale pattern, someone’s first carp, a group of friends fishing together, a spectacular sunset, time of year or perhaps a dramatic background or landscape.

Each month we’ll announce a winner and Award a prize or voucher (worth $100) with the winning photo appearing in a forthcoming NACA magazine as well as the CAG Forum Site and Facebook page. The top 3 will also receive CAG Medals.

The Rules: The entrant must be a Full CAG Member & the owner of any copyright to the photograph.

An entrant may submit a maximum of TWO photos only in each month.

The photograph must have been taken in the submission month (final date for submissions is 24 hours after the end of each month) All fish photos must demonstrate appropriate carp care and catch & release Each submission must include the following details: 1.

The type of device (e.g. camera or phone) used.

2.

The date the photo was taken.

3.

Location (nearest Town and State).

4.

Your Name 5.

Photo Title (e.g. Mirror Magic, Waiting for the Bite etc) Entries should be submitted to the “CAG Essence of Carping Competition” under the appropriate “Month” below. Entrants agree that CAG may use or display a submitted photo on the CAG website and Social Media resources.

North American Carp Angler

25

First Annual CT Carp Cast Off

Karl Pulaski recently took on the role as Connecticut State Chair and hosted his first event with THE FIRST ANNUAL CT CARP CAST OFF on Sunday April 20th. It was held at Union Pond which has plenty of carp in the 5 – 15lb range. The venue didn’t disappoint with RJ starting the day off catching a carp 10 minutes before the start.

We had a lot of fish showing when we got there but carp being like they are moved to the shallow end of the pond where there were a few smart anglers waiting to meet them. Here are the days highlights.

Heaviest fish went to Frankie Santos with a 10.03 lb common that earned him a Gold medal and a Sonik Cradle donated by carpanlger.com.

North American Carp Angler

27

Kenneth Brogan took home 2nd place & a silver medal with an 8.13 lb fish while Norman Finke took home the bronze medal for 3d place with an 8.07 a mere ounce behind Kenny.

North American Carp Angler

29

Overall weight went to Kristine Lovell with 5 carp for a combined weight of 29.01 lb. Kristine’s captures also landed her an invite to the FF3 CT River Shootout on the weekend of May 20th.

The smallest fish prize went to RJ earning him

Karl said they had quite a few people from the

a 5lb bag of boilies donated by Lorenzo at Carp

public show up bewildered by our beeping contrap-

Bait USA. Thanks to all who attended especially

tions and he’s pretty sure we have a few new CAG

Sam Williams (NY), Barry Howard (NY) and Jeffrey

members signing up. All in all it was a great day to

Pirog (NJ) for driving from far afield to join us.

catch up with everyone after a long dry winter and educate a few people on this fantastic sport.

Great job by Karl in organizing the event and

News on the next CT event to coming soon.

putting together some great prizes and medals.

Find out more on the CAG Members of Con-

Karl Pulaski says is looking forward to surprise

necticut Facebook group: https://www.facebook.

everyone with new and innovative ways of holding

com/groups/5176881162389054

events. That way we can draw even more people to catch and release carp fishing.

North American Carp Angler

31

KCCA Harvest Moon Classic!

By Paul Scott

In 2021, the pandemic travel restrictions were finally lifted across the United States, so I had a chance to visit my family in Illinois. During my trip, I participated in a carp fishing tournament and won. After winning that tournament, I realized how much I missed and enjoyed the friendly competition and wanted to fish in another one in 2022. In the winter of 2021, I posted on the CAG Facebook Forum that I was interested in knowing if there were any carp fishing tournaments scheduled for 2022.

It was not long before people started to post

This carp fishing tournament was perfect for me

about different tournaments being held at different

because the entry fee was only $250 and the driv-

venues across the United States. It seemed that

ing distance was reasonably close to Minot, North

almost everyone was ready to start fishing and

Dakota, where I live. It was a state championship

competing again after the pandemic. Unfortunately,

of the team variety, so it is what I would consider a

most of the events were far away from me out in the

major or important tournament that usually draws

eastern part of the United States. I knew it would

the interest of top-level competition. It was also

not be possible for me to travel that far by car and

being held in a state where I had never competed

the total costs would be too great. As luck would

before, and I thought if I could place, I would be

have it, one person from the KCCA posted about

able to add this state to my carp fishing tournament

the tournament they were going to be hosting in

resume. So, I contacted the KCCA and received

Missouri.

more information about the tournament.

North American Carp Angler

33

The tournament was called the KCCA Harvest

North Dakota stays frozen until about May, then

Moon Classic and was a two-person team-style

you start to see some open water. Carp fishing re-

event held Friday afternoon to Sunday morning.

ally does not start here until late May or early June

The venue, the Lawson City Park Lake, was locat-

because it is just too cold with water temperatures

ed in Lawson, Missouri. Only twelve teams were

staying below 50 degrees. So, I knew practicing for

permitted to compete because of the small size of

this event was not going to be easy.

the venue and the limited number of swims avail-

My first thought was to search the Internet and

able. This would be the only major carp fishing tour-

find out everything I could about the venue, espe-

nament held in Missouri in 2022 and, possibly, ever.

cially how carp were caught from the lake. Although

I had won a similar team-style state championship

there were some photos taken by the KCCA, there

carp tournament before, so this kind of event was

was not much to go on the Internet.

nothing new for me.

The only information I could find was that stand-

As a member of Team Fish Fighters, I won one

ard carp fishing rigs caught at least one carp out of

in Indiana with teammate James Sanders and fin-

the lake, the lake was full of Channel Catfish, and

ished second place in another one in Illinois with

the lake was very weedy.

my wife, Dr. Laura Zucca-Scott. Both of these tour-

The tournament was set for September, and

naments were called state championships and

competitors could not fish the lake a full month prior

considered important or major carp fishing events.

to the event. I was visiting my family in Illinois in

I knew this tournament in Missouri would be no dif-

early June and decided I would stop by at the lake

ferent as some of the best anglers would be there

and pre-fish it to get an idea of what I could expect

to fish the event. So, I contacted the KCCA and se-

since I had not been able to find any other informa-

cured my spot for the event.

tion on the Internet about fishing this lake for carp.

The next step was to find a teammate. Some of

I drove to the lake and found that there was a

my oldest friends and fishing buddies back in Illinois

paved path going around the lake for runners,

have said they wanted to compete in a carp fishing

which I used for scouting for carp. Unfortunately, I

tournament with me for years, so I contacted them.

was not able to find any signs of carp activity during

Unfortunately, everyone had prior commitments

my exploration so decided to fish close to the park-

that weekend and could not fish the tournament.

ing lot and bathrooms for the rest of the day. The road leading to the lake was going to be closed off

As it turned out, some of the other anglers were

at night for road construction according to a sign,

having the same issue finding teammates so some

so I was only able to fish during the daytime and

of us decided to fish the tournament as solo-per-

did not have a chance to fish the lake at night. June

son teams. Ironically, three of us that did not have

is often a warmer month and sometimes the carp

teammates ended up pegged side by side, and we

switch to feeding at night, so it was not surprising

collectively decided to help one another during the

when I did not catch a single carp during my two-

tournament with netting, but more on that later.

day pre-fishing trip.

However, I did observe some carp activity. Two

Remember, I also saw three carp surface in

large carp surfaced near a corner swim which would

front of that overhanging tree, which was located

later be named the “ACE peg” and three smaller

between pegs 7 and 8. Pegs 7 and 8 were located

carp surfaced together in front of an overhanging

in the middle of the lake off a point. There was also

tree off a point between what would later be num-

a beach structure out in front of peg 8, which is of-

bered pegs 7 and 8. However, I had a chance to

ten a great place to catch carp and catfish in small

talk to several of the locals but either they did not

lakes like this, based on my experience.

know anything about the carp in the lake or had

The wind would be blowing across that point out

conflicting information. For instance, some people

in front of peg 7. The current would whip around

said there were very few carp in the lake and oth-

the corner of that tree right in front of peg 8, so for

ers said there were lots of carp in the lake, but what

those reasons, I decided the peg I wanted the most

they all seemed to agree on was that the lake con-

was peg 8. I also would have been happy with peg

tained carp and many of them were big fish. As I

7 and the ACE peg, if I did not get peg 8.

was packing to leave and go back to the hotel on the second day, I found a carp rig. It was a hair-rigged

Now that I am older, I have trouble driving be-

hook loaded with three pieces of plastic corn, so

cause my stomach gives me problems, so I have

from this rig, I deduced that the carp anglers must

found I cannot eat or drink anything or stay on the

be using method to fish the lake because tossing

road for more than eight hours at a time.

out plastic corn without a method ball is not very practical.

As a result, it took two days to reach the lake which was thirteen hours away. However, I timed

It was now the week prior to the Harvest Moon

it so I would have one full day to recover in a hotel

Classic and the KCCA had added video footage on

room before heading to the lake to camp and com-

their Facebook page with lots of details about each

pete. I spent that day walking the lake and checking

pegged swim. Some swims were adjacent to the

out each swim to get some idea about what was

old creek channels and others had some major un-

going on with the lake and which pegs might be the

derwater structures that carp liked to visit.

best ones to get for the tournament.

The wind was supposed to be blowing in the di-

Unfortunately, Peg 5 seemed to be the best peg,

rection of pegs ACE through JACK during the two

but it had been eliminated. I saw several large carp

days of the tournament with the strongest winds

surface at this peg but was shocked to hear it had

blowing right at the ACE peg where I had seen

been removed along with pegs 6, 4, and 3 since

those two large carp rolling during my pre-fishing

some teams had withdrawn due to a scheduling

trip to the lake. It seemed to me that the ACE peg

conflict with another event.

would probably fish very well because it was an

This is why I think it is important that organizers

end peg back inside a lake corner next to the dam.

talk to each other and try to schedule events far

It certainly had everything going for it, but I had my

enough apart so that competitors have a chance to

heart set on another peg.

fish multiple events.

North American Carp Angler

35

I also discovered that I had left my castable fish

We were all ready to start fishing, and it was

and depth finder at home, which I purchased spe-

time to collect fees from any team that had not

cifically with this tournament in mind. Way to go

yet fully paid. I did not have to worry about that

Paul!

because I had already fully paid back in Febru-

On the day of the tournament (Friday), I arrived

ary. The entry fee was $250, and the winning team

early, but everyone was already there except for

would win $1200. There was a $20 side pot for

a few anglers. One team from Arizona had regis-

the largest carp prize, which all of us ended up

tered, but never showed up or canceled. However,

entering, adding another $200 plus cash prize that

everyone else was there, and the anglers were all

everyone had a chance to win.

very serious about winning this tournament.

There was also a side pot to win a new net for

The event started with a Q&A section where the

whoever caught the largest catfish of the tourna-

rules were read and explained and then the anglers

ment. The double-blind peg-draw followed, and, to

had a chance to ask for clarifications. For this tour-

my amazement, I got Peg 8, and I knew I had a

nament, the teams could only count their four larg-

chance to place, which is all I wanted from this

est carp towards their total weight. Teams did not

tournament.

have to catch all four carp to win a prize: They could

Soon we were all at our pegs with plenty of time

win with fewer than four carp if their total weight

to set up camp and get our rods ready for fishing.

was still the heaviest, but only each teams’ four

At peg 7 was Isaac Rojas the nicest person you

largest carp would count.

could ever meet. And at peg 9 was Dr. Mike Bold,

This is a typical total weight carp fishing setup, but recent events had rules that saw anglers disqualified for not reaching the quota, so it was refreshing to hear that teams would not be penalized in that way for this tournament.

As it turned out, it was a good thing because only one team caught four carp, so everyone else would have been disqualified. I am a big fan of carp fish limits because weighing every carp puts stress on the fish and wears out the weighing stewards, but penalizing anglers for not reaching those limits despite them having caught the most weight with fewer carp is just counterintuitive in my opinion and goes against tradition.

who would end up netting two of my carp and pulling a hook out of my finger during the tournament.

I will be forever thankful for the best neighbors an angler could hope for. After I got my tent set up and my campsite squared away, I got all the fishing equipment into place. I had mixed up my pack bait before the peg draw, and it was ready to go so at least in that way I was ahead.

I had some issues with some of the rigs and had to tie a few before the tournament started, but luckily got them tied just before the horn sounded and the tournament began. Missouri allows the use of three rods, so I cast out my rod limit and sat back to wait for some action while I observed everything out in front of me for clues on where to fish.

Some carp anglers drag a weight on the bottom

I agreed, but, unfortunately, the spot was shal-

and check for changes in substrate, depth chang-

low next to the bank and only Mike had a pair of

es, and snags, but I just did not have time to do any

waders. I had not brought my knee-high boots for

of that, and I did not want to scare away any feed-

fear of wearing them too much and having problems

ing carp out of my swim before I had a chance to

with my toes going numb, which had happened to

catch them with all the extra casting. However, the

me in the past.

castable depth and fish finder would have worked great right about now... Paul! I imagined my invisible teammate giving me lip about it.

Most of the banks had reasonable depth, but our location seemed to be a bit shallow in close,

Isaac came over to me briefly and said that Mike

compared with most other pegged swims. I figured

and he had agreed that, since all three of us did not

Mike would probably be the one netting most of my

have a teammate, we should help each other with

carp if I caught any.

netting.

Right away I noticed activity on the surface out

falo Suckers. However, sometimes other fish spe-

in front of my pegged swim. There was some kind

cies, such as carp, feed under fish like these, so

of large size fish that was schooled up and mouth-

I cast out towards them on the bottom. Not long

ing the surface, and it was definitely not shad. They

afterward, my rod started to get knocks and the line

seemed to be feeding and kept splashing when one

was going in and out slowly. I thought it could be

of them would get out of formation. I tried casting

line bites, so I waited patiently. After a few minutes

a float out to them but quickly realized that these

of this activity, the rod took off with the baitrunner

fish were not carp. I never did get a close enough

sounding. Then it stopped suddenly, and the line

view to determine what species of fish they were

went slack.

exactly, but my guess was small size Bigmouth Buf-

“It is a Channel Catfish,” I said to myself.

North American Carp Angler

37

I know the difference between a carp run and

The bait at first was way too hard because I

a small catfish run, and this seemed to match up

changed the recipe by adding more hardening in-

with a run made by a small catfish. Moments later,

gredients to it to keep it from getting too soft from

I netted a Channel Catfish. Because I had no idea

the heat. Normally, you would keep the bait cold on

if any other catfish would be caught, I called for the

ice and use it that way, but, because we were camp-

weighing crew on the walkie-talkie that each com-

ing, I knew I could not keep ice long enough to keep

petitor was given to use for this event.

the bait cold, so I had to alter the recipe. Luckily, I

The crew of two people came over and every-

was able to use water to make it soft enough to put

one gave a guess of what the weight might be be-

it on the bead, and, to my delight, it worked well.

fore we weighed the fish. I blurted out that it would

I was able to cast the dough ball bait out without

weigh 1 Lb. 7 oz. I had caught thousands of Chan-

a sinker, which is how I often like to fish when us-

nel Catfish back in the days while fishing my local

ing dough baits. Well, that rod got rocked and the

sportsman club lake, and I just about could guess

baitrunner sounded. BZZZZZZ….

any weight for catfish based on just looking at it.

To my horror, the fish came off immediately beSure enough, the scales read 1 Lb. 7 oz., a small

fore I could lift the rod, which sometimes happens

Channel Catfish. Well, at least I knew the scales

when you do not use a lead while using a baitrun-

were accurate, I thought. After all, a catfish that big

ner. A huge wake could be seen out in front of me,

was not going to win the side pot. I had landed one

and I knew it had to have been a big fish, possibly

weighing over 4 pounds on my pre-fishing trip (the

a carp. Way to go Paul!

only fish I managed to catch), so I figured it would

I could hear my invisible teammate shouting at

take a much bigger one to win the big catfish prize.

me. Losing even one carp could cost you the tour-

Soon after, my rod was back in the spot in hopes of

nament, so this was not a great way to start off. I

catching a carp.

decided I had to stand the rod up higher and turn off the baitrunner, so I got out my trusty spring-style

I do not have accurate data on when the carp I

rod holder and fished that rod the way I used to fish

caught were landed because I lost my binder which

back in the days before my knowledge of European

had all of that information, so I will do my best here

carp fishing tactics. With the bait back out in the

to explain when I caught fish. All I can tell you is

same spot, it was time to wait and hope.

a few minutes later one of my other rods took off, the one I had been using with a float. I had taken

A few minutes passed, and a large fish seemed

off the float, but, when I use floats, I typically do

to swim back to the area where I had just cast out

not use any weights. I had rigged the rod up with a

that dough ball. Then a large carp splashed out in

dough-ball-bait-rig and was using a special bait that

front of me and several more carp were also seen

I had taken from the recipe in a book I wrote about

splashing out in front of several other anglers all

shoreline fishing.

over the lake.

“It must be feeding time!” Someone yelled loudly across the lake from the other side.

Suddenly, the rod with the dough ball bent down in front of me.

rolled, and the hook was immediately pulled deep into my pointer finger on my right hand.

“Yowwww!!!!!!!!” I screamed!

That hurt! The hook was now buried into my fin-

“I got you now!” I thought.

ger. Soon the weighing crew showed up, and I ex-

Yep, I had a big fish tugging on the other end.

plained to them what had happened.

Mike saw me struggling with a fish and yelled over

Steven Pflugradt, the director of the tournament,

to ask if I wanted him to put on his waders and get

was with the weighing crew and he weighed the

the net.

carp himself.

I yelled back, “YES! Please!”

Moments later the fish seemed to stop fight-

It tipped the scales at 26 Lbs. and 14 oz. and

ing hard, and I was just pulling it in like a log, so I

was the first carp landed in the tournament. It was

wondered if it had gotten off and I was hauling in a

also the largest carp ever caught at this lake to the

snag. Mike was out in front of me with the net and

knowledge of the KCCA. Isaac then held my fish

soon the fish surfaced.

for me for the photo because I could not, due to the

“Wow! It is a big fish!” shouted Mike.

hook in my finger.

The carp was tangled heavily into the line, but you could clearly see the hook was in its mouth.

Mike netted the big carp and walked up to the shoreline where I helped him move the net to my unhooking cradle.

Mike used his net to land the carp, and it had the typical carp netting with small holes. My net is knotless but was made for Blue Catfish tournaments where knotless nets are also required, but the holes in the netting are way larger.

I like this kind of netting because it does not catch the current when I fish rivers, and the carp do not get their fins, especially that spiny top fin, stuck in the netting. Unfortunately, the smaller size holes allowed for my bead on my rig to get snagged up and the carp pulled the hook out of its mouth while it was thrashing.

As I grabbed the rig and attempted to free it from the netting to get it out of the way, the fish suddenly North American Carp Angler

39

Now what to do about this hook in my finger?

Luckily for me, Mike was a doctor. He said that

Well, before the weighing crew could leave, an-

normally he removed hooks like this one by push-

other one of my rods, which I was using to fish

ing the barb back through the skin and cutting it off.

on the bottom with the method feeder, got a run.

However, that was not looking like it would be

BZZZZZZZZ….

the path to take to get rid of this hook considering

“Oh great, how do I do this!” I said out loud.

we had nothing to numb my finger with, and the cut-

I grabbed the rod and tried to keep the bead

ters might not get the job done. So, Mike got me to

hanging from my finger from catching into the reel

turn away and popped the hook out. Luckily, I was

spool as it was turning. I could tell right away it was

using a micro-barbed hook, else this would have

another nice size fish, but not as big as the one I

been even worse according to Mike.

had just landed. But it got snagged onto something, and I could not get it free.

Then we dumped every disinfectant on the

“Way to go Paul!” “What a rookie!” I thought.

wound available and covered it up. Yep, that is how

The crew was soon back over with all kinds of

you get a hook out in the middle of nowhere while

disinfectants to help with the problem of a hook bur-

fishing a tournament, good thing nobody panicked.

ied deep in my finger.

After I lost the second fish to the snag, my activ-

Unfortunately, it had gone around that overhang-

ity died down. However, Isaac had fallen asleep in

ing tree and was snagged up near the bank. The

his chair, and when I walked over to see if he was

fish surfaced and before we could get the net over

awake, I noticed his pod was knocked over.

to it, the carp popped off. However, Isaac did not

“Isaac wake up, you might have a fish, buddy,” I said loudly.

have a chance to think about losing that carp because one of his other rods took off and he was im-

Isaac woke up and was almost in a state of pan-

mediately into another fish. Moments later, I netted

ic as he grabbed the rod that had been pulled par-

Isaac’s first carp of the tournament, which weighed

tially into the lake and was luckily caught on some

in at 16 Lbs. 6 oz. After that fish, nobody on our side

weeds on the shoreline. He then set into a carp and

of the lake got any more good runs nor caught any

started to fight it.

fish the rest of the night.

North American Carp Angler

41

Even though we did not catch anything that first

from us along that wind-swept bank, but nobody

night, I did not get much sleep. My alarms kept

seemed to be catching much of anything other than

sounding, and at one point I got up and decided to

someone had reported catching numerous Chan-

watch my rods. Some kind of fish would grab the

nel Catfish. The afternoon was very warm, but it

bait and make a short run then would let go.

was welcoming to me because I hate being cold.

I never did hook any of these fish, so I never found out what kind of fish was hitting so softly. My

I realized it was about 2:00 in the afternoon, and I decided to move my third rod around.

guess was it was Buffalo Suckers, small Channel

I often use one rod as a searcher tossing out

Catfish, or very small carp. On the other side of the

baits to different areas in hopes of finding some ac-

lake, I heard some screamer runs, but by morning

tive fish. The carp also started to flop out in front

it was clear nobody had taken the lead away from

of me and moments later my baitrunner sounded.

me and most of the fish landed had been catfish.

BZZZZZZ….

Because I was far from the leaderboard, and I

I grabbed the rod and made contact with another

never ventured to the other side of the lake, I had

nice fish. Mike and Isaac had gone over to visit with

no idea what had been caught and by whom until

the others on the other side of the lake, and I was

the end of the tournament. All I knew in the morning

left alone to land this one. After a good fight, I pulled

of the next day was that I still had the lead accord-

the fish into the shoreline and managed to net it.

ing to the weighing crew who occasionally walked

Soon the weighing crew, Mike, and Isaac were

by to check up on us.

back over to see my second carp landed. This one

A few carp crashed on the surface during the morning and someone had a run across the lake

was a smaller size carp and only tipped the scales at 9 Lbs. 15 oz.

I thought after I caught this carp, I would be land-

Isaac landed one that was 12 Lbs. 2 oz., and I

ing a mess of them, but no more bites came until it

landed a funny looking carp that I nicknamed Lumpy

got dark. During the night, Mike caught a carp that

Stumpy that tipped the scales at 10 Lbs. 10 oz.

weighed in at 12 Lbs. even,

The carp bite ended just as soon as it started,

I have known Cory and Chad Bettisch (Carpe

and the rest of the night was calm with very little ac-

Diem Illinois on Facebook) his teammate for some

tivity for me or the guys fishing around me. Howev-

time now having fished in several Illinois events

er, there was some excitement at peg 10 that woke

with them. Both are very talented high-level carp

me up in the middle of the night. Cory Bohmann

anglers who just like to have fun fishing for carp

landed a carp that tipped the scales at 17 Lbs. 2 oz.

rather it be in a tournament or not.

“Way to go Cory!” I said loudly.

North American Carp Angler

43

It was now morning and the sun had just come

I needed one more carp to reach the four carp

up. The tournament was winding down and would

limit and this would have been a nice fish to have

be over soon. I was still in the lead, but no lead is

landed to add to my total weight.

ever safe as many tournaments are decided in the final minutes. I got another run, and I hooked into

“Paul, get the net!” Yelled Isaac.

a carp.

Isaac horsed in his third carp of the tournament

I fought the fish and got it into the shoreline just

and it was his largest fish caught at 17 Lbs. 10 oz.

out of reach of my net when the hook popped loose and the fish was lost.

Isaac was now one fish away from his fourth

“Oh…. No….” I yelped.

carp, and my lead had shrunk to about 1 pound.

I felt my heart pounding in my chest and felt like

Now I was running the risk of losing the tournament

I had lost the tournament.

because I had lost that carp.

Bzzzzzzzz….

The fish had its head down in the weeds and

My middle rod took off, and I knew it had to be a

finally had given up the position and made its way

carp. I grabbed it and set into a nice fish with about

to the surface. Suddenly, the fight was back on, and

45 minutes to go in the tournament. Mike put on his

I knew I had to get this fish in close, or I risked los-

waders and was getting ready to help net the fish

ing it.

when suddenly it was stuck, and it was not moving.

“Hey guys, can you help me with the net,” I yelled out.

“No!!!!” I sighed.

Mike reached out as far as he could with the net

Mike soon was out in front of me with his net and moments later he netted the fish, but he was block-

to see if he could get the fish to pop loose from the

ing the view of it from me with his body.

snag, but it did not work. Mike then came back to

“Sorry, it is a big catfish,” said Mike.

the shore so he could get back to his rods. Ste-

“Well, maybe I can win the net prize then, it must

ven Pflugradt was talking with Isaac and was close

be huge to have put up that kind of fight,” I yelled

by when suddenly my snagged carp suddenly was

back.

free.

North American Carp Angler

45

Then Mike brought the fish to the shoreline, and it was a carp.

I laughed, “You had me, man!” “I really, thought it was a catfish.”

It was not as big as it seemed considering it had given me the best fight of any of the fish that I landed, but it was still a very important fish to me.

I was the first angler to catch a carp, first to two

We hoisted the fish up the bank and put it into

carp, first to three carp, and the only one to reach

the unhooking cradle. Steven Pflugradt was right

the big four mark. The carp tipped the scales at 12

there ready to weigh the fish.

Lbs. 12 oz.

And as my last carp was being weighed, the tournament ended.

And the winners are…drum roll please… three

And your winner is Paul Scott (hey, that is me)

solo-angler teams take home the glory. Fishing

who was fishing at Peg 8 and finished with four

from the JACK peg, landing a 20 Lbs. 1 oz. carp

carp landed totaling 60 Lbs. 3 oz. of weight.

giving him enough total weight to claim third place was Aniq Sajjad from Minnesota.

I also landed the largest carp of the tournament good for that side pot prize of just over $200 with a Common Carp that weighed in at 26 Lbs. 14 oz.

Aniq won the 2019 Austin Team Championship fishing with teammate Jaffar Syed and is a high-

The team at the Queen peg (Dave Marceau and

level carp angler. Fishing from Peg 7 landing a total

Brent Hammond) landed a 4 Lbs. 11 oz. Channel

of three carp was second place finisher Isaac Rojas

Catfish to win the biggest catfish prize: a new carp

with a total weight of 46 Lbs. 2 oz., a local angler.

net.

North American Carp Angler

47

Dave Marceau and Brent Hammond caught a lot of catfish during the tournament and lost a least one carp too. They finished the tournament with one carp landed that weighed 17 Lbs. 5 oz. and landed the largest catfish of the tournament to win the net.

I have fished many carp tournaments against Dave and can tell you he is one gifted carp angler.

The last event I fished against Dave was in Illinois and, in that tournament, he landed a Common Carp that was nearly 20 pounds and won the big fish prize of more than $200.

The leaders’ board shows all the teams who caught carp.

It was a tough tournament with teams having

I would like to give a special thanks to Mariah

very few chances to catch carp. Runs were often

Woods and Megan Pflugradt who picked up a pizza

far between and if you missed bites or lost any fish,

for my day 1 dinner. A huge thank you to Dr. Mike

then it cost you dearly. The bottom is full of thick

Bold (Peg 9) who got that hook out of my finger and

weeds and some snags, so it was not easy to land

netted two of my fish.

any of these fish for anyone.

Thank you to all the KCCA members who

Most of the teams who did not catch fish report-

weighed our fish and hosted this tournament: Ken-

ed losing one or two carp to snags and weeds. Al-

ny Pflugradt, Eris Pflugradt, Kevin Zirjacks, Loren

though it was difficult to get bites and land the carp,

Walters, Jason Angel, Colin Gerringer, Mariah

it also allowed any team to have a chance to win

Woods, Megan Pflugradt, and Steve Pflugradt (The

the tournament.

Organizer and President of the KCCA).

Yes, it was a tough tournament, but certainly one that was fun to fish with lots of exciting moments,

Also thank you to the wonderful city of Lawson,

including that battle between Isaac and me right at

Missouri, that allowed us to have this tournament

the end.

on their beautiful city lake.

North American Carp Angler

49

And thank you to all the professional carp anglers who competed in this tournament with me. God bless everyone and let us hope we get to compete in many more tournaments for many more years together.

You can also watch my video summary of this tournament on YouTube at https://youtu.be/thfybu98ChI under Paul Scott or find it on my Facebook

page

under

the name Paul ZuccaScott.

Also, check out this YouTube video : https://youtu.be/ iBeKfrk9AR8

put

up

by YouTuber Carp Angler “Shtarker Fishing” (Shtarker

GarBones)

whose team fished from the KING peg and included teammate Max Boltman Jr. Shtarker (Left) and Boltman Jr. (right) at PEG KING. (10 Lbs. 14 oz.)

The KING Peg with a visit from the local game warden who was checking all our Fishing Licenses.

And a final note to all who missed this tournament, you will have another chance to fish it in 2023. Steve Pflugradt plans to host another KCCA Harvest Moon Classic Team Carp Tournament in Lawson, Missouri with an entry fee of $300 and a grand prize of $1500 going to the winning team.

“Fish…On!” Paul Scott

North American Carp Angler

51

St. Lawrence International Jr. Carp Tournament Grand Marshal Announcement!

Celebrating 20 years! The 20th Annual St. Law-

Both participated in the tournament as soon as

rence International Jr. Carp Tournament will be held

they were eligible, and fished each year afterwards

on August 3 – 5, 2023, along the shores of the St.

until they aged out at 18. They each won numerous

Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Massena.

awards over the years, but most notably Jaron was named Grand Champion in 2019, and Kaylee took

To commemorate this milestone, organizers

2nd place in her division during her first (2015) and

are planning some fun things; to include inviting all

last (2022) years in the tournament! When asked

Grand Champions to return, along with many oth-

to share their experience while in the tournament,

ers who were instrumental in its popularity and suc-

they had similar responses.

cess throughout the years, beginning in 2003.

To kick things off, we’re pleased to announce

Kaylee said, “my favorite part is the family at-

this year’s Grand Marshals. And, because of the

mosphere”, and “catching a big fish is the best but

milestone anniversary, there are four in honor of the

you don’t have to win to have a great time”. Jaron

‘future and the past’!

stated it “helped him get outside his comfort zone,

Honoring the ‘Future’, will be Potsdam resident,

while meeting new people and building new rela-

Kaylee Green, and Norwood resident, Jaron Bel-

tionships” and “reeling in a Carp is exhilarating”!

more!

North American Carp Angler

53

They will visit each of the fishing sites throughout the tournament to mentor and assist the kids.

Honoring the ‘Past’, will be Potsdam resident, Abby McNamara, and Clarksville, NY resident, Austin Delosh.

These two favorites have been regulars at the annual tournament, with Abby planning, organizing and stepping in as Weigh Master, when needed, and Austin with participating himself for 8 years, and then marshaling and mentoring.

Long-time organizer of the tournament, Jo Ann

Those interested in sponsoring or donating to-

Roberts, said “we’re very proud of this milestone

ward the event, or to receive a Registration pack-

anniversary, but even more excited to celebrate

et, contact Jo Ann Roberts at 315 244-1909 or by

those years by highlighting the people, experienc-

email to jrcarptournament@gmail.com

es and memorable moments that span 20 years”.

Kids 11 – 18 years of age are eligible to participate, as well as adults who would like to fish with

The tournament was started in 2003 by the St.

their kids. Deadline for registration is July 31st.

Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, and is now hosted by the Carp Anglers Group; a national

All those ‘from the past’ are invited and wel-

organization with many of their members volun-

come. Please contact tournament organizers with

teering during the event.

your contact information.

Further details:

We’d like to encourage anyone who loves fishing, the outdoors and a family-friendly event to join us this year! Equipment and sponsorships are limited but available, and the experts will teach you the rest!

https://www.fishcap.net/events/2023-junior-international-junior-carp-tournament

North American Carp Angler

55

Fishing beyond Casting Range

By Edwin Wout

Introduction

(www.anglingescapes.co.uk or www.anglinges-

Dean Brookes and myself recently returned from

capes.nl) for bookings on some of the best carp lakes

a trip to Spain chasing European Wels catfish and

across Europe. Orellana, like many North American

carp. While we were staying with our good friend

waters, is big, challenging and home to some very

Ardy Veltkamp at his ‘Carp Casa’ on the mighty

big wild carp including commons to 79 lb and Mirrors

Orellana Reservoir he introduced us to Edwin &

to 77 lb. Feature finding and fishing beyond normal

Ressie Wout.

casting range are key components to consistent re-

Like Ardy they are from Holland and also have

sults on Orellana and Edwin’s experience I’m sure

a home by the water. Edwin and Ressie run the

will be helpful to anyone who wants to try such tac-

Angling Escapes company

tics here in North America.

Let me start with a small introduction; My name is Edwin Wout and I was born in 1967 in Holland.

But the road to fishing at such long distances was a long learning process.

I started fishing for carp the aged of 12 so you can

You must overcome many problems. How to de-

say I have been carp fishing for a few years, 42

tect the bites on your alarms, how to avoid prob-

actually. Of course, I started with the many small

lems with other boats, how to avoid big bows of

lakes and canals around my city.

line when taking your lines out and doing all of this while making it safe for the fish.

But very soon I found that with a small boat, you could go to areas that nobody else was fishing, or

In this article I hope I can give you some tips

you could even bring your lines and rigs to spots

and tricks that will help you fish at these long dis-

that were beyond casting range. This started to

tances with fewer problems.

bring me way more fish.

North American Carp Angler

57

First of all it is always better and easier to fish as

But then again, this elasticity will also give you

close as possible. There are often more fish close

more problems of getting a signal on your bite alarm.

in or within easy casting range so why would some-

And the tighter you have your clutch the more elas-

one fish far out? But now and then it can bring you

ticity it takes to get a signal at your alarms. So, this

more fish if you know how to do it.

means the fish can move further without you knowing.

As a young kid I did not have the money to buy all expensive gear. So, most of my money went into

In the beginning I used heavy hangers because

my boat and fish finder because that opened my

people said it takes out a lot of the slack at long

world. A fish finder for me is the most important tool

distance. But because of the weight of the hangers

when you want to fish further out. Because close by

you had to make your bait runner drag more tight.

you can find out depths and bottom structure with a

And because of that you could reel in the next day

rod and a maker float.

and find out there had been a take and the fish had found her freedom in a snag.

But as soon its beyond casting distance, you need to know what happens down there as well.

Why would I fish 300 yards out if I don’t know anything about depths and bottom structure? It’s always about what is down there. Is there a plateau where fish would pass or go over.

Does it have mussel beds or weed beds where fish can find food or shelter. Does it have differences in bottom structure that can lead the fish that way. Just dumping bait on a spot where fish never come will not bring fish. But putting food on spots

So always keep your clutch loose for quicker response by a take. I would never fish close to obstacles or snags at long distance! It’s not about getting a take; it’s about landing a fish safely!

the fish is naturally attracted to makes them eager to take your bait instead of what they normally eat.

The problem in having your clutch loose is that the fish will not easily self-hook on the resistance of

In the beginning I fished with mono. These are

the line so this brings you to fishing heavier leads.

perfect lines to use with a small wallet and by people with not that much experience. Mono has elas-

I was once fishing a France lake and getting a

ticity, so it forgives you when you make mistakes

few short runs that stopped before I pick up my rod.

in playing the fish. You won’t have hook pulls just

It made me wonder but after seeing all the crayfish

because of the brute strength you put on the hook

in the lake as their natural food I found out their

and the softer mouth.

mouths where as hard as leather!

So, in addition to having the sharpest hooks I could find, I also went up with the lead weights from

Braid has a lot of direct strength for its small diameter, but at snags a mono line is a lot better.

2.5 oz (70 grams) to 4.5 oz (120 grams). Now every

Imagine it like a t shirt, if you just pull at it, it is

pickup was a run and a fish. Small changes can

difficult to tear, but when you make s mall cut in the

lead to success.

shirt, you easily rip it apart. It is the same with braid,

When I was more experienced, and my wallet

if it is not damaged its very strong, but as soon as it

was a little bigger because I was working, I bought

rubs along a stone or a mussel it soon cuts through.

my first braided lines. This opened a completely

So by using a mono leader of 40 – 80lb, 2 or 3

new world for me. Fishing with braid you get a way

rod lengths long you have the best of both worlds.

quicker bite indication, picking up your rod you have a lot more feeling of where the fish is, what the fish does and how you can steer the fish.

You have the mono on the bottom that will slide along stones and snags way better, and you have

Also, with weed beds the braid cuts through the

the strength of the braid playing the fish and feeling

weeds and plants. But because it has no stretch it

what the fish does and when the fish is closer in

also has no forgiveness. So the pressure you put

you still have some elasticity of the mono that pre-

on your rod goes directly to the hook and mouth of

vents hook pulls. I also use more supple rods when

the fish so you must adjust how you play your fish

I don’t have to cast and I always have my clutch a

to avoid hook pulls.

little smoother when I fish with braid.

North American Carp Angler

59

In the beginning I always fished with a friend

The wind cannot change my position like it can

who would hold my rods while I took my rig out in

do with the bow of the boat pointing into the wind.

the boat to the spot I wanted to fish. If it was just a

Now I set my reel so I can reel backwards and slow-

little bit windy it would create a big loop in the line.

ly lower my rig and lead to the bottom. I can also feel what kind of bottom it is. I then quickly lift the

I had to shout to him to reel in as much as possi-

lead a little in the direction of my rod pod.

ble and then clamp the line as quick as possible. In

Now my rig is on the opposite side of the lead

the meantime, I dropped the lead and put some bait

to the rod pod. Because I can see the line entering

out in that area. But because of the lead falling back

the water I know exactly where to spread my bait

on the tight line I often fished much shorter than I

around and then I go with a little curve against the

had planned. And when the wind was blowing hard

wind back to my rod pod. As soon as I step out, I

it was nearly impossible. And often the shouting did

hold my rod tip up in the air. Now the wind is blow-

not work as well as hoped over the noise of the

ing against the line and pushes the curve I made,

wind. I then learned to take the rod with me in the

out of the line.

boat. I go to my spot and put the back of the boat

This is the easiest way to get your rig on the

into the wind. Now I go slowly backwards till I have

best spot. It also avoids having to ‘pull’ your line

the same speed as the wind blows. I am still on top

straight from the bank which could move your rig

of the spot and because the engine is pulling, the

off the baited area or make your hook pick up some

boat handles a lot better.

debris.

When I was fishing a big lake in Italy in winter-

So, we just built up some tension with the rod by

time there was sun all day on the reeds at the op-

slowly walking backwards. As soon as the fish was

posite bank. It was freezing in the night so a couple

safely away from the shallow bank, I jumped into

of degrees more water temperature could make the

the boat and played the fish close to the reed bank.

fish just a little more active.

I could easily land the fish in the boat and if it There was no way that we could sit on the sunny

was a good fish then I would put it on the unhooking

side by the reeds so we chose the opposite bank

mat in the boat. After removing the hook, I would

and put our rigs at all different depths, but we placed

quickly put on a new, ready baited rig, that I already

1 rod close to the reeds on the opposite bank. This

had in the boat.

was more then 500 meters / yards out!!

Then it was quickly back to the spot, drop the rig As soon as the sun went down below the hori-

and some more bait before heading straight back

zon the net was frozen to the boat, but we also had

to my own bank for photos. This way I only had to

our first run. No surprise it was on the rod with the

use the electric engine once for each fish and that

rig by the reeds on the opposite bank and after 2

saved a lot of time and batteries!

days almost all rods were placed at this long range.

The trick was not to let the fish go into the reeds.

North American Carp Angler

61

When we fished the world Cup (WCC) in the

If it was not possible to release the line from the

Czech Republic at lake Novomlynska we found

snag like this, we cut the line holding the part that

ourselves with another problem. In front of us there

went to the fish and held on it. Then we pulled the

where loads of bushes on the bottom which we had

other end of the line out of the snag which is easy

to fish over but it was not possible to use floating

when nothing is attached. Then we tied the two

lines because of the boating on the lake.

pieces of line back to each other and continued our quest, landing the fish.

Our only option was to put the bait where we

You had to be with 2 people in the boat but when

expected the fish and set the clutch and bait run-

you have the hang of it its easy to do. I think we had

ner as light as possible. As soon as we had a take

the most fish of any team during that WCC, but be-

we jumped in the boat with the absolute minimum

cause only the 3 biggest where counting we did not

pressure on the rod/line. This made sure that the

make it in the top 5. Loads of fish but unfortunately

line would not get pulled down into the bushes.

not the biggest ones.

If, as sometimes happened, we found a spot where the line was stuck in the bushes we sim-

At this moment I live on lake Orellana in Spain.

ply lowered a small anchor behind the snag. Then

A 5,000 hectare / 12,500 acre reservoir that was a

when we found the line we pulled it up and contin-

valley and dammed in 1931 to provide a supply of

ued.

drinking and irrigation water as well as electricity.

In front of my house the lake is about 2 kilom-

Orellana can often have some rocks on the bot-

eter / 1.25 miles wide and in total its 30 kilometer

tom so it’s important not to pick up your rod straight

/ 18.5 miles long. I have a nice bay in front of my

away. If you just let it go for about a minute, the fish

house that slowly goes down to 24 meters / 80 feet

starts swimming and so the line is pulled upwards

deep. At 400 meters out there is a big plateau but I

away from the rocks and is soon in free water. In

learned long ago the fish don’t go over the plateau

this swim there are no obstacles in front so the

but around the plateau. At this spot the fish come

fish can keep going as they wish without any prob-

by at about 10 meters / 30 feet depth.

lems. I use a lead of 6.5 oz (180 grams) to 8oz (230

Because I have a lot of free space I often fish

grams) and don’t fish with very tight lines so have

1 rod to the left at a distance of 150 meters, 1 rod

the last meters / yards with a little slack line laying

in front at about 90 meters and 1 rod to the right at

on the bottom. My house is about 80 - 100 meters

about 120 meters.

from the bank.

North American Carp Angler

63

And although I have a caravan at the bank that

The result of all these lines (there are usually a

I rent out now and then, I myself prefer to sleep

minimum of 2 anglers, each with 3 rods and some-

next to my wife in the same bed. Call me crazy, but

times an illegal extra one as well) means the fish

I would say it’s the best of both worlds. I use the

will not pass through the channel that is between

Nash Siren 4 alarms and they go easy to a distance

the bank and the plateau.

of 600 meters. So my receiver is next to my bed.

These anglers also like to fish with mono lines.

As soon as I have a take, my wife hits the light

So, these thick lines fished straight and tight to the

switch and continues sleeping. I then jump into my

lead will sing like a tight line in the wind. This noise

clothes and run out the door and down to my rods.

spooks the fish, and they now go around the other

In the meantime, the fish has lifted the line from

far side of the plateau.

the bottom and I can easily and safely play the fish from the bank. The size of the lake means there is

I might catch on my middle, but most likely I

very little pressure. But I have found out from expe-

catch on my right-hand rod. And when these locals

rience that it is mainly the anglers’ lines that scare

also go on my right-hand side as well it kills the bite

the fish away. As soon as a Spanish angler sits to

completely! The fish are still there and sometimes

my left (and they like to boat out their lines more

they will continue to jump but they just will not eat

than 500 meters to the top of the plateau) my left

anymore until the anglers on the left- or right-hand

rod will not produce any fish.

side stop fishing and go home.

When the Spanish boat out their lines at long

A trolling motor is easier than rowing but always

range they often start cleaning the boat and put it

have oars just in case the battery dies. If you are

away while they are getting ready to pack up. When

fishing for a few days bring a spare battery.

they are ready to leave, they try to reel in without

A fish finder makes sure you can learn the bot-

the boat and often the hook or the lead will stick

tom features not just where you put your bait but

behind a rock. Then they just put their hand on the

also the structure all the way back to your rods.

reel and start walking back till the line breaks.

That way you know it is a safe spot without any

So please, if you think you need to fish far out,

snags or problems. It is about the catching and not

do it wisely. Always make sure the boat is always

about the runs. A small anchor in the boat will help

available till you stop fishing and bring your lines in.

to free a line from the snags and you can use it

If the line gets stuck, then jump in boat and go out

when your battery dies to stay in place.

to where it is stuck and most times it can be freed easily.

An H-Block marker in the boat is always handy,

If there are a few hundred metres / yards of line

to mark your spot when you’re putting your rigs out

left in the water, then an animal can get trapped in

but take it in when you are fishing. The fish can go

it and drown or a carp can still pick up the rig and

through that line and cut you off.

is then trailing several 100 meters line. We all know that never ends well.

Also, if you ever lose a fish it can be handy to mark that spot with an H-Block and later find out why it happened. A small box with a pair of scissors

It is important to have your boat

and some rig materials can be handy.

well organized. Always have a

The scissors or a knife is important when you

lifejacket in the boat and always

pick up another line or you get a line tangled in

wear it. You only have one life and that is worth more than even the biggest fish.

Keep the landing net in the boat so you don’t forget it. I also like to have an unhooking mat in the boat. You can put the fish in the boat for easy unhooking and cover the fish, so he keeps calm when you boat back.

Also keeping the fish in the net on the side of the boat makes the boat way less controllable.

your prop. Carry some extra baited rigs so you can change them on the spot.

Extra hook baits plus some boilie stops, boilie needle etc is handy when you accidentally step on your boilie. It is much easier to change it near your spot instead of going all the way back!

North American

CARP ANGLER

Magazine North American Carp Angler

65

A very important tool to bring with you is a fish

And when I have a run, I must wake up while

finder with GPS on it and always a compass (a real

my alarm is screaming so I don’t think of my phone

one not the one on your phone!)

as I rush into my boat on my way to the fish. And although it seems okay when you start, sometimes

As soon as you arrive at the lake put in your

after a good battle with the fish that has made your

bankside location point in the GPS and check your

boat spin several times you might find yourself lost

compass to know in what direction you are so you

in dense fog as thick as pea soup.

can always get back. I know that everybody uses

This happened to me in Italy on another big lake.

there phones nowadays for finding the way, but I

Because it was the last night, I decided to take most

never leave my phone in the boat at night.

of my gear back to the car.

This included my box with scissors, boilie needle and of course my compass. In the early morning I

He was worried and decided to come search for us in his boat, bringing a compass.

had a screaming take. My mate and I rushed into

And thank goodness he found us and pointed

the boat and after the fish. It was a little foggy, but

us in the right direction because we would never

we could easily see 200 meters / yards or more.

have found the bank by ourselves. In dense fog you quickly lose all reality of direction and you cannot

After a 20-minute battle I landed the fish and my

hear anything. It is very scary.

mate and I were looking around but could see noth-

We finally ended 500 meters from our rods but

ing! I said: “I think we have to go to the left”. “You’re

at least we landed at the right bank and I could

stupid” my mate said, “we have to go to the right”.

make some nice photos of a big common before

Luckily, we heard a voice far away... “Hol-

we headed back to Holland.

landaaaaa, Hollandaaa”. We searched for the voice

I hope I gave you some guidelines to help you

and and luckily, we found our Italian neighbor who

fish beyond normal casting range. I wish you all

was fishing 500 meters / yards further away.

great catches and one day I hope to come fish

He saw us going into the boat, but he never saw us coming back.

with you in North America. Until then tight lines and good luck.

North American Carp Angler

67

Baits for Anglers By Anglers

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

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• New Member Tackle Pack

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*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