CARP ANGLER
Editor In-Chief Address
Just make sure you have plenty of warm clothes, waterproofs, hot food and beverages and a supply of night lights as you’ll find 12-14 hours of darkness becomes the norm. I’ll be out on the banks fishing for larger fish until at least Christmas and then my focus turns to shorter sessions for smaller fish.
In this edition we have CCC and Essence of Carping results as well as competition results for the St Lawrence tournament.
With the fall season drawing to an end this time of year is amongst my favorite to be out on the banks. There’s no doubt that spring fishing can see awesome results as fish group together into smaller areas in anticipation of them spawning, but the fall season has some big pluses for me. Firstly, in the Northeast of the country (where I reside) you have the amazing change in scenery with a distinct array of foliage on display. Secondly, as the temperatures fall, the majority of other anglers disappear. This primarily relates to anglers fishing for other species, but most of the time I find I am the only one on the lake or stretch of river. Thirdly, and most importantly for the fishing, the larger fish continue to feed as the water temperatures drop. Smaller fish and nuisance species abate and as long as you keep introducing bait, the results can be exceptional.
We also have guest articles from a number of contributors such as Frank Warwick and a highlight on Team USA. Thanks to everyone who contributed.
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:
Editor in Chief
A nice mirror, caught amongst the changing foliage
President Address
After a busy summer with not much time to wet a line I set off to Italy to fish Ghost Park with my good friend Frank Warwick.
The journey from the UK was unfortunately interrupted by a shock absorber that gave up and stranded us in Germany for two and a half of days. We finally got back on the road again and arrived at the lake just after midnight on the Tuesday. We’d already missed a day and half of fishing but decided to wait until morning to get the rods out.
When you wake up looking across a lake, tea in hand, with fish crashing and the Dolomites in the background any trials and tribulations getting there are soon forgotten!
I would love to report that I finally caught the 30Kg fish I’ve been seeking in recent years… but sadly (or perhaps not) that means another sortie across the pond.
Fishing should be measured not just in PB’s or the numbers caught but more in the time spent bank side with good friends. Take time to enjoy the journey or in this case endure the curve balls thrown at you until you get there.
Tight Lines!
Iain Sorrell
CAG President
Ghost Park commons are among the hardest fighting I’ve ever come across!
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
THE 25TH WORLD CARP FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
Team USA Prove They’re Contenders
By Craig Buddo
In a country where carp fishing is barely acknowledged by the wider fishing industry and authorities, the fact we have an established national carp fishing team feels miraculous.
Though I’ve seen odd references to the USA Carp Team over the years, I think it’s fair to say they haven’t done the best job in the past of communicating their story. It probably doesn’t help that the one tournament the team is laserfocused on each year—the FIPSed Carp Fishing World Championship—is usually held thousands of miles away in Europe.
With the 2025 tournament scheduled to take place in Croatia between September 17 and 20, and a re-energized Carp Team heading over to battle more than 30 other nations, including many of the best tournament carp anglers in the world, I wanted to find out more about the team, the World Championship, and what it means to represent your country as a carp angler.
2023 USA squad -
Background
What is the FIPSed Carp Fishing World Championship?
FIPSed or the International Federation of Freshwater Sportfishing is a French body that sets the rules for international freshwater fishing competitions. It was formed in 1972 and covers several freshwater fishing disciplines. The first Carp Fishing World Championship grew out of earlier tournaments, but officially dates from 1999. National teams enter six anglers, who fish in pairs within different sections for a continuous 72 hours. Like other international competitions, there are strict rules about anglers leaving their assigned peg, the tackle and baits that can be used, unsportsmanlike conduct, and even anti-doping tests.
Each pair is fishing against the other nation pairs in that section, and cumulatively against each nation across the tournament. The World Championship literally attracts teams from all over the globe and has developed into the carp fishing equivalent of soccer’s World Cup.
The Championship is scored based on “penalty points,” which isn’t quite how it sounds. The section pair with the highest aggregate weight of carp gets a penalty point of 1; second highest in the section is awarded 2 points, and on down.
Extra penalty points can be added for things such as rule infractions or blanking, so the competition is a real test of discipline and fishing to the very last moment.
A carp only has to be over 1.5kg (3.3lbs) to weigh, so a shoal of smaller fish can be as valuable as a couple of trophies if you can catch consistently, though there is an award for the largest carp. At the end of 72 hours, the national team with the lowest combined number of penalty points wins the Championship.
Where is this year’s venue?
The 25th Carp Fishing World Championship will be held September 17-20 across two large venues in Croatia, Lake Borovik and Lake Jošava, near the city of Đakovo. To add an unknown element, teams won’t know which of the two lakes they’ll be fishing until just before the draw.
Section A
Section B
Section C
What is USAngling?
USAngling is a non-profit devoted to promoting America’s representation in competitive fishing events around the world.
The USA Carp Team is organized through this body, along with teams focused on bass fishing, fly fishing, street fishing, and other fishing disciplines, as well as some separate categories for juniors, seniors, and women’s teams.
Their major sponsor is Bass Pro Shops, a sign of the growing corporate interest in supporting America’s competitive anglers.
The fly fishing teams are multiple medal winners, and the bass team is advised by Kevin Van Dam, one of the most successful and respected bass anglers in history. 2025 Team meeting
Who’s in the USA Carp Team?
As well as the three pairs of anglers who actually compete, there are two alternate/substitute anglers, and captains and coaches to handle the extensive preparation and logistics necessary to field a competitive team overseas.
Founder/Adviser
Lee Young (now leads the U.S. Street Fishing Team)
Captain
Christine Simpson
Vice Captain
Darius Ani
Coaches
Bogdan Bucur and Mihai Aciu
Anglers and alternates:
Bogdan Bucur
Mihai Aciu
Henryk Burza
Norbert Samok
Sean Lehrer
Srdjan Gazivoda
Tanner Smith
Rafal Wlazlo
Christine Simpson
2025 US Carp Team
How is the team selected?
Researching this article, the question of how the team is selected came up numerous times, and in a lot of people’s minds is a point of controversy. Both Lee Young and Rafal Wlazlo shed some light (see their interviews to read more), but to summarize: because none of the tournaments fished in the US mimic the conditions, fishing demands, or rules of a FIPSed tournament, there isn’t a formal pathway to selection, rather it’s based on finding/scouting talented tournament anglers who have the drive, discipline, and coachability to excel individually and gel as a team.
The current lineup has grown out of a core of anglers who originally competed under the K1 Baits banner, who stood out to founder Lee Young as notably disciplined in their approach. Most of the national fishing teams in any discipline are selected in this way: there just isn’t enough competitive fishing in the US to select teams based purely on qualifying events and trials.
That said, the team isn’t a closed shop; squad members do rotate out for various reasons, and they’re open to assessing anyone who reaches out and expresses interest. Tanner Smith, for example, got into the team under just these circumstances.
How many Championships have they competed in and what is their best result to date?
The team has competed in 8 previous tournaments (every year back to 2016, other than South Africa in 2020 because of covid rescheduling).
The best overall result to date was 4th in 2018 in Serbia (tied with England for 3rd on points, but slipped a place under tie-breaking rules). Two US pairs came second in their sections in this match.
In 2024, the team came in 24th out of a field of 30, though still beating European countries with long histories of carp and match fishing.
Two of the Guys
Lee Young and Rafal Wlazlo are respectively the founding member and the newest (just announced) angler for the team. They represent the arc of the group’s story from nascent idea to an established fishing team heading off to compete against some of the best carp anglers in the world.
Rob Hughes, former Team England manager
Rafal with Sean, representing the US with a Croatian carp
Lee Young
Lee Young has a long history in competitive fishing, stemming from his time on the professional UK and European match fishing circuit. After relocating to the US, he became involved in the tournament carp fishing scene while continuing to consult with various European fishing brands.
Lee worked with St.Croix to release the first carp rods from an established rod maker in the US, and was approached by USAngling in 2010 to put together the nation’s first carp squad. While still advising the carp team, he now coaches the newly formed US Street Fishing Squad.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of how the squad came together?
I think people in the US fishing industry became aware that I’d done assistant coaching things for other teams, and that I had a love for these socalled trash fish. In 2010 the President of USAngling asked me to initiate, direct, and develop the US carp fishing team, and I did that for 10 years, before stepping down to a secretary role, and now as an advisor.
I want to say I spent 700-800 hours the first couple of years visiting the major tournaments that were in play at that point. I spent a lot of time looking at folks with the eye of a coach: who was professional in their approach, kept their bait in the water for the maximum time, and didn’t leave their rods unattended; who was properly equipped for different fishing scenarios, and could cast accurately at 150 yards?
I came across the K1 Baits team at a Texas tournament, which was loosely a group of around 10 people and they shared information constantly, and all had the same gear with at least six rods each. The last night of the tournament when many other anglers had crashed out, they were up at 2 am, all gingered-up and mapping out their plan for the early morning bite. I asked to borrow some binoculars from one of them, just as a test of how well equipped they were, and they had them there to hand, ready to scan the water. They swept the tournament—it was like watching men fish against boys, it really was. So this was a group I knew I could work with.
How has selection developed over the years?
During my tenure, we’d invite people to try out who I felt had potential based on their tournament performances, not necessarily their results. I tested for skill levels, casting and rig tying under pressure. I also had a rule: if you want to fish for us, you have to first come to the tournament as a reserve or an official to experience the whole thing before you jump in the cauldron, experience the fire from the outside.
One of the best things you could do if you’re really serious about this, is enter one of those big payto enter European tournaments as an individual. You’re going to spend a bunch of money, but at least you’ll gain an insight into the level of preparation, tactics, methods, and gear required.
USAngling is a nonprofit, funded by donations and sponsorships, and doesn’t receive any government funding, unlike some of the other national teams.
Anglers need a certain level of financial backing to get to practices and the Championship itself. Nobody is getting paid and there’s no prize money, so that’s a big factor people need to understand.
Anything else you can tell us about selection?
Four or five years ago the squad fished against a team in the US in a one-off event, as a sort of trial. The US team won every section, sometimes by ridiculous amounts. Did it mean the US team are just better anglers? Absolutely not. What it meant was they were way better prepared as a team, and that’s the crucial difference.
One of the great things to come out of that event though, was one of the promising young anglers on the losing team, Tanner Smith, stayed in touch with us and began coming to practices, and he’s now on the regular team.
Rafal Wlazlo
Rafal Wlazio, is the owner of the online and brick and mortar store Carp Angler, a recent Connecticut state record holder, and a sponsor of several CAG events and initiatives.
How did it feel to be selected for the team?
Honestly, it’s an incredible honor—and I’m still a little in disbelief at times. To be selected to represent the United States on the world stage in a sport I’ve dedicated so much of my life to is both humbling and deeply motivating. Standing alongside some of the most talented and committed anglers in the country is something I’ll never forget.
For me, this isn’t just about a personal milestone. Wearing the red, white, and blue means I’m fishing for something far greater than myself—it’s about representing our country, our team, and everyone back home who supports us.
How would you describe the selection process?
It’s multi-layered. Every angler must first demonstrate an exceptional level of skill and consistency as a baseline. From there, the evaluation goes deeper: can they endure the preparation, follow structured game plans, and adapt to the unique format of a FIPSed World Championships? Just as importantly, are they coachable, will they put the team first, and thrive under the leadership of captains and coaches? These qualities are nonnegotiable.
While the team works under a unified strategy, we also recognize that each angler has their own style and preferences when it comes to gear and accessories. This balance ensures the squad is both professional and adaptable, with each angler contributing their own edge.
As the team doesn’t compete together in the US, what do you do in the year to stay competitionready?
Our anglers compete in regional tournaments throughout the year, representing themselves and the team in a competitive setting. While these events don’t fully replicate the World Championship structure, they provide valuable experience
under pressure and allow us to refine tactics, gear setups, and team discipline. The team is very active together and individually. We hold regularly scheduled meetings and training sessions—some as a full group, others individually on our own time—to make sure we stay sharp and continue building team chemistry.
What do you know about the venues in Croatia?
What makes this year particularly interesting is that teams don’t know in advance which lake they will be assigned to. That means we have to prepare for two different waters simultaneously, each with its own character and tactical demands. In practice, this requires us to develop multiple game plans and be ready to adapt quickly once the peg draw is made. It adds another layer of challenge and excitement, but also plays to the strength of a disciplined, versatile squad like ours.
What are your ambitions for the team and your own performance in it?
My ambition is simple but big: I want to help Team USA achieve our best ever result at the World Championships. Personally, I aim to fish with discipline, consistency, and intensity so that I can con-
Success at this level isn’t about one angler—it’s about a squad working as one unit, and I’m proud to give everything I’ve got to that mission.
What is the biggest misunderstanding about the team that you would want to set right?
Rather than pointing to one single misunderstanding, what we really want to do is bring clarity and awareness to what Team USA is all about. Carp fishing at the World Championship level is still a new concept for many in the United States, and the best way to avoid misconceptions is to shine a brighter light on the sport itself.
Through the platform of USAngling and our national team, we’re committed to growing the scene, showcasing what we do, and inspiring others. In the months ahead, we’ll be releasing new content, updates, and highlights that give people a closer look at our training, preparation, and competition on the global stage.
What I’d like to emphasize most is the dedication of this team. Every angler, coach, and leader is putting in countless hours of work and training to make sure we’re fully prepared for the World Championships. It’s a massive commitment, but it’s one we all embrace with pride.
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 (April through November and then combined for December through March) 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. We also award CAG Medals (Gold, Silver & Bronze) in honor of the top three winners.
Learn more: https://www.carpanglersgroup.com/forum/ index.php?/topic/67034-the-essence-of-carpfishing-in-north-america-photo-competition/
The judges will pay particular attention to the subject matter and composition and not just the photographic or editing skills. In the event of a tie or any disputes the CAG BOD will be the final arbitrator.
Our thanks to Big Carp Tackle for helping support the Essence of Carping Competition!
JULy 2025 Winners 1st Place
Frederick Hiller
2nd Place Gary Bartlett
3Rd Place Dave Pickering
AUGUST 2025 Winners
1st Place
Steven Pflugradt
2nd Place
Lowell Fletcher
3Rd Place Tom
McCarthy
SEPTEMBER 2025 Winners
1st Place
Lowell Fletcher
2nd Place
Jay Smithers
3Rd Place Lowell Fletcher
CARP ANGLERS GROUP CARP CLASSIC 2025
This year the 32nd anniversary of the CCC returned to the Hudson River and produced an epic result! As always, the Friday night social gathering took place at the Pegasus Restaurant. Here anglers were able to meet up, have their scales checked and to enjoy the excellent BBQ offerings from the food truck!
Bright and early the next morning the Peg Draw took place in the car park of the late lamented Chrissie’s Diner.
Once the formalities were completed everyone headed off to their allotted peg at Dutchman’s Landing or Henry Hudson Park.
Garret Stone in Peg 21 secured the trophy for First Carp after a little over half an hour into the tournament.
Garret Stone caught the first carp of the 2025 CCC
Over the next couple of hours anglers were kept busy with several carp being caught as well as a number of catfish.
As the day wore on it was clear that the top honors were being fought over by Steve Clow in Peg 12 at Henry Hudson and Gary Calley in Peg 20 at Dutchman’s Landing.
Garey Calley with one of several carp he caught
Jeffrey Pirog, big catfish winner
In the end Steve’s Big 4 total of 74lb 4oz made him the first angler in the 32 year history of the CCC to hold up the North American Champion trophy for a second year in succession!
Steve said he used the same tactics as he did last year. He fished maize and plastic corn as hook baits along with an oats method packed around the lead.
This year there were two periods of slack tide so Steve made sure to top up the swim in those periods with a few well placed Spombs of maize and chickpeas. He also mentioned adjusting the hair length as he lost his first fish as there probably wasn’t sufficient gap to allow the hook point to catch properly. Steve also won the Total Overall Weight with an outstanding haul of 127lb 10oz.
Steve Clow, CCC Champion for 2025
The 2025 Carp King Belt Buckle went to Nigel Griffin for landing the biggest fish at 21lb 10oz from Peg 27 at Dutchman’s Landing.
Nigel Griffin with the big carp of the tournament
The smallest carp award went to Charles Cannero with a common of 2lb 8oz and the biggest catfish award was won by Jeffrey Pirog at 6lb 6oz.
Charles Cannero with the smallest carp caught
In total almost 600lb of carp were caught!
This year anglers came from all over the east coast but we were also joined by Gilbert Huxley and Rick Slinker from Indiana as well as David Moore of Big Carp Tackle who drove up from Texas!
David Moore, enjoying the after party
Our thanks go to Rafal Wlazlo at Carp Angler for supporting us with some great tournament prizes that included:
• North American Champion - A CyberWave Bait Boat worth $900
• Total Weight: A Century Carbon / Titanium Landing Net worth $350
• Big Fish: $200 Gift Certificate / Store Credit
• Biggest Mirror - $100 Gift Certificate / Store Credit
• Section Winners: $100 Gift Certificate / Store Credit
Special thanks also go to World Classic Baits, Hiper Fishing, Carp Daddy Baits and Big Carp Tackle for supporting additional prizes as well as donations to the CCC Raffle.
As always, the man behind making the CCC and Haulin’ on the Hudson actually happen is none other than Barry Howard with help from Sam Williams. Our heartfelt thanks go to Barry and Sam along with Jerome Moisand for compiling the results.
St Lawrence Carp Marathon 2O25
Story & Photos by Tom McCarthy
The St Lawrence Carp Marathon, held 26 July, through 30 July 2025, was a 75 hour continuous event held on the southern shoreline of the St Lawrence River, spanning some 29 miles, from Waddington NY to Ogdensburg NY.
Traditionally this carp fishing tournament is a 120 hours marathon, but was shortened to 75 hours this year to accommodate another competition held on the heels of this prestigious event. While the tournament sought to attract up to 30 teams, 20 were registered in advance of the start date.
One team unfortunately had to drop out at the last minute, leaving 19 experienced angling teams of three or more fishermen, to compete for the top awards and some serious bragging rights by the time the event actually got underway.
The competition began with the all-important PEG drawing on Saturday, the 26th of July, at the Ole Smokehouse, in Madrid, NY, with an excellent BBQ, served buffet style by the Smokehouse. Their outdoor pavilion was just the right size to accommodate the over 50 guests, all present for the drawing.
The 2025 St Lawrence Carp Marathon, spectacular views were spiritual each evening
Ole Smoke house was the host of the PEG draw and the start of the weekend
A great BBQ spread was served up by the Ole Smokehouse staff
Each team was called up to blind draw two PEG locations. One was to be chosen or both could be declined and any team.
Declining the initial draw meant being sent to the end of the line for a secondary draw session. Once the second draw took place, one choice had to be made and that location was final, non-negotiable.
The smartest teams all scouted the PEG locations within 48 hours of the tournament start. This was a big factor for top teams as some PEG locations offered a better opportunity to land fish than others. All of the PEG locations were clearly marked by lawn signs and small, numbered flags.
Each spot fishing sites were recently mowed with brush removed to give anglers fair access to the shore line. Also temporary out-houses were strategically placed to accommodate the teams.
A fine array of swag awaiting winners who placed well
A serious amount of advanced planning and execution was put into the formation of this competition. This was the first year of Abby McNamara taking the lead position in running the event.
She’s been in and around it most of her life. Her Mom, Jo Ann Roberts, has been deeply involved in running the St. Lawrence International Junior Carp tournament for kids since 2007, so Abby had great guidance in the execution of this year’s event.
– Abby McNamara, of NY, took the lead as the event director and coordinator. This was her first year as the central figure, responsible for literally everything, and she handled it well
This was an enormous undertaking to coordinate everything between the event and the teams, many from out of state and even international competitors.
Assigning PEG Marshals, un-announced visits, and being on call 24 hours a day to weigh and sign off on catches – this took quite the effort by the event staff, as well as the anglers. No finer sight to see than a Fish On, with a buddy at the ready with a net
The actual fishing in the mighty St Lawrence River was a great learning experience for first timers, who have never fished big, open-water, rivers before. Six ounce weights, or more, were not uncommon for rigs thrown into the waters. Some PEG locations presented distances in excess of 200 yards, to even begin to reach the edge of the channel! Between the swarms of mosquitos at dusk and the ever present horseflies; fishing 24 hours a day for three days, this was no challenge for the faint of heart.
– The moment every carp angler waits for, the fish safely entering the net as the capture takes place. All fish were returned safely back into the waters of the St Lawrence River
Each team was allowed up to 6 rods in the water at any time. No drones, no bait-boats. Any carp caught had to weigh a minimum of 18 pounds, to be counted and added to a team’s “10 pack.” A team could claim up to ten fish, all must be live when weighed in by an official Marshal.
Despite the fact that this was a tournament engaged in by many veteran carp anglers, well-funded and eager to do well, not every team who entered placed on the leader-board. The 18 pound minimum meant some teams did not register find the score board despite landing multiple fish.
A kiss goodbye for a finned friend, by Michael Gurrola, of NY
St Lawrence Carp Marathon 2O25
THE WINNING TEAMS WERE AS FOLLOWS:
1st Place - Team Power Play with 187 lbs
2nd Place - We Like Em Big with 182 lbs 6 oz
3rd Place - Bubba’s Hawg Bait with 176 lbs 11 oz
4th Place - Proline with 169 lbs 8 oz
5th Place - JT’s Pig Sticker with 166 lbs 12 oz
6th Place - Polonia Carp Team with 165 lbs 6 oz
There was a tie for “Big Fish,” at 29 lbs by Team Power Play and Team High Hopes
While team St. Lawrence had the biggest mirror carp at 16 lbs 4 oz
The post event awards ceremony was held at Howie’s Bar, in Ogdensburg, NY, and was attended by many of the fishing competitors. A 50/50 raffle and Prize Raffle was held as well as a BBQ Chicken feast, with all the fix’ns.
The St Lawrence Carp Marathon 2025 event promotions would like to thank Wild Carp Club, Big Carp Tackle , Bob Giordano & the Jay W. Foster 6 Pack Throwdown, CarpAngler.com, Carp Bait USA, Carp Slayer Flavors, Carpy Commando, Strike Fear Bait, Carp Maxx, One on Baits, Howland Pump, Shawn Rafter and the Old Smokehouse for the use of their pavillion.
And of course a very special thanks to Abby’s mom Jo Ann Roberts. Jo Ann helped Abby organize and run her first adult tournament and everyone agreed it was a great success!
Dates for the St. Lawrence Carp Marathon 2026 event will be announced soon on their Facebook page.
Anyone who would like more information may contact Abby by email: stlawrencecarpmarathon@gmail.com
Single Hookbait Fishing
Frank Warwick is a name well known for innovation and catching big carp! His captures from big wild waters or small syndicates both in the UK or across Europe are legendary. Frank’s mind is always racing ahead of the field and this creativity has lead him to many novel ideas that have contributed to his incredible success. Over the years Frank has become increasingly recognised for his development of first class hook baits that have resulted in some incredible catches for thousands of carp anglers.
After consulting for some well known bait companies Frank, together with his son Guy, has launched his own range of Frank Warwick hook baits. In just a few short months the results have been nothing short of exceptional!
Big Carp Tackle have secured an exclusive agreement to sell Frank’s new baits here in North America and you can find them on their website.
Frank with a 46lb from his local syndicate water in Cheshire, England
Frank Warwick - Single Hookbait Fishing
I guess my name is kind of synonomous with single hookbait fishing, for years I extolled the virtues of this tactic. This was not at the expense of other tactics but simply as a very usefull alternative to the normal approach of fishing hookbaits over free offerings of one sort or another.
The whole point of this tactic is to take away the carps option of having some kind of choice which is the case when free offerings are introduced. Single hookbaits are a sensible option when time is short and you simply may not have time to sit and wait for the carp to find your baited spot and then hope they are hungry enough to want to eat.
A bright, well flavored single hook bait stands out on its own. So much so that carp will often throw caution to the wind and check it out by sucking it up into their mouth!
The real edge singles have is their versitility! You can “feel out the swim” and cast around until you locate the carp by either getting action or at least a clue via linebites.
This is one hell of a valid tactic when carp are not betraying their presence by showing in one form or another. I could not even begin to tell you how many times my single hookbait tactic has caught me carp on my first visit to new venues both in Summer and Winter.
Guy Warwick found single hook baits to be the answer for overlooked canal fish
I often get asked the question ”Do single hookbaits stop working and blow?” Well based on my findings and experience over the years the simple answer to that is an emphatic NO! They can sometimes slow down a little with overuse, but they will never blow out because a carps whole life is virtually spent encountering and eating single food items.
In this instance a brightly colored and highly flavored, single hookbait will be treated with far less suspicion and might well be picked up more quickly.
For a carp to suddenly stop picking up single bits of food would in effect mean that they have stopped eating altogether!
- Just think about that statement.
When moving towards a baited area a carp still has to make the decision to pick up one of the baits first! This also brings me to another observation that carp very rarely move into the very centre of a baited area and start feeding in the middle. They usualy start on the outer edge and work their way in from there. So baits very carefuly fished on the outer edges are going to be encountered sooner.
Single hookbaits are by no means limited to boilies either for that matter. I have had some lovely results over the years by fishing baits not normally ever used as single hook baits such as Tiger Nuts, Brazil Nuts and even 20ml Halibut Pellets.
The good time for using these kind of hook baits as singles is on waters where you know the carp are either very wary or, as on many USA waters, have rarely or if ever seen a boilie.
One tip that I would offer is that if you have a particular going bait thats being introduced into your chosen venue by a number of fellow anglers, then that bait will also work when used as a single hookbait and fished well away from a baited area on that same venue.
Also dont fall into the trap of thinking that a single hookbait is better fished as a pop up, sometimes it is and sometimes not at all. As a general rule of thumb I use singles popped up on silt, weed or any type or rough ground. Also in the Autumn or early Winter over lake beds that might be covered by sunken leaves from surrounding wooded areas.
I mostly tend to use “Wafters”. These slow sinking hook baits negate the weight of the hook and present like a free offering on the bottom. I probably catch around 3 or 4 times more carp on wafters than popups when I fish them in exactly the same colour and flavour combinations against each other.
North American CARP
My son Guy showing he’s inherited the bait making and catching talents!
In the early days when I first started using single hookbaits I used to be able to get away with murder. I found, from keeping accurate diaries of all capture details, that a popup fished between 6 and 9 inches off the bottom was amazingly effective! In fact substantialy better than the same bait fished from half an inch to three inches off the bottom which is the probably the go to presentation for most folk.
In the early 1980’s I was totaly unafraid to experiment and had no preconceived ideas about what I should or should not use. I still had a fresh uncluttered mind where there were no rules. It was me against the carp and I loved catching them on my terms. If I got results from my personal experiments and lateral thinking then so much the better.
This is very much how carp fishing in North America
is right now especially with so many untapped waters to explore. So why not give single hook baits a go? I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised and above all don’t be afraid to experiment!
Warwick Baits Link: https://bigcarptackle.com/ search?q=warwick+baits
Friends, Fun and Fish Friends, Fun and Fish
Looking back to October, 2012, one would never realize how things in life would change. Browsing through the Internet, YouTube and websites are an adventure in itself. Catching carp was the last thing on my mind in 2012. Yes, I was always told that common carp were trash fish, etc.
We all know the myths that have popped up over the decades. However, October 2012 changed everything. I went from a somewhat neutral attitude to an attitude of not only catching carp but anticipating the next one would be the personal best.
An invitation to meet Willem Van Schalkwyk and his son, Christopher, proved to be the turning point. Willem furnished all the tackle so all I needed was to show up at Kingston, Tennessee. Patience and education went hand in hand as I was shown everything from tackle, pack bait, popups, and nets. It seems that the area below the powerhouse was a draw for carp fishing, even with people from Europe wetting a line there.
By John Torchick
Willem and I have kept in touch from time to time. Recently, Willem and Christopher were reminiscing about that day on the river. Oddly, I had looked at some photos that included that day. I transferred some photos to a thumb drive and sent them to him. It is said that time marches on. Next on the calendar was online conversations with a guy in Georgia.
He made the comment that I would be an interesting person to share some bank time. Barry Shildneck and I made arrangement to fish here in Tennessee.
Both our wives said the same thing, “You don’t know that guy! He might be an axe murderer.” We proved them wrong. Barry and I spent many days together on the waters of Georgia and Tennessee. Sharing the description of Baby Boomers, we would spend hours chatting about the good old days. Subjects went from cars to cartoons on television and the Sunday newspaper. Interspersed in the between was Barry’s times of carp fishing in Pennsylvania.
His knowledge of pack bait, spod mix, and hook baits proved to be what the doctor ordered to catch carp with smallmouth buffalo mixed in.
Mixing those times and Barry’s experiences of carp fishing has been an adhesive that has bonded us over the years that started about 2013 or 2014. But who’s counting?
Next was a meeting during a fish in sponsored by Barry. Time has clouded memory but we figure it was a fish in at Salacoa Creek Park outside of Calhoun, Georgia. It was maybe about 2014 or 2015 but again, who’s counting?
What counts is the results of that meeting has also forged a friendship that has kept us in touch and spending time on the bank. Briefly, Tony is an interesting fellow with his experiences as a teacher spent in places as Germany and Yugoslavia.
His background of growing up in England widens the scope of carp fishing plus other species found in that country. I had never heard of match fishing, float fishing, feeder cages, pole fishing to name a few.
Tony has never hesitated to share his vast knowledge of carp fishing. His patience with me knows no ends. Fishing with light rods and line the diameter of sewing thread and tiny hooks that would be used for trout flies drew my attention. Yes, his methods of catching fish make me think he just has me along to net his fish.
I find it hard to look at the number of people that has crossed my path over the years by carp fishing. However, I must add one other person to the list. He isn’t necessarily connected to carp fishing but Anthony Joslin came into the picture with his wife, Shana.
We have fished together a few times but what brought us together was their little princess, Josie. Seeing my nine grandkids and a great grandson grow up, I share in the joy the proud parents of Josie from a tiny little lady to one who has captured a lot of hearts.
I know, I have mentioned food. It’s hard not to gather with friends on the bank and not have some sort of sustenance to fuel the body so big fish can be hooked, played and landed in a net. Pick a food group or any type of food you can name and it has appeared on the ice chest or kit bag.
Even at that, potato chips, sodas, filet mignon, champagne or caviar are nothing compared to the friendships that bring all carp anglers together to chat, share and fish.
Paste - a Good Idea
By Barry Shildneck
In early October, I posted my thoughts on the CAG Facebook page about some improvised boilie flavor ingredients that I wanted to try. Iain, our President suggested that I try using paste (boilie dough that has not yet been rolled or cooked) as an alternative until I find the best flavor combination. That seemed like a great idea, especially since I began my carping journey 65 years ago, fishing mostly with doughballs.
I made two small (one egg) batches, one paste, the other rolled as boilies and cooked. The main flavor ingredients were (a) a can of tuna in oil, to which I mixed in some sesame oil, and (b) a combination of various “fruity” liquids (strawberry, raspberry, grape, cherry, etc.). My objective was to mimic some “Tuna & Tutti-Fruity” boilies from an overseas supplier that a friend had been using quite successfully -- without me dealing with the delay and expense of importing. Besides, I’ve always enjoyed making my own baits.
My baggie of “paste”
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of fishing with Tony Locke for two days on a river in Tennessee, where we go several times every year. Tony said he had fished there recently and had some decent results on halibut pellets. I figured the fish might also respond to my tuna flavored baits, so I took the paste along to try it out.
I fished a number of different baits - corn, worms, a “corn-worm cocktail”, corn puffs, Kix, and yes -the paste. Fishing those with a cage feeder mix of 50% ground up bread plus a few other goodies, I caught a variety of fish (several sunfish, a catfish, redhorse sucker, a few carp, and numerous smallmouth buffs). I also hooked and lost several good fish that pulled me into snags, and one absolute screamer that pulled the hook on its initial run.
While I did catch fish on each of those baits, my two largest fish -- a buff of nearly 20 pounds, and a “low double” common -- both bit on the paste. In fact, the paste proved to be one of my three most successful baits overall. The paste, along with plain puffs and flavored Kix, accounted for at least 3/4 of all my bites over the two days.
We were fishing from a very rocky shoreline, near a concrete launching ramp.
For the safety of the fish, it was necessary to unhook and release our fish while they were still in the water, so it was nearly impossible to take photos. I apologize for the quality of the two fish pictures I took. For the same reason, I only weighed one fish, the biggest buff, which weighed 20-3, still in the net.
By my standards I was pleased with the action and the number of fish I caught. Of course - as usual - Tony out fished me - probably by a margin of three to one.
Now to get back on the topic of “paste” -at first, I wasn’t crazy about the “feel” of the paste when I was molding it around the hook, so I tried putting a single Kix on the hook shank and wrapped the paste around it -- which made the presentation a lot more stable.
Kix cereal can also be used to secure the paste
Then my mind started working, and I devised a similar - but slightly different - approach. I fabricated a sort of “hair rig” - but in the place of the ‘hair’ I tied a small (1/4”) plastic bead tightly to the back of the shank of the hook. That provided an even better, more stable surface to hold the paste than I achieved using the Kix approach. (see pics).
Using a bead or ‘kix’ on the hook to attach the paste
Home Made Cage Feeders
I was also using homemade cage feeders, constructed with “Plastic Canvas” - aka craft mesh -and “Fuzzy Sticks”aka pipe cleaners - from Walmart’s craft section. I get 18 feeders from one sheet of mesh (6 to a pack for about $3) and 3 feeders per fuzzy stick (25 to a pack for $2.50). Of course, you need to attach a sinker (type and size depends on your fishing situation). The cost per feeder is less than a dime, PLUS the cost of the sinker used. I believe that long ago someone posted that idea on the CAG website in the members only tackle section, so I do not claim any credit for it. (see pics). I’ve found it to be a good (and inexpensive) option, especially in low-current situations.
Finished cage feeder
The basic materials
Plastic Canvas or Mesh from Art Store and Fuzzy Sticks
Cut a Mesh strip
Mesh rolled and held with a ‘fuzzy stick’
Finish the rig with a barrel swivel and a lead
Historic Moment for U.S. Carp Anglers – Carp Angler Becomes America’s First Carp Tackle Brand!
Two years ago, we set out on a mission not just to build a brand, but to forge a movement. We dared to dream that American carp anglers deserved a tackle company of their own. Today, that dream is no longer just a vision, it’s history in the making Carp Angler proudly stands as the FIRST American Carp Tackle Brand, a title earned through dedication, resilience, and the unwavering support of anglers like YOU
This isn’t just about us
This is about every American carp angler who stood up for this sport, who refused to be ignored, who took pride in their craft and helped push carp fishing forward in the U S From our customers to our partners and even to our competitors who pushed us to work harder: “We thank you”! You built this We just delivered
And what a delivery it is! Over 200 new products released all at once, on top of what we’ve already crafted, proving that American carp fishing is no afterthought; it’s a force to be reckoned with. This is only the beginning.
More innovation, more gear, and more history-making moments are on the way!
As we write this with goosebumps, we stand proud, side by side with you, we with the anglers who made this possible Here’s to Carp Angler
Here’s to every American carper And here’s to the next chapter in this incredible journey
The first The foundation The future
Carp Angler - The First American Carp Tackle Brand!
#CarpAngler #AmericanCarpFishing #WeMadeHistory #FirstOfMany
FROM BANK TO BREAKTHROUGH
The Story of Hiper Fishing
Some anglers are born with a rod in their hands — I’m definitely one of them. Whether it’s chasing carp in quiet freshwater dams or exploring new waters, fishing has always been my passion. Sharing that passion with my son has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and it’s a big part of why I created Hiper Fishing.
My love for fishing isn’t limited to product development; I thrive on competitive angling as well.
My fishing career began as a teenager, fishing club events with my dad in South Africa. In 1999 I decided to fish more seriously and quickly became involved at the provincial (state) level.
By 2014 I was invited to join the elite Pro-Mania group of anglers, and by 2016—just before moving to the United States—I ranked in the top 10. After relocating to Texas, I continued competing and, in 2017, teamed up with my father to fish the Austin Team Championship (ATC), where we placed in the top five.
Today, I’m a proud member and president of the Stallions Freshwater Angling Club, where we fish once a month and share the bank with other passionate anglers.
I also compete internationally, including the B.A.T.T. competition in Australia, where in March 2025 my partner and I were leading the tournament before having to leave two days early due to a family emergency, ultimately finishing 3rd overall.
I started experimenting with attractions, feeds, and flavor combinations back in 2020, testing what worked best on the water and refining every formula.
By 2024, I decided it was time to share these products with anglers across the USA, combining years of experience with a commitment to quality, innovation, and practical design.
One of the most unique things we’ve developed isn’t even our flavors and feed— it’s our custom tackle boxes.
Inspired by the classic wooden boxes I grew up with in South Africa, we set out to create something lighter, more versatile, and tailored to the needs of modern anglers.
The result is a rugged, highly adaptable box that keeps gear organized and ready for action, whether you’re fishing a local freshwater dam or competing internationally. Its thoughtful design allows anglers to arrange their tackle in a way that suits their style
and preferences, making every session more efficient and enjoyable. It’s a piece of gear that reflects years of fishing experience and a commitment to helping anglers get the most out of every day on the water.
When it comes to our attractions and feeds, I honestly believe in every product we make. Each one has its own strengths, and depending on the day and conditions, I’ll choose different blends myself. If I had to pick a few favorites, I’d go with H.T.A., Yellowfish, and Scarlet for dips; Blaster, Bravo, and Traveler for sprays; Wasp, Strawlic, and Boxer for dunkers; and Maxi-Cinnamus or Cookie Flavor for feed. Every product is carefully designed to perform consistently—whether it’s a spray that soaks
into the feed quickly, a powder that creates a thick cloud in the water, or an attraction blend that’s simply irresistible to fish.
For me, fishing has never been just about catching fish. It’s about the moments, the stories, and the gear that makes those moments possible. That’s exactly what Hiper Fishing is all about—helping anglers get the most out of every trip, whether they’re chasing a trophy or simply enjoying the day by the water.
If you’d like to explore our full range of products and see how they can improve your next fishing adventure, visit the Hiper Fishing Store.
Tight lines,
Louie van Beljon Owner & Founder, Hiper Fishing
orientrodsusa@gmail.com
facebook.com/OrientRodsUSA
instagram.com/orientrods.usa
The World of Carp
By Jessica Day
I didn’t start carp fishing with fancy gear or years of experience. In fact, my first lessons came from my neighbor, who told me to try a treble hook with bread… but only after pinching all the barbs down. I spent weeks chasing carp at a local lake, a loaf of bread in hand, making cast after cast.
Every time, I’d end up spooking the fish before they even thought about taking my bait. After countless failed attempts, frustration set in.
I gave up on carp and turned my attention back to catfish and game fish, thinking carp just weren’t for me.
The moment it all began
But life has a funny way of pulling you back in. One hot afternoon, my boyfriend Aidan, his brother Ryan, and I were walking the creek like we always did when we stumbled upon a pond. A man was hooked into something big. Naturally, we tried to act casual, pretending not to stare, but we couldn’t resist. After ten minutes, he was still fighting the fish… and that’s when we noticed he didn’t have a net. Luckily, we did. Offering to help, and the moment I saw that carp up close, everything changed.
I’d seen these massive beauties in the wild before, but never this close.
That single moment lit a fire in me that hasn’t burned out since. That same night, we asked our neighbor Jake to join us, grabbed some sweet corn and tiny circle hooks, and headed to the golf course ponds right in our backyard. It didn’t take long. One by one, we each landed our very first carp. They weren’t giants, but they didn’t need to be. The thrill, the fight, the raw experience, it was unforgettable. From that night on, we were hooked.
From simple setups to serious obsession
We went from fishing just five feet off the bank with one can of corn and a single circle hook… to hauling buckets of corn to chum the water, buying carp specific gear, and sitting for days in miserable weather. Sometimes catching nothing, just for the chance at “the big one.” Carp fishing quickly became more than a hobby. It became a lifestyle.
Discovering new water
Of course, it hasn’t been easy. Where we live, the waters are pressured both by anglers and boaters. Finding quiet spots where carp hold has become a challenge. But those challenges shaped us into the anglers we are today. 3 years ago, determined to find new water, we set off on our bikes with rods strapped to our backs.
After days of scouting miles of river, we finally discovered a choke point, a stretch where the carp couldn’t escape, but the current kept the water alive. It wasn’t long before we each landed fish we now call our personal bests! Those moments didn’t come easy. They came through trial, error, patience, and carving out our own path in a crowded fishing world.
More than just fishing
Looking back, I see how far we’ve come. From bread on a barbless treble to traveling miles in search of trophy fish, carp fishing has taught us persistence, creativity, and resilience.
Advice for beginners
To the younger anglers out there, don’t be afraid to start small. Don’t get discouraged by blank sessions or tough days.
Carp fishing isn’t about instant results. It’s about the journey, the laughs with friends, the early mornings, the heart pounding runs, and the satisfaction of outsmarting one of the hardest fish to catch.
Carp fishing gave me a passion I never expected, and it continues to shape who I am today. If you’re on the fence, grab a rod, a can of corn, and give it a shot. You might just find, like I did, that one fish is all it takes to hook you for life.
Honorable mention
Of course this wouldn’t have been possible without Aidan Fioravanti, Ryan Curran, Jake Hoy, and all other family/ friends along the way.
