World Carp Classic - Offical Global Website
Lake Bolsena 3rd - 9th September 2012

The history books of carp fishing are due a change, by catching or being part responsible in any way shape or form for the New World Record Carp would be a sight for sore eyes and it is true what they say “you have got to be in it to win it”. We are unsure as to it being a common or a mirror but information is such that I could not ignore nor let this chance of a life time go begging. The temperature of Spain’s land mass is such that science suggests it could be home to Europe’s biggest freshwater Carp, clouded somewhat by the press of French carp captures I was happy to put reputations on the line place a sportsman’s bet on that this is where the next New World Record Carp will be released if caught.

There is little known about the secrets to some very special venues but experience and contacts suggest that The western region bordering Portugal is Spain’s best chance of producing a new world record carp or even two. Fishing adventures in the harshest region of Spain are not for the feint hearted, the virgin carp in these lakes are some of the most powerful ever played on rod and line, likened to that in power of Ebro Catfish. Steeped in local fishing history several venues have produced mirror carp to near 90lbs with rumours of slightly bigger.

With a large head of 70lb common carp locally, I am set to have a bat at understanding the best areas known by some of our new home grown guides which give the best chance of hooking a previously uncaught record fish of monstrous proportions. Those that are due out to fish will just bring a sleeping bag and a terminal tackle box for rig making as it is ensured that all relevant fishing paperwork, essential fishing tackle and equipment to catch and best look after these true specimen fish is provided. Spaces and opportunity was limited due to the diary and with nearly a full winter of fishing ahead starting in my birthday month of October, next year’s diary of 2010 is starting to look a very busy year of fishing.

The thought of leaving my new sleepy Spanish town in the middle of nowhere was hard, my journey by road was long so the day before due departure I donned my favourite fishing attire in celebration, an outfit intended for the match until I proceeded to spill half an evenings meal down its front! So that’s one set less of items in the suitcase as loading the car with all my kit was fun to say the least but the checklist was ticks all the way down and on driving away I left behind one of those people you’d miss the most.  

After a trailer load of incoming calls and as many emails, it was agreed and set in stone to entertain a group of fish enthusiasts from the deepest of Southern America. They were noodler’s intent on securing probably the first Wels catfish with bare hand, a task that I initially thought would be amusing to see a grown man get beat up by a 150lb catfish and in reality a challenge well worth seeing. Previous best fish for these Americans are small in comparison to the Wels catfish that live in the Ebro at Mequinenza and are of a size we would deem as child fish. Never the less, air tickets from across the pond saw the local Hotel as base for a wide eyed film crew. We battled long and hard, not only with nearly every river feature but also some fish which should make for some interesting television, I will get some more details via email but keep those mince pies peeled for a programme called “Hooked” on the National Geographic Channel in the months to come.

With the Americans well on the way to Barcelona, I was nervous but ready in setting off for the next instalment of fishing fun. I’ve got the satellite navigation unit in position and have just one port of call in Luxemburg to pick up a boat worthy of the match before arriving at Lac Madine about ten days before the starting whistle.

The match preparation has given me a new found fishing enthusiasm and returning from the match I will be eager to get stuck into a months Ebro hauling before starting a winter’s specimen carp and barbel campaign in Extremadura. I’m looking forward now in catching up with some fishing chums at the match and meeting some new like minded fishing enthusiasts. I wish all taking part in this year’s World Carp Classic the very best of luck and hope the event is action packed with lots of big carp fun and smiling faces.

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