World Carp Classic - Official Global Website
Lake Bolsena 2nd - 8th September 2012

Whenever the World Carp Classic has announced a change in venues it has produced an enthusiastic response, in fact, these moves have certainly generated some of the most exciting moments from an anglers perspective. All of the previous venues have had that same inspirational quality; a combination of the huge, known fish and the massive but mouth-watering, unknown potential of a venue, certain qualities in a venue that anglers across the globe instantly recognise and desire to fish.

Lac de Madine, the very first venue we used was still an unknown quantity back in 1998, but it totally captured the imagination of everyone and inspired thoughts of huge uncaught monsters. Next up was Lac Amance, which too aroused such emotions, and amid suppressed reports of the captures of 70lb plus fish it had quietly gained a reputation for its potential to be a true big fish venue. Likewise, when the event moved once more to Lac d’Orient - which still possesses that mystical quality that has long attracted big fish anglers from all over the world to her banks – the announcement was without doubt one that conjured up dreams of huge carp.

It is clear that nothing stirs the emotions of a carp angler more than a new challenge and we all aspire to catch fish from inspirational venues. For many of us the venue is all important, it’s not just about the size of the fish, it’s where we catch them that makes them special fish. With that firmly in mind, the magnificent Lago di Bolsena in Italy, the venue for the World Carp Classic 2012, has yet again stirred these emotions.

Located in central Italy, 136 km northwest of Rome, Bolsena is a crater lake of volcanic origin covering an area of 115 sq km (44 sq miles) with a circumference of 43km (28 miles). Interestingly, Lake Bolsena, which is said to be the cleanest in Europe, displays tide-like movements called ‘sessa’, with the difference between low and high tides being as much as 50cm (20 inches)… something to be considered when setting up a bivvy, perhaps?

There is terrific access to most of the lake with built up roads around a good deal of its perimeter providing direct access to a large proportion of the swims. Many of the swims consist of firm, clean grassy banks and sandy/pebble beaches, and this is the case in most areas being used within the event. The carp are largely commons and they look absolutely stunning. They generally display a very dark colouration from living in the crystal clear waters of Bolsena, and commons don’t come much better than this anywhere!

All in all, the World Carp Classic 2012 is set to be by far the most inspirational yet, and that is no mean feat!