2004 Ohio CAG Buckeye Lake Carp-In

by: Shawn Woerlein, Ohio Chairman

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North American Carp Angler

Traditions are rich in Ohio. Fall Saturday mornings on The Ohio State University campus. Eating at a Skyline Chili or Gold Star Chili before a home Cincinnati Reds baseball game. Making a yearly pilgrimage to the Maumee River in Toledo for the annual spring walleye spawning run. But one tradition sticks out in our minds the most. A very unique one at that, one that is guaranteed not to disappoint: Ohio’s monthly Carp Anglers Group Carp-In complete with a bankside cookout!

The weekend of July 9-11 was Ohio’s 4th carp-in of 2004, and the 6th event of the season. Imagine sitting on the banks of a great lake, greenish-tint in color due to the algae bloom. A gentle breeze blowing, brining the scents of the lake to your senses. All of these fine memories can be attributed to our host: Buckeye Lake State Park.

Upon my arrival late Friday afternoon, much to my surprise were a handful of anglers already set up on the bank. Ak (the world famous “Carppielooker”) was already bivvied up on the bank, and joining him were TimJC, Scott Hollar and sons Tyler and Christopher, Brian Graham and his son Mitchell, and of course Ohio’s carping mascot: Rover, Ak’s Golden Retriever. Of course, myself (Shawn Woerlein) and my cousin Andrew Sands were present as well.

By late evening Friday, Dave Cochran from Southern Ohio arrived to take in his second carp-in of 2004. Friday turned out to be fairly slow fishing wise for most anglers, with the exception of Brian and his son Mitchell. By daybreak Saturday, the two of them had landed well over 30 carp fishing Meiliebom and dough. Very impressive indeed! Mitchell was fortunate enough to land his first carp ever! Congratulations Mitchell on a job well done! For those who have not seen Brian’s carping setup, it is very unique, but does extremely well!

Mitchell Graham with his first carp

Daybreak was a very cool morning, about ready to give way to a steamy and scortchy day. Although mid 90’s were predicted, this did not deter many from coming out to enjoy the event. Daybreak brought out a few more anglers including Sean “Miso_Ohio” Lehman, Jerome Graham, Michael “Grummy” Grumblatt, Phil Davenport, Danny Frymire and wife, among others. A few fish were caught thruout the day, but not as many as the previous night. Buckeye Lake is generally a night fishing lake in the summertime, and most anglers try to catch a few hours of shut-eye during daylight periods here to prepare for the upcoming night.

Andrew Sands with his first carp on his new carp outfit

The Carp Anglers Group in Ohio is well known, and world famous for our bankside cookouts we prepare at each gathering. This event was not to dissapoint! Our resident carping chef Sean Lehman prepared a fantastic layout of a main course: Terriyaki Chicken Wings, Hot Garlic Chicken Wings, Egg-Boli’s, and Pickled Eggs. For those who do not know what egg-boli’s are (we like to call them egg-boilies), imagine a stromboli without the pizza dough, but an egg wrapper “wrapping” up the ingredients, and deep fried in corn oil until golden brown. Very tasty indeed! As usual, members of the group added side dishes to this wonderful cookout including: potato salad, macaroni salad, toss salad, baked beans, pasta salad, chips and dip, as well as a great selection of soda. Thanks to the members who added to this great feast! Fantastic job by all!

TimJC paying homage to Chef Lehman at the cookout

By late evening Saturday, most anglers were burned to a crisp and exhausted from the intense heat and sunshine during the day’s activities. Saturday night into Sunday morning was received only by “Johnstown” Jon and his son Phil, (who arrived after dark) and Sean Lehman. A few fish were landed after dark, but they cried uncle from the exhaustion and decided to pack up and head for home.

All in all, nearly 80 fish were landed on the weekend, with an average size of 6lbs. Mitchell had the largest fish, and a new PB of 13lbs even. Very few catfish were landed at this event which is very unusual for this venue, especially during daylight hours. For the anglers, we had 18 attend the event with most fishing Friday afternoon through Saturday night.

I want to personally take this opportunity to thank each and every individual in Ohio who participates in these events. Your dedication to the promotion of carping and the safe handling and release of carp is sure to make a change in the future’s “knowledge” of carp angling. These events are very unique on Ohio waters, as well as waters in the entire US, and our DNR holds a great interest in our group and what we do. I encourage all of you to contact your local DNR officer or DNR office and tell them about The Carp Anglers Group. Let them know that carp fishing is a sport which is gaining popularity very quickly, and invite them to fish-in’s or events that you may hold. Promotion of CAG and carp fishing to the public, both official and general, is the key to success in the future.

Contact Shawn Woerlein at email Cell: 1-419-512-6644 or for Ohio events, visit CAG Ohio

More pictures..

Father and son team of Brian and Mitchell with doubles

Scott's son Christopher with a nice common

Scott's son Tyler with a common

Scott and Sons at their swim

Ak doing what he does best

TimJC with a nighttime common