Angler: Nicole Wiggins
Type: Common
Weight: 19 lb
Date: July 2004
Location: Private lake, OH

Nicole Wiggins of Ohio recently landed this catch, her new PB at a local private lake here in Ohio. It was a very awesome looking common of 19lbs caught on hair rigged maize with a pop. Hope to land a 40 out of here soon, of which they do exist!

Dave Burge with a 43 lb 8 oz'r

Dave Burge never posted this fish from Santee 43.8oz. So I thought it was time. As I took the pics I got a 41.5oz the following week. Definitely a different fish, Daves had a mark on it. Does not show up on the pic but was there. Daves fish was very thick in shoulders. I never like to keep any fish out of the water for too much posing so we got her back in a soon a spossible. . He is now down in Aussie land and will be carping down there.

Nigel

"mnfisherman" in November

Angler: Kyle
Age: 14
Type: Common
Weight: 11 lb
Date: Nov 15, 2003
Location: Missippi River, MN

Last night I made some ground bait out of instant oatmeal and chocolate/corn syrup. I tried it today after the oats had absorbed the chocolate and corn syrup. I found out it is a bad pack bait because it doesn't break so I put it on a method feeder and put 4 pieces of scopex pescavia on the hair with a very short leader. I casted out and launched out some balls of it while I was waiting. I soon had a run but it wasn't hook that well and I soon lost it. I re-baited and casted out again. After a little while I had another run and hooked it good. I landed it and weighed it and it was a nice 7 pounder. I ran out of the chocolate oats after that because I didn't make much since I was mainly testing it but I did bring some ground bait that I had make earlier. I put some of that on the feeder and casted out again. I had another run and caught a tiny 4 pounder. Still fun though. I didn't bother to take a picture of the 4 pounder.

I casted out again and had a run. It felt like a pretty good size one, maybe 10 pounds but it soon came off. I then reeled in and rebaited and casted out again. About 10 minutes after I had a big run and set the hook. I felt much bigger than the last two. After about 2 or 3 minutes I got him close to shore. I then netted him with one hand and held the rod with the other. I weighed him and he was 11 pounds. I had him in the net and he jumped out so I dove into the freezing water and scooped him up with the net! aI didn't even think about it I just jumped in because I had not yet had a picture with him. Don't worry, I didn't injure the fish. I then took a picture and released it and then went home and took a warm shower because I was FREEZING!

I now know for sure that I like the method and will use it more often from now on. It was about 40 F outside and the water was much colder and I've heard that the fishing is really slow in colder water. I had a total of 5 runs and I landed 3 of them. If this is slow I wonder how I'll do next spring and summer!

Joe Baker's new personal best

Angler: Joe Baker
Type: Common
Weight: 24 lb
Date: Nov 2003
Location: Merrimack River

CARPKNIGHT's new personal best Mirror

Angler: Bob Simard III
Type: Mirror
Weight: 16 lb
Date: Nov 2003
Location: Merrimack River

while fishing the massachusetts fishin i chose a small swim tucked tight in two over hanging trees. the river was high so my baits were pushed into the tree on the downstream side. no more than 20 minutes into the start i hooked into this beautiful 16 pound near fully scaled mirror. there was nobody close to me so i laid myself onto the bank with my top half in the water and bear hugged this hog. my first fish of the day and my new pb. thanks for the nice pic scott....

Lake Storey Fish In on Columbus Day weekend

The 3 day camping and fishing turned out great. The weater cooperated greatly but the fishing was slow. Bill Hodge and Jim Bounds was there for all 3 days. Monty Mittleman and Dave Moran showed up Sunday. They did not have a take. Jim managed to pull in a beutiful 27 pounder on Sunday. Bill landed a 30 pounder Saturday. Bill also had a 23 and 17 lb. also. Jim managed an 11 and 12 lb. Jim lost a very large fish on Monday morning about 1:30 A.M. and another one About Noon Monday. we also had some nice channel cats. All who thought about attending and did not you missed a great time.
Bill Hodge IL Chair

Lake Storey Group (sans Jim Bounds...photographer)

Jim Bounds 26lb 12oz

Bill Hodge 30

Bill Hodge 24

Jim Bounds 11

Bill Hodge 17

First mirror from Kingfisher

Angler: Lowell King
Type: Mirror
Weight: ~5 lb
Date: November 2, 2003

I caught my first Mirror today! What a thrill. It isn't a big fish (c. 5lbs.), but definately a pretty one. I have long been admiring the Mirrors posted by others, and have been eagerly awaiting one of my own.

Caught on bolt rigged boiled field corn w/ pop. All the carp that I catch in this specific small lake are very golden in color. Perhaps some of their food sources are high in carotene? This lake is fed by a spring creek, that contains a large population of "scuds", which are a small shrimp like critter. These scuds are an important part of the diet in the resident trout in the creek, and I have heard that they are responsible for the trouts brilliant color. Perhaps the carp are inhaling alot of these while feeding on the bottom?

A very happy Kingfisher

Latest Mirror from NJ

Angler: Bill Dowler
Type: Mirror
Weight: 20 lb
Date: Nov 2003

Caught on a 20 mm Dairy Ice Cream Boilie from the Boile Shop. Not a PB unfortunately. My best mirror in the States is a tad over 24 pounds. Still like to see a nice mirror every now and again though

"kelticarper's" new personal best

Angler: Val Grimley
Type: Common
Weight: 29 lb 8 oz
Date: Oct 2003
Bait: Tiger nut/maize combo
Location: CT River

Hi Guys, hopefully I've attached a picture of my new PB of 29 1/2 lbs. It was caught in the Ct River on tiger/maize combo while fishing the method!
all the best Val G

From the Monogahela River

Angler: "Stripped"
Type: Common
Date: Oct 2003
Bait: Twizzler piece
Location: Monogahela River

Caught this carp the other day on a hair rigged peice of twizzler not sure of the weight b/c I didnt have a scale.The Fish hit about 7:35 am in the morning it was a sunny day. Sorry about the quality of the

Carped a lake in Michigan this weekend (Oct 11-12)

Had a great time carpin with CrappieLooker this weekend up in Michigan...we were joined by a local CAG member, Trevor, and 2 of his co-workers. Saturday was kind of slow...think the water was too calm and the sun too bright with CrappieLooker catching the only fish of the day....a nice 18 lbr too.

Being that I was fishing again sunday...threw out about 10 baseball size balls of Buckeye Blend...to get the fish ready for sunday morning. The park closes at 7 pm so I went and got a KFC dinner and motel room...and watched the OSU game...that's another subject.

Sunday morning dawned rainy...but, was projected to clear off so at 7:30 it was off to the lake again. Got there around 8 am and as I was setting up, Trevor showed up to chit chat for awhile; he had a 10 am commitment (frizbee golf in high winds) and couldn't fish...Thanks Trevor...enjoyed the chat.

Anywho.....started slow again...as in no bites etc...then around 11 am things started going rather well....by 5 pm quittin time (4 hr drive home) and out of Buckeye Blend....I'd managed 12 nice carp...all doubles...most were high doubles...very healthy fish. My two largest were 19 and a 22 lb 12 oz that is shown below

The lake is very zebra mussel infested and also very rocky....so broke out a rod pod that's just great in those conditions...keeps the rod tips high (as much line out of the water and off the bottom as possible). Great for bankfishing rivers too so that you can keep a lot of line out of the current.

Also, to not have an Alum Creek repeat (zebra cut-offs)...added an additional safety by using a 25' snag leader of 30 lb test Trilene XT. Between the pod and snag leader....went 12 for 12 on the fish...no cut offs.

Anywho.....fantastic weekend...great company and super fishing...definately on my list of lakes to try again. Thanks AK and Trevor. If you'd like to see some other photos click here.. You don't have to sign in...just click the pic when you get to the site. Good carpin all...see ya on the bank.

One closing shot of the lake after I set up on saturday morning...

"Buckeye" Bob Bernowski

"Hollywood" somewhere in England

Angler: Sean "Hollywood" Manning
Weight: 45 lb 10 oz
Location: "somewhere in England"
Date: 2003
Home: Los Angeles, CA

biggun coming in..

biggun at the net..

Just wanted to share a few pics with you all from one of my trips this year......picked this one up somewhere in England on a 2 foot gravel patch at 60 yards

The how................ I had just 12 hours in a 20 acre lake with no previous knowledge whatsoever of the place. Possible 20 swims, narrowed it down to 2 from watching the water and knowing that the weather was going to change from stinking hot to light showers and breeze. I was hoping that the fish would be moving to the deeper water.

Couldn't decide between the 2 so I tossed a coin.....something inside said to disagree with the outcome of the coin toss and I made the choice to stay in the far swim.

Took a marker rod and spent an hour or so leading around with that in the North East corner of the lake (where the chosen swim was) as the weather had just broken.

Found one large gravel bar at 80 yards and plonked a bait on there, stuck one in the margins with a PVA bag and spent an additional 1 1/2 hours trying to find something for the LH rod. Found one very small patch of gravel ,slightly raised about 2 foot square at the most. Baited up with 80, 20mm boilies tight to the marker, must have completely covered the patch then cast a line aligner with 2 20mm boilies popped up just off on the left hand side edge of the freebies. Was hoping that this would attract the attention of one of the larger residents.......

Nash Fang size 4, Mantis gold as a hooklength. Boilies were...............

Rod was in and wasn't moved for 12 hours......something said to leave it........5.30am next morning....off she goes with a slow steady run.

20 Minutes later..............one very happy Angler !

....she didn't have a name but judging by some of the comments from the owner that..... "there have been guys after that fish for 5 years (largest in the lake)!!!" and I fly in for an overnighter etc etc...I'm sure that its now swimming around with an identity necklace that says something like......Goldenbollocks

Best
Sean

"Hawgmaster" on Santee Cooper Lakes

I fished in the Santee Cooper Lakes last week and didi pretty good. I caught 12 grass carp from 20 lb. to 40 lb. and I caught 3 common carp from 24 lb. to 29 lb. You have to fish from a boat in most parts of the lake because of the gators and swampy conditions, we did how ever find a little island that had a nice sandy beach to fish from. Check out the pics.................Todd

with the 29 lb common

Here is the 40 lb. grassy

"Carpaholic" in PA

Hi all -

Here's an update from PA. I joined CAG members Wayne Martin, Bill Dowler and Duncan at a private PA water. Results for the weekend were 29 fish. All but one were larger than 15 lbs. Duncan broke into the 30 plus club with a new pb 30 lb 4 oz beauty. Here's Duncan's fish:

Here's Wayne with an upper double

Me with an upper double

The happy crew

Ovid R.: Junior Big Fish Award Winner

Angler: Ovid R.
Weight: 31 lb 4 oz lb
Location: St. Lawrence River, NY
Date: August 23, 2003
Home: New York

Congratulations to Ovid on his CAG Junior Big Fish Award win!

Carpaholic - Post CCC at the Lakefront: Lake Michigan

Angler: Brian "Carpaholic" Nordberg
Weight: 14 lb
Location: Montrose Harbor, Chicago
Date: September 28, 2003
Rig: Hair rigged maize
Time: ~ 6:00 PM

Angler: Brian "Carpaholic" Nordberg
Weight: 26 lb 8 oz
Location: Montrose Harbor, Chicago
Date: September 28, 2003
Rig: Hair rigged maize dipped in Wacker Baits Obsession
Time: 8:30 PM

Hi all -

I'm just back from the CCC. What a wonderful event. Many thanks to Bill Hodge and all the others who helped make the event such a success.

For me, one of the real draws of participating in the CCC is the chance to fish the harbors of Lake Michigan in the days following the tournament. In years past, they have always managed to produce multiple twenties and an occaisional thirty.

This year was tough. A major cold front moved through and the fish were very tight lipped. Paul Wells had baited heavily in Montrose harbor, so I decided to give it a try. For various reasons, I made a late start around noon. I was pleased to run into Matthias Baltin, a local Chicago area carper. We fished together through the afternoon. The fish just were not cooperating. Matthias left around 4 PM but was kind enough to lend me his brolly. It was a good thing too, because several more waves of rain passed through the area later that evening.

Around 6 PM, I had my first run which resulted in a fat and sassy 14 lber. About an hour later a lean 10 lber found its way into my net. Pleased to have avoided a blank, I considered fishing a couple more hours and leaving at 9 PM. I am happy I stayed. About 8:30 my right bite alarm awoke from its slumber. As I lifted the rod and slowly reapplied the drag, a powerful fish did it's best to wrench the rod from my hands. After the initial run, the fish put up a dogged fight staying well deep and out of sight. Quite a crowd of salmon fishers gathered to witness what could put such a bend in my rod. Eventually, the submarine surfaced and was brought into my net. It ended up weighing 26 lb 8 oz. To date this is my best fish from the Chicago area.

The big one was taken on hair rigged maize dipped in Wacker Baits Obsession. I was using a method mix comprized of Buckeye Blend (BTW, way to go Bob!), Pakka Pellets, and a generic ground bait mix I bought off Paul at the maize boil. The mix was moistened with the maize boil water and a generous amount of Obsession for carp. Special thanks also go to Paul for hosting the maize boil party, for donating so many wonderful prizes and raffle items, and for being an all around nice guy.

I was also very impressed with the Corn Pellets donated by Alex. I'll look up his website and post it soon. I caught 3 or 4 of the 5 fish on a PVA bag with these corn pellets and a Mistral Isotonic Rose Hip pop up anchored about 1.5 inches off the bottom. The baby corn pellets really seemed to draw the fish. Only problem was I ran out before the session was over. I will definetly be looking for more. They smell like crushed frito's (corn chips) that have been pelletized. All of the CCC participants received a bag of the pellets and 3 bags of boilies thanks to Alex. Bill tells me Alex's company donated 1600 lbs of carp bait. It came on a pallet stacked very high. Thanks to Alex.

Brian's Montrose Harbor setup, Chicago

Jim Pomponio with a 32.5 lber

Angler: Jim Pomponio
Type: Common
Weight: 32.5 lb.
Length: 39 inches
Date: June 2003, AM
Bait: My Uncle Johnny's special cornmeal dough
Location: Candlewood Lake, New Fairfield, CT
Home: Danbury, CT

"Kingfisher" on Lake Ontario

Angler: Lowell King
Type: Common
Weight: mid twenties
Date: Sept 2003
Bait: Sweet corn
Location: Lake Ontario

Here is a nice late September Lake Ontario Common. Did not have the scale with me, but I estimate the weight to be in the mid-twenties. Picture is a little unclear, it did not scan well. I caught this fish on a 7 foot med. Ugly Stick with a Spirex reel spooled with 10 lb. test mono. The bait of choice was popped up sweet corn. It did fight well, especially on the light equipment.

Kingfisher

"big Raymie's" wife with a 20

A nice 20, now shes after her first thirty.
I guess im gonna have to fish every weekend :)

"KrisKarp's" son John

Angler: John Ford
Type: Mirror
Weight: 27 lb
Date: Sept 2003
Location: Linear Fisheries Oxford, UK

Well my son John (21) and I finally had our weekend away, Friday night through Monday at Linear Fisheries Oxford. Fishing was tough (too hot!) but we managed a few between us, mostly off the top.

John capped the trip with a new PB Fully Scaled Mirror of 27lbs. Didn't he do well?

"Hollywood's" father Bryan with a new PB

Angler: Bryan Manning
Type: Mirror
Weight: 13 lb
Location: Fenland fisheries in Earith, UK

Please see below a picture of my dear dad Bryan with his new PB. I introduced him the hair rig and PVA bag and his fishing will never be the same again !! He was well chuffed with this beatiful English mirror at just over 13 pounds - weighed and witnessed by myself...

Best
Sean Manning

"Carpaholic's" Personal Best

Angler: Brian "Carpaholic" Nordberg
Weight: 39 lb 8 oz (oh so close!)
Location: Town Lake, Austin TX
Date: November 22, 2001 (Thanksgiving holiday)
Rig: Hair rigged maize with a breadcrumb based method mix
Time: about 7:30 AM

Earlier in the year, David Moore and by his invitation myself had realized the potential of Town Lake. During our first session, we had broken the State record no less than 5 times. By years end, the reputation of Town Lake as a big fish water, was firmly established. A few of the guys planned a trip during the week leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. I had original travelled the 210 mile distance to join them on the weekend of Nov 16 - 18. Unfortunately, Al St Cyr had a family emergency. Since I had driven him to Austin, he needed me to drive him back to Dallas immediately. We had only had our lines in the water for about an hour when the bad news came. On a positive note, while I was packing my gear for the return trip, Al caught a then personal best 32 lb common. Weeks of planning and anticipation were now thrown out the window.

In case I was not feeling badly enough, I received daily updates from the guys that stayed on. During the week numerous thirties were caught as well as the lake's first forty which fell to Mike Winstone. I must have looked quite pitiful, because my wife volunteered to let me skip visiting relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday. So I headed back down the road after work on Wednesday evening. Upon arriving, I baited up with about half a bucket of prepared maize. A Cobra throwing spoon was sufficient to get large quantities of maize out about 15 to 20 yards. The fish come in quite close to shore during darkness and early morning. I put out the hookbaits and fell asleep. Even in late November, the leaves were still green and the air quite comfortable.

Around 7:30 AM, I had my first take of the session. I gently lifted into a real lump. The fish made a determined run away from shore and toward the channel. There was not much I could do to stop it aside from applying continued and constant resistance. After taking more than 30 yds of line, the fish stopped. It almost felt as though it was weeded up, but after a few seconds it began to kite off to the left. As the swim was fairly unobstructed, I allowed the fish to do as it pleased. Eventually it reversed course and headed back to the right. After about 10 minutes, I was able to draw the fish in close. I knew it was likely a personal best and began to hope that the hook would not pull. The fish held quite deep. Occaisionally, a swish of its unseen tail would send boiles of water toward the surface, but try as I may it stayed deep and out of sight. After what seemed an eterenity, but was likely about 5 minutes, The fish surfaced almost directly under my rod tip. With net in one hand and rod in the other I managed to reach out the net and to draw the fish over the end chord in one motion.

As I reached down to grasp the mesh and lift the fish out of the water, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned my head to see Al St Cyr approaching. As he arrived, he asked the fisherman's question. I replied by lifting the mesh enveloped fish up and onto my unhooking mat. We both knelt and stared at the massive fish resting on the mat. Without a single blemish, the fish looked as if it were the definition of a common carp, its size however being quite un-common. Since that capture, there have been more than a dozen forties taken. I have yet to catch one, but the memory of this fish and the anticipation of one even larger keeps me going back.

Some T-Lake Beauties..

"ultimatejon" - Jon Greenwood with a stunning common - low 30's

Tal and Tim with a brace ~35 lb and 38 lb respectively..

Stillwater MN Mini Fish-In..

Angler: Jim Collins
Type: Common
Weight: 19 pounds
Date: 9-7-03
Bait: Boilie
Location: Stillwater, MN
Home: Princeton

There is a legend told in Stillwater Minnesota about two divers, hired to check the footings of the lift bridge on the St. Croix River, who disturbed a large carp. It is said that the fish was so big the divers never went into the water again...

Hi all,

A small group of people met in Stillwater, MN this past weekend for a little St Croix carp fishing. Here's what happened:

I arrived at 7:30 to find someone already fishing. I approached and politely asked what he’s fishing for?

His reply "Carp".

Carp?? I was pleased to hear this. I have rarely met many anglers fishing for carp let alone willing to admit it. I introduced myself and we talked a while about our experiences fishing. His name was Wayne and he was here to meet Carpbobber, Who was planning to be there around 8:00. It turned out they both had fished this place before. We talked about where the good spots were and what had worked in the past for them (bread). Wayne’s rig was simple, bread fished free line. I had decided before I came that this would be a "fun trip" and wouldn't put much thought into bait or location. I simply wanted to catch some fish, BS with the locals, and maybe get some attention for the CAG. I set up two rods. One baited with corn, the other a boilie (both tutti-frutti flavored). Bobber arrived at eight. He planed to fish with bread and set up down stream from me.

At 8:40 Wayne got the first fish, a three pound carp. 10:15, fish number 2. He doses it again, this time a 6 pound fish. 5 minute’s later another 6 pound fish. Things were looking up. Bobber, seeing Wayne’s success, moves next to him. I thought maybe I should move but decide to stay. I still have confidence in my location and bait. It was only a matter of time.

10:40 my alarm sounds. It's the boilie! I lift the rod and feel a nice fish pulling on the other end. After a good fight the 11 pound common comes to the net. We took a few pictures and let it go. I wasn't expecting to catch much on the boilie’s. I was sure corn would out fish boilie’s any day.

Around 11:00 Wayne had to leave. He had a prior engagement, something about football? (Who wants to watch football when you could fish?) Before he left he gave me his secret bait, Wonder bread. His parting words “this bait is only good for Carp, not sandwiches, Carp! I was glad I met him.

Bobber moved to the swim next to me so it would be easer to talk. He switched to his secret bait, one I am unable to reveal here, and started getting twitches immediately. 12:20 the boilie took off again, this time a 10lb fish. I hadn’t had a nibble on the corn yet. I was puzzled; usually this is the best bait? What was going on?

Next Bobber hooked and landed a four and a half pound carp on his secret bait. Now, I have to tell you. Carpbobber and I have fished together three times and he hasn’t caught a fish yet. Till this moment I had doubts he ever would. He on the other hand felt I was a jinx. After that fish Bobber began to get take after take but was plagued by missed sets and hook pulls. In the meantime I land another five pound common on a boilie. Then Bobber hooked a good one, but the line broke. Is the jinx over? I don’t want to think about it.

The corn had done nothing, so I decided to move it to another location and got a fish right away. It put up a good fight but just as it came to the surface the hook pulled. I told Bobber it had to be 30 pounds but I don’t think he believed me. 20 minuets later the corn produced a 6 pound fish. Looks like moving was the right choice.

4:10 my alarm sounded a good take on the boilie. I lifted the rod into a nice fish and began the best fight of the day. Instead of coming toward shore the fish decided to head out into the river. This had to be a big one. I took my time I didn’t want to loose it this was the one we had been waiting for. As I played the fish a large group of onlookers began to gather around us. They wanted to see the battle between man and fish. Throughout the day people passing by would watch as we landed fish but this was getting more attention especially the longer it took. Eventually the fish came closer to shore and surfaced. It had to be twenty pounds!! Another role and I noticed the leader was tangled around the lead!! I slowly and carefully played the fish to the net, didn’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on the line. The crowd was amazed and gave us a standing ovation. We weighed it, only 19 pounds; still it was a good fight. Some quick photos and back to the river to fight another day.

Bobber and I decided we couldn’t top that so we called it a day. We had a good day fishing, met lots of people and brought a little attention to the Carp Anglers Group. Next year I hope more Carp anglers come to Stillwater to enjoy this great sport.

Tight lines,

Jim C.

"Ermghoti's" PB from '01 - compare to Siamond's PB in '03

Angler: Eric Muse
Weight: 24lb 9oz
Date: ?, 2001
Location: Merrimack River, Massachusetts
Bait: canned corn, flavored with stawberry soda and hotsauce, fished on a hair, popped up with black foam, on an 8" leader. Oatmeal based packbait around sinker.
Tackle: Predator rod with baitcaster, 15 lb test Big Game

"ukcarperinusa" - 30 lb. 1 oz.

Angler: Karl Haymer
Type: Common
Weight: 30lb 01oz
Date: Sept 6th 2003
Bait: Popped Up Maize
Location: Santee Lakes
Home: Southern California

"ukcarperinusa" - 32 lb. 13 oz.

Angler: Karl Haymer
Type: Common
Weight: 32lb 13oz
Date: Sept 6th 2003
Bait: Undisclosed
Location: Santee Lakes
Home: Southern California

Gratuitous Non-carp CAG-wear Cool Shot ;o)

I know it's not really Carp related but I managed to catch my first shark this week while on vacation at Myrtle Beach , South Carolina. I sure wished I could have done some Carpin' down there but could not find an available venue close to where we were staying. Anyways , here's me and my 1st shark - I know she's no Jaws but pulled like hell from the surf! BTW - check out the shirt -

MRDOUGHBALL

"ctcarpers's" 32 lb PB - CT

Angler: Mike Dragone (CT)
Type: Common
Weight: 32lbs, 0oz
Date: May 2003
Bait: Strawberry Jam boilie
Location: Lisbon, NY
Home: Bethel, CT

In May 03, four of the Northeast CAG chairmen drove up to the St. Lawrence, 3 of us for our first time. With some advice form Scott O, and with some previous experience from Fran Slasinski,

we found a deep water location holding some huge pre-spawn fish. We split up into 3 swims & threw out some bait. Within an hour the bite was on especially in the swim where Paul Nevadomski & I had set up. For the next 4-5 hours we barely had time to sit down between runs, with the fish banging the baits furiously. It was a memorable day, with even a couple of heavy doubleheaders to make it interesting. I tied my PB of 32.0 which I had only set the day before, with a fish taken on 3 year old strawberry boilies - thus the swim named "strawberry fields".

"RoughFisherman's" Mille Lacs catch - MN

Angler: Jim Collins
Type: Common
Weight: 13 pounds
Date: August 10, 2003
Bait: Corn
Location: Mille Lacs, MN
Home: Princeton, MN

I went to Mille-lacs this past weekend. My wifes family was having a reunion at Fishers Resort on the north east side of the lake. So, I thought it would be a good time to try for some of those big carp I am always hearing about.

I've seen the lake before but I was compleatly overwhelmed by the size. At first I wasn't sure where to go? The lake has a featureless flat only 3 to 5 feet deep all along the shoreline. The only structure

was a channel used by the boats to get out to deeper water. While this seemed to be the best spot to fish I felt that the boat traffic would interfere to much. I decided to fish by our cabin on the flats.

On Friday after our arrival I baited a spot about 70 yards from shore. I figured the carp would cruse the shoreline in surch of food and find my baited area. I then went on a launch in surch of Walleye. I'd fish the spot in the morning.

Saturday morning at 6am I started fishing but by 10:00 I had to stop. So I baited more I would try again in the evening. I spent the rest of the day at the reunion. At 7pm I returned to the spot and set out my bait. Once again, nothing not even a twitch . No fish rolling or jumping. At 11:00 I was getting worried!! Should I move? I'd spent so much time and energy on this spot it had to pay off. I'd give it another hour.

Unfortunately I fell asleep and didn't wake until 4am. Now I was desperate!! I only had 5 hours of fishing left. Should I stay or move? I decided to take the chance and move to the channel.

No time now for heavy baiting. Just a couple of pouches of corn. Set my bait and hope for the best.

At 6am the alarm sounded "a drop-back" then nothing. I checked my line. Covered with weeds you know the kind the ones that cover the botom of lakes with that green carpet. Thick goo, probably a couple inches thick. What to do? I tried again. The same thing a couple twiches, thick green weeds.

I had to change somthing. The fish were there!! I think they were getting spooked by the hook getting caught in the weeds. I tried a lighter weight, after all I wasn't going for distance only about 20 feet.

While I waited I tied a new rig. I used about a foot and a half of braid(Merlin) and a one ounce weight (home made bell sinker). Up to this point I had been using a pop-up rig (3 peaces of corn and foam) so I decided to take out the foam. I thought if I could get the bait to land just right it would just lay on top of the weeds. I tied it on and set it out.

I checked my watch 8:00. I had to stop at 9. At 8:15 The alarm went off. A drop-back. DAMN!! Wait the fish still had it. I lifted the rod off its rests slowley. Didn't want to spook it. Pull back... The fish was hooked.

After a good battle I landed a nice 13ld carp. Though It wasn't the largest I have ever caught, I was the happiest angler on the lake. Took several pics and released the fish. Quick look at my watch, 9:00, I guess I was done.

I cant wait till the next reunion.

Siamond's 2003 PB - MA

Angler: Jerome Moisand
Type: Common
Weight: 29 pounds
Date: July 20, 2003
Bait: Whole kernel corn
Location: Charles River in Boston

Well, pictures speak more than words...

Here is the beauty I caught today with a LOT of help from Scott & Bob...

Yep, 29 pounds.... Which improves my PB of last Friday (19.5) by almost 10 pounds! WHHHOOOAAAHHH!

Ok, can't resist... Another one... I tell you, these guys made my day (... week! .... month! .... year!)

Bob got up at 1AM, and starting to chum the spot at 2AM, would you believe it?

Scott... well... knows exactly where to go and what to do, you just close your eyes, do what he says, and bang! Your new PB (by far!) is there...

Siamond's 2002 PB - MA

Angler: Jerome Moisand
Type: Common
Weight: 18, 10, 9 pounds
Date: 2002
Bait: Whole kernel corn
Location: Charles River in Boston

Maybe I'll get some criticism by posting this picture & story, but please consider that I'm on a learning curve... Which was undoubtedly steep end of last year...

I was fishing the Charles River in Boston. Always impresses me to fish right in front of the MIT...

One rod started to scream, I set the hook, the fish was pulling real hard. While I was battling with it, another rod started to scream! Arrg. So I clumsily hooked the 2nd fish, didn't feel big, so I put the rod on the ground under my right foot and continued to play the biggie. Guess what? My third rod started to scream! Well, I hooked it, and put the rod under my left foot... So here I was, playing a biggie (well in my standards), plus two other rods jerking around. What's next?

The big one started to wear out and I wanted to land it. Except that I couldn't move my feet plus I couldn't make the fish fit in the (not so big) net. I slipped on the wet rocks in front of me and nearly took a dive in the Charles... I frantically restored a vertical position, blocked the two other rods again, and finally landed the first fish. Which was thrown to the bank in a rather careless way, I have to admit. After that, landing the two others was a breeze. They were tired and ended up in the net in one swoop! 10 lb and 9 lb, they weren't that small!

What totally amazes me in retrospect, is that the 3 lines didn't tangle... It's nice I was using mono (not braid) at this time.

So 18+10+9 = 37 lbs of fish. And the 18 was my PB of the year...

I tell you, I will not forget this fishing story any time soon...

PS. yes, they all made it safe to the water. After a few pictures though...

Young TJ with a 19 lber - MD

Angler: TJ Robinson
Type: Common
Weight: 19 pounds

Here's a not so clear pic of my son Tj - was 6 years old at the time . He loves to catch Carp as much as playing video games. Here's his PB of 19# caught on his own with a little coaching from dad. I can't wait for him to break this PB. He still gets excited catching all the fish that are willing to participate. My daughter doesn't like to fish very much any more. Yuk! she says.

Miguel's new PB - NJ

Angler: Miguel
Type: Common
Weight: 31+ pounds
Date: 2003
Bait: Crawfish Boilie
Location: Weequahic park, Newark, NJ

my pb 31+ caught after work on a " crawfish " boilie Weequahic park, Newark NJ

Miso Ohio's new PB - OH

Angler: "Miso Ohio"
Type: Common
Weight: 25 pounds
Date: August 9, 2003
Bait:
Location: Lake "CFD"

Granted this is not as impressive as the 30 Lber (Nice Fish) but it is my new PB that I got 08/09/03 and I am proud of it. The background had been modified to protect the location, the story and more pictures including an 18 and 20 Lber are on display in the Ohio Valley under the two posts relating to lake CFD. It is a 25 Lb Mirror, a real fat fish caught in the Ohio area over the weekend from a swim that has been giving up 20 Lb+ fish every time we go there. That 30 Lber is coming any day now.

Carpknight's 30.8 PB - NY

Angler: Bob Simard III
Type: Common
Weight: 30.8 pounds
Date: July ?, 2003
Bait: Sweet Corn
Location: Hudson River, Troy New York

Caught her at 11:30 pm while fishing for cats. heard a few large splashes down stream. after Scott O. told me several times to put out a rod for carp, i finally decided to put out one rod down stream with sweet corn. 15 minutes i was running 10 yards down stream to a screaming bite alarm and hooked my new pb. Thanks scott.

Sask's Second Carp - CAN

Angler: Rick Mullins
Type: Common
Weight: 15 lb (pb 16.5)
Date: May 2000
Bait: Worm, Chumed with hemp, Trotted under a peacock quill float.
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Home: Regina, SK

My second ever carp.

Had to put this on here.

CAG's Paul Pezalla - Winner of the 2003 Mississippi River Carp Festival!

Angler: Paul Pezalla
Type: Common
Weight: 18.72 lbs
Date: June 21, 2003
Bait: Pakka Pellets/Anise Pescaviva
Location: Missippi River, Coon Rapids, MN
Home: Oak Park, IL

"Paul Pezalla of the Carp Anglers Group won first place at the annual Mississippi River Carp Festival, June 21 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

Paul's carp weighed in at 18.72 pounds. He won a Crestliner boat, motor and trailer.

In photo 1 he is pictured with his carp. In photo 2, he is being interviewed by local celebrity reporter R.J. Fritz of WCCO TV. His interview is scheduled to be broadcast on RJ's show, "Out 'N About" in August."

Nancy Lauseng
Public Relations Specialist
Three Rivers Park District, formerly Hennepin Parks

David Moore: We fished right of where we were set up Friday. To my amazment people set up in the spot we baited up Friday caught nothing?

Pezalla "nordberged" me!!.. So not only am I a great carp guide it appears I'm also Psychic!!..

Call 1-800 BIG CARP for carp guide tips and your future in carp fishing!!...

Congrats to Paul he landed every fish he hooked 4 I think? Myself on the other hand ?/ I'm a complete NODDY.. I had 9 runs and and lost 5!!..just one of those days. I did manage a fish at the final buzzer to slide into 5th place.

..well Geraldo, it was like this..

Paul Pezalla: David did set up things nicely for the two of us. It paid off a little better for me (first place) than it did for him (5th place) but even that is a good showing considering the number of anglers.

In Minnesota, one can only fish with a single rod but I had two set up and alternated between them. One with Buckeye Blend on a method feeder and Tutti Frutti Pescaviva corn on the hair. The other with a PVA bag of Pakka Pellets, Anise Pescaviva and a Partridge plastic corn on the hair. The winning fish hit the Pakka Pellets/Anise Pescaviva. This is a combination that has been great for me the last few months.

The winning fish was 18.72 lbs, second place was 18.65 and third was about 18.25. Very tight for the top three. I won a Crestlinner boat, 9.9hp Merc and trailer. Not too usefull for a bank angler so I cut a deal and took a little cash instead. Taking my wife out in a few minutes to buy a new dishwasher with the money. I must be a nicer guy than anybody ever thought.

It was a nice event, give it a shot next year if you are in the area.

Paul Pezalla

DeanO with his first 20 lber

Angler: Dean O
Type: Common
Weight: 21 lb 12 oz
Date: June 13, 2003
Bait: Pineapple & banana boilie
Location: Douglas State Fishing Lake
Home: Topeka, KS

"First official 20 lb-eeeeeeer"

Conditions: Temperature: 74 Clarity: Lake level: 3.5 feet low
Lake level: 1.5 feet below full pool.
Lake temperature: 74 degrees.
Turbidity: Visibility 26 inches.
Fish attractors: Operating at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Andy Dyson with the now official 2003 Big Fish

Angler: Andy Dyson
Type: Common
Weight: 42 lbs 2 oz
Date: April 2003
Bait: Mistral Fruit Burst boilie
Location: Town Lake, Austin-TX
Home: UK

New 2003 Big Fish Award winner!

Mike Winstone from Houston, TX, 40 pounds 10 ounces

Enríquo and Missy Hernandez at Townlake, Austin, TX 2002

Enríquo with a 37.9 lb Townlake biggie..

..topped by Missy's 40!

We left for Austin around midnight(Thurs)in a monsoon. At around 5am the rain subsided and our first lines went out (Fri). Before I could put the 3rd pole in the water, the first pole was already screaming. My take was that we were fishing post spawn conditions and that the fish may be HUNGRY. The first fish landed was a 13.13. So, I started to think that we'd catch a lot of fish, but they would be relatively smaller. An hour later one of my poles started screaming. Forgetting that the dock was saturated, due to the rain, I hurried for my pole, fell on the back of my neck, knocked over my Maize-soak, and kicked 1/4th of my Maize into the water. : ( On top of that, I missed the fish.

Putting the mishap behind me the next fish landed was a 32.0(new PB). By 2:30pm we were getting runs every 2-3mins(basically All Twenties). 3pm came and my Bolt Rig was working to perfection, except that it Bolted a Hook into my pinky all the way to the Bone. I still caught 2 more Twenties, but decided that the pain was too bad to fish with a hook in my finger. Thus, I went to the Emergency Room leaving poor Missy by her little lonesome.

Three hours later I returned and she was frantic. I asked what's wrong, and she said "I've got a 40, I've got a 40!!!" I looked in the sack and was amazed by the size of the fish....I couldn't believe that it was JUST a 40. Oh well, it's a 40 Never the less and her new PB/BFC. Through Saturday the daytime events slowed, but I did manage to catch my new PB of 37.9. All in all, we had a wonderful session which makes me so eager to go back.

Enríquo Hernandez
Lewisville Carp & Buffalo Club VP

We were looking for a winter venue and after a short search we found it. Sean and I started feeding in late December and started fishing in early January. One session produced four nice 20's and Sean's beautiful 33lb 4oz common. Now I needed a 30 and the coming weekend was Sean's B-day and we decided to pull an all nighter rather than go out drinking. So I whipped up my favorite particle blend, birdseed, maize, hemp(thanks Ray) and Van Den Eynde big fish additive and fished SBS boilies and maize hook bait over it. This resulted in a new PB 32lb mirror for me, and Raymond a 27 lb 8oz PB common.In total 40 fish between us. Not bad for February eh! Cheers Alex.

37 pound carp by Mike M. (14 years old) caught in Town Lake, Texas in Febuary 2002, now entered into the BFC award for Kids

Keith Thompson and his 43 Pound 12 oz entry into the 2001 North American Big Fish Award

2001 15 year old David DePeau and his 34

Scott Osmond with a 44lb 14oz new PB Town l. Austin TX. 39.5" long x 32" girth

Vinny "Carpfreak" Jeffreys' second 40+ in 2 days at an impressive 42lb 8oz! Bear in mind Vinny stands 6'5" tall

2001 North American Jr. Big Fish Award Winner Rusty B. with His New PB
of 27 Pounds caught in the Potomac River