“Chasing the Elusive: My Quest for a 30+ Common Carp”

Introduction: Embarking on a journey filled with dedication and passion, Richard shares his quest for a 30+ common carp. Over several years, he faces challenges, celebrates victories, and learns valuable lessons. Join him on this angling adventure as he documents each chapter of his pursuit, capturing the essence of patience, determination, and the thrill of achieving a personal goal.

Part 1 (2013): Setting the stage for his ambitious goal, Richard introduces a match lake that harbors impressive common carp. Despite its match lake status, the waters hide true giants, reaching nearly 40 pounds. Richard outlines his strategy for dealing with the lake’s abundance of smaller carp, emphasizing the use of 20mm double-up boilies on a blowback rig. The plan involves baiting with 12mm tuna and spice boilies to attract both small and big fish, creating an opportunity to secure the coveted 30+ common.

Part 2 (2013): With reduced fishing opportunities due to work and family commitments, Richard narrows his focus to a reservoir holding promising common carp, including a significant specimen. His persistence pays off as he lands his first big common, weighing in at an impressive 28lb 12oz. Though just shy of the 30+ goal, the catch reignites Richard’s determination and leaves him eagerly anticipating future encounters with these elusive giants.

Part 3 (2014) Update: Reflecting on the past two years of concentrated efforts on a single water, Richard decides to expand his horizons by exploring additional waters. A new syndicate becomes his primary fishing ground for the next six months. With hopes of spotting fish during lunch hours and strategic pre-baiting, Richard diversifies his approach to increase the chances of reaching his goal.

Part 4 (2014) Update: As winter approaches, Richard faces the challenge of navigating a syndicate that closes for the season. Undeterred, he returns to a local water closer to his work, aiming for productive lunchtime sessions. The prospect of a better winter than the last fuels his excitement, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing conditions and seizing every fishing opportunity.

Part 5 (2015): After years of persistence, Richard achieves a significant milestone in his quest for a 30+ common carp. A 32lb 12oz beast succumbs to his well-placed 14mm pop-up and a small PVA bag filled with broken boilies and groundbait. The joy of the catch is amplified by sharing the moment with his daughter, who captures the essence of “Daddy’s fish” through her budding photography skills.

Part 6 (2015): As Richard experiences the rapid succession of 30lb+ common carp captures, he realizes the fulfillment of his long-standing quest. The journey that started with a passionate goal concludes with a series of triumphant moments, marking a chapter in his angling endeavors.

Conclusion: “Chasing the Elusive: My Quest for a 30+ Common Carp” is a testament to the dedication and resilience of an angler pursuing a specific goal. Richard’s narrative unfolds with each catch, creating a captivating story that resonates with fellow fishing enthusiasts. Whether facing setbacks or celebrating victories, Richard’s journey serves as inspiration for those who dare to dream big in the realm of carp fishing.

May your lines stay tight and your dreams reel in, Richard