The record for the biggest carp ever caught in an open match at Packington Somers fishery has been smashed.
Fishing a recent event on the midlands venue’s Molands water, angler Gary Lakin hooked into a specimen of 21lb 8oz – the first ever 20lb plus fish to have been caught from the water during a competition.
The carp fell for a popped up bread hookbait fished on the bomb, and tested Gary’s tackle to the limit – but it was well worth the struggle. The bulk of the specimen took Gary’s total weight to a first place 67lb 10oz – 20lb more than the second place weight of 47lb 6oz posted by Max Higgot.
“It was an impressive fish to see in a match and the biggest carp we’ve had for some time out of Molands,” Fishery manager John Burchell who photographed the specimen for Gary told Match Fishing. “We’ve seen a few fish in the past come out in matches at 18 and 19lb, and I think the previous biggest was 19lb 11oz, but I’ve never known another fish of over 20lb caught in a match.
“The carp are really putting on weight now though, so we may be seeing a few more in the near future,” he added.
Gary's 21lb 8oz carp completed a bag of fish for first place in the open.
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