Well-known Surrey-based Godalming Angling Society believe someone is cutting the parts of the tails off their carp in their famous Broadwater Lake. Several fish have been caught from Broadwater with this damage and it is thought it might also have happened at Johnson’s Lake. The practice of cutting sections off fins to aid future recognition was witnessed on the continent, mainly perpetrated by a few Dutch anglers, in the early 1990’s - although after vociferous and widespread condemnation it ceased.

Goldalming AS have put a notice on the website stating that anyone found carrying out this barbaric practice will face a life ban and possible legal action - amazingly the club suffered a similar occurrence about 30-years ago and managed to apprehend those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to ring club officials on one of the following numbers: 01483 422791 or 01483 424796.

Carp Life by Mike Willmott

This hardback book is an exceptionally well written account of Mike Willmott’s carp fishing life. The Essential Baits proprietor gives a comical introduction of how he became a fisherman and later an avid carp angler. He offers a detailed account of his magical days at Ashlea Pool, inspirational times at Frampton Court and setting off to find unknown waters around the continent. Also penned within this book are guest chapters from Jon McAllister and Jim Lightfoot.

With humour throughout this is simply one of the best reads of the 21st

century as far as I’m concerned. At just over 300 pages Carp Life contains lots of quality photographs and excellent illustrations. Available from the Carp-Talk shop at www.carptalk-shop.co.uk for £24.99 plus £3 p&p.

Ben Wales

First, big cock-up - so big apology for those involved and anyone who noticed. For some reason, totally unknown to any living creature, Kev somehow transposed the winner of the BYCAC from Robert Sutton to John Earle (who actually won one of the qualifiers). To add to this nonsense he also credited Tom Maker (who won another qualifier) with second place when it actually went to Elliot Gray. In mitigation it was spotted on Thursday morning and changed by a member of staff who lives on Planet Earth (unlike his employer).

What else has happened this week. Well, we’ve had no more reports of fish deaths - so there’s some good news at least, hopefully the worst is now past. We’re certainly getting plenty of catch reports coming in and there’s a couple of predictions going round the office that we’re in for a great autumn as the carp get their heads down big style.

Although I don’t personally get involved in the British Young Carpers Angling Competition (although Carp-Talk is one of the main sponsors) my daughter Bev got stuck in, as did Simon Crow and Ben Wales. However, I would like to comment that these type of events are vitally important for the younsters taking part. With all the recent coverage of young males getting involved in gangs, drugs, turf wars, guns and killings, it’s imperative that adults do what they can to disuade youngsters from becoming involved in this lunatic world. Hopefully, events such as these can demonstrate to young males that there is excitement being part of a group without real danger, damage and risks. So a very well done to everyone involved from me personally to the other sponsors: Angling Publications, Fox, Mainline, Korda, Afishionado, Reuben Heaton, Free Spirit and Gold Label Tackle; and all those who were hands-on: Mick Barnes, Austin & Lee Buchan, Kelly & Adam Snowden, Andy Chambers, Ben Jones, Ben Aldred, Alexi Bygrave, John Lilley, Lewis Porter, Pip Dean, Jemima Musson, Ian Chillcott, Tim Paisley, Martin Ford, Paul Musson, Russ Hutchinson, Anthony Fox, Graham Moyle, Harry Charrington and anyone I’ve missed. Events such as the BYCAC might not change the world but they certainly make a difference,

Kev

On a happier note, the prolific Broadwater Lake record was recently equalled with a common of 29lb 8oz by Mark Hancock whilst fishing with his son Alan for perch.

Monk Lakes, near Maidstone, is fishing well. Welling angler Al Green is having a bit of a purple patch taking eight 20s and several doubles in two days. Top fish weighed 27-8, 27-8, 27, 26, 24 and 22lb. They all came from the River Bank Swim from the 10-acre Puma Lake on Poacher Baits Fruit Frenzy. Tony Rathbone also had eight 20s to 26-12 from Puma. Bigger fish have also been coming out of the smaller five acre Mallard Lake with 17-year-old Colin Reeve taking a 34-0 mirror on a Nash Pineapple boilie. Tony Mabb banked a 35-10 and 25-2 on Pro-Active Pineapple whilst Wendy Mabb used the same bait and had mirrors of 30-8 and 29-2. More details on www.monklakes.co.uk.

Moving north to Nar Valley Fisheries, its Lake Geneva produced eight 20’s to four anglers who braved strong winds and rain. The best of the bunch was a superb mirror of 27lb. Up to date info from Colin on 01553 636507.

The Welsh Carp Masters is being held at Celtic Lakes Resort, near Lampeter, Wales, on the 28th to 30th September, 2007. This final is the culmination of many qualifying events held throughout Wales. Celtic Lakes has produced big catches in the past, so it should result in a great competition with plenty of fish being caught. The prize table boasts the largest UK cash prize of £10,001.

The event is being covered by Sky TV but everyone is welcome to visit - you can even bring your tackle and fish some of the other lakes at the venue. Further infomation on 01570 471010 or 01730 711902.

Geezer’s Charity Event has raised over £6800 for Great Ormond Street Children Hospital during the last two years. The event is again being held this weekend - Friday 31st to Sunday 2nd September. The following stars will be appearing - Dave Levy, Lee Jackson, Rob Maylin, Gary Bayes, Pete Castle, Gary Lowe, Derek Ritchie, Phil Harper, Nigel Sharp and Richard Farnan. If you want to fish with one of these stars get bidding on www.specialist-tackle.co.uk.

The event is to take place at the new 22 acre lake on Berwick Ponds, Rainham, Essex. Anyone is welcome to call in on the Saturday to meet the stars and to have a social. There will be a BBQ around 4pm in the afternoon (burgers/hotdogs will be £1-50 and cans of Fosters will be £1). All the money will go to the charity. There will also be a raffle with some major prizes.