Here's our Steve with his first carp in hand. Many of you south coast flatfish exthusiasts will remember the legendary Bert Waller. Charter skippers in Weymouth were always happy when Bert was on their boat as they knew there was a very good chance of being top boat that day with Bert showing the way. Steve fished for many years and is an outstanding all round angler, especially at flatties and turbot in particular. He is also an amazing carp angler with a deep knowledge of the rigs and methods. Steve is constantly refining and adjusting his tackle and modifying his various baits whilat waiting for that next run on the Shimano Baitrunners. It's quite an education to sit with him and watch the meticulous attention to detail that goes on...he certainly works hard and deserves his every fish.
Geoff, our Guide, is getting Steve into lifejacket. Steve's fish has hurtled off to the furthest reaches of the lake and turned left. There's no way of dragging it back so the answer is to get into the lake and follow it. A powerful fish will easily tow an angler under.....
...so, with Geoff behind to steady our intrepid angler, Steve sets off to track the fish down the lake. In fact, on this occasion, it turned out to be a 100lb+ mekong catfish but another angler had hooked it. The mekong had powered its way down on eend of the lake, picked Steve's gear up and then shot off down the other end.
It is hard to overstate the care that is lavished on these fish. If you look at this carp's mouth you will see that it is unmarked and, as the fish is lifted for the photo (below) you will see that it is in superb condition.
Before being released the fish is carefully inspected and sprayed to ensure it remains in tip top condition....
...and they don't get any better condition than this!
Steve was delighted to land a fine redtail
And another superb carp to round off an 11 fish tally during our wonderful stay at Gillhams.
Steve and Geoff became the best of pals by the end of or short visit........!!!!!!!
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