november-2026-big-carp-part-1 - Flipbook - Page 121
BIG CARP / ON THE WATER
NOVEMBER 2026
SMALL TAIL
FROM THE WATER
A couple of days passed and I wanted to get back. After leaving work
early, I walked the lake and quickly found what I was looking for: fish
showing over the spot where I had seen them that morning.
I tied a couple of rigs and deployed two yellow pop-ups, with a light
scattering of bait over each rod. Later that evening, a good friend joined
me and we had a small social, talking about some of the special carp that
live in the lake.
The night passed, but during the morning cup of tea the left-hand rod
pulled up tight. After a slow, deep battle, she was sulking in the bottom
of my net. I knew instantly which fish it was and gave a little shout:
"Small Tail!"
With such a special carp, I did not want to take any photographs on that
bank. We weighed her quickly and she spun the scales to 43lb 2oz - a
new personal best common. We got her straight back into the water for
a few water shots before sending her on her way.
I fished a couple more nights that spring without further luck, but I will
be back in the autumn for another go. Watch this space.
BIG CARP
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