Getting a start on the Carp League

This is the first full year of the American Carp Society Carp League Competition; and I signed up to compete in the second and third quarters of this year. I thought it might be a bit difficult to be competitive with the typical NEWFishingland Winter and Late Fall... but currently I'm finding "Spring" enough of a challenge!

I have managed one countable fish (over 10lb); last weekend I managed to get myself tied to a short and fat 11 pounder, hooked on the float fished at 40 yds, which was fun. Most of my floatfishing for carp is at fairly close range, so it was great to find a venue where you need to cast a bit to be able to get amongst the fish. This was also my first carp from this new venue; it was "created" last year when the authorities remodeled what was a swamp into a new piece of bank. I'm hoping for great things from this piece of carping real estate in future years.

However, that's been my only bright spot so far this spring; variable temperatures, winds and general lack of rain have upset my plans so far. I'm philosophical though, when everything lines up I just know I'm gonna haul! :o)

Harlequin Egg Flies & Steelhead... and Smallies!

I've been having fun recently with small harlequin egg flies (size 12-14), fished under a float of course; given the opportunity, I always prefer to reject Wisconsin fishing reality and substitute my own version of the fishy universe!

Anyway, I picked up a few of these egg flies from Tight Lines, and although I haven't had too much chance to wear them out, I've caught Steelhead on the couple of opportunities I've had to fish them. It's impossible to be sure, but I had the impression that I was catching fish that had turned up their noses at spawn sacks and other egg imitations.

Last week, I had the opportunity to fish for Smallies in the Wisconsin River, at Mosinee, just a couple of evenings after work. Conditions on the first day were good, and I had a few small Smallies on my usual "float & jig" combinations. On the second evening conditions were ideal, heavy persistent rain! I prefer the old saying, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going", so I wasn't going to let a little moisture put me off... I'm English after all!

Anyway, I really struggled; nothing biting at all. So, always experimenting, I tried one of my harlequin eggs; first run down through a likely looking steady run and the float just disappeared down a big hole in the water. My slightly surprised strike met with stubborn resistance, and in a few minutes a large, fat and very angry Smallie came to the waiting net. Now, I'd been fishing that run for at least 30 minutes, so it's likely that fish had seen a couple of different offerings from me, so why the fascination with a size 12 egg fly? Anyway, it was the only fish that evening, but I was very happy to catch a 5 pounder while experimenting. As I was returning the fish, a guy came up and asked me how I caught it. After showing him my rig, his comment was "I've never read anything about fishing with egg flies for Smallies"; my inevitable comment was "I'm so pleased that fish can't read!"

Tight Lines, and keep on experimenting!

Rules & Entry Form for WI Carp Championship

As promised, here is the link for the 1st WI Carp Championship Rules & Entry Form. If by chance you are struggling to find the document, please respond to this blog with your email address and I'll send it to you.

I'm starting to get excited, as this is the first Tournament of this type in WI; there should be several very experienced catch-and-release Carp Anglers attending from all over the US (hopefully we'll have some International Carp Anglers too!), and the prize-money will make it well worthwhile for anyone here in NEWFishing Land who wants to try their luck at Carp-fishing! Make a note in your diary or calendar; June 16th and 17th, at Jefferson Park in Menasha. You need to register by the end of May, by mailing in your completed entry form and deposit.

If you are thinking about fishing, but not sure if you are at a "competitive catch-and-release carp-fishing level", let me know, and I'll try and offer you some tips and advice on how to catch. Don't worry about me giving any secrets away; I've been asked to help organize the event, so I can't fish anyway!

NewFishing's New Logo?

Hi Folks, I wonder what you think of the New Logo for this site? Thanks Dan, this is a great graphic, you are an artist and a gentleman, sir!

Wisconsin Carp Championship

I'm looking forward to the weather warming up and a new competition in June: This is the first year of The Wisconsin Carp Championship! I've been talking with the American Carp Society for a little while about helping to organize a catch-and-release Carp Competition; and I'm finally getting off my butt and putting it together.

It should be a really fun event, with competitors hopefully from outside the state, as well as us locals of course. I'd like to get a few entrants from outside the US too, fingers crossed that their busy schedules and the rising cost of airfares won't get in the way.

Details for your Diary are:
First Wisconsin Carp Championship - June 16th & 17th, at Jefferson Park, Menasha. Rules and Entry Form from me, just email me and I'll send you a copy. Only Carp and Rough Fish to count (Bowfin and Gar Anglers also welcome!); and we're hoping to keep the administration costs really low, so we can pay out 75%+ of the entry fees as prizes and trophies. Entry fee is $120 per Angler, or $100 if you are a current member of the American Carp Society or Carp Anglers Group; maybe now would be a good time to join? :o) More news as it happens, watch this space or respond to this blog/email me and I'll keep you up to date.