Carp Fishing By Captain Vinny Samways
The AGC Carp Fishing Group has gone from strength to strength in 2022. Fishing has fast become a popular escape from the routine pressures that life can present thus improving overall mental well-being.
T
here are many factors that influence and shape success; knowledge of the lake, an understanding of how fish react to different weather conditions, bait selection and how it is presented. A knowledge of fish care is hugely important to protect these magnificent creatures. Competing in pairs also demands teamwork and careful planning to maximise the chances of catching more fish than your fellow competitors. The physical element should not be underestimated – weather conditions can be harsh and deploying 10kg of bait accurately onto a carefully located patch of gravel (for example) no larger than 1m2 at a range of 100 yards using just a fishing rod is hard graft and demands acute accuracy!
The AGC Carp Fishing Group’s mission is first and foremost to have fun and, through Qualifying Events (QEs), select anglers that will deliver success at the Inter-Corps Carp Championships (ICCC) and Army Carp Championships (ACC). The season sees the opportunity to compete in QEs, which shapes selection through a league table. 2022 saw some excellent individual performances with Major Steve Runciman winning QE1, Captain Neil Smith QE2 and Corporal Steve Hack winning QE3.
Corporal Steve Hack with the biggest fish of QE3 at Norton Disney (28lb 8oz).
Several things conspired against us this year for both the ICCC and ACC. We fielded a team of 3 (normally 6) for the ICCC – Staff Sergeant Chris Hancock, Private Mick Parkinson and Private Mick Stanley. Despite huge efforts the team did not manage to deliver a strong result for the AGC. The ACC saw Major Steve Runciman and Private Mick Parkinson represent the Corps and despite arriving the afternoon before the start and some preparation both anglers ended up on the bottom half of the lake. Despite trying several tactics, they were unable to ‘catch’. 20 anglers took part and only 5 caught. It was a great learning experience and Private Mick Parkinson, being the Corps Coach, will use his experience on both events to coach the team going forward.
Some of the competitors at QE2 at Barston Lakes in the Midlands.
The golden thread that runs through the AGC Carp Group is a desire for relaxed (but competitive) fishing and an opportunity to develop skills. Anyone can join the group regardless of prior knowledge or experience. There is a genuine appetite to share knowledge and learn from each other. The events are competitive but fun.
Major Steve Runciman with the biggest fish of QE1 at Acorn Fisheries (23lb 6oz).
Captain Neil Smith with one of the 29 fish that he caught on QE2 at Barston Lakes.
What lies ahead for 2023 is an equally jam packed and exciting series of events thanks to the continued funding support via an AGC Fraternal Grant. Currently two QEs are confirmed; Barston Lakes (Midlands) 3 - 5 Mar and Linear Fisheries (Oxfordshire) 5 - 7 Apr and two more will be confirmed shortly. The aim is to have an enjoyable but competitive series of QEs to shape the team for success.
If you wish to try it out contact vinny.
samways890@mod.gov.uk or join the AGC Carp Fishing Group on Facebook.
AGC JOURNAL 2022 115
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