Crowing Over Carp

Widely respected specimen carp angler and author Simon Crow has caught carp from over 400 different waters in seven countries. With an overseas personal best of 86 lb 8 oz and a UK PB of 56 lb 12 oz, the Avid Carp and DNA Baits angling consultant shows no signs of slowing down, always seeking to catch quality carp. Here’s an insight into how he goes about catching the big ’uns while still making the time for other passions in his life.

- Simon Crow

ALTHOUGH I caught my first carp when I was ten, in 1980, I didn’t become a regular carp angler until around 1986.

I don’t have an addictive personality, as I’m very strong-minded, but if there’s anything I’m addicted to, it’s carp fishing. I love being outdoors and on the bank, fishing for what I consider to be the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in the UK.

I probably average three nights a week on the bank.

As regards other passions, I love sports, especially running and keeping fit. I’ve had a go at most sports down the years, in my younger years loving cricket and boxing. As I’ve aged, I now enjoy running, especially marathons.

I’ve entered several of the ‘majors’ with my girlfriend, Lucy, including Berlin, New York and Chicago, my best time being 3 hours 14 minutes.

I’d love to break the three-hour barrier, and will continue to try my hardest, though it is getting harder the older I get.

How do I combine the two? I’m fortunate in that I have lots of energy. I’ve always been the same, struggling to sit down and do nothing, as I soon get bored.

I run six days a week most weeks, leaving my long runs until Sunday, when I’m usually not fishing. I fit running around fishing, by studying the best bite times and working out when I’ve got little chance of catching anything. I always have my running gear with me, and I have no problem about washing myself in the lake, cleaning myself before getting the rods back out.

After going through a divorce 20 years ago, I’ve learned the lesson of not taking the pi** with the other half.