Carp anglers are not short of a story or two. But we aren’t just talking about massive fish that may or may not exist, many report having paranormal experiences on the bank too. Here’s five places where it’s not just bite alarms anglers are listening out for in the hours of darkness…
Redmire Pool, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
The altar at which most carp anglers would love to worship this tiny farm pool shaped the history of carp fishing for decades most notably in the 1950’s when it produced British best carp for angling heroes Dick Walker and Chris Yates. Passion For Angling star Chris claims that he has experienced many strange occurrences at the historic three-acre venue, especially when fishing in the ‘Evening Pitch’ swim. “I’ve felt a very strong sense of presence with rapid changes of temperature. Apparently two people committed suicide at the pool. I’ve heard a shout next to me which echoed across the lake, even though I was the only person there, and I’ve seen figures.
Yateley North Lake, Yateley, Berks
It’s not known whether this carp fishing members only lake is haunted but a few years back a regular visitor to the pool laid claim to a chilling experience when he was woken in the middle of the night and then shoved in the back despite being alone and laying more than 2ft from the edge of the bivvy!
Gosfield Place, Halstead, Essex
This day-ticket specimen carp pool was once an old estate from the 18th century and although little remains of the once great house, anglers have often reported a presence while fishing the lake including a sudden chilly pocket of air rising from the ground.
Abbrook Pond, Newton Abbot, Devon
Once a regular haunt of angling legend Dick Walker, this picturesque water run by Exeter Angling Association is steeped in history and has more than its share of mystery.
Not only are there stories of monster pike, catfish and carp being hooked, seen and lost – there are also ghostly tales of anglers feeling as if they are not quite alone when spending a night on the bank here.
Former water manager Kevin Dobson says:
“You need a night permit to fish after dark, which can be a productive bite time. It’s a surreal place to be at night and a couple of experiences have made me wonder if the place is haunted.
"These have included footsteps behind the bivvy late at night and a disappearing man on the bridge over to the island."
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, South Wales
Alongside the carp, Caerphilly Castle is home to the restless spirit of Princess Alice of Angouleme, also known as The Green Lady, who dropped dead with shock after hearing the news that her lover had been executed.
She is now said to haunt the castle as she awaits to be reunited with her lover.
