Catching a 50lb carp in the UK is a major achievement, but catching two within hours of each other is incredibly rare. Now, imagine how unbelievable it is for one angler to do this with two ghost carp. This particular strain, more commonly seen in ornamental ponds, isn’t stocked in many lakes, and it’s even more unusual for them to reach this size, let alone for two of them to be caught in the same session.
Mark Caddy was the angler who experienced this remarkable occurrence, fishing at the aptly named Spooky Pool in Cornwall, he landed the enormous ghost carp, the biggest brace we can ever recall being caught.
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"I had booked a three day session at a tricky lake in Cornwall. With only 18 fish in total, it can make the fishing tough at times, but that’s part of the enjoyment," Mark told us.
"The two biggest fish in the lake are over 50lb, and I didn’t think for one minute I’d catch one of them especially after the owner told us they don’t come out very often," he added.
The first 24 hours were very slow for Mark, with nothing to report, but he remained confident in his approach. Opting for an ever-faithful Spinner rig in conjunction with Parker Baits boilies and house pellets, Mark was hopeful that the fish would start feeding at some point during his session.
"Thankfully, on the second day, my rod ripped off and, after a good battle, the biggest fish in the lake was in my net. I couldn’t believe what had happened, it was huge!"
"The fish weighed 53lb 3oz. I couldn’t believe I had a UK 50 on the bank you always imagine it happening, but never think it will."
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"Unbelievably, after putting that fish back, my alarm burst into life again, and before long the second-biggest fish in the lake was in my net," he recalled.
"After returning the fish, I just sat back and tried to comprehend what had happened. A brace of UK 50's is something I couldn’t have dreamed of and for it to happen so quickly made for a session I will never forget!"
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