Paul Heseltine this week achieved what few (if any) carp anglers in the UK can boast, a capture of a carp in every 10lb weight range, from singles right to a whopping 70lb.
His final fish to complete the set came on a recent session on the Rosemere syndicate in Cambridgeshire, where he banked the huge mirror known as ‘Harris’ at a colossal 60lb 14oz.
It was the 39-year-old’s third trip back to the syndicate this year, where he had already caught some impressive fish, including a 47lber known as the ‘Long Fish’ on his previous session.
“I was really eager to get down for this trip as I had been prepping two areas on previous sessions,” he told us.
“One area was a swim called ‘Last Resort’ where ‘Harris’ had been caught last year; I was convinced it would fall there again.
“The other spot I baited was in a swim called ‘Cherries’, which is an area that had already done me bites this year.”
Despite his prep work, however, nothing had happened for Paul after two nights in ‘Last Resort’, so he moved to his backup swim ‘Cherries’ for the final night.
This tactical decision proved vital, as he was soon into not one, but two carp, after a savage double take.
“I did not panic, just carried on playing the first fish while the other rod was peeling off line,” Paul said.
“Once the first fish was in the net, I picked up the other rod and I knew it was a good fish straight away.
“It put up a slow and dogged fight, and with only one net set-up I had to bundle the two fish in together - having no idea what I had on the end!”
The smaller of Paul’s remarkable brace was a common of 26lb 12oz, and after sorting out that fish, he finally got a good look at the other prize waiting in his net.
“The elation was just immense,” he said.
“The scales went round to 60lb 14oz and nothing could describe that feeling.
“It’s a dream come true, not only for this capture, but for the fact that I now have landed the full UK set, singles right through to 60lb, and of course Holme Fen’s ‘Marshalls’ at 70lb 8oz two years ago.
“I only switched over to carp fishing in 2009, I just wish I had done it sooner – I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me next!”
Paul’s latest giant fell to Key Bait Solutions Maxi Nut boilies fished on a Slip-D Multi rig constructed of 25lb Captive coated braid, a size 4 Armorok Curve hook and Outline Camo Terminal components.
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