The most influential carp captures of all time
So who's had the most influential capture? We ask the key men for their option...
“Richard (Dick) Walker’s capture of Clarissa (he called it Ravioli) at 44lb in 1952. It pushed the boundaries so far.” SHAUN HARRISON
“Probably Jason Hayward’s capture of The Black Mirror, but in terms of its impact on carp fishing’s exploding popularity, Ritchie McDonald’s capture of Bazil.” DAVE ELLYATT
“I think the finest ever capture is Pete Springate’s Yeoveny brace, an absolutely enormous brace of carp for the time and perhaps the equivalent of catching two UK sixty-pound carp in an overnight session nowadays if that was possible?” LEE JACKSON
“Terry Hearn’s capture of Mary at 55lb 13oz. This was the first well-proportioned English leviathan to beat Yates long standing Redmire record, and marked the start of the record lists being periodically re-rewritten with the subsequent captures of Mary and then Two Tone.” LEWIS READ
“Chris Yates’ 51lb 8oz carp from Redmire is my favourite capture. I’ve read all of Chris’s books and love this story. Walker’s long-standing record, beaten on the first day of the season, in 1980. The picture says it all.” MAT WOODS
“Chris Yates’ capture of The Bishop in 1981. This iconic capture inspired a generation of anglers and set the bar weight-wise to what was possible in the UK.” LEON BARTROPP
“Dick Walker and Clarissa. An ageing carp angler like me would have to say Dick Walker’s capture of Clarissa, as at the time this inspired the angling world and kicked off carp fishing.” KEVIN NASH
“Mine would have to be Terry Hearn with Mary. A young lad with such a huge carp from such a difficult lake in such short time and at a record weight, unbelievable! I still look at that capture and can’t help but be inspired by Tel; truly one of the greatest uk carpers ever.” SIMON CROW
“Got to be Jim Shelley’s Fen Linear at 48lb something. Truly amazing.” GARY BAYES
“Sir Pete Springate’s brace of two of the finest, darkest, most beautiful carp that ever graced the bank is my most inspiring capture – Mary and Mary’s Mate. For me it paints the picture of carp fishing. An adventure, the feeling of euphoria having outwitted your quarry and the most beautiful, ancient specimen in your arms. Pure class!” JAMES ARMSTRONG
