The Carp Challenge

Welcome to the Carp Challenge! THE HUNT IS ON!

The Carp Challenge is an innovative angling competition that seeks to engage anglers of all ages and skill levels. The competition is targeted at both Juniors (under 16 years of age on 1^st April) and Seniors (16 year of age and over on 1^st April). This competition will challenge participants to catch 10 carp in the below weight categories:

• 2 x Carp must be between 0lb- 9lb 15oz.
• 4 x Carp between 10lb- 19lb 15oz
• 3 x Carp between 20lb – 29lb 15oz
• 1 x Carp 30lb – 40lb

The overall winner in each category will be determined by the highest combined weight of their ten fish caught between 1^st April 2025 to 1^st December 2025.

Carp must be caught in the UK and to count towards the challenge must be one of the following:

• Mirror Carp
• Common Carp
• Ghost Carp
• Grass Carp
• Koi Carp

The challenge is to catch the highest weight of carp as possible in each category. You can submit as many carp as you wish to build up your highest weight combination in each category. So, fish can be transferred into your selection e.g. if you already have 3 fish between 20lbs but catch a larger 20lb fish later in the competition that fish can replace your lowest 20lb weight carp.

The Carp Challenge has been developed to appeal to anglers to support the sport that we hold in such high regard. The overall aim of the competition is to get people out there fishing.

The Carp Challenge is sponsored by Carp Scene and administered by the Angling Trust.

Challenge Structure & Prizes

We have two categories: Senior (16 years and over on 1st April 2025) and Junior (under 16 years of age on 1^st April 2025).

The prize structure is as follows:

A monthly prize of a bait bundle from RG Baits consisting of xxxxxxx will be sent out to the best catch winner each month. The captures will be judged by the Angling Trust Competitions Team, judged on rarity of capture, looks and size. Carp Scene will select the winner.

Winners will be contacted via email when the monthly prizes have been confirmed.

How to Enter Your Fish

Entries should be sent to CarpChallenge@anglingtrust.net with the subject “Capture Report.”

For the Carp Challenge the email must include the following:

• Name & UPN of participant.
• Type of Carp Caught & Weight
• Date & location of capture.
• Photo with clearly visible fish & Carp Challenge ID card.
• Brief description of the tactics used to catch the fish.

Publication of Results

Results will be displayed in the following place each month:

Facebook group page: www.facebook.com/groups/carpchallenge Each month within these publications the results displayed will be:

1. Carp Challenge – The top 20 anglers overall in both categories
2. Catch of the Month– The Best Catch winner for the month

We cannot wait to see the results as they start to unfold. Get fishing & and get your pictures to us – you never know, you could be one of the winners next month!

Upon entry your details will be stored on our secure systems to form a contact point for the competitions news. Your details will not be passed to any third party and will be for Angling Trust use only.

Rules & Guidelines

There are a few simple rules & guidelines, which are as follows:

• To take part you must be registered.
• Registration must be made via email to CarpChallenge@anglingtrust.net
• Abide by the safe handling of fish guidelines provided.
• All competitors must be in possession of an Environment Agency Rod Licence.
• Please abide by the Fishery Rules at which you are fishing.
• All fish must be caught between the start and finish dates of the challenge.
• Entries must be submitted within 7 days of being caught or within 24 hours of the competition ending.
• Facebook updates and comments must be considerate to other, abusive and offensive language will not be tolerated.
• Please refer to the AT social media policy if unsure. AT Social Madia Policy
• To enter a fish into the Carp Challenge you must send an email to CarpChallenge@anglingtrust.net with the subject “Capture Report.
• Any entrants found to be cheating will be disqualified and removed from the challenge.

The most important rule is to go out there and have some fun, compete with your friends, and try new locations for your fishing!

Carp Challenge Fish Handling Guidelines

As conscientious anglers, we should all strive to minimise stress and damage to any fish that we catch of any size promoting and encouraging safe fish handling practice. These guidelines will help to achieve that goal.

Key Equipment:

• Landing Net: Use a deep mesh net to avoid fin damage and check for tears regularly.
• Unhooking Mat: A large mat with a retaining flap is ideal; mats with raised sides help keep the carp secure.
• Water Container: A bait bucket or collapsible bucket to keep the fish wet and healthy.
• Carp Care Antiseptic: For treating any injuries.

Steps for Safe Carp Handling:

1. Secure the Net: Use a bivvy peg or bank stick to prevent the net from drifting away. Ensure the line is slack before unhooking the fish to avoid hook damage.
2. Prepare for Photos: Set up your mat on soft, flat ground and have your unhooking kit, water container, and camera ready. Keep the fish in the net and within reach.
3. Zero the Scales: Wet the weigh sling thoroughly, connect to the scales and zero accordingly.
4. Lift the Fish: Use a weigh sling, ensuring the pectoral fins are flat to avoid damage. Work with a partner for larger carp and carefully move the fish to the mat.
5. Unhook the Carp: Press down on the hook’s eye to remove it, using forceps or cutters if needed. Check for injuries like cuts or torn fins.
6. Weigh the Carp: Once in the sling, ensure fins aren’t snagged and weigh carefully.
7. Take Photos: Support the fish by placing one hand under its head and the other near the anal fin. Hold the fish low to the mat, supporting it with your knee if necessary.
8. Return the Fish: Carry the carp back to the water in the sling, allowing it to acclimatize before release. Ensure it swims away safely.

By staying organized and using common sense, you’ll ensure that the carp are handled safely and released back in good condition.