Two 50lb carp in a weekend

Wellington Country Park threw up two 50lb-plus commons to the same angler in a magical 24-hour spell.

David Gaskin broke his personal best twice with the capture of the Chestnut Common at 52lb 6oz and then the Chinese Common at 53lb 6oz. He also had a 33lb 8oz common and a single-figure carp during the weekend session.

Arriving at dawn at the Berkshire syndicate water, David set up in a swim known for its long-range action, but dropped two rods shorter to cope with impending high winds. He said: “I chose two different spots closer in, one at 80 yards and one at 50 yards, so I could bait up easily even in high winds.

“Just on dark, storm clouds were gathering when I had a slow, creeping take on the short rod. I couldn’t really see where the fish was heading. I found myself coaxing it through tree roots along the margin but luckily my tackle held firm and the fish was in the net.”

After weighing the 52lb 6oz specimen, David waited until daylight to recast the rod accurately in the strengthening winds. That afternoon, the same rod was away again.

“After what can only be described as a brutal battle, another special fish was squeezed over the net cord and I couldn’t believe my luck. I had another colossal common in the net, which hadn’t been caught in a while, so there was a lot of speculation over its potentially huge weight.

“My first outing on CC Moore Pacific Tuna boilies had resulted in two personal bests and a brace of UK 50lb-plus commons in less than 24hours. I was astonished.”

David presented his pop-up hookbaits on size 4 Gardner Mugga hooks.