MY PERFECT SESSION? FISHING A SWIM IN AUTUMN THAT I’ VE BEEN PRIMING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS

This month we pick the brains of Nigel Sharp, one of the quiet men of the big carp scene who boasts a CV right up there with the very best of them…

You’ve caught some famous carp down the years from all manner of venues. Which is the most memorable to you, and why?

This is a hard one to answer, as I’ve tended to cherry-pick my target fish based on a number of factors, rather than just go for the out-and-out heavyweights, so they’re all special in their own way. Based purely on the enjoyment of the hunt and the beauty of the venue, I’d probably have to say The Burghfield Common.

Who was your biggest inspiration in your formative carp fishing years?

There were quite a few. Ritchie McDonald, for the tunnel vision he displayed in tracking down his target fish, then there’s Rod Hutchinson, one of the first men to show the fun side of carp fishing while also being a natural at it and catching carp everywhere he went. And lastly I’d have to mention Kevin Maddocks. He was technically ‘OCD’ about every aspect of his approach and showed how this could increase your chances of catching.

What is your favourite venue, in all the years you’ve been carp fishing?

Another tricky one, that, but for reasons mentioned earlier it would have to be Burghfield. It’s a really special place.

Do you ever fish for other species, or is it carp all the way?

I do, but mainly during the colder months. Perch fishing has to be one of my favourite winter angling pursuits, especially on the River Thames, which holds some cracking fish.

What’s your idea of the perfect session in terms of the time of year, type of venue and style of fishing?

There are so many highlights in the carp fishing calendar, but just about my favourite would be a session of several days’ duration, during the autumn, fishing a swim that I’ve been priming for several months beforehand. Frimley’s Pit 4 is a prime example of the type of venue I enjoy doing this on. It’s a lovely place to fish, and has some incredible carp swimming around in it.

Have you ever fished abroad for big carp? Is there any foreign venue that really interests you?

I have fished abroad, but whenever I do so I tend to struggle to get among the bigger fish for some reason! Maybe that’s because I see such trips as a holiday more than a serious session, and tend not to put in the maximum effort. If I was to pick a venue that appeals to me more than others, I think Rainbow would have to be the one.

Who is the best carp angler you’ve ever fished with?

Now that’s a tricky one because I tend to fish alone most of the time. However, I’ve fished alongside or on the same waters as the likes of Dave Lane, Jim Shelley, Terry Hearn and Jon Mcallister. They’re all different in their approaches, but always seem to get the end results. I must also add that there are so many great anglers out there – many of whom are never heard of in the press. They go about their business quietly and for the sheer enjoyment of it, and don’t seek the limelight.

What about the best bit of angling you’ve ever seen? Any stand-outs?

I’d probably have to say Terry Hearn’s capture of the Burghfield Common. He patiently picked the right moment, and was in the right place, but he didn’t just sit there waiting for the big one to come along. He made the most of his time on the venue, and caught pretty much everything else in there too.

Aside from boilies, if you had to use just one bait to target carp, what would it be?

There are so many great carp baits that have been forgotten about down the years, but if I had to pick one it would be good old-fashioned bread. It is so adaptable, and can be used in so many different ways, both on the surface and below

Finally Nige, do you have any ambitions left in carp fishing?

Yes, several. Of course I’m always looking to up my personal bests, but one main goal of mine is to catch a 40lb-plus linear to go alongside the mirrors, commons, leathers and the fully-scaled carp I’ve had over that magical mark!

“There are so many great anglers out there – many of whom are never heard of in the press. They go about their business quietly”