TV star Dean banks his biggest-ever carp – try his tips now
Dean’s three-year quest ends with 64lb 8oz French fish the Troll
D EAN Macey has banked the fish of a lifetime – in the shape of this 64lb 8oz mirror carp.
The TV star smashed his personal best at a time of year that many regard as the best for targeting big carp when he set his sights on an incredibly snaggy venue and banked the much sought-after resident known as the Troll.
But this wasn’t the only carp that the presenter of The Big Fish Off and Fishing All Stars banked. On a trip to a French venue as Dean took a well-earned break from his busy schedule, he and fishing companion Ray Rutter bagged 22 others to 50lb 8oz.
Dean’s three-year quest for the specimen ended when he baited a spot with three different types of Mainline boilies, tiger nuts and hempseed.
Because the lake is a minefield of snags and obstructions, heavy gear was the order of the day. The Guru-backed all-rounder beat his prize with a rig made from Korda tackle that included a size 4 Wide Gape XX hook, 50lb Kamo hooklink and 50lb Dura-Kord leader attached to 50lb Apex braided mainline.
“The bite was so ferocious that my bobbin exploded against the rod when the fish made its first run,” said Dean.
“I’ve caught some amazing fish in my time but this catch, along with the experience of sharing it with one of my best mates, is right up there with my greatest achievements. It’s what fishing is all about.
“This is the first time I’ve targeted one specific carp, but the Troll is one I’ve been after for three years.
“It hadn’t been caught for 18 months, which is why I went absolutely mental when Ray and I realised what I’d hooked… there was some choice language flying around in my swim, I can tell you.”
“When I realised what I’d hooked there was some choice language flying around in my swim”
The specimen beats a previous personal best that stood at 57lb, and was fooled with a tiger nut hookbait tipped with a grain of imitation sweetcorn.
“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some amazing venues in my time, but this one is so special, about as far from a commercial fishery as you can possibly imagine… it’s an angler’s dream,” Dean continued.
“This place is full of weed, fallen trees, broken pontoons, even boat anchors. All these things combine to make the capture of this carp such a special experience for me.
“Now I’m back to fishing in the UK I’ll be after some carp here too because there’s no better time to do it.
“They will really be on the munch as they feed up ready for when the colder weather arrives.”