CRAIG MCEVOY set his sights on a winter 50 and, as a spring arrived, he smashed that in style with this fantastic 58 lb mirror carp called Captain Scarlet.
The colossus fell to a Dynamite Baits Monster Tigernut wafter fished alongside matching freebies on a German rig at Shropshire’s The Avenue.
Craig, from Wolverhampton, West Midlands, said: “After five months of blanking, this had been the hardest winter I had ever fished.
“However, the goal to land one of the giants from The Avenue syndicate was strong.
“It was looking like another uneventful session but amidst a hell of a storm my receiver let out a series of bleeps.
“As I peered out the brolly, the bobbin had pulled up tight and I did a double take… I couldn’t believe it, I was in.
“On the rod straight away, I immediately knew this was something special as it was heavy, slow and ponderous, yet immensely powerful.
“The storm was creating havoc and I couldn’t see as the rain and wind was lashing into my face.
“Then after ten minutes I saw her, a huge cream like leviathan below the waves.
“Images of the film Jaws ran through my mind, and I prayed that the barbless hook would stay in place.
“Eventually she came up and wallowed on the surface just out of netting range.
“Without thinking, I jumped in up to my waist and engulfed her in my landing net first time.
“As I peered into the net I was blown away at the size of this creature that I had managed to snare.
“The long harsh winter had been worth it and it really does only take one bite,” concluded Craig.
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