Quick Questions

Olympian, specimen hunter, TV star and Fishing Guru Dean Macey answers our questions this month.

Three words to describe yourself?
Tall, bald and happy.

Who have been your biggest influences in carp fishing?
My old mate Les, who no one will know, and Nigel Botherway.

Scariest moment on the bank?
When I was young I went to throw my keepnet in and I went in with it – it was a steep bank and for a moment I thought I was going to die, but I was fine in the end!

How long have you been carp fishing?
Twenty-five years or so.

How did you start carp fishing?
I started actually targeting carp because I fished a match on one of my days off. I was fishing an 11m pole and this was well before poles became lightweight and rigid! I woke up the next morning before training and felt tired and sore. That’s when I looked at carp fishing and saw the appeal of being able to kick back and relax! I went to Crowsheath and caught a record catfish and a record common and was sold!

Other sporting interests?
I love motorsport, boxing and of course track and field!

One day left to go fishing, where would you go?
Gillhams with the wife! There’s nothing better than winding in a 100lb Siamese carp while the wife feeds you grapes and beer!

Worst fishing-related injury?
I got stabbed in the foot by a lau lau catfish while filming The Big Fish Off – I ended up in surgery a month later.

Best three anglers you’ve ever fished with?
Steve Ringer – he’s mustard! Terry Hearn simply has a legendary status and thirdly it would be Nigel Botherway for making fishing fun and enjoyable. He had such a relaxed nature.

Favourite capture?
It would have to be my 8lb 2oz chub – we may need to change this mag to be called Total Chub! I have caught arapaima of 380lb, Siamese carp to nearly 140lb, king carp to 76lb and barbel to 16lb. None of them compare to that chub – it was my ultimate goal, which I achieved.

Three things you’d never go fishing without?
Baby wipes, mobile phone and food!

Any regrets?
Only that I’ve missed a couple of opportunities to fish on some places during their prime and decided to go elsewhere at the time. Adam’s Mill was a prime example and by the time I came round to it all the barbel had been ottered. I more than made up for it elsewhere, though.

Biggest character you have met through fishing?
Neil Wayte would have to be one of them! The first time I met him he came through a bush on the river Kennet and went “Oi, what you doing fishing my swim!” I s*** my pants because he’s a big bearded hairy biker looking guy, but he’s actually one of the nicest people around and tells amazing stories. My missus calls him Big Teddy Bear!

What are your favourite bits about carping?
Time and location. Carp fishing has taken me all over the world and gives me a great time away from it all and often in good company. I wouldn’t be a bank tramp for many other species!

Your least favourite bits?
Time – as much as I love my time on the bank chasing carp I simultaneously hate the fact that sometimes it seems to take forever! I’m just inpatient!

Who do you most admire in carp fishing?
Terry Hearn – he made a real living out of his pure love for catching carp, you’ve got to admire that. He really paved the way for many and influenced so many anglers in a good way!

Tea or coffee?
Coffee.

Favourite biscuit?
Digestive.

Favourite take-away?
I do like a mixed kebab.

Funniest moment on the bank?
I’ve fallen in so many times, broken things, I’ve had 50-pounders jump over my shoulders… I couldn’t pick just one.

One fish you would have loved to have caught – past or present?
It would have to be the Black Mirror – I can completely see how people bled for that carp! A phenomenal looking carp and an incredible story surrounding it.