Quick Questions

Long-term carper Briggsy is in the hot seat this time, as he answers Total Carp’s quick-fire questions!

Three words to describe yourself?
Laid-back but motivated

Who have been your biggest influences in carp fishing?
There has been a lot through the years. In the early days it would be Jim Gibbinson, Rod Hutchinson, Jack Hilton, but I get inspired by all sorts of people around me – young and old.

Scariest moment on the bank?
When my wife Joan broke her leg while on the bank of Cassien. We ended up staying another two weeks without going to the hospital or anything! We just got on with it…

How long have you been carp fishing?
It’s been 46 years since I caught my first carp.

How did you start carp fishing?
I was brought up in the Darenth Valley and at the time that was the hotbed of carp fishing in the UK. Around me were many of the best carp anglers in the country, so I couldn’t help but be influenced by these people.

Other sporting interests?
I love watching all sports, but I particularly love cricket and boxing.

One day left to go fishing, where would you go?
It would be Cassien – it was the first place I went to outside of England some 35 years ago and it’s still my favourite place.

Worst fishing-related injury?
I’ve never had major injuries myself - Joan’s broken leg would be the closest thing for me.

Best three anglers you’ve ever worked with?
Simon Crow is the best target fish angler I know. Alan Blair’s motivation and drive is amazing. Then probably Tim Paisley for what he’s done for carp fishing.

Favourite moment in your carp angling career?
Catching the Black Mirror was head and shoulders above all other moments for me!

Three things you’d never go fishing without?
Quality bait, be it scopex squid or something like tigernuts. Then if I’m going abroad it would be a boat and an echo sounder. They save so much time when fishing these huge waters abroad.

Any regrets?
Not really. However, a long time ago I fished Fox Pool and I never really got my act together on there, so never caught one. I had just got my tactics so wrong and I’d love to go back in time and redo those two years that I fished on Fox Pool.

Biggest character you have met through fishing?
There are so many, but I would have to say Rob Maylin. He was such a big character and an instigator of many a party on and off the bank!

What are your favourite bits about carping?
The escape from modern life and the adventure. This is one of the reasons I love fishing abroad so much.

Your least favourite bits?
The negative sides of social media and the internet.

Tea or Coffee?
Tea

Favourite biscuit?
Custard cream

Favourite takeaway?
Indian

Funniest moment on the bank?
We were out at Euro-Aqua three years ago with Crowy and a few others. Crowy’s mate had hooked a fish and it had kited around some reeds. Crowy was in the water, so he grabbed the net and started making his way around the reeds when he just disappeared! We all looked around wondering what had happened and there was just a trail of bubbles coming up from where he was last. We got a bit worried for a split second, but he soon came back up spitting and spluttering as he climbed back up on the bank. We all had a good laugh once we knew he was safe!