What do carping stars do over Christmas? Total Carp finds out from three of the best.


What do the stars of carping get up to over the festive break? Total Carp asked three of the country’s best anglers exactly what they’re doing over Christmas, what they’ve got planned for the New Year and what they want from Santa on December 25.




Ian Chillcott

What are you getting up to fishing wise over Christmas?

Absolutely nothing. Every year over Christmas I like to have a break from the fishing. I’ve been on a lake this week and both nights the water froze and both times I thought about packing up and going back to a nice warm house, so over Christmas I’ll be going down to see my folks in Plymouth.

What New Years resolutions have you got for your fishing for 2012?

I want to cross some T and dot some Is over some carp I have some unfinished business with. There’s a 40lb common in a Northamptonshire water that is top of the list.

If you could ask Santa for any present this year, what would it be?

Easy. A ticket on Savay. I’ve never had one before and I’m getting to the age now where I need one, I’ve got to get it sorted.





Ian Russell

What are you getting up to fishing wise over Christmas?

I’m not actually doing any carping over Christmas, but I will be fishing. I’ve got trips planned on the river Blackwater after chub and then to Thorpe Lea perch fishing with Terry Hearn’s dad – I’ll probably stick a rod out for the carp while I’m there though.

What New Years resolutions have you got for your fishing for 2012?

Just a promise to myself that I’ll keep enjoying my fishing, which is really important to me. Luckily I’m still enjoying every single minute I’m spending out on the bank.

If you could ask Santa for any present this year, what would it be?

Years ago I saw a picture of Joe Taylor holding a huge Nile perch and ever since then I’ve always wanted to catch one. Just recently I’ve been thinking more and more about going after one, so if Santa could arrange for a trip over the Nassauer for me, that would be great.





Leon Bartropp

What are you getting up to fishing wise over Christmas?

I’ll be fishing for a few days before and a few days after on an Essex water I’m targeting this winter with some prototype bait. I might also have a go on Abby Lakes at some point.

What New Years resolutions have you got for your fishing for 2012?

I’d like to do more floater fishing next year. I used to do loads of it, but over the last few years for some reason I’ve done hardly any. That and I’ve got to give up smoking!

If you could ask Santa for any present this year, what would it be?

I’d love to go after big carp from another country, and not just in Europe. I'd like to try countries lake Russia or Japan where the carp have had no one has fish for them on rod and line before - a proper angling adventure.