We recently reported on the monster common carp that was stocked into RH Fisheries' Monument One lake at an impressive 64lb. After being carefully reared and grown on by the fishery’s dedicated staff and management, they decided to introduce the fish into one of their most popular day-ticket lakes, giving every angler a chance to catch a fish of a lifetime.
This weekend, that dream became a reality for angler Daniel Culluck, who banked the epic commonat a staggering 65lb 4oz during a session through Storm Darragh. The fish completely shattered his previous personal best and left him shaking with excitement—a reaction that perfectly embodies why this incredible carp was introduced to the lake in the first place.
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"With the incoming storm and various weather warnings, I was doubtful my trip to the Monument would go ahead. I was constantly checking weather apps and, in the end, decided to chance it and make my way to the fishery," Daniel explained.
"I set off at 4:30am, and when I arrived, the conditions were a lot worse than I had hoped. Somehow, I managed to get the bivvy up in the driving wind and rain before getting my rods out."
"With the conditions so bleak, I just got some single hookbaits cast to where I had seen a few fish showing. I had loads of bait prepped, but there was no way I could get it out in the crosswind with any accuracy."
"My hookbait consisted of a Hinders tutti frutti 12mm pop-up with a slight flat spot trimmed off, topped off with a maize/corn buoyant topper soaked in pink almond goo."
"That was presented on a combi rig: 6 inches of boom, around an inch of soft braid, an OMC size 4 lock hook, micro ring swivels, and an OMC bloodliner."
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Despite only casting some single baits into the lake, Daniel had confidence in his approach, as this style of angling had helped him land fish during a previous session. He was just happy to have some rods out fishing in the horrendous conditions he was faced with.
"After a couple of hours of casting in, I had a drop back. I wasn’t sure if it was the wind, but then the spool started ticking over as the fish began to take some line," he recounted.
"Lifting into the fish, I just remember it feeling heavy. My line instantly started whistling in the wind as it stretched out."
"After it took more line, I decided to apply a bit more pressure to regain some control. My arm was aching by this point, and in the back of my mind, I knew it was a big fish. After some more persuading, I got the fish to roll on the surface, and it looked to be a common around 30 pounds."
Despite seeing the fish, Daniel was still completely unaware of what he had actually hooked. He patiently continued fighting the fish for another 15 minutes, and before long, the fish rolled close enough for him to realise what was on the end of his line.
"I couldn’t believe what I had hooked. It was the fish I had seen footage and photos of in the week leading up to my trip—my adrenaline instantly took over. Thankfully, I somehow managed to get the net under the fish."
"I was trembling with excitement. It’s hard to put into words the sense of euphoria that took over—I just couldn’t believe that fish was sitting in my landing net."
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Daniel secured the fish and quickly got on the phone to the bailiffs at the fishery. They arrived immediately to help him weigh, photograph, and ensure the fish’s safety, making the moment as memorable as possible for Daniel.
"When we got her on the scales, hearing 65lb 4oz read out was utterly unbelievable—I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face."
"After getting a few snaps, I watched in amazement as she swam away upon release. What a capture! The right time, the right place, and a little bit of luck gave me a massive personal best and one of the biggest common carp in the country."
"Massive thanks to RH Fisheries for creating a lake where anglers like me can come and try to catch the fish of our dreams."
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