If 2023 is anything like the year we’ve just had, then Carpfeed.com will be flooded with a stream of amazing catches, expert tactics and some stunning new items of tackle. The standard of carp fishing seems to go up a gear every year, and this season looks to be no different.
There’s a lot to look forward to for anglers as well – new trends emerging, venues opening and big items hitting the market. Here’s a look ahead to this coming year and a brief taster of the game-changing new developments heading your way over the next 12 months…
NORTON DISNEY 2!
Voted ‘Stillwater of the Year 2022’ by Angling Times members, Norton Disney is set to open its second complex across the road later this year. Fishery manager Ben Hodgetts has already hinted that one of these waters will be “very special indeed.” On a site that already has 30lb-plus fish in all its lakes, this is the carp venue to visit in 2023.
MONSTER RODS WILL GET YOU CASTING MILES
Daiwa is always at the cutting edge of technology, so it’s no surprise that in 2023 it’s looking to change the carp rod market forever. The 4lb Daiwa Longbow is a beast of a rod that will be available this year. It has so much power that even poor casters will be smashing the clip with ease. Angling Times tackle editor Mark Sawyer was impressed with the playing action too. Watch his full review on the Angling Times YouTube channel.
A BAIT REVOLUTION
There’ll be a bait shake-up when Outlaw Pro and others release their solubles. They’re made with the same ingredients as other traditional feeds but are gone from the swim within hours. Turn to pages 42 & 43 in this week’s Angling Times and Carpfeed magazines to see what Rob Hughes has to say about the new baits.
ONE OF THE COMMONS TAKES THE TOP SPOT
In the battle of the most wanted commons, 2023 could see either the ‘Burghfield Common’ or the ‘Waterside Common’ take the British record. Not caught in 2022, if caught at the right time, the fish that has previously hit 62lb 8oz, may well be pushing 70lb.
Alternatively, a fish that seems to be showing no signs of stopping growing, Waterside Fisheries’ ‘Big Common’ may well beat the Burghfield to it. A more regular visitor to the bank, the fish hit weights of 61lb 3oz last year and is just 25-30 years old.
MORE CARP ON THE TV!
Monster Carp Series 7 was crowned TV Show of the Year in the 2022 National Angling Awards, and will be returning for Series 8 this year. With three of the four episodes already shot, star Neil Spooner said: “Some big fish have already been caught, and viewers can expect more banter and challenges than ever.”
CATCH APP WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE FISHING EASIER FOR EVERYONE
The CATCH fishing app went from strength to strength in 2022, with now over 50 fisheries and 2,000 swims for anglers to choose from. These include some of the UK’s best venues such as Linear Fisheries and Sandhurst. Big updates have also made the app far easier to use, with a calendar feature allowing anglers to check availability. Those who submit catches to the app also get entered into our ‘Become a Legend’ competition, the winner to be revealed later this year.
SOME AMAZING PRIZES WILL BE WON
The ‘Are You Sports’ carp fishing online competition platform, launched last year, gives anglers the chance to win some amazing prizes for next to nothing. In 2023 it will be putting up brand new EV Vans, 2 Bedroom Lodges and unbelievable Carp Fishing Holidays around the world for several lucky carpers to get their hands on. Stay up to date with its social channels and make sure you get involved.
