It’s the height of summer right now and outside its 30°, however a few weeks ago it was much better and very carpy weather! I am currently on my 3 week summer holiday and preparing for my trip to France at the end of the month. My spring campaign started off very well. I landed my first ever UK thirty carp whilst visiting the Quarry in Essex.

When I arrived back home I set about catching my first carp from the mighty Albert Kanaal or, as it is more commonly known, the AK. On my third session on the AK I had a right result and I managed my first fish from the venue, a lovely forty pound mirror. A fish from the AK has been on my bucket list for many years and this year I finaly got around to start fishing this rock hard long canal. To give you an insight into the venue, its 130km long and understandably has the reputation of being rather tricky. Things got even better as on my fourth session I was on even more of a high as I managed seven takes in less than 24 hours and landed five of them.

I am currently only a few days away from another great adventure to France with a good mate. I am buzzing at the thought of it and I am busy getting everything ready for a week session at a French syndicate/club lake in the Nancy area. I’ve been tying rigs and spooling up my spare spools with 15lb Pro light blend, as I have been using the ultra strong HydroTUFF in 20lb on the AK. Rig wise I have been using the Oz Holnes rig to great effect this year, but for my trip to France I am going to use the sliding hinged chod rig (check out the Gardner Tackle TV on YouTube) and I will also be using the Ronnie rig that has been shown to the public recentley. I have been tying a few up in readiness for the trip and they look the nuts!

I am really looking forward to the second half of the year, particuarly the autumm which are some of my favourite months of the year. However, before that I have my trip to France and then I will be back on the AK, before heading over to the UK again for another trip to the Quarry.

Tight lines all of you and good luck
Tommy De Cleen