Simon Willsmore had a nice Christmas bonus last Sunday in the shape of an 18lb carp on his Acolyte Ultra 10ft Feeder rod!

The fish was caught during a Drennan Winter League practice match at Lake John Fishery in Essex. Fishery rules dictate that any carp over 10lb only counts as 10lb, irrespective of its size, but the bonus fish still helped the Drennan Team England ace to a 33lb 8oz match winning weight.

Simon started his match by casting a small groundbait feeder filled with micro pellets fairly tight to the central island. Maggot fished on a short 6in hooklength of 0.18mm Double Strength to a size 16 Carp Hair Riggers accounted for plenty of skimmers during the early part of the contest before he switched to a swim he had been feeding on the pole. Strong winds hampered presentation here, so he soon reverted back to the feeder. This was soon followed by a wrap-round bite. It was clear that this was no skimmer and after a 15-minute battle a very welcome 18lb mirror carp was finally tamed!

With fishery owner Colin Bartlett fortunately pegged next door, the fish was photographed and then swiftly returned to the lake.

A few all-important silver fish were then added on the long pole to secure the narrowest of victories over second-placed Ben Coss’ 33lb total.

Although the Acolyte Ultra 10ft Feeder is not exactly designed for specimen-sized carp, Simon’s win proves that you can land some surprisingly large fish with well balanced tackle!