Dear Friend,

12:24 and 30 seconds on Monday October 14th, my Delkin TXI sounded a single bleep, I thought it was just a fish having a trump near my line. So I just carried on sipping me beer, then at 12:30 - two more single beeps followed by a screamer made me jump up, (not spilling me beer I must add).

Striking into? Well I didn’t know, but it did feel like a sack of spuds, but with muscle!

In the next few minutes I had to make a decision - do I call Tony and Keith for assistance, knowing their size 11 army boots would probably spook the beast, or do I play and land him myself ...?

I opted for the latter - and by now the near-15 minute battle was half complete. (Fishing at Les Quis is an experience - especially on the long lake).

My Century N.G. rods and Shimano reels complete with 15lb G.R. 60 line seemed to be coping well. The rig was a an 8” G.R. 60 15lb hook link with a longshank Nailer size 6 barbless. Me Arlesey bomb weight was a 2.75oz Sandy lead on a Nashi safety clip - and all seemed well.

After another 6 minutes the fish rolled, wow! A Common! And over 40lb - YIPPIE - crossed my mind. It stayed deep but then suddenly came to the surface ready to be netted, what a beast!

I peered into the net to be greeted by the largest carp mouth I had ever seen. A cry for help from Tony and Keith now seemed the logical thing to do.

Tony (I will put my boots on first) and Keith came thundering down the bank. The noise making me think I'd made the right decision not to call earlier! Keith said 'that’s a fifty that is' and Tony who had just woken up - just said “ wow that’s huge!”

On weighing, it went round to 51 lb - and a Common to boot - WOW WEE! A yell - yeeeessss! - went out, to let everyone know, and they certainly did!

The photos/videos came and went, much of a blur I must admit. Then on went the old footy shorts and out came the bucket or two of water....then I was in the water for more of the same.

Then time to let the great fish recover... being 51lb, yes - I said 51lb, it took over 20 minutes to regain its strength and swim off back home.

Want to catch a French monster, Fish in France, I did!

Cheers
Dave Williams
(Stax to his friends)