Team UKMA Profile

Carl Sharp

I’ve been fishing since the age of 4, starting out as a fly angler catching rainbow trout from local pools. From there I changed my quarry, going into your general pleasure angler, float fishing for whatever swam my way. That was until carp got under my skin, and I have targeted nothing but carp now for the last 12 years, they are an obsession to me.

I’ve been very fortunate over the years, catching some nice fish around the country, including 10 different UK 30’s upto Pbs of 38lb mirror, and a 32lb 10oz common. Other UK Pbs include a 36lb catfish, 15lb 15oz bream, 9lb barbel, 7lb+ chub, 7lb+ tench, 6lb 10oz rainbow trout to name but a few. I’ve also spent a fair bit of time in France with carp in my photo album upto 46lb 10oz and catfish to 47lb+.

Fishing has always been very special to me, having spent 2 years studying fishery management at Rodbaston college, from there I was fortunate enough to experience bailiff work, spending 7 weeks down Orchid Lakes with Marsh Pratley guiding me on how to run a top end fishery. I also done a lot of work with Angling International owner and all-round good guy Rob Hughes, who took me under his wing and allowed me into the circle that surrounds the running of the British Carp Angling Championships, the landscaping of his syndicate lake Birchwood Pool, and also getting to see the behind the scenes of the filming side including a trip to Sky Sports studios where Tight Lines is broadcast from.

I’ve also had a dabble in the BCAC’s myself in 2010, in which me and team mate Matthew Woods were fortunate enough to qualify in the Eliminator and progress to the semi finals, unfortunately this is where it ended, but there’s always next time!