SPRING SSF RECAP
What an event! The CCS Spring Solo and Team event was nothing short of spectacular, with some absolutely monstrous fish making their way to the mats.
Huge congratulations to Sean Martin, who took the Solo win with an incredible 101lb haul! Sean’s top three fish were a 31lb, a 32lb, and a stunning 38lb, what a performance and what a show of fish. Outstanding angling, Sean!
In the Team section, a massive shoutout and hats off to the Corn Stars, who absolutely smashed it to take the win! With a total haul of 77.5lb, these guys brought their A-game and delivered a top performance. Their impressive top 3 included a 30lb, 21lb, and 26.5lb were a true showcase of skill, strategy, and determination. The Corn Stars proved they had what it takes when it mattered most, and they earned every ounce of that victory. Nicely done, fellas and what a way to dominate the bank!
We also saw a truly impressive show of fish right across the board, with multiple high 20s and 13 fish tipping over the 30lb mark. The caliber of Canadian carp fishing continues to amaze!
SSF CHALLENGE SERIES
As you may already know, we have rolled the Challenge Series into the SSF and is a part of the Triple Crown.
The Triple Crown – This is a new award given to the angler with the three largest fish submitted over the three SSF events. One from each event. Triple Crown weights for the Summer Challenge are only included from Round 1.
To enter the Challenge Series you will complete the entry form found on the CHALLENGES page.
To find out more and to register, login to the member’s platform and click on the CHALLENGES tab.
POST-SPAWN TIPS
Now that the spawn is behind us, for most, it’s time to adapt and capitalize on hungry, recovering carp.
Post-spawn fish tend to stay close to shallower margins, often near weed beds, overhanging trees, where they can find shelter and easy food. They’ll be actively looking to rebuild energy, so don’t be shy about presenting bigger, more nutritious offerings.
Keep your eyes peeled and don’t ignore subtle signs like bubbles, movement near the bank, or the glint of a back in the shallows that could lead you to your next PB!
CCS TV
Let’s see what you’ve got! With smartphones capable of high quality video and photos, there’s no better time to share your fishing stories.
We’re always looking for member generated content for CCS TV, social reels, product reviews, and more. Whether it’s a day session, your latest rig breakdown, or an epic catch, get it recorded and get it shared.
GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Let’s be honest, when something works, we stick with it. But sometimes, when the bites dry up and you know the fish are there, it’s time to get out of the comfort zone.
Zig Rigs
Zig Rigs for mid water cruisers can be a deadly method when the bite is tough. When you see the fish in the upper reaches of the water column they are catchable with the right method, and the Zig is the method that may just surprise you.
Stalking and Free Lining
The good news is that freelining is extremely simple. So simple in fact, that it’s about fishing with just your hook tied to the mainline (or leader). There are no weights, swivels, clips or floats, only the line and a hook. Many aspects of carp fishing have become over complicated and none more so than rigs. Believe me, there is something very satisfying and explosive about locating and connecting with a huge carp with nothing but your line and a hook in the margins.
Float Fishing
Float fishing for carp is an exciting and overlooked method where you can present a bait in subtle manner that can often save a blank. There’s definitely something very special about sitting watching a float on a flat calm day waiting for all hell to break loose, definitely worth a go!
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing for carp, yes, really! The adrenaline rush of hooking into a 30lb’er on a fly rod would be something else. Check out the Steve May fly fishing podcast, it’s quite the eye opener and well worth the watch.
MENTAL HEALTH
Each month in the CCS newsletter, we take a moment to say a few words about something that matters more than tackle, technique, or even your next PB: Your mental health.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s worth taking a minute to reflect.
Feeling off, overwhelmed, or just not yourself? Believe me, you’re not the only one. Many of us carry more than we show, and some days are harder than others.
Carp fishing offers more than just the chase. It offers quiet. It offers reflection. It offers a chance to heal.
So this month, PLEASE take a minute.
Check in with yourself. Check in with a friend.
Because your well-being is always more important than your PB.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Our Leave No Trace initiative continues to inspire anglers across the country. Social platforms are buzzing with videos and reels showing tidy swims, cleaned up banks, and anglers doing their part. We’re proud to see CCS members leading by example, keep it up, and keep tagging us in those posts. Let’s keep showing the rest of the world how carp anglers do it in Canada.
CARP KIT DISCOUNTS FOR SSF EVENTS
Massive thanks to Simon at Carp Kit, who has generously extended a further 5% discount to any CCS member that submitted a fish in the Spring event. The great news is that this now applies to all 2025 SSF events. Absolute legend move, Simon!
MEMBER BENEFITS
A huge shoutout to our Benefits Manager, Dan Patteson, for his relentless work securing deals for our community. Not only has he secured a plethora of amazing companies to partner with us, he has just landed a very exciting partnership with Carp Rags clothing. Get over to our group section and check out these awesome threads. Dan, you really are the man!
AND FINALLY
That’s it for this month, folks. Tight lines, clean banks, and remember to share those moments. Whether it’s a beautiful sunrise on the bank, a new PB or your go to rig, the CCS is powered by its members.
Cheers to an epic start to the season.
Tight lines!