At last! May is upon us, and the season’s heating up. Well, for some more than others. Welcome to the CCS Newsletter #48.
SPRING SSF REGISTRATION
Registration for the Spring Series is officially live and kicks off in just 2 weeks! This annual challenge will test you across all three seasons, Spring, Summer, and Fall, and it’s also the first of the Triple Crown awards. Get your name in now and lock in your shot at the title! For more information on the SSF and the Triple Crown, login and hit THE SSF tab.
Not sure how the SSF and Challenge weighing and submissions work? Check out the SSF video on how to correctly weigh and submit your captures, it’s live on the site now and shows exactly how to get your submissions right. You can find the video here: THE SSF > SUBMIT YOUR TOP 3
FRESH STOCK AT CARP KIT
Carp Kit has just dropped a plethora of new gear, from the latest baits, to some amazing new sleep systems, and a fantastic selection of the newest tackle straight from the UK. Everything you need to make 2025 your year. Get in quick, the good stuff won’t stay on the shelves long!
Also, if you’re not already a CCS member, the Carp Kit discount alone is worth the membership fee, not to mention all the other amazing benefits!
EAST V WEST: A LOVELY TIME
Out east, members are already having an absolutely lovely time, rods out, chunks on the mats, and favourable temperatures. There’s been some truly impressive fish hitting the banks, including a stunning 37.8lb Common landed by Louis Philip, setting a new PB Common (submitted to the URC). Ben Radvanyi, James Capitain and John Pundyk have all set new PB’s. What a start to the season!
Out west, on the other hand… they’re still wading through ice, shaking their fists at the hard water, and wondering what this mythical “spring” thing is that everyone keeps bragging about. Don’t worry, their time’s coming… and when it does, look out!
URC SUBMISSIONS
A good bunch of you have already landed some serious fish, but there’s still way more being caught than submitted to the Unofficial Record Carp (URC) page. If you land a 30+, or even that elusive 40+, submit it, it’s a great way to showcase what Canadian carping is really all about! There is an annual trophy for the #1 URC spot.
TICK AWARENESS: STAY SAFE ON THE BANK
As the weather warms up and we’re all spending more time outdoors, tick season is officially here.
Whether you’re hiking to a remote swim or just setting up for a day session, it’s important to stay tick aware.
Quick Tips:
• Wear long sleeves and pants whenever possible.
• Use insect repellent that’s effective against ticks.
• Check yourself thoroughly after every session — especially around ankles, waistlines, and behind knees.
• Keep a tick remover or tweezers in your tackle bag just in case.
If you do find a tick attached, remove it carefully and monitor for any signs of infection.
Stay safe so you can enjoy the season to the fullest — one less thing to worry about when you’re chasing that next personal best.
THE SOCIAL: SOLD OUT
Tickets for the Canadian Carp Society Social flew out faster than a pouch of pellets at feeding time! Massive thanks to everyone who grabbed theirs, it’s going to be one to remember.
THE CCS STORE
Don’t forget to visit the CCS Store for exclusive gear and more. We have a new T-shirt listed this week that is sure to be a favourite with our members.
THE GROUPS SECTION
There are multiple communities within the CCS site under the Groups section:
Bait discussions, Tips & Tricks, Photography & Videography, Mental Health, Buy & Sell, and more, tons of different spaces you might not even know about yet. Get in there and find your people!
A huge thank you to our very own Kev G for all his amazing work setting up and leading the Mental Health Group. It’s a private, safe space to chat when life gets heavy, someone’s always here to listen.
MENTAL HEALTH
With the above in mind, a word or two from Kev G:
Despite growing awareness, many people still hide their mental health struggles out of fear of judgment and stigma. In fact, about 60% of people avoid seeking help because they’re afraid of being labelled. This Mental Health Week (May 5–11, 2025), the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is encouraging everyone to take part in “Unmasking Mental Health”, helping create a world where it’s safe to be real about what we’re going through. Hiding our emotions might seem like protection, but over time, it can lead to isolation, exhaustion, and feeling disconnected from who we really are.
Finding safe spaces for open, honest conversations is key to healing. Sometimes, those safe spaces aren’t in a typical setting like a therapist’s office or in a group therapy session. Sometimes they’re found on the quiet banks of a river, lake or even a pond. Fishing can offer a calm, judgment-free environment where people often feel more comfortable letting their guard down, having honest conversations, and reconnecting with themselves and others. In the quiet moments by the water, unmasking becomes a little easier.
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AND FINALLY
A very special thanks to all our wonderful members for kicking off another amazing season with us. Tight lines, stay positive, whether you’re hauling fish or shaking your fist at a still frozen lake! We are looking forward to our 5th season and showcasing what our members can do.
Tight lines!