He’s making that list and checking it twice, and no we aren’t talking about the boss man looking over the stock list for the CCS Store, we are talking about Santa Carp! Have you not heard of our elusive friend?
“He’s eating when you’re working, he’s gone when you’re around.
He giggles while he watches you, waiting for the alarm to sound!”
Something like that anyhow… elusive things, snow carp.
Welcome to December fellow members! As we enter the darkest month of the calendar year, let’s remind ourselves of the warmth and comfort that friendship, family and feasts can bring. With most hanging up the gear for the year by the time our last newsletter went out, many of our members are now eagerly awaiting their packages from Simon, err we mean Santa, to help replenish their kits and stock! Be sure to leave out a can of corn for Ol’ Rubber Lips and let’s dive into what you can expect in this last month of the year!
THE URC (UNOFFICIAL RECORD CARP)
Ever wonder what the biggest carp caught in Canada is? So have we, hence why we have put together this list of Common and Mirror Carp caught in Canada by Canadian Carp Society Members.
We have a new #1 in the Top 10, and the biggest recorded fish for 2024. Renaud Dostie, one of our members from Quebec, with a 47+ Mirror! Check out the URC pages for more details.
ANGLER OF THE YEAR
A separate email for all of those subscribed to this newsletter has been recently sent out with further details about the AOTY voting and banquet, but for a quick summary:
– The first round of voting starts December 1st and runs until Dec 13th, so be sure to have a good look at that newsfeed and see which anglers have consistently netted bigguns, have gone to lengths above and beyond to catch, have helped others to achieve their goals and beyond.
– The banquet and awards ceremony will be taking place in the New Year so’s to not interrupt any holiday gatherings!
Be sure to check that email with all necessary details set to come out in the coming weeks.
MENTAL HEALTH: A WORD FROM KEV G
FINDING BALANCE DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The Christmas season can be magical, but let’s be honest, it can also feel like a lot. Between the hustle of shopping, the hassle of planning, and the financial strain, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The pressure to make everything “perfect” can take the joy right out of the holidays. But here’s the thing: Christmas isn’t about the money we spend or how Instagram-worthy our celebrations look. It’s about the time we share, the love we give, and the memories we make with the people who matter most. So this year, take a breath. Say no when you need to. Focus on moments, not things. A genuine conversation, a good laugh, or a quiet night with family can mean more than the expensive gifts under the tree. And if you’re feeling the pressure, challenge yourself to catch a snow carp. Stepping outside and connecting with nature is a great way to unplug, recharge, and find a little peace amidst the holiday chaos. The best gift you can give, both to yourself and your loved ones, is your presence, not your perfection.
WINTER TIP #1
TIME TO DABBLE, TINKER AND BRAINSTORM
We are sure that this isn’t news to anyone, but once the fishing season grinds to a halt, many of us likely dive into a deep dark place (likely the basement or garage) and sit amongst our gear fumbling and organizing our kit anxiously awaiting the start of the next season. Sound familiar? Here is a little something that might help you stay sane: try experimenting with a new rig concept and/or deep dive into a new approach. Perhaps this is learning to splice a leader material or make up chod rigs so’s to be able to fish in more challenging conditions next season. Another idea might be brainstorming how to overcome a particular obstacle that is inhibiting you from being able to fish a spot to its full potential. Chat with the community about some challenges you are facing at a particular swim and see what suggestions might pop-up. If you have questions, ask them. If you have suggestions, offer them. If you have ideas, share them. Let’s connect!
NEW IN THE CCS STORE
THE CCS CARPER’S BEANIE
Embroidered CCS logo. Its thick, ribbed knit will keep your noggin warm in chilly weather, while the style suits nearly any bankside outfit!
LATEST CONTENT
John Bulmer’s latest article “Grow Your Skill Set” is both an informative as well as motivational piece that focuses on his transition from a multispecies angler, to a more carp-focused angler. This article highlights those transferable skills from one species and tactic to the next and why exploring every aspect is so crucial to being a well-rounded angler in general. Additionally, our 2024 CCS Social recap video is live! Whether you couldn’t make it out this year, but wanted to see what you missed out on, or were present and are looking to relive some memorable moments, this video will tickle all of the right brain parts. Our members will find shortcuts to both John’s article, and our recap video at the top of the newsfeed.
BENEFITS: BANK BOUND CARP PICS
Looking for a unique present for that carpy friend of yours, or perhaps from Santa, to you? Bank Bound offers custom digital images to help immortalize your captures in style! Some of the biggest names in carp angling, as well as some of our very own members have used their services and were not disappointed! Bank Bound has been so kind as to provide our CCS Members with an exclusive 20% discount off of digital copies of their work! Be sure to check out @Bankboundcarppics on Instagram to see some of their impressive work. Make sure you check out this benefit and more.
WINTER TIP #2
TAKE NOTES
Galen Yerex of ONTCarpn has a massive collection of underwater footage, as you likely already know! However, you wouldn’t believe how much of this footage never makes it to his channel. Amongst some of that unseen footage, Galen has been looking further into what did and didn’t work on a given session/in a specific location and he encourages all CCS members to do the same. Obviously, we don’t all have access to underwater videography equipment, however there are some things that can be noted each session about what was and what wasn’t working even without such luxuries. This is effective for all kinds of applications including baiting patterns, rig placement, rig selection, bait selection etc. in swims both new as well as old and pressured. A prime example of what Galen is talking about here, was during a session with Will that was filmed for Will’s YouTube channel. In the video they noted that the use of method mix was actually inhibiting their catch rate as the fish didn’t seem overly interested in the method whatsoever. The moment the pack bait was removed from the swim, the fishes’ behaviour seemed to become less hesitant. Obviously, packbait is a tried and tested method in North American carp angling and seems to be effective a majority of the time. However, in this particular case, during that particular session, in that particular stretch where the fish have seen pressure historically, it was clear that it wasn’t the most effective means to catch them. Their feeding behaviour was very picky and selective rather than smashing through the free offerings the overwhelming majority of the time. This was likely also due to the unsettled weather pattern they were fishing in coupled with that historical pressure. Going forward, Will and Galen were both cited in saying that they likely would start deviating from pack bait when fishing that particular stretch in future. Perhaps such an anecdote has inspired you to think about a few swims/sessions that went swimmingly or alternatively, didn’t. Consider what was working, and what wasn’t and carry that with you. You don’t fail, you learn and the more you are challenged the more challenging it will be for you to be challenged in the future.
AND FINALLY
Well, as hard as it might be to believe, the next time you will be receiving and reading a newsletter from us it will be 2025… crazy how time flies. As we reflect on these past twelve months, and the hardships and triumphs faced, we hope that you equally look forward to what is to come and eagerly anticipate the promise of new adventures a new year will bring. Whatever and however you celebrate, may your holidays be full of fond memories shared with good friends and family and may Santa Carp be good to you all!
From all of us here at the Canadian Carp Society, Merry Carpmas to all, and to all a good fight!.
#theccs