So, I was still high off of the success at the fish-in at Belmont Lake this past Saturday (thanks again new carp angler buds!). The entire experience was awesome but a bit humbling (I thought I knew a thing or two about carp, but I realized I am so amateur!). At the same time, the fish-in was SUPER EXCITING! The whole day was so educational for me. The sophistication and tactical part of carping is especially what will suck me in from here on out - I know it! My mind has been buzzing around all the new possibilities. I feel like a whole new world has been opened up to me.

During the fish-in, Rob also gave me an old fish mat of his as a gift. It was so kind of him; I guess he sees potential in me. (I'll do my best not to let you down Rob!)

The last couple nights before I was waiting for the winds to die down so I could go carping, using a trick or two that I learned from the pros from Saturday. I especially wanted to use the fish mat; I really wanted take a photo of a carp on my first fish mat.

I "pre-baited" (my attempt to use European Carp Anglers' lingo here) a local "swim" earlier in that day on my way to work. After work, I stopped off at the swim. I know one day of pre-baiting isn't all that reliable, but I just was too anxious. I used a 1/4oz egg sinker tied to a small swivel and then tied that to a 12" monofilament "hook-link" to a small Gamakastu hook on my temporary carp rod. I say temporary because I will be buying a legite carp rod real soon!

I didn't have enough time to tie my own hair-rig, so I just put some sweetcorn on the hook itself and hoped for the best.

About 15 minutes in, I was on and it felt oh so good! I landed the fish, took a photo on the fish mat, and released it quickly as possible.

I only stayed another 30 minutes before the winds and chill came. One carp, one photo, one more time!