Heat 2 of the 2008 Wales Carp Masters took place at Celtic Lakes Resort over the weekend of 20th June – 22nd June.

Six pairs of carp anglers braved the often atrocious conditions in Heat 2 of the competition.

Position Team Weight
1 Ian Carter & Paul Hatton 237lb 15oz 
2
 Gary Wady & Pat “No Fingers” 137lb 6oz
3
 Steve McCreadie & Reece McCreadie 122lb 15oz

Paul Hatton, one half of the winning team, had this to say about the event and their victory:

“We decided to enter after watching the event last year on Sky Sports. We thought the Carp Masters would be a break from the norm, a good experience and also a chance of winning a great prize. We have met some great people and had some good laughs with the other competitors and the guys working at Celtic Lakes.”

“We only had time to get down there for one practice session before heat two as we live near Manchester. We organized ourselves well though and got to know the lake quite well in a short space of time. When the time came to qualify we had done our home work, had our tactics and bait sorted and managed to get the peg we wanted”

“The weather was described by every team I think to be the worst they had ever fished in, including us! Heavy rain and winds you could hardly stand up in! We refused to let it beat us though and battled through it, we were soaked like we had fallen in but managed to keep spirits high and keep working for the fish”

“I think we had about 25 carp in total, we lost a few and I also caught 2 catfish which were a bonus although they don’t count in the match. We caught all our fish on our own home made boilies: that’s all I’m saying about the tactics! The marshal’s did a fantastic job as well, it was hard for the anglers but wasn’t easy for them either that’s for sure.”

“We are really looking forward to the final now, whatever the weather!”

John Carney, who heads the Wales Carp Masters team, was delighted with the second heat of this years event:

“After all the months of hard work and planning by my team, Its great to get this years competition up and running with the second heat now completed. As always I would like to thank the whole WCM team (with special thanks going to the marshals who spent most of the weekend trying to dry out) for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to the winning two pairs who we look forward to seeing back here at Celtic Lakes in the final in August”.

There are still places available in the remaining four heats. Heats three and four at Celtic Lakes were both won last year with weights topping 500lbs and 600lbs respectively. So if you fancy some amazing carp fishing and a chance to be crowned Wales carp Masters 2008, please visit our registration page to find out more.

For more information and to register, please visit:

www.walescarpmasters.co.uk