Ian ‘Chilly’ Chillcott is a legend in the world of carp fishing and in this book he passes onto the reader his knowledge and love of the sport.
Whilst this is a technical book on carp fishing and some of the material is quite advanced, it is lan’s intention to make sure that the basics are fully covered. He explains why certain types of tackle and equipment should be used and outlines the development of tackle and tactics.
The author begins with a brief history of carp angling and includes many of the dramatic changes and events that have shaped the sport into what is has become today. The section on tackle covers rods, reels, line, luggage, shelters (including bed chairs and sleeping bags), landing nets, unhooking mats, leader, leads, lead attachments, hooklinks, hooks etc, etc ……
With its comprehensive text and explanatory photographs, Tackling Carp is an indispensable guide for both the beginner and the more experienced carp fisher.
Ian Chillcott began fishing at the age of four. He served in the Airborne Forces for twenty-two years and during that period he was able to fish all over the world, catching many exotic species. He is a consultant for Fox International and Mainline Baits, and has contributed to the majority of mainstream carp magazines.
FishingMagic Verdict
What I liked most about this book is the author’s obvious passion for carp fishing that exudes from every page. This is no, ‘OK, let’s write a carp book’ effort from someone who is more interested in what he can make out of the venture rather than producing a very readable and interesting book. Ian Chillcott’s enthusiasm needs no introduction from me and it is good to feel this enthusiasm throughout the book.
The book comprehensively covers carp fishing from beginners level to the more advanced stuff, but the emphasis is strongly weighted towards the latter. The beginner will get a good feel for the sport but the more experienced improver and especially the more advanced carp angler will get the most from it.
A wide range of topics is covered, including facts about the fish, the tackle and bait required, luggage and shelters, rigs, stalking playing and landing fish, and of course the various methods for catching carp.
The photographs are excellent, but they lead me to the only little niggle I have about the book: too much emphasis on the tackle and bait manufacturers who sponsor the author. Yes, I understand that the author actually uses these products but it would have done no harm to make it a little more clear that there are other products worth considering.
However, as I said, that’s a minor niggle. More important is the fact that this is a carp book that will most certainly help anglers to catch more and bigger fish. It is well written and interesting and full of first class photographs.
