Raphaël gives details of the capture in his own words:
“I am very happy to announce that I have been fortunate enough to catch the biggest carp ever caught by a carp angler with modern fishing techniques (catch and release) in the U.S.A.!
This historic catch happened on the banks of a ‘small’ river in New Jersey State, on the morning of November 11; although I might add that what I call a small river here in the US is a bit different from what we know as small in Europe.
Unfortunately I cannot reveal the exact location because I have to keep the name of the river secret out of respect to the local anglers, who were kind enough to share their knowledge with me. In addition carp fishing in the United States is not like it is practised in Europe: the catch and release concept is not widespread here (bow hunting for carp seems to be more common) and it would be regrettable if this fish could not live out its life in peace.
The amazing specimen was a common carp, 98 cm long with a weight of 54lb 8oz, and after an amazing fight I had the pleasure of photographing her and putting her back in her natural environment…It was a magical moment!”
