Questions and Answers with Simon Crow

An interview with Simon Crow, a sponsored angler, working as a consultant for Nash Tackle


Before I begin this interview I would like to say a big thank you to Simon for finding the time to do this interview, it really is appreciated, right then let’s begin…

So then Simon, when did it all begin?  Where was the first place that you wet a line?

I have a lot of early memories from angling with my Grandad and Dad when I was only a few years old. I can’t remember exactly where I first wet a line, but I’d guess it was at an old estate lake in the Midlands known as Enville where I was sat on an old creel and propped up with a rod.
I was a gudgeon basher in those days although I remember catching some really nice tench and perch. I became friends with a lad called Dave Chancellor (now has a UK PB of 60lb-plus) when I was about 6-years-old and our parents used to take us fishing together to places like the River Severn and Patshull Park. It’s quite ironic how we both ended up as carp anglers as we grew up.



When did you begin to target big carp?

I caught my first carp in 1980 when I was 10-years-old from a lake called Leightons Pool near Wolverhampton. It was 8lb and it was massive! I didn’t become what I would now call a ‘proper’ carp angler until 1986/7 when I specifically started targeting them.
It started with doubles and then twenties and just went from there as I became more and more hooked.



Carp fishing goes from strength to strength each year. Like myself, you target big carp, did you just follow the trend?

Not really as I’m probably the most non-sheep-like person in existence. I just evolved into enjoying chasing the bigger fish. I’m fortunate that I make a living from fishing so I like to participate in all forms of the sport. I’ve fished rivers, canals, ponds, reservoirs, large pits, matches, day ticket waters, commercial venues, wild waters, big carp and little carp.
I like carping in all its different forms but there is something really satisfying catching a carp when you have been targeting it specifically.
 

Can you tell me, and everyone reading this interview, more about your personal angling?

I’ve fished all around the world for carp and caught them from more than 300 different waters, including 50s from six different countries.
These days I tend to prefer fishing closer to home which is what I class as my own personal fishing. I live up in Yorkshire on the east coast and I like fishing for Yorkshire thirties which are monster carp in that area of the country.
Although I do spend most of my time fishing in Yorkshire I do hold a few southern tickets even though I never seem to use them.
I also have at least a couple of weeks overseas at places like Rainbow Lake which I consider to be the ultimate carp water on the planet.

 

Do you have a memorable capture?

Not one in particular. I have very fond memories of winning the World Carp Cup 1996 in front of 20,000 people (I kid you not, look back at past Carpworlds).

I also enjoyed catching Rainbow Lake’s biggest resident at 86lb 8oz as well as my first eighty which weighed 83lb from Echo Pool.

I’ve now caught three different UK fifties and they are all special, as are all of my Yorkshire thirties which now approach the fifty mark.
However, the one carp I hold in the highest regard is a really historical Yorkshire mirror which used to live in the National Trust owned Nostell Priory near Wakefield. It had a long documented history within carping and had been almost two years uncaught when I slipped it into the net weighing 43lb 6oz.
I put a lot of effort into catching that fish as it was one of only 20 carp in 20 acres of weed infested water which only allowed access during the day. 

What’s the best piece of advice you could give to anybody reading this regards targeting big carp?

There is no secret wonder rig or bait, only slight advantages to be gained on getting on something early or using something specific. The biggest piece of the jigsaw when it comes to catching big carp is putting in the effort, going as often as you can and staying ‘in tune’ with the water you are targeting.