In this episode of the Korda Thinking Tackle Podcast, we're joined by Ash Palethorpe. Ash has built an incredible carp fishing album over the years, featuring a huge collection of massive carp from some of the country's most renowned venues. In this episode, he dives into some of his most memorable captures, sharing the stories, tactics, and moments behind the fish that stand out the most. One story in particular comes from a very obscure and unexpected location — proving that big carp can turn up where you least expect them! Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

In this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut Podcast, Tom Dove talks through with Neil Spooner, Damian Clarke and Adam Reed about one of his toughest runs in recent memory - weeks of effort, plenty of time on the bank, and very little back for it.

The kind of spell every angler hits, but not everyone admits to. From there, it turns into a proper conversation about sticking things out, understanding bite times, and why one bite can completely reset everything. Along the way, the lads get into how modern fishing pressure, changing seasons, and bait are influencing how lakes fish now compared to years ago.

🎧 In this episode:

• Dovey's longest blank and fishing through it
• Why one bite changes everything
• Bite time windows and feeding spells in colder conditions
• Spooner's race weekend and pushing outside fishing
• Latest Spooner's 50s, including a 57lb+ common at 15 years old
• Another UK 60lb carp, and how many are really out there
• Why carp are getting bigger - bait, pressure, environment
• Is Autumn still what it used to be?
• Spring fishing, low baiting, and quick bites

 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club in 2026? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk

For more information, visit:

• http://www.kordatackle.co.uk
• https://www.facebook.com/kordaofficial
• http://instagram.com/kordaofficial

Nick Dunn joins the Thinking Tackle Podcast with one of the most diverse backstories we've ever featured. Tune in as we explore his angling journey across venues such as Rockford and Spinnaker, where he encountered epic carp, including Torpedo and Intercity. 

But Nick's life extends far beyond the bank, including farming and BMX passions. He also reveals the evolution of Stogelmans Hookbaits, which is now making waves across the carp scene for its effectiveness, originality, and consistency. 

On this episode of Korda's, The Thinking Tackle Podcast is Danny Fairbrass and The Thrive Programme coach, Rob Kelly. In this podcast, the pair discuss the importance of mental health awareness and how to cure PTSD. PTSD, or Post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Danny and Rob wanted to produce this podcast to share vital information for those who might be suffering and seeking help for this condition.

John Baker is one of the most respected and highly influential bait specialists around today. Since the 1970s, John's baits and ingredients have accounted for numerous specimen-sized carp, substantiating his reputation as one of the most informed and knowledgeable people on the subject today. John's fishing experience is vast and varied, having fished for carp on some of the country's most influential waters such as Savay, Redmire, Ashley pool, Darenth, and Harrow.

Dave Finn is a Korda sponsored angler who in 2019, landed a fish known as Scruffy Bob at a lake record weight of 61lb 12oz from Wellington Country Park. As well as the lake record, he has caught many of the lake's impressive stock, including a fish known as Willow. Dave used his natural entertaining abilities to full effect during the covid lockdown of 2020, by hosting the Dave Finn Carp Quiz. The Thursday evening quizzes became a must-watch for many carp anglers seeking solitude from the pandemic.

Ash Bradbury is the owner of Tails Up Baits and runs Ashbury Fisheries in Hatfield Peverel, Essex. He also played an integral part in introducing adjustable zigs into carp fishing, an ingenious and highly efficient method that has proved successful for many anglers. Ash has caught many notable carp including, Dippy from Snake Pit, Plodder from Tolpits and Annie, from the Essex Manor. In this podcast, Ash shared some zig fishing tips, his approach to tackling small waters and much more.

In this exclusive episode of the podcast, Danny Fairbrass gave a vivid insight into his recent battle with melanoma skin cancer. He was also joined by his life coach, Rob Kelly, one of the founders of the revolutionary psychological training programme, The Thrive Programme. Danny arranged this impromptu podcast to raise awareness surrounding the seriousness of the sun. He hopes to encourage people to wear appropriate clothing, regularly use factor 50 sun cream and most importantly, respect the sun.  

Andrew Ellis is a Sparsholt College graduate and the owner of AE fisheries. Over several decades, he has built a reputation within the industry for his no-nonsense attitude towards fishery management. Andrew's work approach is straightforward and to the point, he relies entirely on his extensive experience rather than following the common trends. He has built up a large and varied clientele over the years, ranging from private estate owners to the likes of Embryo and The Carp Society.

Chris Ball is renowned for being one of the most informed carp fishing historians around today. Since the late 1980s, he's written countless articles and had numerous books published on the subject. His most recent book is titled Historical Carp Waters II, detailing famous captures from historic carp waters. Along with his feverish obsession for carp fishing history, he's been catching carp from some country's leading and most historic venues since the 1960s.

Elliott Gray and Rich Stewart are the two men behind the online carp fishing channel, Cypography. They both have extensive experience working within the angling media industry and have witnessed some of the most incredible carp angling moments. This podcast discusses all of Elliott and Rich's most treasured memories and experiences while filming for Cypography. Including many inspiring moments and some unforgettable footage from your fondest and most favoured anglers today.

Jamie Clossick is the presenter and co-founder of the UK's first-ever carp fishing podcast, The Carp Cast. Jamie's serious carp fishing began on Bedfordshire's Elstow Pit 2. He went on to catch two of its most sought-after residents, The Mother and The Twin. His other angling accomplishments include landing Mr Angry from the Manchester Park Lake, Single Scale from the Car Park Lake and The Fat Lady from St Ives Lagoon. Additionally, Jamie also caught two of the Tatton Park commons.

Rob Burgess got the job as Korda Developments' first-ever professional carp angling coach in 2018. Since his appointment, Rob has helped advance the carp angling abilities of thousands of people. On this episode of the podcast, Rob reveals why he is one of carp fishing's most adaptable and prolific anglers. He also gives an abundance of essential angling advice that will prove vital to your next session.

It's that time again… and the lads are back in full force! After weeks of absence, everyone's finally in the studio — Damo, Spooner, Dovey, and Reedy - ready to settle a few scores, plus can Reedy be crowned Carp Angler of the Year?

Damo adds flames to the Bait Boat fire… literally and we dive into all the latest big-carp chaos. Things get lively fast as the team relive their latest Spooner & Dovey vs Reedy & Damo (Podcast Showdown) and finally talk about their epic trip Lac Du Der.

There's plenty of banter, a few brutal truths, and more than a few confessions along the way…

• Angling Times Carp Angler of the Year nomination - Reedy?
• The rematch confirmed: Spooner & Dovey VS Damo & Reed
• Bait boats (🔥on fire) * Spooner's 50 Cup – more monster carp rolling in

The biggest laughs, digs, and one-liners of the series 

📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club?

Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk

#Korda #ThinkingTacklePodcast #UncutPodcast #CarpFishing #BigCarp #NeilSpooner #DamianClarke #TomDove #Reedy #Spooners50 #CarpFishingPodcast #FishingBanter #CarpLife

Bev Clifford is the England Ladies Carp Team Captain. Due to her dedication, drive, and determination, she has established herself as one of the most reputable individuals in today's English carp fishing scene. As the daughter of Kevin Clifford, the co-founder of Carp-Talk Magazine, Bev has spent her entire life exposed to the eventualities of the angling industry. She also runs the Ladies Carp Academy and is involved with multiple other campaigns and organizations such as This Girl Can.

Dean Fletcher caught a fish known as The Parrot at a colossal weight of 68lb 1oz from the Wasing Estate Fishery in 2016. Consequently, this tremendous capture makes Dean the current holder of the ratified accolade, the British record for a carp. Along with Wasing, he's fished other familiar venues such as Dinton Pastures and Wellington Country Park. Some of his most memorable captures from these fisheries include Wellington Park's The Turtle and Dinton's Bruno.

Pete Castle is one of Korda's longest-standing consultants and has helped develop various popular items of tackle. He is also a professional angling coach, who specializes in coaching anglers of all ages and abilities through his business, Pete Castle Fishing and Photography. In this episode, Pete shared a selection of intriguing and unique tales from his fishing life, as this podcast takes a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of carp fishing's most philosophical and fascinating personalities.

Fishery owner and dedicated big carp angler, Jerry Hammond is a man with a boundless life-long passion for carp fishing. His serious carp angling life began on Hainault Park Lake back in the late '70s. Since then, he has gone on to successfully tackle some of the country's hardest venues including, Sutton at Hone, Tolpits, Yateley Car Park and Vinnetrow. Jerry has also appeared as an extra in numerous blockbuster movies and TV shows such as Saving Private Ryan, Band of Brothers and Midsomer Murders.

In this episode of the podcast, we go deep into everything rigs with Korda boss, Danny Fairbrass and two of the country's leading carp anglers and previous podcast guests, Luke Stevenson and Aaron Copp. We open their rig boxes and explore the minds of these exceptional carp anglers who openly share their advice, approaches, and attitudes on some of the most commonly used carp rigs around today.

Due to popular demand, carp fishing legend Frank Warwick has returned to the podcast for another colourful and highly informative episode. We last heard from Frank on episode #026 of the show, and since then he has recently finished a successful winter campaign on a Cheshire syndicate water. During this episode of the podcast, Simon and Frank delved into the technical aspects of his recent campaign, while revealing more about Frank's unique approach to fishing during the colder months.

On this episode of the podcast, we have one of the most celebrated and successful carp anglers today and the new face of CarpFix, Darrell Peck. Darrell has recently set up his online carp fishing channel, CarpFix, and he came on the show to talk about his new venture. We also have Joe Wright, the founder and editor of the carp fishing magazine, Carpology. Joe shared the journey behind the magazine and explained the hard work and dedication needed to sustain its sizable following.

Youtubers Carl and Alex, bait expert John Baker and Monster Carp co-host and Korda's Tom Dove all joined Simon Pitt on this episode of The Thinking Tackle Podcast. Due to the lockdown regulations, the podcast is continuing its series of Lockdown Listens with guests from the world of carp fishing. Carl and Alex discussed their recent lockdown videos, John Baker lifts the lid on the bait industry and Tom Dove revealed some big news regarding his personal life.

Damian Clarke, Iain Macmillan and Julian Cundiff join us on our first Lockdown Listens Thinking Tackle Podcast. Due to the recent nationwide lockdown, we have temporarily changed from our regular in-studio episodes to a series of remote interviews with a variety of guests. Damian discusses some recent big fish success; Iain tells us about last October's trip to Pascals Lake in France and Julian joins us again to talk about why he typically prefers day only carp fishing.

Danny Fairbrass has played an integral role in the development of modern carp fishing, which has made him into one of the sports most respected individuals. However, despite his high media profile, he has very seldomly shared intimate details of his life before Korda. In this episode of the podcast, Danny takes a trip down memory lane to reflect on his early angling life, to his first-ever night fishing trip with his mother, as well as the effort that it took to catch his first twenty-pound carp.

It's all going off in the studio this week… Damo and Reedy have been arguing 🥺

With Damo, Tom and Reed back together (no Spooner), this episode of Thinking Tackle Uncut has a bit of everything - from birthday chaos and dodgy singing, to bloodworm viral video chat, and Damo's new spod light hack that's got everyone talking!

The lads get stuck into the Spooner's 50 Cup, react to some outrageous big carp catches, and share a few of their own recent sessions - including Damo's simple night-fishing trick that's already changing the game for overnighters.

Expect plenty of banter, questionable cake choices, and proper fishing insight - classic Uncut from start to finish. 

🎣 In this episode:

• Damo's new spomb light hack explained
• Bloodworm Viral Video - We get to the bottom
• Bait talk & winter fishing edges
• The latest Spooner's 50 Cup contenders
• Damo Birthday celebrations (and chaos!) in the studio
• Real-life fishing stories, big laughs & big carp

📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk

Ian Russell is a three-time British Carp Angling Championship finalist and former winner of Total Carp's Battlecarp and Fishing TV's Carp Wars. As one of carp fishing's best-loved personalities, he became prominent in the UK carp fishing scene as the proprietor of bait rolling company, Heathrow Baits Services. During this episode of the podcast, he discusses many of his fondest angling memories, as well as lifting the lid on some of his most significant fishing edges.

In 2019, Ian Bailey achieved the rare accolade of catching the UK's largest carp, which came from Grenville Lake in Cambridgeshire and weighed a colossal 65lb 12oz. In the same year, he became only the third person to catch two different carp over 60lb from the UK. In this episode, Ian shares his undeniable passion for carp fishing, numerous inspiring anecdotes and abundance of advice that shows why he is one of the most avid, astute and accomplished anglers in today's carp fishing scene.

Nick Helleur is by his own admission, the Peter Pan of carp fishing, indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle of worldwide angling adventures and carp fishing discoveries. He pioneered some of the sport's most used methods, such as PVA stick fishing, and was a consultant for some of the industry's biggest companies, including Shimano, Aqua and Korda. While recording a film for Sticky Baits' Reflections series in 2018, he landed the largest ever publicised carp from the River Thames, weighing 50lbs 12oz.

David Seaman is a former professional goalkeeper who enjoyed a long and successful playing career spanning over 20 years. He enjoyed most of his club success at Arsenal, where he won a total of 11 domestic honours, including 3 league titles. David has been an angler from an early age and has fished for many different species during his life. Recently, he's focused his angling on the River Thames and the River Kennet, where he's netted carp to over 35lbs and barbel well into double figures.

Adrian Smith is the lead guitarist with the heavy metal band, Iron Maiden. The group has sold over 100 million albums and played over 2000 live shows. Away from the high octane demands of his music career, he is a compulsive angler and enjoys targeting fish of all species. He has recently released his book titled "Monsters of River and Rock". The book gives a delightful insight into the world of heavy metal music, combined with the tranquillity and thrill of being an obsessive fishing enthusiast.

Micky Gray is an angler with an unwavering appetite for pursuing some of this country's most exclusive carp. One of his most notable captures includes the exceptionally exquisite 'Bazil', from Yateley's North Lake. The proceeding years have seen him write two acclaimed books, A Merry Olde Dance and most recently, How's Your Luck? In this exclusive podcast, Micky joins Simon to discuss all aspects of his personal and carp fishing life, the modern carp fishing scene and much more.

Following a string of high-profile captures, Tom Stokes has been steadily building a reputation as one of the finest big carp anglers currently around today. Continuing with that run of great form, his most recent capture was Farnham Flint's largest resident at 52lbs 4oz, The Pristine Common.  During this episode of the podcast, Tom exclusively tells us the epic story behind his most recent high-profile capture, giving us an inspiring insight into his fishing philosophy. 

Frank Warwick is one of carp fishing's most acknowledged individuals. He has enjoyed a tremendous share of angling success from numerous waters, both at home and abroad. Frank has also lived and fished through the most formative years of the sport and has contributed tremendously to the development of traditional carp-catching methods, most notably the Chod rig. He currently works as a fishing consultant for Sonik Sports and is the author of the successful angling publication, Every Bit of Blue.

Oz Holness is one of the U.K's most respected and successful big fish anglers. He has previously held the British record, after capturing Conningbrook's Two-Tone at 67lbs 14oz in 2007. Following this, he has gone on to land some of the trickiest and most sought after carp around, including the Burghfield Common, the Baby Black, and many more. During this episode of the podcast, he also discusses life away from fishing, including his love of surfing and his experiences while working in the fire service.

ITV4's Monster Carp is set for a remarkable return with a brand-new series on Thursday 27th August. This sees carp fishing trio Ali Hamidi, Tom Dove and Neil Spooner embark on their biggest adventure yet. On this chapter of the podcast, Ali, Tom and Neil join Simon Pitt for a Monster Carp special episode. Be sure to tune-in and don't miss the four of them review some never-before-seen footage, some hilarious banter between the lads and of course, some Monster Carp.

Welcome back to Thinking Tackle Uncut — and this week, it's a lively one! With Tom Dove calling in sick, Damo, Adam and Neil Spooner hold down the fort to talk about the crazy run of huge carp being caught this autumn — including 70s on the horizon and the latest from Spooner's 50 Cup Competition (now pushing 80!).

The lads chat about how the clocks are going back, changing conditions, warm autumns, and irrigation waters are creating monster carp across the UK — and share stories of incredible fish, including Grumpy at 56lb 12oz and The Carving at 53lb.

There's laughter, chaos, and a few proper nuggets of angling insight as Damo and Spooner discuss:

• 🎣 Why carp are growing bigger than ever
• 🌧️ How warm winters and rich irrigation waters fuel the boom
• 🐟 The best way to make the most of shorter autumn sessions
• 🔥 Spooner's 80 Cup – the best carp of the season so far
• 💬 Why today's fishing isn't "too easy"… just different

📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk

Bobby Zamora, former Premier League striker and England international, joins Simon Pitt on the podcast to discuss all things angling and his footballing career. He even gives a behind the scenes insight to what happened when him and Ali Hamidi went fishing on the Amazon River during Korda's The Big Fish Off series. The pair also discuss in-depth Bobby's love for carp fishing, which has seen him fish all around the world at a variety of different venues landing carp in excess of 40lbs!

Simon Scott and Mark Bryant join Simon in the studio to discuss the recent release of their new Thinking Tackle programme. The show follows them during an autumn session on a Cotswold Water Park venue, capturing the true essence of fishing at this magical time of year. During the podcast we delve into the pairs individual fields of expertise to understand more clearly, the many different aspects of autumn carp fishing and much more besides.

On today's show, Simon talks to one of the recognisable people in carp fishing, Ali Hamidi. Ali has been an angler from an early age, and since then he has fished a variety of venues from all around the world. Furthermore, he has played an integral part in the production of Korda's "Thinking Tackle" series and subsequent mainstream fishing shows, including Monster Carp and The Big Fish Off. He has also written multiple successful books, including Ali Hamidi's Carp Fishing Masterclass and The Carpers' High.

On this episode of the podcast we have Peter Regan and Damian Clarke. These two have been close friends for many years and have shared numerous fishing adventures together. Peter Regan has been carp fishing for over four decades and has conquered some of the country's most prolific waters, including Savay, The Hertfordshire Club Water and most recently Wasing. Pete has also developed and devised his own unique set of bait recipes which has helped him capture a wide array of stunning fish.

Darrell Peck joins Simon in the studio for a second time as he gives us an update on his recent fishing endeavour's. We talk about his recently released "Pecky's Big Carp Buzz" series. Three films that see Darrell challenge himself on venues in France and Germany. Also, the new Thinking Tackle series is due for release very soon. Danny and Darrell decide to embark on fishing a large French lake which is rumoured to hold some REAL MONSTERS!

Neil Spooner is the Korda Developments European sales manager. However, he is best known for starring alongside Tom Dove and Ali Hamidi in ITV4's popular fishing series "Monster Carp". Neil has been fortunate enough to have fished for some of the world's biggest carp. He has caught some true monster's, notably one of Lac de Saint-Cassien's largest carp, weighing in at over 70 pounds. On this episode of the podcast, Neil talks exclusively about his personal life and his extensive fishing experiences.

Gigantica has built a reputation as being one of the world's premier big carp commercial fisheries. Since being purchased over a decade ago by Danny Fairbrass, the lake has continued to consistently produce some of the biggest carp around. Today, the lake currently holds 3 known fish exceeding 80lbs and numerous others weighing over 70lb's. On this edition of the podcast, Danny talks everything Gigantica, from how he initially purchased the lake, to explaining how to catch these exclusive carp.

Nigel Botherway is a Sunday Times sports journalist and host of talkSPORT's Fisherman's Blues. Plus, he has also appeared on Sky Sports' "Tight Lines" on numerous occasions, as a featured angler and as a stand-in presenter. Nigel has also fished some of Europe's top carp waters including, The Orient, Lake Der-Chantecoq and Lake Raduta in Romania. He also enjoys angling for a variety of different species, including huge record-breaking catfish and monster salmon.

Dr. Mark Wheeler is an award-winning psychologist and accredited therapist who dedicates much of his time towards treating military veterans who suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder. He set up iCARP after discovering that fishing could help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Steve "Johno" Johnston is a military veteran who served for 22 years and subsequently, he now suffers from PTSD. Since then, he has made considerable progress and is now an angling coach for the iCARP team.

Luke Stevenson is an Essex based carp angler who has an undeniable ability to catch large numbers of big carp from difficult venues. His recent successes on Carthagena has galvanised his reputation even further. Over the two winters, Luke landed many of the lakes most prized fish, including "Tango" at a lake record weight of over 53lbs. This success has been replicated on other notable venues too, including, The North Met and the Shallow Lake on the St Ives complex.

Big Carp Angler and Sub Surface icon Gaz Fareham joins us on this weeks Thinking Tackle Uncut. With Spooner and Dovey out filming in in Europe, Damo and Adam are joined by Gaz for an honest, thoughtful chat about life, fishing, and what it really takes to balance both.

Gaz talks about how his fishing has changed completely over the last 18 months — working full-time in horticulture, living away from home, and squeezing every ounce out of 10-hour "work night" sessions. Despite the graft, Gaz has still managed to land some incredible carp — including a rare 49lb mirror called Black Spot — proving what's possible when you're organised, efficient, and determined.

🎣 In this episode:

• Gaz's transition from the tackle industry to a full-time job
• How he catches carp fishing in short overnight sessions
• The importance of organisation, mindset, and watercraft
• The tactics that keep bites coming on busy club waters
• A look back at his early Korda days and iconic films

If you've ever wondered how to stay consistent when time is tight, this episode is packed with lessons, nostalgia, and plenty of trademark Uncut banter.

 📬 Want to join the Spooner's 50 Club? Send your UK 50 entries to: spooners50@korda.co.uk

Iain Macmillan is a highly respected carp angler who has been prominent in the modern carp fishing scene for many years. He has enjoyed considerable success on some of the country's best-known waters, including Wellington Country Park and the Essex Manor. Iain works in the angling trade, and has over the years, worked with some of the world's leading fishing companies. He has also been a regular contributor to various angling publications, programmes and films, including Korda's Thinking Tackle Series.

Aaron Copp is a former futures trader, who away from his previously hectic career, fishes some of the trickiest big carp lakes in the country. He has consistently caught from waters such as Walthamstowe, Sutton on Hone, Horton and Savay. In the near future, Aaron is planning to release his first book, which chronicles his angling life. This promises to be a must read for anyone wishing to know what it REALLY takes to be a successful big carp angler.

On this episode of the podcast, fish farmer and biologist, Simon Scott joins Simon Pitt in the studio. Simon has a Master of Science degree in applied fish biology, making him expert on carp behaviour. He works as a fisheries consultant, and is also a director for Sussex based fish farmers, VS Fisheries. Simon is also a prolific angler, he has caught the former British record carp known as "Mary" from Wraysbury. Today, he continues to target some of the largest and most cherished carp in the country.