Wild Carp Companies Pro Staff

Craig Parkes has been a British ex-pat since August 2011 and is already addicted to the US carp scene. He started course fishing as a child and began carping in 2004 after two friends convinced him to make the switch.

 

He was immediately hooked and spent the last 7 years chasing big carp and wells catfish in England, France, Spain and now America.

Craig was a field-tester for SBS baits, owned by renowned angler and fishing author Des Taylor. He was also sponsored by Bilston Angling Centre. His carping highlights include spending two years on Rob Hales exclusive Weston Park syndicate, landing most of the residents including the two biggest fish at 34lb 4oz and 35lb 8oz.

 

He was accepted onto one of the UK’s top waters Acton Burnell. Unfortunately a lengthy illness kept him off the bank for 18 months and missing out on Acton was one of the lowest points in Craig’s angling career. However, he is now fit, healthy and brimming with passion and enthusiasm for the promotion of USA carp angling.

Craig has featured in many angling publications including Angling Times and Carp Talk. He has also produced articles for Tackle and Gun magazine and Big In The Game Carp Clothing Ltd. He was one of the first anglers to qualify as a Professional Angling Association (PAA) angling coach, and set up one of the UK’s first youth angling projects in central England.

Craig prefers a euro style of fishing, and combines British and American methods and tactics to pursue carp in NY, NJ and other East Coast States. He is comfortable fishing a wide range of waters, and although he prefers long sessions on lakes he is just as confident catching on rivers and stalking in creeks and ponds.

 

His favorite baits are freezer boilies and fake corn (and maggots in the UK). His pb’s are Carp 41lb 8oz, Wells Catfish 57lb, Sturgeon 85lb.

 

Contact Craig - craig@wildcarpcompanies.com

 

Craig with an 85lb sturgeon caught during a French carping session on a size 6 hook and 15lb line.

Craig with the largest resident from Weston Park Syndicate at 35lb 8oz.

 

Craig with a 33lb wells catfish taken five minutes into a coaching session.

 

Craig with a 30lb 12oz soccer ball shaped mirror.

 

Craig with a stunning 21lb 8oz linear mirror from New York.