A RED LETTER SESSION @ GLAMP CARP FOR PHIL

My wife and I booked four nights in one of the luxury tipis at Glamp Carp, set in the village of South Petherton. If you haven’t seen the place, it’s well worth a look — the facilities and setup are spot on.

After checking in, I got three rods out on my go-to solid bag setups and settled in. The first night and following morning were quiet, so I went for a walk to really assess my water — around an acre in total.

It quickly became clear there were plenty of carp showing in the far margin behind an island, an area I couldn’t properly access from the tipi swim. Rather than fish on top of them and risk spooking the lot, I made the move round the lake to get a better angle.

Once in position, I quietly dropped a solid bag with a Mini Combo mix, boosted with Salmon Fry crumb, and fished a pink Hinders Betalin Wafter over the top.
Over the next 4–5 hours, I landed three quality carp — mirrors of 29lb 12oz and 20lb 4oz, along with a stunning 30lb common with serious shoulders.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning the owner allows you to name any fish that breaks the 30lb barrier for the first time. I named the common “Gerald” after my late grandad, who loved his fishing and always enjoyed hearing about my sessions.
That night, I nicked a 29lb mirror at 11pm from the tipi swim — a result, as the lake isn’t known for loads of night action.

Day three saw me back on the same area, fishing both the margin and the drop-off behind the island. I added a 27lb 12oz mirror and a solid 33lb 4oz common known as “Mable”.

The final night was quiet, but the last day more than made up for it.

I went on to land six carp, including:

• “Apple Slice” at 33lb 6oz
• Two more new 30s at 34lb 8oz and 32lb — named “George” (after my dad who got me into fishing) and “Poppet”
  
  
  

Alongside those were fish of 24lb 8oz, 23lb, and 18lb 14oz.

All in, 12 carp landed — 8 of them over 28lb. A ridiculous average.

11 of the 12 came to the pink Betalin wafters, which have quickly become one of my all-time favourite hookbaits.

Massive thanks to Jack and Amy, the owners of Glamp Carp. The work they’ve put into the lake and the quality of the stock is clear to see. Jack in particular is one of the most enthusiastic and genuine fishery owners I’ve come across — just as happy as anyone to see those fish on the bank.

We’ll definitely be back. For now, just grateful for a session that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Phil