Carp fishing is a passion for many anglers in the UK and Europe, with enthusiasts constantly on the hunt for record-breaking catches. Over the years, several monumental carp have been caught, setting new benchmarks in the angling community. Below, we explore the ten biggest carp caught in Europe and the UK to date, detailing their impressive sizes and the stories behind their captures.

1. Michel Schoenmakers’ 112 lb 14 oz Carp

The Euro Aqua fishery in Hungary has become famous for its enormous carp, and Dutch angler Michel Schoenmakers secured his place in history with a colossal 112 lb 14 oz carp in 2018. This catch shattered the previous world record by nearly 5 lbs, making Euro Aqua a prime destination for big carp hunters. The lake's carefully managed ecosystem, with abundant food, has contributed to these exceptional sizes.

2. John Harvey’s 232 lb Siamese Carp

While not from Europe, this catch is worth mentioning due to its sheer size. British angler John Harvey caught a 232 lb Siamese carp in Thailand’s Palm Tree Lagoon. This catch set a new world record for the species, surpassing the previous record by 10 lbs. Harvey's feat was the result of an 80-minute battle, showcasing the endurance and skill required to land such a giant.

3. Kieran Duff’s 66 lb 8 oz Common Carp

In 2024, Kieran Duff made headlines by catching the largest common carp ever recorded in the UK. Weighing 66 lb 8 oz, this remarkable fish was caught at Buckinghamshire’s Waterside Fishery, specifically from Kingfisher Lake. This capture ended a four-year quest for Duff, who faced challenging conditions, including strong winds and rain, to finally reel in this record-breaking fish.

4. Tomás Krist’s 105 lb Carp

Another giant from Euro Aqua, Tomás Krist caught a 105 lb carp in 2017, reinforcing the venue's reputation as a home for record-sized carp. The Euro Aqua fishery continues to produce these large specimens due to its extensive feeding programme and ideal growing conditions for carp.

5. Colin Smith’s 100 lb 8 oz Carp

Colin Smith joined the exclusive club of anglers who have caught a carp exceeding 100 lbs with his 100 lb 8 oz catch at Euro Aqua in 2013. This marked a significant moment in the angling world, showcasing the potential of European waters to produce fish of such extraordinary size.

6. Martin Locke’s 94 lb Carp

In 2010, Martin Locke caught a 94 lb carp from Lake Rainbow in France. This catch was notable not only for its size but also because it was one of the first to approach the 100 lb mark in Europe, setting the stage for future record-breaking captures.

7. Dean Fletcher’s 83 lb 4 oz Carp

Dean Fletcher set the UK record for the largest carp caught in the country in 2016 with an 83 lb 4 oz common carp. This catch took place at Wasing Estate's Cranwells Lake and stood as the UK record for several years, highlighting the potential for domestic waters to produce large carp.

8. Steve Weir’s 73 lb 8 oz Carp

In 2012, Steve Weir caught a 73 lb 8 oz carp at the Meadows Lake, part of the Kent-based Wingham Fisheries. This capture was a significant milestone for the UK, where carp of this size are relatively rare compared to continental Europe.

9. Paul Roberts’ 72 lb 6 oz Carp

Paul Roberts made his mark in 2015 with a 72 lb 6 oz carp caught at the Holme Fen Fishery in Cambridgeshire. This fish, named “The Wood Common,” was known for its size and was one of the most sought-after fish in the UK before its capture.

10. The “Giant” Carp of Lac de St. Cassien

Lac de St. Cassien in France is legendary for producing large carp, and while specific weights can be disputed due to the lack of official records, several carp caught here have been reported to weigh well over 70 lbs. This lake remains a pilgrimage site for carp anglers hoping to land one of these elusive giants.

Carp tend to grow larger in Europe than in the UK due to several key factors, including climate, water body size, and fishery management practices.

Why do they grow so big?

1. Climate

The warmer climate in much of continental Europe plays a significant role in the growth of carp. Carp are a warm-water species, and their growth rates are heavily influenced by temperature. Warmer waters, which are more common in countries like France, Hungary, and Spain, allow carp to feed for longer periods throughout the year. In contrast, the UK's cooler climate limits the feeding season, especially during winter months when water temperatures drop significantly, slowing down the carp’s metabolism and growth.

2. Water Body Size and Quality

European lakes, especially in countries like France and Hungary, tend to be larger and deeper than many of those in the UK. These larger water bodies provide more space and resources for carp to grow. Additionally, the water quality in these European lakes often supports a rich ecosystem with abundant natural food sources, such as invertebrates and plant matter, which contribute to the carp's growth. In the UK, many fisheries are smaller and often heavily stocked, which can limit the available food per fish and, consequently, the growth potential.

3. Fishery Management Practices

European fisheries, particularly in France and Hungary, are known for their intensive fishery management practices. These fisheries often employ strategies such as regular feeding with high-protein pellets, which are specifically designed to promote rapid growth in carp. In contrast, UK fisheries may not always adopt such intensive feeding regimes. Furthermore, the practice of catch and release, combined with the careful management of stock densities in European waters, ensures that the carp have ample space and resources to reach their maximum potential size.

4. Genetics

The genetic strains of carp found in Europe are often selected for their potential to grow large. Over generations, selective breeding has produced carp that are genetically predisposed to reach greater sizes. This selective breeding is more prevalent in European fisheries, particularly in places like Hungary, where carp farming has a long history and focuses on producing specimens capable of growing to extraordinary sizes.

These factors combined explain why Europe, particularly countries like France and Hungary, tends to produce much larger carp than those typically found in the UK.

Conclusion

The pursuit of large carp in Europe and the UK is more than just a hobby—it's a testament to the skill, patience, and dedication of the anglers involved. With fisheries across the continent, particularly in Hungary, France, and the UK, producing increasingly larger specimens, the future of carp fishing looks promising. Whether it's the managed waters of Euro Aqua or the wild lakes of the UK, these catches remind us of the thrill and reward that come from landing a true giant.

For more detailed stories and updates on these record catches, it’s always worth checking dedicated angling websites and forums. Each of these captures has contributed to the rich history of carp fishing, and they serve as inspiration for anglers worldwide.