Inside the Life of a Holiday Fishery Owner – A Dream Job?

Big changes are underway at Kingfisher Pools. In their first year of ownership, the new team has poured passion, time, and hard work into reviving this beloved French carp and catfish venue. Carp Social chats with them about the transformation so far, the huge renovation efforts behind the scenes, and what anglers can look forward to in the seasons ahead.

The Legal Time Bomb Behind Commercial Fishing Socials

In the carp angling world, “socials” have become a popular way for anglers to meet, fish together, and enjoy an experience that blends community, competition, and convenience. But behind the scenes, some of these events may unintentionally fall under UK package travel law — with serious legal responsibilities for the organiser.

Can I Take Fishing Bait to France from the UK?​

Can I take fishing bait to France from the UK in 2025? The short answer: it’s complicated — and in most cases, not advisable. Since Brexit, the rules around transporting fishing bait across the Channel have tightened considerably, especially if your bait contains animal by-products, which most boilies, pellets, and groundbaits do.

Don’t Get Caught Out: Carp Fishing Holidays Can Be Package Holidays

Hold up. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash and start spooling up, ask yourself: is this a package holiday? Because if it is — and it often is — you have legal rights most carp anglers don’t know about. Rights that protect your trip, your money, and your ability to claim if something goes wrong.

World Record Contenders: The Waters Where Giants Live

Every carp angler, whether they like to admit it or not, has daydreamed about landing that fish. The one that doesn’t just smash your PB but shakes the entire carp world. The question is: where on earth do these record-busting carp actually live?

Thousands raised for Guide Dogs Charity.

Lucy’s Bowl charity carp match is one of the most respected fundraising events in UK angling, bringing together anglers, sponsors and volunteers to raise significant funds for Guide Dogs.

Leon Lake – Catch Reports, Film Features & Sessions

Leon Lake in France continues to establish itself as one of Carp Social’s most distinctive large-water carp fishing venues, attracting experienced anglers, filmed sessions, and international fishing features.

With its expansive water, challenging but rewarding carp stock, and natural French surroundings, the lake has become a fitting stage for high-quality media content and serious carp angling.

In June 2025, Leon Lake hosted a RidgeMonkey “Tackle of Carp” filming session featuring experienced angler and RidgeMonkey team member Dave Levy, showcasing both the venue’s potential and the style of fishing it supports.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions (2022)

During 2022, travelling from the UK to France is still subject to evolving COVID-19 restrictions, with entry rules such as vaccination status, testing requirements, and passenger locator forms depending on current government guidance. These measures can change quickly and may affect anglers planning carp fishing holidays across Europe. This article explains the key restrictions in place and what travellers need to be aware of before setting off.

Carp Fishing Charity Event Supporting C-R-Y in Maidstone, Kent​

Carp Social was proud to support the Clayton Olson Annual Charity Fundraising Event held at Ripple Manor in Maidstone, Kent, raising funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young (C-R-Y). The event brought together the angling community for an evening of fundraising, with donated carp fishing holidays helping to raise hundreds of pounds for this important UK charity.

Carp Social’s Top 10 Carp Fishing Moments That Defined 2020

This article rounds up Carp Social’s Top 10 carp fishing moments of 2020, highlighting standout captures, memorable media moments, charity events, and key developments from across the UK and European carp scene. From lockdown angling milestones to record fish and viral content, it reflects the most talked-about stories of the year from an editorial, opinion-based perspective.