If you know your coarse fishing, then you will know of angling legend Frank Warwick. We chatted with him and learnt all about his love for fishing, his biggest catch and funniest stories!
How did you first get into coarse fishing?
My dad was in the Royal Navy was away at sea a lot when I was small said he wanted to take me fishing to have quality time together took me when I was 6 years old, we went and I loved it, so began my life long angling passion.
What’s your favourite fishing spot, and why do you love it?
Redesmere in Cheshire it’s an iconic 42-acre ice age mere, it’s been a big part of my angling life.
Do you have a favourite species of fish to target when coarse fishing?
I love all species, but carp are my favourite I love the way they are all different looking and have character.
What’s the most memorable catch you’ve ever had?
I caught the biggest brace of European Wels catfish ever at the time. The bigger of the brace beat the IGFA world record by a pound They were 203lbs and 187lbs.
Is there a piece of advice you would give to someone just starting out in coarse fishing?
Yes, learn to catch and handle small fish properly before just jumping in at the deep end on big fish waters, build up slowly that way you learn your craft the proper way and learn respect for all fish.
What does a perfect day of fishing look like to you?
Surprisingly a calm sunny spring day, I find unlike the old wife tale that fish feed in rain I’ve not found that to be true.
How do you typically prepare for a fishing trip?
Get the tackle out check everything make rigs re buy items I’m out of or low on such as PVA, hooks, I make sure I have the baits prepped and ready to go.
Do you have a favourite fishing technique or bait?
I like all aspects of bait, boilies, particles, pellets, naturals like worms and maggots.
Nuts it all has its place and time oh and plastic baits also!
What do you enjoy most about the calm and quiet of fishing?
No matter how stressed you are fishing will take your mind of all kinds of worries, it’s utterly absorbing not many other things can achieve that.
What’s the longest you’ve waited for a bite, and was it worth the wait?
One hour short of 7 days on Rainbow Lake France in winter, it was a 66lb mirror the biggest of my week.
Are there any funny or unusual stories from your fishing experiences?
Yes, I was fishing a lake in the inner city near Manchester a nearby angler got a few bleeps on the bite alarm in the dark hit the bite then i heard a massive scream i ran over wanting to see what was going on he had only caught a discarded artificial leg, it looked like a real leg at first.
Do you prefer fishing solo or with friends?
I’m comfy with both but with friends is always great fun.
How has coarse fishing changed since you first started?
Ah not for the better in many ways social media has made everything instant and just a bit too throw away today’s news is tomorrow’s old news sadly.
Do you enjoy exploring new waters, or do you stick to your tried-and-true spots?
Oh, I’m a wandering type I’ve fished for carp in 19 countries at the last count and over 200 UK venues.
Do you think fishing is more about skill or patience?
Both are inextricably linked.
What’s in your tackle box that you never leave home without?
Hook sharpening files and vice.
How do you feel fishing benefits your mental well-being?
I used to race super-bikes that was high adrenaline heart in the mouth stuff, so fishing had the calming effect to balance it all.
What’s next on your fishing bucket list?
There are monster carp in Germany its one country I’ve never fished before so that’s high on my list.
Follow Frank and his fishing adventures on his instagram!