Top 10 Biggest Carp Ever Caught: World Records and Fishing Legends

Angler: Michel Schoenmakers
Location: Euro Aqua, Hungary
Date: September 2018
Verification: Certified by the lake owners, photographed and videoed

This mirror carp was a long-standing world record holder and brought significant attention to the Euro Aqua fishery.

Angler: Tom Doherty
Location: RH Fisheries' The Avenue, Shropshire, UK
Date: September 2016
Verification: Witnessed and photographed, but controversial due to the fish's known history

This enormous mirror carp briefly held the unofficial world record. However, its status is debated because it was a known cultivated specimen introduced to the lake at a large size.

Angler: Ambrose Smith
Location: Parco del Brenta, Italy
Date: June 2010
Verification: Witnessed and photographed, widely accepted in the angling community

This catch is considered by many to be the largest authenticated caught carp from a natural water body.

Angler: Michel Schoenmakers
Location: Euro Aqua, Hungary
Date: January 2015
Verification: Certified by the lake owners, photographed and videoed

This mirror carp was a long-standing world record holder and brought significant attention to the Euro Aqua fishery.

Angler: Various (multiple captures)
Location: Wraysbury Lake, UK
Date: Heaviest recorded weight in 2001
Verification: Multiple verified captures over the years, extensively photographed

Mary is one of the most famous carp in angling history, known for its distinctive scale pattern and longevity.

Angler: Michel Schoenmakers
Location: Euro Aqua, Hungary
Date: November 2013
Verification: Recognized by German angling authorities

This fish held the German record for common carp despite being caught outside of Germany (which is allowed under German record rules).

Angler: Rodney Copper
Location: Graviers, France
Date: May 2017
Verification: Recognized by French angling authorities

This mirror carp set a new French record, showcasing the potential of French waters for producing large carp.

Angler: Lizette Beunders
Location: Rainbow Lake, France
Date: September 2013
Verification: Recognized by Dutch angling authorities

This catch set the Dutch record for common carp and is notable for being caught by a female angler.

Angler: Dean Fletcher
Location: Wasing Estate's Cranwells Lake, UK
Date: January 2016
Verification: Officially recognized by the British Record Fish Committee

This mirror carp, known as "The Parrot," held the British record and was a highly sought-after fish among UK anglers.

Angler: Matteo Slaviero
Location: Arno River, Italy
Date: February 2010
Verification: Recognized by Italian angling authorities

This common carp set the Italian record and is notable for being caught from a river rather than a lake.

Angler: Various (multiple captures)
Location: St. Ives Lagoon, Cambridgeshire, UK
Date: Multiple catches, peak weight around 2012
Verification: Multiple verified captures, extensively photographed

The Colonel is another famous British carp known for its size and elusiveness, with a history of catches spanning many years.

Understanding Carp Records

Before diving into the list, it's important to understand a few key points about carp fishing records:

1. Verification: Official records are typically verified by angling organizations or fishery authorities. However, verification methods can vary between countries and organizations.
2. Controversy: Some records are subject to debate within the angling community due to questions about weighing methods, fish care practices, or the nature of the fishery (wild vs. stocked).
3. Catch and Release: Many of the largest carp have been caught multiple times, allowing them to grow even bigger. This highlights the importance of careful catch-and-release practices.
4. Geographic Variation: Record carp sizes can vary significantly between regions due to factors like climate, food availability, and genetic strains.

Now, let's look at the top 10 biggest carp catches, verified to the best extent possible by angling authorities and respected within the carp fishing community.