Our Angler of the Month for February is Jacob Chapa of Austin TX. A big congratulations to Jacob for an incredible few months angling, landing some monster Buffs and carp!
An American Carp Society member, he was introduced to angling at a young age by his grandpa, Alfred and eventually progressed to Carp after seeing them while fishing for Bass. After a memorable trip with Austin Anderson back in 2022 he began to focus on the big carp and buffalo residing in the Austin area. He is both a passionate photographer and carp angler, and has been putting in the work by the waters edge over this past year with some stunning results.
We love the cover shot taken in the freezing Texas winter, taken last month with this wonderful mid 40’s buff…It’s got great composition and tells a wonderful story. He uses an old film camera for his shots, a Mamiya RB67, and has really been enjoying the results - although the self takes can be a challenge!
“These old cameras don't have any electronics in them so I'm not able to have a remote shutter release option. Usually what I'll do is set it up on a tripod, frame the picture, dial in my aperture and shutter speed, and then focus the shot. Then I'll have whoever is with me press the shutter release (and maybe dial focus if needed) while I pose with the fish so I can get a proper "self take.”
There’s dedication for you!
He has been using the ACS Barnaby’s Revenge bait range over this past year, utilizing the boilies and sprays, but is particularly partial to the ACS Tigers.
“The ACS tigers have been a huge hit for me this season, specifically the Asterbury Creme and Nutraberry flavors. My go to rig is a double tigernut (one Asterbury Creme and one Nutraberry) with a size 4 hook. Amongst many other big fish, they helped me land my PB smallmouth buffalo last month at 66lbs on the nose!”
Here’s to an incredible year for you Jacob. Keep doin’g what you’re doing fella and the results will continue to pay off. A great example of US Carp Angling at it’s best!
Check out Jacob’s Insta page with a like and a follow to support!
We always love to see some special pictures that are being captured from behind the lens…The camera, and now cell phone, can do so much for the sport of carp fishing in the USA! Keep taking those shots that capture the moments.
NOTABLE CAptures from members
Big congratulations to everyone who braved the January cold to get out on the bank and wet a line. The photos below especially caught our attention last month, so we thought a little extra recognition was warranted. We greatly appreciate all your tags and mentions, and can’t wait to see what everyone is catching over this next month! Don’t forget to tag us #americancarpsociety #jointheguiltyones and tag american_carp_society in your stories!
IN MEMORIAM - PAUL PEZZALA
Hearing of Paul’s passing came not as a shock, because Wayne and I both knew that he was ill, but as a devastating blow and loss to the world of US Carp Angling.
For those of you that weren’t fortunate enough to meet him, he was an historical figure for many of us carp anglers in the USA in the early 2000’s, and undoubtedly key in helping the growth of the sport here. He loved his river in Chicago and was as passionate about the sport at the end as he was in the very beginning.
The original Wacker Baits store in Chicago, was the first ever physical, specialist carp angling store in the country. The CAG Chicago Carp Classic was very dear to Paul’s heart and the social events that he would host at the store will I’m sure, be in the ‘fondest memories’ sections for many of us that were fortunate enough to attend.
Wayne & Paul
I purchased my first ever Fox pod from him, my first ever shelter and set of alarms. I completely freaked out and immediately got on the phone to Wayne after finding out there was a ‘Carp Shop’ here in the USA! After watching nothing but ‘Bill Dance Outdoors’ on a Saturday morning, Paul and Wacker Baits were a guiding light amongst the darkness!
He was also instrumental in helping the American Carp Society when we first started, as his enthusiasm for what we were hoping to achieve would always be met with encouragement of what was possible. He was the first to reach out and congratulate us on our very first website and E-store - which could have been viewed as in direct competition with Wacker Baits.
He was a gentleman and would do anything to help you if he could. He was old School, and believed that we were all in this crazy sport together, not having a bad word to say about anyone. What a great representation and role model for many of us youngsters at the time.
Al St. Cyr loved fishing with him and would eagerly seek out Paul’s company whenever he could...I can only imagine how hard his passing will affect him.
Some of us are lucky enough to have some great memories with Paul, and will remember the time well spent, with a man who was loved and respected by everyone that knew him. God Bless you Paul...thanks for everything that you gave us on your journey here on our planet.
Sean Manning
REST in PEACE DEar FRiend - PAUL PEZZALA
Biologist, outdoors enthusiast, family man, wood making genius, Wacker Baits store owner, most of all Carp Angler.
To begin with, I cannot stress enough that I’m not a professional writer or novelist, everything I say here comes from the heart and the experience of knowing Paul personally for many years.
WE MET
The first time Paul and I met was some twenty five years ago. My first impression, to say the least, was that he was kind of strange. Gray, flowing, unruly hair, with a mustache the size of a small fallen pine tree, flannel shirt, all covered in wood saw dust. All I could think was that this is not a carp tackle store owner (we met in his wood shop as his store was located there). First of all, I must be in the wrong place. Second, this must be some kind of mad professor during one of his crazy science experiments. Boy, was I wrong.
First thing I purchased from “the store” were some cans of Pescaviva corn, which back then was a really innovative bait. Little did I know, I was a customer for life.
Understanding access to carp tackle in those days is something you would have had to experience. Mail order only - no internet. Nigel Griffin had some items to offer from Connecticut (via newsletter on a monthly basis), and then there was Paul. He was crazy enough to invest and start bringing in more and more carp dedicated equipment and baits year after year. Wacker Baits continued to grow every year and it was amazing to watch and be a part of this process. I know Paul was incredibly proud of it.
Paul, Nigel Griffin & Bud Yancey
Paul played a huge part in growing the community of carp anglers in the Chicagoland area, and even statewide. Back then setting up a rod pod on the Chicago River at lower Wacker was like building a rocket launcher. Additionally, who could forget Paul’s involvement in the Carp Angler Group. Member, president, ambassador. Organizer of the Chicago Carp Classic for many years. All of the corn bowls behind the store. A ton of fun and stories with new people every year. I’m proud and extremely happy I was a part of that. I think that without Paul’s involvement in the American carp scene, all of us would be in a totally different place - and we all Thank You for that.
Although we were in totally different places familywise, we were connected by common interest and a love for carp fishing. Paul, with three grownup daughters, and me, an immigrant with two little kids.
We started planning trips and would fish together most weekends. It was always an unforgettable experience. Exchanging tips, trying new techniques, rigs, baits, talking about articles from newly published magazines and life in general. Paul was a great listener and gave fantastic advice.
Paul, Paul England, and I had countless fishing sessions (Lockport, Sheboygan, Chicago River, Town Lake and many, many more). Always a lot of fun stories and experiences. We did keep in touch after he sold his store and moved to his favorite environment living on Fox River.
THE LOSS
When I heard about Paul’s passing, I did not want to believe it. I knew he was sick, and we did talk about it. Even being in not-so-great shape and experiencing a lot of pain, he was positive and full of life.
What comes to mind is how many hundreds and hundreds of people from all walks of life he touched with his kind personality, wisdom, experience and knowledge. Always genuine and willing to lend a helping hand.
He was just a really great person, good friend and a tremendous fisherman. He is lost but never forgotten.
I know that we will meet again someday.
Until then, Rest in Peace dear friend.
Mirek Malej
The Barnaby’s Revenge ACS boilie range is now available in 16, 20 and 24mm sizes on the store in both 1kg and 5KB bags. Baits will be rolled freshly each month moving forward!
PHOTO COMPETITION
When you tag your captures #americancarpsociety on social media and you’re wearing an ACS ball cap or an ACS beanie, with a visible ACS logo (and the more visible the better!) - you’ll automatically be entered into our monthly bait contest. If you also submit this shot to Big Carp Tackle for their monthly online contest and WIN you’ll also receive an extra 1kg of ACS Barnaby’s Revenge boilies from The American Carp Society!
We are looking for great images that capture all angles of this great sport. The preparation, the capture, the wildlife. It’s not just about the largest fish or weight… which will open the contest up to all ACS members in all states.
So if you’re posting fish on your social feeds and you are an ACS member…this is just another opportunity with a few tags and a shout out to the organization to potentially add to your personal monthly baiting inventory at no cost!
January’s Winner …
This month's winner of the ACS bait package is Joe Figueroa of Southern California! Big congrats Joe on this great fish and shot! You're ACS bait package will be mailed out to you!
PAUL cioca lake bled video
In yet another stunning video, ACS member Paul Cioca takes us back to Lake Bled for a rematch with the residents of the lake. Incredibly well shot with some good humor and beautiful fish as well, it’s no wonder this film has already been viewed over 10,000 times! A MUST WATCH!
ACS EVENT
All Southern California Carp Anglers…Mark your calendar! The annual ACS Lake Perris Event will be held the weekend of April 5th! More details to follow - If you’re interested in attending please contact Richard Cervantes.
KCCA CARP EVENT
Mark your calendars in Kansas for the 3rd annual Harvest Moon Classic October 3-6th!
The Kansas City Carp Anglers recently held their annual meet up and from what we can see a great time was had by all!
austin anderson
Local Texas guide and ProLine Baits angler Austin Anderson has once again been having a great season! He recently sent us this lovely brace shot of smallmouth buffalo.
ACS MADE IN the USA PRODUCTS
The American Carp Society’s ‘MADE IN THE USA' line of handmade camo products are AVAILABLE NOW in LIMITED QUANTITIES! These products are carefully crafted and designed with the U.S. Carper in mind and are built tough to last a lifetime.
When we started designing this range of products, we searched for the very highest quality materials the USA has to offer. We are extremely proud of the quality of design, workmanship and materials used. Each product is individually handmade in Texas with our 1000 denier, polyurethane coated nylon, 100% waterproof and assembled and fabricated by American Workers here in the USA. The range consists of:
BIG CARP TACKLE IN THE LONE STAR STATE
Big Carp Tackle has officially moved to Texas! Their new facility is astounding. What they’re building in their new location will become the mecca of carp tackle outlets in the USA today. As the guys move in and continue to work on increasing inventory and build-out, what’s taking shape is like a BASS PRO SHOP of carp outlets in the USA with multiple lakes, warehouse space, showrooms, and an onsite retail outlet. We’ll continue to keep you all updated on the progress.. This is a huge operation and facility 18,000 SQ FT - Kudos to Dave and Zach for making it all happen! Here’s just a few shots of the work being done from a recent ACS visit.
luke wilson’s carp clouser
This is one of my favorite flies all around. I describe the carp clouser to be like throwing a streamer for big brown trout, but for carp. It’s not always getting you the most carp, but when they want it you can always tell.
Although we started calling it the carp clouser I had originally tied it to catch rock bass in the creek and to practice my clouser style a bit more without wasting more material. But my brother and I found out that if you can carefully put one in front of a hungry carp they’ll chase it down and engulf it.
We’ve watched carp follow and chase these flies, sometimes even eating it on the strip. Not only have we caught many carp, but I almost always keep this fly on one of our poles because it’s such a good multi-species fly. While you’re on the look for carp you can fish it just like a normal minnow, stripping fast and not letting it touch the bottom.
I’ve caught huge smallmouth, bluegills, and miraculously my first pike on the fly rod using the carp clouser. So even when there are no carp being spotted you can keep your fly in the water and keep the action going. The carp always seem to go after this fly aggressively when they choose to bite it, leading to lots of spectacular takes and a lot of fun on the water.
ingredients
Size 6 steelhead hook
5/32 eyes
Rubber legs
Flash
Two shades of calf tail
Instructions
Step 1
Place your hook in the vice and wrap thread around the shank. Cover the shank three quarters of the way to the bend.
Step 2
Tie on your eyes. They need to be set bank quite a bit to ensure you have enough room in the front to tie on the clouser style overlay. Find the middle of the shank and begin wrapping the eyes. Five times left to right diagonally, 5 times right to left, and then 5 figure 8’s to secure it. Add UV resin, glue, or whatever you use to harden the thread around the eyes and allow it to dry completely. This will keep the eyes nice and secure.
Step 3
First half of the calf tail.
With the hook point on the bottom, take the calf tail and tie some behind the eye, making sure to leave some spare. Once the calf tail is secured tight and close behind the eye, pull the rest of it over top of the eye and secure in front. The calf tail should cover the eye. Trim any extra calf tail in front of the eye.
The lighter shade of calf tail goes on here to imitate the minnow look. Darker on top lighter on bottom, is a good rule of thumb. We’re tying this fly from bottom to top.
Step 4
Tie on the rubber legs and flashing.
This is where things become a little tedious. On such a small hook there’s not a lot of room to work with and it can become frustrating. Flip the hook point on top. In front of the eyes, add one full strip of rubber legs on the side. Tie the rubber legs so they fold in half with the two ends towards the back. Once they’re held on with a wrap, go over the eyes and wrap once to secure them behind the eyes. When crossing behind and in front of the eyes, make sure you don’t go over the calf tail on the bottom. Do the same for the other side with another set of rubber legs. You’ll be using two full strips of rubber legs. For the flashing, you do not go back to the front of the eyes. Stay behind the eyes and add them so they all point to the back.
Step 5
Add the top half of the calf tail.
Instead of tying the calf tail behind and in front of the eyes, we’re only tying the calf tail in front of the eyes. This allows it to be more free-flowing, yet still cover the eyes. Wrap it securely, trim the excess calves tail, and whip finish. Add your UV cement to the thread and allow it to dry.
