Angler's Mail Magazine – 20 July 1991 – 45lb Carp Fishing – Vintage Angling Weekly

Original British Fishing Magazine | Week Ending 20 July 1991 | Carp Fishing, Coarse Angling and Match Fishing

An original vintage edition of Angler's Mail, the popular British all-colour fishing weekly, dated week ending 20 July 1991.

This issue features a particularly striking cover photograph of an angler holding an enormous 45lb carp, alongside the headline:

"HOW THIS 45 lb CARP WAS TRACKED DOWN"

Published during an important period in British specimen carp fishing, this edition contains contemporary angling news, fishing techniques, river reports, tackle reviews, coarse-fishing features and extensive match-fishing coverage.

The magazine also contains illustrated reports about significant grass carp and chub catches, historic fishery developments, specialist fishing equipment and a range of British fishing venues.

An interesting original publication for collectors of early-1990s carp-fishing history, specimen angling, traditional fishing tackle and vintage British fishing magazines.

Front Cover – How This 45lb Carp Was Tracked Down

The main cover story concerns an exceptionally large carp weighing approximately 45lb.

The cover photograph shows a bearded male angler kneeling outdoors beside thick vegetation while supporting a very large mirror carp across his legs.

Detailed Front-Cover Photograph

The photograph includes:

• A large, deep-bodied mirror carp with a broad rounded belly.

• A dark grey-brown upper body.

• A bronze and golden-brown underside.

• Distinctive irregular mirror-carp scaling along the upper body.

• A broad rounded tail.

• Large fins extending beneath the fish.

• A prominent carp head with a rounded mouth and visible barbels.

• A male angler with dark hair and a beard.

• A dark sleeveless vest worn by the angler.

• Dense green vegetation and natural bankside surroundings.

• Dark fishing equipment or a protective mat beneath the fish.

The angler supports the carp with both hands, allowing its substantial size and distinctive shape to be clearly seen.

The photograph is presented alongside a large blue, white and red headline, giving the issue a strong and instantly recognisable vintage fishing-magazine appearance.

The cover directs readers to page 4 for the full story.

This is an appealing historical photograph for anyone interested in large British mirror carp and the development of specimen carp fishing during the early 1990s.

Original 45lb Carp Feature – Page 4

The principal cover story explores how a substantial 45lb carp was located and caught.

The headline emphasises the challenge of tracking down such a large specimen.

During the early 1990s, fish of this size attracted considerable interest among dedicated carp anglers.

The story is particularly relevant to collectors researching historic big-carp captures and the development of specialist specimen-fishing methods.

The cover preserves the original contemporary presentation of the catch.

Please note: The full page 4 article has not been photographed, so the precise circumstances of the capture cannot be independently confirmed from the supplied images.

River Reports – Your Guide to Fishery Hotspots

A prominent feature at the top of the cover advertises:

RIVER REPORTS – YOUR BEST GUIDE TO FISHERY HOTSPOTS

The magazine includes a dedicated River Prospects section on page 14.

This section reflects the importance of river conditions, regional catch reports and seasonal fishing opportunities to British anglers.

Original river reports from 1991 can provide an interesting historical comparison with present-day fisheries.

They are particularly appealing to collectors of regional angling history and traditional river-fishing publications.

Where to Fish – Day-Ticket Waters

Another major feature on the front cover announces:

WHERE TO FISH – VITAL FACTS ABOUT DAY TICKET WATERS

The contents page identifies the main Where to Fish section on page 18.

This regular feature was designed to provide anglers with information about available fishing venues.

It is particularly interesting as a historical record of day-ticket fisheries, fishing opportunities and angling locations during the early 1990s.

Tackle Tips – Perfect Pop-Ups

The front cover advertises:

TACKLE TIPS – HOW TO PRODUCE PERFECT POP-UPS

The accompanying small photograph shows an orange fishing float or buoyant bait presentation positioned above a hook.

Pop-up presentations are particularly associated with specialist carp fishing and careful bait positioning.

This feature is relevant to readers interested in the development of carp rigs, buoyant bait methods and traditional fishing techniques.

The contents page confirms Tackle Tips – Page 24.

Tackle on Test – Flavour Tablets

The upper-right cover feature announces:

TACKLE ON TEST – FEED THEM WITH FLAVOUR TABLETS!

The accompanying photograph shows a hanging arrangement of three pale, cylindrical tablets or bait components.

The feature reflects the variety of bait products and fishing accessories marketed to anglers during this period.

It is particularly interesting for collectors researching early-1990s fishing tackle, bait additives and specialist angling products.

Tackle on Test appears on page 26.

Helpline – Special on Optonics

The lower portion of the front cover prominently advertises:

HELPLINE SPECIAL ON OPTONICS

This feature is accompanied by an illustration of an electronic bite alarm.

The pictured device features:

• A dark rectangular body.

• Two upright arms at the top.

• A small central roller or sensing area.

• Indicator details on the front.

• Circular speaker or control openings.

• A compact early electronic bite-alarm design.

Optonic bite alarms are closely associated with the development of modern specimen carp-fishing equipment.

An original 1991 feature discussing these devices offers interesting historical information for collectors of vintage carp tackle and early electronic bite indicators.

The contents page identifies the Helpline section on page 50.

The magazine is especially appealing to enthusiasts of traditional carp-fishing technology and the evolution of electronic bite alarms.

Interior Feature – Historic Chub Catches

The photographed interior page includes a feature showing an angler holding a substantial chub.

The photograph identifies Simon Cooper, a member of the Chub Study Group.

The accompanying text discusses a series of impressive chub catches, including a fish weighing 6lb 6oz.

The report also refers to fishing on the Dorset Stour, with additional catches recorded during the same period.

The accompanying photograph shows the angler standing outdoors in a light-coloured cap and dark jacket while holding a long, golden-bronze chub horizontally.

The fish has clearly visible scales, a broad body and a darker tail.

This feature provides an interesting glimpse into organised specimen-chub fishing and notable catches from the early 1990s.

Interior Feature – Grass Carp

Another prominently photographed article carries the headline:

GRASS CARP GOT THE...

The visible article discusses a grass carp weighing approximately 24lb, caught by angler Gary Wallis.

The photograph shows the angler crouching outdoors while holding a large, elongated grass carp.

The fish has:

• A long, torpedo-shaped body.

• Large, clearly defined scales.

• A broad tail.

• A relatively small head.

• Brown and bronze colouration.

• A distinctive appearance compared with traditional common and mirror carp.

The article refers to the Honeycroft Fishery near Canterbury, Kent.

This is particularly interesting for readers researching the history of grass carp in British fisheries and the development of specialist specimen-fishing opportunities.

The page also contains an original promotional advertisement for Predator Baits, featuring a £9,000 competition.

Broadland Bream Fishing News

The adjoining photographed page includes the headline:

140 DOUBLE-FIGURE BREAM KILLED IN NORFOLK SHOCKER

The report discusses a serious fish mortality incident affecting large bream in Norfolk's Broadland area.

It provides contemporary reporting on fishery problems, environmental conditions and their impact on specimen fish.

Although the full article is not visible in the photographs, the headline and opening paragraphs can be clearly identified.

This feature is an interesting historical record for collectors researching Broadland fisheries and the management of British freshwater fish populations.

Carp World – Page 36

The issue includes the regular Carp World section on page 36.

This section forms part of the magazine's specialist carp-fishing coverage.

It adds further interest for collectors of carp-angling publications from the period.

Winning Methods – Page 32

The regular Winning Methods section provides practical angling guidance.

This was an important part of Angler's Mail's appeal, combining current fishing reports with advice aimed at helping anglers improve their techniques.

Match Fishing – 11-Page Match Mail

The magazine includes an extensive 11-page Match Mail section.

The photographed contents page confirms:

• Pages 53–57 – Weekend Match Reports

• Page 58 – Matchplan

• Page 60 – Division Five National Preview

• Page 61 – Frank Barlow's Report

• Page 62 – Shimano Invitation Match

This section offers a historical record of British match fishing during July 1991.

Division Five National Preview

Coverage of the forthcoming Division Five National match-fishing competition.

Frank Barlow's Report

An original contemporary report associated with established British angling journalist Frank Barlow.

Shimano Invitation Match

Coverage of a competitive angling event associated with Shimano.

These features make the publication particularly interesting for collectors of historic match-fishing results, championship reports and fishing-club history.

Additional Contents and Features

The photographed contents page confirms the following additional articles and regular sections:

Page 4 – 45lb Carp

The principal cover story about tracking down a large specimen carp.

Page 5 – Opinion

Editorial commentary on angling matters.

Page 6 – Angler Drowned

Fishing-related news coverage.

Page 7 – Fish of the Week

Reports of notable fish catches.

Page 9 – Stars Lose Cash

A fishing news report.

Page 14 – River Prospects

River-fishing information and reports.

Page 18 – Where to Fish

Information about day-ticket waters.

Page 24 – Tackle Tips

Practical equipment and technique advice.

Page 26 – Tackle on Test

Reviews and assessments of fishing tackle.

Page 28 – Junior Mail

Content for younger anglers.

Page 30 – Go Fishing

General practical fishing coverage.

Page 32 – Winning Methods

Advice and fishing techniques.

Page 36 – Carp World

Specialist carp-fishing coverage.

Page 38 – Trout Beat

Trout-angling news and information.

Page 40 – Sea Prospects

Sea-fishing coverage.

Page 45 – Mailbag

Reader correspondence.

Page 50 – Helpline

Reader advice, including the advertised Optonics special.

Page 52 – Specialists

Specialist angling information.

Together, these sections demonstrate the magazine's extensive coverage of freshwater fishing, sea angling, specimen catches, competitions and fishing equipment.

Historical and Collector Interest

This edition is particularly interesting because it captures an important period in the development of British specimen fishing.

Notable collector themes include:

• Large mirror carp catches during the early 1990s.

• Specialist carp-fishing equipment.

• Early electronic bite alarms.

• Optonic bite indicators.

• Pop-up bait presentations.

• Period fishing tackle and bait products.

• Historic chub catches from the Dorset Stour.

• Grass carp fishing in Kent.

• Original regional river reports.

• Day-ticket fishing venues.

• British match-fishing competitions.

• Shimano-sponsored events.

• Contemporary fishing advertisements.

• Historic fishery news and environmental reporting.

The original design, photography, advertising and editorial content all contribute to its nostalgic appeal.

Publication Details

Magazine: Angler's Mail

Full Issue Date: Week Ending 20 July 1991

Original Cover Price: 60p

Publisher: IPC Magazines

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Original Weekly Fishing Magazine

Main Cover Feature: How This 45lb Carp Was Tracked Down

Other Key Topics: Optonics, Carp Fishing, River Reports, Tackle Tips, Grass Carp, Chub Fishing and Match Angling

SKU: 1588

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned vintage condition with visible age-related wear, surface marks, creasing and paper discolouration.

This is an original magazine from July 1991 and is over 35 years old.

The photographs show the actual magazine being sold.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover retains its strong red masthead, clear headlines and distinctive colour photograph of the large mirror carp.

The main image remains attractive and clearly identifiable.

However, there are several visible imperfections.

These include:

• General surface wear and handling marks.

• Age-related yellowing of the cream-coloured paper margins.

• Some brown spotting or discolouration, particularly around the edges.

• Light rubbing and scuffing across the cover.

• Wear along the left-hand spine edge.

• Small scuffed or rough areas along the spine.

• Minor creasing and unevenness around the upper-left corner.

• Light creasing along the upper edge.

• Minor wear around the top-right corner.

• Light surface marks across the printed photographs.

• Wear and slight rounding to the lower corners.

• Small creases around the lower-right edge.

• General edge wear consistent with previous storage and handling.

The cover remains readable, with no large section of the photographed cover missing.

Spine and Binding

Visible wear is present along the spine, including rubbing and small creased areas.

The photographed interior pages remain attached and can be opened for reading.

The full binding has not been inspected page by page.

Interior Condition

The photographed interior pages remain readable and retain their original colour photographs and printed articles.

Visible imperfections include:

• General age-related paper yellowing.

• Light brown spotting on some margins.

• Minor handling creases.

• Light waviness around the top edge.

• Small corner bends.

• Wear around the central fold.

• Some rubbing and discolouration near the page edges.

• A small brownish mark visible towards the lower margin of the photographed contents page.

The original photographs of the chub and grass carp remain clear.

There are no obvious large tears across the photographed interior pages.

The magazine has not been checked individually from cover to cover, so complete pagination cannot be guaranteed.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition with visible age-related wear, edge rubbing, light creasing and some discolouration.

This is not a mint or unused example.

However, the magazine remains an attractive original publication with a particularly strong carp-fishing cover and a wide selection of period angling features.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Extras and Additional Items

This listing is for the original magazine only.

Any free gifts, promotional items, loose inserts, supplements, accessories or other additional items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are no longer included.

Any competitions or promotional offers featured within the magazine are historical and should be considered expired.

Only the magazine shown in the supplied photographs is included.

Packaging and Delivery

The magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection.

Ideal for Collectors Of

• Angler's Mail vintage magazines.

• British fishing publications from 1991.

• Historic 45lb carp catches.

• Large mirror carp fishing.

• Specimen carp-fishing history.

• Early-1990s carp tackle.

• Optonic electronic bite alarms.

• Vintage fishing bite indicators.

• Traditional pop-up rigs.

• Chub Study Group reports.

• Dorset Stour chub fishing.

• Historic grass carp catches.

• Honeycroft Fishery history.

• British river-fishing reports.

• Match-fishing competitions.

• Shimano Invitation Match reports.

• Frank Barlow angling journalism.

• Vintage fishing advertising and tackle reviews.

Summary

An original Angler's Mail magazine dated 20 July 1991, featuring a dramatic 45lb mirror carp front-cover story, a special feature on Optonic bite alarms, practical fishing advice, river reports, grass carp and chub fishing news, and extensive match-fishing coverage.

An interesting publication for collectors of historic British angling, specimen carp fishing and traditional fishing equipment.

Condition: Pre-owned vintage condition with visible age-related wear, paper yellowing, light staining, edge wear and handling creases. Please inspect the photographs carefully.

Magazine only – any originally supplied additional items are not included.

SKU: 1588