Quick Questions With... Terry Dempsey

This time it’s the turn of carp geezer and founder of Urban Bait, Terry Dempsey.

Three words to describe yourself?
Passionate, friendly, crazy.

Who have been your biggest influences in carp fishing?
I suppose this would go back to Rod Hutchinson, as his book was the first carp book I ever read, when I was about 12. More recently, some of my friends who I fish with and talk about fishing every day. They are my biggest influences as we all gee each other up and get that fire burning.

Scariest moment on the bank?
I nearly drowned playing a fish once. I ended up treading water in the middle of a load of Canadian pondweed with a 40-pounder in the net! I started screaming and luckily a guy came round and was able to drag me out with the landing-net handle.

Actually, I also fell in at Wraysbury while playing a fish. A fish had gone through a snag and as I was trying to sort it out I slipped down the bank and I was unable to climb back on to it. I had to let go of the fish and eventually I managed to scramble back up on to the bank. Somehow I managed to land the fish too, which was an unknown jet back 35lb common.

There seems to be a recurring theme here – stay safe out there, people!

How long have you been carp fishing?
Since I was 11, so over 37 years.

How did you start carp fishing?
I started out float fishing down my local lakes and I saw a guy catch a carp; the following day my float and leger rods became carp rods and I was hooked.

Other sporting interests?
I used to play football when I was younger. I’ve always been a massive West Ham fan.

One day left to go fishing, where would you go?
Savay!

Worst fishing-related injury?
Another one at Wraysbury! I was carrying a mid-thirty common up the bank when I lost my footing and impaled my chest on the back rest! Luckily the rubber on the rod rest stopped it going through me, otherwise I may well have been found dead on the bank with a big Wraysbury common!

I always tell people to be careful pulling for a break. I was pulling the line when the 4oz lead flew back at me and hit me in the chest. That was really horrible and could have been much worse.

Best three anglers you’ve ever worked with?
Tony Moore, Jim Shelley and Carl Pashley.

Your favourite moment in your carp angling career?
Catching my first twenty probably, because my dad was there as well and he’s not alive now.

Three things you’d never go fishing without?
Lots of bait, a Spomb and a catty!

Any regrets?
No regrets really!

What are your favourite bits about carping?
I love being out in nature, the strategy of carp fishing and I love seeing carp – watching them in the water and seeing them on the bank.

Your least favourite bits?
When I have to go home.

Who do you most admire in carp fishing?
My old mate Bob Copeland. Even if he doesn’t catch he’s got a good attitude.

Tell us a secret?
I caught my first ever double on a stolen boilie!

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