In an amazing twist, a Fort Worth angler established the new state record for common carp with the same fish that held the previous state record.  K.C. Crawford hauled in the monstrous 43lbs. 12oz. common carp during the Carp Anglers Group’s 8th Annual Austin Texas Challenge at Lady Bird Lake in late March.  Texas Parks and Wildlife Division has ratified the catch as the newest state record for common carp knocking out fellow CAG member Al St. Cyr’s 43lbs. 2oz. record from 2006.

Experts associated with Carp Anglers Group were able to compare distinctive markings and scale patterns from archived photographs of St. Cyr’s former record catch and determined precise matches to confirm Crawford’s new 2009 record is the same fish.  The carp was re-released back to Lady Bird Lake.

This is great news for the membership-based Carp Anglers Group which two years ago lobbied and supported TPWD naming Lady Bird Lake as a trophy lake for catch-and-release carp anglers.

"We were and continue to be devoted to TPWD’s efforts to deem Lady Bird Lake as a trophy lake assuring the healthy growth and proper management of the common carp species in the lake," says Louis Cook Carp Anglers Group president.  "This fishery is known world-wide for its huge fish and has a reputation for its challenging conditions.  TPWD’s designation for Lady Bird Lake certainly proves with this remarkable catch that the quality of carp fishing in Austin is preserved for future generations."

"Point taken with K.C.’s incredible re-capture of this beautiful specimen – the 43-pounder is in excellent condition and has grown a few ounces in the past three years.  Our congratulations go out not only to K.C. but to the other anglers who participated in our annual event."

Thirty-four anglers - some from as far as South Africa and Mexico - participated in this year’s 26-hour Austin Texas Challenge.  Four-time ATC veterans Steven and Michael Bates of San Antonio took home the gold with a total weight of 533 lbs. 15 oz. and runners-up Pieter and Dylan Marais of San Antonio caught a total of 420 lbs. 2 oz. of fish.  Kevin Crawford’s state record catch contributed to his third place at 321 lbs. 3 oz. total weight with partner Scott Ferguson.  The Fort Worth pair also took home the prize for the largest combined weight of their top four catches.

The Carp Anglers Group’s Austin Texas Challenge will return to Lake Bird Lake in March 2010.  For more information about CAG – www.carpanglersgroup.com