New prizes, new trophies and new format
The British Young Carpers Angling Championships was the best place for enthusiastic young anglers to show off their skills. It was the brain child of Angling Publications way back in 2003 and ran for fourteen successful years until it was scrapped in 2017. However, thanks to the lovely guys at Linear Fisheries in Oxford, where it was held during its twilight years (apart from 2007 when it moved to Thorpe Lea due to flooding), it is back for 2018!
BYCAC gained an unrivalled reputation for unearthing some of the best young talent around. Many of carp angling’s household names were made by competing in BYCAC, including: Tom Dove, Elliot Gray, Tom Maker and Brad Greening. Having been the scene of so many epic matches throughout the course of its history, it is fitting to see that Linear Fisheries have resurrected it and will take it forwards into the future.
The new era brings with it, amazing new prizes, trophies and a new format. Rather than the nine-hour long qualifying rounds used throughout the old competition, the new format utilises three 24-hour qualifiers. A total of 60 anglers aged 17 or under will be entered into the competition, 20 anglers per qualifier, with the top six from each round progressing to the final.
The first qualifying round takes place on St Johns Lake on 14th-15th April, the second utilises Brasenose Two on 7th-8th July and the third and final qualifier is scheduled for 8th-9th August on Oxlease Lake. The grand final will see each of the top six anglers from the qualifiers compete in a 48-hour match held at Oxlease Lake between 10th-12th August.
As with previous years, many top flight companies have put their names forward to sponsor the event, with the likes of Korda, Trakker, Nash Tackle, Cygnet Tackle, Mainline Baits, Reuben Heaton and Navitas Apparel all confirmed as official event sponsors. Aside from the prizes, the top ranked pair of anglers will be asked to represent England/Great Britain in the European Carp Championships for Juniors 2019. The ECCJ will be held over in the Czech Republic and the trip will be totally funded by Linear Fisheries for the successful pairing.
If you are interested in entering the BYCAC in 2018 then you better act fast as places are selling rapidly. Entry costs just £50, which covers you for the full event. Entrants should be aged 17 or under on 12th August 2018 to qualify for entry and must bring a parent or guardian over the age of 18 to accompany them at all times.
As the event is run overnight, competitors should own all the necessary equipment to carp fish during a 24-hour period. If you fit the criteria then download an entry form from the BYCAC website at www.bycac.co.uk and send it in. You never know, you could be the next British Young Carpers Angling Champion!
