Lloyd Willey

Lloyd’s journey into carp angling reads less like a straight line and more like a well-worn path rediscovered.

Introduced to fishing at a young age, he spent his early years on the bank among a close-knit group of anglers. As time passed and life pulled people in different directions, that circle gradually faded, and with it, Lloyd’s time by the water. University life offered new experiences, but none that quite replaced the quiet pull of a rod and line, and for a while, angling slipped into the background.

Then came 2020. During lockdown, like many, Lloyd found himself searching for something familiar and grounding. Hours of carp fishing content reignited a spark that had never fully gone out. Before long, he was back on the bank, rods out, fully immersed once again.

Since returning, his mindset has shifted. The long break moved him away from the relentless pursuit of personal bests and toward something deeper. For Lloyd, carp fishing is no longer just about numbers on a scale. It’s about the stillness of early mornings, the rhythm of the water, and the simple, restorative power of being outdoors. The captures are a bonus, not the goal.

That said, the competitive edge hasn’t disappeared entirely. With a current PB of 26lb 1oz, Lloyd has his sights set firmly on surpassing it in 2026, and he fully intends to do so at least once.

Above all, Lloyd represents what angling is at its core: passion, persistence, and an appreciation for every moment spent on the bank.

PBs:

• Mirror - 26lb 1oz
• Common - 23lb 4oz

Favourite rig:

Chod rig or a good ol'fashioned hair rig

Bait of choice:

Typically Cold Water Green Beast or N Blend. Although Lloyd does still love surface fishing with bread crust!

Currently fishing:

Lloyd spent last year mainly fishing Hill & Black at Fennes Fishing. This year, he has his sights set on a new PB or two and has moved his focus to Ashground Lake at Fennes Fishing.

Carp fishing tip:

You don't catch carp if the rods aren't in the water!

Recent Fishing highlight:

One of my trips last year was the first one I felt really good about. I was there for around 30 hours. The time was disappearing and I still hadn't had a run. It reached that moment where the blank was a real possiblity, my mood was taking a hit. Then, a few minutes before the 24-mark, the middle rod shot off like a bat out of hell. It was only a 21lb lean common carp, but it was a great moment to have it all pay off.

Countries fished:

UK

Socials:

Insta: @probablyblank...again

YouTube: @probablyblank...again