WHO WE ARE
At our core, the BCSG is a collective of passionate carp anglers, historians, naturalists, and innovators. We exist to:
- Advance the study and understanding of carp and carp angling
- Preserve the history, culture, and heritage of the sport
- Encourage responsible, ethical angling practices
- Share knowledge between generations of anglers
- Support research that protects carp and the waters they inhabit
Membership is by invitation, not exclusivity. It reflects contribution, dedication, and a willingness to give back to the wider angling community.
OUR HISTORY
The British Carp Study Group (BCSG) was founded in June 1969 by Peter Mohan of Bristol and Eric Hodson of Sheffield.
Initially there were twenty-four founder members and now there are almost five hundred from most parts of Britain and several other countries across the World. There are regional sections across the United Kingdom, which regularly meet to exchange views and ideas. The first of these regions was started in the Manchester area in 1969.
The BCSG is not a “specimen group” in spite of the name. It was the first large national carp fishing organization in the world and started the first ever magazine for carp anglers. The group held the first Carp Conferences, organised regional meetings and in these and many other ways pioneered the way to success for national organisations for anglers interested in one particular species of fish.
All members are keen conservationists and take an active part in the maintenance of the waters they fish. Many own or control their own fisheries and, in this way, play a very important role as environmentalists.
These early members were responsible for many of the breakthroughs that shaped modern carp fishing:
- The first systematic studies of carp feeding behaviour
- Early experimentation with rigs, baits, and watercraft
- Detailed record‑keeping that helped map the rise of carp angling across Britain
- A culture of sharing knowledge rather than guarding secrets
Over the decades, the BCSG became a cornerstone of carp angling history. Many of the sport’s most influential voices have passed through its ranks, contributing to a legacy that continues to inspire.
Where We Are Today
Today, the BCSG remains a vibrant, active organisation—rooted in tradition but forward‑looking in its approach.
We continue to:
- Publish respected research, articles and historical documentation
- Host countrywide regional meeting
- Maintain archives that preserve the stories, waters, and anglers who shaped the sport
- Support conservation initiatives that protect carp and their habitats
- Encourage thoughtful, responsible angling in an era of rapid change
Our membership spans generations. Some bring decades of experience; others bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. What unites us is a shared respect for carp and a desire to keep the spirit of discovery alive.
Looking Ahead
The future of the British Carp Study Group is built on the same principles that shaped its past: curiosity, stewardship, and community.
As carp angling evolves, so do we. Our priorities for the years ahead include:
- Expanding our historical archives and digital preservation efforts
- Supporting scientific research into carp health, behaviour, and water ecology
- Strengthening our role as custodians of carp angling heritage
- Encouraging anglers to engage with the study and history of the sport
- Increasing the group's membership with like-minded, experianced anglers
The BCSG’s mission is not simply to look back, but to ensure that carp angling’s future is as rich, thoughtful, and inspiring as its past.