UNDERCOVER WITH THE CARP MAFIA

Big fish bring big smiles!

You know, the term 'rough fishing' can mean a lot of things. There are rough waters, rough fish and rough characters. One of the cool things about 'rough fishing' is that there is always potential to catch big fish...something that I think we all like to do. And, if you are not careful, you might even take a liking to this crazy sport, better known as carp fishing.

To the untrained eye, these dudes look darned near like upstanding citizens.

I recently hooked up with the local chapter of the Carp Mafia and was allowed to get in on some of the latest carp scoop and permitted to fish with these assorted low-lifes. Most of my angling friends do not even know that I associate with such a bunch of bottom-feeders as these, so let's keep it quiet...OK?

Most Carp Mafia members keep their true identity secret.

Truth is, most self-respecting, card carrying CM associates live secret lives as closet carpsters, and that way they can actually exist as almost decent citizens of society. In their own twisted world of hair-rigs, bite alarms and corn, Mafia members often go to great lengths to keep their bottom feeding secrets to themselves, speaking in hushed secrecy and whispering tones when discussing the pursuit of the great golden fish.

This high ranking CM kingpin hides behind a veil of scales and slime.

But behind the secrecy, behind the chum balls and behind all the preparations that go with serious carping, most Carp Mafia chaps are actually somewhat tolerable and do take baths regularly. And...they catch fish!

What is there not to like about catching fish this big?

Decent carp about to be banked.

The fight is coming to an end.

So...when you get a bunch of guys together that are old, in the way and just want to sit in the shade and chew the fat, you actually get a good time! So, when my other, 'uppidy' fishing friends make fun of us carpers, I just tell Rico and the boys, and everything is taken care of. Believe it or not, this just may be my future in fishing...knees bad, can't see well, and won't walk too far from the truck. Throw in big fish that are spooky to catch and sometimes exceed 20 pounds...and, well...what's not to like about it all?

Undercover carpers yuck it up for the camera.

What on the surface may seem like a dull sport and a questionable quarry is actually quite exciting. What seems bad is good, and good can be bad. Kinda like the new life we all can experience once we accept the forgiveness and grace of the Savior...Jesus Christ. I like 2 Corinthians 5:17 where it says...'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come' What a great, GREAT thing to know, that Christ has changed our lives permanently. I wanted that, and I recieved it permanently on Aug 14, 1975, when I gave my life to the King. No longer a bottom dweller, but at the top of the food chain, feasting on grace, forgiveness and love. No secrets, nothing undercover...just a child of God. Seek Him today and you, too, will have that new, and full life that comes when you walk with the King!