2025 Ladies Carp World Championships: Team Wales land biggest fish award in scorching Italian heat

Angling Cymru’s ladies carp fishing team have been mixing it with the best in the world once again – and bagged a trophy in the process.

The six-strong team of Jackie Potts (captain), Jo Hadley, Kim Pugh, Lowri Wilkes, Laura Garrett and Bethany Roberts, managed by Tim Jones, proudly represented Wales at this year’s women’s carp world championships on Pietrafitta Lake, near the village of Pietrafitta in the Province of Perugia, in Umbria region of Italy.

As well as the world’s best ladies carp fishing teams, the girls also had to battle scorching temperatures throughout over a 72-hour pressure cooker.

Team Wales finished 8th overall of nine nations competing, but they didn’t return home empty handed; instead proudly bringing back the trophy for the biggest fish caught at this year’s championships.. 52.5lb by Jo Hadley, paired with Jackie off peg B9.

Proud Jo said: “I was gobsmacked when that fish came up, and we attempted to net it; the net seemed tiny compared to the fish it was hanging out – it filled the cradle and the sling!

“Was buzzing though, especially when it got weighed and the marshal told us it was the biggest fish caught!

“Fishing in Italy was a challenge in itself; the heat was a killer, day and night it was very hot – couldn't escape it!

“I got bitten to death also, but overall the whole experience was amazing looking back.

“The girls are great in the team, lots of laughs. We enjoyed time at the campsite together before the fishing commenced, in the pool, practicing casting in the local lake and enjoyed a few meals together.

“Lots of memories made – and proud to have brought the trophy home.”

Also reflecting on this year’s worlds, team manager Tim Jones said: “The peg draw wasn't the best, but the girls worked so hard to catch fish in mid 30 degrees heat. As manager of the team, I’m so proud – a great bunch of girls.”

Jackie added: “It was hard going. You could tell the other teams were used to the heat. But as a team we worked hard throughout in up to 36 degrees heat.

“Thanks to Tim, who remained a good support to the girls, swapping up and down the pegs throughout the days supplying cold drinks and making sure we were all safe.”

Hungary took gold with hosts Italy winning silver and Ukraine bagging bronze.  

Keep up to date with all things Team Wales ladies carp fishing by checking out their page on Facebook.