Each year, the Essex Carp Show marks a highlight in the angling calendar, and for us at Angling Paradise and our sister company AP Crossings, it’s always a date firmly circled long in advance. This year was particularly special as it marked our fourth year exhibiting, and once again the show proved exactly why it remains one of the most enjoyable and valuable events we attend.
From the moment the doors opened, the atmosphere was buzzing. Shows like this are more than just exhibitions — they’re gatherings of a community that shares a genuine passion for carp fishing, travel, and the experiences that come with it.
One of the biggest pleasures for our team was seeing so many familiar faces stopping by the stand. Catching up with customers we’ve helped book trips for, hearing about their latest sessions, personal bests, and adventures abroad is something we genuinely look forward to every year. It’s these real conversations that remind us why we do what we do.
Strong Interest in European Carp Fishing Adventures
Throughout the show, we spoke with a huge number of anglers planning trips for the coming seasons, and there was a clear trend — European carp fishing remains hugely popular. Our venues across France naturally attracted plenty of attention, especially from anglers looking for a balance of accessibility, quality stock, and memorable surroundings. But we also saw growing curiosity and excitement about some of our further-afield destinations, including venues in Italy, Bosnia, and Croatia.
Many visitors expressed surprise at just how diverse these options are, from intimate lake-exclusive venues perfect for small groups to larger waters offering adventure-style fishing in spectacular scenery.
Being able to talk through these options face-to-face helps anglers visualise their trips far better than browsing online alone — we can tailor recommendations, answer questions instantly, and share genuine insights from our own experiences and customer feedback.
Meeting Our Travel Customers in Person
It wasn’t just venue enquiries keeping us busy. We were equally delighted to meet so many anglers who already use AP Crossings for their ferry and tunnel travel bookings. Having the chance to chat in person with customers who’ve used the service — and hear how smoothly their journeys went — is incredibly rewarding.
Travel logistics are a huge part of planning a fishing trip abroad, and shows like this give anglers the opportunity to ask detailed questions about routes, timings, vehicle options, and cost-saving tips.
For many visitors, discovering they can book both their fishing venue and travel through connected services makes planning trips far simpler.
Launching Our New Kit Insurance Partnership
One of the standout moments for us this year was the official show launch of our partnership with the Insurance Emporium for specialist Kit Insurance. As any angler knows, fishing equipment represents a serious investment, and protecting that gear is essential — especially for those travelling overseas with rods, reels, bivvies, and electronics.
Interest in this new offering was exceptionally strong throughout the event. Visitors were keen to learn how the cover works, what it includes, and how they can tailor policies to different setups.
More Than a Show — Strengthening Relationships
Trade shows are often thought of as sales events, but for us they’re far more about relationships. The Essex Carp Show is always a chance to reconnect with friends across the angling industry — fishery owners, tackle companies, travel partners, and media contacts — many of whom we’ve worked alongside for years.
These face-to-face meetings are invaluable. They allow us to discuss new ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore future collaborations that ultimately benefit the anglers we serve.
Thank You to Everyone Who Visited Us
To everyone who came over to say hello, asked questions, shared stories, or simply stopped by for a chat — thank you. Events like this wouldn’t be the same without the anglers who make the effort to attend and support the community.
The fourth year exhibiting at the Essex Carp Show was another huge success for both Angling Paradise and AP Crossings, and it’s left us even more excited for the season ahead. We’re already looking forward to returning next year — and hopefully seeing even more of you there.
Thinking About Your Next Carp Fishing Adventure?
If we didn’t get chance to speak at the show, you can still explore all our venues and travel services online — and we’ll be just as happy to help you plan your perfect trip.
Book Your Next Adventure
If the Essex Carp Show has inspired your next fishing trip, we’d love to help you make it happen. You can explore our full range of hand-picked venues and secure your next carp fishing adventure directly through our website:
🎣 Book your fishing trip: https://anglingparadise.com/
🚐 Arrange your ferry or Eurotunnel crossing: https://www.apcrossings.com/
Plan it all in one place, travel with confidence, and look forward to your next unforgettable session on the bank.
Published by Angling Paradise — European carp fishing specialists