“Where are we catching you right now — and what’s the lake like?”

Michal & Verča: We’re at the Aqvatika gravel pit between Milan and Turin, and today is our sixth day. The water is alive, but the weather and air pressure keep testing us — exactly the kind of trip that shows what you and your gear can take.

“Your first time fishing together — and how did you start?”

Michal: I grew up by the water — a small gamekeeper’s pond by our cottage, and my dad as my first teacher. First fish? A 20-centimetre carp — and the feeling that the world was in its place.

Verča: I started with my grandad. A bike, a backpack, two telescopic rods, a small folding net and a bucket — pasta one day, worms the next. After he passed away I put fishing aside for a while. Michal brought me back — or rather reminded me of what was always there.

“We’re a well-oiled team at the water. One look and we each know what to do.”

“How do you split roles — tactics vs. practice?”

Michal: Packing gear, driving and planning the route — that’s me. Verča handles electronics and the kitchen — couldn’t do it without her. On the bank I build the camp, Verča prepares the rod pods, rods and PVA. The rest we do together.

Verča: Tactics? Depends on the situation. Sometimes I think more, sometimes Michal does. Neither of us is just an observer — we need to keep doing. That’s what we enjoy.

“First catches and moments that stay forever”

Michal: My first carp — barely twenty centimetres, but my heart pounded like with a trophy fish.

Verča: A bream on a worm — the first fish I could land all by myself. Since then I know why I’ll sit by the water even in the rain.

“Nessie, record carp and why dreams come true at the water”

Michal & Verča: The sturgeon “Nessie” was a milestone — Verča was the first ever to land it from the lake, and Michal followed the very next day. 180 cm, around 80 kg — a fish that changes you. Michal’s first carp over 25 kg was a turning point. And Verča? Last year here at Aqvatika she landed a carp over 34 kg. Moments that make you laugh and cry at the same time.

“What makes Italy different for you?”

The calm — and the care for the waters. People get involved, they’re friendly and helpful. Fishing here has order, rules and soul. Three rods, 24 hours a day (outside the spawning period). For carp anglers, a dream.

“Your dream venue and target?”

South Africa — and a carp over 40 kg. Two goals that keep us moving forward.

“What does a perfect day by the water look like?”

Verča: Fishing from wake-up to lights-out — no interruptions, just us, the water and peace. That’s why we love Italy.

Fencl in action: Xtreme & Carp Premium

Michal: “The Xtreme surprised us with its versatility, lightness and stability. Build it once and you’ll understand.”
Verča: “Carp Premium is the first landing net I can operate completely on my own — working with it is simply easy.”

“What does Fencl mean to you?”

Michal & Verča: Versatility. Stability. Looks. Finally, a Czech brand that doesn’t over-promise — it simply delivers functional, well-made gear at home. And the yellow fish in the logo? That’s heart and heritage.

“Toughest moment in recent years?”

Floods in Italy. At the planned spot sat 200 feeder competitors — we had to improvise and move. A super-human shift — but that’s what fishing is about: improvisation, patience, humility.