One of the most legendary fish in the world, Clarissa the Carp, is set to go under the hammer after 72 years since her historic catch. Weighing an impressive 44lbs, Clarissa was landed by renowned angler and author Richard Walker on September 12, 1952, cementing her place in carp-fishing history.

Walker's capture of Clarissa was not only a record-breaking feat, surpassing the previous record by almost 13lbs, but it also revolutionized modern-day angling. A significant milestone in British fishing, the momentous occasion led to the establishment of the Carp Catchers Club, spearheaded by Walker, Maurice Ingham, and Denys Watkins-Pitchford, dedicated to studying the behavior and habits of carp.

Following her capture, Clarissa became a resident of the ZSL London Zoo Aquarium until 1972. For almost three decades, her record-breaking weight stood unmatched, until another fish weighing 51½ lbs was caught in 1980 at Bernithan Pool, near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, at the same location she was landed.

Now, the original skin mount of Clarissa is set to be auctioned at Mullock Jones in Shropshire on July 24 and 25, with an estimated value of £35,000 to £40,000. The auction house has described it as "arguably the most important preserved specimen carp" globally, as it is the only original unique specimen among the five known cast replica copies created by Williams.

The mounted fish is housed in a stunning glazed, bow-fronted case adorned with gilt writing and borders, set in a naturalistic reed and gravel setting. Initially mounted by a taxidermist for £80, it underwent restoration in 2011 by Barry Williams of Cannock, Staffs, evident by his name marked on the rear of the case.

Clarissa, whose captivating beauty and historical significance have captivated both fish enthusiasts and angling traditionalists, had been residing in a fishing tackle shop in Coventry, West Mids. However, the shop has now made the decision to part ways with the iconic fish, leading to its upcoming auction.

Richard Walker's extraordinary catch and the subsequent fame it brought him propelled him to become a carp fishing legend. The rod he used that day, the Richard Walker Mk4, has become a cult favorite among carp purists.

Walker's achievement was even met with skepticism at the time as he caught Clarissa without using a float, knots, or lead. His bait consisted of a homemade mix of paste and bread crust. He had to convince experts that his catch was genuine, and he even rang the London Zoo to offer them the fish. After several hours, the zoo sent a van to collect Clarissa, much to the astonishment of the two individuals who had doubted the authenticity of Walker's claim.

With Clarissa's upcoming auction, enthusiasts and collectors have a unique opportunity to own a piece of angling history, reflecting not only the record-breaking moment but also the profound impact it had on the sport. The auction will capture the attention of fishing enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate the rich narrative behind this iconic carp.