Danny Fairbrass
Danny Fairbrass

Danny Fairbrass Takes on Hungary’s Frozen Giants

When Danny Fairbrass signed up for a winter trip to Hungary’s Lake Szucsi on *Thinking Tackle*, he had no idea he’d be facing some of the gnarliest fishing conditions of his life. Located just east of Budapest, this legendary lake is famous for its monster carp, including specimens over 80 pounds. But upon Danny’s arrival, a heavy snowfall and a drastic temperature drop push even this hardy, spring-fed lake to the brink of freezing solid. The icy weather looms, threatening to put his plans on ice—literally.

Danny Fairbrass rigs high visibility hookbaits

Undeterred, Danny isn’t about to let the frosty conditions stop him. With determination (and maybe a touch of madness), he braves the chill, locating a secluded pocket where winter-bound carp seem to be huddled. Getting to them, however, is another story. Extreme distances call for extreme measures, and Danny must drop rigs and bait by boat and even play fish from the boat to keep his chances alive. Every fish here is hard-won and worth the challenge, making every bite a triumph.

But the lake isn’t done testing Danny. His bait turns out to be *too* good, with smaller fish snatching up his hookbaits before the lake’s true giants can get a taste. In a move no angler ever wants to make, Danny actually dials down the attractiveness of his bait, hoping to entice the bigger, pickier carp into taking a chance on his rig. It’s an audacious strategy, but with monster carp in the mix, you do what you have to do.

Packed with action, *What Were We Thinking?* showcases the stunning winter landscape of Lake Szucsi, where Danny is pushed to innovate and adapt his tactics in real time. From bait finesse to mastering boat-bound carp battles, this episode serves up both edge-of-your-seat drama and a treasure trove of tips for tackling tough conditions. It’s a must-watch for any angler who’s ever been willing to go the extra mile—or kilometer—in search of the catch of a lifetime.

Watch here.