BIG FISH COLUMN: Rivers show improvement

Despite, or perhaps because of, uncertain and frequently wet weather, the local rivers showed distinct signs of improvement last week and although we are about to enter one of the toughest months in the entire angling calendar prospects are good.

Surprisingly the top catch reported by a local angler last week was not a chub or barbel and not from one of the smaller rivers - but a terrific catch of Thames perch by Marlow’s Simon Mann.

Simon proved there are exceptional local specimens to be caught at any time of year with a haul of three fish for a total weight of 10lb 10oz.

Simon caught the fish, topped by a stunning summer specimen of exactly 4lb, on bronze maggots float fished on a size 16 hook to 2lb line.

There has been some excellent fishing on the local stillwaters too with White Waltham’s Pondwood Farm remaining the in-form venue for catfish as local resident Paul Woodward found when he fished the intimate Berkshire venue last week.

Paul had fished Pondwood last season and only managed a small cat of 4lb so was determined to go back this term in an attempt to break the double figure barrier. Living close to the fishery he was able to plan a few sessions and arranged to fish for three days and it was at 11.30am on the final day when his sausage hookbait fished on his standard carp set up with 15lb line was taken by a powerful fish which took him 10 minutes to land.

The cat pulled the scales around to 24lb 8oz to break Paul’s previous best by over 20lb and incredibly after returning the fish to the water he had another bite within 30 seconds and hooked what felt like another very big catfish.

Anglers wishing to report catches can call on 07780 755138 or email ian@bigfishtrail.com