Big Fish Column: Cracking mirror of 19lb 12oz to Furze Platt carper Justin Browne

By Ian Welch

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INTRODUCTION

As anticipated, the start of the spring season wasn’t brilliant but, given the weather we experienced in the run-in to the end of the river season, it could have been a lot worse. 

The length of time between the end of the river season and the fishing really taking off on the stillwaters is always variable but even with a warm spring the back end of March into April is usually a lean time for angling.

Lakes, even small ones, can take a considerable time to warm up and for fish to really start feeding hard.

Early doors it is a usually a case of picking off the odd roach and perch with bream and carp the two larger species usually prepared to have a go, if conditions remain frost free.

Last week did see a few good carp coming to the net and the local commercials produced a few decent mixed bags but for many it was tough going.

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BIG CARP

On the big carp front the Island Lake produced a cracking mirror of 19lb 12oz to Furze Platt carper Justin Browne who fished a 24-hour session on the prolific Theale fishery.

A section of boilie tipped with a bunch of red maggots fished in conjunction with a PVA bag of chopped boilies did the job for Justin, who banked the carp after a five-minute fight on a size 8 hook to 20lb coated braid and 12lb main line.

Also scoring with a nice carp was Twyford’s Bob Edwards who visited Royal Berkshire to net three carp to 14lb on cylinders of punched meat. Bob presented his baits on straight running rigs with a sixe 10 barbless hook to 8lb line.

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CANAL SUCCESS

The Kennet and Avon Canal is, of course, closed where it has a riverine influence but above the River Kennet it is very much open for business and available locally via the Reading and District permit.

With plenty of bream and perch throughout most of its length it is always a good early season bet, more so than the local lakes many would say, and it made a respectable start last week with local rod Dennis Cooke putting together a nice net of fish.

Dennis alternated between a pole and a straight bomb fishing tight to the far bank to score with bream to 3lb and perch to 1lb and roach to 6oz in a total net estimated at around 15lb.

Dennis used a light cloud groundbait with chopped worm and maggots to put his catch together.

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AWAYDAYS

Local angler Greg Jones got in touch last week, following a successful end of season trip to the River Wye in the company of his cousin, which saw the pair net some great barbel, chub and pike.

“How about publishing readers’ ‘awayday’ fishing stories every now and then?” he asked.

“I would certainly like to go off and spend a couple of days’ fishing elsewhere and discover more of our beautiful country and after all there is nothing like a recommendation from another angler.”

A great idea! I think I have persuaded Greg to start the series off and if you would like to relate any fishing trips – successful or otherwise – please do get in touch.

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FORECAST

Easter traditionally sees a lot of anglers breaking out their tackle for the first time if they have had a winter away from the water but given Easter is early this year and the forecast is for cool, showery weather I suspect it will be a tough holiday period.

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Any anglers wishing to report catches may contact me at ian@bigfishtrail.com