TWO popular day ticket fisheries have been hit by terrifying attacks and Police want anglers to come forward with any information.

Armed police swooped on Earlswood Lakes (pictured above) near Solihull in the West Midlands after an angler in his early 50s was robbed at knifepoint by a thug with “two bladed weapons”.

Warwickshire Police said the man made off with “a small amount of money” before heading in the direction of Wood Lane.

Detectives are  appealing for witnesses after the horrifying incident on Monday, October 2 at around 9.27am.

Police described the suspect as white, in his early 20s, with short blond hair, wearing jeans and a green parka coat.

Detective Constable Thomas Quinlan from Warwickshire Police said: “This was a frightening incident for the victim and it is fortunate that they were not injured.

“I understand that the local community will be concerned and I would like to reassure them that a thorough investigation is underway.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed anything suspicious to come forward as soon as possible.”

Earlswood is run by the Canal & Rivers Trust and has three popular lakes offering good carp, bream and pike sport.

Police hunt on after attempted rape

Meanwhile, Police were investigating a case by a popular day ticket fishing venue down south.

Top carp and mixed fishery Northlands Park (pictured below) in Basildon, Essex, saw an attempted rape on a 19-year-old girl by a man carrying a “red and black fishing bag”.

On Monday, September 25, the girl was walking at 5.30pm when she was attacked by the assailant. Luckily, she managed to fight the man off.

The attacker was described as white, between 50 and 60-years-old, 6 ft 3 in. tall and of skinny build. He was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms which were ripped and a dirty jean jacket. He had scruffy, shoulder length hair, and a long white beard.

The man had tattoos on both arms, and what is believed to be the word “death” tattooed on his right knuckles. He also had three stars tattooed around his right eye.

Anyone with information on either case is asked to call on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GOT SOME NEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the print magazine.

THE work of the River Lea Project in trying to revive depleted fish stocks is due to be highlighted on prime-time BBC programme Countryfile.

Countryfile cameras are due at Kings Weir Fishery in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, showing the unique barbel rearing project in which fingerling barbel are being grown on in a tank.

The venue was once famous for barbel, pioneered by the late, great Fred Crouch.

This scheme is run by Andrew Tredgett, son-in-law of long-time owner Barbara Newton, who lives by the fishery. He is pictured above with a small barbel reared to stock into the venue.

The visit by Countryfile, early in November, is a deserved reward for some terrific conservation work in recent years, as Andrew explained to Angler’s Mail.

Andrew, a 32-year-old garage manager, explained: “Sadly the fishery and the river generally had gone into decline since its heyday when it was possible to catch as many as 30 chub over 4 lb in a session and barbel were plentiful.

“I decided that something needed to be done to improve things, as new juvenile fish were coming through, so we managed to get a number of groups together to plan a strategy.

“I was particularly concerned that too much clearance work was done on our fishery and it needed to be returned to more like its natural state with plenty of cover for the fish.

“One of the biggest problems is the build-up of silt since they had to rebuild the weir which has slowed down the flow of the river, and this covers the gravel and makes spawning for barbel difficult.

“I felt that re-stocking the river with baby fish wasn’t really the answer since their survival rate is small, so I decided to grow some on in a large tank that I acquired for the back garden.

“I bought a number of fish in different size classes from 4 to 12 inches and although I suffered a few losses at first, they are now growing on fine and I plan to release them around December next year after clearance from the Environment Agency when they will be in the 1-2 lb category.

“I reckon I have 140-150 fish which I will initially put in a back stream so they can acclimatise better.”

The late barbel great Fred Crouch loved King’s Weir, and is seen with a big fish caught to order for the Angler’s Mail cameras a few years before he sadly passed away. The latest situation is to be profiled on BBC TV’s Countryfile.

Andrew continued: “We had a meeting of the River Lea Project group yesterday which included the EA and we are planning to apply for funding for more work on the river including ways of narrowing parts to increase the flow, cleaning the existing gravel and building new gravel beds.

“Predation has been less of a problem in the last year or two with fewer crayfish and cormorants for some reason and there only appears to be one otter on the Lea system with no evidence of fish being taken although we do have the odd mink.

“My plan for the tanks is to try to breed actual barbel from the river itself as they are slightly different from those elsewhere being shorter and more stocky.

“This would involve capturing barbel, collecting eggs and artificially fertilising them.

“I also hope to rear some roach and chub and have already put in a couple of roach spawning boards from the Avon Roach project into the back stream.

“Thus far I have mainly relied on fundraising events, the latest of which is our bi-annual weekend fish-in on the weekend of October 27 where for once we allow night fishing – somebody has come from as far away as Holland for this in the past.

“If we all pull together let’s hope we can get the river back to something like its former glory,” he concluded.

GOT SOME NEWS OF CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the print magazine.

The World carp record has risen to 108 lb (49 kg) at Euro Aqua in Hungary, Angler's Mail can reveal. The fish is seen here in a celebratory splash moment, before being returned to the venue.

The World carp record captor travelled from neighbouring country of Austria, for his first trip to Euro Aqua. The incredible fishery has dominated mega carp headlines in recent years.

The captor is seen below in a video, cradling the immense bulk of the catch he made on Saturday, October 21, 2017.

The World carp record was previously held by a different fish scaling 105 lb 13 oz (48 kg) – also caught at Euro Aqua in Hungary.

Thomas Krist from the Czech Republic was the new World carp record holder with that fish, pictured below. His catch, in 2015, added over 4 lb to the existing record.

Thomas Krist (right) cradles the previous record carp that scaled a staggering 48 kg – which converts to 105 lb 13 oz. He’s seen with the owner of Euro Aqua in Hungary.

Euro Aqua burst onto the wider big fish scene three years ago, on June 2, 2012, when Roman Hanke made an amazing 101 lb 4 oz catch (below). Since then, as we reported, many British anglers have joined the monster-seekers at this incredible water.

Roman Hanke gives a full view of his 101 lb World record carp.

The impressive commercially-run 11.3-hectare (28-acre) Aqua Lake is a former gravel pit near the truly massive (146,500-acre) Lake Balaton.

Well maintained Euro Aqua fishery holds many more giant carp, plus catfish, zander and pike, and packages can be booked to fish there.

It’s run by a couple Alexander and Susan, and Alexander bought it back in the mid-1990s as a retreat for friends and family, later forming an angling club for fish it. Large amounts of feed go into the lake, promoting growth.

World carp record background

The biggest carp landed from France was 100 lb 8 oz, a common carp that has since died.

The rise of the lake to No.1 status for the World’s biggest carp, outshining the many rich venues in France in particular, was a surprise to many anglers. But not to those big carp hunters who were really in the know.

Euro expert Steve Briggs, said after the 101-pounder was landed: ‘The Euro Aqua lake has been under the radar as far as most English anglers are concerned but I’ve certainly known about it for the last three or four years.

‘It’s not the first big fish to be caught from there in fact it holds a great deal of very large carp, easily as many as any of the known French waters and so it’s no great surprise really that the first 100 lb carp came from there.”

As Angler’s Mail has reported, giant carp in Graviers, Abbey Lakes and Rainbow Lake are amongst those with known carp that have nudged  up towards 100 lb, along with Keltcherhoef in Belgium.

UK bests well short of World carp record

Britain does not have any carp anywhere near the peak weights achieved in many European nations.

The current British carp record belongs to a 68 lb 1 oz giant that sadly died earlier this year.

That much-admired fish was known as The Parrot, a rarely caught mirror carp lurking in Wasing Estate’s Cranwells Lake in Berkshire.

After it took the official title, The Parrot was challenged at the top by two bigger fish. First, and most notably, came the challenge from Shropshire super-heavyweight Big Rig which was refused record status despite weighing more.

Big Rig was controversially fed up before being released into The Avenue, one of the RH Fisheries waters.

It too died during the summer of 2017, but the venue still holds mega fish including Tarka the common carp, caught recently at a new high of 64 lb – the biggest for a common carp in Britain.

At least one huge living carp at Holme Fen, Cambridgeshire, has now grown over the official record and a claim from there now looks likely.

Caught a big fish or got some news or views to share? Email anglersmail@timeinc.com

FOR MORE ON LATEST BIG CARP CATCHES BE SURE TO READ ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAGAZINE – on sale every Tuesday.

THE Angling Trust has launched a Cormorant Watch website - and has stepped up its campaign to get the Government to sort out the 'black death' problem.

And there’s more going on, in recognition of the intensive efforts of Angler’s Mail columnist John Bailey in publicising the damage being done by damage to cormorant to wild fish stocks.

Angling Trust campaigns manager Martin Salter has called a high-level meeting with John involved to discuss the issue.

In a letter to environment minister George Eustice, the Angling Trust is demanding a doubling of the number of cormorants licensed to be shot in England annually to 6,000.

It also calls for the relaxing of the requirement for evidence that goosanders are damaging fisheries before a licence will be issued.

It says the new measures are needed to halt the decline in coarse and game fish.

Cormorant issue a big concern to John Bailey

Angler’s Mail columnist John Bailey said: “I relish the chance to get together with the Angling Trust over the cormorant issue.

“I have no doubt that we are staring at a catastrophe for our wild fish stocks and I am completely disillusioned by the efforts of our statutory bodies to deal with the issue.

“We have had long enough to assemble all the evidence necessary, and based on this action we just have to see action.

“There is little point in talking about future action – we need it now and this winter sets in and the problem becomes cataclysmic.

“I will talk and co-operate with anyone who can take action to resolve the problem before its too late.

“There is no point teaching anyone to fish if there are no fish left to be caught,” he concluded.

John Bailey has seen evidence at first hand, and heard from many other people about the real damage being done to fish stocks. Here he’s holding a tench but various species have been hit.

The website Cormorant Watch 2 – found at www.cormorantwatch.com – is where members of the public can record sightings of cormorants, goosanders and red-breasted mergansers and give their roost locations. You can help!

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust, said: “Stocks of salmon, eels and many river coarse fish have declined dramatically in the past couple of decades and predation from cormorants and goosanders is a key factor.

“UK anglers would like to see Government allow fishery managers greater freedom to control cormorants and goosanders, the population of which would not be at all endangered by our sensible proposals.

“We urge all anglers to record sightings of these birds and their roosts on our easy-to-use Cormorant Watch 2 website so that we can have the evidence to change policy and the way it is implemented throughout the UK,” he added.

GOT SOME NEWS, VIEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the weekly print magazine.

HERE it is - the biggest barbel of the year so far. And the prospects look bright for some mega weight fish at the back-end of the river season.

Craig Lander has landed the biggest barbel of the year and showed why Nottinghamshire’s River Trent is now being rated the best venue in the UK.

The 27-year-old angler landed the 18 lb 14 oz giant Trent barbel to easily better his previous biggest barbel of 14 lb 12 oz.

And then a few days later he followed it up with a 16 lb 8 oz beast!

Nottingham-based Craig said: “I didn’t even think it was possible to beat my old best by 4 lb 2 oz. Never in a million years did I ever think anything like this was possible, still in shock.

“I started off around 7.40pm and after an 8 lb ‘splasher’ it went dead so I decided to move the Vortex Baits’s Enzyme Active Squid Liver rod for the last cast into the margin.

“Within half hour of recasting boom, the rod was bending over and taking line. As I started to play the fish could tell it was a really heavy lump on the end of my line.”

Biggest barbel captor lands in river

Craig revealed: “Struggling to pull it upstream the fish darted down my inside line, I moved further and further down the bank as the fish took line.

“Then the unthinkable happened. Bang! Before I knew it I was on my ar*e and straight in. It was cold, let me tell you!

“I handed my rod over to my good friend Jay Elliott so we could get the fish netted.

“As soon as I netted it I knew it was huge, I couldn’t believe it had stayed on the hook as it was only just nicked in the lip.

“I was shaking uncontrollably and just over the moon, still not believing my luck.

“And then a few days later I had the 16 lb 8 oz fish on CKO boilie chops and pellet,”  added Craig.

The next five months of the river fishing season look really bright for the nation’s biggest  barbel to hit new highs.

There could even be a new British record, over the 21 lb 1 oz target, as was predicted to Angler’s Mail at the start of the 2017/18 term.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

BIG EELS are rare creatures, even in high summer, but one of the biggest of the season has fallen as the chills of autumn set in.

Bryon Baker was after perch on a local reservoir when he latched into this amazing 7 lb 5 oz eel.

The 75-year-old retired builder from Bridgwater, Somerset, used a king prawn on a wide gape size 6 hook with running lead and long fluorocarbon trace.

And pal Martin Emery chipped with stripys of 2 lb 13 oz and 3 lb 4 oz.

Martin said: “We’ve found at the moment on the reservoir that the larger fish seem to be lurking around in the deeper water, so we were both fishing around 35 to 40 yards out. No groundbait, just a single hookbait.

“Bryon had a scorching take which, as he played it, we assumed must have come from a carp. It was a strong fish.

“When he finally got it to the surface we were staggered to see it was a monster eel.”

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the Angler’s Mail print magazine.

DEEPER, the popular fish and feature finding device, has been taken on in the UK by one of the biggest names in tackle and distribution - Korda.

Deeper head of sales, Aivaras Bakanas, said: “For us it’s the perfect match.

“Both (of us are) passionate about fishing tech, and both (of us) want to give anglers the best possible options to catch more, catch bigger, and to develop and learn.”

As a Deeper user himself, carp star Ali Hamidi, Korda’s head of media and marketing, knows what the product is capable of.

Ali Hamidi of Korda – and now key to Deeper in the UK.

Ali said: “Anything that gains you a bit more time is an incredible thing in my eyes.

“These products will have you fishing smarter and learning more about your waters,” he added.

Deeper Christmas bundle deal

Korda are already working with retailers on a 2017 Christmas bundle deal – a Deeper PRO+ with free Petzl headtorch worth £25. The combo is pictured above.

“We’re really happy that, at the same competitive prices, Korda will be bringing our sonars to even more smart anglers in the UK, starting with our best ever Christmas deal, which is now on its way to retailers,” said Aivaras.

Alongside agreeing the new distribution deal with Korda, Deeper are also growing their retailers network.

They are nearly at 1 million downloads of the Deeper app, and hundreds of thousands of anglers now fish using a Deeper sonar.

Deeper Pro+ review comments

Brian Gay, one of the most experienced and most all-round Angler’s Mail correspondents, reviewed a Deeper Pro+ when it was first launched.

He was doubtful about the product’s benefits, but changed his tune after a proper play with the kit out on the bank.

The device later went starred in the Mail’s last Gear of the Year special, and also won several international awards.

Brian (pictured below) noted at the time: “For me it’s more accurate than a marker float, and it can also display whether the bottom is hard or soft, so no need to chuck a lead around, reducing the spook factor.

“The fact that it records the data and maps for future use is a massive plus, and saves you having to write it all down.”

Mail tackle tester Brian Gay appreciated the advantages of the Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+.

Brian added: “Of course, you can, as I did, use surface bubbles to locate some fish, but one cast of the Deeper Pro+ over these bubbles told me that the carp were indeed in 12 ft of water, but laying between 6 ft and just under the surface, not on the bottom as many would think.

“So, in that situation it takes the guesswork out, and would suggest starting on a zig rig set-up.

“I will admit I was sceptical when first hearing about this system, but having used it, the benefits are right there on my smartphone– swipe maps, accurate depths and variations and, of course, the location of target fish. I was impressed, as was any one who saw me using it!

“Marker floats obsolete? They may very well be. It does exactly what it says on the box!”

Read Brian’s full review here. And be sure to read Angler’s Mail print magazine every week for all the latest tackle, opinions, news and catches that really matter.

GOT SOME tackle news – or got a view to share on anything to do with fishing? Email us now to: anglersmail@timeinc.com

CHRIS DARKE ended a seven-year quest to catch a 40 lb pike with this 41lb 12 oz stunner - that holds the English pike record - from North Yorkshire’s Wykeham Lakes.

Spessy ace Chris has been a syndicate member on the Trout Lake ever since the immense pike was first caught in 2010, and it went on to become the English pike record. Chris has witnessed and netted it on many occasions before.

The 43-year-old engineer, from nearby Scarborough, explained: “I’ve seen it spit out my bait before, had it in my swim loads but never been able to tempt it until now.

“It has been lean going and despite some hard work I had an 18-pounder first season, a 27 lb 4 oz PB the year after and nothing of any note until now.

“I was even fishing the lake when Terry Knight came up from another fishing magazine and we were kicked off the lake and I saw him catch it.

“But all the effort was worth it and it is nice that she’s still in good health after all these years.
”

Ide deadbait tempted pike record

Chris explained: “I tempted her on a dead ide about eight inches long, freelined with two size 6 trebles and 28 lb Drennan wire trace and 50 lb braided main line fished on the marginal shelf.

“It is a freeline rig I use for carp fishing, and have a couple of powergum stop knots on the line with a bit of tungsten putty just to lay the line flat down,’ he added.

Chris’s target is now to up his perch PB of 2 lb 14 oz and he’s caught Yorkshire PBs of carp to 36 lb, 8 lb tench, 48 lb catfish, 10 lb 6 oz barbel, 6 lb 5 oz chub and 15 lb cod.

The Wykeham pike has peaked at 46 lb 11 oz in 2014 to Wyndon Coole and is the official English pike record.

The British pike record remains at 46 lb 13 oz – and sits on the official list run by the British Record Fish Committee.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read Angler’s Mail print magazine.

RIVER THAMES barbel are still a relatively unknown quantity on some stretches, and the waterway is rumoured to have produced a 21 lb 10 oz British record to a carp angler who is keeping it quiet.

River Thames fan Antony Dumper was not concerned about such Chinese whispers when he landed this giant barbel of 16 lb 7 oz.

Wallingford, Oxfordshire-based Antony, 33, said: “Having moved away from lakes in the last two months I have been targeting the River Thames.

“Initially I joined a new club stretch and had been prebaiting hard in the hope of some specimen fish moving in.

“This hasn’t happened as quick as I had hoped even with the mild weather. With this in mind I decided to do a night on a favourite spot I had fished for years but tend to not fish it anymore as it’s generally too busy.

“Apart from silvers crashing around on the surface there wasn’t any sure signs of any decent fish in the swim but regardless I proceeded to bait with 1kg of Blake’s Bait Krinella and half a kilo of their 20 mm halibut pellet.

“Fishing over the top of the loose feed with a hair rigged 20 mm halibut pellet and a big PVA bag of 8 mm halibut pellet. I immediately hooked into something small. This turned out to be a roach around the 2 lb mark.

“Hours passed and the head hit the pillow. I awoke at 11pm to a couple of bleeps on my alarm and no sooner had I sat up, the rod screamed into life and after 10 minutes this lovely 16 lb 7 oz PB barbel was resting in my net.

“I must say I knew about this fish but I never dreamed of catching it on my first night back to the area in two years. Mission was complete so I went home in the early hours with a big grin on my face,’ added the chef.

The current British barbel record is 21 lb 1 oz, as logged on the lists run by the British Record Fish Committee.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR NEWS TO SHARE? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read Angler’s Mail print magazine.

TWO coarse anglers took amazing surprise game fish with specimen salmon and sea trout from the River Severn and River Thames.

Schoolboy Cole Lister was chuffed to take a salmon estimated over 20 lb during a pike session on the upper River Severn at Newtown in Powys with dad David.

The ten-year-old was using a Rapala plug when the River Severn surprise giant struck.

David explained: “Unfortunately salmon end up in some places where I know big pike are so accidents inevitably happen sometimes.

“We didn’t weigh it as I wanted to get the fish back as quick as I could, I’ve had lots of salmon and a good guess is it topped 20 lb.

“We also crimp the barbs off all lures this time of year too in case we hook any salmon,” added David, when reporting the River Severn stunner to Angler’s Mail.

Thames produces jumbo sea trout

Game surprises have also delighted anglers on other rivers.

Floorlayer Richard Lawrence got the surprise of his life when he latched into a 9 lb sea trout (pictured below) while he was fishing for barbel and carp on the lower River Thames.

Most of the lower and tidal reaches of the Thames, where they are publicly accessible, are free fishing.

And while big bags of bream, hefty perch and some impressive carp delight anglers on those stretches, rarely are any game fish from the river big enough to be reported.

Crystal Palace, South London-based Richard, 45, told Angler’s Mail: “I didn’t catch anything else.

“It was only a short evening session for my birthday for a river carp or barbel…. and not caught by design or choice!

“Was gobsmacked when I realised what I had caught especially as I was legering luncheon meat.

“It was a fantastic looking specimen. I didn’t even know they could be caught in the Thames and had never seen one until now!” he concluded.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the brilliant weekly print magazine.

HOW TO FISH has just been launched to try to help absolute beginners take up the sport.

How To Fish consists of a series of short one-minute films which will be easily available online.

The videos cover the very basics of angling from how to get a licence through to what type of rod to use for different aspects of the sport. Angler’s Mail is impressed.

The How To Fish project is a joint venture from the Angling Trust and Sport England. sponsored by the Environment Agency.

It’s part of the campaign to get young people into more sports generally, and follows on from the successful Get Fishing initiative.

The idea for the films was the brainchild of BT Sport TV presenter and twice World carp fishing champion Rob Hughes.

See a How To Fish video here…

Rob told Angler’s Mail: “I looked at the kind of material available on-line and in film and realised that it was all about improving your fishing, but virtually nothing about the very basics like how to attach a float and tie a hook to the line.

“Life has changed with children today often having no one around to help them learn the very basics of the sport, without which they might be deterred from giving it ago.

“These days families are often so busy and there aren’t always granddads and uncles around to show them the very basics.

“Hopefully these films fill that gap, and will cover all branches of the sport, game and sea as well as coarse fishing.

“Initially about 60 have gone up on the website but eventually there will be 120 in all that will be catalogued and easily accessible,” he added.

How To Fish delivers  basics – and will grow

Clive Copeland, head of participation at the Angling Trust said “Recruitment of new anglers is high on our agenda and our insight tells us that people want more information about the basics, such as where to go, how to do it and so on.

“Our ‘How to Fish’ campaign will help to address that issue and sits perfectly alongside our successful Get Fishing campaign.

“The aim is to provide information to absolute beginners, and even those that are interested but haven’t yet started, so that they can start their angling journey with confidence.”

“The campaign will continue to expand and evolve as the library increases in size. The basics such as setting up, casting, licensing and angling etiquette are covered.

“Fish I.D., knots, as well as tactics for improvers are in production, and the ultimate target is to have a comprehensive video ‘tips library’ that will cover most angling situations, problems and solutions,” he concluded.

For more, visit the Get Fishing website.

GOT SOME NEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the Angler’s Mail print magazine.

BIG pike mecca pike Chew Valley saw this 39 lb 4 oz specimen in its latest trials - falling Kev Shore, who also had a PB of 39 lb 12 oz back in February.

Big pike ace Kevin, from Cheshire, had this monster on float-fished smelt in about 14 feet of water over a rougher ground area at the vast Somerset lake.

Kevin explained: “It came the day after storm Brian hit and strangely was on the same day as the 42 lb 12 oz fish came out.

“I am not too bothered about twice just missing the 40 lb mark as to me 38 lb was always what I regarded as the hallmark of a giant.

“I am fortunate to have now landed seven over 35 lb from three different waters, the first going back as far as 1989.

“Chew is a spectacular fishery which I fish whenever I can although I also go to Ireland six or seven times a year for the pike on the big lochs.

“I even brought over a special high side metal boat from Holland to better cope with the rough conditions,” he concluded.

Big pike Top 5 headed by…. you can guess!

Writing recently in Angler’s Mail magazine, big pike historian Neville Fickling selected his top 5 big pike waters, based upon current form.

You may not be too surprised to know that he selected Chew Valley as No.1 on his big pike chart.

Nev said about Chew: “No.1 for me which has produced huge pike consistently for the last five years and shows no signs of easing up, and large30s and even 40s are on the cards.

“Mind you I wouldn’t want anyone to think that it is an easy water – I fished four whole days there last week and blanked although my boat partner did catch,” added Nev.

You can read Nev in full in Angler’s Mail print magazine, exclusively sharing his varied views on the big pike scene and pike tactics.

The British pike record remains at 46 lb 13 oz, on the list run by the British Record Fish Committee.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the must-read weekly print magazine.

A TOP day ticket carp water has been lost after the thoughtfulness of anglers illegally stocking catfish.

Rogue catfish anglers have caused major disruption to Earlswood Lakes in Solihull, West Midlands.

The  Canals And Rivers Trust are being forced to carry out a complete makeover to remove 40 of the illegal non-native species.

John Ellis, their national fisheries manager, explained: “The illegal dumping of the catfish at Earlswood also represents a threat to the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest on the River Blythe, and the Environment Agency has insisted on their removal.

“We’ve been able to tie that in with important valve works taking place, but it’s really frustrating that, as a charity, we’re faced with picking up the tab.”

While the works are taking place the Trust has also decided to move some of the larger carp from the lakes to other Canal and River Trust waters.

John said: “We fully understand that moving the carp might not be popular with some carpers but we have to do what is right for the fish, the lakes and the local community.

“By moving them to less intensely fished and pressured waters the fish can continue to live well in to old age.

“We also want to re-establish Earlswood as one of the best match fisheries in the West Midlands, as it was in the 1990s and 2000s.

“Over time the fish have grown large and are now too big for match fishing but these works will enable us to make Engine Pool a really high quality small carp and bream fishery once more,” he concluded.

But one upset carp angler told Angler’s Mail: “It is disgusting they are removing the larger carp which go to 39 lb, they don’t need to be removed.

“I was told in strict confidence the local residents don’t like night fishing so they’re saying they’re doing maintenance but the truth is are moving all carp out to keep the residents happy. It is shocking news for thousands of carp anglers.”

GOT SOME NEWS, VIEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could appear in the must-read weekly print magazine.

DEAN ASTON and his pals haven’t heard of a bigger chub than this 7 lb 7 oz specimen from an undisclosed stretch of the mighty River Severn.

The 47-year-old decorator said: “I thought I’d have a few hours perch fishing on the Severn and used a light quivertip rod with 6 lb line, size 8 hook with couple of swan shots and a big lobworm.

“I baited my peg up with red maggots and waited.

“I didn’t wait long until the tip went round, the fish snagged me at first but got it out. The chub came to the top and I was in shock.

“It’s biggest chub I know reported and I’ve been fishing the Severn for years and this is biggest I know of.

“I’ve been speaking to the Severn lads and all said the same we think it’s a record for the river,” concluded the Wolverhampton, West Midlands-based National Anguilla Club member.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could appear in the must-read weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

A STUNNING 25 lb 8 oz snapper won the Angling Trust British Pike Final in the last predator final at Whittlesey AA’s 20 Foot Drain in Cambridgeshire.

The impressive pike earned nearly £1,200 for Bob Goodwin and was a fitting tribute to the final which is moving to a new venue after nearly 30 years.

Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire-based Bob left it late and fish of 15 lb to David Cantrell and 14 lb 4 oz to Mick Garner had been leading to the 200-strong final.

Local evergreen piker Joan Cole was rewarded with the ladies title with a 6 lb jack as the drains fished hard after heavy rain.

15- year-old Thomas Moore, from Peterborough, won the junior title as he was drawn randomly out of the hat as none of the juniors caught

James Lewis, the Trust’s competitions development manager, said: “Our thanks must go to all of the local organisers for hosting the qualifiers, the Middle Level Commissioners together and Whittlesey AA who both made an excellent job of ensuring the pegs were fishable on the day.

“Furthermore our sincerest thanks to Ann and Ted Rowe who are stepping down as organisers for the final.

“They have been involved with the running of all aspects of the finals for almost 30 years and their joint involvement will be missed by many.

“The search for new organisers and venues for the Pike Final has already begun and interested parties should email Sandra.Johnson@anglingtrust.net or call 0115 8224519.”

GOT SOME NEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could appear in the must-read weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

‘STOP moaning, start phoning’ is the message for anglers concerned about rod licence evasion and illegal fishing.

Rod licence evasion and various forms of illegal fishing have incensed many anglers, but action is being taken around the country.

Following the creation in June of a formal system to record info, nearly 130 reports of suspected fisheries’ crime have been submitted to the Environment Agency by the Angling Trust’s Fisheries Enforcement Support Service.

This is headed by the Trust’s first national intelligence manager Gary Thomas who was appointed earlier this year.

FESS is funded by the EA from fishing licence income and includes the Voluntary Bailiff Service, formed to support the Agency and Police in the hard job of enforcing fishing licence compliance and protecting fish and fisheries.

With nearly 500 trained Volunteer Bailiffs across England reporting incidents to a high evidential standard, it was necessary to establish a legitimate and formal system to record and share incoming information with partners.

Former West Mercia Police detective inspector Gary has set up those systems and arranged an Information Sharing Agreement with the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit which went live on June 1.

To date the FESS has submitted 129 information reports since the start of June. All but eight have been suitable for submission to the EA Intelligence Unit as either an information report or an intelligence log.

Of these reports, 52 per cent have come from the VBS, the other 48 per cent from the public.

Intelligence manager Gary said: “I only started work in January so I am both surprised and delighted at the number of reports we have managed to put together so far, and we are on target for 300 for the first year.

“They have ranged from information on possible licence dodging, to an incident of poachers using explosives in East Anglia, through to a possible stealing carp to order operation.

“We don’t always get a lot of feedback on outcomes from some police forces but have developed close working relationship with individual police wildlife officers in local areas.

“I am very hopeful that the number of reports will increase to enable more effective enforcement action to be taken, and better resources obtained,” he added.

Dilip Sarkar, the FESS national enforcement manager, said: “A big ‘well done’ to all our volunteers and staff from me personally.

“I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of intelligence reports in highlighting issues and taking action.

“In the whole of Lincolnshire last year there were less than 20 fisheries related reports to the police whereas the anti-hare coursing initiative produced 2,000.

“Only if we can increase the level of reporting can we bring attract more resources to tackle the problems.

“With the systems we now have in place there has never been a better time for anglers to pass on the appropriate information,” he concluded.

Anglers should report any incidents to the EA hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or police on 911.

GOT SOME NEWS OR CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could appear in Angler’s Mail print magazine.

THE British carp record is in chaos after scales checks on one giant that beat the 68 lb 1 oz target – and also an 83 lb shocker being landed. Yes, 83 lb!

Angler’s Mail print magazine, out now, is the place to find both this amazing true carp stories in full. They are essential reading.

In other major news scoops, Mail columnist Steve Collett has become England team manager. It’s a bold appointment that could turn the fortunes around of the lure team.

Is Steve angling’s answer to Brian Clough? Can he lead the lure team to World Gold? Read the big exclusive in this issue of Angler’s Mail magazine to find out what Steve thinks. It’s a fascinating report.

Bass anglers fear a total ban in 2018. Angler’s Mail covers the story in full this week.

Also inside Angler’s Mail print magazine:

• Your Great Catches from the past week
• Best reports on the 2017 RiverFest Final
• Pete Reading helps you catch big chub
• Dave Coster’s most reliable hook and line knots
• How fish see in coloured water
• Andy Browne’s punch river roach
• Steve Collett wafts out winter carp
• Catch more big pike with Neville Fickling and Rikki Cooper
• New Gear selections you can trust, with Richard Howard
• John Bailey probes deeply into fish welfare
• Billy Flowers’ success… despite fog and frost
• Tying the Big D loop rig, with Colin Davidson

PLUS much more, including Where To Fish compiled by genuine local experts.

This new AM print magazine is in good newsagents and supermarkets, priced just £1.99.

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BREAKFAST and dinner leftovers secured a new PB chub of 7 lb 3 oz from the River Trent for barbel ace Jerry Gleeson... who had never caught a chevin from the venue before.

Jerry had taken David Gough and Justin Towns on a 48-hour guided trip which they had won in a charity auction to Nottinghamshire’s tidal River Trent at Sutton. But could only catch on meat from his meals!

The 43-year-old head chef, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, explained: “When we arrived, conditions were dreadful, before we had set-up everything was frozen.

“I placed the lads in what I considered to be good swims with yours truly in the middle but far enough out of the way as not to affect their fishing.

“The fishing proved quite tough and it was late on the next day before the first barbel bite came and Justin scored first with a new PB of 14 lb 2 oz.

“Night conditions were perfect and I was sure the barbel would come but I was plagued by bream, so in desperation I thought I would have a try for chub.

“I’ve never actually had a chub off Sutton but was convinced they were there somewhere.

“I had some leftover black pudding, a couple of burgers and a lone sausage so throwing it all into a bucket and adding some Pandemic glug we had a lovely oily meaty mess.

“This was packed into a 2 oz feeder with a piece of steak as hook bait and the rig was placed just over a marginal shelf close to an underwater snag.

“Less than five minutes later the rod arced round, after a gentle strike the fight was on, and I could feel the fish angrily shaking its head.

“It dived for the snag on numerous occasions, after giving me the run around I eventually slipped her in the net.

“I was actually just going to unhook it in the net and let it go until she rolled over and I could see how fat she was. Once on the mat she looked like a fat little carp, it was the biggest chub I’d ever seen.

“The rig went back out and it wasn’t long before I had another of 5 lb 2 oz and 4 lb 11 oz before I ran out of bait.

“I did try pellet and boilie but not a touch, still I’m not complaining, a bit of leftover tea and breakfast had suddenly caught me a fish of a lifetime,” Jerry concluded.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the brilliant weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

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AARON COPP bagged one of the most amazing trios of carp when he nabbed specimens of three different strains for nearly 150 lb from top venue, Fryerning.

Fishing Essex’s prolific Fryerning Fisheries, local Aaron nabbed a PB common of 51 lb 15 oz before matting a stunning Leather of 48 lb 5 oz and a ‘zip linear’ of 48 lb 5 oz.

All fell to 18 mm Mainline Cell bottom baits fished over a kilo freebies.

Fishery manager Charlie Knowles said: “It was an amazing catch. The leather with plenty of grub going in it will be back over the magical 50 lb very soon.”

Fryerning Fisheries is  situated just 10 minutes from Junction 28 of M25 and is the home to some of the finest carp fishing lakes in the country.

The three waters sit on a beautiful 200-acre country estate, and they are all heavily stocked with stunning home-reared Leney Redmire carp.

The venue also has the ‘carp god’, which was revealed by Angler’s Mail when it was installed at the waterside. Some anglers reckon it’s brought them luck!

What Fryerning offers

Fryerning Fisheries says on its website: “From the non-stop, rod bending action of our Car Park lake, to bagging up with 20s and 30s or even a 40 on the Valley Lake or pitting your wits against our huge head of 30s, 17 40s and 3 50s in our Main Lake , we have something for everyone.

“A state of art CCTV system and electronic gates provide a totally secure environment in which you can enjoy your sport, so all you need do is concentrate on catching the fish.

“An angler’s lodge, toilets, shower and phone charging facilities are available to all and make for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

“Come and enjoy your precious fishing time with friendly likeminded individuals you may have just found the carp syndicate of your dreams!”

A full year membership for 2018 on the Fryerning Main Lake costs £720, but there are assorted options and all are explained on the website, where payments (which can be spread) can be made.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the brilliant weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

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ANTIQUE TACKLE fans, all anglers and tackle dealers are asked to be on the look-out for rods and reels following a burglary at the Hampshire cottage of a major tackle collector.

The antique tackle raid  resulted in one of the largest hauls of personal fishing kit ever stolen, valued in the region of £20,000.

They were all collectors’ items, many originating from the famous Edward Barder Rod Company who are leading the appeal.

A huge reward of £5,000 will be paid to anyone who provides information that leads directly to the recovery of the stolen antique tackle items and arrest of the thieves.

Edward Barder said: “The victim is a client of ours and I don’t think I’ve heard of a more valuable collection being stolen in the UK during my 31 years in the trade.

“There were upwards of 50 rods plus reels stolen, all of them very best quality classics, acquired by a hard-working and discerning collector who, as you can imagine, is heartbroken.

“The property was alarmed and only fishing tackle was stolen, probably to order according to the police.”

Antique tackle that was stolen

Edward explained: “Perhaps worst of all is the theft of the B. James Avocet that was the pride and joy of the late Bernard Venables.

“This one was extra special quality with two tips and Bernard’s name and that of B. James & Son engraved on the butt cap. It was a unique presentation model given to Bernard by B. James & Son of Ealing.

“If you are approached by anyone offering unusual items please contact the police and us with a description of the person or persons concerned, and a vehicle registration if visible but please do not put yourself at risk during any such dealings,” he added.

Other rods stolen in the Hampshire antique tackle raid  include by B. James & Son, Edward Barder’s own rods including a Chris Yates Merlin Avon, a Fred J Taylor Roach Rod, a ‘Kennet Perfection and a Chris Yates Barbus Maximus Barbel Rod.

Plus several rods were from Paul Cook, plus Bruce & Walker Hexagraphs, a Jerry Swanton Roach Trotter, Olivers Perfection Roach and Kennet; Ray Walton’s No. 1 & 2; Hardy’s Perfection Roach, Fred J Taylor Trotters and various Hardy Marksmans Specialist Float Rods all in Hardy tubes, and two Sowerbutts roach poles.

Also taken were a number of reels, mainly centrepins including a few by Gary Mills and Chris Lythe, a quantity of Allcock Aerials, early Mitchell 300s and a mint Abu Suveran.

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Police by dialling 101 and quote crime number 44170437457, incident 105.

CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the brilliant weekly Angler’s Mail print magazine.

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