CRUCIAN mecca Johnsons Lake began its two-month shutdown... but not before Richie Martin managed to catch five superb specimens to 4 lb 2 oz.
CRUCIAN CARP were the target for the Ringwood, Hampshire-based business development manager – and he got what he wanted.
Aside from the four-pounder, Richie had others of 3 lb 11 oz and two at 3 lb 10 oz as he enjoyed some last-minute crucian action at the Surrey venue.
Richie said: “My target was firstly to catch a crucian, I’d had three previous trips over the past year, and only managed one crucian of 2 lb 8 oz.
“With a rare whole day available on the Saturday I decided to pop down, albeit a 150-mile round trip, the evening before to scout out the lake.
“I fished a few hours and had two small tench but while I was there I’d picked up some great advice from an excellent angler called Nige.
“The next morning I was back at the lake bright and early and started to build up a swim, the sun was hot and just as I thought I’d missed my chance my bobbin lifted and I was into a huge crucian.
A tense few minutes and she was mine, a great angler and good mate Mike helped with the weigh in and she bounced round to 4 lb 2 oz. I felt numb, a mixture of delight and disbelief, I think the picture says it all!
CAUGHT A BIG FISH? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could star in the magazine.