MARK MOLE smashed his tench PB in a dream trip that quickly turned sour when attacks from biting insects forced him home early.
Until the mosquitoes struck, Mark had landed eight big tincas including fish of 9 lb 7 oz and 9 lb 1 oz.
The Birmingham, West Midlands-based angler was fishing on Hunts Corner Lake at Linear Fisheries in Oxfordshire.
But then, as the effects of the bites from mosquitoes struck him, he had to seek medical attention.
Mark told Angler’s Mail the full story: “With persistent rain failing, I settled into a swim with feedered maggot, corn and worm.
“After a small tench I left the rod out into darkness and landed a new PB of 9 lb 7 oz.
“Delighted, I reeled in for a few hours sleep. The mosquitoes however had other ideas and continually bit my forehead.
“With no sleep and a rapidly swelling forehead I continued to fish at dawn.
“Immediately the tench went into overdrive but I had to reluctantly cut the session short and seek medical attention.
“I was tired, swollen but happy with the target species.
“I ended up leaving seven hours early. I was getting worried that I might struggle to drive with my eyes swelling up.”
Mosquitoes also grow big!
Mark revealed: “I’d left my insect repellent at home along with Piriton tablets. I won’t be forgetting them again.
“They were definitely mosquitoes – I could hear the high-pitched whine in my ears.
“I tried to pull the sleeping bag up over my head but it still didn’t stop them.
“It was my last trip to Linear of the year as I’m a river angler at heart.
“It’s way too busy for my liking but it is a stunning venue with monster specimens of most species.
“Even the ‘mozzies’ grow big,” laughed the 44-year-old ultrasonic operator.
GOT A STORY, OR VIEWS OR GREAT PHOTOS? You could appear in print and online with us! Email pix with info to: anglersmail@ti-media.com
For the best exclusive content, read Angler’s Mail magazine this week. The print issue of Angler’s Mail is in shops priced £2.20. Get your copy asap.
SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL TODAY!
Get Angler’s Mail (print or digital version) to you every week at a great price 
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE HERE!
Subs deals mean you can get every AM magazine issue, delivered to you, from just £1.30 a week!
An ‘AM sub’ also makes a great gift for you, or for any angler..
You may also like to read these Angler’s Mail stories…
Hampshire Avon anglers battle for a brighter fishing future
A three year study by the Salmon & Trout Conservation on the famous Hampshire Avon found a staggering 52 per…
Chronic chemical dangers to fishing rivers
The first analysis of the new monitoring data has revealed that British freshwaters are heavily contaminated with neonicotinoids and there…
Tench fishing tips to help you crack a new venue this spring
IF there was one personal best that I would love to beat then it would have to be tench –…
Float fishing for tench – best tackle, bait and tips for success
ONE of my favourite fishing styles is float fishing for tench. I personally don’t think you can beat the Mr.Crabtree…
Angler’s eye shattered in freak accident
Guy Manton was fishing at Dorset’s Todber Manor, when his waggler sprung back and hit him right in the middle…