Massive mirror tops mega haul of four fish from legendary Colne Valley venue. At 47lb 8oz this beautiful mirror was the icing on the cake for well-respected carp angler Mark McKenna during a session that saw no less than four fish over 34lb banked. Testing out a prototype bait for his company Bait Craft at the legendary Savay Lake in the Colne valley, the massive hit of fish – including the 40 known as the Black Mirror – came after a run of blanks at the venue, but we’re sure this more than makes up for it. Mark’s week-long session at the venue which saw him fish the nights and go to work through the day, coincided with a full moon phase – a time of the month that often sees the bigger Savay fish go on the feed.
Pristine specimen finishes off 40 fish summer total. This stunning 35lb linear tops an amazing run of fish for Bristol-rod, Andy Edwards over the last few months after he put in the hours on a well-known Oxfordshire syndicate water. With a string of specimens already to his credit, including a 34lb 6oz mirror and a number of 20s, Andy caught the big linear from the famous Linch Hill using a 1inch chod rig fished to a tight silt area Andy had located in between weed beds. Fishing at 76yards range Andy’s deadly hook bait that has been the secret to his success, was a cork ball wrapped in Pallatrax Jungle paste.
Environment Agency announces rod licence price freeze for next three years. Anglers are celebrating this week following the news that rod licence prices will be frozen for the next two years, Total Carp can reveal. The Environment Agency has confirmed that the cost of a rod licence purchased between April 1 2012 and March 31 2014 will remain the same as this seasons prices, with an individual adult coarse license remaining at £27. The news follows last years similar price freeze, meaning anglers will have not seen an increase in the cost of rod licence for a total of three years.
Prestigious venue shut to anglers following series of unexplained big fish mortalities. One of the country’s best-known carp lakes has been closed to anglers following a string of unexplained fish deaths. Horseshoe Lake in the Cotswolds, the famous home of the Carp Society, has lost an estimated 60 big carp since the spring, with at least one fish dying at the water per day throughout August. So far the specimens lost have range in size between mid-doubles and low twenties, with none of the venue’s large head of 30lb plus fish having been affected.
All-round pram-hood bivvy system, boasting front peak, three-rib design, full front panel, mozzie infill and full winter wrap. This is a comprehensive shelter that will cover all fishing situations, but without breaking the bank. TRAKKERSLX V2 BivvyRRP: £299Website: www. trakkerproducts.
Boxed set of three, digital, wireless, bite alarms and receiver. Heads feature adjustable tone, sensitivity and volume as well as silent mode. Excellent set of alarms for the money. SABERBite Alarms SetRRP: £169Website: www.
We review some of the best carp catchers that money can buy. KENT PARTICLESChilli GroundbaitDescription: A blend of high-quality ingredients makes this spicy groundbait appealing to carp of all sizes. This versatile mix is perfect for bulking out spod mixes. RRP: £12.
This is our busiest period of the year, so fishing time is at a premium. However, I managed a couple of trips to a local water and caught this, and another chunky common in the mid-twenties. I’ve been trying to improve my floater fishing, something that might take some work I can tell you, but persistence will pay eventually, I’m sure! I’m still getting the odd round of golf in too – remember fishing is just part of our lives, not all of it. MARC COULSON, EDITOR.
It’s been a hectic month in the TC office but I’ve still managed to get out and bank a few. This cracking mirror was one of four fish caught on a feature at Bury Hill Fishery. I’ve also been doing a bit of floater fishing on a local venue after work. To say I’m rusty is an understatement!JASON UMNEY, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT.