WHERE TO FISH EXTRA
In search of a new personal best redfin? These stillwaters are perfect places to catch one...
NO MATTER whereabouts in the country you live, there’s bound to be a specimen carp fishery within a short drive of home.
Fed on a diet of high-protein pellets and boilies, the mirrors and commons in these waters grow astonishingly quickly, with 30lb-plus giants now commonplace. They’re the sole target of most visitors, while any other species present are given short shrift.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a PB roach, such a venue should be on your radar. These fish mop up any food left by the carp and, as a result, they too reach impressive weights.
These 15 waters have proven pedigree for specimen redfins, and current conditions give you an amazing opportunity to bank a fish to leave onlookers green with envy!
ELVINGTON FISHERIES, YORK, NORTH YORKS
A variety of tactics work well on this deep stillwater, with the pole, waggler and maggot feeder all worth a try. Hemp will attract and hold the big roach, while tares or a grain of corn are the ideal hookbait. Feed two lines and keep them both topped up.
Tel: 01904 607504
LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE
Brasenose One hit the headlines this season with several huge roach, the biggest topping 4lb. These fish tend to live well away from the bank in the deeper water,where a maggot feeder and fake grubs on the hook are best way to try and fool a very special specimen indeed.
Tel: 07885 327708
ALVECHURCH FISHERIES, BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDS
A netting operation to remove small silverfish from House Pool revealed the true size of the roach in there... as a 3lb-plus giant turned up! Several others over 2lb were also found in the one-acre pool. Try fishing with the wind off your back, using the long pole at 13m with double caster over groundbait and micros.
Tel: 07944 191915
SHATTERFORD LAKES, KIDDERMINSTER, WORCS
Stella and Stuart’s Lake both have depths to well over 15ft. A little trial and error can be essential to find the roach, but specimens to well over 2lb are banked every winter, and waggler fishing through the layers with maggots or casters can score, as can a maggot feeder with plastic grub hookbaits.
Tel: 01299 861597
BLUEBELL LAKES, OUNDLE, NORTHANTS
This complex is home to some of the biggest carp in the land, but Bluebell Lake is proving to be a magnet to big roach anglers from all over the country. This seven-acre water has parking behind most pegs, and casting towards the middle with a maggot feeder into 12ft-15ft of water will put you in with a shot at finding a giant. Tel: 01832 226042
BILLINGFORD LAKES, NORWICH, NORFOLK
