Linear Fisheries’ big carp waters at Stanton Harcourt must be responsible for more personal bests than any other venue, writes Andy Webber.

Once again last week, an angler made a long journey to Oxfordshire worthwhile when he banked a new best carp.

Dale Alcock, from Stoke-on- Trent, fished Linear’s Hardwick/Smiths Lake and was rewarded with a 29.4.0 mirror, beating his previous mark by 12lb.

The mirror is known as the ‘Dinosaur Fish’ and the staff over at Linear believe that this is the first time it has come out in 14 months.

Besides his PB, Dale also landed carp of 13.6.0 and 14.8.0, all falling to Richworth KG1 boilies along with fluro pop-ups and stick mix.

His rig was a ESP curve shank hook tied to 18lb supernatural hooklink.

I have been down to Godalming AS’s Marsh Farm twice in the last three weeks with Colin Howe and on both trips we have struggled to catch any crucian carp.

Both times the fishing was affected by the wind. One minute it was blowing from right to left, then left to right, then straight at you, which does make it hard.

I have been trying to use the pole I bought at Christmas and I have to admit I am no pole angler. I actually find it hard work.

Pellet has been my bait, while Colin uses pellet and maggot. His best fish was a 6lb 2oz tench which he landed on a 1lb hooklength.

A few crucians have been coming out around the 3lb mark, but not as many as last year, although we are fishing a bit earlier than last season.