ONE of Oxfordshire’s top big-fish waters is offering membership for the first time in ten years, writes Andy Webber.

Tickets for full membership to Linch Hill, near Stanton Harcourt, have been at a premium but are now being offered for sale after some anglers on the waiting list turned down their chance.

It costs £775 for a season ticket which allows you to fish Stoneacres, Willow and Christchurch lakes and the chance to catch carp to more than 50lb, bream more than 17lb and the famous roach to almost 4lb.

Anyone interested should telephone 01865 882215.

The leader of the opposition, Witney MP David Cam-eron, has put his support of angling on record.

Quoted in one of the papers this week, he said: “I’m a fan of fishing. Angling as a sport is safe under a Conservative government. It’s not only safe, we want to actively promote it.”

Of course, these are the sort of answers you would expect from a politician who in a few weeks time will be looking for your vote.

The government has its own angling Minister, Martin Salter, who is standing down at this election.

Whoever is elected should listen to the concerns of anglers.

Didcot Angling Centre’s Clive Turner had a red letter day at Linear’s Oxlease Lake at Stanton Harcourt when he banked ten carp, including mirrors of 31.7.0 and 24lb.

He spent three nights on the big-fish water and targeted an area at around 70 yards, spodding out maggot and freebies.

l Farmoor 1, a catch and release fishery, has started to produce big fish to small lures and bloodworm patterns.

A rainbow estimated at 14lb was caught on a white goldhead and Nick Gough had a best fish of 11.6.0.

Farmoor II’s rod average for the week was 2.8. Boats are producing most fish, with many limits of six and eight.

The Rangers office and shop are being refurbished over the next few weeks.

IF you have any news, views or photos, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email agw@awebber20.orangehome .co.uk