AN Oxfordshire gravel pit has produced a 19-tench catch for Bradford angler Gordon Ramsden, who spent three nights on the water and caught all his fish in daylight, writes ANDY WEBBER.

His haul included a couple of seven-pounders, an eight and a nine, topped by a 10lb beauty. All the fish took three fake pieces of sweetcorn attached to a size 10 hook and 10lb line.

He used a spod to top up his feed of pellet, maggot, caster, hemp and corn.

I was going to say that with a few tench being caught, it is a sure sign that it is starting to warm up, but as we are still having the odd frost, I shall not push my luck!

  • OXFORD carper Andrew Shellard has been fishing an Oxfordshire syndicate water and banked a cracking mirror carp weighing 32.8.0.

In the same session, he had another ten carp, all from a silted area about 70 yards from the bank.

He fished a Carp Company Icelandic Red pop-up over a bed of freebies, and used a chod rig with a size 7 ESP stiff rigger hook.

  • I TRAVELLED down to Marsh Farm near Guildford last week to have another go after the crucian carp, arriving early just before the gates were open to find the place almost deserted.

I settled into a swim on Harris Lake and fed some pellets before setting up my usual pole and rig.

I try to fish halfway down the drop-off, so it’s pretty close in and I had to wait quite a while before the float went under for my first bite and after a decent scrap, I weighed a nice crucian going 2.12.0.

About an hour later, I had another of 2lb and decided that would most likely be it for the day, as the fish soon move on.

Although these crucians do come out during the day, I think that the night time is the most productive to fish, but to do that you have to join Godalming Angling Society.

  • KIDLINGTON AS hold their presentation and skittles evening on Friday, May 28, at Green Road SC starting at 8pm. All members and families welcome.
  • A REMINDER that Farmoor Flyfishing Club are running free training evenings at their Darlow Water, Northmoor, aimed at beginners.

The sessions are on Wednesdays May 26, and June 2 and 9.

For more details, contact Ken Day on 01235 554618.

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