SUTTON Courtenay angler Phil Bennett had the shock of his life while spinning for pike and perch on his local pit.

He cast his spinner out into the lake and had just started to retrieve it when he felt a slight pluck on the line and immediately struck into a big fish that took line on its first run.

It put up a good scrap and Phil rightly thought he was into a decent pike, but after around ten minutes when the fish was ready to be netted, he realised it was a common carp.

The fish weighed in at 22.3.0 and was released back into the lake.

Phil could not believe that he had caught a new personal best carp on a spinner and I have to admit that I have never heard of a carp taking one before, although fish normally caught on maggot, bread etc will take fry.

  • PROSPECTS for a spot of Christmas holiday angling look a bit bleak as I write.

Taking a look at www. metcheck.com, this cold snap appears to be staying around for several more days at least, before milder weather moves in, and it will take few days for our rivers to get back into shape.

But if you fancy a bit of ice-breaking, let me know how you get on!

You can contact me on 01865 725606 or email agw@awebber20.orangehome.co.uk