Steve Cliff, a 51-year-old technician from Buckinghamshire, fished Manor Farm Lake at Linear Fisheries for eight nights and caught a staggering 35 carp from the Stanton Harcourt big-fish water.

The massive haul included 18 doubles – 12 twenties, four thirties and the big mirror known as ‘Kempy’s Linear’ weighing 41.14.0.

Two of the other thirties were known mirrors – ‘The Football’ at 35.10.0 and ‘The Birthmark Linear’ at 39.6.0.

Cliff used Grey’s Xflite 3lb t/c rods, Diawa reels, 12lb GR60 Mainline, Korda 3oz distance leads, 30lb Korda N-Trap hook-link, size-8 Korda choddy hook and Mainline Cell boilies, which he fished to a spodded area at 100 yards’ range.

Although the pits at Linear are renowned for their large carp, they also produce other species.

Staffordshire angler Dai Gribble targeted tench and was rewarded with a stunning 10.6.0 fish, which was caught on his second trip to the venue.

He baited up with Sonubaits hemp and maple, plus a few Elips pellets, and used fake maggots on the hook.

His previous visit produced 19 tench, with three going over 9lb, plus a huge male of 8.12.0.

Both the angling weekly papers carried the alarming story of a carp angler who was tied up and dumped in a ditch and had around £5,000’s worth of tackle stolen.

It serves as a fitting reminder to take great care when fishing, particularly at night.

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