MICHAEL MONK had just made redundant, and was treated to a day's fishing by his dad... resulting in this PB 45 lb 5 oz common carp.
The giant common carp came to the North East London angler during a 12-hour day session at his local Wathamstow Reservoirs, part of which is on day ticket.
It was on the complex’s No.3 Reservoir where the 32-year-old connected with the huge common carp using Sticky Baits Manilla boilies.
Michael, from Walthamstow, explained: “I fished two rods a rod length apart at 60 yards aiming towards an island rod feeding a handful on each every 20 minutes.
“It was a very standard style bottom bait rig, 16mm bottom bait on a 10 inch Nash Armourlink hook link with a size 6 Nash fang X hook and a pretty long hair.
“My dad treated me to a day session up the Stow and what a treat it was being able to catch this massive big common.
“I count myself very lucky to have caught this amazing creature and to be able to share it all with my dad was amazing.”
What’s on offer at the ‘Stow
The Walthamstow Reservoirs site is run by Thames Water. There are nine reservoirs, of which some are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to rich bird habitat and terrestrial fauna.
Coarse fishing-wise, six reservoirs, and the Coppermill Stream, provide many challenges for all angling abilities. The predominant species are carp and bream, but there are also quality barbel, chub, eels, pike and perch to be had.
Walthamstow Reservoirs is on the edge of London and it provides a fascinating refuge amidst the urban spawl.
The three fly fishing reservoirs are stocked throughout the season with a total of 11,000 top quality rainbow and brown trout.
Day tickets start at just £5 on the coarse stock pond (one rod only), but the general charge per day is £15 a day on the main coarse waters for up to three rods. There are various concessions and season ticket options across the site.
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