THE fish in all three lakes at Bathampton AA's Hunstrete Fishery seem to be aware that spring is imminent, even if it's not too apparent to us mere mortals, and all species are feeding well.

Fifty pound plus catches from Bridge Pool are already commonplace and club member Bob Smith, from Willsbridge, had an enjoyable session when fishing close in with pole and pellet to land eight mirrors and a common for over 70lbs.

The weather was cloudy and although there was a cold wind from the north-west the number of bites were more than enough to keep things interesting.

Two good carp, including a good double which Bob saw, came unstuck otherwise he would have been close to the ton.

Another angler fishing on Bridge had a fine mirror of 13lbs when surface fishing with dog biscuits, and the bailiffs report plenty of sport with carp to 10 pounds.

The main lake at Hunstrete is on brilliant form for those members concentrating on the silver fish.

One typical catch was a net of 84lbs consisting of roach, bream to 5lbs, and tench to 7lbs taken on swim-feedered sweetcorn and maggots.

Good carp continue to feed in main lake and Rob Delaney, from Bristol, had a mirror in great condition weighing in at 25lbs 6ozs.

Delaney, who is a tackle salesman at Veals of Bristol, demonstrates that he knows what he is talking about by landing his lake-best on CSI boilies.

Withy Pool continues its reputation for quality roach sport with lots of fish to a pound and a half coming to the pole or waggler with sweetcorn, maggots or casters. Some nice skimmers and the odd bream to 5lbs are also caught once the roach start feeding.

When fishing Withy Pool, carp anglers should have surface baits and rigs ready as good numbers of better fish are showing on top, especially when the sun shines.

A few anglers have already had good sport and this lake is continuing its standing for "top of the water" fun.

Best pegs:

• Bridge Pool 18; 19; 21; 23; 26 to 33 inclusive
• Withy Pool 41; 42; 47; 48; 52 to 57 inclusive; 62; 63.

• Main Lake (for silvers) 7 to 10 inclusive; 41; 1.

The Hunstrete Fishery is for Bathampton AA members only. More details on www.bathampton.org or telephone 01179 715003.
Membership is open to all.

9:49am Friday 25th April 2008

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