RECORDS have been tumbling on Bathampton AA fisheries, with a veteran 71-year-old angler leading the way.

Richard Patrick from Bath has caught a number of big barbel over the years but has now taken a fine 13lb 4oz specimen from the Bristol Avon at Claverton which has been weighed, photographed and duly witnessed to establish a new club record for the species.

This was the culmination of three trips a week over the past seven years during which Patrick has caught 43 doubles and had many blanks, including nine on the trot just before taking the new record fish.

With the river running six feet above normal he fished with a four ounce watch lead with a straight running leger set-up. With 12lb line, he baited a size 14 hook with halibut pellet to lure the fish.

On his very next trip to the venue he landed another fine fish weighing 12lb 2oz.

Hunstrete Lake has also produced a new record bream for club member Matthew James from Writhlington, near Radstock.

On a windy but mild day James had a great day, with bream feeding well.

Fishing with a groundbait feeder and worm as hook bait on a size 18 hook, James landed the new club record fish which weighed 7lb 12oz.

The fish was witnessed by two club bailiffs - Clive Hunt and Andy Coombes - and has been officially accepted by the management committee. James receives a tackle voucher for his efforts.

His total catch for the day weighed in at a satisfying 71lb 4oz.

Newton Park has also been producing the goods for club members.

Club member Lee Scott had a day to remember with a catch of 20 mirror and common carp, topped by a magnificent 20 pounder. All of Scott's fish fell to Mainline pineapple boilies and the big fish was caught in the margins.

Another club member took two beautiful specimen mirrors,while fishing with legered sprat for pike. The surprised angler found the first carp tipped the scales at 24lb.

Continuing with sprats he then landed another fine mirror weighing 28lb 4oz.

He caught no pike.

  • More angling news in Friday's Wiltshire Times and Chippenham News.