Chris Connaughton owner of Barnstaple Bait and Tackle has caught a personal best carp from Furzebray Lake. The mirror carp known as ‘Dropscale’ weighed an impressive 50lb 4oz. Furzebray Carp Lakes near South Molton opened in 2007 have matured into one of the West Country’s finest carp waters with numerous carp exceeding thirty and forty pounds.

         Kyle Greenall’s biggest carp prior to his visit to Bulldog Fishery was just over 12lb. He pushed this to just over 23lb within hours of setting up and two hours later netted a stunning common carp of 37lb 4oz.

         The hot weather over recent days has triggered carp spawning across many waters so it is wise to check with fishery owners before setting out to fish. Whilst there are still anglers who lament abolishing the old closed season for coarse fish it is perhaps more sensible to close fisheries at the appropriate time when spawning is witnessed. This ensures fish welfare during spawning and helps maintain the commercial viability of waters.