35lb birthday linear

THIS beautiful linear was the perfect present for Nick Lee when it arrived on his birthday.

The 35lb 12oz mirror came from Farriers Lake in Gloucestershire on the day the Chipping Norton rod turned 44.

A week later, Lee’s good start to the season continued with a 41lb 4oz common from the same venue.

The property landlord told Angling Times: “I went to a spot where I thought the fish would be, and where I had been pre-baiting, and cast chod rigs over dead weed at about 80yds.

“I had the take just after dark and it put up a pretty good fight, taking me all over the lake. It was a pretty good birthday present!”

Nick added: “I’ve just started using a new bait from Terry Dempsey’s Urban Baits and I had rolled some of his Garlic and Tuna pop-ups on the bank that morning so it was great to get a quick result.

“The fish is known as the Big Linear and I don’t think it’s been out any heavier. It’s not a target fish as such but it’s certainly one I’ve wanted to catch.”