A lunchtime date with 51lb 9oz Dave

A surprise lunchtime bite produced one of the finest day-ticket carp in the country for Chris Lilley.

The 51lb 9oz mirror, known as Dave, came from Swan Lake at Northamptonshire’s Bluebell complex during a 48-hour weekend session.

Chris, who once caught Benson, the venue’s much-loved 60lb common, got the take at 1.15pm.

The 49-year-old Cambridgeshire rod said: “The lake was busy but I went for an area that was due to be facing the wind and which was receiving less pressure from other anglers.

“I was fishing to a silty gulley about 30 yards out and put all three rods on the spot, along with about 4kg of Mainline Hybrid boilies.

“The take came after approximately 20 hours, at about 1.15pm, and was really out of the blue. At first light I’d seen quite a big fish showing itself to the right of the spot, but I was just thinking about reeling in the rods when I got the bite.
He added: “It was a top result.”

Chris fished a Hybrid boilie on a combi rig comprising fluorocarbon and ESP Sink Link, and a size 6 Korda Wide Gap X hook.