Hat-trick of forties in 'best ever session'

A GRUELLING two-week session produced an impressive three forties in the space of six days for Steve Osbourne.

The 65-year-old, who landed carp of 42lb, 46lb 4oz and 48lb from Kent’s Strawberry Fields, described it as his “best-ever UK session”.

Steve, from Essex, said: “To have a catch like that in winter, I was grinning from ear to ear. The adrenaline rush was just totally amazing - I’m still made up about it now.”

As reported last week in Angling Times, the retired rod also had perch up to 4lb 7oz and a 2lb rudd during his stay, which was so cold he had to break the ice five times.

“All the fish came on the same rod fished about 4ft out but 25 yards down the bank from me,” said Steve.

“I started off on worm and maggots on clips but nothing was happening so I moved over to a swim known as the Fridge after three days and rummaged in my bag for something else to try.

“I found some Nash Tangee Peach pop-ups in 10mm and attached them to a size-10 hook.”

Steve’s next session is a three-week trip to France chasing a 60lb common, but he admitted it would have to go some way to beat his fortnight in Kent.

“Strawberry Fields is my Redmire, it’s the most gorgeous little pond,” he said.