Secret water produces previously uncaught monster common

ASHLEY Irvine lived every carp angler’s dream when he caught a 40lb common on his first session at a secret lake containing uncaught monsters.

The Bedfordshire rod had prebaited a few likely looking spots once a week since the start of spring at the 30-acre water which is believed to hold no more than 20 carp.

He said: “The run started with just two beeps on the alarms, then two more. I picked up the rod expecting it to be a tench but as I started to reel, a huge set of shoulders and a dorsal fin appeared on the surface and my heart sank and my legs turned to jelly!

“It headed straight for the reeds to my left, by which time I was in the water up to my waist, but thankfully I gently teased her through the reeds and slipped the net under her.

“I’d love to say it was an epic battle but I don't think she knew what was going on due to not being caught before.

“I was in complete shock and when the scales finally settled at 41lb 7oz.”

Ashley used Matrix boilies from Premier Baits and tackled up with chod rigs made from Avid and Korda components.