Magnificent common on fourth visit
Karl Hall struck gold on only his fourth session at Darenth Tip Lake with the capture of The Major at 49lb 8oz.
It was the Essex rod’s eighth fish from the historic Kent water and came after the 29-year-old spent a long time observing the water.
He said: “On my arrival I completed three laps of the lake looking for signs of fish, but due to the strong wind that was blowing I was unable to spy any activity. However, after sitting in a tree for a while overlooking the back of the snags I did see a couple of fish pass through, followed by a couple more.
“Braided hooklinks aren’t allowed and the spots that I had found to be productive were small, so I opted to fish a hinged stiff rig made up of 20lb 30plus Kodex Shape Shifter due to the overuse of the chod rig.”
Karl received a few line bites during the night but had to wait until 1.15pm the following day for a take. He said: “My alarm sounded and I was soon attached to a very heavy, powerful carp which I managed to navigate away from the snags that I had baited.
“Once out in the open I felt the true weight of the fish and I knew it was one of the better ones. An epic heart-in-mouth battle ensued and I finally pulled the massive common over the net cord and he was mine.
“I looked down and in the net to was the fish that I had joined the lake to catch. On the scales the common was at an all-time best, weighing a staggering, amazing 49lb 8oz.”
Karl baited with The Nutz and Wicked Whites boilies from Mad Baits and fished a Wicked White pop-up over the top.
