Big perch from 'secret' lake

“I left home unaware this lake existed and it ended up producing my biggest perch of the year.” These are the words of Gary Knowles after he banked this 4lb 1oz specimen on his first cast from a water owned by a guest house he was staying at.

The Korum-backed all-rounder had made the long journey from his Cheshire base to Hertfordshire in search of a big chub in the final days of the season.

He was unexpectedly informed by the property owner that he would be entitled to fish a lake behind his premises.

“Big perch are becoming more common so I decided to have walk around the lake with my dropshot rod on the off chance that I saw signs of predators moving around,” explained Gary.

“It was only a short fight but I couldn’t believe the size of it when it slid over the net.”

He quickly packed up and headed off down to the River Lea in search of the big chub and amazingly his first cast produced a huge 7lb 8 drams.

 “Two different waters, two huge fish on the first cast – it is a session I will never forget,” concluded Gary.

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