Hard work pays off for 40lb Dinton carp

Believed to be more than 40 years old, this sought-after mirror carp fell to Paul Eaton at Dinton Pastures.
The fish, known as Apple Slice, weighed 40lb 2oz and came on an overnight session during which Paul completed multiple laps of the Berkshire venue before eventually getting his rods out at gone midnight.
The 31-year-old said: “Apple is one of Dinton’s original stock and is believed to be 40 to 45 years old. 
“With this being my first year on the syndicate, fishing alongside some exceptional anglers, I feel very privileged to have caught such an historic carp.”
The Reading angler, who has caught seven carp from Dinton in 29 nights since April, is largely restricted to overnight sessions and on this occasion he arrived at 8pm and began formulating a plan.
After three laps of the lake he eventually settled on a spot at midnight and fished his Sticky Krill wafters on their own, dipping the whole rig in matching liquid before casting out.
The bite came at 5am and the fish was eventually subdued after a lengthy battle. 
“It just shows that hard work with limited time, and ensuring you’re on the fish with a quality bait, makes all the difference,” said Paul.