56lb 12oz common carp caps successful campaign at RH Fisheries for venue regular

Luke Edwards has long been one of the top rods on the Avenue and now he’s slipped the net under the fish he really wanted.

The Wolverhampton angler has consistently caught from the RH Fisheries venue in recent years, but this 56lb 12oz common, known as Tarka, is the pinnacle of his achievement.

Typically, it was caught alongside another big fish, a 39lb mirror known as Zac, during a 24-hour session.

“I’ve been a member since the start but it’s only been in the last two seasons that I’ve put everything into catching the Avenue’s jewels,” said Luke. “This winter I’ve had over 17 fish, mainly on 24-hour sessions and this one beats my previous pb of 54lb.

“It’s an unbelievable venue, but it can be tricky. You have to try to outwit them and on this occasion I got lucky.”

Luke nearly didn’t go fishing at all, after falling ill at the lake and having to go home and return the next day.

He said: “When I felt better in the morning I set up close to a central point and, knowing the wind was a north westerly, got in a swim where it would push right into my face.”

Having baited with 2kg of Retro Baits’ B Caramel boilies, Luke caught the 39lb mirror, which he has banked twice before, just after dark.

The next morning, Luke was joined by his friend Chris. “We were chatting,” said Luke, “and I commented how I was unlucky with the big commons and had given up on them.

“Literally two minutes after saying that my rod tip bounced and my line tightened and I hit into a fish I instantly knew was big. After a short but heavy fight I had my prize!”

Luke fished B Caramel wafters on D rigs made with 16lb Fox Trans Khaki Illusion and a size 8 Kuro hook.