Big linear back – after 13 years

This perfect zip linear was symmetrical in more ways than one for Gary Denniss at Bluebell Lakes.

The 31lb 14oz mirror was the first fish the 45-year-old ever caught from the Northamptonshire complex more than 13 years ago.

“It’s one of the real old ones in Kingfisher,” Gary said, “and it doesn’t seem to get caught very often. It was 27lb 1oz when I had it back in October 2002.”

The linear was the highlight of a bittersweet 48-hour weekend session for the Lincolnshire angler, who caught three twenties but also lost two fish including a known 40-pounder just yards from the net.

“There were fish popping their heads out all over the place and I felt lucky to be there as they were waking up and feeling the first warm sunshine of the year.

“I got into the Point swim where they were showin, but had to wait 24 hours before I had any action. At Saturday teatime I had a 23lb 14oz, then the linear just before dusk.

“The night was very quiet, but at 9.30am I had a 27lb 2oz fish that gave a fantastic fight.

“Then the recast rod went almost immediately and as I led it across the surface, and from the way it wasn’t fighting, I knew it was the Upfront Common, which I’ve had before at 42lb, but 20ft from the net it dropped off.”

The landscape gardener had one fish on a zig rig and the other three on Key Bait Solutions ASM boilies on hinged stiff rigs with 10ins booms fished to a clay patch at 70yds.