ONE of the largest mirror carp for several seasons has been landed from the north bank of Fordwich Lake, Canterbury. The 36lb 9oz monster was tempted by a fishmeal boilie presented about 60 yards from the bank by Kevin Robinson, from Folkestone.

The fish, probably one of the oldest in the 33 acre lake, was in excellent condition and, after being weighed and witnessed, was safely returned to the water. The Canterbury and District Angling Association mirror carp record stands at 40lb 8oz, caught at the same venue during the 1994/1995 season.

Elsewhere on Fordwich Lake, other carp anglers are enjoying some excellent fishing, especially from the north bank. Gary Hills, from Broad Oak, landed 16 carp up to 23lb, all taken on fishmeal boilies at 80 yards range. Herne Bay's Dave Footman banked five, the heaviest 27lb, also taken on similar boilies using the same tactics at long range

The River Stour continues to have plenty to offer with good roach and skimmer bream being caught through the day and generally the bigger bream feeding and coming to the net during the hours of darkness. Opting for a more traditional method of fishing at Grove Ferry, Bob Friend, of Canterbury, tempted more than 50lb of bream and roach including eight large bream, all taken on trotted baits using a centre-pin reel with a stick float.

At Plucks Gutter, Phil Hayward, of Whitstable, landed an impressive 2lb 14oz perch, while fishing with a stick float and maggot on a size 18 hook to 1.5lb line. Thanet's Ray Fuller chose to fish at Cut End and netted 12 large river bream up to 6lb in weight, plus a bonus 2lb perch. His feeder fished worm and caster were presented on a size 12 hook.

At Littlebourne, most anglers are reporting catches of carp and tench from all three of the lakes at this popular venue, although no big fish have been caught during the past week. Anglers wishing to fish the River Stour, Fordwich Lakes and Littlebourne Lakes may do so by joining the CDAA which has membership vacancies. For further information, call 01227 710830.