![My best catch!](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/My-best-catch.jpg)
THE end of 2019 could not have been more eventful, and it has also been an actionpacked start to the New Year.
In bitterly cold temperatures, I followed up a pukka 41 lb Cowlands mirror carp with a brace of 20 lb-plus commons, which I thought would be my last fish of 2019, as my daughter was due to be born.
With no signs of baby Flowers arriving, even after the due date, and with no work pencilled in my diary, I opted to get the ‘sticks’ back out for a short day session.
I knew that my fiancée, Charlotte, could call me at any minute to say that she was going into labour, so I had to stay close to Romford’s Queen’s Hospital. It was the perfect time to try a venue that I’d driven past hundreds of times without ever having fished it.
The Chase Fishery, in Dagenham, has two lakes, the Front Lake, the biggest, at 9 acres, containing carp to over 40 lb. But I chose to fish the seven-acre Back Lake, as it has a good track record for producing action in the colder months, having been stocked with a big head of carp to over 30 lb.
Denne historien er fra January 14, 2020-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 14, 2020-utgaven av Angler's Mail.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Making Short Work Of Specimen Chub
It takes angling guide Kenny Parsons a few hours to drive from his home, near Bath, to his favourite Wessex rivers, but it doesn’t seem to bother him, as he just loves to catch big chub on feeder and fl oat tactics, his personal best standing at 7 lb 12 oz. One of his favourite methods for this cunning species is a maggot feeder with a short hook link.
![Venues on the menu](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e697c64ec3/crp_Venues-on-the-menu.jpg)
Venues on the menu
Dave regularly switches between different types of venue, as he is convinced that it helps him become a better and far more versatile angler. Here is his guide on what to expect and how to tackle them.
![“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e414c49a3a/crp_By-failing-to-prepare-you-are-preparing-to-fail.jpg)
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”
In our new mini series, the physiotherapist will put you in the right frame of mind to help you achieve your angling dreams.
Search for a super stripy
They’ve done it! Robbie Northman and John Bailey have been on a long mission to catch a 4 lb perch. Robbie got there first, landing this specimen recently.
Pole position carping
The thinking carp angler offers his opinion, insight and advice every week exclusively here in Angler’s Mail. Col will help you become a wiser angler.
![My best catch!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e69dd93c21/crp_My-best-catch.jpg)
My best catch!
This week: Billy puts his newborn daughter on the scales after a productive winter carp session.
![Huge zed after run of disasters](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e3d12d9b1a/crp_Huge-zed-after-run-of-disasters.jpg)
Huge zed after run of disasters
19 lb 4 oz monster zanderRiver boat fishing sessionSeries of calamities
![Christmas stocking](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e40686281b/crp_Christmas-stocking.jpg)
Christmas stocking
The future of fishery management is a bright one, these BTEC Fish Husbandry students keen to help stock an Essex lake with carp over the Christmas holiday, including this 21 lb mirror.
![Alien aquatic plants](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/11201/402186/5e1e6d86c5351/crp_Alien-aquatic-plants.jpg)
Alien aquatic plants
In this final part of my special look at alien species, I have highlighted some invasive aquatic plants that have had an impact on waters, with an evaluation on the degree of threat that they pose, on a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest.
A guide's guide to guides
Canadian Jeff is a great guide, helping anglers to catch the fish of their dreams.