FOUR DAY-TICKET CARP VENUES TO TRY

BADEN HALL FISHERY, STAFFORD, STAFFS

The pleasure-fishing-only Middle Pool offers 68 pegs of carp averaging around 12lb, with the odd larger lump. You can night fish this lake, as well as surface fish it in the summer. Contact: 01785 850313 Postcode: ST21 6LG

BARSTON LAKES, SOLIHULL, W MIDS

Barston Lakes is renowned for its lumps, with fish to well over 20lb commonplace. The water deepens underneath the electricity wires from around 7ft to 15ft, so these can be good pegs in the cold if the fish are searching for some depth. Otherwise, try catching on the drop, or in the margins. Contact: 01675 444890 Postcode: B92 0LB

COBBLEACRE LAKES, HEVINGHAM, NORFOLK

Adams Lake is a match venue which is full of double-figure carp that are relatively easy to catch. The lake is roughly three acres in area, with depths ranging between 3ft and 7ft. Contact: 01603 754305 Postcode: NR10 5NL

STANWICK LAKES, STANWICK, NORTHANTS

The three-acre, 30-peg Swan Lake used to be solely a match fishing venue, but the carp have now grown on and are seen as worthwhile targets by visiting pleasure anglers or even those trying for a personal best. The average size is now between 8lb and 16lb, although some mid-twenties have been caught and there is at least one known 30-pounder. There is a car park, conveniently located next to the lake, so you can drive right up to your peg to unload your kit. Contact: 07974 300015 Postcode: NN9 6QZ