BIG NETS FROM IN-FORM WILLOW PARK

REGARDED as one of the finest commercial fisheries in the UK, the stunning Willow Park is still drawing thousands of anglers to its banks every month.

It is the 30-peg Small Lake which is stealing the headlines out of the four lakes with mixed nets topping 100lb. Carp averaging around 6lb, but going into double figures are the predominant species, but there are also plenty of tench, crucians and bream for variety.

With depths of around 5ft, most people fish with the waggler on the deck around 10m out and then move closer in as the session progresses.

The trick is to loose feed 4mm pellets and fish a 6mm banded version over the top and shallowing up if required.

As on many UK commercials, it is also worth feeding elsewhere in the margins with meat or corn on the pole or waggler as this can help snare you a bigger fish.

A third line can also be fished on the pole at around 13m, fishing shallow with 6mm or 8mm banded pellets for the F1s and carp.

The 27-peg Middle Lake is not as prolific, but is still worth a visit with nets to 40lb being caught regularly.

This may be a good lake to try if you want to get away from the crowds.

It is similarly stocked to the Small Lake and responds well to the pole fished at around 13m with 6mm pellet. You can also use the feeder on here fished at short distances with the same hookbaits.

£10.50 a day one rod, £16 two rods, concessions £5.50 one rod £11 for two, budget evening tickets available. Big Lake is £25 for 24 hours (two rods), £42 for 48 hours, longer bookings available.

CONTACT: 01252 325867, www.willowparkfishery.co.uk

LOCATION: Youngs Drive, off Shawfield Road, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants, GU12 6RE

RULES: Barbless hooks only, no keepnets, no floating baits, no nuts or seeds, minimum 4ins hooklength

FACILITIES: Café open seven days a week, toilets, shower, tackle shop