STILLWATERS

BONE HILL MILL FISHERY, TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE

If you enjoy catching big bags of skimmers and roach, head to the Match Lake, where 60lb bags of silvers can be caught. Fish soft pellets or casters on the pole and feed micros with a little groundbait. Use a soft hollow elastic such as White Hydrolastic, which will allow you to land the skimmers as well as giving you an excellent chance of getting in any carp you encounter. Contact: 07861 391916 Postcode: B78 3QS

COOMBE POOL, COVENTRY, WEST MIDLANDS

This pool is set within the grounds of Coombe Abbey, and this site is haunted by a number of spirits. The ghostly figure of a monk murdered in 1345 has been spotted on the grounds, alongside a ghoulish horseman and a Victorian woman who stands by the roadside. Coombe Pool is famous for its bream fishing, and a groundbait feeder approach with maggots, casters, worms and pellets can lead to big catches. Cast regularly to build a bed of feed and catch quality roach before the bream turn up. Contact: 02476 453720 Postcode: CV3 2AB

BODDINGTON RESERVOIR, DAVENTRY, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

A long-distance feeder approach works well at this time of year as the carp begin to push out into the lake. Hybrid feeders are excellent, as they will ensure that none of your feed comes off until it reaches the lakebed. High-viz hookbaits work well, as they can catch the eye of carp moving around mid-water and entice them down for a feed. Contact: Water bailiff, 07740 534891 Postcode: NN11 6XU

CAERPHILLY CASTLE, CAERPHILLY, SOUTH WALES

There is a good head of carp to be caught from this unique venue, and casting single baits to features can work well to snare them. Unusually, a single bottom bait, rather than a more typical high-viz bait, can work well. Alongside the carp, Caerphilly Castle is home to the restless spirit of Princess Alice of Angouleme, also known as The Green Lady, who dropped dead with shock after hearing the news that her lover had been executed. She is now said to haunt the castle as she awaits to be reunited with her lover. Don’t hold your breath, love! Contact: Tony’s Tackle, 029 2088 5409 Price: £40 membership, Caerphilly Angling Club