Carp caught in good numbers

Mixed fortunes for anglers over the past week or so have seen good catches of carp but fewer than usual coarse fish in the net at Canterbury & District Angling Association waters.

At Fordwich Lake, Ashley Towner landed seven weighty carp - including a new personal-best 33lb 12oz mirror carp. Seven more fell to Hugh Malloy, who fished at short range to take his splendid haul that included a brace of 30lb-plus fish.

Steve Kemp also landed two carp over 30lb and Jim Malyn finished with a pair, his best fish a rod-bending 23lb mirror carp. Chris Culley and Colin Hurst both caught four fish apiece. Colin’s best was a 32lb mirror carp while Chris took fish to 23lb, and in a separate visit tussled with a lively 25lb mirror carp.

One of the best common carp of the past few weeks was taken by Colin Winbush, who finished with a fine conditioned 21lb common. It turned out to be rather warm for the 13 pairs of anglers who took part in the inaugural Jock White Memorial Charity Match at Stonar Lake.

There were lots of fish caught, albeit mostly small fish, but this boosted enthusiasm. The winner for this first memorial match was Michael Ripley, a novice carp angler who caught the three biggest carp of the weekend. But as the organisers could only record the biggest fish caught, he won with a fully-scaled mirror carp of 17lb 6oz. Second prize went to father and daughter, Craig and Felicity Wilson, who also had three carp - the biggest being 13lb. Nine-year-old Felicity fished especially well. Third place went to David Stewart with a fish of 12lb 15oz.

A total of £1,505.13 was raised for Jock’s favourite charity the NSPCC. Thanks were given to all charity match participants, supporters and organisers who over the years have raised more than £50,000.

Dip tanks remain in place on all Canterbury & District Angling Association still waters following a recent outbreak of Koi Herpesvirus in Kent. Nets, mats and slings must be dipped (fully immersed) for a minimum of 15 minutes.

■ The Canterbury & District Angling Association is open to new members of all ages and experience. Details can be obtained by telephoning 01227 710830 during office hours or visiting cdaa.co.uk.