STEVE FITZPATRICK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

THIS week I want you to sit back, relax and pick your way through our exclusive guide to the best places to stay and fish in 2018. There’s something for everyone in this special guide, from fisheries for short stays in a bivvy to those offering longer, family holidays in luxury lodges nestled on the edge of beautiful lakes.

What could be better than waking up in the morning to find a fantastic lake or stretch of river to fish right in front of you?

We’ve brought you the guide earlier than usual as the demand for holidays on fisheries in the UK has rocketed in recent seasons and we didn’t want you to miss out on a great experience and fantastic holiday for you and your family.

Give yourself an early Christmas present and book yourself a trip now!

Talking of breathtaking fishing, how many of us would love to take on the stretch of river Martin Bowler was lucky enough to get on for this week’s issue?

He’s on an adventure in search of Ness monsters, and once again he comes up trumps with a specimen from the day-ticket fishery. For those fancying a challenge on the pole, check out the swim (above) that Steve Ringer is tackling this week – it’s a proper snag-fest!

But, as he explains, he didn’t lose a single fish. Find out how he got the carp feeding, and got them out, in his exclusive column on pages 16-19.