ANDY’S FINAL CARP SEALS IT

ANDY BENNETT became the first angler to successfully defend a Fishomania title when he won the £ 50,000 match at Hayfield Lakes, Doncaster.

In a gripping afternoon the lead changed hands four times before Bennett took command in the second half of the match.

Luke Sears, one of the early leaders, maintained the pressure at the top with an 11lb ninth weigh but with just 15 minutes remaining a final carp sealed it for Bennett as he ended on 88lb 4oz.

One of the biggest carp ever landed on the pole has been banked at a weight of 44lb. Dean Rowden bagged the giant while targeting tench and roach on holiday in France.

Fishing day ticket venue Etang De La Chauffie, in Pressignac, the Southampton angler hooked the surprise specimen on a size 14 hook, baited with worm.

A new survey for the Angling Trust has revealed that 99 per cent of anglers enjoy improved mental and physical wellbeing as a result of going fishing.

Dr Anthony Kousoulis, of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “There is growing evidence that spending time in green and blue spaces has a very positive effect on our health.” Fears are growing for stocks on the Norfolk Broads after it emerged plans for fish barriers had been approved which could prevent species like bream making it to crucial spawning areas.

You can oppose the plan online – visit petition. parliament. uk/ petitions

WHAT A CATCH: Gary Johnson enjoyed the session of a lifetime with this haul of roach on floatfished caster from a Midlands river