Andy Watts smashes his UK PB with a 46-10 Mirror

Long time regular and good friend Andy Watts has been staying in Heron Lodge this week and has been having a real result.

He has definitely been in the 'better' half of the lake this week, and has taken full advantage of an empty Cottage swim and a nice warm wind pushing down to the house end of Cherry Lake. By contrast the anglers to his left in Osprey and Grebe have struggled.

During the last three days Andy has landed some 10 Carp including 4 thirties and a real chunk of a Mirror of 46-10 (see lead photo above). The biggest of his thirties was this lovely 39-08 Common below. I have attempted to replay some of his story here!

His amazing few days followed a late arrival on Tuesday due to a sad close family bereavement.

On Wednesday afternoon, Andy landed an incredible 3 thirties in just 5 hours. Fishing to several of his previously found favourite spots, and by presenting a wafter over a mix of crushed boilies and pellet, he has certainly 'done the business' this week.

His bad back did not seem to handicap him too severely! He did however make me pose with his three thirties, before deciding he looked better in the photos!!

The first of his thirties was a handsome Common of 36lb, picture above, was closely followed by a 'round Mirror' of 31-10. This shortish and round fish was obviously still carrying retained spawn. Hopefully this retained spawn will not prove to be a problem for this fish.

His next Carp was a very special one indeed. 'The Peach' a beautiful Ghost Mirror, was our very first named fish. One of our early guests in 2013 (yes....over 10 years ago) named her when she weighed around 23lb. This lovely Carp must be over 25 years old. Hopefully she is good for another 25 years!

'The Peach' has steadily grown since 2013 with her latest weight at 37-10, being her heaviest to date. She looked in great condition and swam back really strongly

She has proved elusive this year as it is her first visit to the bank. 'The Peach' is the 57th different 30+ of the year (the 31-10 above being the 56th) in my 30+ catalogue.

Thursday was more exciting for Andy. Not because he caught even more, but because he smashed his UK PB.

Very frustratingly for me, Andy caught this real lump when I was offsite. Fortunately Judith was on hand for the photos along with several other very helpful (and a little envious) other anglers to help Andy out.

Somewhat mysteriously (!) Andy's back seemed to recover sufficiently to pose with his 46-10 Mirror!

All of the Carp caught by Andy were all looking in good condition and were 'plumpish'. Suggesting they have been feeding well this autumn.

This particular Carp has most definitely been on the munch. She was last out in March at 41-04 and had therefore gained over 5lb since them.

Andy and the other anglers all pointed out to me what a big frame this heavily scaled Mirror has, as well as some broad shoulders.

Whilst we have had two other Carp out this year over 45lb+, this fast growing Carp is our best bet to be our next 50lb+ Carp. She will be a worthy successor to 'Dick' (RIP) when she get caught at a weight over 50-02 to set a new lake record.