There have been some great commons out this week. Ben had a previously caught common resplendant in its winter colours at 30lb 8oz from Pingree’s. Gareth had a slimline 25lb common from Virginia and John, after his last session where he had over twenty fish, had a stunning 25lb 14oz common from Coot Lake-again in superb condition. Colin had a hatful from Coot at the weekend. when we last heard he had reeleed in for a rest after having twenty two carp in a relatively short space of time.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

It has come to our attention that a new method of holding Carp for photographic purposes is trending in many European and British waters where the fish is suspended by just one of the pectoral fins on the side facing the angler in an effort to hide the anglers hand at the front of the fish.

Under NO Circumstances do we condone this method in any way shape or form and have banned it from being used on ECL waters forthwith.
We have received reports of fish damage and mortality from other fishery owners who also have now banned this practice.
Suspending the fish in this way is likely to snap or dislocate the pectoral fin and the undue pressure placed on the underside of the fish risks internal organ damage resulting in serious health issues and/or the death of the fish.

When fish are held for photographic purposes the fish MUST be supported correctly with both hands and the hand at the front of the fish should support the weight of the fish by being placed just to the rear of the pectoral fins and extended to cover the full width of the fish, also care should be taken to avoid any fingers of this hand entering the gill cover(s) as this will damage the gills resulting in the fish slowly suffocating after it is released.
All photographs MUST be taken with the fish held low over an un-hooking mat / cradle or with the angler in sufficient depth of water for the fish to be safe should it be dropped.

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule and any angler found to be using the pectoral fin suspension method on ECL waters will be severely dealt with.

Willow has been fishing well with quite a few nice twenties out and two 30lb commons.

Virginia has been a bit quiet. There have been rather a lot of stockie doubles out but Vic’s patience was rewarded with a lovely 31lb 10oz common today.

Coot continues as usual with too many carp to list.

We have reports of six thirties out this week as well as several other good twenties. Vic, fishing Virginia had ‘The Sheriff’ at 31lb 1oz as well a 24lb common and a 21lb 7oz common. Then Gavin also fishing the weekend on Virginia had two thirties both commons at 31lb and 31lb 1oz as well as a linear of 24lb 2oz.  Jamie had a 22lb mirror. There were two thirties out of Willow over the weekend but I don’t have any details. Ben had four out of Willow earlier in the week biggest a 27lb 4oz common and today Stuart had a mirror of 34lb 7oz from Willow.

STARTING NEXT FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT ONTHE OLD STOCK PONDS WHICH ARE BEING CLEANED OUT AND DEEPENED. THEREFORE, THE SWIMS ALONGSIDE I.E. FROM THE PUNT SWIM TO THE MAIN TRACK WILL BE OUT OF BOUNDS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (PROBABLY TWO WEEKS). WE HOPE THAT THIS WILL NOT CAUSE TOO MUCH INCONVENIENCE ALTHOUGH WE EXPECT IT WILL BE A BIT NOISY. WE ARE HOPING ALSO TO SCRAPE SOME OF THE WORST BITS OF THE ROAD AND IMPROVE SOME OF THE SWIMS.