I’m not judging Pete.....far from it. I was just fascinated by that statement that he had put fish into Redmire. First I’ve heard of it. I’m rambling! I agree with you, the progeny have often not lived up to the original. The chance was missed. If you are planning on targeting carp from a commercial fishery, where the carp are likely to be smaller in size, but present in greater numbers, one of the most effective tactics is to fish a method feeder. There are numerous pellets and groundbaits designed to mold around a feeder, plus as many hookbaits. The most effective are pellets, mini boilies, dead maggots, corn or luncheon meat. A winter tactic for specimen carp that works well is a single hook bait with a bright pop up. This can be to cast at a showing fish that are not feeding hard, it works because you are tying to provoke a response with the highly attractive bright hook bait.

I am not sure the Pete Springate Big Carp Legends book was that accurate, certainly when I spoke to Keith Jenkins, Pete was very keen to do his story properly, hence the trilogy brought out by Freebird publishing. Indeed I believe Maylin got most of the contents for the Big Carp book over the phone, so I would think there is the possibility of more than one error. Anyway, we’ve all got too much time on our hands to analyse such irrelevant points, but I was interested to know if this was true or not? I mentioned before,once or twice,I'm well into history,ive been privvy to stuff,that no one will ever know about..ie BMThe footprints in the leaves, Elias and his suicide,plus others all add to a very special atmosphere... Have fished all the known swims,even during the day,you know BB is watching,making sure you respect the place... Zig rigs fished higher up the water are another winter method, as carp sometimes suspend themselves in the mid levels over the deepest waters in a lake, almost in a form of suspended animation. A zig is worth a try should bottom methods fail. Was interested to read your comments - love this period of Carp fishing history and am currently re-reading Pete Springates book Carp side of the Moon - reading his chronology Yeoveney was drained down in the close season of 1978 they netted it three or four times with the majority of the fish going into Longfield (including the two fish in the famous brace pic of Pete that ended up in Carp Fever) and eventually about 15 fish into Wraysbury - in the book Pete says towards the end of the ‘78 close season him and Kenny netted the last 2 fish from a muddy puddle in the drained Yeoveney and slipped them into Wraysbury they were 2 mirrors about 14lb each. As said previously don’t think Pete had access to redmire until early 1980’s So not saying fish did not move but they weren’t from Yeoveney If you’re new to the method, your best bet is to buy a method feeder, complete with mold, from Preston Innovations, Drennan or Guru. Likewise, you can also buy ready-tied hair-rigged hooks to-nylon in 3-4 inch versions. Bury the hookbait in the groundbait, cast regularly to the same spot and wait for the rod to be dragged in!

Many years ago now i was a member of a three man membership lake,that lake formerly known as Shillamill,nr lanreath.Before John Facey sold it to Christine and John,I was told the fish were of the same heritage as Bernithan carp,leney fish....now,I fished there pretty much solo for seven yrs til it was sold to'they party'...upwards..,I caught a lot of fish,fish that were not like any other carp I caught before..I have ALL the pics in 35mm,blind taken using a cane for focusing,and air release system.... I have a poignant picture of a perfect zip I caught it on a weekend,the next weekend I went,I found it in three separate parts,near the dead tree swim,on the high bank,I remember the body part regeneration on its tail as if it was yesterday.. Chris Ball doesn't have the Leney records. They belong to Chris Yates and are currently here at home, on loan to me...All have a huge dollop of poetic licence as well, would take everything he says or writes with a large pinch of salt. And.......and I'm glad Midlandman started this thread,because there is a connection here in Cornwall with Donald Leney,Surrey trout farm,if the info I have is correct.. spent a week in the priest hole in 1998ish , scariest lake I've ever fished. caught some really old leany warriors.

The lakes,were terribly ottered and a Alfa slurry tank disaster did for the lakes health,sadly its now shut as a fishery,and used purely for aesthetic hot tub holidays...urrrrrrhhhhhh.. In my eyes probably less than 10%, there are loads of 40+ fish out there now, many if they were human would be classed as obese. I'm meant to be fishing there soon,again..but not now,due to this awful virus....my heart and prayers to everyone, at this time,I'm still gutted I won't be going now.. Wales has a huge number of commercial fisheries and smaller stillwaters holding carp, you can find these here on our interactive map. Specimen Waters

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Today, however, carp fishing in Wales is booming, with the country home to an ever increasing number and variety of carp fisheries, all driven by angling demand for this obliging, hard fighting fish. Carp baits and tactics for winter