When we go fishing, we often give little thought to just how old the fish we are targeting actually are. If you're an angler over the age of 20 fishing for carp, then the likelihood is, especially on a lot of the UK's day ticket waters, that the fish are going to be much younger than you. Occasionally however, you will stumble across a lake that contains a few ancient relics that have been on this planet far longer than the angler catching them has.
St John's on the Linear complex is one such lake that holds a couple of special koi carp that to their knowledge are approaching 50 years old. This makes them some of, if not the oldest carp in the country, which is incredible when you consider the adversities they will have encountered to get to this age. Colin Pullen, a co-owner of CarpWorks clothing, was the latest angler to acquaint himself with one of the pair during a social with his friends from Reed's Comforts.
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"I was down at Linear recently for a social event, where after meeting the lads in the car park, we drew for swims before settling in for the night," Colin told us.
"After getting to the swim, it just looked devoid of fish so I went for a walk and managed to find some fish in another area of the lake. After discussing with the organiser, it was agreed that it would be ok to make a move into another peg," he aded.
"The move paid off as I went on to have a really good session, landing three 20lb mirrors to 27lb and the koi at 18lb 8oz," he said.
"This fish rarely comes out and it is one of the oldest fish in the complex at well over 40 years old, it is certainly one I am thrilled to have in the album."
"A couple fell to Reed's Comforts Magic Beans, with the others tripping up to Adaptive Baits Nut Bait, all presented within a solid bag with a mixture of 2mm pellets," Colin revealed.
"I ended up with the most fish on the session and enjoyed a really good social with Tom from Reed's Comforts. I can't wait for the next one!"
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