Due to demand, the majority of day-ticket and match fisheries around the country are dominated by carp, as that is what anglers have told fishery owners they want to catch. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence in anglers wanting to catch silverfish, with species like roach, skimmers and ide top of the agenda. So much is the demand for this style of fishing that various events like Silverfish, run by the Angling Trust, and other similar competitions are now sell-outs.
There are some incredible venues offering some exceptional fishing all over the UK, but one venue that is at the top of many angler's lists is Southend Farm Lakes in Waltham Abbey. Just recently a match was won there with over 800lb of silverfish between 25 anglers, with this happening nearly every week at the complex.
Speaking to Billy Mellowship who took over the lakes around five years ago, he told us how the lakes have gone from strength to strength, with some of the most prolific silverfish angling on offer.
"We have four lakes on site, each of them are filled with a mixture of carp and silverfish, but anglers seem to really enjoy the silvers matches we run here."
"We regularly see anglerscatching over 100lb of bream and skimmers in these matches, with the current record standing at over 210lb."
"Pleasure anglers catch loads of fish too, and we do have some big carp in all of the lakes, so there really is something for everyone."
