The Linear Fisheries carp record has been smashed by a 44lb 8oz common from their Guys Synicate's Unity Lake.

The fish was caught by Stanton Harcourt regular Chris Knight and could be the heaviest to date from an Oxfordshire water.

This carp was caught last September at a weight of 40.4.0, so has obviously over-wintered pretty well.

Chris was fishing at range from a swim known as the little oaks'. He used a Carp Company 14mm caviar and cranberry pop-up boilie tipped with a Edge Baits 10mm pineapple pop-up.

The fish was beaten on a size 6 Fox SSC hook connected to a 12lb Krystonite hooklink.

Does anyone know of a bigger carp from a Oxfordshire water?

There were some big commons caught years ago at the sailing lake at Dorchester, but I don't think they were over 40.

  • I AM planning a trip over to Marsh Farm, near Guildford, in May as I fancy having a go for the big crucian carp that live there.

I have bought myself a new float rod and will use a waggler rig, with maybe a small pellet on the hook. I shall also take some maggot, caster, paste and bread with me.

If anyone has any info on the water, I'd be grateful if they would get in touch, as there doesn't seem to be much about on this venue.

  • JUST a reminder that if you are out fishing, you must be in possession of a Environment Agency rod licence, which can be bought from any Post Office.

If you are caught without one, the EA prosecute. Last August, 12 anglers were caught fishing without a licence at Linear and were all fined at Bicester Magistrates Court.

  • IF you have any news, views, photos, or you just want to have a chat, you can contact me on 01865 725606 or email andrew@webber01865.fsnet.co.uk.