Blackthorn Fishery in Oswestry, Shropshire was the location of a fantastic display of angling skills last week as an angler caught the largest carp in the venue’s Pines lake. Despite the horrific weather caused by Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn, the lake record was smashed by angler Matt Bullas.

Matt's impressive haul of 14 carp across 2 sessions included, “Big C”, the previous lake record of 31lb 9oz and a carp named “The Scorpion”, which set the new lake record at 35lb 5oz. Matt then went on to break his own record by landing one of the largest carp in the main lake at Blackthorn Fishery “Big J” weighing in at a whopping 44lb 12oz, as well as “Bullseye”at 33lb 5oz.

. Staying in the private lodge on the lake exclusive Pines Lake at Blackthorn Fishery, Matt challenged himself to better his previous Personal Best of 28lb, but at the start of the week he couldn’t have imagined how it would turn out. Over the course of his 4-day session Matt caught 11 carp including 4 over 30lb. Matt’s haul also included a Treble Take. Combining both sessions Matt landed a total of 14 fish included the 3 x 30+ Carp and a 40+.

To achieve this impressive series of catches, Matt used Fox Rods and Reels, Delkim Alarms and Korda Terminal Tackle, and aside from that, just line and bait.

For this winter session, all of Matt’s fish were taken on The Bait Room popups fished over a lightly baited area of boilie crumb and pellet. Matt’s Fox Rods and Reels and Delkim Alarms were certainly put through their paces as well as his Korda terminal tackle using a Tom Dove style solid PVA bag rig during this red letter session!

On how he managed to achieve this very memorable haul. Matt comments, “I have found that consistency is key. Watching the water for any signs of activity, whether it be feeding or showing fish is first on my angling approach, but in winter this type of activity can be very subtle or sometimes can’t be seen, so targeting the deeper water is a good start when looking for a bite. Baiting tight and light in the colder temperatures is also a tactic I’m keen to follow at the start of my sessions.

“I fully intended to have a successful few days when I started my angling sessions but I couldn’t have dreamed that it would work out so well for me. Not only did I catch the previous lake record but I went one better and set the new record. Most people fish a lifetime trying to get something like this in Carp angling and never succeed. I’m delighted to have this experience at Blackthorn Fishery as it really is a great location for carp fishing combined with a relaxing holiday in a tranquil environment.

Charlie Hughes Owner of Blackthorn Fishery commented, “It was great to see Matt having such a productive session on the Pines and Main Lake, particularly as he fished through such stormy conditions. We are excited to be part of his angling journey and look forward to following his catch reports this year.

“I don’t think it will be long before we see him back on the bank enjoying his carp angling journey.”

Looking to the future Matt’s goal is to continue smashing his own personal records and looking out for even bigger carp to catch.