Pole angler Martin Barry fished the Gloucester Park canal bank to include seven barbel in an enormous mixed haul.

Using a pole and luncheon meat he also landed over 50 tench and crucians, several carp to a best of 8lb, and a number of quality roach.

Barry tried a variety of baits as he fished in windy conditions but could only get bites on luncheon meat.

Fellow pole angler Kevin Prendegast took a personal best 92lb 8oz mixed catch when he fished the Basildon park's canal stretch.

He started off using a light elastic and 2lb hooklength, but was forced to step up his gear after losing three big fish on consecutive put ins.

Prendegast landed seven carp to a best of 9lb, adding tench, bream, crucians, a barbel and some quality roach using luncheon meat and trout pellet baits

Gloucester Park regular John Reynolds took a tremendous 25-carp haul when he fished the cockle bank.

Reynolds, who took individual specimens to 19lb, tempted all of his fish on shop-bought boilies. On several occasions he had fish on both rods at the same time.

Published Thursday, May 29, 2003

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