It has been mentioned a couple of times recently that fish in general are of a bigger stamp in the Southern parts of the country.

Although this is true, I can't let it go unnoticed that fish species are deffinately getting bigger in the North. I am in a privileged position of getting to know what is being caught and where. And I do not abuse that position.

I won't give anybodys secrets away if that is what they want, and that is one reason why anglers are not afraid of telling me of their catch reports.

In the past two weeks alone, there has been Eel to 7lb 2oz, Tench to 10lb 2oz, and now a Bream of 14 lb. Two of these have come from waters where fish of this size were once only rumors. But now it has become reality.

The two have also come out on high protein Carp anglers baits. Personally, I think the reason for this fish growth is not only down to high protein baits, but also in the difference in the climate change that we are going through. It is getting warmer, and the fish are definately getting bigger.

What say you?

One other thing as regards giveing a catch report.

In my club W.A.A. if an agler wants to give a catch report to the Secretary, but that angler does not want his report publicising for fear of not being able to get on the water again because of the circus. Then that angler can do so in the fullest confidence that his wishes will be honoured.

I have given such reports myself in the past, and know of many other anglers that have done the same. Whoever you are, it is important for your club to know what fish are being caught. As it may well affect the future stocking policy.

Some cracking fish getting caught Baz, and I'm in total agreement with the privacy side of your clubs rules mate. If it's made public knowledge where there is a potential record fish, you tend to get the "glory hunters", who can't be bothered to put the effort into their fishing, to find specimen fish for themselves, they wait till it's announced that there has been a near record fish caught a such 'n' such a place, then go to target the venue for days/weeks on end, to try and claim a record.

Keep the venues quiet Baz, but if possible, please let us know about the size of the fish, as it's proof that Northern waters hold some very special fish:))

I don't have a problem with that Ian. And not to menton two 30's that have been hovering around that weight now for a few years, and they aren't the Simons strain.
By the heck it's cold out there tonight mate.

The fish are getting bigger even without high protein baits ,I fished a canal in cumbria and it is virtually unfished and definatly no high protein diet but the tench were of a high average size with 5 to 6 pound tench quite common which for a northern canal is good and I reckon there are bigger ones residing there so tench are definatly on the up.