Anglers returning to their favourite lakes as lockdown eases should scale up their nets.
With fisheries closed since January, species normally caught for the table, like trout, have still had to be fed and have now had three months of uninterrupted eating without risk of being hooked out.
Stunned anglers have returned to their favourite lakes to find fish have piled on the pounds over lockdown and enjoyed something of a red letter day on Monday with bumper catches that weighed up to 20lbs each.
Yesterday eager anglers at Dever Springs, near Winchester, Hants, were landing brown and rainbow trout that weighed up to 25lbs.
The spot is known for its fine of rainbow and brown trout at the best of times but after a prolonged period of feeding, their specimens are now heavier than ever.
Fishery manager Stuart Barrett is hoping that the titanic trout will lure anglers back in their droves.
He has been feeding the fish himself with high protein and high fat pellets and has warned members to bring bigger landing nets with them when they come.
He said: "We are known for our big fish anyway as we have our own farm on site.
"However we have got some especially quick growing trout at the moment and not being fished has helped.
"We have got through seven tonnes of fish food so far this year.
"Even the smallest fish will be a few pounds heavier than usual and our biggest ones are now in the low to mid-20s."
During the lockdown fishing was classed as exercise which meant anglers could continue, but not at organised venues.
Fisheries are classed as 'outdoor sporting facilities' and fell under the same category as golf courses and tennis courts.
But Stuart said: "You could say the lockdown could actually end up doing well for us.
"Bigger fish definitely appeal to more anglers and once pictures get around on social media I am sure more will come.
"But they will need to bring a bigger net, bigger scales, a very strong rod and they had better hold on tight."
