Dave Rawlinson took advantage of a few days off this week when he decided to recuperate after Christmas with a session on the Kennet at Lower Benyons.

Dave, a 29 year-old fitter from Croydon, offered curry flavoured luncheon meat by way of a SSG link andon his second cast had a real screamer of a take.

"I had just picked my flask and was pouring my coffee when the rod almost took off into the river. Before I had got any pressure on the fish it was already around the next bend," said Dave who, 10 minutes later, was admiring a 9lb 4oz Barbel.

It didn't take intrepid junior Paul Hudson long to christen his Christmas present of an 11 metre Shakespeare pole. 11-year-old Paul from Kingston, just couldn't wait to try out his new gear and persuaded Dad, Paul senior, to take him to Willow Park at Ash Vale.

His pole fished red maggot had brought him a few skimmer and small roach before he locked horns with a `proper' one. Paul was soon sliding his net under a 2lb 14 oz Perch.

"It's not just the biggest Perch I've ever caught, it is the biggest fish of any kind I've ever caught," said a delighted Paul.

I'd like to wish all our readers a net-bulging 1999 and keep reports of your exploits coming in on 0181 224 3866 after 6pm.

Happy New Year, Ray.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.