THE spring-like weather certainly gave the fishing at Rochford's Doggetts a boost last week.

Danny Mead from Rochford had a short session on the South Bank when his only carp run proved to be a superb 30lb 8oz mirror.

Unable to believe is own eyes, Mead had other anglers witness the fish plus had his scales for accuracy.

Jamie Mead from Wakering enjoyed an evening session on the North bank fishing the shallows by the reeds with Eclipse boilies.

He landed a scrappy 8lb common plus an excellent 21.5lb mirror. This excellent fish puts Mead in the lead of the second round of the big fish competition open to all anglers using Eclipse baits.

The by-monthly competition can be won by any angler's fish as it is on merit not size.

Youngster Conner Parkins started his holiday well by landing mirrors of 17 and 19lb, plus bream and tench from the long arm.

Ibo Hacisevki also enjoying his school break, landed his first ever 20lb mirror from the South bank.

Rochford's Grant Cooper beat his pb after arriving at his swim late at night.

He decided to cast his bait anywhere anticipating placing them a little more accurately at first light.

Cooper's casual approach paid off as after a terrific battle he landed a superb 27lb mirror.

Anthony Gull enjoyed two sessions on the North bank in the shallows where he landed six carp to 17lbs. Lewis Clarke and Matt Thorpe enjoyed short sessions at Doggetts, with Clarke landing a 14lb common and Thorpe a fine 21lb specimen.

Chris Taylor had a 15lb mirror from the long arm, while fishing companion Ben Coppin had a 17lb common. Both boys enjoyed sport with tench and bream.

The pike are falling to both lures and dead baits, although a lot of fish are very busy spawning.

Maggots and corn have been producing good sport with mixed bags from most parts of the lake.

Having enjoyed a very successful few days while the sun shone, it was very noticeable how sport slowed when the weather turned dramatically colder at the weekend.