Roy WebsterThe debate on the pros and cons of maintaining the 93-day close season on the nation's rivers has resumed on schedule but for the bosses of one Norfolk popular fishery the argument is a no-brainer.Roy Webster

The debate on the pros and cons of maintaining the 93-day close season on the nation's rivers has resumed on schedule but for the bosses of one Norfolk popular fishery the argument is a no-brainer.

Ever since Richard and Susan Ellis acquired the fabulous Taswood fishery they have always implemented their own winter break in angling activity.

And how the decision is playing off for the keen carp anglers who poured through the gates when the seven-lake complex re-opened this month after being closed from the end of November.

So far the new term has produced nearly 40 carp over 20lb and countless numbers of doubles in the teens.

'We have always believed in giving the fish a rest in the winter months. They need it and so do our anglers and ourselves,' insisted Mrs Ellis. 'As a result of remaining undisturbed for more than three months the fish put on extra weight and every year our lakes produce more twenties and thirties than before and we expect some forties this term,'

So far this year the heaviest fish was a common cCarp of 34lbs 8oz heaved out by Vince Cripps, a visitor from Northampton. Wroxham's Danny Webb was close with a 33- pounder to which he added seven other mirror, ghost and common carp in the low twenties.

Taswood is located off the A140 to Newton Flotman, then the right fork to Flordon and a left to Tasburgh with the fishery on the left. Further information from 01508 470919.

Waveney Valley recorded its record catfish at the weekend, a monster of 51lb caught by a holiday angler who remains unnamed.

'We know it came out and was witnessed but the angler failed to leave his name on the catch record and all we know is he was one of a party staying here,' explained bailiff Andrew Goldsmith.

Swangey lakes' were in form for Norwich rods Liam Constance and Lee Bowling who netted carp in the low twenties as did Chris Abbot of Dereham and Suffolk's Stuart Dodd, while on the neighbouring silverfish lakes bream aggregates rose to 90lb.

The banks of the Cobble Acre were crowded by pleasure anglers and matchmen last week. Best carp was a 29lb 5oz mirror for permit holder Gordon March while local rodmen John Foster and John Howe weighed in 20-pounders.

Taverham Lake's best was a 26lb 1oz common for Jon-Paul Thompson of Yarmouth and tench began to show up too.

Top match venue of the week was the Barford Railway lake. Warren Martin (Anglers World) headed the Saturday card with 106lb 12oz and Jim Randell (SENSAS) completed the Tuesday and Thursday double with 73lb 5oz and 90lb. The teams of four challenge at Hinderclay produced stunning returns headed by Carl Chamberlain with 91lb 14oz that boosted his team Hinderclay Old boys to an 18 penalty point victory.

Mill farm Lake, Great Ellingham, returned its best form of the year so far with David Bates (Kev's tackle) the winner with 97lbs 12oz. At club level Freedman's winner at Colton was S Humphrey with 83lb 12oz.