Fishing single hookbaits in temperatures as low as -6c got Paddy Ramsden off to a flying start as he built a hit of 18 fish to 31lb 4oz at Linear Fisheries.

With a biting wind blowing into his swim on Brasenose One, Paddy began his two-night session by fishing singles at range.

“The weather was brutally cold already and with the 30mph wind banging in my face I opted for singles blasted out to the middle,” he said, “The lead bumped a fish on my second cast so that would do nicely!

“Within a few hours I had managed five carp to mid-20s, including a double take, so decided to set up for the night and make the most of the action.

“Throughout the night, temperatures dropped down to -6c but I still managed another couple of bites.

“As first light approached I anticipated the action would start again so I thought five or six Spombs of mixed corn, CC Moore Live System crumb and Amino 365 liquid would hold the carp for longer periods.

“Every hour I sent another Spomb of the mix out, which did the trick. Takes occurred in batches, including three more double takes and a triple take!

“With the lake closing for maintenance at 8am the following day, we had to be off but I ended up with 18 carp, including 15 above 20lb and the pick of the bunch a hard-fighting mirror at 31lb 4oz.”

Paddy used 12mm CC Moore Elite Golden Spice pop-ups.