One of the most popular and prolific commercial carp waters in the region has reopened to the equivalent of a fishery fanfare this month.

The seven lakes at Taswood near Flordon marked the passing of one of the most depressing winter's fishing since 1963 and the welcome arrival of spring by relinquishing a smashing total of 37 carp over 20lbs, two of them well into the thirties and countless others in the teens.

Matthew Ellis, one of the family who own and run these delightful fisheries, waxed lyrical as he named the successful season ticket holders who had set an amazing Taswood standard for the new season.

'Quite honestly we have never had so many quality fish in the first 10 days of reopening. It illustrates the benefits for the fish and our members and day tickets anglers derived from a break of more than three months since we shut down at the end of November last year.'

Top specimen was a 36lb 4oz common carp for Gary Harmer of Lowestoft who also bagged a 27lb ghostie on his favoured boilie bait.

Norwich rod Harry Barker heaved out a 35lb 12oz common to which he added three mirrors between 20lb 14oz and 26lb 6oz and a ghostie of 21lb 6oz. Other successes with mirrors, commons and ghosties between the lower and high 20s were Vince and Geoff Greenaway of Hempnall, Carl Wright of Costessey, Alan Topley of Lowestoft, J Roylance of Diss and Norwich rods Stu Payne, Julian Miller, Matthew Ireland and Brian Smith, while Ellis himself spent a few off duty hours to bag his share of 20 pounders.

As well as for season tickets holders Taswood is now issuing permits for long stay, night and 24 hour sessions booked in advance by calling 01508 470919 for the carp. For silver fish species permits may be bought on arrival from the adjacent bungalow.

As well as holding magnificent carp stock Taswood offers also fishing for traditional species like tench, bream, perch, roach and rudd. Toilet facilities are available on the fishery and there is also a fishing tackle and bait shop.

Swangey Lakes have maintained form. James Hilton of Lowestoft netted the top carp, a mirror of 28lb 8oz and other mirrors and commons to the mid 20s were reeled by Rob Carter of Bradenham, Ricky Grimmer of Acle, Mark Sharman of Watfield, John Read of Kenninghall and Lowestoft duo James Hitcham and Dominic Hogg.

At Hall Farm, Burgh Castle, carp to over 20lb fed for Darren Turner of Bradwell whose two day session produced 25 specimens to 24lb 8oz, while Steven Howes of Gorleston netted 14 fish to 18lb and Mark Grove of Kessingland reeled in a dozen to over 17lb.

Taverham Lake featured a number of double figured carp, the best of them a 29lb common for John Boden of Taverham.

Match anglers are now confined to the commercial lakes until June 16 but bagged up in style with returns running into three figures.

Winner of the week was David Roe (DAIWA Angling Direct) with 142lb 4oz at Colton, just 19 fish to 8lb.

Remarkable catches were recorded by the Norfolk and Suffolk Veterans at Bergh Apton where David Roe completed a double with 122lb 4oz followed by A Beck with 119lb 8oz and P Manthorpe with 106lb 14oz.

One of the best winning bags from Marsh Trail fell to veteran Mal Runacres at 89lb 7oz and he went on to complete the double on this venue, needing only 22lb 6oz at the Saturday Open.

• A new coarse fishing lake is opening on Saturday at Hackford Road in Wicklewood.

Wicklewood Lake Fisheries is being opened by Mel Russ, editor of Sea Angling magazine.

The public will be able to look around and meet Mel from 10.30am to noon, with a private match booked for the afternoon.

The venue will be open for day tickets and match bookings from Sunday. The contact is Mandy Harding on 07922 007695.