While river matchmen were longing in vain for warmer water to induce roach and bream to feed, it was the commercial lakes that dominated the match headlines, not least Suffolk's Shannon Swallow, who defeated 26 men at the Barford Open with a fabulous catch of 80lb 1oz of F1 carp.
Not only did this exceptional return earn her the match cash, but also the award of £440 for winning on the golden peg.
The 18-year-old Guru-sponsored angler said: 'It was amazing that I could tempt fish at all after the continuous commotion clearing my 13m swim of ice. I had my first carp within five minutes and continued catching right until the end.'
Norfolk matchman Matt Wiles, who scaled 40lb 8oz, watching his girlfriend dominate proceedings said: 'I regret I failed to agree to share our winnings this season but she may treat me to a dinner this time!'
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