Big fish still has anglers hooked

Big Scale is caught, weighed and then put back in the water

A giant carp lurking under the surface of a lake in Greater Manchester has been reeling in keen anglers from across the North West.

Big Scale, which weighs 30lb (13.6kg), is known to put up a fight when he is caught at Chorlton Water Park.

Dave Appleton vice-chairman of Chorlton Anglers Club, said: "He's a mighty fish, he is over 40 years old now and he's still going strong."

The popular carp, the largest in the lake, is caught about twice a year.

'Slippery chaps'

Members of the club have named each carp in the lake that weighs more than 25lb.

Along with Big Scale, there is Tchaikovsky, Bones, Fish and Big Mac, which have been spotted, caught, pulled out of the water, weighed and put back in.

Mr Appleton said: "The carps can be right slippery chaps, they're pretty clever.

"It is a struggle getting them out of the water and you know when you've caught one because of the giant pull on the line.

"We have a first aid kit for the fish on hand in case we injure them and we always put them straight back in the water."

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