PERSONAL best records are falling like flies on Belmont Pool.

Many Lymm Angling Club members are enjoying the fabulous form on that water and one such member, Daryl Wailes, landed 26 carp from between 8lbs and 18lbs, leaving him in high spirits and pleasantly fatigued.

Two types of ghosts have been the subject of discussion at Whitley Pool.

The first type is the supposed visitation by a regularly encountered phantom known as 'The Whisperer', who has unsettled many anglers over the years.

The newer addition of ghost carp has produced a more tangible presence, such as the one hooked and lost by David Holliday, which would have topped off his substantial haul of 11 mirror carp and two tench.

Another member tangling with a ghost carp was Paul Hughes. Having already landed four decent carp, Paul latched into one of the bigger specimens.

But, unfortunately for him, after playing the fish for 15 minutes it went on an unstoppable run and was lost. Tench and crucians also featured in Paul's catch.

The carp of the week went to Paul Greenfield in the shape of a gorgeous 26lb 4oz 0drm mirror carp caught on Shakerley Mere.

That was good enough news in its own right but Paul also landed five bream to 7lbs. Regular readers of this column will know that a substantial loss of big bream was suffered last month on that water. The fact that some have survived is very good news indeed.

On the rivers, action is livening up week by week as was duly demonstrated by Stuart Roberts, who landed more than 30lbs of chub to 3-8-0, some dace and an eel on the River Dane. Stuart was trotting with maggots and casters on the hook.

Sidney Duff has reported steady barbel action on the River Severn at Rossall, with the best action enjoyed when baits are cast into streamer weed.

That form of fishing warrants the use of line with at least an 8lb breaking strain, because tackle often has to be pulled clear.

Village, New, Spring, Founders, Woodside and Statham Pools are fishing particularly well, with roach, skimmers, perch, rudd and even gudgeon providing sport as good as you will get anywhere.

Fish are hungry at the moment although, in view of concerns over water quality during hot weather, members are urged to minimise the amount of groundbait used.

I can be contacted on 411774 but be prepared to leave a message.

Neil Jupp