Making the most of a small window of opportunity has helped Ken Brown bank a crucian carp that’s just three ounces shy of the British record.

The specimen weighed 4lb 7oz and was landed just days before renowned crucian hotspot Johnsons Lake was set to start its close season.

Hertfordshire-based Ken Brown was elated with the catch and stated it was just a matter of time before he netted a big crucian from the Surrey venue.

He told Angling Times: “I made the most of a small window of opportunity just before the start of the lake’s closed season – even though the weather was bad it was still worth a shot.

“I’ve fished the venue for a couple of seasons now, visiting once a month or so, and finally I’ve landed one of the better ones!

“In the past, I’ve had a few 3’s but like everybody else, it was just a case of waiting for the right one.

“This session was hard going, I’d landed some tench and roach to 1lb 8oz, and at first I thought this fish was a tench too.

“I was due to stay down for another night, but I went home as I knew I wouldn’t top that!”

Ken used leger tactics on an 11ft 1.25 TC rod to help beat his personal best.

He added: “I used a leadcore leader with a 1oz inline lead which was attached to a short 4” hooklink. On the hook was a piece of artificial corn. To this, I attached a PVA stick of liquidised bread and a few grains of corn.

“To draw the fish to my swim I Spombed out liquidised corn and some Dynamite Swimstim Betaine Green groundbait laced with 3mm pellet. I can’t complain, but in an ideal world I’d have caught it on the float!”