THUNDERSLEY’S Cook Farm Fishery – which reopened its doors in March – is now up and running again with local anglers bagging some decent fish.

Ron Thompson has been revamping the 2.7-acre fisher since taking over the former strawberry fields reservoir in 2013.

He said: “I have done a lot of work since taking over.

“First there was lowering the water level to rebuild the swims and then we had to get rid of over 500 catfish.

“At least the very wet winter and spring helped refill the lake and some of the lads are now getting some great fish out.

The lake, which is at 127 Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, can be booked through Thompson who can be reached on 07886 759358.

Day tickets are available.

This week, Rayleigh-based Paul Westbrook landed an impressive 40lb Wells catfish on a 24-hour session and went on to bag another three. He also had several small carp.

Dave Sasse caught a 31.5lb Wells catfish during a 12-hour Sunday session. It was his first trip to the lake and it was the first catfish he had ever caught. Sasse also landed four carp too.

Fifteen-year-old King John School pupil Bailey Reid-Michael fished a night session at the Cook Farm with his dad, Len.

The teenager hooked a large catfish and it took an hour before he landed the 35lb fish on his own.

Another angler, Ryan, landed a 27lb 4oz common carp. It was his his personal best fish and was landed on a 12-hour night session.

This fish was hooked on a 12mm pop up.