ALL-ROUND SPECIMEN EXPERT PAUL GARNER

1 NASEBY RESERVOIR, COLD ASHBY, NORTHANTS

Are you on the lookout for a well-stocked carp venue that offers plenty of action and the real chance of a 30-pounder? Then go to Naseby, where the huge head of pretty fish is topped by some real lunkers that can turn up at any time. Simple boilie tactics score, but remember to give the fish a steady stream of loosefed offerings to hold their interest. Contact: 07904 493417 Postcode: NN6 6JF

2 WALTHAMSTOW RESERVOIRS, WALTHAM FOREST, LONDON

If big bream are your thing, these man-made lakes in the heart of the capital are the place to head for. Available on a day ticket, these stillwaters hold some massive carp and roach too, but it is the numerous doublefigure bream to the mid-teens that attract many anglers. Fishmeal groundbait and Method feeders score well here. Contact: 07747 641179 Postcode: E17 7HQ

3 RIVER WYE

Probably the most prolific river for big pike in the UK, anywhere on the Wye can produce big fish, with many clubs controlling stretches along the waterway. The Wye & Usk Foundation also offers dayticket fishing on many beats that contain big pike. Try a float-paternostered deadbait on the edge of marginal slacks to intercept these big snappers. Contact: 01874 712074, Wye and Usk Foundation

4 MILTON LAKE – OLD BURY HILL, DORKING, SURREY

The stock of big roach in this lake was boosted last year and these silvers can provide some great sport with fish to over 2lb present. You will be kept busy by the numerous crucians and tench too. Spraying maggots and fishing up in the water, especially late in the day, scores for the roach. Numbers and sizes of carp are deliberately kept down here to allow anglers who enjoy their sport with smaller species without tackle-busting doubles and 20-pounders muscling in on the act! Contact: 01306 877540 Postcode: RH4 3JU

5 LINEAR FISHERIES, WITNEY, OXFORD

Oxford is home to some stunning venues, but many are syndicates – not so on the majority of lakes at this impressive complex. With carp to over 40lb it is rightfully popular with specimen anglers, but the tench sport is just as good right through the summer months. Try using mini-boilies and you are likely to catch both species to impressive weights. Contact: 07885 327708 Postcode: OX29 7QF