Benson: The People's Fish

Anglers are today mourning the death of what is believed to be Britain's biggest carp. Commonly referred to as 'the People's Fish', Benson was introduced into the lakes in 1995, and at the time of his death weighed 64lb. The BBC reported that he had been caught up to 70 times during "his 13 year career". Career?

Anyway. Tony Bridgefoot, owner of Bluebell Lakes on the Cambridgeshire/Northamptonshire border, thought the fact that prospective fishers did not have to join an expensive fishing syndicate but could fish on a day ticket meant the carp was accessible to everyone.

"They sort of adopted it and took it to their hearts, and if you were lucky enough to catch the fish or even see the fish it was perfectly clear what a beautiful creature it was."

Here follows Benson's Best Bits.