LUCKY fisherman could net up to £6,000 by catching a special fish at a lake in Fenstanton. The American-style prize fishing competition is being launched on Saturday (October 11) at Crystal Lakes in Low Road. Anglers of all ages and abilities are being i

LUCKY fisherman could net up to £6,000 by catching a special fish at a lake in Fenstanton.

The American-style prize fishing competition is being launched on Saturday (October 11) at Crystal Lakes in Low Road.

Anglers of all ages and abilities are being invited to try their luck at catching one of 22 coded fish for the chance of winning a cash prize.

Eric Smith, owner of the lake for 20 years, said: "I saw the idea operating in America and thought it would be good to trial it in the UK.

"There are about 6,000 fish in the lake, so the odds are backed against the fisherman but they've got more chance of winning here than in the lottery."

Anyone who catches a fish with a two-inch coded tag attached receives a cash prize.

There are 10 fish worth £50 each, five worth £100, two each worth £250 and £500, one worth £1,000, one worth £2,000 and one fish that would net the angler a cool £3,000.

Mr Smith said: "Money is tight for everyone at the moment but this is a chance for people to win some cash. We are acting as the national test bed for this. I believe we are the first fishing lake in the UK to try this."

The prize fishing will run throughout the year and continue until all 22 fish are caught.

"They could stay in there a week or they could stay in there for a year, but that's the game of fishing," Mr Smith told The Hunts Post.

The eight acre lake is home to 3,000 carp, 2,000 silver fish and 500 tench. The biggest fish is a 7lb carp. A day's fishing pass is £10 per person.

Anyone can go along and catch a fish but it is limited to only one tagged fish per person per day. Any extra tagged fish caught will be thrown back to give others a chance of winning.

INFORMATION: Crystal Lake is open for fishing seven days a week from dawn until dusk. Anyone over the age of 14 with a valid rod licence can fish at the lake but under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. To find out more phone 07976 845198 or visit www.crystallakesleisure.com/prize-fishing.html