15lb 10oz zander captured from South Lagoon

Luton Angling Club-controlled South Lagoon, Bedfordshire, is fast becoming a mecca for double-figure zander - with this 15lb 10oz specimen taken by club member Tom Mitchelson topping off a string of large predators to come from the stillwater recently.

Fishing small roach deadbaits enhanced with injected fish blood, the 26-year-old specimen angler got off to a flying start on a two-day session, the Biggleswade rod catching five zander, including this new personal best, and three pike in his first evening alone.

“I got there around 4pm and fished with one bait where the Ouse flows into the lake and one at around 50yds,” Tom told AT.

“I had zander between 3lb and 9lb 6oz and the big one which made a tentative run, but gave a great fight. I thought it was even bigger than it was when I saw it in the water - I was thrilled, but shaking when I got it on the bank.” Tom beat the fish with size 8 semi-barbed trebles on a home tied trace fished on a running leger rig on 12lb mainline.