Two 29lb-plus pike in an hour

Leighton Ryan came close to breaking the magical 30lb-barrier twice in an hour with a superb brace of 29lb-plus pike.

The 33-year-old mechanic tempted the pair of predators, weighing 29lb 4oz and 29lb 8oz, from Bristol’s famous Chew Reservoir after moving to an area he’d enjoyed success from in the past.

“I had taken a mate with me for his first visit to the venue and we had three double-figure fish throughout the day. I then moved to another area that I’d had a 27lb 8oz pike from a couple of weeks before,” said the South Wales-based rod, who used mackerel deadbaits to land the two new personal bests.

“I was absolutely chuffed with the first one and when I landed the second I was completely blown away,” he added.