Biggest bream of the year landed at 17lb 1oz

THE biggest bream of the year has been landed after teenage angler Ben Ward slipped the net under this personal best 17lb 1oz specimen.

After deciding to target a tough southern stillwater, the Buckinghamshire-based 17-year-old introduced a scattering of hemp, maggots and casters over a clear area at around 50yds range.

On the opening night of the two day stint, his alarm burst in to life as a big fish tore off having fallen for his fake corn hookbait, but disaster struck as the hook pulled out.

Despite high winds and torrential rain, the Chapel Baits and Fox-backed rod was still confident of netting the twenty sixth double figure bream of his short career and 24-hours later he received another take.

“As soon as I struck I knew I was into a decent bream and it made several powerful lunges. Having already lost one I was determined to win the battle this time though,” he explained.

The fight didn’t last long, but once he slid his prize over the waiting net he was unsure as to whether he had broken his previous biggest bream of 16lb 1oz.

“When I looked down on it I was 80 per cent confident I’d done it but I breathed a huge sigh of relief when the scales registered 17lb 1oz,” said Ben, who used 10lb Fox Aquos mainline, a 10lb Illusion XS hooklink and a size 10 SSBP hook.

He has already set his sights on breaking his best yet again, but his motives are more than just a personal desire, with a highly respected charity set to benefit from his exploits.

“I am raising money for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and my main challenge is to catch 25 double figure bream this year so I hope I can up my record in the process.”

**To donate to the campaign visit www.justgiving.com/BenWardGOSH**