Huge rudd highlight of Cup holder's career

Gareth Goldson described the moment that this 3lb 3oz rudd from a Fenland river slid over the net as ‘the highlight of my angling career.’

After spending four years in pursuit of a specimen over the magical 3lb-barrier, the reigning Drennan Cup champion finally struck gold when the fish fell for a piece of a floatfished breadcrust.

Having walked several miles without any success, Gareth came close to heading home but convinced himself to persevere for longer, heading to an area where he had spotted fish cruising earlier.

It didn’t take long to get the all-important bite but the moment he had dreamt of almost ended in disaster.

“I played the fish carefully and just as it came to the net it tangled up around some lilies,” said the Hardy and Greys-backed rod. “I thought I’d lost it but thankfully, the fish came free. It is without a doubt my most memorable catch to date.”