Ross Lawson nets 2lb 1oz Hants Avon roach

Fishing light can be the difference between success and failure as Ross Lawson found out when he took this 2lb 1oz roach from the Hampshire Avon.

The Courtmoor, Hants, based rod found the London AA stretch of the waterway with plenty of flow and fining down after recent floods and decided to set up a simple stickfloat rig with maggot on the hook.

Shortly after first wetting a line the float shot under and it was soon guided over the waiting landing net.

“I used 0.14mm mainline and an 0.09mm hooklink to a size 18 hook – fishing light definitely helps tempt big fish when they are in a cagey mood,” explained Ross.

River Ancholme produces mega roach weights

Rivers such as the Thames and Wye are renowned for their winter form but the small Ancholme proved it is amongst the best waterways during cold conditions as the top four shared almost 70lb of roach.

With very little colour in the water, most of the field went down the breadpunch route and Chris Reilly utilised the tactic best to put 24lb 10oz on the scales.

The Grimsby Pelham rod fished the bait at 8m and caught roach to 6oz throughout the day. Second spot was secured by Phil Hurst who hauled out 16lb 8oz.