Massive mirror takes to the air

This 48lb 6oz Rockford mirror tailwalked like a pike as it tried in vain to escape Dan Pestell’s clutches.

“It was slowly plodding and shaking its head before blistering off on a 50-yard run,” said Dan. “At one point she jumped out of the water like a pike, shaking her head from side to side and trying to throw the hook. It was mental!”

The fish was caught along with a 34lb 2oz mirror known as the Rudder as Dan enjoyed a social session on the western bank of the Hampshire big-fish water.

Having found a silty area at the back of a gravel bar just over 100 yards out, Dan watched the fish give away their location.

He said: “That afternoon the fish put on an impressive display, crashing and rolling out of the lake at mega range. It looked good for a bite but most of the shows were slightly to the left of the zone. I grew quietly confident a few fish might venture a bit closer on the wind.”

Rudder came at 5am the next day, and the big mirror at 3pm.

“On the scales she weighed a mind-blowing 48lb 6oz,” said Dan. “I was elated! Her condition was pristine and she glowed orange and cream in the sun.”

The fish took CC Moore Pacific Tuna pop-ups mounted on hinged stiff rigs tied with size 5 ESP Cryogen Stiff Riggers.