Mini boilies account for a 2lb 7oz roach

Respected big-fish specialist Dave Harman’s big roach campaign took off when he netted this 2lb 7oz specimen.

His chosen venue, a large southern gravel pit, didn’t respond to maggot feeder tactics due to the sheer numbers of small fish present.

But a switch to mini boilies did the trick and he struck gold on his most recent session when, after spotting some big fish at dawn, he cast out feeder rigs made from 6lb Drennan Super Specialist mainline and size 12 Drennan Barbel hooks.

“About 30 minutes after casting out I had a steady run, and I nearly had a heart attack when the huge roach popped up just a few yards from the net,” he said.