Roach best in a flood

Olly Luker trotted a single maggot on the River Itchen to net this superb 2lb 5oz roach.

While others struggled for a bite on the Hampshire waterway, Olly took a mobile approach and worked his float close to slacks, bends and overhanging trees.

His personal best was beaten on a rig made from a 3lb mainline, a 1lb 2oz bottom and a size 20 hook.

“The conditions were terrible and the river was about to burst its banks,” said Olly, from Wiltshire. “So I knew trotting straight down the river just wasn’t going to work. On the other hand, staying mobile worked a treat.”