3lb 2oz giant leads fine week for rudd

There's no better time than summer to target surface-feeding rudd.

Pick of the numerous big rudd reported to Angling Times this week is an incredible 3lb 2oz fish caught by Gary Knowles.

The golden beauty was the result of a near-400-mile trip to a Fenland drain, proving that dedication and location are vital to catching specimen fish.

The Korum-backed star told Angling Times how the session unfolded: “For the last four years I have been making the long journey to the Fenland waterways for one weekend every summer,” he said. 

“In previous years, despite catching several 2lb-plus rudd, I failed to break the 3lb barrier. 

“Last weekend started well with a couple of fish to 2lb 8oz, then I hooked what felt like a really big rudd, only for it to throw the hook. 

“Deflated, my friend Matt Rand and I moved to another venue a 30-minute drive away. On arrival we headed to a spot from where I had caught some good fish in the past. 

“As I baited against the reeds with mashed bread, fish quickly began to swirl. I cast the float out and it had barely hit the water when a nice boil broke the surface and it sailed under.

“As soon as I struck I knew it was a decent fish, and as Matt netted it he shouted ‘it’s a three!’.”

Gary’s stunning rudd personal best was caught on a loaded waggler running on 6lb line with a 5.14lb Preston Innovations hooklink and a size 10 hook. A piece of bread flake was pinched on to the hook and fished amid a cloud of mashed bread.

For those looking to catch a specimen rudd, Gary had this to say: “They can be challenging, as they are very nervous fish that spook easily. It certainly pays to cover plenty of water”.