Biggest Grayling Of The Season Caught

A FOUR-year quest to catch a grayling of over 3lb ended in style for big-fish ace Adam Perna when he landed this 3lb 2oz specimen.

Fishing an unnamed waterway, the Oxfordshire angler also netted fish of 2lb 12oz and 2lb 8oz during two action-packed sessions spent on the float.

The fish is thought to be the biggest of the species caught by a coarse angler this season. Adam tempted his catch from a shallow, pacey swim using long trotting tactics with a rig made up of 4lb mainline, a Loafer float and a size 18 hook baited with single red maggot hookbait.

“This comes as a bit of a relief after fishing for a large grayling on and off for around four years,” said the 33-year-old. 

“I only fished for a few hours on the day so to beat my previous best by 5oz is fantastic,” he added. To find out where you can catch grayling for yourself scroll down...

Adam's grayling was caught on trotted maggot tactics

Adam's grayling was caught on trotted maggot tactics

5 TOP GRAYLING VENUES

  1. Cod Beck, Thirsk Town Centre, N. Yorks: A classic Yorkshire Dale stream where wading in and trotting maggots or worms can account for some good catches of roach, grayling and trout. Contact: Northallerton Angling Centre 01609 779140. Prices: £5 a day from Northallerton Angling Centre, Thirsk AC

  2. River Derwent, Matlock Bath, Derbys: The Lovers Walk stretch in the town is great for a bit of wading and trotting. The standard approach is via a wire-stem stick or Avon float, with the bulk well down, cast across to the far bank. Contact: Alfreton Angling Centre 01773 832611. Prices: £45 a year, Matlock AC

  3. River Itchen, Winchester, Hants: A classic clear and shallow chalk stream where stick and maggot tactics accounting for multiple catches of small grayling to over 2lb. Contact: Poingdestres Angling Centre 02380 772958. Prices: Free fishing

  4. River Dove, Ellastone, Ashbourne, Derbys: The main river here holds a good head of grayling – some of specimen size, there are deep pools and steady glides with riffles toward the upper boundary. Contact: Derby Railway AC, 01332 792807. Prices: £50 a season.

  5. River Irfon, Builth Wells, Powys: This scenic, mountain fed stream is popular amongst fly anglers but the club allow guest coarse anglers to target its large head of grayling in winter too. Contact: 01597 823119. Prices: £8 a day in advance from Nibletts Newsagents, Groe Park and Irfon AC