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...
5 TOP GRAYLING VENUES
- 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
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
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
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.
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