two zander from the severn total amazing 28lb 12oz

James Sarkar had a dream start to his 2017 zander fishing campaign, landing two river predators for 28lb 12oz.

The fish, weighing 15lb 8oz and 13lb 4oz, fell to the specialist from Worcester when he targeted a stretch of the River Severn.

Running rigs with legered deadbaits were the winning tactic for the predator fishing fanatic, whose tactics also fooled a 9lb 4oz fish.

The latest catch sees his tally of double-figure zeds rise to 17.

“The river had been up and coloured, so I waited for it to drop down and then went for it,” James told Angling Times. “The rig I was using was simplicity itself – a running lead on the mainline, stopped above a wire trace by a bead. There’s no need to overcomplicate things.

“This is the second brace of doubles I’ve landed, and 15 of my 17 fish over 10lb have been caught from the bank. The predator fishing on this river is very special.”

James constructed his winning rig with a 15lb mainline, a 30lb wire trace and size 4 Pike Pro Hooks.

All the 25-year-old’s fish were taken after his baits were presented on a marginal shelf.

“The thing I love about this species is that you can catch three or four from a spot one day and then come back again and not get a touch. Big zander move around a lot.” James continued.

“You have to be prepared to stay mobile and keep your options open if you want to catch a big zander from running water.”