Floatfished corn tempts pb rudd

One of the biggest rudd of the season has been landed... a 3lb 6oz beauty taken by Drennan Cup runner-up Richard Wilby.

The Airfield Lakes Fishery owner is no stranger to catching big rudd, having taken five to 3lb 6oz in a single session last year – but his most recent trip in search of the species paid off in spades with the capture of the personal best-equalling specimen.

The rudd was banked from a difficult Norfolk stillwater that Richard knew only held a few big fish – but that was enough for him to consider having a cast.

“I knew they were in there, as last year two carp anglers had caught 3lb-plus rudd by mistake on boilies,” Richard said.

“The lake is crystal clear and weedy, so I spent a few short trips walking around just looking for signs. 

“I finally found a couple of fish on a very dull and overcast day and presented three bits of corn on a size 10 hook, fished 2ft below a small waggler and line straight through.” 

Richard flicked his rig past the two big rudd and tweaked the float back, although all was nearly lost when one of the rudd bolted. 

Richard added: “I was holding my breath the whole time and thought the chance had gone, but while one fish swam away, the other inhaled the bait. 

“It was a fairly easy fight but I was just praying it didn’t drop off. At 3lb 6oz it equals my best for species, and it was the most beautiful rudd I’ve ever seen.”