Predators for the taking
PREDATOR anglers utilising lure and deadbait tactics have been enjoying unrivalled sport from giant pike of late.
Here are three monster pike reports to get you in the mood for a weekend of predator action!
Bailey Metcalfe 28lb 3oz pike
Bailey’s 28lb 3oz beast devoured a popped-up mackerel
After years of trying and miles of travelling for a monster pike, Bailey Metcalfe finally achieved his goal when he banked this sublime 28lb 3oz specimen just two minutes from his house!
Targeting a slack bay on a bend on the River Aire in Yorkshire, Bailey tempted the specimen on a popped-up mackerel tail legered in 13ft of water.
He said: “Catching this pike is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s the fish of a lifetime and possibly the biggest ever to be caught from the Aire.
“After years of searching I’m absolutely made up to have landed the fish so close to home.”
Richard Miller 32lb 8oz pike
Richard’s pike ended his 25-year-quest for a Fenland ‘thirty’
Fenland pike don’t get much better than this immense 32lb 8oz specimen landed by Cambridgeshire angler Richard Miller.
The fish brought an end to a 25-year quest for a Fenland 30 which came during a very cold and frosty morning.
“I received a sequence of bleeps on the alarm and hit into the fish,” Richard said.
“During a very subdued fight the pike seemed to get bigger as the battle went on, and it was so big that it broke my landing net!
“I was over the moon to have landed it – it’s the pike of a lifetime and I don’t think I’m ever going to better it.”
Mariusz Blaszczyk 30lb 4oz pike
This 30lb 4oz esox broke Mariusz’ landing net!
A few final casts on the way back to the car paid off in style for Mariusz Blaszczyk who banked this immense 30lb 4oz pike from Leeds DASA’s stretch of the River Ouse.
The big predator came during a short four-hour lure session with his son Kacper, where other pike of 12lb and 16lb were also banked.
Mariusz said: “We stopped at a few fancied swims before heading home, and on my second cast I had a bang on the lure - it was fish on!
“A few seconds later I realised I was into something big as I couldn’t lift it from the bottom.
“When the fish surfaced, we both just said ‘wow, what a monster’.
Mariusz’ ‘thirty’ measured a length of 118cm and similarly to Richard’s catch had also broke his landing net!
Bristol Avon dace record equaled with 1lb 2oz 8dr specimen
MARK Everard’s decision to fish through howling 40mph winds, heavy rain and a rapidly falling temperatures paid-off superbly with the capture of this plump 1lb 2oz 8dr dace.
Undeterred by the less-than-ideal conditions the University Professor trotted breadflake over liquidised bread on his local Bristol Avon to hook into several roach and dace, but the 1lb 2oz 8dr fish proved to be the highlight of the session.
He said: “I set the Bristol Avon dace record back in 1996 with a 1lb 2oz 8dr fish, equalled it in 2009 and now I have equalled it again!”
“What is interesting is that this new fish, a female, has not yet put on much in the way of spawn and could be heavier come the new year.”
John Wilson's Legacy to live on through daughter's new project
THE DAUGHTER of the greatest angler to ever live is set to follow in her father’s footsteps thanks to an initiative which will see thousands of juniors introduced to fishing for the very first time.
The ‘John Wilson Fishing Enterprise’ is the brainchild of Lisa Wilson whose life’s passion has been to improve the lives of children and young adults currently under the social care umbrella.
Now the mother of four, who is a highly qualified Social Worker, believes there’s an opportunity for fishing to provide a pathway for these kids which will open doors that weren’t previously available to them.
Jo is looking to continue her father’s legacy through the ‘John Wilson Fishing Enterprise’
Lisa told Angling Times: “The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will provide fishing opportunities that will give disadvantaged children and young adults the chance to connect with the outdoors and provide therapy through the art of fishing, as well as the additional option of ‘bush craft’ activity.
“There are so many ways that fishing can have a huge impact here.
“Interaction with coaches and other angling participants can help improve communication as well as the chance to learn through practical experience – not to mention the ultimate reward of landing a fish!
“My dad loved to pass on knowledge and was passionate about educating as many people as possible about fishing, so I’m very proud to be continuing his legacy and to be raising awareness for mental health at the same time.”
The John Wilson Fishing Enterprise will initially focus on Lisa’s home county of Norfolk where she is now working alongside local fisheries, authorities and government organisations to bring her initiative to life – although it’s clear she also has her eye on wider development.
“I’m really passionate about growing the JWFE and in the future I would like to see this running nationally – making this a part of social care for more young children,” she added.
“I also see this as beneficial to others such as adults with post-traumatic stress disorder as well as vulnerable people who are often isolated and lonely but are still able to take part in an activity like fishing.”
To bolster her fishing knowledge for the enterprise Lisa has begun training for her Level One coaching certificate and has even become an ambassador for the Angling Trust.
Her move has been widely welcomed by officials across the angling community and none-more-so than Jamie Cook – Incoming Chief Executive for the Angling Trust.
Lisa’s project was welcomed by Angling Trust CEO Jamie Cook
He said: “Angling is the gateway to the outdoors and can provide young people with so many skills and opportunities both on and off the bank.
“John Wilson was a huge influence on thousands of anglers, as well as myself as I grew up, and Lisa’s approach is a fantastic legacy for John, and I am hugely appreciative to Lisa for her work in this much needed area.”
Panel: What we know about the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise
Lisa is looking to officially launch the enterprise in March 2020
A JWFE website is currently in the pipeline
Juniors can be booked on to attend a John Wilson Fishing Enterprise session
Sessions will be held at fisheries within East Anglia but may be extended nationally in the future
Lisa and a team of licenced coaches will attend each session to provide fishing tuition
A ‘Fishing Passport’ will be given to the younger anglers – this is an educational booklet that will provide details about the environment they’ll be fishing in, including the fish, bird and plant species they may encounter.
Panel: How you can help Lisa
If you’re a fishery owner or licenced angling coach and would like to contribute to the John Wilson Fishing Enterprise, please email Lisa at lisa@jwfe.co.uk
TWO-HOUR DRIVE REWARDED WITH A 2LB 11OZ AVON ROACH
A TWO-hour drive to the Hampshire Avon was ‘more than worth it’ according to Roy Jones who banked a 2lb 11oz roach during his latest visit.
The Hertford-based artist float-fished maggots into an area of slack of water and enjoyed sport from small roach, dace and chublets throughout the day but struck into something much bigger near the end of the session.
Roy said: “I knew straight away that it was a big roach and it was panic stations when it approached the net and I saw just how big it was!”
2lb 11oz of prime Hampshire Avon roach for Roy Jones
Chew pike smashes personal best by more than 30lb!
FEW ANGLERS have held a 30lb pike so when Alyssa Williams’ second cast of the trip produced this immense 34lb 14oz specimen she couldn’t believe her luck!
The huge predator, which completely annihilated her previous pike best of 8oz, was tempted from Somerset’s Chew Valley Reservoir during a day session with her husband Sam Jones.
Speaking to Angling Times, Sam revealed that the tremendous catch would never have happened had he not let Alyssa have a go with one of his rods.
Alyssa’s pike weighed an incredible 34lb 14oz
He said: “Alyssa had been pestering me for ages to have a go but when I finally caved in I didn’t expect her to catch a monster!
“She did it all herself: mounted the small herring on two single hooks, drove the bait boat 80 yards out and dropped it before eventually landing the fish.”
Prior to hooking the pike Alyssa missed a take from a trout but wasted no time making sure her bait was back out on the spot.
“When she had the take from the trout I gave Alyssa a bit of advice on how to hit the bites,” Sam added.
“After the pike took the bait Alyssa picked up the rod, wound down and hit into the fish, and straight away it took off across the surface.
“The pike then began to kite behind a small tree so I waded out a bit to guide it away before slipping it into the net.
“I knew it was over 30lb, and when the scales spun round to 34lb 14oz we couldn’t believe it – Alyssa was over the moon!”
Alyssa’s pike is one of the largest caught from Chew this season and just one of a handful of fish caught by the American in the UK.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2007 Newcastle-based Lynn Baker banked what’s believed to be one of the largest UK pike ever recorded by a female angler. It weighed 39lb 8oz and devoured a sardine deadbait during a trip to Scotland’s Lake Menteith.
Lynn Baker’s giant 39lb 8oz pike caught from Lake Menteith, Scotland
FIRST CHUB TRIP OF THE WINTER PAYS OFF WITH 7LB 2OZ SPECIMEN
A MAIDEN visit to a new river couldn’t have ended any sweeter for Kevin Sanders who left later that evening with a new chub personal best of 7lb 2oz.
The 42-year-old from Cambridgeshire pinned his hopes on the River Lea for a few bites but had to wait until dusk for some action.
He said: “I tried several swims through the day with only a couple of knocks for my efforts but when I went back to my first swim for the evening my tip pulled round into something very heavy!
An absolute chunk of a chub for Kevin - and a new PB!
“It was a strong fish making several runs but eventually I coaxed this huge fish into the net.
“At 7lb 2oz it beat my previous PB of 6lb 7oz.”
Kevin’s fine chub fell to a wafter hookbait wrapped in paste.
8lb 1oz chub is one of season's best
ROBIN Cave has slipped his net under one of the biggest chub of the year weighing an incredible 8lb 1oz.
The specimen ace was itching to get back on his favourite stretch of the River Thames after recent floodwater rendered it unfishable, but had no idea his first outing would yield a new personal best.
He said: “I know there are some big chub in this stretch so to draw them in I baited a small amount of pellet and crushed boilie, before fishing a 22mm Oxford Carp Baits GS Crab boilie over the top.
“As the light faded my tip shot over and after scrappy ten minute fight I finally landed my prize – a chub weighing 3oz bigger than my previous pb!”
Robin’s 8lb 1oz giant beat his previous PB by 3oz
Matchman turned speci-ace banks 3lb 7oz roach!
A MATCH angler trying his hand at specimen fishing has hit the jackpot with the capture of a 3lb 7oz roach from a venue without previous history for the species.
35-year-old Tim Dabrowa had his mind set on catching a huge redfin from his home county of Cambridgeshire and believed a carp syndicate would give him the best chance of achieving his goal.
He told Angling Times: “I joined an angling club earlier this year which has a carp water under its control and I just thought there would be a chance of it holding some roach.
“I’d fished it on and off since August and managed to catch them to 1lb 14oz which was fantastic, but I’d always knew there’d be a bigger fish.
In a mad half-an-hour, Tim banked roach of 1lb 12oz and 3lb 7oz
“During my latest session I arrived at the lake for 7:30am but it was freezing cold, so it was no surprise that after two hours I’d not had a bite!”
Tim was close to calling it a day when he saw a big roach top 40 yards out and quickly positioned his helicopter maggot feeder rigs on the spot.
It was a move that proved to be successful just moments later…
“The bobbin started pulling upwards and I struck into what I knew was a big roach by the classic heavy plodding and headshakes,” Tim added.
“My heart started thumping as this giant silverfish made its way into my net.
“I quickly cast back out and added a 1lb 12oz fish before losing another on the next cast – it was a mental half-hour of fishing!
“I just have to go back and target a bigger one – I fell I’ve only just scratched the surface on this lake.”
Tim’s new personal best devoured red and white maggots dipped in Geranium oil.
Anglers unite for homeless
Help the homeless by donating your unused clothing to CC Moore
ANGLERS are being urged to donate their unwanted warm clothing to a homeless appeal now in its second year.
Bait company CC Moore started the project last winter and, after receiving around 200 items in 2018, are looking to take the initiative to another level over this festive period.
The Homeless Clothing Appeal has drawn support from many of the trade’s top brands, including Korda, Nash and E-S-P, and this year Angling Times is also throwing its weight behind the appeal by donating dozens of items of clothing collected by staff.
According to the latest figures, there are around 320,000 homeless people in the UK – one in every 200 people – and it’s a figure that is rising at around 5% every year.
The appeal is looking for hoodies, sweaters, waterproofs, thermal jackets or trousers, socks, hats, gloves, and sleeping bags.
Even just a few items of clothing will go a long way
CC Moore Sales Manager Mike Brown told Angling Times: ““Homelessness could happen to anybody and the quality of clothing available to anglers is phenomenal – so it could really make a huge difference to those in this unfortunate situation.
“We have received some staggering items already from the trade and anglers, so its looking like its going to be another good year. It’s easier for people to donate this year too as a number of tackle shops have signed up to be drop-off points for donations.
“All the collected garments are passed onto charities who support homeless people, with our two leading choices being Street Support Network, SSAFA (Armed Forces Support Charity) and St Mungo’s – who help rough sleepers from all walks of life.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
To do your bit for the Homeless Clothing Appeal, you can send any unwanted (clean) fishing clothing to the following address:
CC Moore & Co Ltd
West Mill Lane
Stalbridge
Dorset
DT10 2RU
Alternatively, items can be dropped off at the following tackle shops:
Angling Direct Swindon
Browns Angling (Leighton Buzzard/Haddenham)
CarpScene (Somercotes)
CarpStore (Sutton Coldfield)
Fatfish Tackle (Canterbury)
Fish On Tackleshop (Tonbridge)
The Tackle Box (Dartford)
Yateley Angling Centre (Yateley)
HF Angling (Crewe)
Arun Angling (Littlehampton).
For more info, please contact: general.enquiries@ccmoore.com
Giant 36lb 12oz pike banked at Chew Valley Reservoir!
A 14-YEAR quest for a giant Chew Reservoir pike finally ended for Ivan Newton with the capture of this immense 36lb 12oz predator.
Fishing the famous Walley Bank with his grandson Josh, the 69-year-old had no idea he was about to battle the fish of his dreams when his herring hookbait, legered 50yds from the shore, was picked up.
Ivan Newton’s 36lb 12oz personal best pike from Chew
Speaking to Angling Times, Ivan admitted to still being shocked over his catch of such a special fish.
He said: “My grandson Josh had just released a 3lb rainbow trout when my alarm sounded a few bleeps, and line began to peel from the reel.
“I picked up the rod and it was solid – I’d never felt anything like it.
“At first I thought it was a rock or some weed, but then it started to move – the sheer weight and power of the fish was incredible.”
After a few minutes the frame of a huge predator appeared on the surface 20 yards out and the pair knew they’d hooked a monster, but the fight was not over yet…
“The pike almost drifted across the surface as if it didn’t know it was hooked,” Ivan added.
“As I edged the fish closer Josh questioned whether it would fit in the net – it was gigantic!
“Thankfully the huge pike was safely landed and I was left completely stunned by the experience.
“I was so over the moon with this catch.
“We wanted to dispel some of the rumours that Chew doesn’t have the fish it once had anymore, and I think we did just that.
“I would also like to say a huge thanks to my grandson – without him it wouldn’t have been possible.”
Did You Know?
The Chew Reservoir pike record was banked in 2014 by Liverpool angler Paul Millar at a staggering 44lb 6oz. Fly expert Mike Green has also registered a 40lb 8oz fish from the venue, which is believed to be one of the biggest pike ever caught on fly tackle.
Anglers unite to keep veteran fishing brothers on the bank
A FACEBOOK fundraiser has collected more than £1,000 to help buy winter clothing for two elderly brothers struggling to get out fishing in the cold weather.
The money-making campaign was organised by matchman Steve Jackson, who fishes regular club matches with Albert and Bill Pearce, but noticed they had started missing events since temperatures dropped.
Steve said: “I’ve fished with Albert and Bill for the last 15 years and they’ve never missed a fishing match until now.
“All anglers who participate in our matches wear full Gortex clothing which keeps them warm at this time of year, so I’d thought I’d create a fundraiser to raise money for two full Gortex suits and matching wellies – just to ensure Albert and Bill can keep fishing throughout the winter.”
Steve’s Facebook was soon embraced by warm-hearted anglers, and most of the £1,400 target has already been raised.
But it’s not just cash that has been donated, as Steve revealed:
“The response has been incredible and it’s really restored my faith in people,” Steve added.
“Since it’s been live, £300 has been deposited a day with donations spanning from £1 to £100.
“Some people in the industry have even donated hoodies, joggers, beany hats and snoods.”
“Albert and Bill have been fishing three times a week in the Tamworth and Bonehill over 50’s matches for years.
“Despite both being in their 80s, come rain, wind, sleet or snow they are there at the draw.
“They’re both widowers and they live for each other and fishing – it’s inspirational to see that they both still want to attend these fishing matches and hopefully their new clothing will ensure they keep going for years to come.”
Albert (Left) and Bill Pierce
If you would like to donate to Albert and Bill’s cause please visit www.facebook.com/donate/742029686273999/
"I WANT TO CATCH 60 FISH IN 60 DAYS FOR CHARITY!"
A PLEASURE angler is set to embark upon the fishing challenge of his life in attempt to catch 60 species of fish in 60 days to raise vital funds for angling charities.
The ambitious conquest is the brainchild of 59-year-old Hugh Arnott who decided he wanted to celebrate his sixtieth birthday a little differently in 2020…
With a planned date of September, Hugh will take to the road to travel the length and breadth of the UK to slip his net under as many species as possible – and all in a drive to raise money for Get Hooked on Fishing, the English Disabled Fly Fishers and Fishing for Forces charities.
Hugh Arnott with a giant pike he caught during a trip to a Hungarian lake
Speaking exclusively to Angling Times, Hugh said: “As I turn 60 in July next year I thought I would try to catch 60 different fish from both salt and freshwater in just 60 days.
“At heart I’m a pleasure angler and will be looking to use a cross section of methods to catch these species – including fly, lure, bait, shore and boat.
“Right now I’m not sure whether it is even possible, but I most certainly will be having plenty of fun trying!”
During the 60 days Hugh plans to fish locations both inland and off-shore but admitted that help from the angling community would significantly aid his progression.
“I think I will need all the support I can get,” he added.
“A fishery holding plenty of species is a superb starting point to tick some names off the list, and if venue owners could offer a free day ticket that would help tremendously.
“Perhaps brand or sport ambassadors could provide their tips and knowledge of venues, or maybe even join me for a session?
“If manufacturers wanted to provide tackle that would be great too – at the end of the challenge they will all be donated to the charities who really need them.
“My main objective is to raise as much money as possible so the more support the better – please feel free to contact me if you’re keen to help.”
The news has already been welcomed with open arms by the proposed charities in Hugh’s challenge, and none more so than the officials behind Get Hooked on Fishing.
Their CEO Sarah Collins said: “it was a pleasant surprise to hear from Hugh and I we were very impressed with his ambition in what will be a very tough ordeal.
“The idea is very refreshing and something that a lot of people can potentially get involved in – including the young anglers we work with daily.
“As a charity every little helps so we are delighted that Hugh has thought of us, and we will support him where we can.”
CAN YOU HELP HUGH?
Panel: How you can help Hugh achieve his challenge
If you’re a fishery owner, charter skipper or tackle manufacturer wanting to help Hugh along his journey, you can contact him via email at 60fishin60days@gmail.com
You can also donate to Hugh’s cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/60fishin60days
Is this the new British Record dace?
A RIVER angler thought he’d hit the jackpot when he slipped his net under a suspected 1lb 10oz British Record dace, but EA scientists have now confirmed his catch is in fact…an ide.
The pristine silverfish fell to the rod of 47-year-old John Stembridge who hooked into something entirely different whilst trotting maggots for roach on a stretch of the River Itchen.
He said: “I thought it was one of the big roach but when I netted it I instantly thought it was a record dace!
“It had all the characteristics although I must admit the head looked unusual.”
After John reported his catch to Angling Times a picture of the fish was sent to Nigel Hewlett and Alan Henshaw of the Environment Agency for confirmation.
Alan said: “Unfortunately the lateral line scale count of this fish is between 60 and 61, which puts it firmly in the ide camp. Dace typically have between 48 and 51 (Bagenal system) or between 45 and 55 scales (Maitland and Campbell system), depending on your source.”
John Stenbridge’s giant ‘dace’ sadly turned out to be an ide
3lb 3oz roach with a taste for fruit!
A MAGGOT hookbait dipped in a strawberry liquid proved too irresistible for this sublime 3lb 3oz roach for all-round angler Kevin Sanders.
The 42-year-old from Cambridge was in the middle of packing away his kit when his rod signaled a take just as dusk fell.
Kevin told Angling Times: “I had enjoyed a day of catching small perch and roach to over a pound on a Norfolk Lake when this beauty took the bait.
“I was fishing a maggot feeder helicopter style which I part-filled with Dynamite Baits XL liquid strawberry for high attraction.”
To try and winkle-out a bigger fish Kevin switched his hook pattern to a size 10 wide gape feeder, which proved effective move late on in the session.
“I threaded a buoyant maggot on the shank and two lives on the hook,” he added.
“I also dipped my hookbait in the strawberry liquid for even more attraction and it seemed to work.
“I could tell it was a good fish from the off but only saw how good when I netted it and turned on my head torch.
“At 3lb 3oz it was a new pb – I’m still smiling now!”
BIG ROACH VENUES TO TARGET RIGHT NOW
Linch Hill Fishery, Stanton Harcourt, Oxfordshire
Contact: 01865 882215
Springwater Fishery, Dalrymple, Ayrshire
Contact: 01292 560343
Bury Hill Fishery, Dorking, Surrey
Contact: 01306 883621
Boddington Reservoir, Byfield, Northants
Contact: 07740 534891
Sion Farm Fishery, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Contact: 01562 730386
Angling Trust Talent Pathway is back!
A HOST of top anglers have thrown their weight behind the latest initiative to help find the matchfishing stars of the future.
In 2020 the Angling Trust Talent Pathway scheme is running nationwide to help anglers between the ages of 12-17 get a taste of performing in a match environment, and all under the guidance of some of the greatest names in the sport – including Matt Godfrey, Des Shipp and Frankie Gianoncelli.
In a double delight Guru and Mainline Match are also sponsoring the scheme and will be providing bait and tackle provisions to ensure anglers are well equipped during each coaching session.
Matt Godfrey with young anglers on the Talent Pathway scheme
Matt Godfrey, who will be managing the Midland’s coaching sessions, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for young and progressing anglers to learn from some brilliant names, win super prizes and have the chance to fish for England if you’re under 15-years-of-age.”
Having incentives for young people in fishing is something that 2018 Guru Match Academy Winner Brandon George thinks is extremely important.
The 18-year-old said: “The Talent Pathway is an incredible opportunity for any young angler – whether you’re new to fishing and just want to learn more about the sport and catch a few fish, or if you’re an experienced young angler and aspire to fish at an international level.
“If you’re looking to better your feeding and rig making, or simply improving your general set up, the Pathway crew are there to ensure you go home a better angler after every session.”
GET INVOLVED!
The Talent Pathway consists of three regional coaching sessions held in the North, Midlands and South, concluding with an inter-regional final held later in the year where anglers from each region will battle it out and put all their lessons and skills to the test.
For a full list of the planned coaching sessions and to find out how you can sign up, visit www.anglingtrustevents.net/coarse
Have your say on cormorant control
The consultation could see a tighter control of cormorants implemented
THERE is still time to participate in a public consultation which could see stricter control of cormorants and other fish-eating birds.
The in-depth survey has been created by the government’s Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) who are reviewing the country’s current general licence for bird control.
To fill out the consultation please visit www.consult.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-management/wild-birds-general-licence-survey/
Your views and evidence are needed to help decide how general licences for wild birds should be used to kill or take wild birds to conserve certain criteria – including fisheries and inland waters.
The consultation will close on Thursday 5 December 2019.
Pair of ‘7s’ tops great chub week
It’s been a great week for chub anglers, with the biggest reported to Angling Times a massive specimen weighing 7lb 12oz.
It fell to keen big-fish hunter Simon Aldred, who decided to try the Great Ouse after arriving at his first-choice venue to find it too high and coloured.
And what a decision it proved to be, as just 20 minutes into the session he found himself doing battle with the big chub.
“My tip tapped, then hooped over with a very positive bite,” Simon said.
Chub often put up a harder fight with the extra flow, but it soon became apparent that this was no small fish.
“On seeing its flank in the water I could tell it was an absolutely colossal fish,” he added.
“Only after she went into the net did I realise just how big she was – like a breeze block!”
Simon’s Ouse chub took a liking to a boilie hookbait presented on a running rig incorporating a 2.5oz lead down to a 15lb Korda N-Trap hooklink and size 8 Drennan Super Specialist hook. This was fished alongside a PVA bag of crushed boilies and pellets.
l Big chub have also been on the feed further south, as Nick Brown discovered with a thickset 7lb 8oz River Lea fish.
Fishing the legendary Kings Weir stretch, Nick settled into a swim with an overhanging tree and a shallow run that he had fancied for a few years, and after a couple of taps on the tip the rod whacked round.
“I turned the torch on and realised that I was connected to a real lump, which tipped the scales round to 7lb 8oz.
“The fish actually coughed up a load of red maggots on the mat, so I had to feel sorry for the angler in the swim before me – he must have been so close to catching it!” he said.
Nick used a 10mm boilie wrapped in Mainline Paste alongside a ‘dynamite stick’ filled with pellets, groundbait and crushed boilies of the same flavour.