Brutal conditions on 100-acre pit perfect for big bream - Daniel Woolcott

“With a weather forecast of high winds, driving rain and plummeting air pressure, conditions looked perfect for the weekend, and absolutely screamed fish. I knew I had to get on the bank, so I set off for a 48-hour session on a 100-acre southern gravel pit to try to catch a bream personal best.

“Settling into a swim, I found a hard gravel area at 120yds range which I baited with a healthy amount of Grubby groundbait and halibut pellets, before punching out lead rigs with 14mm Source dumbell hookbaits over the top.

“The first evening was biteless, but at 1am one of my bobbins twitched up and down and I lifted my rod into the heavy plodding sensation of a big bream.

“After taking my time playing it to the bank I eventually guided this dark, rounded slab over my net cord.

“As I peeled back the mesh and laid her into the sling ready for weighing I just knew she’d be a new personal best.

“At 14lb 2oz it’s not the biggest bream in the world, but I’m absolutely made up with it.

“I also managed another of 11lb and a bonus 8lb 6oz tench, so it turned out to be a great autumn session.”

Daniel Woolcott and his new PB 14lb 2oz bream from a 100-acre pit