Record crucian followed up with 8lb-plus brace

Seven days after banking a British record crucian of 4lb 11oz, Craig Smithson returned to the same swim to slip his net under specimens of 4lb 1oz 8dr and 4lb 4oz. The 39-year-old from Southampton was again hoping he’d latch into a giant carp during his session at Dorset’s Milton Abbas syndicate lake but gave into temptation when he saw what looked like a large crucian break the surface.

“I wasn’t initially fishing to those lily pads where I’d caught the 4lb 11oz fish from last week but after spotting some bubbles in the area, followed by a fish rolling, I just had to bait the spot with boilies and cast the red 15mm pop-up rig to the spot. 

“Ten minutes later I had a take and soon had the 4lb 1oz 8dr fish in the net!”

After unhooking the crucian Craig let it rest before calling the venue’s owner, Wayne Little, to come down and take a look at the catch. They were interrupted when Craig’s alarm signalled another take.

He added:

“We were just enjoying a cup of tea and chatting about that crucian when the same rod shot off again!“ Moments later the 4lb 4oz fish was netted. 

“Crucian anglers really struggled to catch them here last season but it seems they’ve switched on to carper’s baits this year!”

Colin Smithson added to his record crucian with this fine brace of 4lb specimens