Research key in another big eel capture

Ian Petch was rewarded for doing his research on big-eel venues when he slipped his net under this new personal best of 6lb 7oz.

Having heard reports of eels being caught accidentally at an undisclosed southern stillwater, the Horsham, West Sussex rod embarked on an overnight session with the goal of beating his old best of 3lb.

Using a small roach head on a free-running rig, Ian took the fish in the early hours.

“I knew when I peered into the net that my years of chasing a big eel had finally come good,” he says.

Ian Petch with his new PB eel of 6lb 7oz