Slack water the spot for a big river roach - Colin Hebb

“MY local river was in flood, so I headed down with my quivertip rod and a loaf of bread to see if I could catch a chub.

“When I arrived, the water was coloured and rising fast, but I managed to find a swim near some boats and an area of slack water where I could present a bait.

“Pinching a piece of flake on to my hook, I cast my link leger rig into the middle of the river and watched as my lead swung round and settled near a boat.

“A minute later my tip pulled round and I connected with a powerful fish that tried to snag me under the moored craft. I managed to steer it away using side strain, and no more than 30 seconds later this huge roach surfaced.

“At 2lb 13oz it was a new PB, and I was absolutely chuffed to bits.”

Colin Hebb – 2lb 13oz roach