Two trots of the float and two PB chub - Matthew Fernandez

“I’d spent the night fishing a syndicate lake for big bream but I didn’t have a single bite, so in the morning I switched my attentions to the Dorset Stour and its big chub.

“The river looked in good condition to trot a float so I settled into a swim and began feeding it with red maggots.

“After an hour I started fishing and caught lots of dace and roach before I set the hook into a new PB chub going 6lb 10oz.

“Before I had a chance to enjoy the moment, though, my very next trot saw the float bury again and my rod bent into what felt like an absolute monster!

“From the off I was certain I’d hooked a barbel as the power of this fish was insane. Fortunately, my friend Matt was present and helped me net the fish.

“I’ve always dreamt of catching a 7lb-plus chub on the float, and the needle on my scales signalled my dream had come true.”

Matthew Fernandez and his 7lb 1oz Stour chub