Huge Linear roach landed before lockdown

OXFORDSHIRE’S Linear Fisheries proved its potential as a superb roach venue, when Phil Smith slipped his net under a 3lb 9oz cracker, prior to the UK lockdown.

To help draw the roach into his swim, the Coventry-based angler reckoned flavouring his maggot hookbaits would do the trick and fished them at distance via a Drennan feeder bomb.

“I’m so chuffed with this roach as it’s my second largest behind my PB of 3lb 13oz 8dr.” He says.

“Linear is also the fourth water where I’ve managed to exceed the magical 3lb mark for roach!”

Famous Oxfordshire complex produces dream roach haul

PHIL Smith enjoyed a roach-fishing trip so much he drove the 67-mile distance the very next day and was rewarded with this immaculate 2lb 12oz specimen.

The specimen ace from Coventry pinned his hopes on Oxfordshire’s Linear Fisheries for a monster redfin and managed to slip his net under fish of 2lb 2oz and 2lb 10oz on the Thursday – but by the evening he was itching to get back and have another go…

“I just felt I had to make the long trip back again on the Friday and I’m glad I did, as I was fortunate enough to catch the 2lb 12oz specimen.

“I also dropped another big fish early on in the day!”

All three of Phil’s roach fell to maggot hookbaits fished helicopter style in conjunction with 30g Drennan feeder bombs.