It came from an area where he had tasted success before back in 2023, and which he had prebaited lightly in the week leading up to the capture. On the day in question, Paul had only really intended to prebait again, but took a rod along anyway and, after spotting a couple of fish in the murky water, decided to lower in a boilie wrapped in Active Bait Solutions Malarkey Skunk and Garlic paste, along with a PVA stringer carrying eight small pieces of paste.

He had the bite within 10 minutes, and what he called an ‘intense’ battle followed, at the end of which it took him two attempts to net the big fish safely. After resting, weighing and photographing, then resting the fish again, it swam away strongly. Paul’s tackle comprised a 2ft braided hooklength, size 8 Drennan barbel hook and 15lb mainline

Well done Paul!